Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 306, Section 63: Oh no! Archbishop Nelly's home has been raided!
Just as Diakum returned to Stormwind with the Sanctified Silver Hand and the Tyr's Power rune, a portal quietly opened within the city.

General Lireza Windrunner, weary from her journey, emerged with her two daughters and the Phoenix Swordmaster, carrying an ancient dragon-forged blade. They proceeded to Northshire Abbey without a moment's rest.

Marshal Lothar's magical advisor, Khadgar, is currently busy here. In the valley near Miss Millie's ancestral vineyard, where the seed of the World Tree Tayara was planted, surrounded by lush green vines of a giant tree, the prototype of a permanent portal crafted with arcane runes is nearly complete.

Many mages and golems were working hard on construction here. Just then, Dalaran crashed into the sea near Stormwind. The collapsed mage towers in the mage city didn't need to be repaired. They simply dug out the magic foundation stones and sent them here to serve as the main body of the Dark Portal on Azeroth.

The six-member council had no objection to this.

They even felt honored that Dalaran could participate in the construction of a star portal of this caliber, though the way they participated felt a bit strange.

But that doesn't stop those magic stones from being a great help.

The construction of the Dark Portal in Draenor is also progressing very quickly. It is said that in order to achieve his goal of "studying further" in Karazhan as soon as possible, High Overlord Mar'gok even demolished the half-reconstructed Gatheon and used the millennia-old magic foundation stones there to shape the other side of the Dark Portal.

If the ogre overlord knew that his good friend Diakum had already enrolled him in a "day student" course at the Nassaras Magic Academy, and that Dean Bluemoon had gladly accepted the arrival of a student from another world to join the liches' learning family, he would probably be even "happier."

"We have successfully completed our mission, Mage Khadgar. We have retrieved the Book of Medivh."

When the Ranger General arrived at this place, she was immediately shocked by the huge gate pillar made of magical foundation stones entwined with vines. She was the Ranger General of Quel'Thalas, and although she was not a spellcaster, she had seen and heard of such things.

Even in the realm of the high elves, a portal of such extravagant scale is rare.

"Great! With this, the construction progress of the Dark Portal will definitely be greatly accelerated."

Khadgar dropped the magic ruler he was holding, strode forward, took the rebound spellbook, and after flipping through a few pages, found information related to the Dark Portal.

As he solemnly reviewed this knowledge, Salorian Dawnseeker, the fully armed Phoenix Sword Saint beside him, whispered:

"You've built a super portal in the heart of your kingdom that can transport an entire legion through in half an hour. Should I say you're incredibly confident, or should I accuse you of desperately grasping at straws?"

I'm really curious now, who will have control of this 'Dark Portal' once it's built?
"Don't let reinforcements fail to arrive, bringing another external threat to the Stormwind Kingdom."

"You don't need to worry about that possibility."

Khadgar was no longer the naive mage who had been a spy in Karazhan. He had matured rapidly during the years of war, and he explained very calmly, without even looking up:
"Northshire Abbey is already a holy site of the Church of the Holy Light, where His Holiness Naruvolos, the guardian of humanity, resides year-round. Furthermore, a legion of Lightforged knights is being gradually established, and they will become the protectors of the faith in the future."

More importantly, the two worlds connected by the Dark Portal have a common friend who vouches for us.

Saint Diakum is both the savior of the Stormwind Kingdom and the spiritual leader of the Kourei Alliance.

Even though we haven't had much contact yet, we firmly believe that we can completely trust each other regarding the orcs and demons. This is not just an alliance, but a union based on shared interests.
Ah, I have figured out the secrets of this great magic, and now I must deliver these secrets to Lord Margok in Draenor.

Once the main structures of the Dark Portals at both ends are completed in a few days, this gateway connecting the two worlds will become a turning point in our war.

"The Sun King has specially assembled a special force composed of Phoenix Mages, Farstrider Rangers, and Holy Light Priests. They will arrive in Stormwind Kingdom soon. Prince Kael'thas, who is currently assisting in Stormwind City, will become the commander of this force and will be under the command of Marshal Lothar."

The Ranger General whispered to Khadgar:
“We won’t stay here any longer. Quel’Thalas has many urgent matters to attend to. Please give my regards to Marshal Lothar and King Llane.”

"Ah."

Khadgar bowed respectfully to the ranger general before him and bid him farewell.

Judging from her travel-worn and haggard appearance, it was clear that her and her two daughters' experience of finding this magic book in the chaotic northern frontier was by no means smooth sailing. If the empire were to be restored in the future, she would definitely persuade the marshal to give General Lilesa a great credit.

However, before Lilesa left, the cautious ranger-general hesitated for a moment, and asked in a low voice:
“Mage Khadgar, you were born in the Northern Frontier into a family of mages and studied in Dalaran. Have you ever heard of the legend of the ‘Dragonborn’?”

"There is such a claim, supposedly that some humans have acquired dragon blood for various reasons, and there are rumors that they have a secret lineage in the Kingdom of Alterac. But if I may be so bold, General, this is nothing but nonsense."

Khadgar replied with a disdainful sneer:

"Dalaran once investigated this legend that became popular more than a decade ago, but it turns out that there is no such thing as the Dragonborn at all!"
We also discussed this issue with the Blue Dragon Legion, and they gave a clear answer that dragons and humans have strict reproductive isolation, and the two can hardly be considered the same species. Even if a human drinks dragon blood, it is very difficult to become a dragon descendant.

Dragon blood is highly poisonous to humans.

The so-called 'Dragonborn' is nothing more than a mortal's romantic fantasy about supernatural powers, but how do you know this little-known rumor that only circulates in the kingdoms of Lordaeron and Alterac?

This answer elicited expressions of doubt and caution from the four elves before him. The Phoenix Sword Saint even removed his silver helmet, and the refined-looking high elf swordsman solemnly said to Khadgar:

"Because that's no longer just a legend, Mage Khadgar."

Among the warriors guarding the capital of Lordaeron are some of the 'Dragonborn,' the most famous of whom is a young knight named 'Osmar Garithos,' who is said to come from the baron's house near Blackwood Lake in Stratholme.

He was young, a Royal Knight of King Terenas, and appointed 'Champion Knight of Lordaeron'. We received help from him and his knights when we were tracking down the Grimoire fragments in Alterac.

We have witnessed firsthand the formidable fighting power of these 'Dragonborn Knights,' which is far beyond the reach of ordinary people. Those lower-ranking demons are simply no match for them.

Even their warhorses were protected by dragon scales, making them incredibly imposing.

"Those dragonborn knights patrolled the borders under King Terenas's orders, protecting those people who couldn't evacuate in time and settling them in several strategic locations such as Andorhal and Hearthglen. I also heard that Baron Rivendell in the Stratholme region is also a hidden 'dragonborn'."

General Lyreza asked in confusion:
"That's why I have this question: could there be more dragon descendants in the Northern Frontier than we think?"

Something's not right about this.

Khadgar frowned.

As a legitimate mage, he absolutely did not believe in such nonsense as "dragonborn." However, just as he was about to ask, he heard the holy bells of Northshire Abbey ringing. Since it was not a war horn, it meant that something big had happened. So he immediately invited four elven heroes to go with him to see what was going on.

When they arrived, they saw Saint Diakum personally holding a radiant two-handed warhammer and, in the presence of Archbishop Alonsus Faol and Archbishop Benedictus, handing it to Sir Tirion Fordring, the paladin commander.

The High Knight Turalyon beside him was loudly explaining the origins of the holy hammer to the onlookers.

Upon hearing that the "Silver Hand Hammer" came from the legendary Titan guardian "Tyr," the humans present, especially those from the northern frontier, cheered.

This is normal.

"Tyr" is the "spiritual belief" of the warriors of the northern frontier, and the garrison area of ​​the Kingdom of Lordaeron in the Stratholme region is called "Tyr's Hand".

That is a legend passed down through generations in the northern frontier, and its origins can be traced back to even earlier times, the barbarian era. It is clear that the Vrykul people who followed Tyr to Tirisfal Glades tens of thousands of years ago passed down this legend.

Of course, generations of legends have long since mythologized Tyr as the "god of courage" in human mythology.

His image in the minds of humans has basically nothing to do with the Titan Guardians anymore.

"It's a genuine Force artifact!"

Salorian Dawnseeker was a "magical swordsman" who walked a very special path as a magic swordsman, thus possessing a keen sense of energy. After carefully observing the holy hammer, he whispered to General Lyresa:
"This sacred object has an extraordinary origin, but it was clearly arranged to 'appear' at this time in order to boost morale. It seems that Marshal Lothar is also very good at this."

"Hmph, if he didn't even understand this, Quel'Thalas wouldn't have bet everything on him."

The wandering general chuckled, nodded to Saint Diakum, and then disappeared into the crowd with his daughters.

However, as the protagonist of today's small celebration, Ser Tirion Fordring felt somewhat guilty. He was not a person who liked fame and fortune, so after the congratulatory crowd dispersed, he carried the Holy Hammer and found Grand Duke Alexandros Mograine, who was leading the training of the Ash Knights behind the monastery.

Sir Fording whispered:
"Your experience and strength on the path of paladins far surpass mine; the Silver Hand Hammer should be entrusted to you, or else..."

"Hey, we're all brothers in faith, why bother with these things?"

The Grand Duke was in a good mood because he had recently successfully brought his family back, preventing them from suffering from the plague and demonic invasion. Seeing Fording's guilty expression, he immediately waved his hand and said:
"Everyone has witnessed your contributions in the Battle of Stormwind. In my opinion, you are too modest. Besides, you are not the only one who received the sacred relic reward."

Mograine looked around, then, as if sharing a secret, flipped his hand over, and an irregularly shaped Holy Light Crystal jumped into his palm.

That thing shone with the power of gold, and it was clearly no ordinary object.

"This is."

Fording said in surprise:

"Fragments of the Naaru?"

"Yes, from our guardian, His Majesty Naruvolos."

Grand Duke Mograine said with a sigh:
"It is said that His Holiness Volos, following the example of his predecessors, His Holiness the Draenei Guardian Narukara and the Vigilant Saint, also gave some of his Naru body to the most devout and loyal Families of the Light as precious material. Instructor Marad, a valiant general of the Lightforged Chapter, described in detail how to use this sacred object."

Once we perfectly combine our holy light and morality with this crystal, and unleash our own holy light, we can seek out the most outstanding blacksmith to forge our own 'Ash Blade'.

Because it is crafted using its own moral crystals, this holy blade is the most suitable exorcising relic for Holy Light Walkers.

We have a connection with the 'Ashbringer' holy sword, making it the most suitable legacy weapon for the Ashbringer Order. These holy swords will be passed down from generation to generation in the hands of human paladins, eventually becoming sacred symbols of human faith.

So you have absolutely no need to feel guilty about it, Fordring. This artifact from Tyr is good, but it's not suitable for me and my knights.

Let's not talk about this anymore.

The outspoken archbishop secretly took out a wine jug and took a sip, which made Fording's eyes widen. He said:

"Didn't I hear you quit drinking?"

"Yes, I've quit. I've quit three times this month."

The Grand Duke grinned and said:
"But a few days ago, I met a Vigilant and listened to him explain the doctrine of the Holy Light. I then realized that the Draenei doctrine of the Holy Light does not prohibit drinking or consuming alcohol. The Holy Light is a power of the mind, shining only for the brave, the wise, and the benevolent."

As long as justice and righteousness are upheld, the Holy Light will not criticize the personal lives of any follower.

If you ask me, this is what a good faith should be.

"Listen, Fordring, once the Ash Knights have assisted Marshal Lothar in defeating the Greenskins, we will return to the Northlands to fight off the demons and protect our faith. It is said that Light's Hope Chapel is still holding out; it is also our holy site and its safety must be guaranteed."

Mograine said seriously:

"After the Ash Knights return home, you and your Guardians will take over our duty to guard the Holy Land and His Majesty Volos. This is a sacred duty, and we must not allow evil to approach this place."

I will do everything in my power!

Fording responded loudly, saying:
"I believe we will definitely reunite in our hometown, but there are rumors about Marshal Losa..."

"That's something politicians and nobles should be concerned with."

Mograine snorted and said:
"We paladins should be more pure, Fordring. Faith knows no borders, and our oath to protect the people shouldn't be so narrow. As for whether the empire will be rebuilt or who will be emperor, such matters..."
When the northern border is recovered, the people will make their own choice.

"Yeah, that's true."

------

"The people's hearts can be used."

As Diakum boarded the Exodar, which was docked at Thunder Falls, he said to Nellie, who was following him:

"I have just listened to the voices of the warriors. They have recovered from the effects of the plague, and recent events have made them eager to go to war again, defeat the greenskins, and reclaim their homeland."

The longing for their homeland and hatred for the demons in the hearts of those exiles in the northern frontier have also ignited into flames!

Once the Kul Tiran fleet returns more exiles, Lothar can begin to reclaim the western Fertile Lands, then liberate region by region. By the time the Greenskins are defeated, his army will be well-integrated.

By then, the peak of this Burning Legion invasion will have passed, making it the perfect time for Lothar to begin rebuilding the empire.

If all goes well, he should be able to finish this in two or three years.

"There are six kingdoms over there, including Dalaran."

Nelly pouted and said:
"I think it's unlikely. The political clashes alone are enough to overwhelm Losa, but that has nothing to do with us."

I'm heading back to Draenor soon. Khadgar asked me to deliver the Book of Medivh to High Overlord Margok. The Dark Portal is about to open, and I need to go back to coordinate things so I can be stationed in Stormwind as the 'Draenor Ambassador' in the future.

"I'm only going back for a few days."

Dick said:
"The Dark Portal will open in ten days at most."

"Yes, it's only ten days."

Nelly took Diakum's arm in his human form, gave him a hard kiss on the cheek, then waved casually before pushing a box out of Diakum's bedroom on the spaceship.

It was filled with all sorts of extravagantly textured materials from the bodies of the Old Gods, which he wanted to take back to Draenor to have the Mok'Nathal people make him a warbow, and a whole bunch of "Hakkar's Bloodstained Scales" to make a suit of armor.

These are all "boyfriend's love." Nelly says she doesn't care, but she actually appreciates them very much. For a seasoned hunter like her, sending flowers is far less valuable than sending these practical things.

Diakum escorted Nellie to the elevator in Exodar and watched as an old Anzu sent a Dread Raven to take her away. The Dark Portal was not yet open, and the only way to get to Draenor was to ask Aegwynn for help.

Dick wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt that Nelly's smile when she left was a little strange.

"It's probably just my imagination, isn't it?"

The vigilant shrugged, took out his holy book, and returned to his bedroom, preparing to write down some more insights.

The previous Holy Book was completed and given to Marad a few days ago as a birthday gift for his 20,000th birthday. This Holy Book has just been written and is full of his insights into the twin nature of light and shadow.

As soon as he opened the door, his eyes were covered by a pair of fragrant hands, and the holy covenant in his hand was taken away by another pair of slightly colder hands.

"Nellie is gone."

Saloras whispered in his ear:
"Guess what she just told us, the two sisters?"

"By the Holy Light!"

Dick sighed and said:
"Aren't you still weak?"

"Hmm, it seems you don't reject tonight's debate on the 'doctrine of light and shadow,' so can we interpret it as you walking in the light but still having worldly, vulgar desires?"

Aurecis's kiss landed on the guard's other ear, and she whispered:
"This doesn't seem like something a saint would do, after all, theoretically we are your disciples."

Diakum remained quite unfazed by this teasing, or rather, "flirting," replying with a sigh:

"If I say stop, can you two let me quietly comprehend the mysteries of holy light and shadow tonight?"

"What do you think?"

The sound of clothes falling was still so clear in the not-so-quiet bedroom, mainly because the twins' identical archbishop robes were a bit too cumbersome.

The various sacred ornaments, medals, and insignia on it must weigh several kilograms. It's only because the Eredar are physically strong that they can wear such divine robes. If a human wore such a robe, they would probably be out of breath after running just a few steps.

“You were once lost in the light, and you know very well what it feels like to gradually lose yourself.”

"We've just returned from the light, and we almost got lost too. We need to rebuild our connection with the world as soon as possible."

“But we’ve been away from home for over 20,000 years, sir. No, Dick, the things in this constellation that can connect us are dwindling every single day.”

"We are immortal, but the world is not, time is not, and the stars are certainly not, so we should cherish each other even more."

Let us become our connection with the world.

"Help us, help us find those two selves we've almost forgotten. I bet the Gemini in your heart is completely different from the Gemini we are now."

In the twins' unique way of speaking, each saying a sentence yet perfectly connected, Dick took out his handkerchief and wiped the lipstick mark from his face. He didn't open his eyes, but after realizing that the Phantom Brooch had also been removed, he said with some concern:
"Won't this cause injury?"

The twins remained silent for a long time, until Diakum overheard their whispers:

“No wonder Nellie asked us for ‘help’. I thought she was being sarcastic and mocking us, but it turns out she really needed help to ‘share the burden’.”

"Yes, Archbishop Nelly has it tough. This thing seems much more magnificent than I remember. It's terrifying."

(End of this chapter)