Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 496, Section 35: Holy Light Illuminates the Human Empire, the Glory of the War Destroyers Endures

Diakum had no intention of getting involved in what he considered a "routine" duel.

Although Kurul is indeed very strong, he is the second strongest among the Ereduin Doomguards race after Kazzak.

Even with the most lenient judgment criteria, Diakum still felt that Kurul would most likely not survive the third attack against his full-power attack.

This great demon appears powerful, but it is merely receiving enhancement from the Fel Force, rather than truly mastering its own path. It cannot actually obtain true power from the Fel Force; it is only wreaking havoc by relying on the Fel Force's overwhelming destructive power.

It's a typical numerical anomaly, lacking even the most basic mechanics.

Such a "simple and unadorned" fighting style is no longer in line with the current "chaotic" version of Azeroth.

"I haven't really thought about this before, Kazzak. Tell me, how many paths can demons take in fel energy?"

The Vigilant asked in his mind, and the Dawn Overlord sighed and said:

"There are very few, or even only one, paths: following the 'Legion Path' of the Dark Titans and using violence to cleanse the entire star sea. However, only one Lord can reach the pinnacle of a single path."

In other words, demons who follow the will of the Dark Titan cannot become lesser gods.

However, unlike other Forces, Fel energy is entirely controlled by Sargeras, making it difficult for other paths to emerge in the Fel energy realm.

If I had to say, the Illidari demon hunters have forged their own path.

Especially Illidan Stormrage.

His 'path of demon hunter' utilizes the destructive urge of fel energy to destroy creations like demons, yet he still gains the approval of fel energy. This is why demon hunters have a significant advantage when facing demons.

They have their own path and code of conduct, while the demons only know how to recklessly race down the path of the legions.

"Don't warlocks have a path that differs from either of these two?"

Dick said:
"Moreover, besides destruction, fel energy also includes chaos and destruction. I think the 'madman' path of pursuing the ultimate fighting desire of the abyss lords seems to have taken the initial shape."

"Perhaps, but they obviously can't go too far on the path of fel magic. The path of warlocks is often cunning and tortuous. They are happy to take shortcuts, but the price is that they become slaves to power."

Kazak seemed uninterested in the matter.

It stared at Kurul's "ugly fighting posture" and said indifferently:

"Demons are generally not good at thinking, but to master the power of the Dao, one must think, or at least have one's own understanding."

I even think that even if all the demons of the Burning Legion walk the 'Legion Path' of the Dark Titans, very few of them can truly master this path.

Sargeras is more than just a destroyer.

The demons cannot understand Sargeras's purpose in igniting the star sea, and therefore cannot receive the true blessing of the Dark Titan.

Like this idiot in front of you!
Believing that killing and destruction would please the Dark Titan
It has been on the land of Azeroth for six months, yet it still doesn't know what to do. If Krull could make good use of his time and lead the demonic forces of Stromgarde on an expedition to challenge Yogg-Saron or N'Zoth, it would be a great success.

Even if the expedition fails, it will still be promoted to one of Sargeras's chosen ones upon returning to the Twisting Nether.

Diakum nodded, saying somewhat helplessly:
"But how can we expect demons who are obsessed with destruction to become smart? They crave power, but the more powerful they are, the dumber they become, which is a paradox."

No wonder demons can't naturally create fel-based lesser gods; they had to have Sargeras switch sides to satisfy their fel energy cravings.

"So, Sargeras isn't a bad person?"

Having painstakingly killed two legendary-rank Scorched Hounds and been injured himself, Varian, who was sitting cross-legged beside Diakum bandaging himself, couldn't help but ask.

Although he couldn't hear Diakum and Kazak's telepathic communication, he heard the last words the Vigilant said.

This question made Dick turn and look at Varian.

He gave a complex smile, placed his hand on the white soldier's shoulder, and infused him with holy light to heal him, then explained:
“‘Good’ and ‘bad’ are relative concepts. For a child like you, there’s no need to delve into the differences. For you, no, for all mortals, Sargeras is the most terrible villain in the universe.”

But for those who have glimpsed the true nature of the Force, like myself, Sargeras's actions do have a certain justification.

That's part of the universe's grand cycle.

"Oh, I don't quite understand."

Varian's greatest virtue is his honesty; he never pretends to know what he doesn't.

Looking at the fierce battle before him, he couldn't help but ask:

"Can't you really get involved and kill Kurul with one sword? Or you could use Holy Light to enhance Marshal Lothar, that wouldn't be against the rules, would it? After all, Kurul has already been enhanced with fel energy."

This is not its own power either.

"If they say you can't participate, then you can't participate."

Diakum said seriously to the white pawn:
"Kuru's death at Lothar's hands and its death at my hands are two different things. If I were to intervene at this time, it would be tantamount to humiliating all of humanity's efforts to date."

Humans have their battlefields, and gods have theirs!
Although I am far from the concept of 'God,' I should be aware that you are not the weak who cannot achieve your ideals on your own, so it is enough for me to observe from the sidelines.

At least with me here, Kurul won't be able to activate the demonic engine hidden beneath this fel tower and launch an apocalyptic bomb to send you and the entire Stromgarde to the heavens.

Of course, you can fight if you want.

"I can't do it. The energy of those four is too exaggerated. I would die if I touched them even slightly."

Varian sighed with a hint of envy:
"I'm too young."

Ms. Aegwynn said she would give me the trial of the savior when I turned sixteen, and she also said that if Mother World needed a child to sacrifice her future for Her survival, then Mother World deserved to be destroyed.

"You're quite sensible, but why do you think I should hand over this battle axe that Thor used?"

Dick countered with:
"If I give you a magical artifact, wouldn't I hope that you will use it correctly when necessary?"

When your own strength is insufficient, you need weapons to compensate for your destructive power. Thor's battle axe can destroy most objects in the world; it is a divine weapon he forged in the Titan Forge.

Even the demon's body, enhanced by fel energy, could not withstand the outpouring of this Titan power.

certainly"

The guard snorted, waved his finger, and said:
"You only have one chance to strike, and I will never tell you when you should use this weapon. After all, seizing opportunities is a fundamental skill for a swordsman."

Bai Zu blinked.

He glanced at the lightning-sparkling battle axe in his hand.

Indeed, he has not yet encountered an opponent who requires a hard fight while he is using this weapon in battle today.

Unlike the incredibly sharp Salamani, the Thunder Axe isn't as sharp, but it always manages to shatter all of the demons' defenses, as if that's its innate ability.

Like a thunderous roar, it terrified and bewildered the enemy.

Even if it's just for a fleeting moment.

Varian seemed to understand.

He stood up, gripped his battle axe with both hands, and stared intently at the battlefield before him. As Khadgar and Rhonin teleported to the sides of the battlefield, using the power of the world to create chains that bound the Demon Lord Krull to his spot, and as Marshal Lothar unleashed holy light, about to unleash the Judgment of Ashes, the White Soldier leaped into the air.

He only has one chance to disrupt the battle.

He swung his battle axe decisively, just like the moment Grom Hellscream cleaved Mannoroth with his Bloodhowl Battle Axe in his memory. Varian also swung his Roaring Thunder, cleaving it into the base of Krull's wing.

The attack was not fatal, and the chosen direction was poor. The lightning that erupted from the battle axe caused the great demon's defenses to falter, and amidst its roar, Lothar's holy sword slid across its neck and body.

The holy light that followed was as sharp as the sharpest thing in the world, flashing by but leaving nothing untouched!
"puff"

Searing light burst forth from Kurul's neck and chest, causing the Great Demon's Doomsday Blade to crash to the ground.

It waved its claws, trying to seal the wound that was bursting with the power of the world, but it couldn't.

The dazzling holy light wreaked havoc on its vital points, surpassing the demon's self-healing fel energy, causing its massive body to lose strength and stagger backward, finally collapsing beneath the throne ignited by fel flames.

It didn't look at Lothar or anyone else, but stared intently at Diakum, who was looking down at it from above.

It struggled to say:
You are despicable.

"It really wasn't me who got involved."

The vigilant patiently explained:

"If I were pointing out the enemy's weaknesses, your head would have flown off seven seconds ago. That kid still needs to work on his eye for seizing opportunities. On the other hand, your combat skills are indeed far inferior to Kazzak's."

That kind of attack would never have hit Kazzak. After all, your wings aren't just for show. Why didn't you use your wings to defend against a sneak attack?
When you get back this time, try to practice your basic skills when you have some free time, Kurul.

Someone like you would find it difficult to advance to the level of Great Power, and you are even less worthy of using a nickname like 'Demon King'.

Go ahead.

I won't purify you, so go back in peace.

"Pah! I curse you!"

Kurul cursed with his last bit of strength.

The moment the fel energy was drawn from the defeated body, its demonic form began to collapse, and the crystallized fel energy shattered like glass. The great demon did not attempt to use its incineration blast to take away the mortals here.

There's absolutely no need to put in the effort.

With Diakum here, its all-out incineration explosion wouldn't harm anyone; it would only provide a laugh. *Sizzle!*
Having such an "audience" is truly despairing. One's desperate battle as a great demon might just be a gladiatorial contest to please him. This feeling of being powerless to resist is so painful and humiliating.
No wonder Kazzak was driven mad with vengeance during the 20,000 years that Diakum was gone.

The white soldier stood up somewhat awkwardly.

He heard the vigilant's comments and, upon reflection, realized that he had indeed missed a golden opportunity to launch a sneak attack and decapitate someone seven seconds earlier.

Fortunately, he did help Marshal Losa achieve victory.

He grinned, walked to Kurul's corpse, and swung his Thunder Axe to sever the great demon's head. Lothar dragged the thing to the edge of the Fel Tower, looked down at the ongoing battle, and then the Marshal threw Kurul's head down.

The hideous thing spun in the air, then roared down onto the battlefield below the tower, summoned by the gravity of Mother Earth.

A hellhound that was attacking Durotan was unfortunately killed by this "immoral" falling object, while the demons nearby saw the Demon King's head and its unseeing expression in death.

They were scared.

They all looked up and saw Lothar raising his holy sword, striving to let his holy light shine on the top of the fel tower, as if lighting up the evil, dark tower.

The great demon is dead!
Stromgarde has been liberated, and holy light is burning atop the tower. They have won.
Humanity has won!

The entire Stromgarde fell silent at that moment, with only the unwilling roars of the demons remaining, like a chaotic storm sweeping across the city. But the cheers and battle cries that followed were like a surging tide, suppressing the demons' roars.

"Charge! Kill! Lothar has killed the Great Demon! We've won! The Alliance will prevail!"

Muradin Bronzebeard, that hot-blooded dwarf, will be even more excited than humans.

Wielding the hammer and battle axe of the Mountain King, he leaped down from the city gate, crashing into the demons like a "short-legged cannonball," unleashing a storm of slaughter with an air of glee.

The soldiers roared wildly, completely losing their composure.

They followed their superiors and charged down the street, completely disregarding whether they had the upper hand.

They were so enthusiastic, it seemed their minds were filled with victory and courage.

This emotion came so intensely, as if an invisible hand had swept across the battlefield, igniting the warriors' heroic spirit. Conversely, the demons experienced the same intense emotional shift.

Fear, doubt, sadness and other emotions kept emerging.

They seemed to have witnessed firsthand Kurul's resentment at his defeat, and that despair enveloped them, melting away their frenzied fighting spirit, which should have been locked up at all times, like snow falling in the sunlight.

Especially those lower-ranking demons.

To the hellhounds and imps, the humans charging towards them seemed even taller than before, and the armored knights were terrifying.

They seem capable of crushing themselves with their own feet!

"Run! Run!"

A little imp jumped in a panic onto the hellhound beside him, screeching sharply as it rode its equally flustered "mount":

"Kurul is dead, we can't beat them! The barbarians of Arathi are terrifying, they're going to slaughter us in this city, just like Hun Highmountain did ten thousand years ago! Run!"
We failed!
Our army has been defeated.

The shadow of failure is like a seed, quietly planted in the hearts of these demons by some unscrupulous person, and sprouts through the cries of the cowards. The moment it takes root and sprouts, it spreads like a plague.

Those cowardly people who were frightened became interference nodes, causing the demons around them to quickly lose their will to fight.

And so, the Great Collapse happened.

Like a rapidly rolling snowball, it swept across the battlefield, bringing increasingly uncontrollable defeats, until the last rifts leading to the Twisting Nether were torn open by the panicked Man'ari warlocks, and the demons jumped into them in disarray.

Even some pilots of the Magic Steel Annihilator abandoned their weapons and ran away with them.

Even if humans can't break through their military power as long as they control these powerful machines, what's the use of guarding these broken machines if people lose their hearts?
"Excuse my bluntness, sir."

Having witnessed all of this, Kazak sneered from the side:
"Your methods of achieving victory are becoming increasingly 'dirty'. You could have easily crushed them head-on with overwhelming force, so why toy with their already barren minds, which are filled with brutality and fragility?"

This is not the work of the warriors of the Holy Light!

Diakum simply shrugged at this comment.

Although he was only testing the application of Sha power on a large-scale battlefield, what Kazzak said seemed to make sense.

Ok.

So next time I encounter the Demon Battlefield, I'll use even more honorable force to defeat them.

The premise is that the demon actually dares to challenge the "Holy Light Butcher".

Judging from Kurul's reaction just now, Diakum is really quite pessimistic about this.

He glanced back at the Iron Horse Knights who had rushed to the top of the tower, lifted Lothar up, and cheered. He nodded goodbye to Khadgar and Rhonin, and finally returned to the Eredar ship in a teleportation that transformed into light.

Let humanity enjoy this victory.

They are about to enter an even more brutal civil war. May they be well.

------

Lothar climbed to the top of the fel-powered tower platform and planted an Imperial battle flag of his own design in the spot where the tower had once been filled with fel energy, the "Eye of Sauron."

This is a very large banner, large enough to be used as a bath towel by dragons.

But precisely because it is so large, once it is planted, it can be seen from anywhere in the Arathi Highlands.

This is a very simple flag.

Unlike the imperial flag designed by King Terenas, which rudely and exaggeratedly depicted the symbols of all seven human nations, it did not.

Lothar simply placed a shield-shaped emblem of a roaring lion on the red battle banner, embellished the name of the Empire with runes in the human language, and at the bottom were the maxims of the Holy Light.

The lion represents human courage, the shield represents human resilience, the runes represent human wisdom, and the maxims of virtue represent human faith and the beautiful expectations and self-discipline we have for ourselves.

With these five things, a nation will surely be passed down to future generations.

Lothar originally wanted to call his empire the "Holy Arathor Empire," inheriting the name of the ancient empire, but after experiencing so much, he no longer intended to establish a "second empire."

"Let's call it the 'Empire of the Annihilators'!"

Lothar landed on the tower's platform, gazing at the battlefield below where sporadic fighting still raged. He stroked his sword, Sdomka the Destroyer, and murmured:
"Just as your oldest wish is, the words 'Destroyer of War' symbolize both internal peace within humanity and humanity's determination to unite against external threats."

Yes.

We take up arms in pursuit of peace, and we will also raise our arms to maintain peace.

I don't know how long this empire will last, and perhaps I will face the same predicament as you, witnessing its disintegration after my death. But at least while I am alive, peace will surely come!

"Then you should hurry up and have a child, you idiot!"

Emperor Thoradin rebuked:

"You must choose a successor before you die, to avoid repeating my tragic mistakes. Look, your wife is here, hurry up!"

"whispering sound."

The marshal put the damned sword aside, turned around and watched Daenerys walk onto the platform. He glanced at his own helmet lying beside him, and then at the battle report in Daenerys's hand.

He shook his head and said:
"Tell me about the anger in your heart, the pain caused by what happened to Karin. We're both free right now."

"Humph."

The half-elf brigadier curled his lip and waved his hand, saying:
"I would never confide my troubles to a man weaker than me, even though I trust you, but..."

"Then come on."

Lothar stretched his shoulders, beckoned to his fiancée with his finger, and said:

"In order to hear your innermost thoughts and truths, this time I will not give in to you."

"Are you serious?"

Daenerys looked at Lothar in surprise, who simply beckoned to her with his finger, "boldly" signaling her to attack.

Realizing that the marshal was truly serious, the half-elf pursed his lips, tossed the Tokaral sword aside, clenched his fist, and pounced.

Well, I don't know if it's just my imagination, but Lothar feels like his Holy Light is unusually active right now.

It's like some kind of encouragement?

It’s weird.

------

"What are you laughing at? That's so vulgar."

Archbishop Nelly's voice made Diakum, sitting on the golden throne, momentarily stop smiling, but he couldn't help but laugh again as he said:
"I suddenly realized that I shouldn't have given up on the 'True Word Technique: Pregnancy' that I had tried to study before. I think it's quite useful, so I decided to restart my research on this forbidden divine spell."

Perhaps it's not just the realm of holy light; to achieve its effect, we might need some of the Void's 'flesh-and-blood shaping' mysteries.

Fortunately, I excel in both areas.

I guarantee that someone will definitely need it.
Uh, don't clench your fist. I wasn't talking about you. It won't be for you or Geminis, I swear.

(End of this chapter)