Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 345. Stromgarde, land blessed by the Black Wolf, may you rest in peace.

"I can understand that the Greenskins took Manonos's bones to commemorate the end of their years of enslavement, but they took too much, didn't they?"

Archbishop Saloras of the Holy Twilight looked at the demon skeleton before her, most of which had been taken away, and sighed:

"I had planned to take the Destroyer's skeleton back and reassemble it in the exhibition hall of the Exodar starship as a display of the Lightforged Chapter's formidable prowess, but now that's all that's left, there's no point in taking it back."

"At least we can piece together a mutilated head and a spine, which is not bad."

Diakum didn't seem to care about the dismantled remains of the great demon before him. He looked at the "burial ground" and the "petrified heart" placed among the remains with an appreciative gaze.

In the darkness behind the two, the great war between humans and demons was nearing its end. Under the leadership and assistance of the Lightforged warriors, General Danas Trollbane successfully took control of the Arathi army and led his indomitable warriors to drive the demons out of the battlefield.

The demon legion led by Manonos was a truly elite force. The demons did not flee because of the defeat of the Great Demon. On the contrary, they retreated in a well-planned manner to the ruins of Stromgarde, clearly intending to use it as their stronghold in the material world to launch a more resolute resistance.

While lower-ranking demons may lack intelligence, higher-ranking demon commanders do possess some talent, especially those personally trained by Kil'jaeden. They understand the strategic significance of Stromgarde, the ancient city that guards the entrance to the northern frontier.

As long as that city is occupied, it will be very difficult for the people of the southern border to move north.

Although the Destroyer has fallen, the Burning Legion's grand plan to invade Azeroth must continue.

The continent of Kalimdor was not under their jurisdiction, but the demons' will to serve the Dark Titans made them unwilling to give up the northern frontier of the eastern continent that had already fallen into their hands.

They intend to transform this place into a "land of demons," thereby dividing the physical boundaries between the civilized world and the demonic realm, much like drawing a line across the Arathi Strait in the central part of the eastern continent—or, in more elegant terms, "dividing the seas for rule." If humanity fails to reclaim Stromgarde, it means their influence will be completely severed from the northern frontier, and the land that nurtured human civilization will be lost from their hands forever.

The vigilant did not intervene in the ongoing war behind the lines.

That was a battle between humans and demons. He, an ancient Eredar, had already fulfilled his duty by bringing reinforcements. Besides, if he were to steal Lothar's thunder, how could the prestige of the human emperor spread far and wide?

Diakum approached the enormous demon heart before him. He had left this thing behind during the purification of the Holy Light burst, and he certainly had his reasons. The hearts of the abyss lords were the source of their power, and in many of the warlocks' forbidden spells, the demon heart was a very important ritual item.

The heart of a high-ranking demon like Annihelan has other uses. For example, after the Destroyer died, its heart quickly "petrified," and the outer layer became exceptionally tough, feeling like some kind of steel material, but the power belonging to the Great Demon was tightly locked inside.

When Diakum's fingers touched it, he could still feel the powerful echo, like a heartbeat.

“Take it back and give it to the light casting craftsmen.”

Dick turned to Saloras and said:

"Have the craftsmen use this as the base to make a shield for me. The power of Manonos will be used for my purposes, and only a weapon made of this material can perfectly receive my infusion of holy light."

"Would you like a weapon made new?"

Saloras asked:

“I can understand your feelings for Ashbringer, but it was shattered once again in your battle with the Destroyer. Even with the Lightforged craftsmen’s best efforts to repair it, this artifact can hardly withstand your full power.”

Diakum glanced at the Ashbringer stuck in the ground beside him.

The blade of the Holy Blade was shattered even more severely after this battle. The celestial gold, shaped by the holy flames, struggled to maintain the shape of the blade in an irregular manner, but it could no longer be completely closed. It could only be "glued" together by chains of energy formed by holy light, and there were also fine golden lightning bolts wrapped around the broken blade.

Under normal circumstances, such weapons are indeed obsolete.

But Dick has no intention of giving up on it.

Under Saloras's gaze, the Vigilant raised the Broken Blade in his hand, his fingers tracing the shattered blade of the holy weapon, and then golden runes danced before his eyes:

Weapon Name: Ashbringer - Shattered Reckoning

Weapon Quality: Force Artifact

Weapon status: Shattered, Melted, Moral Infusion, Relic Ascension
Weapon Traits: None
Weapon effects:

This weapon is in a special state of advancement. Its original blade was broken, but the application of Holy Light and the Profound Mysteries of the Path has given it the potential to advance to an even greater state.

Currently, all the weapon's special effects have been lost, but it will continuously reshape itself according to the user's will and power inclinations until it is finally reconstructed at the conceptual level.

hint!

This process requires the user to continuously infuse their own morality into the weapon to create resonance. This process consumes a lot of time and energy, but when the weapon awakens 'conceptual power', the weapon will be promoted to 'cosmic wonder'.

Manufacturer: Diakum Zastins.

"It is not broken, Saloras. This is just a stage in the weapon's advancement. It will eventually unleash its power again."

Diakum explained to his secretary and lover:
"Not just Ashbringer, but Twilight's Hammer too. These two loyal weapons have embarked on a journey of power with me, and I will never fail them. Of course, with the Heart of Azeroth, most battles in this world don't require powerful weapons as a medium of power for me."

"Everything about you is so mysterious and strange."

Saloras grinned, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and opened her arms to Dick. The Vigilant picked her up and gave her a kiss, but this secret emotional release didn't last long.

As the Arkenite crystal in Diakum's bag vibrated, a message arrived from the Exodar ship currently docked in the nearby mountains.

"King Thoras Thorbane is on his deathbed. He is not a devout believer and therefore has refused the Lightforged. Lothar informed me that the King of Stromgarde has a final request and hopes that I can grant it for him."

Diakum glanced at Saloras, whose cheeks were flushed and who was panting heavily, and said:

"Let's quickly tidy things up and listen to his last wishes before that respectable soul passes away."

------

"You! Prepare lightforging for me immediately!"

Colonel Daenerys glared at Solas Thalbane, who lay on the hospital bed before her, and, adopting the air of an elder, reprimanded her troublesome nephew:
“You are the King of Stromgarde. Your city, your territory, and your people are being harassed by demons. You have your duties. How can you allow yourself to abandon your mission at this moment?”
This is not a choice a man of the Thorbane family should make!

"cough cough"

King Solas, his face as pale as paper, sighed. He could feel the chill and weakness coursing through him, and even within this starship of holy light, he could sense the call of death.

Faced with his aunt's scolding, he weakly waved his hand and said:

“I am just a lay believer, Aunt Daenerys. I absolutely cannot pass the trial of the Holy Light. I know how undevoted I am, and witnessing the fall of Stromgarde has brought me to the brink of mental collapse. If I were to step into the Holy Light now, there would only be one tragic end.”

You don't need to insist anymore.

Me too
Sigh, just consider me a coward.

"But you're not!"

Daenerys' tone softened.

She sighed and reached out to stroke the cheek of the younger generation she had watched grow up, ascend the throne, rule the kingdom, and gradually grow old.

She whispered:

"I know you're not a coward. You're a true Arathi, someone who will never stop fighting as long as there's hope. You led your knights and warriors to victory against the demons. I don't believe that the demonic longsword piercing your body could so easily shatter your proud soul!"
You must have made this decision for some other reason. Tell me, Solas, tell me why you did it?

His Majesty Solas fell silent.

Faced with his relatives' questions, he sighed and said in a hoarse voice:
“I received information from the ancestor Farondis. He asked me to assist Anduin Lothar in rebuilding the Empire. He said it was just a suggestion, but as you and I both know, when the ancestor made such a ‘suggestion,’ it meant that he had already made a decision.”

Your betrothal to Lothar also signifies that Quel'Thalas has placed its bet.

The rebuilding of the human empire may be unstoppable, but I am, after all, the King of Stromgarde! Aunt, I also have my own legal system to uphold!
cough cough

He coughed violently. Even though the filth left by the demonic longsword that had pierced his abdomen had been cleansed by the Lightforged priests, the weakness it brought still made Thoras Trollbane feel dizzy.

He closed his eyes and said with difficulty:

"I am not unaware of the benefits of rebuilding the empire, but how can the king bow down so easily?"

The legal system of Stromgarde has stood on this land for over two thousand years. We have been reduced to a state where only Stromgarde remains while our other territories have been occupied by other kingdoms. We have also been prosperous enough to invade Alterac and Tirisfal, forcing Lordaeron to submit.

Those Histories
That's not the history of the Arathor Empire, Aunt!

That's the history of Stromgarde.

Perhaps my kingdom will eventually disappear into history, but as the last king of this kingdom, I will walk this final path in my rightful place. Ah, in my hands, Stromgarde, which had never fallen in two thousand years, fell to the hands of demons, and before my eyes, the proud Arathi were nearly broken in two.

I.
I have failed my ancestors; the glory of Ignatius has been tarnished because of me; I am a king who has lost his kingdom.

No! You are not!

General Danas Trollbane, who had just rushed from the battlefield, burst into the room without even changing out of his blood-stained armor. His face filled with grief, he knelt beside his elder and cried out:
"Please hold on! I will soon lead my warriors into Stromgarde. I will reclaim our city for you and will never allow the demons to continue their desecration of our sacred land. Your Majesty, I will!"

"No, child, brave Danas."

His Majesty Solas looked with relief at the weeping Danas Trollbane. This young man was far superior to his son, Garin Trollbane. Solas had once harbored personal desires regarding the succession to the throne, but now he had come to terms with it.

He reached out his cold, trembling hand and stroked Danas's forehead. He said:

"I cannot leave a stain on you; I must be the last king of Stromgarde!"
This ancient kingdom will be swallowed up by history with my death. Only in this way can you follow Anduin Lothar to rebuild the human empire without any pressure. Only in this way can you bear the glory of Trollbane and accomplish great feats like your ancestor Ignatius.

Listen to me, the shame and pain of this day will all belong to me alone, and someone must be held responsible for the downfall of the kingdom.

I am the best candidate.

My children, you must become heroes of this country, and you must become great men who lead Stormgard back to the Arathor Empire. This is the last blessing I, a loser, can leave you.

"Ahem, if Garin is unwilling to obey, then you will have to take responsibility."

His voice trembled, and his tone became incoherent, as if his last strength was dissipating from his body. Lothar, standing outside the door, strode in with a heavy expression and used his holy light to perform the final healing on King Solas Thorbane.

Such power cannot cure him, nor can it protect him from death, but it can make his path to death easier.

"You, Lothar, the Holy Spirit within you..."

Solas leaned against the bedside.

He stared at Losa, his eyes showing neither delight nor much disgust, and said:

"Is that Emperor Thoradin? May I be allowed to pay homage to my ancestor before I die?"

"Why not?"

Lothar placed his hand on his chest and called upon Emperor Thoradin. In the radiant light, Emperor Thoradin, now a guardian of kings, floated in the air, his gaze fixed heavily on the dying Thorbane before him.

"You don't resemble Ignatius at all!"

Emperor Thoradin whispered:

"Your ancestor was the most valiant and loyal barbarian lord under my command. After I became emperor, he led the powerful Arathi tribe for me. When I went on expeditions, Ignatius was either my vanguard or my rearguard.

I trust him, and Lordaeron and the others also have great faith in Ignatius.

After my death, I thought Ignatius was the most likely lord to become emperor, but that foolishly loyal man refused to take the throne. The long-term vacancy of supreme power sowed the seeds of the empire's division.

But I have never blamed Ignatius.

That's the kind of person he is, just like this land, just like Stromgarde—powerful, stubborn, savage, yet loyal.

You are nothing like him, Solas Tolbain.

Your ancestors didn't have as many ideas and wisdom as you. After their death, their descendants brazenly occupied Stromgarde, regarding the heart of the Empire as their own territory. Stromgarde was the first kingdom to declare independence from the Empire.

From the perspective of me and your ancestors, you are a bunch of traitors.

But I don't blame you.

Emperor Thoradin extended his hand and placed his radiant palm on the king's forehead.

He whispered:

"When an empire declines, it is the brave who should break free from outdated dogmas and forge new paths, wielding their swords to fight for power and protect the people. You have done well, for you have also taken good care of this land."

Go in peace, Solas Torbjörn.

You are a proud Arathi, and your ancestors would not blame you.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Solas Tolbeth visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

The Kingdom of Stromgarde occupies Stromgarde, a city of great significance to humanity, which has resulted in a poor reputation for the kingdom among the seven human kingdoms. Many people privately refer to them as "usurpers."

But now, the human emperor has pardoned and recognized them, which is enough for Solas to leave this world without any regrets.

As he said, if the Kingdom of Stromgarde was destined to perish, then he, the "dead king," should bravely shoulder all the burdens for his children.

"The Watchers are here!"

Ariel's shout rang out from outside the door, and everyone turned to see the imposing half-giant striding towards them. He addressed Solas Trollbane:
"I can administer light casting for you."

"No need, Your Excellency."

Solas refused again.

He looked at Diakum and pleaded:

"I only ask that after my death, my body be sent back to Stromgarde."

"it is good."

Dick nodded and said:

“I will lead the Lightforged to help you reclaim that city.”

"No!"

Solas and Lothar both refused.

The dying king glanced at Lothar, and said through gritted teeth:

"That is the ancient capital of mankind, the capital of the human empire. If someone wants to become emperor, he must use his own hands and strength to reclaim our ancient city from the hands of demons."

If he can't even do this, then he's not qualified to be the ruler of mankind!

Anduin Lothar!
This is the mission that Stormgard and I have entrusted to you. Only by personally reclaiming Stromgarde, this demonic city, will this kingdom and this land submit to you! The proud Arathi will not so easily give their loyalty.
Do you dare to take on this mission?

"With the witness of my ancestors and the saints who warned me, I am willing to accept it!"

Lothar said without hesitation:

"Even if it's not for the throne, but just to protect our dignity, I will lead my brave warriors to wipe out all the evil demons causing chaos in this city!"

This is my duty.

But not now. The military and the people are not ready yet. It will be in the future!
One day in the future, the proud warriors who followed me from Stormwind will cross the Tador Bridge, and we will set foot on the land of Arathi once more. We will raise the banners of the Empire, attack Stromgarde, and reclaim it.

That will be our first battle to reclaim the entire northern frontier!
You may lie in Stromgarde, Your Majesty Thoras Trollbane.

When that day comes, your children and your warriors will finally bury you in the ancient cemetery of this city. On that day, you will be cleansed of all shame and will go to pay homage to your ancestors without any pain.

I swear!

"Okay! Okay, okay."

King Solas laughed heartily.

He pointed to the ancestral sword by the bedside, laughed several times, then reached out and grasped his aunt's hand before taking his last breath amidst the weeping of Daenerys and Darnass Trollbane.

Diakum, standing by, drew the holy symbol, completing the funeral procession in the manner of a priest.

In the darkness before dawn, a ray of light descended upon the ruins of Stromgarde, where demons roamed freely.

Like a streak of meteorite, it crashed down in the center of the ruins of the king's palace. The demons roared in provocation, but any demon that dared to look directly at the light would have its eyes burned away, causing it to retreat in agony.

As the light touched the ground, the golden, scorching holy light transformed into a sacred halo of energy that spread outwards. Then, amidst the convergence and sweeping of the solar storm, it purified all the demons near the entire palace ruins.

Against the backdrop of scorching ashes swirling in the wind over the filthy palace, the expressionless Diakum placed the sarcophagus he was carrying beneath the former throne.

He touched the sarcophagus of Solas Trollbane, causing the golden cherubs surrounding him to circle it once, and then left his own handwritten blessing on it, so that the sarcophagus would be personally guarded by the Holy Light, just like Medivh's urn.

Any tomb raider who dares to approach this stone coffin will surely receive a big "surprise".

"Rest in peace, brave soul."

Diakum bowed his head before the sarcophagus.

Amidst the desolate ruins and the city's monstrous howls, he traced the holy symbol on his chest and whispered:

"May your kingdom, your people, and this land all have their wishes fulfilled, and may the thousand-year-old legal system of the Kingdom of Stromgarde rest in peace."

Ps:

There will be an extra 3+5 chapters tomorrow.
(End of this chapter)