Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 288, Section 45: The Northern Frontier Incident - The Gilneas Disaster - Bonus Chapter for "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" [1015]

King Ryan didn't even have time to fully appreciate the miracle of his rebirth in the light before hastily convening a military conference at Northshire Abbey.

Outside, the nobles, soldiers, and commanders who were watching his "resurrection" were still singing praises to the Holy Light under the leadership of the paladin Turalyon, creating a scene of high morale and unity. However, inside the monastery's library, the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.

The letter sent back from Gilneas was circulated repeatedly among the attendees; its brevity was enough to demonstrate the magnitude of the matter.

"This is a letter from King Gene Greymane, but it's not just a message sent to Stormwind Kingdom; it's a plea for help!"

I have every reason to believe that all the kings and even the great lords of the northern frontier have received his letter. Just look at the bloodstains on the envelopes; this is far more tragic than when we first sought help.”

Lothar looked coldly at the Royal Archmage Alex, and the Marshal gestured for him to describe the situation at the time.

The old mage was the first to receive the letter. Having recovered his health thanks to a Titan-forged rune that rapidly restored his arcane foundation, the old mage coughed lightly, and with a hint of reluctance, whispered:

"His Majesty Genn's mage attendant teleported a long distance to Stormwind with the letter, but his body suddenly exploded when I received the letter!"

That must have been some kind of evil spell effect; he was sacrificed to the demon as a 'offering,' and a hideous monster appeared on his corpse. Andomas and I spent some time banishing it.

The bloodstains on the letter came from this.

But that mage was the royal mage of Gilneas, and by rights he should have been by the king's side at all times. Therefore, we can draw a terrifying conclusion: although the large-scale demonic invasion of Gilneas occurred in Dragonblight, demons were also lurking in Gilneas's capital, and had even infiltrated King Genn's inner circle.

The expressions of the attendees became even more serious.

The details revealed by Archmage Alexstrasza basically indicate that, in his view, Gilneas is likely beyond saving.

Even a heavily guarded place like the royal capital has been invaded, and on the very first day of the war, even if it was just a small group of demons launching a surprise attack, it has already proven that the situation is far worse than the Greenskin War.

"This matches the intelligence brought by Archbishop Fao."

Ms. Pasonia, the intelligence chief of the Storm Kingdom, said in a hoarse voice:

"The density of demons lurking in the North Frontier was astonishingly high. Coupled with the large and small demon worship cults formed by the demon plague and the bewitched civilians, the demons had enough 'sacrifices' to open many rifts to the material world at the same time. They are now most likely spread throughout Gilneas."

Even if we want to provide rescue

"We can't save them!"

The Kul Tiras naval representative, Prince Drake, who had recovered his health, said in a serious tone:
"The coast of Gilneas is riddled with dangerous 'biting reefs,' and even the most skilled tidal sages cannot maneuver ships to make large-scale landings in those sea conditions."

The unique terrain ensured the safety of Gilneas's coast, but it also cut off the possibility of external assistance at such times, leaving them with only one option: retreating north into Silverpine Forest, from where they could either head north across the forest to Tirisfal region of the Kingdom of Lordaeron, or head east into Hillsbrad Foothills of the Kingdom of Stromgarde.

But my concerns now extend beyond Gilneas.

The prince, who had memorized the map of the eastern continent, pondered for a moment, looked at the others around him, and shook his head, saying:
"If Gilneas is invaded by demons, what about the other kingdoms of the Northlands? Stromgarde? Lordaeron? Stratholme? Even Dalaran?"
I don't think demons, with such overwhelming military superiority, would choose to conquer only one city at a time. Perhaps while Gilneas was being invaded, other kingdoms were suffering similar invasions as well.

"But Stormwind is safe."

King Ryan, who had just awakened, rubbed his forehead, trying to keep the "holy voices" echoing in his mind from interfering with his thoughts. But Lightforged always have an adaptation process. For at least another week, these voices from the Holy Light would not fade away, which was the Holy Light imparting the power of the Lightforged to him.

What was originally a good thing has now turned into a bad thing because the king needs to think about it seriously.

"No, Ryan, our kingdom has been invaded as well, just yesterday!"

Lothar told the others what had happened in the Black Swamp, saying:

"Not only have the demons invaded us, but they have also sent a dangerous great demon and a powerful dragon legion to attack this place. If it weren't for the timely response of the Vigilant and his valiant Lightforged Legion, our situation would not be much better than that of the Northern Frontier."

Prince Drake's concerns were valid!

The demonic invasion of the eastern continent began at the same time, and we must consider the worst-case scenario: it's not just Gilneas that has fallen; many countries have likely lost cities, even capitals.

"Your Majesty, Marshal, urgent report from the northern frontier!"

Lothar, the jinx, had barely begun when he heard urgent shouts outside the door. Brigadier General Windsor, who was guarding the door, opened it and took several battle reports from the rushing griffin riders, handing them to the marshal.

The atmosphere in the room became even more oppressive. The youngest prince, Drake, shifted uncomfortably and pricked up his ears intently.

A moment later, Lothar announced the news with an expression as cold as ice:
"The capital city of Alterac was overrun by demons overnight. King Aiden Pirenord suffered heavy casualties and led his people to retreat to the mountain castle in Steinbrad."

Tarren Mill and Southshore were burned down by demons. Although Stromgarde withstood the demon invasion, the outer city fell. Fel rifts appeared in Tyr's Hand and Light's Hope Chapel in the Stratholme region. A group of fel elves carried out a massacre near Blackwood Lake.

The capital city of Lordaeron repelled the first wave of demonic attacks, but the situation in the Tirisfal region is far from optimistic.

Dalaran.
Sigh, Dalaran is the worst off!
The great demon Kaz'roga launched a surprise attack on Dalaran, killing Archmage Drandon, one of the Council of Six. Although the mages banished the demon, Dalaran suffered severe damage and is currently completely isolated from the outside world by activating the Violet Barrier. Almost all towns under Dalaran's control have fallen.

After Lothar rattled off this long list of events like reciting a menu, none of the attendees could maintain a relaxed expression. Drake even got up and left the room immediately; he needed to know the situation in Kul Tiras right away.

Archbishop Alonsus Fao, who had remained silent until now, had completely lost the joy he had felt earlier in finding a place of faith for humanity. He seemed to have aged several years in an instant, stroking his holy book as he said in a hoarse voice:

"Overnight! The demons crushed the northern kingdoms overnight, but this doesn't even count as them launching a real war against us. According to the demon tactics shared by the commanders of the Holy Light Legion, the Burning Legion's vanguard is currently conducting pre-battle reconnaissance. The real demon tide has not yet arrived."

Humanity has encountered its darkest hour; Holy Light above, is this some kind of cruel test from You?

"Stay strong! Brother Fao. The Holy Light will not test its believers in this way. Using calamities to temper the mind is an evil deed only an evil god would do!"

Diakum's voice rang out from outside the door. He entered in his human form and said loudly:
"The demons' invasion of Azeroth is a long-term plan. Humanity in this era is just unlucky. But it is pointless to question fate now. Disaster is imminent, but we can still take action."

"Gentlemen, rather than being overwhelmed by the demons' overwhelming force, perhaps you should take action."

"That's right! Rather than waiting for the demons to devour the remaining territory of the Northern Frontier and persecute the people who are captive by fear, we should hold up that ray of light in the darkness during this difficult time!"

King Ryan stood up.

He was enveloped in holy light, which made the holy markings on his neck and arms shine. The newborn Lightforged felt his heart of justice burning, and the encouragement from the holy light made it impossible for him to turn a blind eye to the disaster.

He slammed his hand on the table and shouted:
"Although Stormwind Kingdom has also been invaded by the Greenskins, we still have the capacity to take in those homeless people. We may need a lot of time to prepare for the counterattack, but at the very least, we cannot allow our people to be displaced in this terrible era any longer."

I must immediately send a message to the kingdoms of the northern frontier!
At a time when their homeland is no longer safe, Stormwind will do everything in its power to receive these exiles. Our ports are full of Kul Tiran warships; we have ample transport capacity to bring our people to safety.

"Then please invite Prince Muradin and His Excellency Kurdran in quickly."

Lothar glanced at the excited Ryan and nodded, saying:
"Sending people directly from the Northlands to Stormwind is too far and does not conform to the principles of rescue. We should use Menethil Harbor in the Wetlands as a transit point for the dwarves, which is only a strait away from Arathi Highlands. We will pick up people on various coastlines and send them to the Khaz Modan region."

We ourselves must reclaim the fertile western plains as soon as possible; without sufficient food, we simply cannot feed so many people.

At this point, the marshal hesitated for a moment.

He looked at the attendees and said:
"Everyone has that suspicion in their hearts, and now we've reached the most dangerous moment, so I won't hide it anymore! Perhaps it's time to unite the people of all the countries that have suffered under the sacred name of the 'Arasso Empire'."

This calamity is not something that any single country can handle alone.

Humanity must unite as one! If it requires me to use my bloodline as a bond, then I will no longer shirk my responsibility!

"Okay."

Just then, Muradin Bronzebeard entered the room and overheard this. The dwarf prince laughed heartily, raised his wine jug high, and shouted:
“When my brother sent me here, he specifically told me to sound out your intentions, Lothar. If you want to rebuild the Arathor Empire, then we Bronzebeard Dwarves will definitely lend a hand! Our merchants have long been disgusted by the messy taxes levied by the northern kingdoms. You should unify all of humanity.”

At the very least, a unified tax law should be established.

Calculating those numbers is really not good for our dwarf brains.

"We Wildhammer dwarves are the same."

Kudran also hid his little flask and said loudly:

“But you must ensure our interests in Ark's Nest and Wildhammer Highlands. We cannot trust the other human kings, but we can trust you! You are a tall dwarf, Lothar, our half-brother in flight.”

The matter was settled amicably. The rental of the dwarven port didn't even take more than three sentences. The reason was simple: the dwarven port in the wetlands was originally a port "built with aid" by the Kingdom of Lordaeron for trade with the dwarves. Otherwise, it wouldn't be called "Menethil Harbor," which is the royal name of Lordaeron.

Now that humanity is suffering, the dwarves cannot stand idly by.

Muradin even waved his hand, saying he would build more temporary shelters for human refugees in the icy wilderness of Khaz Modan, but to be honest, given the extreme climate of Dun Morogh, probably only dwarves and gnomes could endure it for long.

“Your Majesty Ryan, His Majesty Volos can use the proclamation of the Holy Light to convey your message of salvation to all the Holy Light Churches in the Northern Frontier.”

Diakum whispered to Ryan:

"Please prepare your speech. The situation over there is very critical, and there is no time to hesitate."

"Send a signal to Dalaran as well."

Lothar reminded:
“The mages always find a way to spread the news.”

"And Ravenholdt Estate."

Pasonia also reminded:

"The Duke must be panicking right now. With just a little hint, he'll be more than willing to move his ancestral business to Stormwind Kingdom. Don't underestimate the Assassin's Guild's nearly thousand-year-long cultivation in the human kingdoms; the connections they can mobilize are beyond imagination."

"Let's do it! Times create heroes."

King Wrynn, bathed in holy light, clenched his fist, patted his sworn brother on the shoulder, and said in a deep voice:
"Let us surround you as you ascend the throne of the emperor, Lothar. Humanity of this era needs you, just as Emperor Thoradin saved our ancestors from the trolls two thousand eight hundred years ago."

------

"cough cough"

In the distant northern frontier, in the capital of the Kingdom of Gilneas, the weather today was as gloomy as ever. Although there was no unpredictable rain, there was also little sunshine.

In the still-burnt royal palace, Gene Greymane groggily awoke from his bed, only to find half his body aching and the other half completely numb.

His head was still wrapped in bandages, and his face had terrible burns.

Those were injuries sustained in the fierce battle yesterday when dealing with the demons that stormed the palace. Although Genn inherited the bravery of his barbarian ancestors and was skilled in archery and horsemanship, the mercantilism unique to Gilneans meant that Genn's combat prowess among human kings was not high. He certainly couldn't compare to kings like Lothar and Daelin. But he did fulfill the duties of a king yesterday.

He repelled the attacking demons in his palace and led his knights through the burning capital, escorting as many panicked people as possible to the safer palace area.

Gene's last memory of yesterday's battle was a burning meteorite falling from the sky and crashing into the street in front of him. He and his warhorse were thrown into the raging flames. His last memory was seeing a ferocious fire giant ignite the entire street and incinerate the screaming people.

"Damn it. Cough cough, I feel like an old gray wolf with a broken leg."

The king coughed and tried to get up.

The commotion immediately alerted Queen Mia outside the door. This fierce and beautiful Queen of Gilneas was still very young. Although she had always wanted to have a child with her husband, fate had not yet smiled upon this couple who were destined to suffer many hardships.

The Kingdom of Gilneas currently has no legal heir.

"Lie down quickly, don't get up."

The queen, clad in armor, looked at her husband with heartache and said in a hoarse voice:

"Rest now. Lord Crowley has arrived with his army to provide support. We have temporarily repelled the demons and their mad servants. The royal city is safe now."

"It's only temporary. The demons won't stop. Dragonbone Harbor is gone, and the next one will be the Royal City."

Although Gene was injured, his mind was unaffected, and he rebuked:

"Don't cry, Mia. You have to be strong, and stronger every day from now on. Help me up! Let me see the city."

At his request, Mia wiped away her tears and helped her husband up.

Gene was badly injured and could barely move. Half of his weight was on Mia. Fortunately, the Queen was skilled in archery and horsemanship, otherwise she really wouldn't have been able to lift this burly man.

The leader of Gilneas was helped to the window. The gray-haired king still had double vision due to his weakness, but he could still see the devastated city through the window facing the city.

The burned city was shrouded in black smoke, the city walls had collapsed, and the remains of the hellfire killed by the ballistae looked like black towers.

The forests outside the city were ablaze, and the gloomy sky was filled with hideous demonic bats flying around. Every now and then, a green fire meteorite would fall from the distance and crash into the ground that Gene couldn't see.

He knew that it was the demons and their lackeys attacking the manor and town outside the city.

He couldn't imagine how bad the situation in Dragonboneport, Gilneas' second-largest city, must be. The last news he received yesterday was that demons were pouring out of Dragonboneport's market district, and almost all the nobles in the city were pleading for help.

"Dragonbone Harbor, any news?"

Gene, rubbing his aching head, asked a question. Queen Mia shook her head and said in a hoarse voice:
"No, it's completely silent there, as if the city had never existed."

The king's heart skipped a beat; he knew that Dragonbone Harbor was doomed.

It's unstoppable.
His kingdom couldn't withstand so many demons!

Driven mad by the plague, the poor souls sold their souls to demons in an attempt to ward off the disease. Gene didn't even know if there were any demon spies among the refugees in the city.

No, no need to guess, it definitely exists!
The cunning devil will never give up on thoroughly squeezing the last bit of value out of those cowards.

He and his country would not have failed so miserably, but it's too late to say that now.

If only he had noticed these unsettling threats earlier in the plague outbreak... Damn it! Lothar and Llane from Stormwind had sent letters, but he hadn't taken them seriously because of those foolish rumors about bloodlines.

"Their first target is the city!"

Gene stared at the Ash City before him with bloodshot eyes, and said in a hoarse voice:

“The demons didn’t intend to occupy this place forever. They just wanted to destroy us, and they didn’t even give us the right to surrender. Go! Call my brother Crowley over. I have something to tell him, cough cough.”

The gray-haired king coughed up blood and said to Mia:
"You must retreat to Silverpine Forest immediately. I will stay in the city with my men. The main force of the demons will not leave until this city is destroyed. This is an opportunity. They have no interest in the land; they only want to destroy and kill."

I will buy you some time.

Go to Lordaeron
Do not!
Terenas's army couldn't stop the demons either. Go...go to Stormwind!

That's the safest place right now. Go there, Mia, take the people there.

Go find Losa!

Tell him, tell Anduin Lothar!
The Gilneans support his rebuilding of the Empire, but they must reclaim our land. I would rather hand this country over to the bloodline of Emperor Thoradin than allow demons to ravage my territory.

This is so embarrassing.

"Gene! Gene!!!"

Queen Mia's call echoed in the gray-haired king's ears, but Gene had already collapsed to the ground from the impact of weakness and rage, struggling against the thought of dying in such a wretched state.

The good news is that he won't die today.

In Gene's dizzying vision, he saw a giant white wolf crouching beside him, its blood-red eyes staring at him as if it were speaking.

Resentment, unwillingness, hatred, anger
very good!

These are the admirable qualities that even a beast that must fight to the death must possess.

So, Gene Greymane, king who wants to protect his territory, leader of the wolf pack who wants to fight back, you and your people need strength, don't you?

(End of this chapter)