Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 434, Section 43: Azshara is not afraid of death, but death is afraid of Azshara.
Vashj's call made the queen, who was casting a spell, turn around sharply. When she saw her most trusted maidservant from back then reaching out to her with tears streaming down her face, even though Azshara had been tempered by ten thousand years of experience and was usually able to keep her emotions in check, she was still somewhat moved at that moment.

But her slightly trembling fingers did not affect her superb spellcasting ability.

Under the chilling suppression of that energy, the demonic sword had no chance to escape and could only wail as it spat out the lives it had taken from the world over the years.

By the time the ritual was completed, Remonia Shadowfang had visibly weakened.

Although this demonic sword does not require world energy to enhance its power, these creations of the Shadowlands only "consume" anima, and no matter how powerful the energy of the material world is, it is meaningless to them.

But Azshara seems to have genuinely intended to punish it for its arrogance in defying the Queen.

In this ritual, she almost completely stripped away all the external power of the Demon Sword, even squeezing out the mental energy hidden within it, and using exquisite techniques to reverse it and convert it into energy to provide to the Supreme Star Soul.

In layman's terms, the magic sword's level has been "forced to zero".

It remains a fearsome weapon of death, but to regain its former power that executed Thor, it would take thousands of years of arduous training.

Transformation?

She was overthinking it. Transformation requires mental energy, and right now she couldn't squeeze out a single drop. Even her curses against Azshara were too weak to be effective.

But this is what the Demon Sword deserves.

As the ritual ended and the swirling world energy dissipated, Azshara's soul quietly landed, her delicate bare feet stepping into the golden Titanic chill, her fingers releasing the weakened demonic sword that hovered beside her.

Remonia is still not behaving herself.

She darted away, intending to return to the Shadowlands through the now palm-sized Death Rift to complain to her powerful master. However, she was immediately slapped back to Azshara's side by Aegwynn's talkative staff, who shouted, "See how powerful your brother Aluneth is!"

It even let out a weak, mournful whine, like a dog that had been hit on the head.

It is too weak.

It can even bully that ridiculous lackey weapon now, showing none of the ferocity and savagery it displayed when torturing Ashbringer.

The white hair of the Light of Light fell onto her shoulders with perfect collarbones. She took a few steps forward, seemingly hastily, which was not in line with the Queen's usual languid elegance. But when Vashj rushed towards her crying, Azshara opened her arms and pulled her kneeling maid into her embrace.

It was like seeing a family member.

Even if the two parties are not related by blood in any sense.

The most outstanding spymaster in Suramar, the assassin leader feared throughout the Broken Isles, the ghost in every Highborne elf who betrayed Azshara's nightmares, the cold and powerful Lady Vashj would also cry like a child, clinging to the Queen's leg and wailing incessantly.

Logically speaking, Vashj had enjoyed a period of glory during the Elven Empire. As Queen Azshara's most trusted head lady-in-waiting, she once wielded immense power and had seen much of the world, so she shouldn't have lost her composure to this extent.

But other races really find it hard to understand the Highborne's attitude towards Azshara.

It was not simply a matter of obedience or worship. The Highborne did not have a belief in a god, but if a strict definition had to be made, Queen Azshara might be the Highborne's "god."

Their devotion and obedience to the Elf Queen were even more devout than the Kaldorei's faith in the Moon Goddess.

In this respect, Azshara was truly the kind of ruler who could say "I am the state".

"They all say you are dead, when in fact you are just sleeping in the Nightwell. That arrogant bastard Elisande is using your name to wreak havoc on your court, and she is ruling your people with cruelty. Every Nightborne in Suramar prays for your return day and night."

The seemingly loyal Governor Torsedrin also harbored ulterior motives, secretly colluding with the rebellious Cadores and Queldores.

Varosan and I have tried our best to uphold your orthodoxy and dignity, but for ten thousand years, you have never responded to us, and we have even given up hope.

Your most loyal guards can only stand guard at the Dark Night Fortress.

Others praise our loyalty, but we were forced into it.

At this moment, Vashj resembled one of those bullied children who had been mistreated, complaining to Azshara, the patriarch of the family. She was so emotional that she could hardly think straight, and her words were somewhat incoherent.

But the Queen did not scold her for her disheveled state; she simply listened patiently and reached out to smooth Vashj's messy hair.

It took several minutes for the spy master to calm down.

She wiped her red and swollen eyes, took a few deep breaths, and earnestly said to her empress:
"You should return to your noble and pure body. You should summon your loyal courtiers to rebuild your empire. The Kaldorei and Quel'dorei are secretly subverting our orthodoxy. After the unfortunate death of Governor Torsedrin, they have audaciously supported the lowly Mordant Evershadow as the governor of Azsuna."

They have essentially betrayed the empire!

But it doesn't matter.

Once you awaken from the Dark Well, those who have strayed from the right path will soon return to your throne.

Azshara seemed not to hear Vashj's suggestion; she simply stroked Vashj's cheek and asked softly:
"What happened to your injuries? Why has your strength decreased so much?"

"This is because the explosion of the Well of Eternity affected us when we escorted you away, cough cough, when we escorted your chariot to Suramar."

Vashj whispered:

“You need not worry. Although I am now a cripple, General Varosson is still strong and capable of protecting your loyalty.”

"So, after guarding my body for so many years, Varosan still doesn't dare to reach out and realize his 'ambition'?"

Queen Azshara laughed and teased:
"He thought he could hide the chain he secretly forged from me. I have been asleep for ten thousand years, but my loyal and handsome chief guard still dares not get close to me."

Alas, such blind loyalty is almost pathetic.

Having said that, under Vashj's wide-eyed gaze, the Queen, seemingly having undergone a drastic change in temperament, raised her head and spoke to Diakum in a gentler voice:

"My royal advisor, could you please use your holy light to heal my maid's injuries?"

"Yes, it's not difficult."

Diakum nodded and said:
“I can reshape Lady Vashj’s flesh and blood to completely eliminate the severe internal injuries within her body, but do you really want to return to your territory and rebuild your empire?”

"Would you two allow me to do this?"

Azshara asked:
"Will my subjects still be loyal to their queen ten thousand years from now?"

She asked the question, but didn't need an answer; she simply replied later:

"No, the world has long since changed. My empire became history the moment the Well of Eternity exploded. Wise as I am, I would not do such a futile effort. I also witnessed Shao Hao's sacrifice and Thor's resurrection. They were also emperors, and their stories gave me a deeper understanding of 'power, duty, and responsibility'."

not to mention.
I still have important things to do.

The Queen turned to look at the death rift that was about to be completely closed, and said sternly:
"The Force of Death has rudely offended the Empress's supreme majesty!"
The Eternals have usurped the Queen's authority through despicable means, decimating the world she must protect. This is a provocation that must be met with a severe response! Therefore, the Elven Empire of Azeroth will launch a 'Retribution Crusade' against the realm of the dead today!
For ten thousand years, I sealed the demonic sword, trying my best to prevent it from connecting with the Shadow Realm, but a portion of the world's life force was still transferred back to the Land of Death.

The dead shamelessly stole my wealth; their crime is compounded!
I will not return to my throne until this offense has been punished severely enough, therefore, Vashj, my loyal head lady-in-waiting, go back and tell Varosen.
He is free.

Azshara patted Vashj on the shoulder and whispered:
"As a reward for his eternal loyalty, the Queen allows him to leave a kiss on my cheek as he is relieved of the burden of loyalty. And you, you must take good care of yourself; you are free now."

After saying that, Azshara grabbed the Death Sword beside her and floated toward the Death Rift.

This decisive decision stunned Diakum and Aegwynn. Then, the two of them reached out at the same time, and surrounded by the Holy Light and the power of the world, they stopped Azshara from launching the "Retribution Expedition" alone.

"Are you crazy?"

Aegwynn scolded:

"You are currently in a soul state. If you go to the realm of the dead, it means you are truly 'dead.' As the great cycle of life and death has not yet been overturned, no soul has been able to return to the material world from the realm of shadows!"

Is this a form of self-exile after you realize your terrible mistakes, a self-destructive act of giving up on yourself?

Forgive my bluntness, Azshara!

You're being a bit too extreme.

"Shut up! Arrogant human! How could the Queen possibly make a mistake?"

Vashj jumped up and grabbed her queen's leg, preventing her from going to her "death," and scolded her:

"Queen Azshara is a perfect ruler. The tragedy ten thousand years ago was not her fault. It was just that the queen was momentarily misled by the damned Dark Titan."

That's just a
That was just a small mistake!
How dare you speak so arrogantly of your monarch?

Kneel down! Admit your mistake!

"Sigh, it's because of people like you who can't tell right from wrong, constantly boasting about your achievements in her ear, that she was able to stubbornly commit such a terrible mistake. Surrounded by sycophants like you, even the best character would be corrupted."

Moreover, she herself has serious problems.

The Watcher strode forward, waving his hand to summon five angels who joined hands to form a human wall between Azshara and the Rift of Death. He said in a deep voice:

"Your power is innate, so you naturally don't know reverence; everything you desire is within your reach, so you are unaware of human suffering; you are showered with love and affection, so why would you care about the feelings of others?"
Your unspeakable arrogance is merely a facade for Queen Azshara; your real problem lies in 'dereliction of duty'!
Whether you are right or wrong, you know very well in your heart; the ten thousand years of bitter suppression is clear proof of this.

I don't want to comment on your destined tortuous journey of the heart, Your Majesty. I just want to tell you that completing a 'punishment expedition' in the realm of the dead is not as simple as you think. The world of the dead has its own set of rules.

Your strength will face a severe challenge there.

If even the sins and punishments unleashed by the extension of power like Remonia can affect you, then when you face Emperor Denathrius or those divine servants of fate, they can make you kneel down and become a slave to extract your mind energy with just a glance.

I admire your courage, but deliberately stepping into a trap is not the act of a wise person.

The two women's obstruction, coupled with Vashj's tight grip on Azshara's leg, prevented the Queen from immediately completing her determined expedition. After a moment of silence, she whispered:

“I have just completed the experiment of reversing the conversion of mental energy into energy. If Emperor Denathus and his servants do not intend to repay, I have my own ways to punish them.”

I must reclaim the life force that death stole from me!

It wasn't because of any mistake, nor because of any guilt, but simply because the masters of the Death Force challenged my authority, and as the Queen, I had to give them a strong response.

If I don't respond to the provocation with thunderous force, how can I demonstrate the majesty of a king? Me.
I must get this done!

This is the Queen's duty to defend the land, Vashj. Will you prevent your Queen from fulfilling her obligations?

Is it really that hard to admit you were wrong?

Diakum said helplessly:

"If 'contradictory' is the standard for judging a king, then you are indeed the supreme queen of Azeroth. I'm afraid that after this world is destroyed, your mouth will still remain in the wreckage to insist that you are right."

The biting sarcasm made Azshara glare at Diakum, while Aegwynn beside her burst out laughing.

She never realized that if someone becomes arrogant to a certain extent, watching them act out can be so hilarious.

Azshara's decisions and actions were clearly attempts to make amends and atone for her mistakes, but she just wouldn't admit that she was wrong. Even though her body was honest, she was still unforgiving with her words.

Dick is right, the hardest part of the sweet and soft Elf Queen is her mouth.

"I will return."

Seeing that Vashj refused to let go and instead clung tightly to her leg with all her might, the Queen helplessly comforted her, saying:

"Have some faith in me, Vashj. I am just going out to war, just like when I led a large army to fight against the invading trolls at the beginning of the Empire."

It may take some time, but I will definitely return victorious.

If you truly believe your queen is omnipotent, then give me some faith! Pray for me in the material world, and when I return, the glory of the elves will surely shine once more.

"At that time, our race will be able to sweep away the gloom of the past ten thousand years and once again stand proudly at the top of the world."

Vashj still wouldn't let go.

She's not stupid.

She knew the Queen was just trying to comfort her.

Even if the Empress is incredibly powerful, the idea of ​​her going on a solo expedition to the world of the dead to seek justice for her own world sounds a bit too far-fetched.

Diakum and Aegwynn exchanged a glance, then simultaneously grasped the Heart of Azeroth and reported the matter to the Supreme Star Soul.

Azshara is the "Daughter of the World" on whom the Supreme Star Soul has placed great hopes. Even though she has made a grave mistake, her fate is still to be decided by the World Mother.

A moment later, Aegwynn stepped forward and handed the golden Heart of Azeroth to Azshara, saying:

"Mother World wants to talk to you."

"No!"

Azshara refused, saying decisively:

"not the right time yet."

"Let her go!"

Seeing Azshara's stubbornness, the Supreme Star Soul, who had been "peeping" at her, finally spoke, rebuking her with a helpless anger:

"Don't stop her! She's not allowed to come back until her promise is fulfilled!"

After speaking, the Heart of the World pendant fell silent and stopped paying attention to what was happening there.

Aegwynn shrugged and said to Azshara:

“You have truly hurt her, but from what I know of our revered lady, she is very forgiving of her children, as long as you say a few kind words.”

"'Atonement' is just self-deception, and 'repentance' is nothing more than stabbing the victim in the back again, Magna Egwin."

Azshara stared at her and said:
"You have already hurt others, just like stabbing a wooden target with a knife and leaving a wound. No matter how gently you beg for forgiveness, those marks will still remain."

Even if you set a fire in the house, and you put out the flames, sweep away the ashes, and restore everything to its original state, the scorching smoke will still remain.

The past is like smoke.
I won't admit I made a mistake; I know it won't help.

I no longer seek forgiveness; I only want to get back what I missed.

The Heart of the World in your hand should have been mine, but I can no longer possess it.

You also have many problems, so please learn from my experience.

These words were spoken in a mental whisper, causing Aegwynn's expression to turn serious. This was Azshara's first true "apology," and perhaps the first time this proud queen had bowed her head since her birth.

This is truly significant.

"Take it with you."

Diakum removed his Heart of Azeroth Ring and handed it to Azshara, saying:
"You can't risk carrying the recovered life force with you all the time; that would just be asking for trouble. This ring allows you to convert psionic energy into nourishing power for the world's soul at any time. If you intend to prove something with your actions, then I can only wish you a safe journey."

Also, the first thing to do when you go to the Shadowlands is to make a 'sin monument' for yourself!
That stuff is a specialty of Revendreth; you need to find the right person to get effective help.

With the sin monument, the power of punishment will have a minimal impact on you.

The prerequisite is that you hide it well.

Azshara nodded.

She did not refuse the stone ring, but took it and put it on her finger. She then brushed aside her long white hair and humbly asked:

"What strategic advice do you have for your Queen's expedition, my royal advisor?"

"Go find Prince Rethonall or the Stonesmith. The former has long been dissatisfied with Emperor Denathius's treatment of criminals, and the latter has a special status and a transcendent position in Revendres. Trust no one but the two of them!"

Diakum replied in telepathy:

"If you must flee, go to Maldraxxus. There is a 'friend' in the Ritual Court."

I know you, as an elf, despise trolls, but if you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to seek help, then the troll god of death, Bwonsamdi, will be your best ally. In addition, the black wolf god, Lekanthus, can also be trusted.

Finally, I want to emphasize that you should not go to 'Fortress Ascension'!
The little blue people over there love powerful souls like you who are lost and confused. Although they are not very strong in combat, if they alarm the Hundred Hearts Chief and the Heart Titan, you will also suffer a very troublesome pursuit.

If one unfortunately falls into the Abyss

The vigilant paused and said:

"Go find Winnie!"

You can completely trust that broker, provided she sees you as a partner.

These reminders and suggestions made Azshara look at the Lightwalker before her with surprise. She said:

"You've been to the Shadowlands? Otherwise, I can't explain your astonishing familiarity with that place."

"This is a small privilege of those who defy fate."

Diakum smiled slightly, took a step back, raised his hand to Azshara in farewell, and said:

"I hope your punitive expedition will be victorious. Considering the troubles I am currently facing, it would be a blessing to have another lesser god who has embarked on the path of repentance as a comrade-in-arms."

You're right. Atonement is self-deception, and repentance is a second injury.

But if even these most basic attitudes are lacking, then the sinner deserves only a fierce trial of punishment, and as a partner of justice, I am truly willing to personally take action against those stubborn sinners.

May you be victorious in your expedition against death, Your Majesty!
May you return in glory and honor, madam.

The Vigilant reached out and placed his hand on the weeping Vashj's shoulder. A surge of holy power caused the head maid to release her hands, watching as her supreme ruler, carrying the demonic sword, walked toward the rift of death.

The other side is another country.
So what?

Wherever the Empress went, it became a loyal territory.

"You are dead!"

The vicious demonic sword Remonia cried out weakly:

"If you dare to step into my master's territory, He will surely grind you to dust!"

"Your master seems to have no idea how to train his followers. Look how rude and uncouth you have become. It's a waste of such a fine spiritual embryo."

Azshara stepped into the Death Rift, running her finger, adorned with the Heart of Azeroth ring, along the trembling blade of the cursed sword, and whispered:
"But don't worry, girl, we have plenty of time to get to know each other. You remind me of Tyrande. I missed my chance to mold her, so I will train you even harder here."

I will make you a lady, Remonia.

You will eventually kneel willingly at the feet of your queen.

In the instant she left the material world, in the instant she saw the landscape of Revendres, she paused between the two worlds, and gently kissed the ring on her hand.

"Feel sorry."

She whispered:

I have let you down.

(End of this chapter)