Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 672, Section 40. It's not that the Supreme Heaven is so great, it's just that our competitors are all idiots.

Bastion is one of the four covenants of the Shadowlands.

As the name suggests, the main training method of this covenant is "advancement".

The Kyrians living there obeyed the guidance of their "eldest daughter," Graceia, and believed that pure ascension was the only way to achieve "perfection."

When a soul dedicated to its duty is sent to the Fortress of Ascension, it becomes a “Reserve Candidate.” After passing a series of trials concerning mind and strength, and once declared “purified,” the Reserve becomes a true “Chosen One,” assisting the Kyrian angels in a series of tasks.

Even in the long course of work, one must continue to cultivate oneself, to continue to eliminate the "defects" brought about by the mortal body, to listen to the soothing melodies of the floating sacred bells, and to wash away the dust of the world in the sacred pools that are scattered throughout the fortresses of ascension.

That sounds really cool.

Until a candidate has undergone numerous trials, they will be summoned by the Saints at the summit of Elysium and given a true “duty”, thus integrating into the sacred duty bestowed upon Bastion by the Destiny system, becoming messengers of the Shadowlands to guide the souls of the material world.

They are what mortals call "angels".

Only then can the soul, having endured countless trials, grow wings and become a true Kyrian. This process often lasts for an astonishingly long time, which the locals call "the eternal training."

Such a difficult spiritual practice has yielded a generous reward that is well worth the sins committed along the way.

Every Kyrian is a truly immortal being; time and death have lost their meaning for them.

They are the only beings in the Shadowlands who can disregard the constraints of life and death and freely travel between life and death (not counting brokers, who are allowed to enter the Shadowlands by exploiting a bug that allows them to be energy beings). Therefore, the Kyrians only allow the most mature, self-disciplined, and pure souls to join their sacred ranks.

For a Kyrian angel to become a "Saint," they naturally need to work harder to fulfill their duties and choose a temple they love to join and continue their training.

Bastion has six temples, each named after a different virtue: Humility, Dedication, Wisdom, Purity, Courage, and Loyalty.

This shows that the place is very, very similar to the Supreme Innocence depicted by Diakum, and is what a real paradise should look like in the imagination of a mortal.

Unfortunately, as can be seen from DeVos's experiences, the so-called "paradise" was only a beautiful illusion.

Like other Shadowlands, Bastion is tightly bound by the Destiny system. Moreover, as "messengers" who guide earthly souls into the world of the dead, the Bastion's ability to perform its duties effectively directly affects the normal operation of the Shadowlands' rules. This is probably why the eldest daughter was assigned to manage Bastion.

After all, the eldest daughter Grace's concept of power is "duty".

To put it simply, this guy is a super obsessive-compulsive who does everything according to the rules. Pursuing perfection is a good thing most of the time, but if this pursuit becomes a rigid requirement, then the result is not good.

Under the leadership of their eldest daughter, the Kyrians of Bastion have taken "duty-bound" to the extreme, which has made the place the most dull, boring, and empty kingdom in the Shadowlands.

The eldest daughter selects her own Saints and molds them according to her understanding of order, resulting in each Saint under her command being like a perfect "NPC".

You can't find any fault with them in terms of appearance; the only problem is that they don't really look "human."

The most realistic creatures in the entire Bastion are probably the adorable "Deacon Owls." As creations of death magic, they serve the Kyrians, yet they are more vibrant than their angel masters, and can even throw tantrums.

Anyway, Diakum didn't like that place, which was supposedly the most beautiful and brightest place in the entire Shadowlands, even though it really suited his "High Heaven Community Opening Project."

Diakum would not allow his eldest daughter and her NPCs, who only knew how to perform their duties but could hardly be called "selfs," to so easily step into the High Heaven he had created.

Even if he does need some angels to perform the same "guiding" function for the Most High.

But his High Heaven isn't a dumping ground; it doesn't need to accept everything.

At this moment, he was suspended outside the Faith Staircase in a very unique way, watching Devos climb the stairs while crying. This "Doubtful Saint" was not a believer in the Holy Light, so her walking on the Faith Staircase was merely a self-examination.

Diakum did not intend for DeVos to ascend to the highest heavens by climbing the stairs; he merely used a "magic weapon" he had personally crafted to help DeVos rediscover his true self.

As he said, this is a trial to find himself.

Judging from DeVos's tearful state, his proficiency with the "Inner Demon Curse" has probably increased even further.

Congratulations.

"This soul...it's truly amazing!"

Just as Diakum was appreciating the trial, Zera, who had become the "number one resident of the High Heaven Community," also sensed a unique aura. While Zera was diligently preparing the mortar to "build her own house," she spared a wisp of her consciousness to check on Devor, who was climbing the long staircase of faith.

She said in surprise:
She is so pure!

I have never seen such a 'pure' soul. All the dust that time and the hardships of life have bestowed upon her has been washed away, like a mirror, so clean that it reflects her most original self.

"Yes, every Saint under the eldest daughter's command is so pure, even those Kyrian angels; they are absolutely the purest souls you can find in the six realms. But the problem is..."

Diakum said:
"Don't you think she's a little too 'clean'?"

"Yes, it's so clean it's almost incongruous."

Zela sighed and said:
"Such a soul is like a pure white canvas. It can maintain its purity when it is protected, but once it is disturbed by external forces, it is easy to be stained with other 'colors'. Moreover, such purity obviously requires a long period of arduous cultivation."

But if I may be so bold, this kind of spiritual practice aimed at suppressing the nature of life is meaningless, and can even be described as obliterating humanity.

The 'eldest daughter' seemed to demand that her subordinates abandon all unnecessary emotions and focus on their duties, which was practically treating people like machines. But even machines wear out after running for a long time, let alone such pure souls.

Their 'degeneration' was almost inevitable.

"Your evaluation is perfect."

Diakum asked:

"As the Mother of Holy Light, you are well-informed. Have you ever heard of the 'Soul Healer' in the material world?"

"Yes, that's a legend that exists throughout the entire Sea of ​​Matter. There are similar rumors in many worlds, even in the world of Azeroth."

Zela responded:
"I have also studied these mysterious life forms. Currently, all the known miracles of 'resurrection' in the Star Sea are basically related to soul healers. They seem to focus on finding those brilliant souls and providing them with precious 'resurrection' help when they are in dire straits."

Many legendary heroes in the world have similar experiences.

I have also encountered a few soul healers, but they are very aloof. They have the ability to travel between life and death and are not bound by any power, and can do so at any time.
and many more!

You mean those 'soul healers' are actually...

"No, they are not Kyrians, they are not that 'noble', but their relationship with Kyrians is indeed very delicate."

Diakum nodded and said:
"All the 'Soul Healers' were once Valkyries, originating from Odin's out-of-control 'evil creation,' but Odin made a deal with the 'Dead Wraiths' to obtain the Valkyries' knowledge of creation."

The ghost that took Odin's eye was the ancient troll god of death, Mu'ezara, who was also Bwonsamdi's adoptive father. However, the knowledge of creation that the lesser god of death gave to Odin was actually the creation mystery from Kyrian.

Therefore, the Vagri is actually a kind of alienated 'Grien'.

They possess the same wings as the Kyrians, and also the magical ability to traverse the veil between life and death.

What's most remarkable is that while the Wagris also exhibit fanaticism and blind obedience, their emotions are far more vibrant than those of these hollow Kyrians.

At this point, Diakum finally revealed his true intentions.

He said to Zela:
"Our High Heaven also needs some angels to guide the souls of the Holy Light, but I cannot create our angels using the harsh and ruthless methods of Odin; that is not an act permitted by the Holy Light."

Therefore, I need to make a trip to Fortress of Ascension to learn the true secrets of 'ascension' from Kyrian, thereby acquiring the 'advanced experience' of our competitors and contributing to our High Heavens. However, before our angels are fully formed, perhaps we can also poach some excellent employees from our 'competitors'.”

The Mother of Light fell silent.

A few seconds later, she said:
"So, that's why you bound three of Hela's Shadow Valkyries to the High Heavens?"

You know, when I first saw those three poor girls, I was terrified, thinking I'd stumbled into a kidnappers' lair. Later, I learned from Kazzak that you hoped to transform these three Shadow Valkyries into guides to the High Heavens.

They are creations of death, just like this poor girl before me. It won't be easy to draw them from the forces of death into the Holy Light; it's not a problem that can be solved with a single lightforging.

"Yes, it's easy to change their power form. I've done 'good deeds' before."

Diakum sighed:
"But our High Heaven doesn't need angels who are forced to convert. Otherwise, how would our actions differ from those of Hela, Odin, and their eldest daughter Grace? We must make them genuinely embrace the ideals of the Holy Light."
I'll guide DeVos.

She's not the only Forsworn in Bastion, and she's the leader of those 'Black Angels,' and I think if I can convince them, then the High Heavens will soon have our own 'Department of Professional Guides.'

Her trial is about to end.

It seems she has successfully rediscovered herself.

"Are you leaving?"

Zera asked:

"Recently, a lot of intelligence about the war from Draenor and Azeroth has been passed around here. Don't you want to hear a briefing?"

That 'concierge' Hogg can do your bidding.

That fellow now faithfully spends every day beneath the steps of faith, spouting nonsense and preaching to the Holy Spirits of various worlds. He truly yearns for the Holy Light and has even vowed to become the first Lightforged Gnoll to enter the Highest Heaven.

"Never mind, there's not enough time, I'll listen to the briefing now."

Diakum said:
"Moreover, my current situation is very delicate. Even if I know about the war, it will be difficult for me to provide direct support. But I believe that even without me, the warriors of both worlds will still protect their worlds."

My travels in Draenor and Azeroth were driven by this purpose.

Moreover, matters concerning the Shadowlands are equally important, and given my limited energy, I'd better not be distracted. If they succumb to despair, Zera, please send them a message for me, telling them to hold on until the day I return from the Shadowlands.

I will bring back an invincible army for them.

But if they haven't given up hope, don't tell them these things.

They are not so fragile that they need a glimmer of hope to keep going; they have their own code of honor, and they can create their own hope.

"Ah."

Zera responded, then watched as Diakum and Devos, kneeling on the steps of faith and weeping bitterly, disappeared into the radiance of the High Heaven.

They did not enter here in spirit form, but merely their will remained here, so the Holy Spirits did not discover them.

Below the long staircase of faith, Hogg, who calls himself the "Gateway to the Highest Heaven," is arguing with a bunch of belligerent Holy Spirits about the prospects of the "War of Light and Darkness," much like a group of middle-aged people who start discussing politics in the middle of a conversation.

Hogg, you really need to pay attention!

Those who engage in online politics will never go to heaven.

------

"I felt a vibrant, real version of myself. I remembered the past that I thought was meaningless. The idea of ​​the Fortress of Ascension is wrong."

We are not machines for the eldest daughter!
It's not that perfect puppetry can only be achieved by sacrificing oneself for that pathetic destiny. If it required countless Kyrians sacrificing themselves generation after generation to maintain it, that damned destiny would have collapsed long ago!

In the Marquis of Death's hall, Devos, whose wounds were rapidly healing under the sunlight, knelt there. Her newly grown wings were still black, ominous feathers that symbolized Devos's abandonment of her duties and oaths.

malfeasance!

This is the most terrible of all sins in Bastion.

Diakum had no intention of commenting on DeVos's angry and hateful remarks; he simply looked at Saint-Jesus, who had finally shaken off his doubts and regained his senses.

他 说:

"Don't be so extreme."

Just because you don't like this simple, ascetic life doesn't mean no one is happy with that perfect order. The eldest daughter's mistake was that she shouldn't have forced all the Kyrians to see 'duty' as the sole meaning of their existence, just like her.

She was molded into being a dutiful person.

But you all come from a mortal realm, and having a sense of self is your right, which the eldest daughter has taken away.

What you want to do in Bastion is entirely up to you. I will go back there with you, but I will not participate in your 'resistance'.

I won't lie to you, I need my eldest daughter's mark of dedication.

"But I need your guidance!"

DeVos tilted her head back, her still-healing eyes flashing with a hint of ferocity, and said:

“I need you to use that magical power to take back the selves that have been taken from my brothers and sisters, otherwise they will fall into a long period of self-doubt like me, and then turn into a group of uncontrollable violent people.”

All they knew was that their eldest daughter had deceived them.

They only thought about revenge, but they didn't know that the 'emptiness' that originated from the will and soul could be healed.

I know a storm is brewing in the Shadowlands, and the downtime of the Eternal Arbiter foreshadows the impending collapse of Destiny, but I do not want my brothers and sisters to become tools of ambitious men.

Bastion is a good place, the best place for all the good dead to find their final resting place, but the eldest daughter can no longer rule there.

You may take away the eldest daughter's mark.
Do not!
Please take her away!

I believe that the trials of eternity have endowed all the Saints with the ability to better manage the Fortress of Ascension. Once my eldest daughter leaves Elysium, I and the other Saints can free the Fortress of Ascension from that merciless ascension process, transforming it into a true paradise for all good souls.

“I can take the eldest daughter away, and I can even use some wonderful methods to sever the existential connection between Him and the Bastion of Ascension. It’s not difficult, but here’s the problem.”

Diakum asked seriously:
What does your ideal 'paradise' look like?

"This"

"Although the eldest daughter is despicable, at least she clearly knows what she wants to do. Although she is not a perfect ruler, Bastion has maintained order for a very long time under her rule. If I hand it over to you, it may not be long before Bastion becomes more chaotic than Maldraxxus."

Diakum shook his head and said:
"If you want me to help you overthrow your eldest daughter's rule, you must at least show me that you truly have the ability to 'create and maintain Paradise,' and not just have enthusiasm. So, first, produce a feasibility report on 'rebuilding Paradise for the Good.'"

You have plenty of time to complete it on our way to Bastion.

(End of this chapter)