Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 312.2. Goldrinn: Oh no! The Holy Light Tauren are here! -Bonus Chapter [45]

(Bonus chapter for "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" [4/5])
Margok's passion for power and greed for strength did frighten Lothar somewhat, but since he had been king for many years and knew how to conduct diplomacy, he stopped there and did not put any more pressure on the marshal.

To get to Sunlight Forest, they had to cross the river at Gerard's Wharf in Elwynn Forest, a wharf that had only been reclaimed from the gnoll hunters a few days earlier.

The corpses left from that battle were burned to prevent them from becoming undead, filling the area around the dock with a burnt smell. However, the dock was small, making it difficult for burly ogres to pass quickly by boat. So the wizard chief simply showed off his skills.

It used Titan-forged runes to unleash an "Ice Age," temporarily freezing the wide river so that its voracious brutes could quickly cross it.

This move definitely earned it a lot of points with Lothar.

In fact, before witnessing the skillful spellcasting of cannibalistic wizards, it was hard for humans to imagine that these seemingly clumsy, fat men could possess such terrifying magical affinity.

As the ogre leader displayed his power, it also learned from Lothar that in addition to serving as a guide, the marshal had a "diplomatic" mission that he had to complete while traveling with it.

"Werewolf?"

Head of State Margok asked in confusion:
"I've seen fel werewolves in the Black Wolf God's hunting pack. Are there were werewolves on Azeroth's native lands? And from what you've said, for the past two months, there's been a constant battle between local werewolves and fel werewolves in Sunlight Forest?"

"To be precise, it was a great war between the black werewolves and the white werewolves, and also a conflict between the hunting packs of Lecanthos and Goldrinn."

Marshal Losa explained:
"The Black Wolf God's hunting pack was powerful and once occupied most of the Sunshine Forest, forcing the White Wolf God's hunting pack to move to Elwynn Forest for temporary refuge. However, as the battle between humans and greenskins intensified, the White Wolf God's hunting pack also recovered its strength, and they have now returned to the Sunshine Forest."

The reason I'm so determined to find them is because the members of the White Wolf God's hunting pack were all humans before.
Goldrinn's blessing transformed them into werewolves, but they were still our brethren.

I've been trying to make contact with them, but the battle is fierce. Now that your reinforcements have arrived in Sunshine Forest, they will surely launch a full-scale counterattack. This is an excellent opportunity.

"I see."

Margok's two heads and three eyes showed considerable interest. It was also eager to test the werewolves' power. With a wave of its hand, a squad of elite tiger-men scouts sped up and disappeared, crossing the river to land on the riverbank of Sunshine Forest for reconnaissance.

Diakum also saw that Goldenmane, that pretentious guy, wink and greet him. This Hagi Tiger now commands several hundred tigermen and is quite imposing, showing a lot of leader's demeanor. From Nelly, Dick knew that the Saber Tigermen had been working on "tribal unification" under Goldenmane's leadership for the past few months.

Because of the draenes' secret support, Goldenmane's unification efforts are progressing quite smoothly. Perhaps in a few years, he will be able to rightfully call himself "King Baki".

Hmm, it sounds similar to the name of a bandit who rules the mountains, but that doesn't stop Tiger Man from thinking it's pretty cool.

"Enemy encountered ahead!"

Sunlight Forest was indeed not peaceful. Just minutes after Diakum and Lothar crossed the frozen river, the tiger-men scouts who were scouting nearby ran into the Black Wolf God's hunting party.

Several orc hunters from the Wolfmane Clan, riding a pack of demon wolves, howled as they attempted to encircle the enemy, only to be routed by a single charge from the ogre warriors.

"You guys are having a bit too much fun bullying humans in Azeroth, aren't you?"
Greenskin!

Have you forgotten your niche in Draenor?

"It's alright, the Goria Empire will soon restore you to your rightful place on the food chain!"

Because of the near destruction of Highmaul, Margok had no good feelings towards the green-skinned orcs.

It personally controlled the few greenskins that tried to break through, and used arcane infusion to burst their bodies to obtain beautiful skulls, which it then gave to its ogre warriors as decorations.

“Wolves are even roaming the riverbank area, so the situation in Sunshine Forest is not optimistic.”

Diakum said to Lothar, who had a serious expression:
“You need to be prepared. These days, there’s been less and less contact between Tranquil Gardens and Stormwind, but they’ve managed to hold on in this siege situation. I suspect the human warriors there may have made some ‘unavoidable choices.’”

Losa did not answer.

He frowned as he mounted his warhorse and, accompanied by Diakum and Margok, quickly bypassed the forest hills of Dawn Forest and headed toward the town of Tranquil Gardens, encountering at least four packs of wolves along the way.

Those demon wolves have already interbred with the local wolf packs, and some black wolves that were not previously found in the Stormwind Kingdom have even been born.

Even supernatural creatures like ghost wolves are scattered throughout the forest, their howls echoing everywhere, while fel werewolves, moving swiftly through the shadows, lurk at them.

"This godforsaken place!"

Margok felt a chill on his neck. The Wizarding Chief said:

"This place has become a complete forest for wolves. The Black Wolf God has taken over this place but has not allowed his wolf pack to advance into the western fertile fields. Does it really intend to fight Goldrin's wolf pack to the death here?"

"The orc war has little to do with the Black Wolf God, and the orcs' pact with Medivh has nothing to do with Lycanthos."

Diakum explained:
"Black Wolf's purpose in returning to Azeroth is quite simple. What we are seeing now is just the prelude to the great battle between the packs. I estimate that their final battle will take place on the continent of Kalimdor, which is Goldrinn's territory."

Given Lycanthos's aggressive approach, it wouldn't rest until it had completely conquered Goldrinn's territory; however, the White Wolf God's hunting party wasn't limited to this area.

The vigilant didn't continue, but Lothar's expression grew even more somber.

The last time he received news from the Kingdom of Gilneas was more than ten days ago, but according to the reports from the Kul Tiran captains who had just escorted the exiles back to the Kingdom of Stormwind, something "terrible" seemed to have appeared in Gilneas.

The White Wolf God was unwilling to be passively attacked, and Goldrinn began to prepare for a counterattack, but the price was that humanity would have to suffer again.

"This is what happens when you don't have a powerful earthly empire to back you up, Lothar."

Emperor Thoradin's thunderous voice resounded in Lothar's spiritual realm; the Barbarian King spoke with fury:
"The current situation of humanity is exactly the same as what I was like back then. We were oppressed by trolls and their Loa gods, and countless of our people were sent to the altar as blood offerings. The situation you are facing now is even more complicated."

But the solution is the same.

You must rebuild the empire. Only when the forces of the Eastern Continent are fully united can these damned monsters be taught not to extend their claws into human territory!
Goldrinn and Lycanthos are cut from the same cloth; they rely on their great power to disregard the rules of mortals and completely disregard the impact of their actions on humanity.

They all deserve a beating!

"Ah."

Lothar nodded, pulled on the reins, and quickly passed through the last stretch of the forest, where he came into view the tranquil garden town that had been completely fortified.

The shamans of Maghar helped the soldiers build simple but functional stone walls and erected several watchtowers around the town. Lothar could see soldiers of the Kursen Brigade patrolling the walls.

As his iron-horse knights raised the battle flag of the Stormwind Kingdom, the enemy responded by waving their own flags, and then the heavy wooden city gates were slowly pushed open.

"King Ryan has sent reinforcements to Sunshine Forest! Our valiant otherworldly allies will fight alongside humanity here!"

Lothar, mounted on his horse, loudly proclaimed, causing the townspeople to cheer immediately. They had truly had enough of being trapped here by the wolves, and their morale would have collapsed long ago if it weren't for the supplies that would be sent from Karazhan.

Diakum noticed that the town of Tranquil Gardens was almost entirely populated by men, all of whom were armed. The women and children had been sent to the town below the tower in Karazhan, where it was relatively safer.

However, due to its proximity to the Black Swamp, it is still vulnerable to attacks from orc wolf riders within the swamp.

The two towns maintained a fairly coordinated rotation mechanism, and the vigilant even spotted some "light-eating" priests posing as healers in the towns.

These beings have been disciplined considerably since coming into contact with the Holy Light. They are no longer as weak and unruly as before, but instead possess the solemnity and dignity befitting believers. Moreover, aside from their dark skin, the elegant elven form of the Nightborne is a huge plus for humans.

Just as there is a "hierarchy of contempt" among elves, it is almost inevitable that humans, a short-lived species, will admire elves. The large families in the northern frontier have always regarded having elven female slaves as a kind of "dark competition".

“Follow this road and you’ll reach the Upwind Path; the tower there is easy to find.”

Diakum said to the ogre leader:
“Lothar and I will stay here for now. You go to the town over there and set up your own command post. But Margok, I understand your thirst for knowledge and power, but you also need to pay attention to the war in Sunlight Forest.”

We can't let the people of Azeroth laugh at us Draenors.

“I understand. I’ve already decided to place a heavy bet on Marshal Lothar, as this is even related to the future of the Goria Empire. Of course, I’m aware of this.”

The Wizard King laughed heartily.

This creature never concealed its purpose for this trip. It left its warriors to be led by three valiant centurions, and also left its general, Gorac, here as commander. After greeting Lothar, it set off for Karazhan under the escort of a squad of one-eyed demon guards.

The local lord, Duke Eberlock, came to greet Lothar, but the marshal, without exchanging pleasantries, went straight to the point and asked:
Where are Bolvar and Gavinrad?

Who are you talking about?

Duke Eberlock still intended to play dumb.

But the hint of panic in his eyes couldn't lie. Realizing that Lothar wouldn't leave without an answer, this reasonably responsible lord sighed and whispered:

"I can't tell you their whereabouts because the Bloodfang Hunting Pack is the town's 'benefactor.' They've saved us at least five times in the past two months!"
On the most critical night, it was the mighty Bloodfang Alpha Wolf who led the pack to break through the Black Wolves' encirclement three times to rescue our soldiers. Marshal, you cannot understand the complex feelings these soldiers have for them.

Although everyone knows to be cautious when dealing with werewolves, to be honest…

The Duke hesitated for a moment, then said:
"Now, almost every few days, people run into the forest to join the Bloodfang Hunters. They are warriors who have lost their families or are seriously injured and cannot be cured, as well as some old people who are afraid of death."

While transforming into a werewolf means losing one's human identity, the youthful energy and self-healing abilities that come with it are exactly what warriors need most.

Let me put it this way.

The reason I can still serve as the lord here and command the townspeople is because Bloodfang Alpha Wolf made me do so.

"I'll say something that will anger you, but King Ryan no longer rules this forest."

"I won't be angry about this, just tell me where to find them! They are still the warriors of Stormwind, and werewolves are nothing but..."

Losa couldn't find a suitable adjective for a moment, so Diakum spoke up at the opportune moment:

"Werewolves are a 'subspecies' of humans, just a tiny branch on the evolutionary tree. If they can transform from humans to werewolves, then under certain conditions, werewolves can definitely transform back into humans." "Really? I recognize you! You're the great hero who saved this town!"

The old duke was overjoyed. He grasped Diakum's hand and pleaded:

"You must find a way to restore the werewolf, my little daughter. Alas, she was bitten by a demon wolf, and those dark-skinned elf priests couldn't save her. In desperation, I had to ask the Bloodfang Alpha Wolf to take her away."

She survived, but refused to return home.

That silly child thought I would despise her, but no matter what she becomes, she will always be my Althea.

"No wonder you protect them in every way."

The vigilant immediately understood.

Because of his promise, the young and vigorous duke finally stopped insisting and revealed the location of the Bloodfang Hunting Pack, near a valley called "Roland's Tomb," a place named after a local nobleman.

Diakum and Lothar went there alone. After leaving the seemingly peaceful town, Diakum said to Lothar:

"The 'Wolf Worship Cult' has already taken shape, and the Sunshine Forest will become its birthplace. If you don't intend to interfere, the human empire will have another faith that leans towards life and darkness."

"If Bolvar created this belief system, and if it was to better resist the Greenskins' evil god, then why should I interfere?"

Lothar countered:
"The appearance of werewolves is an unchangeable fact, Saint Diakum. Can I kill them all? They are my brothers and comrades-in-arms, and they are still fighting for the kingdom."

"Ahead! Keep moving forward! Why are you two taking so long? Hurry up!"

As the two were making their way along the difficult mountain path, a black raven suddenly leaped out of the darkness and landed on Diakum's shoulder, startling Lothar. But he quickly realized that this was the messenger of the "Midnight Raven God".

"Greyfang Gavinrad was injured by the priest of the Black Wolf God. He was badly injured."

Ansu's little crow shrieked:
"It refused Goldrinn's treatment and was unwilling to venture deeper into the wild nature. Even after becoming a werewolf, that guy still believed in the Holy Light. According to my observation, that guy has been in constant pain."

During the time they hid in Elwynn Forest, it secretly approached Northshire Abbey, but ultimately did not go in.

"Dick, you have to think of something, or that stubborn werewolf general, loyal to the Holy Light, is really going to die."

"That's what I'm here for."

The vigilant quickened his pace and said to Losa:

"You distract Bolvar and the other werewolves, I'll go rescue Gavinrad and bring him back to the Holy Light!"

"How to do it?"

Losa asked anxiously and curiously:

"Lightforged? But can the Holy Light really accept a monster like a werewolf?"

"Holy Light encompasses all things! If there are suitable undead, I can even perform the amazing skill of 'Lightforged Undead' for you."

The vigilant waved his hand and said:

"You're a Lightwalker now, Lothar, have some faith in your beliefs. Of course, that requires Gavinrad to have extremely firm faith, and I suspect Goldrinn won't let us take away its personally selected hunters so easily."

But this is a conflict between me and it; you don't need to get involved.

"it is good."

Lothar agreed and took out his longsword, which was wrapped in black cloth behind his back.

As they approached Roland's Tomb, Lothar glanced ahead and discovered that the valley was teeming with gray-maned werewolves, in considerable numbers.

Many of the werewolves were still wearing ill-fitting soldier armor. Their alpha wolf, Bolvar Fordragon, was under a tent in the center of the valley, while several werewolves frolicked around the fire, occasionally letting out childish howls.

Aside from their ferocious appearance, which is different from that of humans, this settlement is no different from travelers taking a temporary rest, which fully proves that werewolves also have their own emotions.

"Bolvar! I'm here! Anduin Lothar is here!"

Lothar's roar echoed outside the valley of Roland's Tomb as he shouted:
“I’ve been trying to meet with you in Elwynn Forest. Stormwind is waiting for its heroes to return, but you’ve been avoiding us. I won’t give up, Bolvar. Come out, we need to talk!”

"Ow"

The first wolf howl rang out, followed by a chorus of eerie howls.

The werewolves in the valley howled at the top of their lungs, then turned around and furtively glanced at their alpha wolf.

Bolvar Fordragon, with his pure white mane and not a single stray hair, opened his eyes. A complex emotion flashed in his blood-red eyes. He then grabbed the two golden raiding swords beside him, put them on his waist, and stretched his massive body as he walked outside.

Several werewolves blocked its way, looking at their leader in terror.

Bolvar's werewolf face contorted into a terrifying grin. He gently patted the heads of a few werewolves with his menacing claws, signaling them to stay put. Then, led by him, the werewolves in the valley charged down the ridge into the night to confront their former leader.

Almost simultaneously, Diakum, riding the legendary Kaher Abyss, stealthily infiltrated the Tomb of Roland during a shadow shift.

The place got its name because there is indeed a graveyard in the valley, as well as an abandoned mine, where the badly injured Gavinrad and other wounded werewolves recuperated.

After leaping over several shadows, Diakum rode the Voidfish to the depths of the mine. He quickly arrived at a badly wounded gray-maned werewolf, which was even emitting a putrid smell, and was curled up on a blanket, coughing with difficulty. Beside its blood-stained blanket was a rough icon.

It was a holy symbol carved out of its own claws and wood. There was no light shining on it, but it was clear that the werewolf regarded this icon as its most precious possession.

"What a glorious faith, what a faithful righteousness."

Diakum was moved by this scene.

He dismounted from the saddle of the Kah's Abyss Walker, and his presence immediately alerted the surrounding werewolves. But before they could utter a sound, Diakum threw out a mass confession, causing the werewolves to fall into a coma of mental torture.

He strode toward the weakened Gavinrad, knelt down, and placed his hand on the wounded werewolf's wounds. He first used a healing spell to treat it and preserve its life force, and then called upon the Holy Light to complete the Lightforging for Gavinrad.

But the moment the holy light fell, a low wolf howl resounded in Diakum's mind, and the lightforging ritual was interrupted by Goldrinn's power before it could even begin.

The White Wolf God was unwilling to see his warriors taken away by the Holy Light.

"Then let's have a fight!"

The vigilant shouted:

"This soul belongs to the Holy Light! To bring him back into the Light, I am willing to challenge you, Rebellious Moon!"

"Ow"

Goldling's response was filled with a chilling aura of carnage, and it was also happy to engage in a battle with the Watchers from afar to determine Gavinrad's fate.

But just as both sides were about to draw their knives, Diakum suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"Do you need help?"

Argus's Star Soul seemed to have just woken up, still somewhat sleepy, but his deep voice indicated that after being replenished by the power of creation from Azeroth, the Star Soul Lord had completely shaken off his weakness.

"of course."

Dick smiled easily, gestured for them to proceed, and said:

“That’s the little wolfhound that Lady Elune longed for but couldn’t have. It does need to be disciplined. You can consider it rehabilitation exercise.”

Amidst the shimmering starlight, Goldrinn, who was approaching in spirit form, was suddenly pulled into a strange spiritual world by a powerful force.

A blue giant wearing a golden mask stretched his body and barked at it:
“My sister is in danger. As Her creation, you white wolf, instead of thinking about how to protect the world, you spend your days indulging in the low-level pleasures of conflict and battle.”
OK!

"Then I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of my sisters, you little wolfhound."

"Ow?"

Goldrinn stared blankly at the powerful Star Soul before him.

No, man!
Who are you?!

What does the battle between the black wolf and the white wolf have to do with you?

Don't meddle in other people's business. Have some sense of boundaries, okay?

Then, Goldrinn noticed a silver moon sneaking around at the edge of the sky in this spiritual realm, seemingly spying on something.

When Goldling saw the moon, he became very angry.

Enraged, the white wolf howled and pounced, only to be grabbed by the neck and slammed to the ground with a thud by Lord Argus. Its fur flew wildly, its large tail thrashed about, but it couldn't break free and even let out a weak, mournful howl.

Yes, that's how you deal with a rude puppy.

(End of this chapter)