Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 340, Section 30: The Emperor's Regal Demeanor - Principal and Secondary Contradictions
"Orgrim Doomhammer led a group of elite orcs to Hammerfall to help the humans of Arathi Basin?"

On the Exodar spaceship flying high in the sky, Diakum, who had just received the latest news, looked surprised. His question made Marlaad, who was standing in front of him, look puzzled.

My great-uncle said in a low voice:

“It’s not called ‘Hammerfall Town,’ sir. It’s just an unnamed valley.”

His Majesty Solas and Khadgar were there. Based on the firsthand intelligence sent back by Anzu, they decided to temporarily cooperate with the Orgrim Greenskins and launch a counterattack with the assistance of the Orcs, targeting the demon commanders.

This is clearly a classic tactic of luring the enemy.

They planned to lure Manonos the Destroyer out of the fallen Stromgarde, which was definitely an orcish scheme. We can now confirm that the demonic blood the orcs drank was an evil gift from Manonos.

Only a powerful demon like it could bestow upon the greenskins a blessing of brutal power through the corruption of their blood.

“That place might really become ‘Molten Core,’ but that’s not up to us to decide.”

Diakum made a casual remark and then continued with his work.

He was currently on the navigation platform, fulfilling his "duty" in the form of a Crystal Naaru.

That's right, the Vigilant is now the "light engine" and "navigator" that propels this spaceship forward.

This spaceship was supposed to be piloted by Naru Volos, but Diakum is also a Naru, and he can do what Volos can do.

how to say?

The experience of becoming a spaceship engine is quite amazing.

While on the navigation platform, Diakum could feel his holy light power being continuously drawn from and amplified throughout the ship, then converted into the power that propelled the Exodar at high speed through the atmosphere via complex energy devices.

Overall, it's not uncomfortable, and the energy extraction is still within a controllable range.

The only problem is that he cannot move freely in this situation, otherwise the spaceship will lose power and crash like the Genidal.

"At our current speed, we will arrive at Arathi Highlands in two hours."

At the navigation console, Archbishop Saloras activated the ship's internal communications system, reporting to the soldiers in other compartments:
"The standard assault tactics of the Holy Light Legion will be employed. The Lightforged will be deployed into the battlefield first, while human warriors will await the second wave of deployments to provide support. Furthermore, Marshal Lothar, please proceed to the navigation station immediately upon receiving this notification!"

As Diakum watched Saloras complete the report with practiced ease, he thought that if the twins didn't become archbishops of the Holy Light Legion, they could probably make a living as messengers at any train station.

Look at them, how skilled they are!

Lothar, whose name was called over the spaceship's broadcast, quickly arrived at the navigation station. He wasn't alone; his fierce half-elf fiancée had come with him.

Colonel Daenerys is one-quarter Arathi, and by seniority, King Thoras has to call her "aunt," so Stormgard can be considered Daenerys's "second home." Upon hearing that her nephew was trapped by demons, Colonel Daenerys immediately volunteered for the support mission.

She was a legendary warrior, possessing the power inherited from a barbarian lord, and was a master at slaying demons. Diakum had no reason to refuse her permission to accompany him.

Marad informed Lothar of His Majesty Thoras's decision, and Lothar's expression darkened upon learning that the remnants of the Arathi Highlands were cooperating with the Greenskins.

But as a leader, Lothar has a good grasp of the bigger picture.

Especially after realizing that Orgrim Doomhammer was "for real" this time, Lothar's mind raced. He looked up at Diakum in his Crystal Naaru form and asked:
"How credible do you think the Greenskins are that they're after the Sabot's head?"

"You already have the answer in your heart, Lothar."

In his Crystal Naaru form, the Vigilant was like a "crystal person," his speech possessing a uniquely Naaru ethereal and clear quality. Surrounded by five swirling golden cherubs, he said:
"Malonos is the source of the Greenskins' demonic blood, and all the Greenskins' demonic power today comes from it. Theoretically speaking, Greenskins are the 'familiars' of the Destroyers, and they will be greatly hindered when facing the Destroyers."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about!"

Lothar explained:
"I have no doubt about the orcs' fighting strength. Although the two sides are enemies, I believe that Orgrim's elite can break through the demons' encirclement. However, as you said, once the Destroyers appear, will those greenskins still be able to control their sanity?"
Will they defect under the orders of the demon's lord?

If that happens, His Majesty Solas and his warriors will be doomed.

"Moreover, the Greenskins' strength when facing mortals cannot be directly converted into their combat power when facing demons."

Colonel Daenerys, wearing the Phoenix Helmet, cautiously said:
"Especially a great demon of the level of the Destroyer Manonos, if even you have to take its threat seriously, then can a group of orc chieftains, even if they are strong enough to resist the call of demon blood, really be capable of killing the great demon?"
Forgive my bluntness, but this doesn't seem like something we mere mortals could do.

Diakum nodded and said:

"So they need help, help from the Lightforged, assistance from humanity, help from you! That's why I've called you here, Lothar, and Daenerys."

When you have the ability to assist the Greenskins in slaying the Great Demon, will you lend them a helping hand?

Let me make it clear beforehand that I will not force you to make a choice. I am just reminding you of the situation that may occur on the battlefield. You also don't need to worry about my attitude towards combat. Even if the orcs fail to decapitate the Destroyer, I will take over this responsibility and personally carry out the execution of the Destroyer!

This is the duty that the Holy Light has given me.

"The Vigilant means that you will decide the fate of these orcs!"

The navigation console fell silent. Under Diakum's gaze, Saloras, shrouded in shadow, explained softly:
"If both sides complete the decapitation of the great demon, then Marshal Lothar, when the orcs are exhausted, you can join forces with His Majesty Solas's army to bury those orcs in the Arathi Highlands."

Commander Diakum had even come up with a name for the valley in advance: 'Hammerfall Town'.

You should be able to fully understand that Orgrim Doomhammer brought the true high command of the War Horde. Even if most of those guys didn't actually participate in the attack on Stormwind, you still have enough reason to deal with this big problem here.

If Orgrim really dies in Arathi Highlands, and if that valley really becomes 'Hammerfall Town', I think the situation facing Stormwind Kingdom will be reversed in an instant.

You should be well aware that a Greenskin led by an outstanding leader and a disorganized Greenskin are two completely different military concepts.

You may never find such a good opportunity again.

"Are you trying to entice me to do this, Archbishop Saloras?!"

Marshal Losa said in a deep voice:
"After defeating the demon together, they immediately turn against each other on the battlefield and bury their temporary allies in order to gain more benefits?"

Saloras gave a subtle smile in response to his questioning.

The Archbishop of Holy Twilight said softly:

"I had heard before that Khadgar refused to become the Guardian because the young man did not want to become a cold-blooded person who was high above others, always talking about 'greater interests' and ignoring the feelings of others."

I think this kind of thinking might also suit you.

Given that both sides are enemies and have a blood feud, is it possible to temporarily set aside hatred for the sake of more important goals?

I can tell you definitively that Orgrim Doomhammer's actions this time were a gamble! He couldn't possibly be unaware of the risks involved; he was betting that you would choose to let them go under these circumstances.

Although you two leaders have never actually met, Orgrim knows you well. He has studied your character, determined that you have your own sense of morality and honor, and is convinced that you will be on the battlefield today.

He didn't even need to form a temporary alliance with King Solas to use the humans trapped in the valley as bait to better hunt down the demon commander.

The 'temporary alliance letter' that was sent was not addressed to Solas and Khadgar.

That letter is for you!
The so-called 'Demon Slayer Initiative' is actually Orgrim Doomhammer's attempt to reach an agreement with you on the battlefield, hoping that, at least for today, both sides can fight side by side against a common enemy.

The green-skinned chieftain is waiting for your reply, and your choice will directly determine whether their destination can continue to extend forward.

As Lightforged, we won't rashly intervene in the epic saga of human civilization, but personally, I'm truly looking forward to seeing what choices you'll make on the battlefield.

Saloras turned around and glanced at the Heart of Azeroth ring on Commander Diakum's finger.

She said softly:

"When personal emotions, kingdom interests, civilizational grudges, and the world's desires clash, which side will you, as a leader, stand on?"
This is very important.

Especially in this turbulent era.

Of course, we can assure you that whatever choice you make, the Lightforged Chapter will stand by your side. This is something Commander Diakum has already decided, and it will not be changed because of the fate of a bunch of greenskins.

We're not friends with the green-skinned people either.

A moment later, Lothar and Daenerys left the navigation station, feeling immense pressure.

The "white soldier" waiting outside was pretending to be an adult, whistling at the Lightforged female warriors on duty around him, trying to show off his coolness. But when he saw Sir Lothar, he couldn't maintain his "cool guy" demeanor. He ran over like a madman to follow his elder, keeping a close eye on his surroundings while looking around warily, pretending to be a very powerful Führer's guard.

With the Vigilant stationed on board, the Exodar is probably the safest place in all of Azeroth during the current demonic invasion.

However, the astute White Pawn quickly noticed the somber look on Marshal Lothar's face.

He asked in a low voice:
"What's wrong, Marshal? Is something serious?"

"It's hard to explain in just a few words, Varian, no, White Soldier."

Lothar shook his head, looking at the boy who was willing to undergo the painful rituals of the forest spirits to gain power in order to protect his people, and asked:
"If I were to choose to cooperate with the Greenskins to kill the great demon that destroyed Stromgarde, child, would you blame me?"

Why do you want to cooperate with the green-skinned people?

Varian blinked and said:
"Can't we do it ourselves?" "Idiot, if we could do everything ourselves, we wouldn't be so conflicted now."

Daenerys reached out and tapped the white soldier's helmet in frustration.

Her special status led her to regard Varian as her junior, and she explained the current situation. Varian didn't quite understand the complex meaning behind her explanation, and he stubbornly said:
"So those who came to kill demons were 'good greenskins'? And you're hesitating whether to let them go after the war? Of course you should! They helped us, and if we turn around and kill them, wouldn't that make us the bad guys?"

"What if those greenskins run away and then go to Stormwind to start a war?"

Daenerys scolded:
"Some opportunities, once missed, are gone forever!"

"If they dare to come again, we'll defeat them again! We've already defeated them in Elwynn Forest, and next we'll reclaim Redridge Mountains and other places. If we could defeat them the first time, we can definitely do it again!"

Varian said loudly:

“We don’t need to accept their kindness at all. Today we’re letting them go because they did something good. This is our ‘reward’ for them! We’re just sparing their lives.”

Marshal Lothar's outstretched arms may reward his friends, but they will also terrify his enemies! We are not afraid of the war started by the Greenskins, so why would we be afraid to join forces with them to fight against the demons?

And I think, surely there must be at least one good person among so many green-skinned people, right?
For example, 'Black Pawn', he's on the ship right now!
He was also a green-skinned man.

But even the Lightforged respected him, because he was truly formidable at slaying demons.

"That's such a childish idea."

Daenerys was amused and exasperated by Varian's reply.

She turned to look at Lothar, only to see that her fiancé seemed to have made his decision. Facing the half-elf's questioning gaze, Lothar whispered:
"The main objective now is to defeat the demons rampaging in the Arathi Highlands and rescue His Majesty Solas. As for what to do next, I cannot make a decision yet, but Varian's words reminded me that if these greenskins are not just going crazy and coming to their deaths, then they must have a complete plan."

I need to know what they're going to do next in order to make the right judgment.

Let's go.

"Head to the landing craft, prepare for battle!"

On the other side, at the navigation console, Saloras looked at the vigilant and said:

What kind of decision do you think Losa will make?

"I don't know, but whether he decides to bury Orgrim Doomhammer or let the Greenskins complete their 'redemption,' I won't interfere."

Lothar is the "hand of fate" that I, a "fate rebel," chose in Azeroth. I expect him to shape a more glorious trajectory of destiny, but that doesn't mean he is my puppet.

So let's focus on the present.

Diakum answered in the ethereal voice of the Naaru:
"Saloras, help me maintain Ashbringer and restore that 'Broken Blade' to a combat-ready state. I don't mind leaving the chance to wash away the shame to the Greenskins, but only after I have vented my divine wrath."

The Destroyer and his Annihrans had not experienced the final battle of Argus, so the tyrannical abyss lords, relying on the blessing of fel energy, showed no respect for the 'Butcher of the Light'.

The 'lesson' they missed, we'll make it up to them today!

------

Grom Hellscream walked among the demons.

He rode his dire wolf across the battlefield with a leisurely pace, carrying the Bloodhowl sword wreathed in flames. He didn't kill frequently, but every demon commander he targeted would meet his end with a headshot in a fit of rage.

He really is different from before.

No longer recklessly chasing every possible battle, nor venting anger indiscriminately on senseless weaklings, but rather cautiously using the power he has accumulated, striving to deliver the swiftest kill in every strike.

He quickly found a new goal.

A doomsday Valkyrie is leading the Man'ari sorcerers stealthily towards the human king's front line. It seems they intend to capture Thoras Trollbane in a surprise attack, thereby completely crushing the morale of humanity.

These guys are really cunning.

As elite demons under Kil'jaeden's command, they are almost a different species from the demons that appeared in Draenor. Even if their commander is killed, the remaining demons will continue to fight according to their last command until the last one of them falls.

The raging demons also developed willpower, which amplified their destructive power.

But Grom felt that such an opponent was meaningful. He was perhaps tired of those boring killings, as if he had forgotten the true meaning of the word "honor" a long time ago.

So he used his battle axe in a “stingy” way.

"Ow"

The dire wolf howled and ran under its master's sway.

Grom, holding Bloodhowl upside down, charged toward his target, felling any who stood in his way with a single axe blow. As he charged toward the Valkyrie of Doom, the chieftain, having gathered his strength, leaped from his saddle, tracing a perfect arc through the air, and brought his axe down on the high-ranking demon in the astonished gaze of the demon.

"boom"

It's like a watermelon bursting open.

The scorching, sharp blood howl slid smoothly down the Valkyrie's head, splitting her grotesque demonic body in two as her skull shattered.

Grom didn't linger after landing; he rolled toward the Aman'ri warlocks in front of him, then spun around with a storm of blazing blades.

A few seconds later, when Grom rode away on his dire wolf again, all that remained was a pitiful pile of charred bones.

His expression remained unchanged, showing neither the joy of slaying a powerful enemy nor the satisfaction of unleashing his anger; only the light in his blood-red eyes shone brighter.

It didn't resemble the gleaming light of a drawn blade, but rather the sharpening of a deadly weapon before sheathing it again.

Each kill increased his momentum, only to be suppressed again, like a swung hammer constantly striking, making his fine blade even more solid and deadly amidst the sparks flying.

"What a mad beast!"

Khadgar, who was on another high ground, had been secretly observing this strange orc chieftain.

He had never seen Grom Hellscream on the battlefields of Stormwind, but he had heard tales of the man from the warriors of the K'uree Alliance.

Khadgar had initially thought the Mag'har orcs were just exaggerating for Grom, but seeing them on the battlefield today made him realize just how dangerous the top warriors among the orcs could be.

Khadgar couldn't help but imagine what it would have been like if Grom Hellscream had been by Fenris Wolfskin's side on the night Stormwind was attacked.
hiss.

Don't dare to think about it.

"I'm telling you, when Grom was killing those demon commanders, you, the mage, were you peeking from the sidelines, weren't you?"

Kargath Bladefist's sinister voice rang out beside Khadgar, sending chills down the mage's spine. He turned the ice storm that was originally aimed at the demon in front of him and threw it behind him, but Kargath nimbly dodged it with Shadowstep.

The green-skinned assassin master, carrying three demon heads bound together, said disdainfully to Khadgar:
"Garona didn't come? Why are you all alone here? Doesn't she know that without her protection, a pathetic wretch like you would run into those terrifying green-skinned assassins on the road and be hacked to death?"
Ha, that staff can't protect you.

You have absolutely no idea how to properly use Medivh's power!

"Lady Pasonia will take your head, Kargath!"

Khadgar scolded:

"Because of your crime of assassinating King Ryan, we will certainly..."

"Save it."

Kargath tossed the demon's head at the mage's feet and waved his hand, saying:

"Many people want to kill me, and my precious head is not for you humans to take. I've come to remind you that the Black Wolf God said the Destroyer has already set off from Stromgarde, and the demons here are in defeat, which has angered it."

The real tough nut to crack is coming.

We're short of spellcasters, Khadgar. When it arrives, you'll need to help out while we create an opportunity for Grom to assassinate it!
You must trap Maronus.

"How long will you be trapped?"

Khadgar stroked the Guardian's Staff in his hand and said:
"That thing is connected to the Twisting Nether; I can't control it for long!"

"It won't take long."

The Assassin Master touched his burning fist blade and said:
"Just give Grom a chance to chop off his battle axe, once, or twice? Look at that guy now. If the Destroyer doesn't die here today, he won't rest in peace even in hell."

Ha, let me tell you a terrible secret: Khadgar, Grom Hellscream actually died at Diakum's hands a long time ago. The reason he hasn't gone to hell yet is simply because he made a deal with Death.

His wish remains unfulfilled; how can he collapse?

(End of this chapter)