Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 260, Part 17: Holy crap! That was a one-hit kill! - (Bonus chapter for "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" [25])
The second battle of quicksand began without any waiting period.

There wasn't even a chance for some cool and lucky warrior to climb the platform, use the Scepter of Quicksand to strike the Beetle Gong and make a name for himself in history. By the time the Kaldorei army arrived at the Beetle Wall, the Sandfury troll warriors were already fighting the swarm of insects that had broken free of their seal.

The Sandfury Clan is a large army left in the desert by the Troll Empire to monitor the movements of the insect swarms. Their ancestors were the Troll heroes who fought against the endless swarms of insects of the Aqir Empire and achieved a glorious victory. Although the Sandfury Clan has had a hard time in recent years, their traditional "skill" of killing insects passed down from their ancestors has not declined.

The Qiraji's vanguard created a terrifying rift in the Tanaris desert, but the Qiraji have been unable to advance deeper into Tanaris because the Sandfury trolls are fighting against them.

The goblins even pay Sandfury trolls to periodically reduce the insect swarm's numbers—it's their specialty!
While the pterodactyl riders in the sky rode the gale to fight off the flying insects, the Sand Fury Overseers on the ground advanced with the Desert Executioners. The giant axes they used were specially designed to kill insects, and a single swing could split the alien insects in two. The Sandwalker Priests continuously summoned quicksand vortexes.

They transform the scorching sand into a flowing and unpredictable sea of ​​sand, sometimes binding the swarms of insects and turning them into live targets, sometimes blocking the sand to prevent the dangerous sand-walking insects from advancing, and sometimes raising hot sand to form sand storms that sweep across the area, engulfing the worker insects and cutting them like sand knives, causing juices to splatter everywhere.

Of course, the Sandfury clan alone could not withstand the swarm of insects, but as the legitimate trolls, the Loa of the Souls should make a show of themselves as the Zandalari kings embark on a long sea expedition.

Therefore, when Diakum led the Tauren and Mag'har into the battlefield, they were greeted by a huge blue Thunder Lizard that plowed through the swarm of insects like a colossal war machine. It wasn't just charging fiercely; the Thunder Lizard shook its head and swung its tail, and blinding storms of lightning swept around, filling the air with the aroma of roasted insects.

On another battlefield, a powerful Triceratops, clad in magnificent troll armor, was advancing relentlessly.

It was like an unstoppable Tiger tank charging forward, with a whole host of fully armed troll guards behind it. Once the powerful Triceratops had overthrown the insectoid lord, these guys jumped down and wielded their golden decapitation swords to kill him on the spot.

Yes, it really is a "golden" decapitation sword!

To maximize their magical properties, these guards' gleaming weapons were actually filled with gold. They were essentially fighting while wielding piles of gold coins, and the insectoid lords they killed were roughly killed by gold nuggets of equal volume.

Such extravagant behavior is incomprehensible to other races, but the wealthy Zandalari trolls have their own unique circumstances.

"The battle prowess of 'Newborn God of Thunder' Akunda is so invincible, and the unparalleled bravery of 'Walking Cliff' Tokari is so great that even the Loa gods have personally come to the battlefield. It seems that the Troll Empire is serious this time."

Old Deerhelm, flying through the air, shouted:
"Although the Kaldorei and the trolls have never been friends, the Loa still deserve respect! Warriors, step forward! Help the Loa defeat the enemy!"

He rolled onto the sand and transformed into a giant armored white deer, charging into the battlefield. Farondis's "demigod quartet" also began to unleash their power, and a destructive magical storm swept across the insectoid vanguard in an instant.

But when it comes to the most dazzling figures on the battlefield, it has to be the alien saints.

Now fully recovered, he no longer needed to hold back; the burst of Sunfire Ambition caused a sun to fall upon Silithus.

With Ashbringer and Blade of Flame in hand, Diakum only needs to run forward, and the intense light gathering around him like a solar storm is enough to burn any dark creature that dares to approach.

Ordinary worker and soldier insects cannot withstand this level of AoE. They will be ignited and incinerated when they charge into the light. The elite insects can resist for a while, but as void creatures, the closer they get to Diakum, the more they will be burned by the holy light.

The desert is arid, and under the full force of the blazing sun, wherever Dick goes, he leaves behind burning flames, and where he stops to fight, he even melts the sand into hot glass.

Within ten minutes of leading the Tauren and Mag'har into the battlefield, two Qiraji lords had already perished from his intense light radiation.

The experienced Mag'har warriors, seeing this, took the initiative to retreat and disperse, avoiding entering the same battlefield as the Watchers to prevent being burned. However, the elves did not know that the Silverwing Sentinels' huntresses were trying to follow the Watchers to divide the battlefield. As a result, within minutes, their panthers howled and carried their clueless masters away.

Some of the black panthers' magnificent manes were set ablaze—a truly undeserved disaster.

At this point, only the minotaurs of the Dawn Chaser tribe were left to charge alongside the vigilant warriors who were fighting with all their might.

Despite their small number, these black bulls have always worshipped the sun god Anshe. Their chieftain, Dezko, was even able to naturally transform into an incomplete Sun Herald in the clan's lineage, born to be favored by the holy light, which allows them to fully withstand this sacred scorching light.

The only pity is that the kodo, the race's vehicle of the minotaurs, moves slowly and cannot keep up with the advance of the vigilant, so they can only follow the "messenger of Anshe" in the scorching light.

But this is outrageous enough!

Diakum essentially single-handedly achieved the effect of a legion's charge. The Qiraji insects that were still charging towards the beetle wall were completely surrounded by him. It was like the sun descending from the sky and lying horizontally on the battlefield. Basically, no insect could cross that blazing light to harm the trolls and elves fighting in the rear.

"No wonder this alien saint is so confident in this battle, he doesn't even need the Black Crow King to summon more warriors to follow him."

Silverwing Sentinel General Shandris Feathermoon rode her hippogriff across the battlefield, whispering to the mysterious elven warrior riding alongside her:
"His holy light is the natural enemy of these Void swarms; he alone is equivalent to an army."

“No! Based on my observations while hiding in the fortress these past few days, Saint Diakum is not an arrogant leader who would abuse his power. He is low-key and not likely to make decisions he is not sure of.”

The mysterious elf, in a very impolite yet intimate manner, linked his arm around the general's slender waist. He observed the battlefield situation and whispered:
"He kept saying that we would receive a powerful reinforcement as the main force to break through the enemy lines. This was by no means a word game based on individual combat strength. Diakum should indeed have an 'army' that can be flexibly mobilized."

But now is not the time for them to appear.

Didn't you notice this in the information submitted by General Deer Helmet?
Diakum's target has always been the Qiraji's Dark God, which shows that he doesn't take the dangerous Qiraji seriously at all!

You should know, Shandris, the arrival of the trolls was an unexpected factor. In Diakum's original plan, he intended to only bring our small group to storm the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj.

He was very confident in this arrogant decapitation strike and was certain that he could lead a small elite force to the lair of the Thousand-Eyed Demon.

I even have a feeling...

The mysterious warrior hesitated for a moment, then whispered:
“Even without the Kaldorei’s involvement, this alien saint could accomplish this alone, not only because of his terrifying individual strength, but also because he was truly prepared! Although I cannot yet confirm the source of his confidence.”

"Ok?"

General Yu Yue drew her war bow high in the sky and shot down a flying insect leader with a single aim.

she says:

"You mean, Diakum insists that the Kaldorei are involved in this war for some other purpose?"

"Yes, but his specific purpose may not be revealed until he kills the ancient god. That's why he's not in a hurry to meet the Black Crow King."

The mysterious elf analyzed the situation very methodically:
He was certain that the elven high command present could be persuaded by some 'fact' to smoothly incorporate the Kaldorei kingdom, which was just a 'stranger' to him, into his series of plans for some grander goals.

This guy is really tough.

But his true strength does not come from his fighting ability.

He is a strategist who came to Silithus with a clear purpose and sparked this battle, and you and I are both invited 'witnesses'.

Even the trolls are the same.

Now I understand why the Black Crow King specifically entrusted me with contacting this Mr. Diakum; he is indeed no ordinary man.

“I feel like you’re just bragging, Garold.”

General Yu Yue curled her lip and said:
"Furthermore, I am very unhappy with your new appointment as 'diplomatic ambassador' because you should be in the safety of Ashenvale taking care of our two children. Who are you leaving the children with by running off on a mission?"
Didn't you say that the children's education was your top priority after the ancient war?

"Uh, I'll take good care of the babies."

Jarod Shadowsong, the hero living in anonymity, carefully comforted his wife, whispering:
“You know, my sister really enjoys being with children. It’s one of the few pleasures in her life besides her unwavering faith in Elune, especially after she lost her best friend, Lady Tyrande.”

"Hmph, with that attitude, you think I'll bring you a few more treasures? Don't even think about it!"

General Yu Yue felt that her husband was shirking his responsibilities.

She is unhappy.

So the insects were in big trouble.

The rain of sharp arrows falling from the sky, each one carrying the scorching light of Elune's punishment, swept across the chaotic quicksand like whirling Gatling gun bolts, swiftly shooting down the flying insects.

The swarm's vanguard being stalled quickly forced the Qiraji Lords to deploy their supreme forces stationed at the front.

Amidst the violent tremors of the Beetle Wall, colossal blue stone statues, wielding weapons of barbaric stone, strode toward the battlefield, while General Feathermoon, high in the sky, issued a timely warning.

"Warriors! Beware! The corrupted colossi of the Qiraji are approaching! They were the ones who shot down our dragon allies a thousand years ago! Trolls, recall your flying loas now!"

The general's reminder came just in time.

Paku, the "Wind God" who protected the troll pterosaur riders, let out a screech and stirred up a gale to escort his pterosaur kin away from the battlefield, but several squadrons were still shot down by the heavy weapons hurled by the blue colossi.

"Open the sealing wall!"

Diakum's roar echoed across the battlefield as the Vigilant, firing at full power, coldly stared at the massive stone giants behind the Beetle Wall.

Those were the guardians the Titans placed around the prison of the Old God C'Thun, but these Titan servants had clearly lost their minds under the long corruption of the Void. They had become accomplices of the Qiraji, and even brazenly appeared as strategic weapons of the Qiraji.

The "Enemy of Titans" talent is active.

Diakum stared at them, his eyes burning with untamed fury. As his anger intensified, the scorching sunlight he emitted became even more destructive.

Old Staghelm hesitated for a moment on the high platform sealed by the Beetle Wall. He felt that opening the seal on the Beetle Wall now was not a good idea. The trolls had not yet completed their encirclement of the battlefield, and if the insectoids had ambushed their army, it could cause heavy casualties on the troll side.

But the general in deerskin, who was guarding his father, adjusted his mask and whispered:
"Open up, Father. The Vigilant wants to storm into the ruins of Qiraji to win a forward position for the army. It is the only way to the Temple of Qiraji, and we must take it to slay the God of Darkness!"
Saint Diakum will be our vanguard; those swarms are creatures of darkness, and they fear him!
This is the perfect opportunity to defeat the enemy!

"Ah."

Staghelm trusted his son's judgment, not only because of his trust in the boy, but also because his son had earned his reputation by slaying insects a thousand years ago. Vastan Staghelm's understanding of the insect swarm was deeper than that of other generals. So, the old Staghelm mustered all his strength, swung his quicksand scepter, and struck the drumstick-like object into the seal on the high platform of the Beetle Wall.

That peculiar beetle gong is the node where the power of the guardian dragon gathers. When it emits a long and ancient sound, the tall beetle wall crumbles and collapses as if a pillar has been removed from it.

In an instant, the road to the interior of the Qiraji kingdom was unobstructed, and the insectoids waiting behind the beetle wall immediately charged out, only to be met by Ashbringer, who had dispelled his illusions and stepped forward in a half-giant form wielding two giant blades.

In this enemy territory, Diakum no longer needed to suppress his power.

The golden wings of the Seraphim, the supreme warrior who was not under the authority of the Holy Light, suddenly opened. Although he did not enter "Sanctification", he still expanded the range of the scorching sun's light, catching the dark insects off guard and engulfing them.

Insects generally have compound eyes, which help them detect the movements of their enemies, but in this case, the compound eyes become the final straw that defeats them.

He's blind!

The moment they were illuminated by the light, their eyes, shaped by the void, went blind.

With a flap of his golden wings, Diakum took a running start and leaped into the air, charging toward the leader of the blue, fallen colossi ahead. Ossirian, the powerful colossus "Scarless," who had once used a greatsword to shoot down the guardian dragon a thousand years ago, roared as he gripped his obsidian greatsword and slashed down at the half-giant.

The Dawn Chasers and minotaurs behind them looked up, as if watching a mythical battle, to witness the "Messenger of Anshe" transform into a beam of light that struck the upper body of the fallen colossus, followed by an explosion of scorching light that splashed across the ruins of its lair.

"kill!"

Yrel and Marad, the two "Vigilance Chosen," led the Mag'har and Tauren into battle from the left and right, respectively, with two Mag'har Blademasters and their berserker warlords assisting them. The fierce trolls also followed them into the insectoid kingdom.

This is Sandfury's glorious battle, and also Sandfury's last battle!
Chieftain Ukz Sandtop, clad in heavy armor and wielding a menacing battle staff, killed a bug-man with a single blow. He then surveyed the corrupted land before him with a nostalgic gaze.

how many years
How many years have the Sandfury trolls been monitoring the Zerg swarm's movements for the Empire?

After defeating the insect swarm in this battle, the millennia-long defense will finally come to an end, and he and his people will no longer have to defend this barren sandy land.

The Sandur clan and their poor Loa will be freed; they'd have a much better future moving to any island in the South China Sea than staying here.

Freedom!
Loyal guardians shall be rewarded with freedom.

Under the troll chieftain's approving gaze, the massive, corrupted statue, struck by the intense light, let out a low, mournful cry before crashing to the earth and shattering into countless pieces.

The alien saint who strode out into the light, stepping on the broken stone statue, was the benefactor of the Sandfury trolls.

Yes, we must properly thank them after the war.

Diakum didn't experience any particular emotional fluctuations after killing the Scarless One. His gaze was fixed on the other corrupted colossi, and the rage of the Titans' enemies made him unwilling to let these corrupted guardians go.

He didn't even care about the insects that tried to surround him, but chose to cowardly retreat as he advanced.

If the Qiraji were truly formidable, how could they have been so easily suppressed by the Kaldorei in the War of the Shifting Sands? Could these low-level Void creatures possibly be more ferocious than the demons of the Burning Legion? Even the demons cower and retreat when facing the Vigilant; isn't it perfectly normal for these insectoids to feel fear?
Just the weak.

do not mind.

------

"Archbishop! We are approaching Azeroth. Shall we immediately initiate a space jump into the planet's atmosphere?"

On the navigation console of the Stormhold starship, a Lightforged Technician asked a question.

The twin archbishops did not answer. They stood together with the other commanders and warriors, gazing at the blue planet before them. The stars, now wailing under the ravages of the Burning Legion, had not seen such a beautiful world in a long time.

Even just by looking at it with the naked eye, you can tell that it is full of vitality.

"Can the secondary cannon of the Holy Light Arbiter be fired?"

Archbishop Saloras, dressed in a black robe adorned with gold holy symbols and holding the Staff of Holy Twilight, asked in a hoarse voice. Her face was somewhat pale, as her previous injuries had not yet fully healed.

In response to her question, the craftsmen answered loudly:
"Secondary cannons are perfectly tuned, Archbishop, ready to fire at any time! Teleportation devices are also fully inspected, and the Lightforged War Machine squadron has entered its teleportation position! Zealot forces are all ready, and the Mind Tower can be deployed!"
We are fully prepared for war!

"Just give the order, and we'll be on the battlefield to support Commander Diakum!"

"Okay, contact the ground markers, I'll take over the call."

The archbishop nodded.

A moment later, the ground communication was established. Saloras hesitated for a moment, then asked softly:

"Commander Diakum, are you there?"

"Hmph, you little hussy, I guessed right, you really did come for him."

Archbishop Nelly's voice rang out from the other side, mixed with the hissing of insects; she spoke loudly:

"Come on in when you're ready! Diakum has led his troops into the ruins of Qiraji. The Qiraji have amassed a large army in their fallen temples, but the Vigilant have no intention of engaging them in a foolish siege. We need you to make the Lightbringer roar throughout this world, bombarding it with the most intense sunlight to convey the Light's fury!"

"Roger that!"

The archbishop made a gesture.

Naru Adar and several other Naru immediately entered teleportation mode. As four gem-enhanced starships—one large and four small—lit up in holy light, at the moment of spatial teleportation, she said:

"Raise your head, Lady Nelly, look up at the sky! The wrath of the Holy Light has descended."

At the same time, Nellie laughed and turned to the dark prophet Zul and the fierce troll princess beside her, saying:

"Look up, I'll perform a magic trick for you! Diakum's Lightforged army has arrived."

"Ok?"

The two noble trolls raised their heads at that moment.

Following Nellie's finger, they saw a golden light suddenly appear above the ruins of Ahn'Qiraj. The light spread rapidly like golden ink dropped into water, and then shattered the sky amidst the explosion of the spatial system, revealing a magnificent "starship" that defied description on the battlefield.

Four small escort ships protected the massive, floating mountain-like main ship, with specks of light falling from the irregularly shaped clusters of gems, bringing a moment of silence to the entire battlefield.

"That is."

General Yu Yue and her husband both stared wide-eyed.

They weren't primitives; they had seen demon starships during the War of the Ancients, but this was indeed the first time a ship of this size had appeared in Azeroth. In that instant, Jarod understood; he finally knew the Vigilant's trump card.

Did this guy summon a starship fleet to kill the bugs?

Hmm, isn't this a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?
The most outstanding elven commander in the War of the Ancients couldn't help but mourn for the insect swarm for a few seconds. They were truly blessed to have such an opponent.

The general exclaimed in surprise:

"Why is the bottom of that gem-encrusted warship glowing?"

"It's a bombing!"

At that moment, Garrod felt a chill run down his spine, not from fear, but from excitement.

He hugged his wife and shouted:
"Diacomb had no intention of wasting time with the insectoids! He was going to use their ships to raze the insectoids' dark empire! He was not afraid of sacrifice, but he had no intention of challenging the god of darkness with the sacrifice of mortals."

OK!

it is good!
This is the awareness a leader should have.

"boom"

The secondary cannon of the Holy Light Arbiter roared, and a blinding beam of light tore through the sky, piercing down from directly above the Qiraji Temple, like a golden blade of holy light plunging into a dark cave in the earth's core. The earth was tearing apart, dust was flying everywhere, and even the most powerful insectoid lords retreated in fear.

They should retreat, they should be afraid.

Dick looked up at this mythical scene.

He nodded in satisfaction, and then, under the blinding beams of holy light, he strode toward the collapsing Qiraji Temple, carrying Ashbringer, completely ignoring the swarms of insects scattering in fear and helplessness.

Diakum's face was completely indifferent.

Hey C'Thun, did you like the surprise I prepared for you?
You say you have a desert empire protecting you?
Feel sorry!

It's gone now.

(End of this chapter)