Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 500, Section 39: Yrel, the Hero of Holy Light, in Gilneas - Bonus Chapter for "SaSaXD" Brother [210]

"It's a real shame we missed the battle to purify Stromgarde."

Yrel sat by the campfire, clearly annoyed, turning her boots inside out to empty the mud, and complaining to Marad and Nubodon beside her:

"The arcane runestone that Lyran gave me records the entire process of Marshal Lothar's invasion of Stromgarde. Humanity truly did reclaim their ancient capital on their own. It must have been a heroic and tragic battle, and I somewhat regret wasting my time in Gilneas."

We've been investigating this damned 'Swamp Witches' for almost half a month, like blind people struggling to find fragmented clues in the dark.

I miss the days when I fought under the Vigilant.

Back then, we didn't need to worry about tracking down evil. Commander Diakum would tell us directly where to go, how many to kill, and every enemy he designated was guaranteed to be unforgivable.

Yrel's grumbling made Nubold, who was by the campfire invoking the pure spirit of water to wash away the grime from his armor, shrug. He glanced at Marad, who was still praying, and whispered:

“But we can’t take a ‘prophet’ with us everywhere. Commander Diakum can indeed see through all the fog that obscures the truth, but he also has his duties.”

Although the two weeks of tracking in the swamp have been frustrating, on the bright side, Yrel, we're about to finish this arduous journey.

Furthermore, these two months of wandering in faith have allowed you to save at least several hundred Gilneans without the aid of divine intervention. Shouldn't that have deepened your understanding of the Holy Light?

"whispering sound."

Irelia tossed her mud-covered boots over, asking Nuboton to clean her armor as well.

She picked up her holy blade, then took out an elemental whetstone and carefully sharpened the edge. Amidst the stench of the swamp, she whispered:

"I don't seem to have much insight, I just feel exhausted. When we fight under the spotlight, that sense of powerlessness sometimes comes over me, and when I encounter those troubles, I often want to solve everything with violence."

He even had the dark thought that if he arrested and forged every single bad seed that prevented him from carrying out his duty of justice, the world might be a much better place.

However, I cannot do that.

The principles of my faith bind me, and each moment of self-reflection makes me realize that dependence on violence is a terrible and intractable disease.

The Holy Light doesn't teach us this; truth, goodness, and beauty cannot be brought about by force.

At this point, Irele looked up at Nuboton and said:

"I'm just a legendary garrison commander and I'm already like this. How do you think Commander Diakum could suppress the urge to use his invincible power to sweep across the world and solve all the problems once and for all?"

"Your question is fundamentally flawed."

Nuboton tossed over the boots that the Water Spirit had cleansed, and he shook his head, saying:
"If the Vigilant could solve the problem by sweeping the world with holy light, then he must have already done so; he is an efficiency-oriented person."

"Then we might as well just arrest all those bad guys and cast them out!"

Irele said in a huff:

"While the Old Gods and Great Demons that the Vigilant deals with can certainly harm people, look at these 'little evils' hiding in the nooks and crannies."

This swamp witches hide in the Black Forest of Gilneas, intimidating and tormenting the people in the vicinity. They have been doing this since before the demon invasion, and at least three hundred people have been harmed by them over the years.

While they may not be as hateful as the ancient gods and demons, these creatures pose the greatest threat to ordinary people.

After all, for the people in the surrounding villages, their ancestors had only encountered one demonic invasion in eight generations, but every day when they went out to herd sheep, they might be captured by a witch and never return, leaving behind a family full of sorrow.

Can you say that demons are evil, but these guys aren't?

However powerful the Guardian's holy energy may be, how could it possibly let its light shine into these tiny corners? If the three of us hadn't come here, how much longer would these villagers have had to endure this fear?

The werewolves nearby wouldn't willingly help them eliminate the witch.

"But the important thing is, we've arrived."

Marlaad ended the prayer.

He closed the holy book in his hands and hung it on a chain, letting it hang down beside him.

The mark of the Radiant One on his forehead shone brightly, and he said:
"Commander Diakum's light wards off the darkness that threatens to overturn the world, and we, the warriors who walk in the light, are his eyes and punitive hands that watch over these tiny corners."

Irelia, all the troubles and torments we have suffered in the past two weeks are the will of the Holy Light.

This may be a test, making us more vigilant against the shadows hiding in the light.

Commander Diakum may not have the time to focus on a small swamp witches' society, since such 'evil forces' are all over the continent, but we can help him uphold justice.

Isn't this exactly what the Lightforgers should be doing?

Nuboton grinned and asked in return:

"Even though you've been complaining about the swamp's awful weather, you've never backed down, have you? Between the great task of purifying Stromgarde and eradicating the witches' troubles, you chose the latter without hesitation."
Yrel, is it that you dislike the glory that is celebrated by others?
Clearly, between the glittering honor and the real suffering, you have made a truly great and selfless choice. It may not be sung about by bards across the continent, but the Holy Light will know of our battle in this war of shadows.

He will know you are a good child.

"You two are so eloquent; you left me speechless with your words."

Irelia put on her boots, put the cracked holy blade back into its sheath, patted her holy book, and said loudly:

"Then let's wipe out these scourges in one fell swoop today! Marshal Lothar's army is about to enter Hillsbrad Foothills, and it's time for us to join our comrades."

I'm not sure if this journey of faith has been enlightening, but my sense of the divine light has certainly become warmer as a result.

"Where are they, Nubbotton?"

“The elemental spirits are watching over them for me in the swampy mud right in front of us.”

The shaman said:
"They sensed impending doom and had exhausted all means to stop the three legends from penetrating their territory. Having committed countless evils, they had guessed that we represented the end of the 'Swamp Witches' Society.'"

They won't obediently lay down their weapons and surrender.

What follows will be a tough battle.

"May the Holy Light protect us, or let those witches capture us and send us somewhere else. I've had enough of this quagmire!"

Yrel jumped up, calling upon the Holy Light to bless the three of them, and pulled out a standard large shield of the Lightforged Chapter from her baggage. Marad also took out the Radiant Hand of the Firelord warhammer.

Seeing the two of them like this, Nuboton couldn't help but feel sorry for the swamp witches.

How did a third-rate cult practicing black magic in the Gilnean countryside end up attracting the Lightforged who wield powerful artifacts?

Perhaps even the Holy Light couldn't stand the witches' years of perverse actions, so it arranged for these three to come and exorcise the demons.

Thinking of this, Nuboton no longer held back, summoning his Fire Demon King form - Holy Fire Elemental, and commanding the fiercely burning flame spirit to transform into a scorched meteorite and crash into the swampy mud in front of him.

Although he always acted very gently, what normal person would enjoy walking in a swamp?

Nuboton is angry too, okay?
The battle itself was unremarkable.

It's not like there's some ancient god or great demon hiding here. Local cults aren't hard to deal with. In just over ten minutes, the three of them will wipe out this witch cult that has existed in the Black Forest of Gilneas for hundreds of years.

Such cults are truly flourishing everywhere in Azeroth.

It is said that there was a similar Poison Heart Witches' Guild in the Drustvar Mountains of Kul Tiras, who annoyed the mountain people to no end. As a result, those country witches probably developed ambitions and actually got involved with the demons of the Burning Legion. They were then wiped out by the Kul Tiras fleet.

While it's true that there's no inherent hierarchy among evils, to be fair, some forms of evil aren't even worthy of carrying the shoes of others.

Several hours later, Irelia and her two companions appeared at the entrance to the swamp. The villagers nearby, worried that something might have happened to them, had specially assigned a watchman to wait for them at the swamp entrance.

Then, the old drunkard saw Iriel leading two dirty children out of the swamp, with Marlad carrying two on his shoulders and one on his back, and Nuboton doing the same.

Behind them followed several children, each with injuries, covered in mud, and their faces still showing signs of fear. These little ones followed closely behind the three powerful "knights," not daring to lag behind.

These are children who recently went missing from nearby villages. They were captured by witches and subjected to various shady sacrifices in exchange for some pathetic power.

This is where Yrel hates these witches the most.

Their ignorance and folly prevented them from finding a devil willing to pay a high price for their souls, but their cruelty and ruthlessness caused them to inflict destructive power on the people nearby comparable to that of the Burning Legion's demons.

"My God, the Holy Light really brought you back! And these poor children, their parents must be devastated."

The Night's Watchman jumped up, and after receiving confirmation from Yrel that the Swamp Witch would be destroyed, the old man leaped onto his lame horse, dancing with joy, and rode back to the village to announce the good news. Thus, when the three heroes returned to the village, they received the treatment due to heroes.

The villagers had tried their best to scrape together something valuable, but it still felt meager to Yrel. She was destined to be the High Priestess of the Draenei clan; how could she possibly be interested in such a paltry reward?

Wouldn't this make us a laughingstock among the other Starsea clans?

So she decisively and firmly refused the money, which naturally earned her the title of "benevolent and kind".

After spending several days in the swamp, the three enjoyed a hearty meal and decided to rest in the village for the night before setting off the next day to Hillsbrad Foothills to meet up with Marshal Lothar's vanguard.

Irele thought they should go to Southshore.

According to the locals, the area has been occupied by the dragonborn of Lordaeron for some time, and Marshal Lothar will surely send men to seize that important dock.

"Let's go straight there!"

A slightly drunk Irelia slammed her hand on the table and said:
"The battle with the swamp witches left me very unsatisfied. I need to find a truly dangerous opponent to fight! Although the dragonborn of Lordaeron seem weak to me, at least I can have a satisfying battle."

It's said that it's now very difficult to find demons in northern Xinjiang.

Nubotton thought it was a good idea.

He thought they could find a boat on the nearby coast and go directly to the vicinity of Southsea Town without having to cross mountains and valleys, but before he could speak, Marlade suddenly grabbed a cup from the table and smashed it against the window, followed by a beast-like howl in the darkness.

"It's a werewolf!"

My great-uncle stood up and said:

"There's a werewolf spying! Chase him!"

The three became interested and summoned their mounts to give chase. They intercepted the werewolf not far from the town, but to their surprise, the creature was still wearing leather armor.

They're clearly not those low-ranking werewolves who can't even speak.

"Don't fight! I'm here to deliver a message, you three warriors."

The werewolf clutched its head and howled:
"King Genn heard that there are Lightforged people active near the Black Forest, so he sent me to deliver a message inviting the three of you to meet His Majesty. We've run into trouble, and perhaps you can help us."

This caused the three to exchange glances, and Irelia stepped forward to question them:

"Aren't you fighting the dragonborn of Lordaeron? What trouble could you possibly have that would require the Holy Light's intervention? And don't you have any priests in Gilneas?"
Despite the rampant werewolf disease, this place remains a land of holy light, and we can still feel its radiance upon it.

"So, His Majesty Gene didn't really want to invite the three of us."

Nuboton reached out and placed his hand on Irelia's shoulder, reminding her:

"It is looking for a vigilant, but it lacks a way to contact Commander Diakum."

"Hmm, this is interesting."

Irelia grinned and said:
"Back when the Black and White Wolves were fighting at Mount Hyjal, Marshal Lothar invited you to stay, but His Majesty Genn decisively refused the meeting. How arrogant he was back then."

"It's only been less than six months, how did the wolf pack become so destitute?"

"Stop making sarcastic remarks, you blue-skinned woman."

The captured werewolf bared its teeth and said:
“This is a real problem. Our northern lord has been captured by the Lordaeronians. The enemy camp has ancient scythe-clawed werewolves, and in recent days, our wolf packs have been defecting to King Terenas’s side.”

We could not resist the call of the Moon Goddess's Scythe, and now the entire Silverpine Forest is their territory.

Don't you understand?
Terenas has completely blocked the roads to Tirisfal, making it extremely difficult for Lothar to break through. His Majesty did indeed come to you seeking help, but this won't do you any harm. So, tell me, will you help or not?

This werewolf's stats are pretty good.

At least it convinced Irelia.

The little hoof removed the holy blade from its charred neck, then looked at the other two. Marlad spoke:

"We're not going to your wolf den. Heaven knows what you're up to. Let's find another place to talk! If His Majesty Gene is truly sincere, bring a small group to the Black Forest. It will take us time to summon the Watchers."
So, if it doesn't come by tomorrow morning, that's it!

The werewolf was clearly displeased with Marad's arrogance, but after glancing at the divine weapons on the three of them, it ultimately didn't dare to make a move, turned around, and darted into the shadows, quickly disappearing.

"The Watcher and the White Wolf God Goldrin have an agreement regarding the Scythe Claw Werewolf and the Moon Goddess's Scythe, and this time it just so happens to coincide."

Marlaad, who had followed Dick for a long time, explained the situation to his companion.

The three then headed to the place where they had fought before, a hunter's hut on the outskirts of the Black Forest. Marlaad activated the Lightforged Chapter's communication device and informed Diakum of what had happened there.

He had assumed the vigilant might take a while to respond, given that Commander Diakum had too many important matters to consider.

But before they knew it, less than five minutes after the message was sent out, the three of them felt an unusual gathering of holy light in front of them. Then, amidst a blazing light shining over the campfire in the hunter's hut, Diakum, wearing the Judgment Armor, strode out.

The Venerable One has arrived!

It wasn't even an incarnation that descended.

Wait, are you that free? I just called you and you came right away?
Yrel looked at Diakum with a strange expression. "If I had known you were so free, I should have summoned you to stretch your legs when we were fighting the Swamp Witch. Maybe the arrival of the Vigilant himself would have scared those third-rate witches to death."

"Ahem, the twin archbishops are back. They are 'handing over the reins' with Archbishop Nellie. I felt it was inappropriate for me to disturb the three ladies' 'friendly exchange,' so I came to check on you three."

Dick offered a self-deceptive explanation, then looked around and said:

"You just dealt with the Swamp Witches' Guild in the Black Forest? But how could you be so careless? There's still a ferocious beast from the Sea of ​​No Light lurking in the shadows."

"Ok?"

Irelia's eyes widened as she watched the Guardian push open the door and unleash a burst of holy light in a certain direction.

Like a radiant little meteorite crashing into a swamp, a piercing scream that seemed to pierce the soul echoed through the dark forest, filled with resentment and despair before destruction.

"Shadwalker."

He turned to the three of them and explained:
"A vicious wyvern that lives in a sea of ​​darkness, walks through dreams, devouring the reason of all living beings and tormenting their spirits until they go mad."

These guys are vicious henchmen summoned by the swamp witches. Hmm, at this point in time, they shouldn't have summoned something as terrifying as 'Baku the Moon Eater' yet, otherwise the three of you would be in grave danger.

Don't underestimate the remote and impoverished areas of Gilneas; some of the ancient, morbid forces roaming the Black Forest would be a thorn in my side even for me.

"It's just tricky, not that we can't beat them."

Irele flattered him, saying:
"Your biggest problem is that you are too modest."

"My biggest problem is that I've been too lenient with you! You're over a hundred years old and still so immature. How will you ever become a respected Grand Consul?"

Diakum stared at Iriel with a stern face and the cold eyes behind the Judgment Armor until the little hoof bowed his head in repentance, at which point he waved his hand.

He casually tossed out three armored cabinets and said:
"The Hot Sands Consortium has sent the first batch of 'Inquisitor Armed Forces.' The three of you have punished evil and defended justice on this mission. The Holy Light praises your dedication, and therefore I also want to reward you."

Put on this battle armor!

Thus, they become judges walking in the light, continuing to uphold justice for those who have suffered injustice.

"Great!"

Irelia cheered.

She opened the armory and saw the exquisite and imposing Judge's Armor inside, her eyes filled with delight.

But before Iriel could even change into her battle armor, wolf howls echoed from outside the Black Forest. The speed of these howls was so fast that Marad couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

"It seems they're facing some rather troublesome problems; King Gene arrived rather quickly."

He said to Diakum:
"As you said, what is hidden under the shadow of the northern frontier is indeed beyond our expectations."

"But here we are."

Dick said:
"We have come here to end this darkness, and may the Holy Light bless this land."

(End of this chapter)