Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 265, Section 22: Forging Light – I will become the sole torch.

C'Thun felt as if he had swallowed a red-hot coal!
Of course, this is just a metaphor.

For an existence of the level of an Old God, let alone charcoal, it could bathe in the lava pools of Blackrock Mountain and have the Balrog King personally feed it the hottest fire spirits of the Firelands as snacks.

It wasn't actually feeling the heat, but rather the pain!

A beast is wreaking havoc inside his stomach, tearing and boiling flesh and blood every second. His stomach has been pierced, and he is moving upwards along his esophagus. Perhaps the next thing to be destroyed is his Blackblood Heart.

Generally speaking, beings like the Old Gods, who connect to the Void Force and can use the Curse of Flesh as a blessing, are not likely to fear simple physical damage. They are conceptual beings, just as N'Zoth, the "Thousand-Bearded Demon," was able to retain the Void reflection of the former empire in his fallen dreams after the collapse of the Dark Empire.

When necessary, even if they lose all their flesh and blood, the ancient gods can still survive in realms and planes that are unimaginable to mortals.

Even in concepts that do not actually exist.

But that also means that the Old Gods have to give up everything they have worked so hard to build in the physical plane. Even for the Old Gods, this is a technique that can only be used in desperate situations.

And most importantly, how could Diakum be so destructive?
He didn't have enough Star Soul energy to sustain him in fighting for so long in an "extraordinary" manner!
This guy is like someone stuck on the edge of madness and utter depravity, maintaining himself at the boundary of madness without truly stepping into it, allowing him to drink deeply of the generous enhancement of the void without truly falling into the void beast.

Is this open?

C'Thun really wanted to curse, but it inadvertently revealed Diakum's strange state at the moment.

You see, in the Void form, the accumulated mental frenzy will accumulate into a dangerous state of madness. The closer one gets to complete corruption, the stronger one's combat power becomes. However, when "Ancient Frenzy" is activated, it will lock the consumption of mental energy. The blessing from the Force of Life protects Diakum's precarious mind for a moment, like a rope pulling him back from falling into the sea of ​​light.

The reason it works might be that the prerequisite for the Void to corrupt the mind is that the opponent must have a mind. Just as a fool is naturally immune to the "Mind-Impairing Spell" and a blind person will not fall into a state of "blindness", the angry beasts created by the Ancient Madness simply do not have the concept of "mind".

He will not stop fighting until he kills the last living being he can perceive.

Unfortunately, in the battles between Diakum and C'Thun, the terrain of the entire Qiraji Empire had been continuously destroyed. Not to mention elves and trolls, there were hardly any insects left.

Diakum can only sense one life force at this moment.
That's C'Thun!

He won't die until he takes down his opponent.

Of the only ways C'Thun can save himself, the one with a higher success rate is to summon a Void Lord to forcibly convert Diakum through "numerical crushing," while the one with a lower success rate is to summon a Death Demigod to temporarily strip Diakum of his life force blessing through "force clash."

Tragically, it can't choose any of them.

The cheers that echoed from the Sea of ​​No Light indicated that the Void Lords who had come to watch the battle clearly preferred Diakum; not a single Lord was cheering for it.

C'Thun felt it was unfair!
I am the true embodiment of light and darkness from the Sea of ​​No Light! Shouldn't you "fellow countrymen" take care of me?
But even the Void Lord has something to say.

You, an Old God, spent hundreds of thousands of years and still couldn't corrupt the Star Soul of Azeroth, while Diakum, who entered the Shadowlands in less than a month, repelled the human form of the Dark Titans for them, giving the entire Sea of ​​Darkness a good venting of anger.

In this situation, isn't it obvious who to support?

Most importantly, the Darkest Ritual is not over yet. You are still in the duel with Dark Archon Diakum. The law of the jungle is a rule set by the Void Will. How dare these Void Lords disobey it?
After all, they are not "leaders" like Sargeras who monopolize all the power of the Fel Force and can even set new "Fel Rules" according to their own will.

The power structure of the Sea of ​​No Light is quite complex.

This means that each Void Lord can only obtain limited power from the Void Force, which is why they have always been overwhelmed by the Dark Titans.

Evil energy is inherently powerful, and great power is concentrated in one person. How can those guys who are always fighting amongst themselves fight?

Thus, in the eyes of the audience of the Sea of ​​No Light, a "homogeneous devouring" was taking place in such a cold and cruel way. C'Thun was like a powerful bull with its spine broken, lying on the grass and moaning as it was slowly devoured by the worms that had burrowed into its body.

All the audience members had eyes full of anticipation.

As the Shadow Words said, this was a trap, and Diakum stepped right into it.

His will may be as strong as steel, but in this land without light, the Holy Light cannot help him!
The more power he devoured from the Old Gods, the faster he would fall into the Sea of ​​No Light upon awakening. It was a replacement of the Force at the level of individual existence. The weak Holy Light could only watch helplessly as its favored child entered the Void, utterly lost in darkness, and ultimately embraced it wholeheartedly.

The Sea of ​​Darkness will have another "champion".

But as they watched, some of the more perceptive Void Lords sensed something was amiss. They began whispering amongst themselves, and even the Shadow Words noticed the problem.

"wrong!"

It exclaimed:

"Some kind of force is preventing Diakum from falling into the void! It's not holy light, no, that's not right! It is holy light, but not external holy light, but coming from within Diakum's body!"

this.
why?
His connection to the Holy Light was clearly severed by the ritual of darkness! There couldn't possibly be a problem with the trap we personally set!

“His bloodline, you fool! The Holy Light has manipulated his bloodline.”

A Void Lord rebuked:

"He was a 'half-naaru' before, but now, Diakum is rapidly growing into a complete naaru. Naaru are 'light and shadow creatures' who can switch between light and shadow."

Ah!
We've been tricked!

That guy with the thick eyebrows and big eyes, Holy Light, tricked us!

He had been preparing for this moment even when Diakum was still on Argus, knowing that His chosen ones would be tempted by the Void in the future.

He had done it beforehand.
Ah, it's impossible to guard against them all! Honest people can be even more adept at scheming than we are.

"Don't be afraid! Don't panic!"

As the Void Lords were disappointed, a seemingly authoritative voice rebuked them:
"So what if the Holy Light tampered with things? The Naaru's body is indeed wondrous, but that can only ensure that Diakum's body won't be forcibly corrupted into a Void creature. Gentlemen, don't forget. This ritual of darkness is still a trial on his path."
Haha, the battlefield is not only in flesh and blood and existence, but also in Diakum's heart and spirit!
So what about Naru?
When a naaru loses all hope and light, it too will transform into a powerful Void Entropy! What's most amazing is that this transformation is innate to the naaru, and even the Primal Light cannot intervene.

This means that if Diakum fails to complete his Path Trial and cannot comprehend the mysteries of the twin light and shadow, he will not only fall into the Sea of ​​No Light, but may even leap into becoming a 'Void Herald' who is even more powerful than trash like the Old Gods!
We haven't lost yet.

Be patient!
The Holy Light awaits a miracle, and so do we.

"What if Diakum does it?"

Shadow Whisper whispered:
"What if he really finds his path? Should we just let him return to the light? There won't be another chance like this."

The authoritative voice fell silent.

After a moment, He laughed and said:
"If he can truly find the path of light and shadow that suits him, then what's wrong with us applauding this outstanding performance? Is it a bad thing for us to see someone standing tall in the holy light? Can he really be friends with Sargeras with a clear conscience?"
You guys are just too narrow-minded, too unambitious, and too short-sighted.
The struggle for the Force has always been like this: the enemy of my enemy is also my friend. Don't forget Diakum's attitude on the ownership of the Supreme Star Soul.

The Void may not be able to touch Azeroth, but neither can the other Forces!
Victory is not just about what we gain; it is also about preventing our competitors from obtaining something important.

Only by abandoning the pursuit of victory can one truly grasp it. Rather than chasing after triumph, let us enjoy the journey. Ah, the Sea of ​​Darkness yearns for his arrival ever more.

------

"If your light has dimmed, it can't even illuminate yourself, so how can it illuminate others?"

As Diakum groggily awoke, he heard the voice.

That wasn't the Voice of Shadows, nor the Star Soul of Argus, nor Nelly or Old Man Hatton; it was a voice I had never heard before.

It looks familiar, that's...
That's me!

The vigilant opened his eyes with a start, only to find himself back in that gray mental world, surrounded by a hazy grayness from which he could see nothing.

But just as the voice said, even in this spiritual world of its own, the light was growing dimmer, like dark clouds looming before a storm, blocking out all sunlight and starlight, filling the place with oppression and coldness.

"The awakening of the Naaru bloodline can only keep your body temporarily 'neutral' in the light and shadow. You have used the Naaru's biological characteristics to give yourself the only chance in a life-or-death situation."

But this is not enough.

This is far from enough!

The transformation of the Naaru in the struggle between light and shadow depends on their adherence to the light. Once the Naaru loses all light in despair, it will transform into the most dangerous and darkest existence.

You have seen the Fallen Kara with your own eyes.
Kara may have known what you would face, which is why she bestowed her Crown of Light upon you; it was her final act of help.

Now, you can only rely on yourself.

My own voice echoed in my ears.

Diakum knew that it wasn't someone else speaking; it was his own inner voice reflected in this gray world, a reminder of his current situation.

He has to make a decision.

He must complete his trials on the path to avoid the worst possible outcome.

The darkness engulfed this place with unimaginable speed; in the blink of an eye, the last few rays of light in the gray world were rapidly dimming, seemingly foreshadowing that its own body was devouring C'Thun's void power, dragging its existence completely from the light into darkness. To walk in the boundless night, one must carry a torch.

Diakum's understanding and devotion to the Holy Light was like that torch; he firmly believed that he belonged to the Holy Light. However, in this struggle between the Force and the individual, a steadfast will alone was not enough to bring him back to the light.

"Complete your trials on the path."

Within his own voice, Diakum saw before him the sacred book he had always kept and written about, filled with his insights into light and darkness.

Only the last page of the summary remains.

It was like a rigorous exam, where he had to write his own answer to an essay question.

"If only this were a multiple-choice question, I could just roll the dice to answer it."

Dick walked to his holy book, sighed, and made a joke, but unfortunately no one applauded it.

He reached out and touched his sacred covenant.

Upon opening the first page, I saw the first sentence I had written: "The Holy Light is the embodiment of all good things in the universe. The more steadfast one's will to protect goodness, the more fervent the Holy Light's response will be."

Those were my reflections written on the first night after receiving the Holy Covenant, and also my unique understanding of the Holy Light that I have always held.

He believed that the Holy Light was a power of idealism, and its strength depended only on the determination to do good.

This is the correct understanding.

Diakum's past experiences proved this point, so he continued reading and saw his own insights from experiencing different things.

After the Battle of Tongtian Peak, he wrote, "Faith without a foundation will blind people."

After defeating Grom, he wrote, "Power without a goal will lead to destruction."

After leaving Yongmao Forest, he wrote, "The absence of a just judgment will bring disaster."

Thus, I strengthened my foundation, confirmed my goals, and abandoned my likes and dislikes. I became more and more selfless, enthusiastic, and fair. I became more and more fervent and indifferent, walking further and further in the light.

When he fell into Azeroth, he awoke from his fanaticism and wrote, "All morality has two sides; one has no right to judge without getting involved."

After repelling the Dark Titans, he wrote, "Absolute justice will lead to absolute violence."

After turning the tide of the battle, he wrote, "With the heart of light, I ride the shadows; without shadow, who will chase the light?"

After giving the method of ascension to the elves, he wrote down, "Though in the shadows, my heart is turned toward the light; though the torch burns on, my path remains unbroken."

These are all very reasonable.

But these insights didn't seem to help me grasp the core of "twins of light and shadow".

I seem to have lost myself once again.

I am favored by both the Holy Light and the Void. I can be a righteous paladin or hide in the shadows plotting against fate. I have tried both methods and succeeded. Moreover, I am very talented in both the light and the shadow.

So, where should one's path of light and shadow finally lead?
Diakum flipped through the proverbs and insights he had written himself. The light around him grew dimmer and dimmer, and soon it was completely dark. But the darkness could not stop his eyes. He could still see the words he had written on the pages and feel the emotions he had when he wrote them.

Especially after stepping into the shadows, his record was no longer just about maintaining order, ensuring justice, and protecting the people.

My feelings during my battle with Medivh, my satisfaction in helping Lothar and watching him grow rapidly, my high regard for and blessings for Varian, my joy and emotion at reuniting with Nellie, my complaints about Yrel, my shock at seeing Marad with a group of dark trolls, and my appreciation for the Highborne's decisive measures.

The closer he got to the last page, the more anxieties and fears he felt in the sacred text.

He began to fear the possibility of failure.

He worried about the trouble he would cause those around him if he couldn't return from the darkness.

Diakum is no longer an invincible idol in the light; he is more like a powerful being with his own troubles.

And
"My Ereda calligraphy is getting better and better. It already has three-tenths of the spirit of Father Hatton and one-tenth of the elegance of old Velen."

Diakum didn't know how he could still focus on his calligraphy at this critical moment when he was already on the verge of self-destruction, but at this moment, he did feel a sense of relief.

My efforts have paid off!

That's right!

Whether he is in the light or in the shadow, his actions bring about change for himself, for those around him, and for the world he lives in.

Those predetermined tragedies were transformed into something beautiful because of his intervention, and those predetermined disasters were averted because of his efforts. Although fate did not intend to admit defeat and was still resisting, it didn't matter!
As long as I am alive
Even if you fall into the shadows and embrace the sea of ​​darkness, so what?
Does being shrouded in shadow mean I'm destined to become a cold-blooded bastard who sits by and watches disaster unfold without doing anything?
is it possible?
Diakum! You're a time traveler! When have you ever changed your path because of changes in external forces? Even during the time you were lost in the light, weren't you still passionately moving forward along your original path?

You didn't want to see Draenor become Outland, so you embraced the light.

It's like if the current disaster is unstoppable and you are destined to become a Void Being, then you will definitely be like that "Void Boss" who hasn't appeared for a long time and hasn't jumped out to swear for a long time.
Even with the power of darkness, we can fight against that damned fate!
Yes.

As long as you are Diakum Zastins, you will never give in to fate!
Power is just a tool; what matters is you! How you wield the sword and where you ultimately aim it are all up to you.
If Holy Light doesn't work, switch to Shadow. If Shadow isn't effective, go back to Holy Light.

It's not what you do for the Force that matters, it's what you do with the Force!
Think about the very first sentence you wrote!

What kind of power is Holy Light?
What does the Holy Light want you to do?
How did you convince Noboruton to embrace the elements? How did you teach Rexxar to discern justice? How did you promise Nellie that you would spend your life with her shamelessly?
you!
You are the center!
It is because you desire to do good that the Holy Light gives you power, not because you are blessed by the Holy Light that you can do good deeds. It is because you want to watch over us in the shadows that the Void opens its arms to you, not because you embrace the Void that you dare to be vigilant in the shadows.

It was never Diakum of the Holy Light, nor was there any Void Archon; it was Diakum, the twin of light and darkness!

You are the master of your own life, the commander of your own soul, you bastard!

"Snapped"

He slapped himself across the face.

In the chilling darkness surrounding him, Diakum felt the pressure dissipate and let out a long breath.

He turned to the last page, conjured a quill pen in the darkness with a wave of his hand, glanced at the menacing darkness around him, and then began to write on it.

With a heart bound by a death oath, neither light nor shadow can harm; clad in sturdy armor, steel is both inside and out.

Eyes filled with vigilance, watching through the eternal night; hands wielding gleaming gold, forging my holy lance.

"Hey, that's it."

Diakum dropped the quill, took a step back, and the "Holy Covenant of Light and Shadow" that he had finally completed quietly vanished at that moment, just like handing in the paper after answering the last question. He didn't know what score the two strict "examiners" would give him, but Dick didn't care at this moment.

He embarked on this path of defying fate from the moment he awoke in Argus.

Even if the Holy Light doesn't want him anymore, he can't possibly stop here.

He looked at the last glimmer of light floating in front of him in the darkness before him; it was the last protection of the holy light, preventing him from falling completely into darkness.

Diakum stretched out his hands, protecting the point of light like a candle, and whispered:

"Thank you for shining on me for so long, but I have grown up. I am no longer afraid of the dark. I can now light my own light in the darkness."

When fate forces me into darkness, I want to find a ray of light to illuminate my path.

But on the other hand, if I keep getting hit, if I keep getting swallowed up by darkness, doesn't that just prove that I am that ray of light?

Which normal person only has light or only shadow in their heart? Aren't we all spending our lives traversing the shadows that make us strong, searching for the light that heals us?

The interplay of light and shadow resides within each person's heart.

We are our own angels, and our own demons.

He laughed, shook his head, and finally leaned in and gently blew on it.

Extinguish the last spark of primordial light within your spirit, and let yourself be completely swallowed up by this boundless black world.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and opened his arms.

"Now it's my turn to illuminate my own life in your place. I can't keep troubling you to protect me forever. I need to learn to step out of the cradle, so..."

He said softly:

"Let there be light!"

(End of this chapter)