Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 408, Section 17: Ragnaros's mentality collapsed. Who the hell is the villain here?
The minotaurs arrived quickly.

Upon hearing that they could see figures from the legendary myths of Mother Earth, Hamuer Runetotem, this "mystical old ox," immediately perked up.

Not only did it invite its best buddy Cairne Bloodhoof to come and see the world, it even invited Rapi from the Tauren Chieftains band.

Don't let Rape's seemingly unreliable, eccentric music-obsessed nature fool you. Before he got into music, he was one of the top hunting masters in the Desolace.

Well, perhaps that explains its invincibility in the dating scene.

After all, it's not certain who the hunter will be in love. Without patience and confidence, you simply can't succeed, right?
However, after bringing the formidable fellow as instructed by the Watcher, Hamuul saw the Great Black Bull Dezko sitting melancholically on the shore of the Eternal Isle, gazing at the ebb and flow of the tide like an idiot.

This is wrong!
Just a few days ago, it fought the Balrog King with the Light Minotaur of the Dawn Chaser tribe. They were clearly very excited, fanatical, and righteous back then.

Hamuul and Chieftain Kane exchanged a glance. The two tauren swung their tails as they approached Dezko, only to find that the Lightforged tauren around him were all in a state of "contemplating life" like wise men.

The holy light on some of the cows had even dimmed to the point of almost disappearing.

Is this a moral collapse?

"I said, what's wrong with you?"

Hamuer sensed something was off about the atmosphere and asked:
"It's like we've experienced a collapse of a group's faith."

"more or less."

The giant black bull, most skilled at cracking open the skulls of evildoers with its crystal-forged warhammer, sighed melancholy like a poet. Its eyes were filled with despondency and confusion. Without even glancing at its two brothers, it spoke:

"What's the point of living? Is faith really a necessity of life? Will the sun really shine on this world forever? Most importantly, is all this fighting for our lives truly meaningful?"
If the Force's corruption of Azeroth is a highly probable and inevitable outcome, then is everything we're doing now futile?

"Holy crap, this guy's gone mad!"

Chieftain Cairne Bloodhoof is a fierce warrior.

The warrior was neither willing nor good at thinking about these strange questions, but it could sense that the doubts in Dezko's heart had developed into something terrifying.

It said to Hamuer:

"They might be cursed! The Sunwalkers weren't always this dejected."

"Ah, nihilistic thinking, what's the big deal?"

Chief Rapi, a man of great experience, waved his hand and said to Hamuul and Kane:
"I was just like that when I first experienced the breakup of a band. It's normal. Everyone has times when they're exhausted. During those 'wise times,' it's easy to think about things that are a waste of life."

Don't worry, Dezko's knowledge is not enough for it to find the answers to these questions on its own, so it will either continue to be so dejected, or it will take action at some point to find the answers.

This intrinsic drive to execute will actually make them more determined after experiencing confusion.

These words made Hamuul and Cairne look at Rapier with even more terrifying eyes, especially Cairne Bloodhoof, who had been in a band with Rapier. The chieftain, leaning on his rune battleaxe, said with a look of awe:
"So what the hell have you been through all these years that made a Tauren warrior say such philosophical things? Hey, where did that silly little tauren who would stay up for several nights in a row just to catch a battle pet go?"
Who are you?! Give Rapi back to me!

"Hey, what musician doesn't have some life insights?"

Chief Rapi, carrying a large crossbow, said that none of this mattered.

It gestured for the two men to move away, then rolled up its sleeves and went over to the bewildered Dezko to begin a discussion about life.

It even allows other Sunwalker Tauren to participate in the discussion, displaying a kind of "debate against a herd of bulls" spirit.

"In our first battle in Pandaria, we encountered a dark force known as the 'Sha,' and all Lightforged warriors must go through such doubts and reflections. There's no need to worry; the Vigilant says this is merely a necessary process of 'faith ascension.'"

Archbishop Saloras's voice rang out from nearby, causing Hamuul and Kane to turn and bow in salute to the powerful woman. The Archbishop pointed to the ancient training grounds in the center of the Timeless Isle and said:

“Go ahead, Commander Diakum is waiting for you there. We will soon be punishing the local fire bulls. The legendary ‘God of Wildfire’ Ordos is in the Molten Courtyard on the highest peak of this island.”

However, your journey in Pandaria has only just begun.

Your distant relatives, the yukyu, also have their own power bases and fortresses in this misty continent. According to the pandaren, the nomadic yukyu are the fiercest mercenaries in Pandaria.

They currently maintain a loose war alliance with the Pandaren, but if you are interested, the Pandaren can assist you in establishing contact with the Bison elders.

Saloras blinked and said to the two tauren leaders:
"But the bison live a very savage lifestyle. Compared to them, the minotaurs of the Bloodhoof clan are all 'gentlemen.' If you want to gain the bison's approval and friendship, you two should be prepared for a series of tough battles."

"Ha, the Bulls are not afraid of challenges."

Cairne Bloodhoof had been troubled by the small population of his tribe, but now that he heard about the prosperity of the Tauren tribe in Pandaria, he became very interested.

There is no reproductive isolation between different Minotaur clans, and the differences between Minotaur clans are more cultural than "cattle" differences.

Therefore, theoretically speaking, if Kane could conquer a tribe of bison and bring them back to Thunder Bluff, the Bloodhoof clan's population could experience a leap forward.

Kane does indeed need some fierce and loyal warriors right now.

Although the Tauren handle their internal affairs in a low-key manner, Saloras had previously heard Dezko complain that Cairne was somewhat "weak" internally, which led to the Bloodhoof Clan's shaman leader, "Old Woman" Magatha, constantly challenging its authority.

As the saying goes, "There can be no two suns in the sky, and no two oxen with two masters."

If Cairne Bloodhoof doesn't come up with a solution soon, the Bloodhoof clan, whose morale is low due to being forced to retreat from their ancestral lands by the centaurs, is likely to face a split within the clan.

At a time when mothers in this world are expecting their children to stand up for themselves, it would be too shameful for the minotaurs to cause further division.

Minotaur, who have a tradition of boasting, actually value their reputation quite a lot.

When the two powerful Tauren arrived at the arena, the Lightforged warriors were already prepared to advance, but like the melancholy Dezko, these Lightforged warriors were no longer as brave as they used to be.

Hamuul observed that at least a third of the Lightforged warriors were demoralized, and the remaining two-thirds were in poor condition.

"Would you like to intervene?"

The leader of the Flame Druids ran anxiously to Diakum, who was donning his Judgment Armor, and whispered:

"I have no doubt about the Lightforged Chapter's fighting prowess, but even the bravest warrior will fall into a state of confusion when faced with mental setbacks. You have always said that the Holy Light is a power of the mind."

Perhaps this is precisely when the Lightforged Chapter is at its weakest.

“But it is precisely in times of confusion that one’s faith is honed, Master Hamuul.”

Diakum had already changed into the Judgment Armor that covered his battle robes. He put on the heavy yet artistic shoulder armor and said in a gentle tone:

"Thinking without action is a waste of time. Rather than letting my warriors be trapped in the dead end of doubt, let them take action. When the sword is raised, hesitation will be cut off."

The saying "the knife cuts the flesh, the heart cuts the soul" perfectly describes this.

Actually, I don't need them. I can purify all the misguided Fire Bull cultists on this island by myself.

However, if my warriors cannot overcome their inner demons and rise from the ashes, how can I expect them to bring the already 'overheated' Holy Light back on track?

Hamuer was silent for a moment, then nodded and said:

"Indeed, decisive action is the best medicine to dispel hesitation. Your decision is correct and worthy of our learning. But the soldiers' minds need to be encouraged, especially since the path of faith always needs some enlightenment."

"It will happen. At the moment today's battle ends, all those who believe in the Holy Light will be enlightened."

Dick responded affirmatively, then put the full-face, imposing helmet on his head. The moment he pulled up the black and gold hood, a dazzling holy light transformed into golden radiance and surrounded him.

All the enhancements belonging to the priests and paladins were released at this moment. The holy marks surrounded the vigilant in the chorus of golden cherubs, and then transformed into a storm of golden emblems which Diakum grasped and swung forward.

Blessings from the Holy Spirit of Radiance swept across the entire arena, and the powerful blessing spells made every Lightforged feel the power.

This is a signal!
Although the veterans were still in a state of moral collapse due to self-doubt, their war instincts made them stand up in unison and form one combat squad after another without needing command.

It's not just veterans.

Looking haggard and clearly suffering from extreme mental exhaustion, Yrel decisively fastened her Lightforged Helm, gripped the Ash Apostle's Blade, and strode to the front of her ranks. She glanced at Marad, whose great-uncle handed her the company's battle flag, indicating that she would serve as the standard-bearer in this battle.

It means don't go up and fight.

Her current state of doubt is really not suitable for fighting. When she is doubting herself, even the strongest power cannot exert its due destructive force.

But Irene refused.

She stubbornly shook her head, walked to her Forged Dragon, stroked the ferocious creature's head, and then gripped her weapon tightly amidst the clinking of her gauntlet blades.

As always, she leaped onto her dragon saddle and went into battle as the commander of the Forgedlight Dragonriders.

She is very agitated and desperately needs a battle to release her inner doubts, expel those unhealthy emotions, and make herself more resolute.

Diakum summoned the Moon Goddess Sword Reindeer, a weapon specifically for mounted combat, and used Kazzak's Soul Staff as a heavy cavalry weapon. He mounted the magnificent Moon Goddess and rode forward on its heavy hooves to the front of the quiet Lightforged ranks.

Beneath the full-face visor of his Judgment Helmet, his eyes swept over his warriors; he saw their eyes.

The light faded, as if they were beginning to doubt the path they had taken, and the war experiences they had once regarded as sacred were repeatedly questioned by themselves. After shedding their hatred for the demons, the shame of losing their homeland, and the fanaticism that came with the holy light, they came to their senses.

"We cannot only believe in the Holy Light when we are slaughtering demons, children."

Diakum's voice, muffled by his heavy helmet, echoed through the ancient arena as he said:
"You have fallen into the darkest hour of your mind and spirit, just as the once chaotic sea of ​​stars cannot see even a ray of light. But since the primordial light we believe in was born from the darkest place, all things have begun a new dawn."

When there is no holy light, can the warriors' blades still remain steadfast?

When there are no hymns echoing, can the pastors still sing with enthusiasm?
It's time to see your own light.

Follow me.

The Vigilant swung his Soul Staff, drawing an arc in the air before pointing it forward. The dawn light belonging to the Sun's Pioneers surged forth. Diakum hadn't used such "low-level" power in a long time.

Look at the place where the morning light shines; it can only make those things in the shadows retreat in a sorry state, but it cannot burn them away.

The armored reindeer wielding the Moon Goddess Sword moved forward at a steady pace, passing the Pandaren villages that had become ghost lands in the chaotic flow of time. In the windows of those dilapidated houses, Pandaren ghosts peered out, scrutinizing this silent army.

The frenzied elemental creatures blocking their path were all driven back by the increasingly scorching midday sun, and they arrived unimpeded at the "Path of Blazing Fire" where the Fire Bull cultists were located.

This is the road that winds up the mountain ridge and leads all the way to the Molten Courtyard.

The fire-bullf followers of Ordos, who embraced the flames, gathered here. They built altars wreathed in various flames and captured wild animals from the island, forcing them to be "reborn" in the flames.

The thugs, engulfed in flames and wielding menacing weapons, blocked the passes along the Fiery Path.

Their eyes gleamed with malice.

They want to capture these glittering creatures, extinguish their holy light, and let them embrace the true "flames."

Only by experiencing the glory of burning away flesh and original sin in flames can the soul be purified and returned to the realm of the sun god Anser. Holy light and blazing sun are all evil paths!
We must follow the path of that "solar eclipse"!
"The blazing light of false gods must be extinguished."

The fanatical fire bull priest roared and leaped out, brandishing a steel torch wreathed in black flames, and led a horde of black fire followers who charged forward with howling cries.

Diakum also began to accelerate.

He crouched low like a true cavalryman, his Soul-Binding Staff wreathed in blazing light, ready to deliver a perfect piercing blow, but he was utterly useless.

The Moon Goddess Reindeer accelerated with its heavy hooves, transforming into a golden moonlight. Like a shadow cavalryman, it flashed and struck the Blackfire Priest. With a single swing of its luxurious and sharp sword, the Reindeer Antlers, it tore the group of ignorant Blackfire thugs to shreds.

The Luna Reindeer let out a majestic and bright war roar, and after tearing apart the first wave of opponents, it did not slow down, carrying Diakum like a fully armed Tiger tank, charging all the way up the fiery path.

No matter what obstacles block the way, they will all be trampled and torn apart by the accelerated impact.

Diakum could even sense the sword reindeer's surging fighting spirit. Unlike those weak vehicles, this guy was born to trample the battlefield!
"Fine, fine, whatever you want."

Diakum muttered a helpless complaint.

He had originally planned to personally lead the Lightforged to complete this not-so-difficult raid, so that his Lightforged could regain their faith, but "God of War" White Deer went mad and wanted to carry the whole game by himself, so let it be.

It saves me the trouble of doing it myself.

Of course, the Moon Reindeer only broke through the Blackfire Cult's defenses; it didn't have time to stop and wipe out those clueless cultists. Therefore, the Lightforged who rushed up later still had enough enemies to deal with.

Don't forget the island's unique characteristics.

The Blackfire cultists assimilated by the flow of time will not die; they will be reborn in time. Unless the source of the Blackfire, Ordos, is completely purified, these cultists will be "immortal" here.

No wonder they are so confident and fearless.

------

"Diacombe and his Lightbringers are here; they're going to wipe me out!"

The roar of the Firelord echoed through the Molten Courtyard. It was both shocked and furious, and it had already foreseen its fate today. But as the most stubborn elemental lord, it had no intention of sitting idly by and waiting for its death.

As the colossal Ordos appeared above the courtyard carrying a lava battle axe, the illusion of the Fire Demon King emerged behind this fire bull-man evil god.

It manipulated Ordos to raise its scorching hot hand, causing the fire of Safras to transform into a storm that swept across the courtyard.

The most die-hard Blackfire Priests screamed in agony amidst the flames of creation, their flesh and blood completely incinerated, yet the flames of creation also shaped them, causing them to "ascend" and acquire an even more savage and powerful form.

These creatures were covered in molten lava, with wings made of flames on their humanoid bodies and helmets made of molten metal covering their unrecognizable faces.

Balrog!

Ragnaros no longer held back his power, personally "promoting" these powerful fire minions into the strongest creatures in the fire elemental realm. The newly born fire demons roared and raised their claws, and the flaming blades leaped into their palms amidst the boiling lava.

Under the command of the Balrog King, they charged toward the Path of Fire, determined to slay all the weak Lightforgers.

"Ha, I probably can't stop them."

Ragnaros roared in Ordos's dazed mind:

"But they must feel the wrath of the fire! Ordos, I bestow upon you the glory of the fire of Sulfuras. Today you wield my wrath and burn to death every enemy who dares to defy the Lord of Fire!"

"but"

The evil god of the Fire Bull, leaning on his battle axe, whispered:
"But the sun will be extinguished, the eclipse is coming, the fire usurpers are engulfed in black flames, they will ascend the throne of the heavens. I will ignite the sun! I will reignite Anser's eyes."

"Yes, yes, you sacrificed yourself to ignite the heavens, you are Anser's warrior, Ordos."

The Fire Demon King sneered:
"Look, the cultists of the Holy Light have arrived, and the false god is usurping Anser's golden throne. What should you do?"

"False god!!!"

Ordos' eyes widened.

The moment Diakum rode the Moon Reindeer, charging through the flames into the Molten Courtyard, the Blackfire God roared, brandishing his battle axe and baring his teeth as he charged toward him.

"Anser's glory must not be desecrated! The eclipse is coming, and we should all become kindling."

"what?"

The vigilant was taken aback by the strange war cry.

No, buddy?
Are you from the film set next door? Why are you still passing the torch here?

(End of this chapter)