Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 507, Section 46. Step into the shadows, Drake Proudmoore, this is your destiny - [910]

(Bonus chapter for "SaSaXD" brother [9/10])
When Marshal Losa opened his eyes, his whole body ached as if he had just fought a battle in his dream.

Well, there's actually nothing wrong with that, because he did indeed fight a staggering number of satyrs to the death in his dream.

Although the power of his will made him and his warriors fearless in the nightmares, cutting down all the fierce satyrs, the mental fatigue still affected their bodies.

This is similar to how warriors who have enjoyed the bloodlust spells of shamans will feel exhausted after a fierce battle.

However, recalling the battle of the previous night, Lothar couldn't help but sigh as he got up:
"Why did you two provoke him when everything was going so well?"

This is a critique of the Sartres's terrible tactics.

If the Nightmare King hadn't been so eager to defeat the Vigilant in his dreams, the Seventh Legion would probably have been completely wiped out last night.

The nightmare realm woven by Xavius ​​is quite unsolvable for mortals, and the fact that it deliberately created such supernatural forces in Silverpine Forest and Hillsbrad Foothills is clearly part of King Terenas' grand strategy for war planning.

As long as the Nightmarelands remain shrouded in the Silverpine Forest, Lothar's army will be unable to advance directly into Tirisfal Glades from there.

This is truly an unsolvable supernatural military obstacle.

If it is executed perfectly, then Lothar's only strategic option will be to fight a desperate battle against the elite dragonborn warriors in the complex terrain of the Alterac Mountains.

That was truly the worst possible battlefield scenario the marshal could have imagined.

Fortunately, Savis made a fatal mistake, arrogantly challenging the Vigilant and suffering the inevitable defeat.

Given the current terrible state of Nightmarelands, where demons roam freely, the commanders in Lordaeron, unless they've lost their minds, will not conduct any strategic operations through this special plane.

"Marshal, Dunholde Castle is requesting reinforcements! Colonel Blackmore and the Stonewall Brigade have been fighting the Dragonborn who launched the surprise attack all night. We must set off immediately to support them."

The door was pushed open, and Bai Zu rushed in to report the latest battle situation.

Lothar, disregarding his exhaustion, immediately stood up, but glancing at Varian clutching his stomach, he whispered:

"Don't go with them. Just stay in Nanhai Town and rest. You've learned your lesson this time, so be careful. In the future, when others ask you to do something, you must be more cautious."

Varian gave a military salute, somewhat embarrassed.

He was bewitched by Sartre and stabbed himself in his dream. Although the injury did not fully penetrate his body, the pain was real.

He needs to rest for a few days to recover from his injury.

When the Marshal left the room, Brigadier General Daenerys had already assembled the army of Southshore, but the entire town was littered with the corpses of the Naga. These guys had taken advantage of the fact that everyone's consciousness had been dragged into a nightmare and intended to carry out a brutal attack, but they met with an accident and died here.

The black and white malevolent energy swirling around the corpses tells you what they encountered last night.

This is a classic case of "trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead".

"Last night's dream was terrible."

Daenerys whispered to Lothar:

“I killed you seventeen times in my dreams, and you killed me twelve times. I think we're even.”

How much do you hate me?

Losa sighed and said:
"Everyone else's nightmares are about their fiercest enemies and most hated adversaries, but you dreamed about me."

"I dreamt about you, are you unhappy?"

Daenerys stared at Lothar with the look of utter contempt. The Marshal coughed awkwardly and said:
"Of course I'm happy, but I hope that next time you dream about me, you won't be so violent. Wouldn't it be nice to go enjoy the moon and flowers together?"

"Ouch!"

Just as the army from Southshore was preparing to set off to support Dunholde Castle, a desolate wolf howl echoed across the hills outside the town. Lothar reined in his horse and waved for his warriors to stop.

Before they knew it, a pack of werewolves was galloping into view.

This werewolf army was dressed in leather armor and carried weapons, and they were flying the Gilnean war banner.

This proves that they have a certain degree of organization and rationality, unlike those werewolves who are so wild that they can't distinguish friend from foe. A huge gray-white werewolf emerged from under the battle banner, its flexible ears moving as it gazed at Lothar's army.

Under its gaze, the marshal stepped forward alone, riding his warhorse and waving to it from the center of the two sides.

This audacity made Gene bare his teeth, and then he waved his paws to stop the other werewolves. He then swayed his body and came to Lothar's side.

"Are you here to fight, or to form an alliance?"

The marshal asked a question.

"They fight wars and they also form alliances."

Gene said in a hoarse voice:
"Once we conquer Tarren Mill, we'll be allies. Terenas has captured my brother Darius Crowley, and he's sure to do some wicked things to him. You must help me rescue my northern lord."

Furthermore, what place will the werewolves occupy in your empire?

"You are human! You have received the blessing of the wolf god by worshipping wild nature, which is no different from the holy light believers' devout prayer for the blessing of the holy light power. It is just a different way of expressing it."

Losa, mounted on his horse, said very seriously:

"In the future empire, there will be no distinction between werewolves, dragonborn, and humans. Everyone will be human, just on different paths of power."

This is the most basic consensus. I don't want you to artificially create racial antagonism because of differences in appearance.

That's not the act of a wise person!
I also have werewolf warriors under my command, and they are also members of the Seventh Legion. I will not allow other soldiers to denigrate their contributions and achievements because of this.

The Empire's laws aren't specifically targeted at anyone; humans must obey, and so must the worgen. If you can't even accept this, then after conquering Lordaeron, I reckon we'll have to fight Gilneas again.

This answer silenced Gene.

After a moment, Gene snorted and said:
“Very good, I agree, but words are useless. I want to see what you do! For the first three years after the establishment of the Empire, Gilneas will be autonomous. You can send officials and even station troops on the Gilneas Peninsula.”

But I will only hand them over to you after I am certain that your empire will not intentionally target my people.

"A year of autonomy!"

Losa said without a doubt:

“I will stay here for the next year. More troublesome than the werewolf problem is the identity of the dragonborn. Archbishop Fao and I will personally handle this matter, and you will also be involved, Gene!”
Don't try to shirk your responsibilities.

But now is not the time for such talk. Take your werewolves and follow me! I had intended to defend Durnholde Castle, but with your werewolves' assistance, we can attack Tarren Mill directly.

Take that city before this evening!
In the town hall of Tarrenmir, I will sign the imperial decree and contract you desire.

Gene nodded.

As it turned to leave, it glanced back at Lothar and grinned, saying:
I am not as good as you.
Before, I would scoff at what others said, but now I'm sure they weren't just talking nonsense. You really are better than me.

Terenas was a good king, but he could never be a good emperor!
You've never been a king, so no one knows if you can govern a country well, but I suspect your magnanimity and vision will make you an outstanding emperor.

These two are ultimately different.

------

"Sir, is it really true that the Sha energy won't leak out from the Nightmare Lands?"

On the Gilneas Peninsula, in the royal city, Marlaad asked Dick with some concern:

“We have all witnessed firsthand the terrifying power of the evil energy in that Nightmare Land. The evil spirits are still multiplying there. If anything happens to that special plane, it will lead to the devastation of Silverpine Forest.”

"will not."

Diakum said with certainty:

"The birth of Sha requires life emotions as a vessel. Last night's battle has consumed a considerable amount of Sha energy. As the Satyrs in the Nightmare Lands are rapidly extinct, the Sha will eventually lose their vessel."

The formed Sha energy will be channeled into the insect hive in the Sea of ​​No Light, and the Overlord can use this energy to strengthen a group of elite insects.

These are not problems, but the existence of the Nightmare Land itself is a big problem.

Xal'atath used black blood to create the nodes of Nightmarelands, signifying that Silverpine Forest has been corrupted by the blood of the Old Gods. Even if it can be purified, this forest will become gloomy and terrifying, unsuitable for habitation, for many years to come.

"How can the black blood be purified?"

Nubotton frowned and said:
"That is the essence of the blood of the ancient gods. Symbolically speaking, mortals are almost incapable of solving such a thorny problem."

"Humanity's holy priests will find a way; it's their duty. If all else fails, washing it away inch by inch with holy water is also an option."

The vigilant was not bothered by this.

他 说:

"The old ruins of Dalaran are also nearby, and mages should be involved. Lothar's empire will face many challenges, and the pollution of Silverpine Forest is just one part of it. We don't need to, and shouldn't, consider things so far in the future. Humans aren't babies in a cradle; they have the ability to solve problems."

"Marlad, inform the Lightforged to assemble in Gilneas. Once Lothar's Seventh Legion breaks through the encirclement and enters Tirisfal Glades, we too will join the attack on Lordaeron."

"Yes."

My great-uncle responded and turned to deliver the message.

Dick and Nubotton then went to another resting place in the palace, which, despite being haunted by nightmares, still looked somewhat chilly in the sunlight today.

However, because the "sun" of the vigilant remained here, it had already dispelled most of the darkness that had gathered in the palace.

When he entered the resting place, he saw Queen Mia gently combing Gianna's hair.

The little witch had been attacked by an illusion of an ancient god, and last night she had a nightmare that made it difficult for her to even get out of bed. Her brother was also in bad shape, so Queen Mia took on the responsibility of taking care of them.

The queen was in a very good mood.

Upon seeing Dick, she said cheerfully:

“That little prophet told me yesterday that I will have a lovely daughter in the future. If that’s true, having both a son and a daughter in the future would be the best life I can imagine.”

"You really know how to be content."

Dick replied with a smile.

The Queen did not answer. After experiencing all those messy things in the past, Queen Mia had really lowered her expectations for life to a very, very low level.

The vigilant pulled up a chair and sat down in front of Derek.

His Highness has awakened and is now lying in bed as if paralyzed. The wounds from the tainted blade have been cleansed, but the shattered illusions reflected in his eyes indicate that his mental state is very poor.

He gave the guard a perfunctory salute, then pointed to his head and said:

"It kept whispering in my ear all night. This ancient god's 'muttering' was so outrageous that I couldn't help but listen."

"That's how Deathwing was driven mad. Your current symptoms are exactly the same as what Deathwing went through. If left unchecked, you will also fall into darkness in the future. This is one of the Old Gods' specialties."

Diakum spoke gently of something terrible, which made Prince Drake make a grim face. He sighed and said:
"So, there really is something wrong with our Kul Tiran tidal beliefs, right?"

“There’s a big problem, but that’s not something you need to worry about. Your father isn’t dead yet, and it’s not your turn to shoulder the responsibility as a prince.”

Dick reached out and placed his hand on Drake's forehead, saying:

"What you need to do now is to take good care of your body, strengthen your will to resist the temptations of the ancient gods, or conversely, follow their guidance and step into the shadows."

"can not be like this!"

Jaina, whose hair was being combed and styled into beautiful braids, exclaimed:
“My brother is not a talented person; he will lose his way once he steps into the shadows.”

“You underestimate your brother, Jaina.”

Diakum said without turning his head:

"Your brother's talent is more impressive than you think. He is also a member of the Proudmoore family. He inherited your family's yearning for the sea. Although he is not as brilliant as you, Drake is no ordinary person."

He just hasn't discovered his talent yet.

In my opinion, this is indeed an opportunity. Don't forget, your little brother Tanred has been missing for almost half a month. Someone has to go into the shadows and rescue that kid!

To break a malevolent curse cast by the Old Gods and find a missing person in the lucid dream of Ny'alotha, there is no better compass than bloodline.

"One of you two has to go into the shadows. It has to be you, not Drake!"

"Then I'll do it."

The prince of Kul Tiras sighed and said:
"Although I still can't accept the reality that I have a younger brother who has been forgotten by everyone, if even you say so, then I really need to bring that poor wretch home with my own hands."

What should I do?

Should we heed the guidance of those whispers?

"No, that will only make you a follower of N'Zoth. You must learn to distinguish between the whispers of N'Zoth and the call from the Sea of ​​Lightless. There is a subtle difference between the two."

Dick took out a book on light and shadow and placed it in Drake's hand, saying:
"Read the Book of Shadows carefully, in which I explain in detail the composition of shadows. Before you step into the night, you need to light your light so that you will not get lost in the darkness."

You can discuss these doctrines with Master Thomas Zelin. The source of the power of the Sea Sage is the Sea of ​​No Light. Although Master Zelin considers himself a devout Sea Sage, in my opinion he is more like a determined 'Void Seeker'.

He has entered the realm of the Sea of ​​No Light, but he himself is unaware of it.

The vigilant released a mental guide, allowing Drake to relax his tense nerves. He said:
"The Void itself is not evil. The Shadows are merely scapegoats for ambitious people and corrupters. They abuse the power of the Void because they decide to become villains, rather than embracing the Void and turning themselves into evildoers."

The essence of the Force is pure.

You must recognize this pure desire in order to move forward safely in the shadows.

You will become an outstanding shadow hunter.

Finding your brother in N'Zoth's lucid dream is your introductory trial. Don't worry, my Shadowwalkers will assist you.

"Come with me."

He summoned Drake in the spiritual realm, saying:
"Let's get acquainted with them first. I'll take you through this darkness to the Shadow Chasers' sanctuary."

Drake did not resist, allowing his mind to be led into a profound path.

His soul seemed to have left his body. Under Jaina's worried gaze, his eyes became empty, as if only an empty shell remained.

She had studied with the Twin Walkers and knew that the Void Realm was a very dangerous concept; someone like her brother, who had almost never studied the mysteries of energy and magic in depth, could easily get lost in it.

Saint Diakum concealed some dangerous facts.

It is true that those bad people decide to become bad guys, but it cannot be ignored that the six Forces all have their own will, and the power will subtly change the mindset and appearance of Force Walkers.

But she couldn’t stop her brother’s decision, because the saint Diakum was right and true: one of them had to make a sacrifice and step into the shadows in order to find Tanred, who had been forgotten by everyone.

The Watchers might be able to do it, but they don't owe the Proudmoore family anything, so why should they be asked to take the risk?

The fact that he was able to return home from the stars was already an extra favor from the Watchers; the Sage never asked for any reward from him or his family, and had been helping them all along.

The Proudmoore family cannot keep asking the Vigilant to take risks for them just because he is powerful.

One should not be so selfish and greedy.

But Drake's experience wasn't as terrible or awful as his sister imagined. On the contrary, he found this "dark path" quite interesting.

Because he was heading to the Shadow Chasers' sanctuary in the night, Drake "witnessed" the entire story of the Shadow Chasers' birth and growth.

The Battle of the Sands in Silithus, the swarm hunt at Mount Hyjal, the bloody conquest of Pandaria, and the expansion and preparations of the Shadow Chaser swarm in the Sea of ​​Lightless.

Drake even immersed his mind into the hive, following the Vigilant on a tour of the boundless army that could flatten the world.

Until the very end of the road, they seemed to enter a cold, dark place, and the words of their conversation became clearer.

"Staghelm, you and Stormbreaker will lead the swarm deep into Ankahet to stop the Lich King's undead from hunting down the Spider Priests. The priests who have returned to the swarm have pointed out the core of their hive to us."

We must take that place!

The remaining Shadow Hunters, follow me. The gates of Azjol-Nerub have fallen, and the fierce swarm has trapped the powerful Crypt Lord Anub'arak in his spiderweb palace.

Today, we will return this Crypt Lord of Northrend to the embrace of the Shadowseekers.

"As ordered!"

The sounds echoed, much like the preparations for the final battle of a war. As Anvina prepared to begin this final hunt, she felt the will of the vigilant descend upon her.

At this moment, the ferocious insects that were all ready to attack also shed their ferocity and obediently prostrated themselves on the ground, welcoming the arrival of the Lightforger.

"What brings you here, sir?"

Beneath the frozen earth of this far north, the Sunwell ghost Anvina looked at the floating golden light before her with astonishment and said:

"I can handle Ajjo Nerub alone. You don't need to personally lead the charge. Besides, I swear I didn't mess things up this time. I followed the advice of my military advisors the whole time."

"Hey, who's this 'little guy' next to you? A newcomer to the Shadow Chaser?"

Anvina circled the ball of will once, and under Prince Drake's trembling gaze, the Blade Intern sneered:

"The quality of this batch of new recruits is so poor!"

(End of this chapter)