Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 558, Section 19: Dick decides to embrace the sun, merge with the sun, and ultimately become the sun!
Nozdormu is indeed different from the other Dragon Aspects.

This guy has a mysterious "aura" about him; words like contradiction, paradox, and disharmony can all be used to describe him. It's a kind of "conflict" that can be seen with the naked eye.

Just like this "Dragon King Guan Yu" is clearly standing in front of you, but he gives you the feeling of being far away, as if he is at the end of the starry sea.

Its brief self-narration illustrates the problem: "Truth" has never been an issue for this Dragon King who controls time. The real problem is that it cannot convince itself to choose between "duty" and "rightness".

If it were a heartless jerk, that would be fine.

But it is not.

The Titans' stringent criteria for selecting a Guardian required him to be an honest and reliable individual. However, after swearing allegiance and "joining the service," he discovered that his side did not seem to represent "justice."

This could be fatal.

But as Diakum said, the fact that it chose to return at this time shows that Nozdormu was prepared.

"The time network of Aman'thul is based on the unified field of all things. Once that system shuts down, the time system that covers Azeroth will no longer be forcibly constrained, and the last chain binding the Titans to the Exalted Star Soul will also dissipate."

Only then will He attain true freedom.

It offered an explanation, which made Diakum raise an eyebrow and ask:
"You mean the Time Network will still be preserved?"

"Yes, but no new branching timelines will be generated."

Nozdormu nodded and said:
"That was originally a 'protective' measure, squeezing out and materializing 'possibilities' in order to protect the 'correct' course of destiny."

However, when the Azerothian world-soul gains control, all possibilities will fall into His hands, making the future truly unpredictable. The outcome will no longer be influenced by external factors, but will be solely based on His decisions and actions.

"What about the other timelines that have already been created?"

The vigilant said solemnly:
Will they disappear?

"No, they will continue to develop along their own possibilities until they are naturally destroyed. There can be countless dormant star souls, but only one star soul can awaken."

The Bronze Dragon King said:
"When the Supreme Star Soul leaves its cradle, the Time Network, no matter how many branches it branches out of, will all lead to the same end point. Aman'thul constrained the beginning and the end when he designed it."

No matter how magnificent or cruel the changes that occur along the way, they will not affect the beginning and the ending; that is the ending predetermined by the Titans.

But now, you have handed the decision of the outcome to Mother World.

"Ah."

This answer reassured Diakum.

Although he, a mere "Holy Light Cannon," was indeed not fully aware of the complex temporal path under the Arcane Path, Nozdormu had described what would happen next to him as concisely as possible.

He got the answer he wanted and felt satisfied with it.

Time to get down to business.

"You've said everything you needed to say, yet you're still not leaving. So, do you want to stay here just to witness me embracing Anser's divine body?"

Diakum glanced back at the "Guan Yu" (a legendary general).

His teasing made the Bronze Dragon King shrug, and the dragon king with a single ponytail and a cool long beard nodded and said:
"Of course, this moment will affect more than just Azeroth; it may also shape the future of the Starsea. We Bronze Dragons have a tradition of recording moments of destiny. If you can allow me to witness this, it will truly be of great significance to me."

"Watch it if you want, but I estimate it probably won't end in an instant."

Dick stretched his neck, levitating into his Crystal Naaru form, a form that resembled a "humanoid diamond." He said:

"It is said to be taking it, but in reality it is to integrate the divine molt of the Sun God into my Naaru body. Although it is likely to be the same substance, if this crystal in front of me is like a diamond, then the Naaru's body is like a piece of charcoal."

The integration of these elements will certainly take time.

"We still have time."

Nozdormu said seriously:

"No global crisis is expected for at least the next month."

"Ok?"

Diakum, in mid-air, turned back and asked:
"In this one-way river of time, can you still glimpse the future?"

"The details are unclear, but the general trend can always be predicted."

The Bronze Dragon King said in a subtle tone:

"In the foreseeable future, your fate is likely to undergo a dramatic change, like a storm. I wonder if you are prepared?"

"Oh, so it all means 'one less time to meet,' and you're waiting to hear my last words, right? You old Dragon King, you're really quite unlucky."

The Watcher gave a shout and soared into the sky amidst Nozdormu's hearty laughter.

This Dragon King of Time was not the only witness. Just as Diakum was about to touch the "World Gallstone" that shone with the arc of the sun, Aegwynn finally arrived, albeit belatedly.

She was still clutching a Titan device part that she had just disassembled in one hand, and her other hand was covered in oil, as if she had just finished her shift on an assembly line where people tighten screws.

But this was actually the core of the long-dormant "mainframe" that the earthen spirits of Khaz'aga had been maintaining. The fact that this thing was removed meant that the earthen spirits of Dornogar had completely broken free from the Titan Guardian system.

The laws that bound them were lifted, and the local earth spirits were finally free.

Although they have been unable to contact the Titan Guardians for over five thousand years and have been secretly opposing the Titan Laws.

"Hmm, another node in the unified field of all things has been unlocked."

Nozdormu glanced at the component in Aegwynn's hand, twirling his elegant beard, and said:
"Now only Ulduar, Uldir, and Uldum remain. Your progress is beyond my expectations."

"Shut up if you didn't put in any effort."

Aegwynn didn't give the Time Dragon King a friendly look. She stared at Diakum, who was reaching out to touch the body of the Sun God, and said coldly:
“You’re not one of us yet, Nozdormu, don’t try to get close to us.”

The Bronze Dragon King was unconcerned by this lukewarm response.

It was simply a feeling of joy and congratulations for Ms. Aegwynn's different destiny.

Having witnessed countless tragedies unfold, yet remaining unable to participate in them, Nozdormu had long since learned to rejoice in all changes.

Under their watchful eyes, Dick's hands finally touched the surface of the holy crystal.

Although it radiates heat and light like the sun in this inner world, it is not scalding hot. On the contrary, when touched, it gives Diakum a cool feeling that one would expect when touching jewelry.

He carefully observed the Holy Light Crystal before him, which was even larger than the Exodar, and was surprised to find that its natural edges seemed to follow some peculiar rules, making it look like a work of art made by nature.

The light and heat emanating from Diakum in his sun-incarnation form are resonating with the light and heat of this crystal, just like rapidly vibrating atoms entering the same frequency.

It was as if Aegwynn and Nozdormu were seeing two suns, one large and one small, suspended in the underground world, their light stimulating each other to continuously bloom, reaching a point in a short time that even the Dragon King had to cover his eyes.

In that dazzling light, Diakum's hands, which were placed on the crystal surface, seemed to "melt" and "merge" into the solid divine body.

It's like a drop of water merging into the ocean.

He remained calm.

He might not understand what this process represents, but his magical character cards will always provide an explanation:

External forces are being integrated!

Power Path: Holy Light/Void - Sunbeam/Eclipse - Sun God Anser/Black Sun Lord Anser; Power Access Mode: Resonance/Fusion.

caveat!

You are merging into the remnant divine transformation of [Universal Foundation (Holy Light) · Sun God]. This item comes from the ultimate being and origin of the Holy Light Force, directly pointing to the core concept of the Holy Light Force.

Because you possess the Holy Light Force Mythical Creature Template - Naaru, you can access this item through a process of "possession-fusion-rebirth".

However, this operation may lead to unpredictable results.

caveat!

You are merging into the remnant divine transformation of [Black Sun Lord Anser]. Because of your current special state, you will bear a portion of the void contamination from the Black Sun Lord during the entire process of "occupation-fusion-rebirth".

This contamination is a remnant of "Primordial Darkness," related to the foundation of the universe (the void), and therefore has an extremely high energy level, making it impossible to be exempt from its influence and intrusion through conventional means.

During this process, you will develop a sensory resonance with the Black Sun Lord, and bear all the pressure and pain he endures. If your spirit is broken or your body is completely eroded, you will turn into "Eclipse Fragments" and return to the Black Sun Lord's original form.

hint!

Your "Twin Light and Shadow" path aligns with the dual power characteristics of the Sun God and the Black Sun Lord, allowing both of the above effects to take effect simultaneously.

hint!

After completing the "Occupy" phase, you will possess a portion of the true divine power of the "Sun God/Black Sun Lord". Understanding and deepening your use of this power will accelerate the "Integration" process.

After the "Integration" phase is completed, you will enter the "Rebirth" process.

Once all three stages are completed, the divine transformation of the Sun God/Black Sun Lord will become your power vessel and unlock the supreme path to the "Foundation of the Universe (Cosmic God)".

hint!

In this process, you will gradually come to understand some mysteries and taboos that do not belong to the material world. Please do not casually pass them on to beings who are not qualified to control them, so as not to cause unnecessary impact on the material universe.

Once you have grasped the secrets of the "Supreme Ritual: Path to Godhood," you may attempt to ignite your own "divine fire" and enter the "Secondary Universal Symbol (Secondary God) Life Rank."

Additional note: [Remember! The power of the Holy Light is related to faith. One person's will can ignite a fire, but the will of millions can bring about a new era.]

To become a true sun god, you must first learn to inspire courage in the hearts of the people of light. You are not fighting alone, nor should you try to fight alone, or you will only remain a high but simple symbol of the sun.

(This wasn't Lao Tzu's saying; I'm too lazy to pass it on, but I can't beat that bastard. When it comes to these mysterious matters, listening to him is always the right thing to do.)

Wishing you a smooth ascension to godhood, bro! And don't forget to look out for me when you're successful!

】

"You actually dare?!"

When Diakum's body merged into the body of the sun god in this resonance of power, the eclipse fragment that sealed Xalatas was "rejected" from this divine transformation.

She hovered alone under the blazing sun, watching Diakum, who was merging into the divine body, with very complex emotions.

She did offer advice.

But she was certain that Diakum wouldn't dare to do it.

To endure the suffering of a true god who is falling into darkness is something no mortal can do.

However, at that moment she saw not a trace of hesitation or pretense on Diakum's face. On the contrary, the Vigilant embraced the divine transformation before him with a calm and expectant expression, and the light of the sun god also embraced him.

It was like embracing a traveler returning home after a long journey, which made Xalatas feel a sense of "jealousy".

Diakum is just a "second-hand Naaru," but she is the "first ray of darkness" truly born from Ansel's eclipse.

She is the "real daughter".

But Anser never hugged her the way he hugged Diakum.

"That's why you can't get close to this 'legacy'."

Diakum's voice echoed in Xaratas's ears, tinged with a sense of melancholy and helplessness. He said:
“You know what to do, but you can never make up your mind. If Anser really needs a ‘successor,’ then whether it’s igniting the sun or falling into an eclipse, selflessness, courage, and enthusiasm are just the most basic selection criteria.”

However, you can't satisfy any of them.

Watch from there, Xalatas, I have embarked on the path of the sun as you advised. I will bear Anser’s pain and heal Him. I will accomplish what you consider a vain feat.

But not for honor, but for the benefit of the majority.

"Hypocritical!"

Saratas cursed through gritted teeth.

She absolutely refused to believe that there could exist in this vast universe a being who would stake everything on the scales of justice, just to gain the well-being of others.

But it's not her fault.

How can someone born in darkness who has never seen the light imagine a world of light?
"You will be crushed, you will fall into Anser's darkness, and become one of those martyrs! Only then will you know that the eclipse is the only destiny!"

Xalatas continued his curse, but Diakum could no longer hear it.

He completely merged into the holy light crystal. As the dazzling light softened, Diakum curled up in the center of the crystal, which was originally filled with flowing light, like a baby waiting to be born.

Of course, it also resembles that unfortunate ancient mosquito preserved in amber.

Diakum could feel his body "melting" into the warmer light around him.

The warmth made him feel very comfortable, his mind was very clear, and his will was like a radar being connected, constantly amplified at this moment, making those "whispers" clearer and clearer in his ears.

He seemed to transform into a breeze that swept across the world, hearing the longings in the hearts of the devout worshippers at Northshire Abbey.

But not all beings who walk in the holy light are qualified to be "heard"; only the heartfelt words of the devout can be heard by Diakum.

"Holy Light, I pray that you will bless our Vigilant. If he returns safely, I promise! No, I swear I will suppress the inner demons within me that want to light up those idiots."

It was Irelia praying that made Diakum burst out laughing.

It seems that his education of the "Holy Light Tyrant" was very successful. He made Yrel realize that it was not the right thing to do to randomly light others. He wanted to respond to this prayer, but he had no hands, so he could only gently pat Yrel's forehead with his will as encouragement.

Diakum's consciousness immediately turned to listen for other sounds, but at that moment, Iriel in Northshire Abbey suddenly opened her eyes.

"The Holy Light answered me, no."

The little hoof turned around blankly and said to Yuna beside it:
"The sun has just touched me."

“I should assume you’re exaggerating, but the aura on your forehead does seem to be changing! It’s turning into a small corona.”

Yuna's eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed:

"Isn't that the Seal of Light bestowed upon you by His Majesty Kure? You said this thing was related to your morality, so how could it suddenly change? Has your morality gone astray?"

"No! I'm just as determined as ever."

Irelia rubbed her cheeks helplessly and sighed, saying:
"Why do I always encounter these strange things?"

This may be an "unsolved mystery," but at this moment, many believers in the Holy Light around the world did indeed receive the touch of the sun in response.

Diakum could not promise them their dreams would come true, but he could respond to those who prayed in this way.

They heard what they said.

This is equivalent to writing "read" on a submitted document, indicating that I have read it, but whether I agree with it or implement it is another matter.

Diakum tried to distinguish which of the voices were familiar and which were strangers, finding it quite interesting. But soon, a voice that did not exist in the Eastern Continent or the Kalimdor region caught his attention.

Shift the vigilant’s attention to that undiscovered area on the endless sea.

To his astonishment, he saw a strange continent, inhabited by humans, elves, and their hybrids. He sensed many devout points of light, indicating that this was a pure land of holy light.

Among those points of light, he noticed the brightest one.

"Holy Flame, proclaim to me the future of the Arathi Empire. How shall I, who have just ascended to the throne, rule this ancient empire?"

It was a voice that wasn't young, but was full of weariness. It didn't seem like a sacred prayer, but rather a kind of grumbling or complaining.

But Diakum already knew where he was and who the person in front of him was.

He felt a surge of joy, but just as the vigilant made contact with the point of light and relayed the news of the war on the Eastern Continent and the reconstruction of the Stromka Empire, the light and shadow suddenly changed.

The light that had embraced him quietly turned into shadow at that moment, making the vigilant feel as if he had fallen into pitch-black night once again.

All his connections with the outside world were severed.

A solar eclipse is coming!

The infinitely expanding spirit was compressed into the crystal in an instant, as if stepping into a cage. Every strand of spirit became heavy and tired, and the operation of thought almost came to a standstill.

Even more terrifying is the pain.

It was as if all the pain that Diakum had ever endured, both the pain of being burned, frostbitten, cut by a sharp blade, corroded by poison, and torn apart by magic, had been inflicted upon him at this moment.

He had only heard of "death by a thousand cuts" before, but this time he truly experienced it.

If it were just pain, that would be one thing; a strong enough will can withstand it. But the relentless, insidious erosion drove Diakum almost insane.

He could clearly feel the filth of the void entering his mind and body. He could not resist it and could only let it conquer his once clear will.

My pride, my intellect, and my will are being destroyed, just like a dam when a flood comes.

Unable to bear it, or even resist it.

This is Anser's state during the eclipse. Saratas said that He was dead. He was indeed unable to resist and could only watch helplessly as the filth born from the abyss crawled all over his body. Only a silver moon pulled him back, preventing him from falling into the darkest abyss.

That was Lady Elune protecting Anser, but the Moon Goddess wouldn't protect herself.

What should I do myself?
In this irresistible erosion and depravity, how can I hold on until the next shift of light and shadow arrives?

"The idealistic power of the Holy Light comes from faith; one person is like fire, and ten thousand become the sun!"

That seemingly ordinary reminder suddenly jumped into Diakum's mind when his will was about to be paralyzed and frozen, and he was about to be utterly defeated, like a key unlocking the door to disaster.

If one is already a flame, and wants to ignite the sun in the darkness, one naturally needs firewood.

so.
"Let it burn!"

He spoke with difficulty, and at that moment, the power of faith belonging to the Lightforged and Shadowchasers factions was ignited in its most primal way, causing a small, delicate flame to bloom before Diakum's eyes.

The flames were only enough to illuminate his eyes and cheeks, but they caused the sinister things that filled his vision and around his head to quietly recede.

The unbearable pain is still there, but at least the mind has resumed functioning.

He must persevere!

He will persevere until the next dawn arrives.

Even if you only have a tiny flame that could be extinguished at any moment, the darkness is no longer something to fear. This is the path of the Warrior of Light!

(End of this chapter)