Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 394.3. The Protectorate of the Balrog King solemnly condemns Kael'thas: No paper, no murder - [45]

(Bonus chapter for "Zinc Lights the Lamp" brothers [4/5])
In the scorching canyon, in the Thorium Brotherhood's stronghold hidden in these parched mountains, a large group of disheveled Dark Iron dwarves rushed out as a dim rift shimmered and unfolded.

A scorching aura emanated from the cracks, making these creatures look as if they had crawled out of hell.

Especially Red and Hogg.

One of these two guys was almost steamed alive, and the other had all the hair on his body set ablaze; they looked utterly pathetic.

Seeing them howling in pain, Diakum, who had stepped out of the entropy rift, said "noobs" and swung his cold warhammer like a staff. The chilling entropy energy transformed into frost, rapidly cooling the guys down.

The pathetic Red and Hogg even let out groans of pleasure, as if they had just eaten a big bite of ice cream on a sweltering summer day.

The Watcher glanced back again and saw Moira helping the injured Dagran Thaurissan out of the rift. Behind them was the Molten Core, gradually being swallowed by the cold, entropy-filled darkness.

The Thorium Brotherhood originally planned to completely sever the Balrog's connection with the material world through a complicated ritual, but with Diakum present, why would they need such a complicated procedure?

element?

The void is the natural enemy of the elements, okay?

Dick threw an "Entropy Collapse" there, enough to ensure that Ragnaros would never again try to enter the material world through that rift.

For elemental beings, places where void power exists are like "poop" to be avoided at all costs.

The reason why they reacted so strongly to the void is probably related to the fact that the elemental lords were once enslaved by the dark empire established by the Old Gods. So the question is, why does the Balrog King preserve his history of being a servant of the Old Gods?

"Uh, it's highly unlikely to be hook literature anymore, right?"

Dick smiled and dispelled the void form that didn't look like a good person at all.

As the light shone, golden angels appeared in a flurry around their Holy Spirit, singing hymns of praise while disdainfully dispelling the remaining void entropy energy.

However, the little angels flew very cautiously this time, keeping themselves away from the dangerous warhammer in Diakum's hands.

The dual-realm traveler is indeed quite efficient.

Diakum waited for over a month before finally returning the reforged Twilight's Hammer on time. The warhammer had been reforged into its previous "classic style," but the hammer body was now entirely composed of black and red crystal.

It was formed from the black blood of the ancient gods, and is the thing in the material universe that is closest to the essence of the void.

At the center of the hammer is a "large eyeball" sealed in crystal. This eyeball, originally from C'Thun, is mostly just an evil ornament. However, once Diakum activates it in Voidform, this eyeball can immediately transform into the most dangerous gaze-shooting weapon.

In addition, the ethereal beings added some embellishments to the warhammer with their aesthetics.

When Diakum grips the warhammer, scattered crimson crystals fly around it like tiny floating cannons, and they can indeed fly up and shoot out void rays.

However, its destructive power is negligible; at least for Diakum, he has no use for these tricks.

The biggest change to Twilight's Hammer after it was reforged in the Void Forge of the Two Worlds Walker was its internal power. As a high-level manipulator of Void power, the Two Worlds Walker helped Diakum refine the hammer's power, giving it multiple functions:

Weapon Name: Gluttonous Maw - Twilight Hammer
Weapon Quality: Force Artifact

Weapon Characteristics: Black Blood Forging, Twilight Convergence, Energy Evolution, Greedy Thirst

Weapon effects:

1. The Twilight Hammer can draw upon entropy energy and release it with the properties of 'shadow/ice'. When wielding this weapon, the Vigilant can simulate arcane ice magic (this simulation has no energy level cap).

II. As the weapon of the Devourer of All Realms, the Twilight Hammer inherits some of the Devourer of All Realms' characteristics. It can devour most of the energy of attacks and convert a large amount of entropy energy for the wielder to use in counterattacks.

This item can also be used to break most energy seals and defensive barriers.

When it consumes certain powers, it will add new abilities to Twilight Hammer.

3. The Twilight Hammer will actively devour the life force and energy of any enemy it comes into contact with, and can also launch powerful Twilight cannons through the Eye of C'Thun.

This attack deals chaos damage and cannot be immune to any form of protection.

hint!

The item is still in the process of absorbing and enhancing itself; it will complete its final transformation when it is imbued with certain 'concepts' of the void.

Forger: Diakum, the Twin Walker.

Item Description:

"Wow, Twilight's Hammer is doing well now, able to live the good life with Bro. This shows that choice is more important than effort. If it had stayed with that little bastard Cho'gall, would it have achieved its current prestige?"

Also, have you been complaining about me lately?

Oh well, I'm busy too. Leaving comments like this takes a lot of time, but don't worry, I'll be watching you, bro.

"That's the spirit, and they even know how to apologize, not bad."

Diakum grinned, put away the Twilight Hammer to avoid harming others with the dangerous weapon, and then looked at the jubilant Dark Iron dwarves around him.

The Thorium Brotherhood, having worked so hard as a resistance force for so long, had finally accomplished something great, which made these guys ecstatic.

They have driven out the Balrog King today and interrupted the elemental lords' ritual to descend into the material world. This is a great victory and has successfully established the Thorium Brotherhood's reputation. Now, there will surely be a steady stream of rebels joining them.

Becoming bigger and stronger is just around the corner!
So some excited guys have already gone to move the barrels.

As for those disgraceful creatures like the green-skinned orcs and gnolls, they're probably trembling with fear on the other side of this tower.

They were afraid of Diakum and dared not run away until he spoke first, mainly because they couldn't escape anyway, so they could only obediently stay there and await their fate.

The Vigilant ignored the guys, activated the Illusion Brooch to return to human form, turned around and placed his hand on Thaurissan's shoulder, healing his injuries as holy light shone.

Moira stood somewhat uneasily to the side.

She knew of the Vigilant's reputation, but she did not believe that it was her call that had summoned Diakum to Molten Core.

After all, her connection with the Holy Light had been severed; after she betrayed her family and kingdom, the Holy Light no longer responded to her.

This made Moira quite sad.

Although she was not a fanatical believer in the Holy Light, she cherished her identity as a priestess, which was the first identity she had earned through her own efforts, besides her innate identity as a "princess".

Especially when she went to Ironforge to treat the wounded, the support and love she received from everyone filled her heart with satisfaction.

"However, is the Holy Light such an inconvenient thing? Did the Holy Light abandon you, or did you abandon the Holy Light?"

Diakum seemed to hear Moira's sorrow, and he said softly:

"Moira Bronzebeard, you might need to take some time to think about this."

If you have read my book, 'The Light-Forging Canon,' you will know that the Holy Light is a power of the mind.

He will not abandon His followers because of the systems and choices of mortals. Only those who believe in their hearts that they are no longer worthy to use the Holy Light will be in your situation.

But if you still hold firm to your principles and beliefs, the Holy Light will always answer your call.

"Really?"

Moira clenched her fists, her face still stained with black ash and blood, and looked at Diakum.

The vigilant nodded with a smile. The dwarf princess thought for a moment; he was a saint from another race, and probably wouldn't joke with her about something as trivial as faith.

And so a glimmer of hope rose in Moira's heart.

She glanced at Thaurissan, who was being treated, and took a few steps back, not wanting to interrupt the conversation between the Sage and the Black Iron Emperor. As intelligent as she was, she knew that Dagran must have some important topics to discuss with the Sage.

Thus, only Diakum and Emperor Thaurissan remained atop the black steel watchtower.

As the Holy Light healed him, Thaurissan said in a restrained whisper:
"Thank you for saving my life, sir."

What is the significance of the Dark Iron dwarves' gratitude?

Dick countered with:
"I've heard that your gratitude is often associated with many terrible things, you know, the Dark Iron dwarves have only a slightly better reputation in the Eastern Continent than the gnolls. But I am indeed very curious about your thought process, Dagran Thaurissan."

As the Black Iron Emperor, why are you involved in the fight against the Flame Demon King?

It is your master; your actions go beyond mere 'betrayal'.

"Because I want to rebel against the tyranny of the Balrog King! I want to... Ah!" Before he could finish the lie, a sharp pain rose from his heart, causing Sorison's charcoal-black face to twitch.

"to be honest."

Dick said calmly:

"Although I am immortal, I don't have that much time to listen to lies. How about I 'help' you tell the truth?"

"Stop! I'll talk! I'll talk, okay?"

The Black Iron Emperor let out a miserable cry, then gasped for breath, glared at the Watcher, touched his beard which had been burned off by the flames, feeling a pang of heartache, but then obediently said:

"Well, it's not exactly honorable. In fact, from the perspective of the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Balrog King is a perfect 'favored one.' It's not that we're used to the curse, but rather, how should I put it?"

Although it is nominally the master of the Dark Iron Dwarves, the Firelord will not actually ask us to do anything for it, nor will it require us to find sacrifices for it.

For the past few centuries, it has given us the impression that it has been too lazy to pay attention to us.

"If it weren't for the fact that it sent fire demons to garrison Darkheart and established a respectable 'Order of Sulfuras,' we would have all thought the Firelord had forgotten about us."

Soresen shrugged and said to Diakum:
"You see, it won't interfere with my rule over the Dark Iron Dwarves, nor will it suddenly jump out to challenge my authority. It requires no investment, and it can even strengthen my rule because of the 'designation of the Balrog King'."

Those fire demon sages stood up for me, making Darkforge City incredibly quiet for years.

You know the terrible reputation of the Dark Iron dwarves. We are irritable, fierce, vicious, and cunning. These are all facts. However, no one would have thought that the city of Darkforge, where Dark Iron dwarves congregate, is actually much safer than Ironforge.

If you were the ruler, why would you expel such a 'retired emperor'?
It's practically the perfect puppet every king would want!

"Makes sense."

Diakum nodded, looking into Thaurissan's red, fiery gem-like eyes, and said:
"But it stripped the Dark Iron Dwarves of their original wizarding bloodline."

"Yes, it took away our affinity for arcane power, but it also gave us the most outstanding talent for manipulating fire in the world. We Dark Iron Dwarves are the only mortal race that can walk on lava without being swallowed up."

In my opinion, it gave far more than it took away; after all, it's common knowledge that while arcane magic is powerful, it's very selective in who it's used against.

Dagran winked and called out to the Dark Iron dwarves who were reveling below. Soon, a Dark Iron girl came up carrying a tray of wine and respectfully offered it to the Watcher.

Diakum picked up his glass, took a sip, and then his tongue went numb.

The Black Iron dwarf's liquor was so strong it felt like he'd swallowed a mouthful of lava, but Thaurissan drank it with relish. He gulped down the Black Iron liquor with satisfaction, then let out a contented yawn, wiped his mouth, and popped a skewer of roasted lizard into his mouth.

He continued speaking to Diakum:
"The Balrog King is a very generous monarch. All he wants is for the Sulfuras Order to spread its fame in the material world, because the Elemental Lords are trapped in the Elemental Realms."

It is a prisoner!
It can only recruit servants in this way.

As for why I let the Thorium Brotherhood rebel in secret, firstly, it's not a good thing to be a lackey of the Balrog King; dwarves also have their pride, and other races would laugh at us.

Especially those damned Brann Bronzebeard and Wildhammer.

Secondly, just because it's a prisoner now doesn't mean it will always be.

Dagran Thaurissan, chewing on a skewer of lizard meat, squinted and, under the watchful eye of Diakum, who was enjoying his Black Iron liquor, muttered:

"We're not stupid!"

After being cursed by the Fire Demon King, we sent people all over the world to search for the legend of the Fire Demon King, as we knew that he had conflicts with other elemental lords.

Once the Firelord is freed from the prison of the elemental realms, his fiery and unpredictable nature will undoubtedly reignite the elemental wars, pitting him against the other three elemental lords in the material world. At that time, as Ragnaros's servants, we...
"Alas, despite reaping so many benefits from the Flame Demon King, no one wants to die in a war that has nothing to do with them, don't you agree, Saint of the alien race?"

Dick nodded.

This time, the guy was telling the truth, so he put down his glass and said to the Iron Emperor:
"Then what you've been worried about is about to come true. The elemental realm will soon collapse, the ancient elemental power will return to this world, and the elemental war you've been fearing could be on the agenda at any time."

As I just said, if you intend to launch an expedition against the Balrog's territory, then we can cooperate.

"Cooperation? You're not kidding, are you?"

Soresen threw away the skewers and shouted:
"Although I don't know your true strength, the fact that you so easily defeated the elemental avatar of the Flame Demon King shows that if you wanted to, you could single-handedly storm into the Fire Source Realm and kill the Flame Demon King, perhaps in the time it takes to eat a meal."

We're just accessories!

Furthermore, given the Dark Iron dwarves' way of thinking, if something can be accomplished without us, then we are not essential. If we are not essential and you still need to actively invite us, then it can only mean...
You intend to use us as cannon fodder or bait.

But you are a Lightwalker, can you really do such a thing?

This question made Diakum laugh.

Black Iron Dwarf is indeed bold. Even though he knows that the guy in front of him can kill him in an instant, he still dares to say such provocative words.

Diakum picked up his second glass of liquor and said to Sorrison:
"Just because I can doesn't mean I want to. If I kill Ragnaros, it would just be adding a less impressive achievement to my already illustrious resume."

I don't need the skull of the Balrog King to be famous throughout the stars; I am not a belligerent.

But whether or not you can defeat Ragnaros is important to you, just as humanity won the Greenskins' war on its own. I defied fate, so why should I deprive you of the right to challenge fate?

He had adapted to the Black Iron spirit; its spiciness pleased Diakum. He drank it down in large gulps, then stood up and said to Sorrison:
"This is a war of destiny for the Dark Iron dwarves. I have no reason to stop you from writing your racial legend, and I have not merely extended an invitation to you, Thaurissan. Many will participate in the expedition to the Firelands, and each will have their own purpose."

You are welcome to come if you wish.

"You intend to reap the benefits without lifting a finger, and I don't mind. Whether you're there or not, I'm going to get this done."

After saying this, Diakum put down his glass, turned and left. After taking a few steps, he turned back to Dagran Sorrison and said:
"Remember to pay for that treatment. You are the king of the Dark Iron Dwarves, a famous wealthy man in the Eastern Continent. If you don't pay enough, you can expect the Devourers of All Realms to come knocking on your door demanding payment."

"whispering sound"

Sorison curled his lip, thinking to himself that this alien saint was really stingy.

But Dick's behavior put the suspicious Iron Emperor at ease. Even a saint is human; he has his own personality and way of behaving, which makes him more acceptable.

Diakum, leaning on Kazzak's Soul-Binding Staff, walked to the edge of the Flame Peak, signaling to his Lightforged followers while speaking to the creature within the staff:
"You said you wanted me to choose a worthy opponent for you. How about the Fire Demon King? A demigod-level elemental monarch, its destructive power will be further enhanced in the territory of the Fire Source Realm. I think ordinary great demons should not be its match."

That was the primordial element shaped by the unique world of Azeroth, the supernatural lord who wielded the primordial fire, Sulfuras.

"I am satisfied, vigilant."

Kazak's deep voice resonated from the staff, tinged with a hint of eagerness. It spoke loudly:

"I have reforged my body in the Holy Light, and in the war at Mount Hyjal, I will ignite my desire with your fighting spirit. When I step into the Realm of Fire, I will be the vanguard of the Lightforged Chapter!"

Yes.

The Tyrant of Lightforged Dawn will raise your glorious battle banner high, and after I personally execute Ragnaros, your illustrious name will be sung among the weak elements.

"No, perhaps we shouldn't execute it."

Diakum stroked his chin and said to the battle-ready Kazzak:
"The Firelord wields fire, which is light and heat, and also a symbol of hope. Perhaps we can make Ragnaros into another, more radiant form."

Just like you.

Although it's despicable, we should still give it a chance to "turn over a new leaf."

------

"The Vigilantes have issued a war order! The Lightforged Chapter's next target is the evil Ragnaros, the Firelord!"

Irelia strode through the cabins of the Exoda, shouting:

"Lightforged, assemble! We are about to step onto the battlefield of Firelands."

"How did the Balrog King offend Uncle Diakum?"

Still half-asleep, Lyran rubbed her eyes and pushed open the door to ask a question. Irell glared at her and scolded:
"How can you use such a damned description for the Holy Light? It's clearly the righteous ones who are going to punish the evil elements. Don't worry about why, just follow along and charge."

"Wow, the Elemental Realm! I've never been there before."

The great traveler scratched her chin, suddenly intrigued, and then said to "War Messenger" Irelia:
"Send a letter to Prince Kael'thas, inviting him to come; he'll definitely come!"

"Huh? What grudge does Kael'thas have against the Firelord?"

"It's not a matter of personal grudges, but the Sulfuras Fire that Ragnaros possesses is Kael'thas Sunstrider's graduation project. He needs to obtain the Creation Fire to graduate, but the Firelord won't give it to him willingly."
So, could this be considered a kind of irreconcilable conflict?

(End of this chapter)