Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 456, Section 65: Embrace a Greater Cycle, Swarm Rider - Bonus Chapter [15]

(Bonus chapter for "konstanzzz" [1/5])
"General Staghelm! The portal to Ashenvale is ready in the Karazhan portal hall. Steward Moros sent a Light Eater attendant to remind you that you can go through that portal to see your family at any time."

In addition, your 'leave application' has been approved by Archbishop Saloras!
Including the vacation days you've accumulated over the past few months, you can take a month off this time.

In the shadows of the Dark Reverse Tower beneath Karazhan, a Rondorei Shadowhunter pushed open the door to Vastann Staghelm's room and reported to his commander.

General Deer Helmet, who had just returned to his post last night, is now packing his luggage.

He nodded, then placed the gift he had specially brought back from Pandaria for his daughter into a temperature-controlled treasure chest imbued with life magic.

Those were two eggs with beautiful patterns.

It looks like the egg of some kind of bird of prey, and it is indeed. It is a "phoenix egg" that Staghelm obtained from Yrel by using his "connections" within the Lightforged Chapter.

Irelia, Lyran, and the red panda Lili underwent a very successful "domestication" on Thunder Isle.

With the help of old Ansu, the three girls captured the no longer noble wild phoenix Ji Kun and its fierce children, and then ransacked the nest that Ji Kun had built in the sewers of the Thunder God's Palace.

They found a total of twelve phoenix eggs. After swearing to Old Ansu that they would raise these little phoenixes well and restore their nobility, the three of them each received four phoenix eggs as "dungeon rewards".

As for Jikun, the "Phoenix Mother" who had become savage after consuming too much experimental flesh and blood of the Mogu, and her children, they were taken away by Old Anzu.

It is said that it was to be given to the crow people for "holy fall".

As long as these wild phoenixes cannot return to their noble status, they will never be free.

The crow people are professionals at this!
Princess Lacey, along with a group of Sun Sages and Ravenclaw Priests, spent their days "spreading the gospel" to the birds of prey of Azeroth. In the past six months, they had tamed several harpy tribes in the Eastern Kingdoms, making this a perfect job for them.

As for General Staghelm's act of entrusting the phoenix egg to his daughter to raise, it seems a bit outrageous to other races. However, with two great druids in the Staghelm family, his daughter will most likely become an excellent druid in the future.

With this family background, what's wrong with raising a phoenix?
If it weren't for the fear of offending the Four Heavenly Gods, General Deer Helmet would have wanted to ask Snow Fury for a furry "Son of Snow Fury" from the Snow Fury Celestial to compensate his daughter for her loneliness of not seeing her father for many years.

Moreover, this phoenix is, after all, a wild phoenix.

Their divine bird bloodline is already very diluted. If they are not bred by druids using professional methods, it will be difficult for them to surpass ordinary birds and return to the ranks of divine birds.

Yrel entrusted the phoenix eggs to General Staghelm in the hope that he could use his connections within the Cenarion Circle to help raise the wild phoenixes.

The Eredar are not very good at breeding beasts, but the Druids are definitely the best at it.

In addition to carefully selecting gifts for his daughter, General Staghelm also found several fine silk gowns for his wife, made by Pandaren tailors using the finest royal silk from the Valley of the Four Winds—the epitome of Pandaria's luxury.

He found several legendary "monkey masks" for his father.

This is a truly rare item.

Legend has it that the Monkey King used this mask when he helped Emperor Shaohao get rid of his inner demons. Monkeys are naturally optimistic and have a strong ability to suppress evil energy. They are born with the ability to make exquisite and fun monkey masks.

This bamboo mask is excellent at suppressing inner demons and negative emotions, making it perfect for Old Deer Helmet's volatile temper.

After packing the gifts, Staghelm did not leave immediately.

He had one last thing to finish today, so he grabbed his Sha-stained scythe and walked into the shadowy depths of the Reverse Tower of Karazhan.

The Shadowhunters returning from Pandaria are currently undergoing the Swarm's ascension ceremony, a "reward" from the Shadowhunter swarm for their outstanding contributions.

General Staghelm did not interfere with the hunters' promotion.

He peered into the darkness from above, watching his elite troops re-contract with even more powerful Mantid bugs through communication with the will of the swarm. These were elite bugs who had become even stronger by acquiring the superior genes of the Mantid in this war.

If you are not satisfied with these ordinary insects, the Overlord also provides "customized" services.

Hunters can customize Swarm Pacts to suit their combat style within the Swarm.

Of course, hunters need to pay for the biomass and entropy energy themselves for such complex and multifunctional custom-made insects, and some more complex specialized insects also require hunters to provide their own "conversion materials".

For example, Colonel Marlis, a veteran soldier from the Shifting Sands under General Staghelm, was preparing to contract a "Thunder Beast" for himself.

But this thing belongs to the truly "high-end" category.

The swarm not only required him to bring a massive amount of biomass, but also demanded that he capture a crypt lord as "material".

In other words, Colonel Marliss was an early entrant with extensive experience, one of the best among the first Shadow Hunters, and had a profound understanding of the doctrines of light and shadow, which earned him the attention and favor of Archbishop Saloras. Otherwise, the Overlord would never have paid attention to such an outrageous "order".

Thunder Beast, my foot!

Don't you even look around? Where are there any extra Thunder Beasts left?

Even within the Shadow Chaser swarm, Thunder Beasts are elite formation breakers used in large-scale warfare.

Such a giant creature should never be privately owned. If the contractor loses control, a raging thunder beast can raze a city to the ground in a short time.

"So, are you still sure you want to own a Thunder Beast?"

General Staghelm, shrouded in shadow, asked softly. Beside him, Colonel Marliss, a bone pipe dangling from his lips and wearing a black eye patch, shrugged and said in a hoarse voice:

"Our hunters need such large-scale war machines. As the enemies the Lightforged face become increasingly outrageous, ordinary elite insects cannot guarantee our survival and development in increasingly brutal operations."

It's rare to have such privileges, and I'd like to challenge myself.

"While you go back to your wife and kids, I'm going to Northrend to see if I can capture a Crypt Lord. I heard the Spider Demons are fighting the Undead, so there should be plenty of opportunities."

"You're going to Northrend?"

Staghelm hesitated for a moment, then said:
"Aren't you going back to see your lover? You and Natalia haven't seen each other for years, have you?"

"She was a devout priestess of the moon, while I now walk the path of shadow."

Colonel Marliss exhaled a smoke ring and pulled his black hood down to cover his eye patch and scars.

This robust and decorated night elf veteran said:
“I don’t want to argue with Natalia about doctrine. I know she loves me and I miss her, but I’m always worried that the whispers I hear in the shadows will make me hurt her.”

Perhaps, staying away from her is the best protection.

I'm fighting alongside the bugs now, and sometimes I even feel that the bugs are more trustworthy than the others.

This is clearly not the kind of thinking a normal person should have.

“I thought so before.”

Staghelm patted his companion on the shoulder and said:
"But after experiencing the catastrophic visions brought by Y'Shaarj, which showed me the bond between me and my family, I realized that the precious thing we protect while walking in the shadows is that our family can live peacefully in the light."

You also experienced that illusion, and you must have seen those disasters too.

The colonel fell silent.

After a dozen seconds, he whispered:

"I saw my beloved Natalia being lured into the shadows by that bastard C'Thun, and I tried to save her but could only beg a bunch of greedy adventurers to give her peace."

I know those things can never happen again, but I will still think it was my fault.

I failed to protect my loved one.

I feel guilty, so I want a thunder beast to be my battle partner. That way, if anyone dares to harm my beloved and my people, a roaring behemoth will speak up for them!
Monster it is.

If becoming monsters can bring peace to our families and people, then it can be considered a glorious sacrifice, a path I am willing to walk.

“But we cannot be content to be monsters, nor would the Lightforged want us to be monsters, my brother.”

Staghelm reached out and put his arm around Marlis's shoulder, saying:

“Come back to Ashenvale with me. Take a break and relax. Accompany Natalia to the Temple of the Moon to pray. Leave the shadows for a while and be with your beloved in the light, even if you argue with her every day, even if it's only for a month.”

When we get back, I'll go to Northrend with you.

The Spider Demons possess the 'Aqi Legacy' that the Shadow Chaser swarm craves, and that is our next target.

I won't let you hunt the Crypt Lord alone; that would be sending you to your death.

"Heh, I'm not as fragile as you think."

Marliss laughed, thought for a moment, and said:
"Alright, I'll go write a leave request first. Archbishop Saloras is very strict. If I get caught slacking off, I'll probably have to spend half a month in the Lightforged Chapter's confinement room."

"I don't want to listen to those Holy Light believers chanting every day." He waved his hand, turned and left with his pipe in his mouth, while General Staghelm, leaning on his scythe, walked into his hunting brothers' group, where some new recruits were observing and learning how to communicate more effectively with the insect swarm.

When General Staghelm descended, the Landorai recruits bowed to their leader in respect.

Although Archbishop Saloras is the leader of the Shadow Chaser Order, General Staghelm founded the Order and still serves as its combat commander, making him the undisputed number two and deserving of such respect and awe.

"These humans."

Deer Helmet glanced discreetly at the crowd, then whispered to an old soldier beside him:
"Did they join us recently?"

"Yes, they come from the Stormwind Kingdom, and some from the Northern Frontier. They were warlocks or wild mages before. I don't know where they heard about the Shadowchaser Order, but they joined us through various means."

The old soldier, whose face was tattooed with the proverb "Chasing Shadows," whispered:
"You don't need to worry about their minds. We have people in charge of the recruitment. They are the Rondorei sisters from Quel'Thalas. They have been approved by Archbishop Saloras and given the responsibility of recruitment."

There's also a special training ground for our souls inside the tower of Karazhan.

All new recruits who apply to join us must undergo three trials; those who fail will be turned away. However, Steward Moros has been short-staffed to maintain the tower, so they have other options.

Staghelm nodded.

Because of the unique nature of the Shadow Chaser Order, the stricter the recruitment process, the better.

They won't want people who have suffered greatly and harbored deep resentment.

Because hatred is a terrible force that can cause the Avenger to lose his way in the shadows.

Do you wish to change your demon contract?

The old soldier saw Staghelm retrieve the spellcasting materials from the swarm's fissure and said:

"Should we disperse the surrounding recruits? Your previous contracted demon was already very strong. I'm worried that the appearance of an even stronger contracted demon might impact the recruits' minds, especially the interference from the swarm's will, which could frighten those with weak wills."

They haven't yet learned how to protect themselves in the face of the swarm's will.

"Then let's learn it on the spot."

Staghelm casually remarked:
"This is a basic skill!"
They need some pressure too, and it's time to show these young people embarking on the path of the Shadows the true power of the Swarm.

After saying that, Staghelm threw his Shadow Chaser Badge into the swarm rift. Almost immediately, the swarm on the other side of the rift reacted, and a very special void projection appeared in front of Staghelm.

That was the form of a strengthened mantis elder.

It was no longer bloated and aged; instead, it had transformed into a more energetic and ferocious form. It had six insect claws, and while recording something on an ancient scroll, it whimpered:
"General Vastan Staghelm, High Hunter of the Shadow Chasers, for your contributions to the Swarm, the Overmind has specially rewarded you by appointing you as the 'Honorary Swarm Highlord.' In accordance with the revised standards of the Swarm Archons, you will be able to have a 'Swarm Tyrant' as your combat partner."

Do you need me to recommend one?
Or do you already have someone you like?

"I want Lord Windbreaker Kerruk to be my partner."

Staghelm calmly said:

"In our previous battles, its unique sense of honor and its steady fighting style have earned my deep respect. If possible, please complete this contract immediately. I know this request is a bit excessive, but I don't want to miss tonight's reunion with my family."

"Well, it's not excessive. The swarm respects the strong."

The swarm governor let out a whimpering laugh, and then it made arrangements.

General Staghelm, in coordination with the spell, offered a large piece of precious Kepa amber essence, five barrels of pure biomass that he had personally hunted and purified, and a legendary Mogu warhammer as "sacrifices" to the Overlord, and the contract ceremony entered its final stage.

As the black and white swarm energy erupted and formed a halo, amidst the astonished and painful groans of the Shadow Chaser recruits, a monstrous insect tyrant appeared before them.

That was a demigod of the Zerg!
It has a ferocious dragon-shaped head resembling a battle helmet, a sturdy yet agile dragon armor shell, well-proportioned and powerful limbs, two humanoid chitinous claws, and six spider-like slicing claws on its back.

This must be a swift swordsman and weapon master.

This swarm tyrant wore six stained divine weapons for melee combat over its dark amber armor, and held a heavy sword with an amber scabbard in its hands.

But that wasn't the Amber Blade that the Mantis would choose; it was the renowned Chaos Blade: Fang of the Swarm, Famine Raider, Apocalypse.

"Storm Lord" Kerruk stared at the stag helmet that had summoned him with his six compound eyes on either side of his head, and said:
"Summoner, do you know the rules?"

"of course."

Staghelm gripped his stained scythe tightly and said:

"If you want to contract the Swarm Tyrant, you must demonstrate your strength, skill, will, and courage before you. I am ready."

"No need."

Kerruk raised his claws, refusing the ritual.

These insects are also part of the "network" of the swarm's will, but because each swarm tyrant is the lord of a certain hive, they possess more "individual consciousness" than ordinary insects.

This is their privilege.

However, once the swarm's will requires them to obey, these individual thoughts are immediately blocked.

Privileges cannot affect the overall interests of the swarm; that's their style of doing things.

Kerruk, leaning on his cold and violent battle blade, ignored the fearful and awe-inspiring gazes of the Shadow Chaser recruits around him. He restrained his malevolent energy to avoid harming these weaker individuals, and said in a low voice:
“You have already proven these qualities, but I am unique. I will not kill the innocent for you, nor will I violate my morality for your desires. The Overlord calls me ‘Swarm Rider,’ and I take it as a compliment.”

It is precisely for this reason that I was entrusted with the duty and responsibility of wielding the Demon Blade Apocalypse.

If you crave weapons of war, then I recommend my companion, 'Gluttonous Tyrant' Karnoz.

"What use would I have for a butcher who is obsessed with killing?"

Staghelm said in a deep voice:
"What I need are combat partners, demons who can understand, help, and trust each other. You are the moralist who suits my taste the best."

Fulfill your moral obligations; I will not allow you to violate your principles.

"hehe"

Lord Storm laughed.

With the flapping of its sharp, knife-like chitinous elytra, it raised its claws, which pressed against the raised hand of the stag helmet amidst the surge of black and white energy and the power of the swarm.

"Then, the contract is established. My battle partner, I will fight for you in the material world, or, when necessary, you will enter the Sea of ​​No Light to fight for me!"

Tell me, who's the next target?
Before taking action, I need to assess whether the enemy is worthy of Apocalypse's intervention.

This question made Staghelm smile. He took out a pre-prepared tactical plan from his robes and handed it to Kerruk, saying:

"We will travel to Northrend to intervene in the war between the undead and the spider demons. The Lich King in the far north desires to conquer the spider demons and make the last branch of the Aqir Empire serve the Scourge. The spider demons of Azjol Nerub and the holy city of N'Qiraj are fiercely resisting."

They do not want to be captured by death; they yearn to maintain their independent status.

However, you and I both know this.
Spider demons can only belong to the swarm!

Their mission and duty is to dedicate everything to the glory of the insect swarm.

As for your opponents, the Spider Demons' powerful 'King of the Caves' and 'Supreme Warlord' Anub'arak have already made a name for themselves beneath the frozen earth. The Overlord desires to obtain it and use it to hatch a leader beast comparable to Lord Agamaggan.

“It won’t do. No Overlord can defeat Agamaggan, but Anub’arak certainly deserves to be the ‘new legend’ of the Shadowwalker Swarm.”

Storm Lord's compound eyes looked at the sketch of the Crypt Lord on the material, and then read about the series of exaggerated achievements and victories that the Crypt King had made in the past two months.

Those victories demonstrated Anubarak's strength and his astonishing command instincts.

very good!

The swarm needs a leader who is both capable in combat and intelligent.

The Storm Lord emitted a battle-ready hum, quite satisfied with its opponent, and said:

"Hmm, superior genes, worth taking! I am very honored to have such an opponent as my trial to step into and embrace the 'Eternal Great Cycle'."

So be it, my battle companion, Staghelm. Call me when you are ready to hunt.

The eternal tolling of the sea of ​​light will surely answer you.

(End of this chapter)