Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 398.7. A Mortgage is a Demigod's Blessing - Ansu Used His Wife's Funds for the Down Payment on the Wedding Home - Bonus Chapter [85]

(Bonus chapter for the "Taoshuke" brothers [3/5])
Kael'thas's arrival completes the final piece of the Firelands Expedition's map, so in accordance with the principle of "there's no time like the present," the Vigilant immediately announced their departure.

Led by several Black Iron Guards, they passed through Darkforge City and headed towards the entrance to Molten Core, where the captured Fire Elemental Ambassador would open an elemental rift leading to the Land of Fire.

Along the way, elite Black Iron warriors were assembled. For these "black-headed" men, this was almost a one-way trip, so their expressions were like those of a dead horse. Their morale was completely nonexistent, and they were just short of shouting "I curse you, Thaurissan!"

The Fire Demon King has ruled them for three hundred years!

Even for long-lived races like dwarves, the fire curse within them has become a habit, even an innate instinct. The Dark Iron dwarves don't think there's anything wrong with living such a decadent life, especially after the most courageous ones are killed. The surviving cowards can always convince themselves otherwise.

Diakum observed the Dark Iron dwarves, especially their eyes, which resembled fiery gems.

He sensed a familiarity in this alienation, and he felt that the curse the Balrog had cast on the Dark Iron dwarves didn't seem like elemental magic.

The power of the elements cannot create a stable curse that can be passed down through bloodlines. The Vigilant believes it is more like an extension of the power of the void. Judging from the changes in the bodies of the Dark Iron dwarves, it already has a hint of a "curse of flesh".

Given that the Balrog and other elemental lords served the Old Gods during the Dark Empire era, it's not surprising that these ancient creatures learned a few tricks from their former "masters."

"You can dispel this curse, right?"

Nellie, wearing a hunting hood, whispered:

"I've heard Saloras describe the mysteries of the Curse of Flesh. She told me that you are currently the person in the material world with the deepest understanding of this forbidden power. The Dark Iron dwarves' Mass Curse shouldn't be a problem for you?"

"Yes, I can! But why should I do it?"

Dick grasped Nellie's fingers and said:

"No one will cherish things that are given to them casually."

If the Dark Iron dwarves cannot take decisive action to undo the mistakes they have made, even if I dispel the Curse of Flame for them, these cunning creatures, who have become accustomed to living in the shadows, will sooner or later bring new trouble upon themselves.

Besides, I've learned to appreciate the struggle between mortals and fate in the new history of Stormwind Kingdom; the sparks that fly from that contest of wills bring me joy.

They must confront the Fire Demon King!
They want to fight and win; they want to break the curse themselves. If they dare not, they shouldn't even think about asking me for help! I, though immortal, don't have that much time to look after a bunch of despicable cowards.

"By the way, when did you and Saloras become so close?"

“We’ve always had a good relationship; we were friends back in the Argus era.”

Nelly rolled her eyes and retorted:
"It's just because you're now a 'unique factor' between us, but apart from you, I'm still a comrade-in-arms I can entrust my back to, a compatriot from the same origin, and a close friend."

The Balrog King isn't a troublesome enemy for you, so after you resolve the problems he's caused, you'll leave the Eastern Continent, right?

"Yes, I'm going to the southernmost part of the world."

Dick kissed Nellie's hand and said:

"We will search for the wounds left by the Force of Death in that misty land and strive to heal them. In addition, our 'salvation plan' also has an important stop there."

Nellie nodded.

She felt a pang of reluctance. Ever since they became a couple, they had been separated for long periods of time. Now, she had a new responsibility that required her to stay in Stormwind for an extended period, preventing her from going on adventures and fighting alongside Diakum.

However, when faced with the shared fate of the Eredar, individual desires and emotions should be set aside for the greater good.

More than 20,000 years of exile have taught the Eredar to endure sacrifice, let alone this gentle sacrifice.

When the group arrived at the entrance to Molten Core, the Fire Sage whose tail had been cut off was trembling as he cast a spell under the guns of a group of Dark Iron Dwarves.

It comes from the realm of fire, and although it has flesh and blood, it is a pure and noble elemental creature. Such a guide is indispensable for mortals to set foot in the elemental realm on the right path.

"Ambassador Freyras originally wanted to demonstrate his dignity as a servant of the Balrog King, but after seeing his companions all killed, he willingly chose to cooperate with us."

Moira Bronzebeard, now clad in a set of "fire-resistant armor," leaned on her warhammer and introduced herself to Diakum and the others:
"It is only responsible for opening the rift for us, and will not enter the realm of fire."

"The Flame Demon King is ruthless towards traitors, so Your Excellency is actually out of options. The problem is that the Fire Demon Clan are the managers and maintainers of the Fire Source Realm. Without their guidance, your army will get lost in that complex land of flames."

Diakum shook his head and said:
"The area of ​​the Fire Source Realm is larger than you imagine, about the size of a province of the Storm Kingdom. It is an island floating in the elemental territory, and the difficulty of completely conquering it is no less than waging a war of annihilation."

Therefore, Ambassador Freiras clearly has a more important 'mission'.

The vigilant stared at the trembling fire demon, switched to the creatures' language, and said to it:

“Life in the material world can hardly stay in the elemental realm for long. After overthrowing the tyranny of the Balrog King and curbing the threat of an elemental war, the Firelands still need some ‘managers’.”

I've heard that your Firefly leader, Exortus, is a wise and sensible elder. Now that even the Dark Iron dwarves no longer fear Ragnaros, perhaps the Fireflies, born in the Land of Fire, should also consider the future of their race?

Ambassador Freyrath's snake-like eyes darted around.

It is an intelligent being with a lifespan unimaginable to mortals, so it naturally knows what the Holy Light Walker before it, who terrifies it, is implying.

Its severed tail could not wag, but its silence suggested that it did not actually resist that future. After a few seconds of contemplation, Ambassador Freiras made a strange, snake-like sound and asked:
"But the Land of Fire needs a monarch!"
The fire of Sulfuras is not something anyone can control. Only the one who wields the fire of creation can become the master of the flame. Fire demons cannot touch the flame of creation. We can seize power but we cannot possess it.

This is our curse.

"So, you need a guarantee?"

Diakum nodded, showing the fire demon his Heart of Azeroth Ring, and said:
"The Star Soul Lord of Azeroth will appoint a powerful leader for you, and soon it will arrive in the Firelands to take control of the Flame's throne."

Before that, the Land of Fire was ruled by fire demons; after that, the fire demons could still hold high positions.

The Flame Ambassador was moved.

But it shook its head, clearly afraid, yet still gritting its teeth and saying:

“You are not a native of Azeroth, your oath is invalid! The Fire Elemental must obtain a more binding oath, otherwise Lord Exortus will not cooperate with you.”

"You've got a lot of demands, can I handle it?"

Amidst the commotion of the portal opening, Aegwynn, summoned to temporarily return from the southern part of the world, appeared in this scorching land in the form of the "Raven Prophet".

Holding the Heart of Azeroth, she caused the fire demon to cower on the ground in terror.

As derivatives of the world's elemental power, these creatures cannot contend with the might of the world's master. The elemental monarchs are the most primordial convergence of the world's original power, and the fire demons born from the elemental monarchs are theoretically also part of the "world's servants."

But clearly, they were misbehaving from the start.

"You were originally part of the glorious order of protecting the world, but the Fire Demon King led you down the wrong path. It's not too late to turn back now!"

Aegwynn said coldly:

"This is not just the Dark Iron dwarves' rebellion against the Firelord, but also represents the World Mother's personal punishment! Ragnaros's unruliness has greatly disappointed the Star Soul Lord. Therefore, Fire Fiend, go back and tell your leader that your cooperation with the mortals is not a request."

You need to determine for yourselves which side is right and decide for yourselves whether to join either side!

"Yes, I will certainly convey your message."

The Flame Ambassador screamed, scrambled to his feet, and accelerated his flame spells, causing the scorching flames to swirl and converge before everyone's eyes, eventually forming a doorway that resembled a reflection of flames.

The scorching heat distorted the air, making the fiery gate look unreal, while the reflected scenery appeared to be from another world, eliciting gasps of surprise from Hamuul Runetotem.

This great druid discovered that a complete "ecosystem" actually existed in the Land of Fire.

There, you'll find soaring fire eagles and lava spiders dwelling in the Flame Mountains, as well as dragon turtles forged from flames and obsidian-like cheetahs that live and hunt there.

"The fire of Sulfuras is the fire of creation. That supreme flame in the world is not only a symbol of destruction, but also one of its interpretations: the passion for life."

Prince Kael'thas offered an explanation:
"The original sin of the Balrog lies in its abuse of the destructive power of fire while ignoring the passion of the Creation Fire. This is explained in detail in the professional papers of the Nassaras Academy. Therefore, the rebellion of the Dark Iron Dwarves is undoubtedly just."

"The power of the elements has a dual meaning."

Noboruton nodded and said:
"Not only fire, but also earth, storms and water have dual symbolism. If an elemental lord cannot balance the two, they will become a scourge to the world. In this respect, all four elemental lords of Azeroth are guilty."

They definitely need to be punished.

“You intellectuals are so good at talking. I will definitely find that paper and study it carefully.”

Emperor Thaurissan hastily instructed his scribes to write down these arguments, and he remarked:

"In this way, this rebellion will have a global moral high ground! We can then publicize and boast about it throughout the continent, and our terrible reputation as Dark Iron dwarves will be changed." "Let's go!"

Diakum did not participate in these academic exchanges.

He waved his hand and was the first to step into the doorway where flames were rising, as if stepping into a scorching inferno. The hot wind that hit him made the guards raise their hands to shield themselves.

What came into view was a world of raging flames.

The land, composed of obsidian, is dotted with rivers where lava has turned into flowing water, and the sky is entirely woven from gradually changing flames. Strange fire eagles, the creations of the Flame Demon King, shuttle through layers of fiery clouds.

It is said that Kael'thas's fiery phoenix is ​​a similar elemental life form, but unfortunately, such creatures are extremely rare even in the Firelands.

"We're already very close to the boundary of the elemental domain."

Aegwynn looked around and said:
"The Firelands can reflect the current state of the other three elemental realms. When the Star Soul Lord opens the shackles, these places will reconnect with the material world. At that time, the elemental creatures of Azeroth will also experience an explosive growth."

Some areas may even evolve into elemental lands.

This was part of the world's geographical changes, but the Dark Empire and the subsequent Titan Age interrupted this process. Now, the world's evolution is about to return to normal.

"Caw! Look what a wonderful place Old Ansu has discovered! My God, a whole kingdom made of flames, with beautiful and warm fire everywhere. Rukma will absolutely love this place."

A strange shriek accompanied by a storm of black raven feathers appeared before Diakum and Aegwynn. The ever-elusive Midnight Raven God, Anzu, leaped out, standing on the edge of the Firelands ridge, cawing as he admired the fiery world before him.

It was excited.

Its broad tail feathers were constantly twitching, symbolizing its good mood.

The man gazed at the golden Saffron Spire at the edge of his vision, then turned and shouted to Diakum after a moment:
"Caw, I want to rent a place here and move the crow's nest I've woven over there. I'll place it in those ancient, fiery mountains as my and Rukma's love nest."

"You can't find a place this nice in Draenor. I remember Rukhmar complaining to me about how cold Draenor was."

"What's the point of telling me all this?"

Diakum looked helplessly at this "veteran of love" in front of him and couldn't help but complain:

“I’m not ‘local property,’ I’m just an alien passing through Azeroth. This is their territory. Although I admire your devotion, I really can’t make this decision.”

"Quack, great representative of the Star Soul, considering that I also participated in the Battle of Mount Hyjal and contributed to Azeroth, please allocate a piece of land to me."

Ansu, utterly lacking any dignity befitting a powerful being, circled Aegwynn repeatedly, folding its wings and bowing in supplication:
"This is a request I, Old Raven, will only make once in my life. Rukma can mold her offspring here. Those firehawks are too ugly, and this place is too monotonous."

The Fire Demon King knows nothing about creation; it's a waste to give him such a good place.

Rukma and I will make life flourish here.

Please, please.

"Uh."

This was also the first time Aegwynn had dealt with such a matter. Allowing demigods from outside the world to build nests in the elemental realms was a matter of great importance, as it originated from the primal power of the world itself. If Anzu and Rukhmar caused trouble here, it could easily affect the revival of the world's soul.

But Diakum nodded to her, meaning he could vouch for old Ansu.

Therefore, after a brief moment of thought, Aegwynn gave a clear response:
"You can stay here temporarily, but the ownership of the Fire Source Realm can only belong to the elemental monarch appointed by the World Soul. Therefore, you will need to discuss it with the second Flame King after he takes office."

In addition, if it's a rental, then the rent will definitely be high.

The World Mother doesn't need you and your wife to offer her treasures, but if you two are willing to join the system for maintaining the world, the Supreme Star Soul will be very pleased.

"Quack, no problem! It's no big deal."

Old Ansu immediately agreed.

It raised its wings and pointed to Hamuul Runetotem, who was vigilantly investigating the Firelands not far away, and said:
"I have imparted the teachings of the Sun of Rukhmar to these druids, and my own Raven Form and Storm Arts have been inherited by some of the Raptor Druids. Noble Guardians, though we are outsiders, we are already part of this system."

We will also protect Azeroth!

Just as I have been tirelessly educating those savage harpies, contributing to the prosperity of Azeroth.

"Quack, Diakum can be my witness."

"This is still the residence of the Fire Demon King, Ansu."

Diakum snapped his fingers, adopting the air of a wealthy landowner, and pointed ahead, saying:
"The 'Love Nest' you want is still occupied by the servants of the Balrog King, so you'll have to find a way to take it over yourself. We won't get involved."

"Hmph, you're directing me to be your vanguard in this war again. You're the worst of all, you dog saint."

Ansu flapped its wings and took flight, soaring like an arrow toward the fiery mountains it valued. In flight, it stirred up a cutting wind surrounded by black raven feathers, shooting down several of the fire hawks that came to meet it.

"Ansu is on the defensive against the sky! The Dark Iron Dwarves are advancing steadily in their legions. We must hold the line until the Fire Fiends reach an agreement with you!"

The Vigilant entered battle stance, reverting to his giant form. Holding the shattered Ashbringer, he pointed it at the distant Sulfuron Spire and shouted a command:

"The rest of you follow me, and today, in the name of the world, punish Ragnaros's madness."

Kael'thas raised his hands, creating a makeshift portal that led across the mountain ridge to the scorched plains of the Firelands. The fire demons and fire giants discovered the intruders, and the deep sound of horns echoed throughout the area.

The Saffron Spire also responded quickly.

As the golden flames surged, the true form of the Balrog King materialized within the storm of raging fire. Wielding the legendary Sulfuras Balrog Hand warhammer, the master of the flames roared:
"Foolish mortals, you arrogantly pursue the power of Sulfuras, and now you will see it with your own eyes! People of the Flame, rise up and drive the invaders out of the world of fire."

The Elemental Lord waved his hand, and scorching meteorites crashed down from the burning sky, shaping scorched giants and an ever-renewing army of flames on the ground.

In an instant, the entire scorched plain was filled with all kinds of fire elements.

Ragnaros is the beating heart of the Firelands, and the power he can mobilize here is almost limitless. Therefore, Ragnaros is not afraid of the powerful combination of the Vigilant and Aegwynn.

As for the Star Soul Spokesperson's rebuke wielding the Heart of Azeroth, it considered it as utter nonsense.

Elemental power is indeed the primordial power of the world, but the Star Soul Lord has weakened to such an extent that even He Himself is trapped by the Titan's Unifying Field of All Things. What right does a prisoner have to demand that the flames of freedom serve Him?

They have tried to fight for the world, but what was the result?
The long, arduous labor of the Dark Empire and the ruthless exile of the Titans have taught the elemental lords to face the harsh realities of life with a more realistic attitude. If the lords are incompetent, how can their subordinates protect themselves?

betray?

Pooh!
It was only because they were forced into it.

"You won't come?"

After Aegwynn finished reading the Star Soul Lord's decree, seeing the Flame Demon King respond with a cold laugh, she turned to look at Diakum and said with a smirk:

“You are a ‘mercenary’ hired by the Lord of Azeroth, so this matter needs to be handled by you.”

"But I've outsourced the task of beating up Ragnaros. What kind of being is Ragnaros? Neither his power nor the evil deeds he's committed are enough to warrant Ashbringer drawing his sword. Now, let me introduce you to a 'new friend.'"

Diakum swung the Soul Staff of Kazzak in his hand and threw it forward like a javelin.

The Soul Staff, enveloped in blazing holy light, sped through the air, piercing the scorching meteorite and finally embedding itself in the golden bridge of flames in front of the Saffron Spire, from which endless radiance erupted.

Accompanied by a deep and familiar roar, a massive and tyrannical figure strode out from the light.

Faced with the arrogant Firelord, the newly born Overlord of Dawn was eager to demonstrate his power, so he swung his fist and unleashed a ferocious Holy Flame Rising Dragon that slammed into Ragnaros's chin.

The terrifying blow caused the Fire Demon King's twin-tailed head to rise, and he spat out a ball of flame with a cry of pain, resembling a flaming tooth that had been knocked out.

"Wow!"

This made Yrel, who was riding the Lightforged Dragon toward the battlefield, widen his eyes.

As she watched the figure gradually become clearer in the light, she couldn't help but shout to the other Lightforged:

"The Vigilant has tamed the Great Demon and made him fight! Behold, the 'Doomsday Overlord' Kazzak, who once made the stars tremble, is now the vanguard of the Holy Light's war! Saint Diakum has redeemed an incorrigible Great Demon!"
We Lightforged are really too strong.

The Holy Light will prevail!

(End of this chapter)