Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 263, Section 20. On the honor of the Argus Meat Processing Plant, go forth, Light Sawman! - [55]

(Bonus chapter for "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" [5/5])
"You'll ruin him! Let us go! This is our last chance to save him!"

"Nellie, are you just going to watch? Isn't that the man you love most? Go and pull him back."

The twins' cries still echoed in the shadows behind them, and it seemed to have involved Nellie as well. It appeared that the Archbishop was worried about Diakum and had come to help, but he was too late.

The Watchers are already on their way to the Temple of C'Thun.

The roaring boots of the lion pounded the shadowy ground, each step creating visible ripples. Diakum did not look back; each step he took toward the deepest darkness before him grew more resolute.

"You should probably listen to them."

The whispers of shadows grew more active in this void, no longer merely mental whispers but clear echoes reverberating in Dick's ears.

It said in a low voice:
"Although you have clearly fallen into a kind of blind obedience to prophecy, those two good girls really came from thousands of miles away across the sea of ​​stars to 'save' you. The meddlesome Mother of Light seems to have foreseen your 'ending,' Diakum."

I'm sorry we didn't tell you this was a 'trap,' and you stepped right into it.

Turn back!
While there's still a chance.

If you see C'Thun, it means that the 'Ritual of the Dark Sea' will truly begin. Two members of the Dark Sea's kin, each with their own path, are heading towards the same thing, and such a trial will inevitably erupt when they meet!
Unlike your trials in the light, which were merciful and had a winner and loser, the cold rules of the Sea of ​​No Light dictate that the winner takes all and the loser loses everything!
Either you devour C'Thun and inherit its void power, or you become nourishment for C'Thun, helping it get closer to its ambition to devour the world.

Turn back!
Stop going any further!

"Do you think I'll lose?"

The vigilant seemed not to have heard the Shadow Voice's advice, and casually said:

"Do you have so little confidence in the disciple you personally trained?"

"You idiot, this isn't about winning or losing, it's about whether you're really prepared. Can you really believe that you can continue to hold onto that pitiful light in the darkness that corrupts everything?"
The problem isn't whether I have confidence in you, it's you!
Determination can be faked, courage can be faked, and you can even hypnotize yourself into believing it, but the truth cannot be hidden!

The Shadow Voice rebuked:
"The place where the ritual of darkness is initiated is a realm of the void; the Holy Light cannot help you there!"

"But isn't that why I came here?"

Dick shook his head and said:
"Trials in the light can only cleanse the body, but perseverance in the dark can truly test the soul. If I hadn't planned to do this, I wouldn't have started the 'Twin of Light and Shadow' path trial in the first place."

You witnessed that scene with your own eyes, so why do you still doubt my determination?
Of course I know the Geminis came to save me.

In their hearts, which had been 'sanctified' by Zera, they feared that I would step into the darkness and become lost within it. But this was not their fault. Those who walk the path of pure light, upholding the unquenchable light in the daytime, could never understand why we would venture into the ominous night.

But after dusk, night always comes!

If no one takes this first step, how can we, the Oath of Light, traverse the dark realms of space to proclaim the name of light to the people of darkness?

The Shadow Words fell silent.

As Diakum approached the completely shadow-forged gate of the Temple of C'Thun, which even reflected a starlight-extinguishing glow, stepping on ripples of shadow, it spoke again:

"In this instant, I feel that fervent you has returned! Or perhaps it never truly disappeared, but has always been hidden within your heart, a beacon shaped by the holy light in your spirit?"

No, that is me.

The vigilant said:

"That was the original me! Do you remember the question you once asked me? You asked me if I was a selfless and fervent soul shaped by light when I opened my eyes in this sea of ​​stars."

Of course not.

At that time, I simply wanted to reverse some tragedies and try to bring about a small change to the world I once loved through my insignificant efforts. I wanted to turn all the tragedies I witnessed into lucky laughter and to become a reef that blocked the tide in the river of fate.
I simply rediscovered my original aspirations while walking in the shadows, just as you advised.

My desire was so intense that it propelled me into a frenzy.

"We don't understand."

Shadow Words honestly says:
"What wishes, what original intentions, what changes, what participation? We can't understand them. They seem to be strange emotions that no ordinary person should have, just like a newborn child who would never want to learn actively if he is only interested in playing."

What you're describing are desires that go against human nature. Who would willingly endure the trials of fate?
Everyone wants to be a hero like that, but nobody wants that kind of life!

"I'm willing, but you wouldn't understand even if I explained why. I just don't want to see the tragedy repeat itself."

Dick shrugged and said:

"So I came here. I have no personal grudge against C'Thun, but Argus must see Azeroth, and C'Thun is in my way."

"Do you know that what you're saying sounds like an antisocial lunatic calmly stating his motive for murder?"

Shadow Words mocked:
"Does someone as calculating as you really deserve to bear the Holy Light? Ha, the Holy Light is truly blind!"

"Big brother, don't laugh at second brother, aren't you two also trying to persuade me to join you?"

Dick responded with the same sarcasm, saying:
"If the Holy Light is blind, then what are the voids that fight over chewed bread?"

"Hmph, sharp teeth and fangs."

Shadow Words noticed that Diakum's verbal skills were improving day by day, and if this continued, it might not be able to gain the upper hand verbally.

However, considering that the guy he had personally "taught" was about to fight to the death, and that once Diakum entered the "Lightless Ritual," he would be unable to offer any further assistance and could only serve as a spectator in the "beast fight," the Shadow Word reminded him:
"Your physical strength is near perfect among the legendary, and your spirit and wisdom have been elevated to their peak by the Void Lords. However, your physique is robust and heavy, and you are still lacking in agility."

Let's make some changes while we still have a little time left.

"Ok?"

Dick stopped in surprise and said:
"How else can we change it? Should we click 'ding'?"

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

The Shadow Voice rebuked:
"You learned the Blood Curse for nothing, didn't you? Although your understanding of that profound meaning is far from perfect, you can already use the Blood Curse to reshape yourself in the initial stages."

That is the great mystery of emptiness!

Naturally, this can't just be used on enemies. Come on, modify your body shape and 'transfer' some of your excessive strength and endurance to your agility, so that it can also be elevated to the perfect state required for advancement to demigod.

Just like you recreate those poor alien insects, do it to yourself.

Don't worry, you are the caster; even if you make a mistake in the reconstruction, you can undo the magic and restore everything to its original state.

Prompted by the Shadow Word, Diakum summoned Shadow Cloak, then skillfully cast Curse of Flesh upon himself. As the cold, dark, yet subtly starlit Void Entropy was infused into his body, flowing through his muscles and bones, a notification appeared before his eyes:
"Void Force Mythical Special Technique [Curse of Flesh] is being applied! This technique allows you to temporarily or permanently reshape and modify your physical appearance, thereby gaining corresponding temporary or permanent talents."

The current effect of this action is: reducing some stamina and increasing some agility. Confirm/disconfirm this action?

hint!

This is a temporary modification; it can be reverted to its original state at any time while maintaining the link to the void. Because the modification is minor, none of the individual's talents will be affected.

Diakum selected "confirm".

He could feel certain parts of his body moving like "playdough." With a slight tremor, his maximum health bar dropped, but in its place, his agility attribute on his character card was temporarily boosted to "Legendary Perfect."

This made Diakum blink. He glanced at his other character attributes, which were all "demigods of lower rank," and decided to spend more time completing the final preparations before the film started.

A few minutes later, Diakum, whose half-giant physique had become more balanced and perfect, looked with satisfaction at his agility attribute, which had been temporarily boosted to "demigod-level critical," while his other attributes were weakened to some extent but remained at their original ratings.

Phew, it's just a simple and fun number game.

"Very good, you are indeed very talented."

Shadow Word said with satisfaction:

"Then go, we can teach you more now. The Ritual of Light lies ahead, and it will begin automatically when you step into C'Thun's Broken Cage."

remember!

Your confrontation with it will be witnessed by the Sea of ​​No Light; once the battle begins, there will be no option to escape.

Because this is the Void, the connection between the Holy Light and you will be severed.
Do not!
You're a weirdo.

Your Holy Light doctrine has nothing to do with Holy Light doctrine, but is related to 'fate'. This may allow you to retain some Holy Power for enhancement, but we advise you not to expect the Holy Light's methods to help you defeat C'Thun.

You must understand that the light and dark aggregates that the Void sent here to conquer Azeroth are all carefully selected, powerful seedlings. None of the four Old Gods of this world are easy to deal with; the most powerful of them, the 'Seven-Headed Beast,' even forced the Titans to take action themselves. You need to properly understand the opponents you are facing.”

"Thank you for reminding."

Diakum took a deep breath and opened his Iron Holy Book in his hand.

When this holy book was handed to him, it was a blank page, but now it is filled with the vigilant's insights. The first half is his understanding of the Holy Light, and the second half is the teachings of the Void. Only the final page, the summary, remains unwritten. If he survives, if he can complete the arduous trials of the Path of Light and Shadow, then this holy book can be truly completed. And a holy book that records such a rare and powerful path must be at least at the level of a Force artifact. Even if it is just a book and some words, its symbolic power should not be underestimated.

The prerequisite is that Diakum survives.

He perused the holy book and recited the scriptures of holy light. In this dark and sunless void, a faint ray of light struggled to tear through the shadows and shone upon Diakum.

The light that shines like the sun in the outside world is suppressed by shadows and can only form a faint halo like the light in a cage. However, not every Holy Light practitioner can receive such a beloved blessing from the Holy Light under such circumstances.

Surrounded by menacing darkness, Diakum knelt in the dim light, feeling the holy light's protection and guidance.

Silent and unspoken, yet like a gentle stream of whispers, it nourishes his soul and mind.

It's like a word of advice to a child leaving home, or a reluctant farewell to a child.

"Please wait a moment and don't worry."

Diakum said:
"I will return, I will return soon. Please bless me, Holy Light. I will complete my first sermon in the darkness, so that the light may truly shine upon this place that has been dark for countless years."

I will bring you that victory, so that you may feel gratified and honored for me.

Holy Light!
Bless your child.

"Snapped"

The moment the holy covenant closed, dazzling rays of light rose and swirled around Diakum's armor and body.

Without him needing to release any enhancements, various light patterns swirled around him. In that instant, all the buffs that the Holy Light could provide were applied to the Vigilant. And when he lifted Ashbringer, even walking through this Shadowland would create ripples of light.

When the shattered gate was pushed open, both the whispers of shadow and the glimmer of light vanished in that instant.

The ceremony witnessed by the Sea of ​​No Light has begun, and the servants of the Void will embark on another brutal battle and devouring, where only the victor will be qualified to consume the world!

The gaze I felt once before in Karazhan resurfaced; more than one Void Lord was watching this place.

The Old God C'Thun did not disappoint Diakum. The moment the gate opened and the ritual began, a deadly green Void Eye slashed down, intending to crush this hateful provocateur before his gates even opened.

Such is always the case in life-or-death battles.

Morality?

Morality is the humility of the victors as they boast of themselves; the dead losers gain nothing!
The ancient god's hideous body, resembling a rotting onion, was submerged in a pool of black blood, its tentacles, forged from the darkness, surging like giant snakes.

Beams of green light shot out, and anyone who touched them would die!
Diakum retaliated at the same time, his own holy power burning and propelling him forward. As he took his first step, the wings of the sanctified seraph unfolded, using a powerful blade of light to block the Death Eye Beam.

But this is not the end, it's the beginning!
"The Thousand-Eyed Demon C'Thun has seized and corrupted the Heart Chamber, using it to inject the Void Poison into the consciousness of the Supreme Star Soul. The negligence of the powerless Titan has caused the Great Being to suffer for a long time. Whether I can defeat this powerful enemy here will directly determine the fate of the two worlds of Argus and Azeroth, and the fate of the two Star Souls!"

This is a destiny-ordained moment, Holy Light!
Help me build this ladder of hope!

Amidst the roar of the sanctified seraph, the morality of the Hand of Fate was activated.

Although the Sea of ​​Light prevents the perfect infusion of moral enhancement, as the Shadow Words say, Diakum's morality is not a doctrine of the Holy Light, but is related to destiny, which means he can still receive a small amount of Holy Power.

Compared to the usual endless flood of water, the strengthening of holy power at this moment was as weak as a forked stream of urine.

that's enough!
He didn't really need the Holy Light to help him defeat the enemy; it was merely a necessary step to complete the trial of the twins of light and shadow. He needed the purest light to ignite his confidence and courage to get through the darkness.

Enveloped in the white holy flames of the sanctified seraphim, the "Radiant Holy Spirit," which had previously appeared in Shattrath City, reappeared. In the burst of light, supported by the burning of Diakum's own holy power, he transformed into the "Giant of Light" once again, finally gaining the advantage of being the same size as the Old God before him.

The Giant of Light raised his hand, unleashing a rapidly spinning wheel of light that slashed through the already decaying Titan's cage, shredding C'Thun's tentacles, which were covered in suckers, eyeballs, and bone blades, as if slicing up a badly damaged squid.

However, without the intervention of external holy power, the Giant of Light's third-stage transformation can only last for less than a minute.

Since every second counts, there's no need to use petty tricks like the "decapitation blade." The giant waved his hand to summon Ashbringer, transforming the giant blade into a radiant "Colossus." Under the wide-open gaze of countless eyes on C'Thun's countless tentacles, the giant of light raised his sword and assumed a swordsmanship stance that terrified C'Thun.

Taisharak Sword Technique: Enemy Destroyer!
"boom"

The first strike cleaved through C'Thun's armor, which was known as "Darkness Forever." The filthy black blood, along with the agonizing screams and roars of the tentacles tearing apart, echoed throughout the ruins of Qiraji and even the entire Silithus desert.

But the second sword that followed tore off a quarter of its body, and the white holy flames burned and extinguished the filthy body the moment it left its body.

The third strike is an even more lethal "five-hit combo".

The Titan Sword Technique, which ignores any Force defenses and deals absolute true damage, caused all of the Thousand-Eyed Demon's tentacles to howl and coil up at that moment. It knew that it had to block all the blades that followed in order to ensure that its main body would not be destroyed by this madman before its dark shell was torn apart.

A terrifying five-hit combo descended, the spewing holy light erupting wildly like magma.

The wide-area terrain destruction inherent in Tayshark's swordsmanship caused the entire Qiraji Temple to shake and collapse. The demigods within, regardless of whether the battle was over, began to move outwards, and even the Loas exclaimed, "Invincible!"

However, as everyone knows, the most lethal move of the Tayshark is always the last one.

Diakum poured all his boiling holy power into his Blade of Light, and roared as the giant of light brought his sword down in two swipes:

"Unleash the primordial flames!"

"bang"

The giant blade pierced C'Thun's shattered dark carapace from above, like a fruit knife stabbing an onion.

Amidst the chaotic dance of holy light generated by the eruption of holy power, the entire Qiraji Temple and even the Qiraji Ruins above it suddenly cracked open, with visible golden light filling every fissure like erupting magma.

Now, not only were the insectoids terrified, but even the trolls and elves began shouting the names of the Loa and Elune and retreating in panic.

They had thought they would be the main force in the battle against the quicksand, but it turns out that Diakum might not actually need them to wipe out this hellhole.

In that instant, they were teleported out of the temple in a sorry state. All the Azerothian demigods who had fallen into the quicksand looked at the five main heroes, the Lightforger and the Twin Archbishops with strange eyes.

Holy crap, were you ancient Eredar people all monsters?
But in the lightless ritual where no one could disturb him, in the utterly shattered Titan's cage, the Giant of Light shattered and turned into glimmers of light, while Diakum knelt panting in the darkness, Ashbringer planted in the ground before him.

This was the first time the holy sword had been so dim; upon closer inspection, the blade and its body appeared to be broken apart.

Clearly, it couldn't withstand the terrifying pressure it had just endured to complete the ultimate kill of the Destroyer.

But as a loyal weapon, it helped its master shatter the most fortified dark armor of the ancient gods.

Its mission has come to an end.

C'Thun's body was torn apart, with burning tentacles and filthy carapace everywhere, looking like a crushing defeat. But Diakum knew very well that shattering the dark carapace meant that the real battle had only just begun.

C'Thun, that cunning monster, has two forms.

Having witnessed how the more powerful Y'Shaarj died under the might of the Titans, it carefully forged another, almost indestructible, dark shell for itself during its long period of sealing.

The Thousand-Eyed Demon's even more hideous true form was hidden beneath its dark shell, just like the enormous tentacles that were now emerging one after another from the boiling darkness, like those of a hydra.

Each tentacle tip and torso was covered with malevolent eyes, each of which stared at Diakum with an intensely malevolent light.

Even a single glance at it would cause a mortal's heart to stop.

The Thousand-Eyed Demon truly lives up to its name.

"You're about to die"

C'Thun's vicious and sinister voice echoed through the dark lands, but Diakum paid no heed to the nonsense. He had exhausted all the help the Holy Light could provide, and now it was time to seriously accept the trials of his path.

Since it is a symbiosis of light and shadow, how can it fight using only holy light?

Twilight's Hammer and Kazzak's Soul Staff leaped into his palm. The moment Diakum rose from his void form, he heard Kazzak's voice whisper within the staff:

"I know you're in a hurry, so I'll help you this time!"

But Diakum, Vigilant, I do not wish to fall into the Void's wrath. After the victory, you must help me be reborn in the Light as an embodiment of justice, for I wish to reclaim my ancient mission in a new form.

I was once a jailer of the devil, and I want to return to my original self!

"If you endure hell with me, I promise you a dawn forged in light."

Dick spread his arms and tore open the rift without hesitation, letting Faceless Ones and K'Sir rush into the battlefield to meet C'Thun's tentacled eye beams.

He loudly proclaimed:

“Shkul an'zig qvsakf KSSH'GA， ag'THYZAK agthu! (Let us break free from the darkest abyss and reclaim the world that belongs to us.)”

Ps:

The next bonus chapter will be on the 11th. Currently, there are 137 chapters owed.
(End of this chapter)