Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 419, Part 28: Calling for reinforcements! Let's witness the demons and monsters of Zandalar - Bonus Chapter [45]

(Bonus chapter for the "Taoshuke" brothers [4/5])
Hot Sands finally obtained the military power it desired.

Without much intervention from Diakum, the guy successfully recruited the Mogu thugs in the ruins of Duyang and promised to take these destabilizing elements away from Pandaria. He also found his own goblin servants.

Those guys were imprisoned by the Mogu, and after Diakum removed the "Sha of Surplus Value" from them one by one, they were freed.

As for the "Fountain of Youth," the guards ignored it.

It cannot create true immortality; it is merely a trick of "life transfer." It may be naturally occurring or it may come from the sorcery of the ancient Mogu Emperors, but in terms of the overall world order, its existence is harmless.

Moreover, the spring water itself is neither good nor evil.

The Mogu thugs used it to harm lives to prolong their own, but Master Shangxi used it to save Zhu Hetianzun. The same thing can have different effects in the hands of different people. If we destroy it because of this, it would make the Vigilant seem narrow-minded.

But the hot sands also learned a lesson.

He not only underwent a spiritual cleansing through the "Desire Demon," but also, because it exposed certain "cruel business logics," he was cursed by the warden.

It's a spell created using void magic. In most cases, it won't activate and will keep Hot Sand in a calm and rational state, and it will also make it immune to most mind control effects.

However, if the Trade Prince attempts to profit at the expense of the world, the curse will activate, causing him excruciating pain. The only way to alleviate the suffering is to be generous, which is the most terrible punishment for a goblin.

That's enough to intimidate the hot sand.

Diakum may not be able to put shackles on capitalists, but he can certainly use some metaphysics on them.

Although the hot sand still has many ways to circumvent the spell's restrictions, a shrewd merchant like it would not do something that would provoke such a powerful force.

When the Vigilant returned to the Temple of the Cranes in the Kassanlang Jungle, the Twins had already come with the Jade Serpent to maintain order, and Onyxia had also come along.

The black dragon princess, who was in charge of the collaboration between the Lightforged Chapter and the Gadgetzan Consortium, took the opportunity to report to the Vigilant on the progress of the Gadgetzan Consortium's "official" operations during this period.

"After receiving a portion of the Titan device from Uldaman, the Gadgetzan Consortium immediately began reverse engineering. Gadgetzan assembled a highly professional team of engineering masters and set up a laboratory in Brambletooth City, led by the goblin tinkerer Gazlowe, whom you appointed."

That young goblin craftsman was indeed very skilled.

Based on their recent achievements, a technology called 'pocket factory' has been preliminarily verified, and the Hot Sands Consortium is preparing to promote it among engineers.

This technological innovation is said to increase productivity several times over in specialized fields, including dwarf engineering.

Princess Black Dragon clearly put in a lot of effort.

She even taught herself some engineering concepts to understand these complex technical terms. She glanced at Diakum's expression, turned to the second page of the report, and said:

"In addition to the Pocket Factory, the goblin engineers also reverse-engineered a convenient communication device from Titan Technology, which was the prototype of the device that Hot Sands used to call for help from us."

Prince Gadgetzan intends to use this technology to reshape the current communication model in Azeroth, and he has ambitiously established a new company called the 'Communications Bureau' to handle this matter.

The cooperation with the human side included a clause to provide Marshal Lothar's army with a 'full set of military communication equipment'.

They also plan to commercialize the Titans' production line for creating rock colossi, in order to sell 'personal safety service packages' to civilians who are powerless to protect themselves in this perilous era.

This is a project that is currently being drafted.

It is said that among them are not only personal security civilian rock golems, but also the Arkenite protective crystal backpacks of the Eredar, the natural summoning tree seeds of the forest elves, and elemental stones made by shamans, etc.

The core component is a magical item called a 'hearthstone,' a reusable 'town portal scroll' designed by spellcasters from Dalaran.

After the binding is completed, a short spell can teleport the user to a safe area.

According to the goblins, after simple training, carrying the safety kits they sell could give an ordinary person a chance to escape safely when encountering demonic creatures.

But to be honest, I'm not optimistic about the prospects of this project.

Onyxia shrugged and said to the Watcher:

"Aside from the inherent security issues of teleportation, even if the goblins pushed the cost of this 'personal safety pack' to the limit, there would still be many people who couldn't afford it."

The wealthy might buy some for self-defense, but expecting to improve the world's defenses through such means is far too idealistic.

"You can't say that, after all, something is better than nothing."

Diakum has his own opinion on this matter.

Judging from his expression, he was quite satisfied with the efficiency of the Hot Sands Consortium's actions after receiving the Titan device. He said:
"When we entrusted the task of recovering Titan technology to the goblins, wasn't it precisely because we wanted to leverage their commercial networks across the world to advance technological upgrades? Although this wasn't the Lightforged Chapter's primary focus, the Sunfire Sands and its goblins, driven by profit, certainly did a good job."

You could suggest that Lothar adopt more of these goblin innovations so that the human empire can also get on this fast track.

The tech tree in this 'Pocket Factory' is quite impressive.

With this, the dwarves' steam tanks won't have to worry about wear and tear during intense battles, and even the Lightforged Chapter's lightforged craftsmen can benefit from it. This is a good start.

"That's what the goblins boast about too, and they also have a request."

Onyxia turned to the last page of the report and said:

"The goblins requested that the Lightforged Chapter share the energy system and design parameters of the Lightforged Warframes. Gazlowe personally wrote a feasibility report, which I reviewed."

The goblins believed that their previously designed harvesters and loggers could benefit from this technology sharing, and Hot Sands also planned to upgrade those civilian engineering machines into military-grade war puppets.

Most importantly, Lothar is very interested in this.

Our human marshal fondly remembers his experience of piloting a lightforged war machine to kill a demonic dragon, and he believes that such a weapon will definitely be of great use when reclaiming the northern frontier.

In addition, the Thorntooth Research Institute recently arrested several 'tech spies', all from the gnome city of Gnomeregan.

The goblins' technological breakthroughs made their engineering rivals, the gnomes, extremely envious. The gnomes wanted to find out where the goblins' creative ideas came from. An organization called the 'Gnomeregan Secret Operations Force' sent spies, but unfortunately, the goblins saw through their scheme.

Do we need to intervene?

"This is healthy competition, why get involved?"

Diakum smiled and said:

"The reason we didn't entrust Titan technology to the gnomes was because gnome engineering was notoriously risky and prone to getting out of control. However, the gnomes did these things more to satisfy their own research desires and didn't care about commercial interests. Therefore, it was more reassuring to entrust military technology to them for research."

Since the dwarves are also interested in this, we can appropriately open up some Titan technology to them.

I want to get these two small races to 'roll up'.

The competition between them can effectively catalyze more technological breakthroughs to take root and flourish throughout Azeroth; this task is still your responsibility.

"You did a good job. According to the Lightforged Chapter's commendation standards, you deserve a medal."

"I don't need those bright medals."

The Black Dragon Princess waved her hand dismissively and said:
"I traded this commendation for the authority to conduct a military operation. I found a Black Dragon Legion stronghold on the eastern continent, where there are many dragon eggs."

I need those dragon eggs to expand the number of Lightforged Dragons, and also, if possible.”

Onyxia hesitated for a moment, then whispered:
"I would like to ask for your help to rescue my mother from the tyranny of Deathwing. She is in very bad condition, and the Void Curse she has suffered is so severe that it may require your personal intervention to cleanse her."

While my father was engrossed in role-playing with humans, she was semi-confined, caring for the baby dragons and their eggs.

My father and my brother did some 'horrible' biological experiments. They would steal dragon eggs from red dragons and accelerate their ripening in a crazy way.

If Lothar wants to stop the establishment of the dragon empire in the North, he must first destroy the black dragons' laboratory.

"I can't do this alone; I need the Lightforgers' help."

“You are one of us, and your desire for justice is the path we should follow. However, the Lightforgers are too cold-blooded towards evil. Perhaps you should seek the help of the Shadowchaser in this matter.”

Dick advised her:
"Go to Karazhan and persuade Staghelm and his Shadowhunters to participate. Don't be reckless; gather intelligence carefully and formulate a plan."

This way, when we return to the Eastern Continent after completing our mission in Pandaria, and when Lothar formally declares war on the Black Dragonflight and its human minions, you will have ample opportunity to act.

I grant you the authorization to wage war!
But you'll have to make your own plan; I don't have time to help you right now.

"Your words are enough."

Onyxia breathed a sigh of relief, then left Zhuhe Temple with the goblins' report in her hand.

After she disappeared, the twins stepped forward. "The goblins must have bribed the black dragon princess to get her to say a few good words for you."

Saloras said with a smile:
"However, with the logistical support of the Sunfire Consortium, the Lightforged don't have to worry about those trivial matters in Azeroth. Even on the battlefield of the stars, having a major financial backer supporting the war for justice behind the scenes will make the warriors feel much more at ease."

"These goblins remind me of the Node Princes of the Astral Consortium."

Aurecis pouted and said:
"Equally cunning, equally mercenary, but equally wise, adept at using war as a window to plunder wealth. The entire Star Sea trembles in the flames of war instigated by demons, but only the Star Consortium thrives in it."

For those guys, chaos is the best ladder to advancement.

"Then you are in luck."

Dick shared the information the Twin Walkers had previously given him with the Twins, and he joked:

"The Voidlings have extended their reach into the shadows of Azeroth. Since the Legion of Light has experience dealing with them, when they emerge from the shadows, it will be up to you to deal with them."

"The ethereal thieves?"

The twins exchanged a glance, their expressions visibly becoming serious.

"The fact that they are so enthusiastic about participating in this grand event can only prove that what the Void Herald Xal'atath seeks must be extraordinary. We need Azeroth's best rogues and assassins to form a force specifically to target them."

Only the most outstanding walkers in the shadows can possibly capture the traces left by the spirits as they wander through the phases.

Most importantly, the Void Thieves all have their own strategies. They were only summoned by Xal'atath, which does not mean they have to serve the Void Heralds. Xal'atath might create a mess that even he cannot clean up.

Even more frightening is that the Void Pioneer might not have even intended to clean up the mess.

Saloras shook her head and said:
“They are very good at hiding, and it is difficult to determine their specific target before they show themselves. Perhaps we should use the connections of the Holy Light Legion to inquire with the Node Princes. Maras has connections with the Void Merchants, so we can ask him to help us find out.”

"Okay, then I'll send a message to Yura and ask her to urge her boyfriend to step up."

Diakum glanced back at Zhuhe Temple, then rose to cleanse the remaining evil stains from the Crimson Essence Celestial Venerable's body. As he left, he said to the twins:

"We will return to Qinglong Temple tomorrow night, and after the soldiers have rested, we will immediately set off for Kun Lai Sanctuary."

"The Lightforged are elite enough, but too few in number. If we want to attack a fortress that has been occupied by the Force of Death for thousands of years, we will need a large number of assault troops."

Aurecis suggested:
"How about we bring some warriors from Draenor? Pandaren monks will have a hard time penetrating deep into enemy territory with the onslaught of the Death Force, so they can handle the outer perimeter."

"No need, our reinforcements are already on their way."

"Huh? Where did these reinforcements come from?"

------

"Correct course. The fleet is about to enter the South China Sea current zone. The priests of the shark god Grol have already submerged, and the tide is forming! The fleet will enter acceleration mode in one hour."

On the massive, multi-tiered deck, a Zandalari naval commander is reporting on the fleet's situation to the Dark Prophet Zul.

This golden fleet task force, consisting of twelve warships, has just departed the Zandalari Islands, their destination being the continent of Pandaria, which is emerging from the mist and rejoining the world.

The Zandalari Empire's golden fleet has long been renowned in the South Seas. While other factions were suffering under the suppression of the Kul Tiras fleet, the trolls were the only force capable of challenging the Kul Tiras in the South Seas.

The Golden Fleet is King Rastakhan's source of confidence.

This fleet was first built during the time of Emperor Dazar, and after countless years of refinement, it has made the Zandalari trolls a formidable force at sea.

Even with a legendary ocean unit like the "Tide Sage," which is practically a bug in the system, Daelin Proudmoore couldn't easily subdue the trolls' control over the ocean.

It can be said that the reason why Kul Tiran merchants have not yet squeezed all the profits out of the South China Sea's golden waterway is not only due to the united resistance of the goblin consortium, but also the presence of the golden fleet stationed in the South China Sea.

Of course, it's unrealistic for the goblins to expect the two "old rogues" to actually fight. Neither the Kulve Tauren nor the Zandalari trolls had any intention of a "battle on the high seas." They had clearly defined their spheres of influence and kept to themselves.

This "double exploitation" of the South China Sea trade routes has caused immense suffering for the goblin conglomerates.

It is said that in recent years, the goblin consortium has also begun to secretly build its own naval forces. Of course, in order not to provoke the Kul Tiras and Zandalari trolls, they operate in the South China Sea under the guise of "pirates".

Since they were pirates, they were bound to be attacked by the navy.

The Kulve people have a long tradition of hanging pirates, while the Zandalari trolls have been "headhunting" for over 10,000 years, okay?
However, compared to the Kul Tirans' "big gun ship" style, which relies on the Tide Sage to shape ocean currents and correct the trajectory of cannon fire, the Zandalari's golden fleet takes the "aircraft carrier" route.

Their flagships were often equipped with multiple decks, which the valiant royal pterodactyl riders used as take-off and landing platforms. Under the protection of the wind spirit Paku, the troll compounds hurled by hordes of pterodactyls always hit the enemy's warships with pinpoint accuracy.

The Zandalari trolls are not skilled in using artillery; they use oversized ballistae as their naval weapons. They may look primitive, but the massive bolts imbued with divine fire are far more destructive when they strike their targets than simple explosives.

The Zandalari are protected by "all spirits," and the strange powers bestowed upon them by the peculiar Loa gods always give them a strange advantage in naval battles. In fact, if you anger the Zandalari navy, it's not impossible for them to summon a ghost fleet in no time by calling upon Bwonsamdi on the battlefield.

The magical world naturally has its own rules for naval warfare. On the battlefield of metaphysics, the Zandalari trolls, with their many "godfathers," are not afraid of any enemy.

However, the Dark Prophet Zul was not in a good mood today.

The old troll hastily inspected the fleet before returning to his meditation room, where a "guest" was already waiting for him.

"Was the greatest Mogu Emperor, Thor, truly resurrected by the power of death ten thousand years ago?"

The Dark Prophet, without any ceremony, sat cross-legged before the incense burner used for worshipping the gods and asked Lady Aegwynn, who was sitting opposite him:

"I need to confirm this news."

"Because the Zandalari once formed a pact with Thor to conquer the world?"

Aegwynn joked:

"That's your 'dark history.' From Mother World's perspective, it was the closest the trolls ever came to success in their continuous self-destructive endeavors. I heard that your alliance with Thor almost destroyed the world."

"Yes, it was a tragedy."

Zul sighed, stroking the Staff of All Souls adorned with sacred Azerite crystals in his hand, and said:

"According to the records of the Dark Prophets throughout history, after Thor unified the warlords of Pandaria, our ancestors also made an alliance with him in the name of the Zandalari Empire."

Both sides originally planned to join forces to attack the Elven Empire and then divide the world. In order to counter Azshara's Well of Eternity, we studied ancient texts with the sorcerers under Thor and eventually found a sacred place called the 'Hall of Origin'.

Thor longed to see the world unified under his rule, so he led the Mogu and Troll armies on a expedition to that mysterious land.

It is said that they encountered resistance from natives called the 'Torvils'. In order to resist Thor's power, those madmen deliberately blew up the Hall of Origin, causing a terrifying energy leak. In the end, less than one-tenth of that powerful expedition survived.

They retrieved Thor's remains, while the contemporary Dark Prophet tragically perished.

You're right, that was the closest thing to destroying the world among the countless mistakes the Troll Empire made in its history.

I'm just glad that the Dark Prophet wasn't lucky back then.

However, the ancient alliance between Thor and the Zandalari Empire has not been broken; theoretically, he is still our ally.

"Then here's the problem."

Aegwynn asked seriously:

"If you, representing King Rastakhan and leading this 'Firstborn Legion,' were to encounter Thor in Pandaria, would you obey the covenant?"

Are you kidding me?

The Dark Prophet shook his head and said:
"The Golden King desires to demonstrate the will of the Troll Empire to Mother World through this action. We have mobilized more than thirty Loas and thousands of priests to participate in this war. How could we possibly betray Mother World, who has already accepted us, in order to fulfill an ancient covenant?"

You should know that on the day Lord Rezan was appointed 'Guardian Spirit' by the Star Soul Lord, the entire Dazar'alor was a sea of ​​celebration.

Thor's ally?
Or is it the resilient eldest son of Mother World?
Choosing between these two identities is not difficult for us at all.

But what I'm worried about is Thor's power! Ms. Aegwynn.

If the ancient records are not exaggerated, Thor was already close to the power of a lesser god more than 10,000 years ago, and now he has been strengthened by death.

What I'm worried about isn't the Zandalari Empire's resolve, but whether we can achieve victory.
And most importantly.

The Dark Prophet paused, reached out and lit the incense burned by the gods before it, and whispered:
"Who exactly is that mysterious figure who fought against the forces of death in the Mogu Palace for ten thousand years in place of the Pandaren Emperor? You and I already have the answer in our hearts, don't we?"

(End of this chapter)