Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 538, Section 77: Nurse Anveena discovers gallstones in Azeroth. Quickly, fetch Dr. Diakum!

Aiki Kahte.

A mysterious land, a forgotten land, a prosperous land.

This ancient city belonging to the Spider Demons was once, like Ajjoh Nerub, the center of their brilliant civilization. However, the impact of the Great Sundering was not limited to the surface of the continent; even the Spider Demons' underground kingdom was affected.

The continental shelf of the entire world was torn apart, causing Aki Kahet to be thrown into a corner of the world. As the effects of the Great Sundering gradually dissipated, it took these spider demons a long time to re-establish contact with the Nerubians.

However, the Spider Demons' kingdom was cast to the far north of the world, while the underground cave where Aigi Kahet resided was thrown to the far south.

This terrifying distance is difficult to traverse even for spider demons who can run through spider silk tunnels. Therefore, over time, the spider demons of Aigi Kahet could only maintain the most basic contact with their distant relatives.

But this doesn't stop the local spider demons from continuing their enjoyable lives in their undisturbed underground kingdom.

Following the traditions of the Spider Demons, they built the magnificent city of Thousand Silks, and then spread conspiracies and sowed the seeds of chaos within it, causing the city to be destroyed and rebuilt time and time again.

Today, the underground abyss of Aki Kahet is filled with abandoned city ruins, all of which were once the cities of the Spider Demons.

But the fact that such exaggerated ruins could be created solely through internal strife without any natural enemies demonstrates just how enthusiastic the spider demons of the Thousand Silk City are about chaos and conflict in the darkness.

This seems to suggest that the spider demons here are closer to the essence of void creatures than the Nerubians of the North.

They enjoy the chaos, adapt to it, and even unravel the complexities within it to establish a unique order born from the changes arising from the chaos.

However, recently, the attention of many high-ranking Spider Demons living in the City of Thousand Silks has been drawn to a group of "distant relatives from outside".

Those were war refugees from Azjol-Nerub, whose ancient kingdom was said to have perished under the combined attack of the undead and the dangerous swarms of insects, with even the warlike Crypt Lord dying in the terrible catastrophe.

This matter has become the most popular topic of conversation among the local Kaheti (the self-designation of the Aki Kaheti spider demons), who describe the bits and pieces they have heard in exaggerated language, trying to imagine the miserable plight of the poor Nerubians who have lost their homeland, and then arrogantly declaring that the generous Kaheti are willing to provide shelter for the exiles.

The premise is that those "country folk" from the north must abide by the rules of the City of Thousand Silks.

Well, "regional discrimination" exists in every world. For example, local spider demons will discriminate against northern spider demons, but in the scriptures of the Ancient Kingdom of Ankahet, the priests of Nirub will mercilessly mock the Kaheti as a bunch of frogs in a well who live their own lives behind closed doors.

They're poor relatives who look down on each other, but when trouble comes, they'll still be the first to contact each other.

The local ruler, the esteemed Queen Nefertari, has ordered her loyal royal spinner, Lady Arachne, nicknamed "The Widow," to receive the exiled relatives.

It is said that Queen Nefertari, upon hearing of the destruction of the Nerubian kingdom, sadly said, "Aiki Kahet has become the last kingdom."

The Queen wasn't wrong.

Looking at the current situation in Azeroth, this underground realm, far removed from the conflicts of the civilized world, has indeed become the last bastion of the Spider Demon civilization.

However, what Queen Nefertari and her courtiers didn't know was that while they wanted to live their own scheming lives away from the world's conflicts, the outside world wouldn't let them off so easily.

Just as the City of a Thousand Silks was opening a new day in its underground world, and as the industrious spider demon merchants drove their spider carts away from the city to purchase biological supplies, while the city's four-legged inhabitants were inquiring about the latest court rumors, the Sunwell Ghost Anvina had already quietly hidden in the rock strata above the spider demon city.

Anvina gazed down at the Spider Demon City with a look of astonishment.

Honestly, it's not ugly!

The spider demons truly lived up to their reputation as the most knowledgeable group of Brahmins in the swarm; they designed their city with a rather dark aesthetic, yet one that had its own set of logic.

This city of a thousand threads stands "floating" on layers of rock, with tough spider webs connecting various parts of the city, and different aesthetic styles are differentiated according to the different social classes of the residents.

The city's working-class and commercial districts are simple yet resilient, with small houses arranged like nests, while the noble districts and the Queen's royal residence are extremely luxurious. The spider demons do not use gold, silver, or jewels as currency, but they adorn the buildings with these precious items.

The spider demon spellcasters carved magnificent pillars from the local rock to support the enormous palace. In particular, the large gilded murals depicting the spider demons' history amazed even Anveena, who was "born" in Quel'Thalas.

"It's truly a work of art!"

Princess Talanji, the troll princess standing beside Anvena, sighed. This insect shepherd, who had come with Anvena to "broaden her horizons," held a magnificent goblin telescope in her hand, constantly adjusting the focus to admire the spider demon city.

She had a feeling that this city of a thousand threads was very likely even older than Dazar'alor, the city of the Zandalari trolls, and that the spider demons living there did indeed exhibit an exaggerated level of order.

Apart from their appearance, they seem no different from the various races on the earth.

Talanji even witnessed a "spider wedding" taking place on the edge of the civilian district. Although he didn't understand why the spider groom was crying, the scene was indeed very lively.

"So, how do you plan to take over this Spider Demon Kingdom?"

Talanji turned to Anvina, who was frowning, and said:
"The reason why the Shadow Swarm was able to take down Azjol Nerub within half a month is that the Scourge was already attacking the Spider Demons in the North, where the defenses were mostly depleted, but the order of Aki Kahet was stable."

You can tell from the spider demon guards patrolling around the City of Thousand Silks that the insects here have an elite standing army.

This army is certainly insignificant to the Shadow Chaser swarm, but your Savior swarm has only just hatched, and it is clear that it is not capable of breaking through such a well-ordered Spider Demon force in a short period of time.

I just checked, there are several dungeon lords lurking in the city alone, and they even have dedicated military fortresses here.

"Indeed, a direct attack would be quite difficult."

Anvina is no longer the "micro-management queen" who doesn't understand military affairs. Her vision has been broadened by constant conquests. After witnessing the situation of Aiki Kahte firsthand, she realized that she could not launch a direct attack.

Then, a thought struck him, and he understood why Instructor Diakum knew of this place's existence but didn't order the Shadow Chasers to devour the spider demons here.

This spider demon kingdom is a difficult problem left for its own "savior swarm".

"But it seems I don't need to break through them?"

Anvina rolled her eyes and said to Princess Talanji:
"The spider demons here consider themselves civilized, so we can reason with them. As long as they acknowledge that they are a branch of the 'Yaki Empire,' there's something to discuss."

The will of the Aqir Empire has been re-emerged in the Shadow Chaser system, and the Savior Swarm has fully inherited the genes of the Shadow Chaser. My Swarm is also the most legitimate successor to the Aqir Empire.

Legally speaking, the Kaheti Spider Demons should "return to their ancestral home."

"Uh"

Princess Talanji thought Anvina's idea was a bit far-fetched.

The fact that the Spider Queen could refuse even her relatives' pleas for help shows how much she values ​​the legacy of the Kaheti Spider Demons.

In this situation, asking them to give up their independence and submit to the savior swarm is practically asking them to give up their lives.

The Zerg swarm in Azeroth is very realistic!
Especially with highly intelligent insects like spider demons, they're the type to not act until they're faced with a dead end. Anvina estimates that she'll have to use both carrot and stick tactics to possibly subdue the Kaheti spider demons.

But the Shadow Hunters followed the Nerub refugees all the way to Aiki Kahet and discovered more than just the City of a Thousand Threads. They built a lookout point there that could directly observe the direction of the Queen's Palace.

A few minutes later, the Shadow Hunter, who had been tracking them here, said to Anvina and Talanji:
"They've appeared! Look, messengers of the Old Gods!"

"Ok?"

The two immediately looked over.

Sure enough, escorted by a squad of elite spider demon guards, a faceless creature dressed in "clothes" and several Kerchiel sorcerers were entering the palace of the Spider Demon Queen Nefertiri.

"Judging from their badges, are they servants of N'Zoth?"

Princess Talanji widened her eyes and said:

"Why did the Thousand-Bearded Demon send people to the Spider Demon's place? They must be plotting something shady again."

Ah, right!

I've heard that the Sea Sages of Kul Tiras have been sealing off the seas recently. If the Sea Sages are indeed servants of N'Zoth, then it means they're planning something big in Kul Tiras.

Is it here to invite the Spider Demon back to the 'Dark Empire'?

Anvina didn't answer; she thought for a moment, and then asked:
"How many times did Queen Nephalem meet with N'Zoth's emissaries?"

"We've observed this five or six times already."

The Shadow Hunter said in a cold tone:

"Although we couldn't obtain firsthand intelligence, we suspect the peace talks aren't going smoothly. Queen Nephalem doesn't seem to intend to lead the Kaheti back to the embrace of the Old Gods." "But they have to choose a side!"

Anvina blinked and said:

"Gallord taught me that the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend, but it is possible to turn a neutral party into a friend by taking advantage of the enemy's grudges. Perhaps we should start from this direction."

Oh, I've heard Lothar talk about what happened in Draenor before. Apparently, the legendary orc heroine Lady Draka used a similar method to persuade the Mok'Nathal clan to join the K'ure Alliance.

Perhaps we should plan an assassination in the Spider Demon's territory, once N'Zoth's messenger dies in Queen Nephalem's city.
"Tsk, that Spider Queen couldn't explain herself even with ten mouths. The Old Gods aren't reasonable scoundrels."

"That's such a wicked idea... cough cough, I mean it's brilliant!"

The Shadow Hunter's eyes lit up, and he immediately replied:
"I will contact headquarters immediately and have General Staghelm send a skilled assassin to complete this task before the messenger of the Old Gods leaves."

But would you like to go further north to the 'underworld' of Aiki Kacht to see the 'wonder' we discovered?

Honestly, that thing is far more spectacular than the spider demon's city.

"Okay, I heard from you guys that that thing might be related to the Holy Light. I'm curious, since this place is already below the continental shelf, it's a real underground world."

Given the spider demons' way of life, this place has been undisturbed for at least several thousand years, so why would a miracle of holy light occur here?

Anvina was really interested in that "spectacle".

However, Princess Talanji did not go with them this time. She said she would stay here to observe these unique spider demons, and then use Loa magic to return to Zandalari to continue serving as the "Insect Shepherd".

Considering that Talanji was also a savior and had no problem protecting herself, Anvina did not disturb her "refined interest".

After the Sunwell Wraith and the Shadowhunters left, Princess All Souls looked around to make sure no one was nearby before summoning her luxurious golden pterodactyl mount and the mists of the Loa to conceal her presence. She then leaped down from a lookout point high in the rock formation.

She traversed the ruins of Aki Kahet's spider demons, eventually arriving at an abandoned "excavation site."

Are you sure you're here?

Princess Talanji jumped off the pterodactyl and asked softly.

World Holy Spirit Rezan then replied:
"Yes, right here, that magical 'creature'. If you hadn't come to this secluded place, neither I nor the other Loas would have been able to find their trace."

You should remember the legends about 'Haraniel' that have always existed in the Troll Empire. It is said that those strange 'trolls' live in seclusion underground in Un'Goro Crater, protecting something sacred and endowed with great power.

If they don't want to be found, then no one can find them.

"But that's just a legend."

Talanji examined the abandoned excavation site and noticed that the abandoned equipment had a strong goblin style. The excavation camp had been forcibly destroyed, torn apart by roots that stretched from the ground.

It looks like druidic magic, but it's clearly more violent and primal than ordinary druidic spells.

she says:

"We sent the Sandfury clan on an adventure into the mysterious Un'Goro Crater a long time ago. Although they did discover tunnels leading underground, they never found the legendary 'Haraniel' troll."
You mean, they're here?

"Yes, a squad, they're spying on you."

Lezan reminded him:
"This goblin excavation site that was digging for 'Old God Black Blood' was destroyed by them, remember? The Lordaeron dragonborn previously purchased a lot of Black Blood from the goblins of the Rustwater Consortium."

What I'm telling you is that this underground area is very close to the goblins' Kozan Islands, and even closer to their commercial city, Andermay.

The black blood in the hands of the goblins of Rustwater Wealth was dug out here!
Find those 'Guardians,' Talanji.

The Zandalari trolls are undergoing enhancement with Azerite crystals, evolving into a more perfect form. I believe the legendary Haraniel trolls can certainly help us in this endeavor.

“But I can’t even see them.”

Talanji sighed and said:

"I have to go back to the Nazmir swamp to take care of those bugs later."

“Hmm, make them interested in you, Talanji.”

Rezan let out a low laugh and said:

"This group of Haraniel trolls has left their ancestral lands, which shows that they are very curious about the outside world. Take advantage of this curiosity!"
You don't need to find them. If the legendary 'Guardian Trolls' are truly dedicated to protecting some sacred object in this world, then they will reveal themselves.

------

"My God! What is that? It looks like a sun hanging in the Earth's core! Is it a crystal? Are you kidding me! How can there be such a huge holy light crystal in this world?"

It's bigger than the Exodar spacecraft!

And why would it appear in the core of Azeroth?

this.
This isn't normal!

Anvina indeed found the "sacred object" in the north of the Spider Demon Kingdom.

The environment here is completely different from the dark Aiki Kahet. If that place is a shady place suitable for insects to live in, then this place is a fertile and beautiful hilly valley, and there is even a huge subterranean sea flowing here.

Aside from the solid crust you see when you look up, this place is almost indistinguishable from the natural scenery of the continent of Kalimdor.

Anvina even felt that the scenery here was more beautiful than Quel'Thalas.

But there is a "sun" here!

It hangs above everyone's heads, embedded in the rock strata deep within Azeroth, an irregular crystal the size of a city, radiating a dazzling golden light.

"Holy Light."

Anveena is the spirit of the Sunwell, and she is exceptionally sensitive to changes in energy. After levitating and letting the golden light shine on her, she confirmed that the crystal that had penetrated into the heart of Azeroth was indeed emitting "holy light".

However, it is not entirely consistent with the holy light used by believers or the holy light used by the Naaru. If one had to say, its light is truly like the sun.

It not only has light, but also heat.

"How long has this thing been here?"

Anvina turned to the Shadow Hunters and said:
"If this thing existed when the spider demons migrated here ten thousand years ago, doesn't that mean it already existed more than ten thousand years ago, before the birth of mortal civilization?"

“You can be bolder.”

The Shadow Hunter commander, who was in charge of leading the squad to track the Spider Demon, shook his head and said:

"Perhaps this crystal is as old as our world itself. I'm not talking nonsense, madam, I have evidence. These past few days, while observing its radiance, we've noticed 'illusions' appearing in certain areas illuminated by the crystal."

That is the world's ancient memory!
We even see glimpses of the Dark Empire era in those memories, which means that if this crystal is related to our Supreme Star Soul, it means that it existed at least before the Dark Empire was established.

It existed since the time of creation.

"Oh my God."

Anvina sighed, then said:

“This is not something we can handle. Contact Mentor Diakum immediately! Get Ms. Aegwynn over here as well. I’m not sure if the World Mother knows she has this ‘gallstone’ in her body.”

If even He doesn't know...
"Well, this is really serious."

“We have informed the Lightforger that he will be here after completing the Worgen Return Ritual in Gilneas.”

The Shadow Hunter stared at the sacred crystal in the sky and whispered:
So, how many secrets are still hidden in our world?

(End of this chapter)