Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 637, Part 5. The model apartment in the highest heaven is ready! Veterans of Lightforged Steel can enjoy discounts when buying a house with their certificates! - Bonus Chapter [45]

(Bonus chapter for the "Fish Lying in Peach Blossom Spring" brother [4/5])
"The fleet has made its fourth turn and will enter the large star system containing Draenor after the next space jump. The estimated arrival time is four calendar days. The fleet is currently in good condition, supply consumption is within acceptable limits, and combat effectiveness has not been lost."

The soldiers were slightly fatigued due to the long voyage and multiple space jumps in a short period of time.

However, under the radiant light of the Mother of Light, the warriors can still engage in high-intensity combat at any time.

The accurate reports from the light casting craftsmen earned a satisfied nod from Fleet Commander Ms. Sphrax.

She sat in her command chair, using a habit she had developed over many years of combat to review the various information about the not-so-large fleet. After confirming that the fleet was in good condition, Sphrax left the command chair.

She planned to go to the navigation station to see the Mother of Light and complete her prayers for the day.

This illustrious fleet commander enjoys immense prestige among the Eredar. Sphrax was already the Eredar fleet commander during the Second Common Era.

Of course, at that time she was commanding a fleet sailing on the sea, and her duty was to lead the Royal Guard to protect the seat of the ruling council of Macaire.

In the world of Argus more than 20,000 years ago, there were no other races that could threaten the Eredar. Serving as an officer in a world that had completed the Age of Discovery and established a single-race civilization was actually a very boring thing.

Her memories of that time are only of training, training, and tedious preparation.

It's not that I'm afraid others will laugh at me, but before the demons invaded Argus, Admiral Sphrax had never experienced a single real battle. He simply had a good father and worked his way up to the rank of admiral through seniority.

However, the war that led to the fall of Argus more than 20,000 years ago, though lasting only thirty days, allowed Sphrax to accumulate a wealth of war experience along the way.

Even today, during her breaks from exhaustion, Ms. Sphellax occasionally recalls those arduous war years.

Even after she joined the Legion of Light and became the commander of the Lightforged Fleet, leading the Lightforged fleet to fight against the Burning Legion in various parts of the Star Sea, she spent at least two-thirds of her 25,000 years on different battlefields.

The demon starships sunk by her fleet, lined up end to end, could easily circle the world of Argus several times over. But even so, the meritorious Sphrax still believed that the final battle that took place on the world of Argus was the most dangerous, righteous, and ruthless war she had ever experienced.

That war shaped her into who she is today, and that glorious battle made her who she is.

Besides her fanatical and devout faith, she also had images of the leaders who guided their indomitable resistance during the great battle.

Velen, Kil'jaeden, and Diakum.
Yes, Ms. Sphlacs is actually a hidden "Vigilant fan".

However, her position in the Holy Light Legion was special, so she could not show this tendency and could only be a "rational fan". But when Lady Zera made it clear that Lord Diakum was the "Child of Light and Darkness" of the prophecy, Lady Sphrax's joy was undeniable.

That's right!

That's how it should be!
If the Child of Prophecy truly exists, then it should undoubtedly be, and can only be, a devout and powerful Eredar like Diakum. Illidan the Starhunter shouldn't even try to claim that; what right does a demon hunter who walks the path of fel energy have to be called the "Child of Light and Darkness"?
That guy was too far from the light, yet too deeply mired in the darkness.

In contrast, Diakum's actions perfectly embody the definition of "Children of Light and Darkness." Their vigilant is destined to be shaped by fate, which is why he was able to lead the Eredar on the path of exile and restoration during the great catastrophe of Argus.

As a high-ranking follower of the Mother of Light, Xerath, Lady Sphrax had heard from the Mother of Light about "the fate before it was changed," and she had heard the Mother of Light lament how tragic the tragedies of the Eredar people, shaped by fate, could be.

In particular, he himself would embrace fel energy and become the destroyer of the Burning Legion.

That was the most terrifying, worst, and most depraved life that Admiral Sphellax could ever imagine.

It was Diakum's heroic act that saved her and most of the Eredar from such a tragic fate. By all accounts, every ancient Eredar still alive today should be grateful to the Vigilante for her kindness.

It's not over yet, it's not over yet.

Admiral Sphrax has high hopes for Lord Diakum's return to the Legion of Light and his assumption of leadership responsibilities.

She had her own sources of information, and she knew more about Diakum's glorious deeds over the years than most people in the Star Sea. Because of the Mother of Light, Admiral Sphrax even knew some things related to the "High Heavens".

These matters are currently kept strictly secret within the Holy Light Legion, and are only being cautiously circulated among the Naaru.

The Naru have a very conflicted attitude toward the "High Heaven".

On the one hand, the opening of the Holy Light Realm means that the Naaru have also found their own "happy home." Once the gates of the High Heavens are open to all Holy Light Walkers in the Starsea, the Naaru can also avoid the tragedy of falling into darkness after the Holy Light has burned out.

On the other hand, if we acknowledge the existence of the Supreme Heaven, we must also acknowledge the strong connection between Holy Light and the concept of "sun".

The Naaru do not know how they were born; only primordial Naaru like Zera can vaguely recall the miracle that Anser created them with "golden blood."

Once the Naaru, currently regarded as a symbol of the Holy Light, are confirmed as the "Sons of the Sun," then the Holy Light doctrine throughout the entire Starsea, regardless of faction, will have to undergo a true "major reshuffle."

The Naaru do not have much desire for power, but their faith and dedication to protection make them unwilling to let the Holy Light faction fall into chaos at this moment.

The Holy Light Universe is a vast star system united by faith, with the Naaru serving as a connecting node. If the doctrine of the Holy Light changes at its source, chaos within the Holy Light Universe will be an inevitable consequence.

This is a question that all leaders must consider.

With the Burning Legion lurking in the shadows, the demons will not let this opportunity slip by.

If the Holy Light Universe is destroyed, then which force in the physical universe will raise the banner of resistance against the demons?

Sigh, these are all issues that we have to seriously consider!
With these heavy thoughts in mind, Admiral Sphrax walked with a slight limp to the navigation console. She had been fighting all these years, and it was impossible for her not to get injured.

The most dangerous incident occurred when the main cannon of the Demon Starship exploded directly above her flagship, killing most of the warriors on the bridge. If Naru hadn't risked his life to save her, Lady Sphrax would have been wiped out that time.

She didn't even dare to take off her military uniform, because the scars on her body were so numerous that even the Lightforging Ceremony couldn't completely heal them.

But she wasn't the kind of woman who cared about her appearance.

She has a classical military mindset and has always believed that gender is meaningless for soldiers.

The Lightforged on the navigation platform paid their respects to Lady Sphrax, then went about their business as she waved them off. The Admiral stepped into the swirling light emanating from Lady Zera, who, as always, knelt in the light, perusing her personal scriptures and praying to the Holy Light.

This has become an indispensable part of the lives of many Ereda people.

However, things are different today.

As the prayer began, Sphrax's consciousness, guided by the holy light and accompanied by Lady Zera's hymn, was sheltered and traversed the physical sea of ​​stars, entering a strange land.

General Lightforged looked up in surprise and was astonished to see the magnificent nine hundred and ninety-nine-section staircase of faith in front of him, and the grand gate at the end of the staircase.

This was her first time here, but she knew where she was.

The Highest Heaven!
Or it could be called the High Heaven, the entrance to the realm of holy light.

Sphrax felt a surge of excitement. She instinctively rose to her feet, like those who arrived here for the first time in their spiritual journey, wanting to climb the steps or simply touch the sacred staircase, but was stopped by another voice.

"Are you new here? Don't you know the rules? Get in line at the back! It'll be your turn in a bit."

"what?"

The general turned around in surprise and saw a gnoll standing with his hands on his hips, glaring at her.

Behind the gnoll, many other chosen ones of the Light, who had arrived in spirit form like her, were equally enraged.

Although their faces were not clearly visible, the fact that they could be drawn to the gates of the highest heaven through their own prayers meant that each and every one of them could be called a "saint" in their respective worlds.

“Everyone has only one chance to climb the long staircase of faith each time they come here, madam.”

The gnoll who had scolded her wagged his tail and sighed, saying:
"This is the experience we 'predecessors' have gained through trial and error. The Highest Heaven will open its arms to those holy souls who climb to the gate on their own. But unfortunately, these 999 steps are themselves a test and interrogation of faith. The moment you step on them, you must question your own heart under the guidance of the Holy Light."

Only those pure and devout souls can ascend to the top of these steps.

Sigh, I've been waiting here for over a month now, but I haven't seen anyone manage to get past the first ninety-nine steps.

But then again, that's to be expected.

The holy souls around them nodded in agreement with the words of the "jackal gatekeeper." They also believed that the High Heaven was such a sacred place that if any soul could enter at will, wouldn't the Holy Light Domain be worthless?
We people who study metaphysics don't accept just any trash!

Moreover, this "stairway to godhood" is not just a simple interrogation. Each time one ascends the stairs, it is like experiencing a spiritual confession. Even if one cannot reach the end, the holy souls will have a deeper reflection on their faith and doctrines.

Some theologians even regard embarking on the long path of faith as the ultimate method for studying faith.

"Why don't you give it a try?"

The eloquent jackal said to Ms. Sphlacs:
"As far as I know, when you step onto the ninety-ninth step, the gatekeeper of the High Heaven will appear and ring the sacred bell for you. There will certainly be other visions as you go higher. I also know that there are five archangels in the High Heaven, each representing courage, hope, justice, perseverance, and wisdom."

They symbolize the beauty of all living beings and the virtue of guarding the holy light.

I think you're quite capable; maybe you can even get a noble archangel to guide you. So, show everyone what you've got to offer.

The gnoll seemed to be stirring up trouble, which made Sphrax look at it with surprise and ask:

"You don't seem to be a follower of the Holy Light, so how did you get here?"

"Oh, I was only allowed to arrive here in my dreams by accident, to help maintain order at the gates of the High Heavens, but Lord Hogg has already decided to embrace the Holy Light."

The jackal said smugly:

"Moreover, I am the kind of devout believer who directly embraces the sun. After I have taken care of my own affairs, I will go on a pilgrimage to Quel'Thalas and ask the Sun King to give me a proper explanation of the doctrines of the sun."

You don’t know yet?

Lord of the Highest Heaven, Saint Diakum the Vigilant, is the 'Accomplice of the Radiance of All Suns,' for only by embracing the sun can one enter the realm of holy light.

"What nonsense!"

Ms. Sphrax scoffed, thinking to herself that this view was completely contrary to the mainstream beliefs of the Holy Light Legion, and that other Holy Spirits seemed to share similar views.

They dragged Hogg around to discuss doctrine, making it impossible for the gnoll "gatekeeper" to maintain order.

The general looked up at the holy souls struggling to climb the long staircase of faith. Those people had to use their hands and feet to climb the stairs, and they were clearly under great pressure.

"Go ahead and try it."

Ms. Zela's encouragement rang in General Lightcaster's ears.

So Sphrax took a deep breath and limped onto the first step of the stairs.

The moment the hoof touched the light-forged steps, Sphrax's sea of ​​memories began to stir and churn uncontrollably.

The "mental reshaping" caused by his long-term closeness to the Naru was completely resolved at this moment, and the emotional control that the general had developed over many years of battles also completely failed at this moment.

She was forced to confront both the most glorious moments of her life and the darkest times.

It was as if a pair of hands were gently stirring her memories, making it impossible for her to escape those things she had always forgotten.

Fortunately, Ms. Sphrax was not a person with any secrets in her heart. She was a very devout, pure and brave fighter. Therefore, in the direct confrontation with her own memories, she continued to climb upwards, causing the noisy Holy Spirits below to look up.

Hogg even cheered as Sphellax stepped onto the eightieth step.

The jackal had a premonition that this woman would definitely break the previous "record" of ninety-nine steps today.

Indeed, as the general ascended the ninety-nine steps, a holy bell rang above the gates of the highest heaven. When she looked up, she saw an archangel with special wings of light, holding a spear, wearing a crown, and clad in golden and red armor flying above her.

That is the archangel symbolizing "courage".

"The first part of the journey forces you to confront your past regrets; next, you must reflect on your faith!"

The Archangel of Courage spoke to her, causing Sphrax to lift her foot again and step onto the hundredth step. At that moment, the doctrine of Holy Light burst forth in her mind, allowing the general to confront her past 20,000 years of life in a state of absolute rationality.

She quickly realized her fanaticism, stubbornness, and blindness.

But she still had doubts, so she continued forward. Then more questions arose in her mind, especially in the analysis and debate of her own faith. She realized the influence of the Holy Mother on her thinking.

She seemed to have gone too far and too fast in the light, without even having time to consider whether the path she was on was the right one.

This trial is not just about piety towards the Holy Light.

It requires Sphrax to have his own understanding of the Holy Light, rather than blindly following the teachings of the Naaru.

It requires Sphrax to control his fanaticism and to keep himself clear-headed on the path of faith.

This is clearly not the forte of the fanatical members of the Holy Light Legion.

Therefore, when she reached the 130th step of the Lightforged Staircase, she could no longer bear the pressure on her mind and screamed as she tumbled down the stairs.

Under the regretful gaze of the gnolls and the Holy Spirits, the admiral's spirit shattered the moment he fell, causing Sphrax on the flagship to let out a scream, startling the surrounding Lightforged. They rushed over to help the admiral up, but were pushed away by him.

Sphrax was panting.

She looked around with a look of surprise and uncertainty. When Zera sang a holy and ethereal song, trying to soothe Sphrax's soul, the general took a few steps back with great vigilance, freeing himself from the light of the Mother of Light.

She quickly realized the inappropriateness of her behavior and immediately apologized, saying:
"Excuse me, ma'am, I just... I just feel like I need to calm down. I'm filled with doubt right now, and that strange force is affecting me. I need to lock myself away!"

Yes, three days. No, don't wake me before we reach Draenor!

After saying this, General Guangzhu, who remained unfazed even in the face of death, left the navigation station as if fleeing.

This scene left the surrounding warriors looking at each other in bewilderment, and even caused Zera, the Mother of Light, to sigh.

Before they even met, Diakum had already given her a taste of his power in this way.

Sphrax left in a hurry, but Zera could clearly feel that the mental defenses she had placed on her had been completely dispelled.

She was cut off from herself.

This brought her back to her senses, allowing her to re-examine the sacred war that had lasted for over 20,000 years.

The rules of the ladder in the highest heaven show that the "agent of the radiance of ten thousand suns" clearly does not regard the fanaticism and blind obedience of the masses as virtues.

He must be very dissatisfied with the current Holy Light Legion.

But the problem is, if the People of Light are not molded into what they are today, how can they fight against the vicious demons?

(End of this chapter)