Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 636, Part 4: Passonia's Wonderful Journey Through the Stars - Bonus Chapter for the "Fish Lying in Peach Blossom Spring" Brothers [35]

After giving his incompetent and useless subordinates his instructions, Sachil returned to the bridge with the graceful steps befitting a highly educated intellectual.

Then I received a report:

“Just now, several cargo ships from the Astral Consortium passed by us. We should have destroyed them, but those Voidlings had previously cooperated with us, and the supplies they were transporting this time were destined for some demon world, so we let them go.”

The demon engineer piloting the starship said to the Shaper, "Sachil isn't in the mood for such trivial matters right now," and waved his hand, saying:
"Let them live. Our current route is heading to Azeroth. It would be best if they could spread the word. This would help Kil'jaeden complete his strategic deception."

Keep moving forward!

Turn towards Draenor at the next Stargate node.

"As ordered."

The demons completed the handover in this way, but they did not realize that those void merchant ships carried more than just ethereal beings.

Near the observation window of the oddly shaped Astral Consortium merchant ship, Ms. Pasonia Shore, draped in a cloak, squinted as she gazed at the demonic fleet that was disappearing into the distance in the sea of ​​stars.

Such a terrifying number sent a chill down Ms. Shaw's spine; it was clear that the demons were about to invade another world.

But based on the war intelligence she received from the Lightforged Chapter, the massive fleet of three hundred warships was clearly not intended to deal with some small world. Considering all the signs, Ms. Shaw immediately came to a horrifying conclusion.

"Their target is Azeroth?"

She turned to look at the ethereal observer behind her, who took out a sextant, calculated carefully, nodded, and replied in the distinctive electronic voice of an ethereal being:
"This route can indeed lead to Azeroth. If the demons' target is indeed your world, then in seven cosmic days they can reach the largest space jump point, and then after another fifty-seven cosmic days of travel, they can reach the vicinity of your world."

"Two months?"

Ms. Shore squinted; she felt something was amiss.

If this demonic fleet were truly going to invade Azeroth, given the Burning Legion's level of concern for the world of Azeroth, such a secret voyage would inevitably be subject to extremely stringent secrecy regulations.

Logically, this fleet of ethereal beings that encountered their navigation should have been mercilessly destroyed.

Don't mention any business partnership.

After the Battle of Kalecgos, the Ethereals have completely aligned themselves with the Burning Legion. When demons have every reason to destroy you but don't, it means they are not acting out of kindness.

Following this line of thought, Ms. Shore arrived at a rather exaggerated conclusion.

"They're not going to Azeroth. They're letting us go just so we can spread this message back to Azeroth. But could this be a strategic deception?"

Ms. Shaw, former head of Imperial intelligence, quickly drew a conclusion. She strode up the elevator to the communications bay of the Astral Consortium merchant ship and addressed the ethereal employees who were slacking off:

"Could you get in touch with Azeroth?"

"Well, madam, this place is quite far from your hometown."

A female spirit said in a glib tone:

"Although the Consortium has already established trading posts in Azeroth, such long-distance information transmission would consume a lot of resources. What I mean is, we need to activate a special communication mode."

Each use of that mode causes irreversible damage to the ship's communication antenna, therefore…

"You want to pay more, right?"

Ms. Shaw was truly exasperated by these money-grubbing ethereal beings.

These guys reminded her of the goblins she had dealt with before—equally stingy and greedy for money. No wonder they were able to build such a large business in the Star Sea.

But Ms. Shaw did need the communication, so she took a bag of Eredar gems that she had exchanged beforehand from her baggage and tossed it to the ethereal being.

The latter opened the gems, counted them, whistled a frivolous, ethereal electronic tune, and then very attentively activated remote communication for Ms. Shaw.

Several tens of minutes later, the clerk at the Azeroth Void Merchant's Inn yawned and asked:

"This is the Astral Consortium's Southsea Trading Post in Azeroth. If you've sent this message to inquire about local trade, I'll tell you, this is terrible!"

We've been subjected to malicious competition from the Hot Sands Consortium and the Rustwater Consortium. Just a few days ago, the goblins blew up several of our ships, leaving us with nothing. The local chambers of commerce are truly lacking in sportsmanship.

Even though we teamed up with the Jade Lotus Gang to steal their goods, was it really necessary to greet them with a bomb?

This hellish world is full of barbarians!

Prince Mahmed is probably going to suffer a huge loss this time, but what does that have to do with us working people?

Let them fight! The more exciting the fight, the better.

"Okay, stop complaining."

The female ethereal spirit on the starship complained:

"Quickly use special channels to contact the Stromka Empire's intelligence agent in the South China Sea. I have special strategic information to send over; it's related to demons."

The other end stopped talking, as if the connection had been lost.

Amidst Ms. Shaw's sigh as she covered her eyes, the female ethereal spirit cursed:
"You'd better hurry up and find someone. You can name your price over there, as long as they're willing to pay. I've already gotten my share, so how much you can get depends on your skills. Anyway, this communication band only lasts for thirty minutes. If you can't find anyone, you're out of luck."

"Hey, you should have said there was money to be made earlier! Wait a minute, I'll be right there."

The response from the other side instantly became cheerful. While waiting, the female ethereal spirit said to Ms. Shaw:
"That's how we spirits are. We live only for profit. Whoever can bring us profit is our friend. Don't think I'm asking for too much, my friend."

You know, our homeland Kalecgos has been saved. I heard that the Node Princes are going to rebuild their homeland and have even temporarily put aside their conflicts for this purpose. I'm going to save up money to buy myself a house in my homeland.

Tsk, that thing must be ridiculously expensive, but on the bright side, it's an early investment!

It will definitely appreciate in value at least thirty times in a few hundred years!
That's real estate in my hometown. Every conscientious spirit would want to go back for pilgrimage or to live there. Their conscience is my opportunity to make a fortune.

"Ha, this is a sure-fire way to make money!"

"hehe"

Ms. Shaw responded with a helpless laugh; these ethereal beings were just like the goblins.

She thought for a moment and said:

“I think you could also invest in some business in Azeroth. Emperor Lothar wants to set up a factory and is currently raising funds. Think about it, Azeroth is the heart of the stars. Now that the Supreme Star Soul has awakened, my homeland will definitely develop rapidly. There are unlimited opportunities there in the future.”

Even if we assume the worst, having some property there means you can always escape to Azeroth for refuge if you encounter danger.

"Hiss, that makes sense."

The energy form beneath the female ethereal bandages flickered a few times, and she said with great interest:

"I heard you used to be a high-ranking official in the Human Empire. Could you recommend some investment projects for me?"

Ms. Shaw silently made a universally understood gesture. The female ethereal spirit paused for a moment, then sighed and took out a small portion from her gem pouch and returned it to Shaw. Only then did Pasonia nod in satisfaction.

She pointed out some projects that the Empire's high command would prioritize in the coming years to the Voidling. The Voidling listened with great enthusiasm, wishing he could resign from his merchant ship right now and go to Azeroth to seek his fortune. Perhaps by riding this wave, he could become a node prince of Azeroth in the future.

Just then, a goblin's voice came from the other end of the communication device:

"Ahem, nicknamed 'Razor,' awaiting a response. Is that Ms. Shaw on the other end?"

“It’s me, Regik. Listen carefully, I have an important message for you to pass on to Emperor Lothar immediately,” Ms. Shaw said earnestly.

"During my journey through the stars, I encountered a massive demonic fleet. The ethereal beings told me it was the fleet of the Shaper of Sargeras, and that they were heading towards Azeroth, but this was probably a strategic deception."

Emperor Lothar should prepare himself, for in the most extreme case, it may not be the Shaper leading a demonic army to invade Azeroth, but perhaps the even more terrifying Kil'jaeden the Conqueror himself.

I have no evidence to prove this, but please convey my speculation to Emperor Lothar.

"Understood! I will report back immediately."

The goblin agent opposite him said something very seriously, then sighed and said:
"But could the Imperial Intelligence Department reimburse me for the expenses of this trip? That damned Void Spirit charged me six hundred gold coins, which is several years' worth of my allowance."

“Uh, you can ask him to issue you an invoice, then go find my grandson, and Shaw will be responsible for making up for your losses.”

Ms. Shaw sighed.

When the communication was cut off, the female spirit said in surprise:
"If you think that fleet isn't heading to Azeroth, then where would the Shaper lead his army? There aren't many planets in this galaxy that would warrant the personal attention of a Great Demon Lord."

"Not a planet, but a person!"

Ms. Shore shook her head and said:
“It’s Saint Diakum! I’ve heard about the old grudges between the Shapers and the Vigilant. Hmm, considering my destination, this is a good opportunity.”

Several hours later, in Stormwind, at the former site of MI7, Matthias Shaw, who had been appointed as the head of MI7 in Stormwind, looked at the invoice handed to him by the goblin agent with a pained expression.

He said with a suspicious look in his eyes:
"The spirits charged 3000 gold coins as a loss fee for this communication? Is that expensive?"

"It's a bit pricey, but considering the importance of the information, I think it's worth it."

Goblin agent "Razor" Regigigas rubbed his hands together very sincerely and said:

"The spirits have different pricing standards for different information. This time, it involves two great demon lords and an invasion of two worlds, so I think the price is really cheap."

Oh, and could you please settle the account for the 1000 gold coins I advanced earlier?

That's my savings for my funeral!

-------

Shattered Hand Abyss.

This is the name of a special planet that remained unknown for many years, but has gained fame in the past year or so.

A group of brutal beings took over this world ravaged by the Burning Legion. They defeated and enslaved the demons in this world, and used the Burning Legion's technology to transform this small planet into a "rogue planet".

That alone is not enough to make "Shattered Hand Abyss" famous throughout the Star Sea.

This planet has two distinctive features.

First, it often appears in worlds that have been invaded by demons, and recruits resistance forces there, making the world a well-known "Star of Resistance" in just over a year.

There are many such worlds in the Starry Sky. The Illidari have created many similar worlds during their ten thousand years of hunting among the stars. The demon slayers who once attacked Mardun with the Illidari live on such resistance stars.

Secondly, the Shattered Hand Abyss is different from ordinary resistance planets.

The "Supreme Overseer" of this godforsaken place has turned his world into the largest "arena" in the starry sky. That guy is really good at running an arena, and he made a name for himself in just over a year.

It is said that in this damned, tyrannical world, you can find dangerous creatures from all over the stars, there are thrilling and exciting gladiatorial battles every day, and a "King of Gladiators" tournament is held every week.

It is said that only those who win ten consecutive games are qualified to join the Supreme Warlord's ranks.

The Supreme Warlord will lead them to raid different demon worlds.

In just over a year, the number of demon worlds destroyed by these tyrannical gladiators has reached nine.

Compared to those established resistance planets, such achievements are insignificant, but the fact that they achieved this scale in just over a year is clearly remarkable.

Moreover, the Shattered Hand Abyss is elusive; the demons have organized several sieges against it, but it always manages to escape. In addition, the Shattered Hand Abyss has business dealings with the Astral Consortium, and it is said that Prince Shafar of the Nodes has shares in the Shattered Hand Abyss's arena. Therefore, with the Astral Consortium's propaganda machine promoting it extensively, the Shattered Hand Abyss has been elevated to prominence.

This gladiator world is also Ms. Pasonia Shore's destination.

After assisting Emperor Lothar in unifying the empire, she resigned from her position as head of intelligence without hesitation and embarked on this journey for a "personal grudge".

The Astral Consortium's merchant ship docked at the Shattered Hand Abyss for six hours before setting sail, which was more than enough time for Ms. Shaw to do a lot.

Today happens to be the final of the "King of Gladiators" tournament. The mighty Supreme Warlord will personally take on five champion gladiators at once. This is an absolute grand event, making the Shattered Hand Abyss as lively as the Lunar New Year.

The belligerent greenskins, along with their wargs, headed to the arena, as did the demon slayers gathered from all corners of the planet. In the very center of this small planet, in the crater dug during the Burning Legion's occupation, the vast arena, filled with lava, was already bustling with activity.

Meanwhile, "High Warlord" Kargath Bladefist was preparing in his lounge.

He was really looking forward to tonight's gladiatorial match. Three orcs were adjusting the warlord's armor. It wasn't that Kargath was being pretentious, or that he had become addicted to pleasure after becoming the High Warlord; he genuinely couldn't do this himself.

Because his hands were now covered with menacing knives.

This wasn't self-torture, but rather a result of the severe damage he suffered during a previous attack on the demon world, which forced Kargath to replace his other hand with a brutal warblade. Fortunately, he didn't see anything wrong with it.

There's no need for weak flesh and blood; fighting with more ferocious and brutal weapons is much more exciting.

Of course, there are downsides as well.

For example, with both hands being blades, let alone getting dressed, eating and going to the toilet would be a problem. Fortunately, the terrifying battles and some adventures in the stars allowed Kargath to achieve the power of a demigod, and his extreme control over his body meant he no longer had to worry about how to clean up his mess.

Even the unconventional chieftain of the Starsea Orcs couldn't remain unmoved when a servant offered him toilet paper to wipe his bottom while he was using the toilet.
What a shame!

"Ok?"

Kargath, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly let out a questioning nasal sound. His ears twitched, and he said in a deep voice:
"You all go out first, I need to be alone for a while."

Several warriors with broken hands, their bodies covered in wolf tattoos, immediately retreated.

As the magic steel gate closed, Kargath's bladed fist swept across the table, sending a poisoned magic bone throwing knife flying out and striking the wall behind him, piercing Mrs. Shaw's cheek with a thud.

"You actually caught up with us, human! I thought you were just spouting some weak but tough words back in Stormwind."

Kargath grinned as he stood up, cracking his fists, and cursed:
"This whole Stardust is a bunch of cowardly wannabes with empty promises but terrible skills. My battles in the Stardust are nowhere near as exciting as my months in Azeroth. Your world is full of good warriors."
Ah, I'm actually starting to miss that shitty place. The Dark Iron Dwarfs' Arena of Order was far more exciting than the wars in Starsea.

But you're not foolish enough to make footsteps that I could detect; the poisoned dagger in your hand should have been even more deadly.

Say it!

"Tell me your purpose before I kill you."

Ms. Shaw stared at the green car with unwavering eyes, shrugged, and said:

"The demon fleet has set sail, and its target is most likely Draenor. I originally intended to take your life, but I think it might be better to let you contribute a little more before you die. So, either you die now, or we fight another demon war, and then I'll send you to your grave."

The best part is, it's your 'hometown' that's where you're fighting!

So, perhaps it's time to set sail for this Shattered Hand Abyss, a place traversable through the astral plane?

(End of this chapter)