Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 6 6. Good leaders know not to let down the cowherds and horses
Dick said that he was the evidence to incriminate Archimonde, and of course he was not trying to show Talgas the "great achievements of the polluter" in his mind.

Regardless of whether a sane and highly cunning adult would believe such empty talk, even the most brilliant prophet could not sentence a villain to death for "crimes" that he had not yet committed.

The evidence Dick mentioned was actually his past experiences.

In this small courtyard, Dick, Garrison Commander Maldran and the envoy of Commander Kil'jaeden were having a secret conversation in the house, while the five little warriors were guarding outside the door as security.

The five people were communicating their thoughts with each other through eye contact, and even the most timid Yimira was paralyzed.

The thought of going against Principal Archimonde brought to her mind the scenario of herself being completely expelled from the Arcana Academy and expelled from the school. For a student whose current ideal in life was to "successfully graduate," this fantasy was truly terrifying.

But the performance of the other four was much better.

Unlike the spellcaster Ymira, they are recruits and students in the garrison officer training system. Although they are also trained in the Arcane Academy, whether they can graduate and obtain the official garrison officer qualifications is not judged by arcanists like Archimonde.

The Eredar society is very open-minded, but classes still exist, but they are called "classes" in their tradition.

Spellcasters, warriors, civilians, craftsmen, etc. all have their own classes, and each class also has its own leaders and representatives. For example, the Enlightened One is the representative of the current spellcaster class, and Lord Commander Kil'jaeden is the representative of the garrison class.

In addition, a garrison officer is just a profession like a soldier, which does not mean that a garrison officer must believe in the Holy Light.

Kil'jaeden is five thousand years old. Long before the Naaru arrived in Argus due to the summons of the Eredar sacred relic Ata'mar Crystal, Kil'jaeden had served as the guardian for thousands of years.

Therefore, in theory, even without the blessing of Holy Light, Dick's rank of high-ranking garrison officer would not be revoked.

This guy is just imagining things.

Of course, although the eredar's hierarchical society sounds very similar to the infamous "caste system", the two are definitely not the same thing!
If I have to say, this thing is actually similar to the "military household", which only stipulates the occupation at birth. Although occupational interactions between different classes rarely occur, it is not absolutely impossible. It is basically a model of sons inheriting their fathers' careers. Coupled with the immortality of the Eredar, this has become the most suitable social structure for them.

"Do you believe what Master Dick just said?"

While maintaining his Emerald Heavy Crossbow, Archer Barat whispered a question to Sword and Shield Warrior Thorworth beside him. Thorworth looked at the other two with a complicated expression and said:

"My mind tells me not to believe it, but my heart tells me that this might actually make sense. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain why both Commander Kil'jaeden and General Elodus would send envoys."

"Yes, if this is just a joke, then the scene is a bit too big."

Fariya, leaning on her spear, kept moving her fingers.

Perhaps it was because she was nervous. After all, she was not yet the powerful Crescent Blade who faced the attack of hundreds of times more demons and launched a resolute counterattack without changing her expression more than 20,000 years later.

She thought for a moment and whispered:

"Lord Dick and Garrison Commander Malderan haven't avoided us, which shows they trust us. So, everyone's opinion is..."

"It's not our turn to judge."

The taciturn Telamon placed his sword across his knees. He was not a talkative person by nature, so he said briefly:
"Just follow orders."

"Too."

Faria nodded, and after a few minutes, she said:

"I'm really getting antsy right now. Should we try another 'Demon's Unparalleled Trial'? I think Lord Diakum's targeted training these past two days must have a reason. Perhaps we'll really have to face demons soon.

Especially the Enlighteners!
You should remember that he declared more than a decade ago that he wanted to introduce the fel energy of warlocks into the training of Eredar spellcasters. Although that proposal was rejected by the two archons, he must have already embarked on the path of fel energy by then. The once wise master of the arcane must have become a companion of the devil.

"Well, come on."

Telamon was the first to rise.

Barat and Soworth also stood up. Seeing how motivated they were, Imira immediately complained:
"At least give me some time to recover my magic power. My magic power is not like your muscles that can be used infinitely. Give me another ten minutes to finish my meditation."

"You must adapt to fighting in a tired state, Ymira."

Fariya said with a straight face:

"The devil won't give you time to meditate safely. Hurry up! Lord Diakum said that learning to conserve mana in battle is also a required course for spellcasters. You should have learned this at the Arcane Academy. Now is your time to practice."

"Arcane. No, by the Holy Light, Faria, please don't talk like Lord Diakum, okay?

Also, did you know that our instructor has a nickname among his colleagues called "Holy Spear Dick"? I heard from some of the more open-minded female classmates that they secretly peeped at Master Diakum taking a bath.

It is said that the scale

"Enough! Ymira, you are a priest now. This is not the time for you to discuss dirty topics. Be careful that the Holy Light will condemn you. Get up!
Since you still have the energy to tell dirty jokes, it seems you are not completely tired yet."

------

"Principal Archimonde has been resisting the Enlightener's attempts to recruit him. He doesn't want to be too deeply involved with the Awakener Cult, but this is just to create a decent image. From the beginning, he tried to use Thal'kiel's crazy coup to gain political capital for himself.

I was sent by him to join the Awakener Cult a long time ago, and have been his spy, collecting intelligence on this group for him."

In the room, Dick, maintaining his psychic vision, handed Talgas the various evidences he had recorded during the past two days of searching his memory, and said to the two:
"Regardless of whether or not planting a spy on the mentor who promoted him is right, this is a matter of Principal Archimonde's personal ethics and is not the subject of this discussion.

I can only tell you that Principal Archimonde resisted the temptation of fel energy on the surface, but Guardsman Maldran had enough evidence to prove that Principal Archimonde was deliberately allowing members of the Awakener Cult to teach fel energy knowledge to students in the Arcane Academy.

This dangerous and corrupting behavior has been going on for at least ten years!"

Dick said to Talgas very seriously:

"He clearly knew how terrible the corruption of fel energy was to the soul, yet he still allowed this behavior to happen for his own selfish gain. For this reason alone, he should be dismissed from his position as headmaster of the Arcana Academy. He is not as competent as he appears!"

Targas looked at the scrolls in his hands that recorded the members of the Awakener Cult and their important information. He turned his head with a serious expression and looked at Garrison Commander Maldran.

The latter also nodded to him, indicating that what Dick said was true.

The teaching of fel energy in the academy has always been carried out in a secret manner. The Arcane Academy directly under Archimonde is the "hardest hit area" for the circulation of taboo knowledge. The garrison officers who serve as security have discovered many clues long ago, but due to the direct protection of the principal, they are unable to continue to investigate.

"But these only prove that Principal Archimonde is incompetent, and cannot be concluded that he is suspected of threatening the country."

Talgas thought for a moment, shook his head and said:
"This will only convince High Commander Kil'jaeden to approve his removal, but it won't be enough for the two Archons to label him a dangerous person."

"What if I told you that Principal Archimonde has been secretly studying fel magic for a long time?"

Of course Dick came prepared.

He had prepared for this conversation for two whole days. Facing Talgas's questioning, he said seriously:
"He was the most valued student and heir to the political legacy of Thal'kiel the Enlightener. When Thal'kiel first came into contact with fel energy, Archimonde was one of the first apprentices he shared his secrets with. As a spellcaster obsessed with power and strength, Archimonde could not resist the temptation.

I can tell you for sure that the most powerful fel warlock in the world of Argus is Thal'kiel, there is no doubt about that, but the second most powerful warlock is our seemingly decent Principal Archimonde.

He used his superb spellcasting ability and the arcane artifact 'Mark of Enlightenment' he carried with him to disguise himself as normal. However, any high-level priest who conducted the most cursory inspection of him could discover the presence of evil energy in his body.

This kind of power-level practice cannot be concealed at all.

Fel energy corrupts the hearts of men, and its masters lure them down a path of destruction.

The fact that the Enlightened One degenerated from a wise spellcaster leader into a cultist in just a dozen years fully demonstrates this point. Archimonde was exposed to fel energy not much later than the Enlightened One. How long do you think he can maintain his lucidity?"

Dick stood up and said to the two people who were listening attentively with great concern:

"When I was undercover in the Awakener Cult, I witnessed the ugly appearance of many spellcasters who indulged in the drinking of fel energy. They arrogantly called themselves 'Man'ari', regarded corruption as a kind of glory, abandoned the ancient wisdom of O'Gre, and claimed that they heard the encouragement and whispers of the 'Benefactor' to them.

Those people have turned into evil beasts and are no longer our compatriots.

When you take action, you will witness the fallen tear off the elegant disguise of the eredar and transform into the hideous form of violent and crazy half-fiends.

But if you decide to take action then, it will be too late.”

"and many more!"

Talgas interrupted Dick's description and asked:
"Tell me more about the voice calling itself 'The Benefactor' that the Awakener members heard."

"I haven't set foot on the fel path, and I can't hear those voices, but I have spoken with the most twisted fanatics among them. They claim that in their half-awake state of fel energy infusion, they saw a 'fire god' walking among the stars. The latter called himself the 'giver of grace' and generously taught them the secrets of the universe."

Dick described it in detail:
"Any mage who listens to the teachings of the Benefactor will quickly master the secrets of fel energy, becoming a more powerful warlock and being granted the ability to summon demons.

I personally think it is actually a blessing.

Just like the Eredar who were blessed with the elements in ancient times and were given the blessing of the Holy Light by the Naaru in modern times, the fallen evil god dispelled the elements and the blessing of the Holy Light from the cultists and instead gave them the power of fel energy, allowing them to establish a connection with the demons on a spiritual level.

They claimed that the demons had formed the 'Burning Legion' to turn all the weak worlds in the stars into dust.

They also saw the true images of the Burning Legion ravaging many worlds, which deepened their desire for power. They regarded it as a "prophecy of destruction" and firmly believed that our world of Argus would suffer the same destruction.

In fact, the Enlightener Thal'kiel has always claimed to his followers that his coup was only to win a glimmer of hope for his people. He claimed that only the Eredar who actively embraced the gift of the 'Benefactor' could gain the power to survive at the end of the world.

I can't be sure whether Archimonde also heard the benefactor's instigation, but I believe that once the benefactor whispered to him, Archimonde would never refuse the temptation of such power.

That's just the kind of person he is!
As long as you know his past, you can make a clear judgment. This is why I think Archimonde is more dangerous than Sachir. Sachir is just a foolish old man, but Archimonde desires more.

If such a person were to ascend to a high position by stepping on the skull of his mentor, it would be the beginning of disaster for all Eredar people."

The room fell silent.

Garrison Commander Malderan clenched his fists.

Obviously, Dick's words convinced him, but Targas, a long-time assassin and spy, was not so easily convinced. This intelligence chief, who was highly trusted by the two archons, stared at Dick with a subtle look. After a moment, he said:

"You still have no substantial evidence to prove Archimonde's corruption. I admit that your speculation is brilliant, and I personally believe that it is very likely to become a reality. But you must know that the two archons cannot convict a spellcaster leader based on a few speculations.

And I feel like there seems to be some 'personal grudge' between you and Archimonde?
is that so? "

"Yes, I admit it."

Dick answered frankly:

"It's not just because I can understand Archimonde's threat, but also because the commander who sent me undercover into the cult and talked about righteousness and morality tried to bury me on the night I was assassinated. He couldn't allow me, who knew so many secrets, to survive. Regardless of whether Sachir's coup succeeds, I'm dead!

But the Holy Light did not teach me to become decadent and wait for death in a desperate situation.

I want to fight back, and these two people and the senior executives who will make the decisions behind them are my way of fighting back."

"Yes, very frank. Lord Commander Kil'jaeden likes people who are frank, even if you did travel with a group of demon worshippers and did make mistakes."

Talgas nodded in satisfaction, then skipped the question of whether Archimonde could be trusted and asked:
"You just said you had a plan. Tell me about it."

"it's actually really easy."

Dick sat back down at the table and said:

"Archimonde hopes that Thal'kiel will be defeated by him personally on the eve of the coup. This way, he can rise to the top with the merit of suppressing the rebellion and legitimately seize Thal'kiel's lofty position among the spellcasters. Therefore, we only need to inform Thal'kiel about Archimonde's plan in advance.

In this way, the master and disciple will kill each other in a night full of betrayal.

If what we just said is true, the scene we most want to see is that Thal'kiel and Archimonde perish together, so that we can solve two problems at the same time."

"But how can we make Sachir believe that the apprentice he cares about the most and trusts the most would backstab him?"

Talgas pressed the issue, and Dick said firmly:

"Of course I'll be the one to report it myself!

My identity is very special, Lord Talgas.

I was originally a spy sent by Archimonde to the Cult of the Awakener. They discovered my identity and tried to assassinate me. Now that I, a 'dead man', have reappeared, as long as Sachir is not so foolish as to be unable to make a decision, he will naturally know who betrayed him.

I am the most suitable person to instigate this 'evil internal strife'."

"But there's also a high probability that you'll die in the cultists' second assassination attempt."

Garrison Commander Malderan shook his head and said:

"No! We can't let you take risks again. No matter what you did before, Diakum, you have obviously returned to the right path guided by the Holy Light."

"That's why those who have made mistakes have a chance to atone for their sins."

Talgas smiled and said:
"Mr. Dick has made his decision. I saw the determination in his eyes. The words and accusations made by someone who is willing to put his life at risk are of great importance.

well.

I will report all the information you have shared tonight to Lord Commander Kil'jaeden, and the Grand Archon will decide your and Archimonde's fate."

"Of course, I will not shirk the responsibilities I should bear. If I want to change my destiny, I must shoulder heavy responsibilities. I understand what this choice means."

Dick said this very proudly, but then he reminded:
"Please tell Commander Kil'jaeden and Archon Velen that I will personally go and expose Thal'kiel's conspiracy to them before Archimonde takes action. This is just his way of seeking credit and reward. Please do not be deceived by his words, Archons.

We should pay more attention to what a person does rather than what he says.”

"well said!"

Talgarth stood up, looked at Dick, and said:

“We should focus on what we do, not what we think, and certainly not on the deceptive language.

Dick, I personally hope that you will keep your word. If you are as hypocritical as Archimonde, then Lord Commander Kil'jaeden and Grand Archon Velen will be very disappointed in you."

"I still think that Diakum shouldn't be responsible for such a dangerous operation!"

The garrison commander, Malderan, cried out:

"We should discuss this further. This is sending him to his death! The Holy Light teaches us not to do this."

"bang bang bang"

A rapid knock on the door interrupted Malderan's words. Faria whispered a reminder from outside the door:

"My lords, someone is coming this way! They are students from the Arcane Academy. My companions tried to stop them outside the door, but they claimed that Principal Archimonde had sent them specifically to take care of Master Diachem.

They also brought some very suspicious potions."

"Look."

Dick sighed sadly and said:
"Archimonde has no intention of letting me go. Isn't the assassin coming? I ask you two to hide for the time being and help me through this disaster."

"Hahaha, what a cruel move! I'm beginning to believe your accusations against Archimonde."

Talgas laughed.

He grabbed Madeleine's wrist, stepped back, and used some secret technique to quickly cover them both in the shadows.

As a famous "Hunter" in the world of Argus, Targas should be following a hybrid career path of hunter and assassin. Being valued so much by the two great archons, this guy's personal strength must be very strong.

"Let them in."

Dick lay back on the bed, acting like a weak patient, and replied to Fariya in his mind's vision.

A few minutes later, the door was opened.

Two eredar sisters, dressed in the robes of students from the Arcane Academy, entered the room.

Although Eredar women generally have beautiful figures and attractive tails, some girls are naturally good at maximizing their beauty, just like the two young students in front of them.

In terms of figure and appearance, the equally young Faria and Imira are not inferior to them, but when the four of them stand together, men's attention is always attracted to these two first.

The twins have almost identical hairstyles, but one is passionate and fiery, while the other is calm and mature.

They personally modified the student robes, making the formal attire look like fashionable long skirts. The girls who loved beauty also inlaid their gauntlets, shin guards and foot covers with special gems, and their tails were carefully maintained.

It is worth mentioning that they actually wear leg decorations similar to "stockings".

Dick, with his thirty-year experience as a security captain, guaranteed that this was definitely not the traditional attire of students at the Mystery Academy! It wouldn't look out of place among the dancers in a bar in Oronaar City.

But how to say it?

Top students always have "privileges" in school.

If a normal man was injured and his leader sent two such lovely secretaries to take care of him, it would be considered a lack of loyalty if he did not get up at night to sew a dragon robe for his leader.

Unfortunately, Dick looked at the two Eredar twins who would also make "something" in the future, and he was really not lucky enough to enjoy the "sisters' show" arranged for him by Archimonde.

Well, if you really dare to enjoy it, the result will be that you will be hit by Shadow Strike and Ignite, but if the two buffs are added at the same time, you will explode on the spot!

"Lord Diakum, we two sisters have been instructed by Principal Archimonde and Grand Chancellor of the Academy, Lord Galassum, to take care of your daily life."

The twin sister introduced herself:
"My name is Sarolas, and here with me is my sister Auresei."

"Or you can think of me as the older sister among us sisters. After all, Sarolas was born only a dozen seconds earlier than me."

Her younger sister, Oreses, seemed to have some objections to this statement. She added calmly, and then the two of them stepped forward and took out a bottle filled with liquid from their waists under Dick's silent gaze, saying:
"This is a healing potion specially prepared for you by Principal Archimonde. It can help you recover from your weakness as quickly as possible and also heal the injury to your throat.

Please take it as soon as possible.

After your vocal cords recover, we will also need to record a magical video for you as evidence to accuse Sachir of conspiracy."

Facing the potion that was brought to his lips, Dick raised his hand weakly and waved it, indicating that he would drink it later.

But Gemini refused to give up.

They continued to move forward, even lying on Dick's bed, and forcibly helped Dick up from the bed in an ambiguous but coercive way.

The younger sister controlled Dick's weak hands, and the older sister opened the stopper of the medicine bottle and brought it to Dick's mouth with a gentle yet indifferent attitude.

"This potion was crafted using meticulously selected herbs and exceptional alchemy by the principal. It's extremely precious and should be taken as soon as possible, before it loses its potency, for maximum effectiveness. This is also our graduation project as outstanding graduates, so please, PE teacher, don't make things difficult for us."

She reached out and stroked Dick's badly injured throat, held his chin, and said:

"Come, my sister and I will personally serve you, sir. It's time to take the medicine."

(End of this chapter)