Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 7 7. In short, please strike your enemies with a powerful blow of Holy Light! Loyalty!

"Bang, bang"

Just when the potion of who knows what effect was about to be poured into Dick's mouth, two muffled sounds of hitting the right spot suddenly echoed.

"Hunter" Talgas appeared beside the bed with a jewel-decorated stun club in his hand. He reached out and accurately caught the potion that fell from Saloras's hand. The two girls who were knocked unconscious by the stun club had no time to react before they were dragged out by the five strong men who broke in with the prepared chains and ropes.

Among them, Yimira, the "tail end", was the most excited and active.

She tied a rope in the mouths of the vicious twins. It seemed rough, but it was actually a clever way to prevent them from chanting spells to save themselves. This was also a means of "breaking the law" and was clearly recorded in the tactical manual of the Garrison Academy.

However, looking at her beaming expression, it is not difficult to find that the "personal grudge" between the poor students and the top students in this Arcane Academy is quite big.

"It's sweet but not greasy, mixed with a hint of starlight. This three-stage extract has been meticulously formulated into a top-tier assassination potion. It's undoubtedly a classic formula from the Assassin's Court."

It took only a few sniffs for Talgas to determine the potion's origin.

He replaced the cork, shook it in his hand, and made the potion in the bottle appear as illusory stars. He looked at Dick with a teasing look, shook his head, and said:

"You're truly 'lucky,' kid. This high-level poison is usually used by the Assassin's Court to secretly execute those who have committed heinous crimes but must die suddenly. After being poisoned, you won't die instantly, but instead will regain your spirits for a short period of time."

Once the toxins accumulate to a certain level, they will cause sudden death from heart and brain failure and take away life.

The best part is that even the best priest couldn’t determine the cause of death.”

"Archimonde is truly cruel."

The garrison commander of Malderan, who had witnessed all this, said with disgust:
"Diakam certainly made contributions to him, even risking his life to retrieve intelligence for him. Yet, because of his own lust for power, he wanted to silence his followers, and even instructed the best students at the Arcane Academy to do it.

Whether in terms of reputation as a spellcaster leader or the duties of a school principal, he is extremely unqualified!

I now truly believe Diakham's accusations against him!
Allowing such a hypocritical and malicious person to enter the upper echelons of Agusan politics is extremely irresponsible to the people.”

"However, you and I have no say. I will report all this to the two archons."

Talgas disagreed.

The civilization of the Eredar is glorious and long-standing, but only those who have lived in the shadow of history know that this civilization has many intrigues and schemes in the dark. The open and covert struggles between the arcanists and the priests of the Holy Light for the right to speak in faith have buried countless people in the past thousand years.

Where there is power, there is naturally struggle.

Archimonde was just one of those ambitious people, and the fact that he was turned against by a small figure like Diakum in this situation showed that Archimonde was not even the most outstanding ambitious person that Argus could produce.

"The Archon's Throne will make a decision soon. Garrison Commander Malderan, I need you to properly protect Diakum, this important witness, for the next few days. Do not act rashly before the Commander makes a decision.

I will also invite a trusted high priest to heal your injuries, Captain Diakum.

Just rest and recuperate for the next few days."

Talgas changed back into the scholar's robe used for disguise, gave a few instructions before leaving, and then rode the flying manta ray out of the Mysterious Academy in the night.

Garrison Commander Malderan told Dick that he had to go and settle his family first.

He really brought his family to the Academy of Mysteries, perhaps because he was worried that the chaos caused by the Awakener Cult in the city of Oronaar would affect his family's safety. From this point of view, Garrison Commander Maldran was indeed a standard believer in the Holy Light.

Love your family, value order, protect the weak, and be just.

There is no doubt that being friends with such a person can make people feel comfortable.

"I remember you have a son and a daughter?"

Dick, leaning on his spear, escorted Maldelain to the gate of the courtyard. He spoke to him through the spiritual communication of his mind:

"In the Eredar society where reproduction is difficult, it's quite rare for a family like yours to have two heirs. This may be a reward from the Holy Light."

"I think so."

Talking about his children, the usually serious Garrison Commander Malderan also smiled. He rode on his Talbuk sheep and said softly:
"I have always believed that my little Maraad and little Lelan are the best gifts the Holy Light has bestowed upon me. Perhaps after you have weathered this crisis, you should also try to find your own emotional home and start a family. Although for immortals like the Eredar, love and reproduction are often seen as an unnecessary burden.

But please believe me!
Becoming a husband and a father is definitely a memory that will last a lifetime.

Please take a rest.

I'll be back in the morning."

After saying this, the old garrison officer pulled up the reins and quickly disappeared into the evening darkness of the Arcana Academy, while Dick stood there for a long time in a state of surprise.

"Maraad and Lelan? Is this the 'Maraad' I remember? Although the story of 'Granduncle' has been 404ed in the Dark Portal canon, he is at least a central figure in the story of the Draenei race, alongside old Velen."

Dick looked back at the five "battle warriors" who were "monitoring the prisoners" and sighed in his heart:

"If these five young men are all talented S-class heroes, then Maraad, who is just a child now, will definitely become an SSR-class leader in the future. To be less strict, he can even be called one of the symbols of the Draenei.

It's a pity for little Lelan. I wonder if this girl will suffer the same fate in the future."

With this thought in mind, Dick came to the five strong men with his spear.

They were on high alert at this time. For the new recruits, "catching an assassin" sounded exciting. The twins, who were tied up tightly, had blood on their heads and hemp ropes wrapped around their mouths, and could only make whimpering sounds.

"The Arcanist Twins' Imprisonment in Trouble.BD" is right!

All the magic items on them had been confiscated by Imira. Unable to perform the "ventriloquism" that only high-level spellcasters could do, they were now in a desperate situation with no one to turn to for help.

"Salolas and Oreseth are recognized geniuses at the Arcane Academy, Commander Diachem, but their reputations are poor."

Following Dick's questioning gaze, Imira, the renowned "big sister" of the Arcane Academy, immediately introduced him and his four companions:
"Ever since they entered the academy, they've repeatedly broken records in various spellcasting assessments, and have been quite successful. Not long ago, they were even selected as junior students to participate in a personal test by Principal Archimonde. It's said that the principal was very impressed by their spellcasting talents and unique telepathy.

There are rumors that although they are still a few years away from graduation, they have already reserved the medal of "Outstanding Graduate".

I said they had a bad reputation, but it wasn't because of my resentment as a poor student. They were really domineering. They often occupied the best training grounds in the name of practicing spells, and used "gambling" as a way to seize other students' magic items. Even in the Arcane Academy, where people generally do things in a radical style, they were the most radical of the group.

Oh, yes, there is one more.”

Imira carefully glanced at Chief Dick's expression, then whispered:

"They and some 'bad sisters' who always play with them seem to have used magic to spy on you bathing."

"?!"

This gossip made Dick raise an eyebrow.

He looked at Imira in confusion, and then heard the latter say in a strange tone:
"Because of your strange nickname 'Holy Spear', and it is said that they were all frightened that day."

"Ha ha"

Faria, who was listening in, couldn't help laughing, but her expression immediately tightened when Telamon hit her hard on the back. The five little strong men's attempts to hold back their laughter seriously undermined the seriousness of the scene, but Dick looked helpless about it.

It's not his fault he carries a big gun around with him, right?

"Are you going to question them?"

In order to prevent the topic from slipping into something strange, Yimi asked with some concern:

"Or... execute them?"

"I am not that cruel, and that is not what the Holy Light teaches us to do."

Dick responded mentally:

"They are just two students with a bad record, how serious a crime could they have committed?
It was only because of their vanity and ignorance that they were exploited by ambitious people like Archimonde and led them astray. Their fate will be decided by the Inquisitor after the storm is over. They will be temporarily imprisoned in the room next door.

You should rest early, as you still have to continue training in the next few days.

Children, I have conveyed the important information to Commander Kil'jaeden and General Elodus. I believe they can come up with a sound decision.

Do not worry!
The shadow woven by the Enlightener Thal'kiel and Principal Archimonde cannot harm more people. You must participate in it and witness their end.

This will be a highlight in your nascent career as a garrison officer."

He waved his hand and went into the house pretending to rest, but in fact he continued to try to call upon the Holy Light in order to find new morality to unlock his sealed professional skills.

Frankly speaking, in the current situation, Dick felt insecure until his strength as a high-ranking garrison commander recovered. The twin assassinations were only the first step. Who knew if Archimonde would send even more powerful assassins? Or even strike personally? If that were to happen, Dick would be forced to fight to the death to die with dignity.

Without considering sneak attacks, even if ten of him attacked together, it would be difficult to kill the currently weak Archimonde.

The next morning, when the five strongest men were preparing to challenge the "Devil's Trial" again, the garrison commander of Malderan came to the courtyard with a high-level priest riding a thunder elephant.

He introduced Dick:
"This is Ms. Isana, a high-ranking priestess of the Lula Temple. She has come here at the invitation of Lord Talgas to treat your injuries."

Dick's heart trembled.

The Lura Temple is a sanctuary of faith dedicated to protecting the Naaru.

More than a thousand years ago, the current Grand Archon Velen accidentally awakened the Atama Crystal, a sacred object found by the Eredar in ancient times, causing two Naaru to fall from the sky. This formed an indissoluble bond between the Eredar and the Naaru, a sacred and pure creature of holy light.

The sacred Atama Crystal was found by the "First Sorcerer Augure" in the Eredar mythology in the Mac'Aree Mountains. It can only be said that the Eredar's fate with the Holy Light was forged at the moment civilization was born.

However, Dick knew that the Naaru's arrival was not entirely to "guide" the Eredar. This matter was more complicated than it actually was.

In short, the Naaru are the most favorable medium for spreading the teachings of the Holy Light in the Eredar civilization, and are regarded by the Eredar as the "will of the Holy Light." Since their arrival thousands of years ago, the two glorious beings, Naruk'ure and Na'rulula, have stayed in the world of Argus all year round, answering questions for the Eredar priests and garrisons in their respective temples and imparting the power of the Holy Light.

There is no doubt that the Naaru is the symbol of faith of the Eredar at this stage, and the high-ranking priestess in front of them serves Lula, which proves that she has a noble and prominent status. How could such a person be invited by an assassin leader in Talgas to treat a security captain?

Dick didn't believe a word of this lie.

He looked at the gentle Ms. Isana and bowed to her with the humility of a garrison officer, but in his heart, Dick was already on guard.

He felt that this might be a test.

Perhaps directly from Lord Commander Kil'jaeden and Grand Archon Velen.

After all, his report directly involved the prestigious Enlightener and the high-ranking Archimonde. If anything happened to these two people, it would definitely cause a heated discussion in the Eredar society. Therefore, it is understandable that the two archons ensured that everything was fine.

If there was some "dirty thing" in Dick's body, it would definitely not be hidden from a legendary priestess who had served the Naaru for many years.

Ah, who said these Light Walkers were so straight?

Isn't this a very thoughtful person?
Dick sighed in his heart, but he was frank and not afraid of the priestess's secret investigation.

There was nothing dirty on him. If he had to say, the translucent light curtain that always appeared in front of his eyes might have some "origin", as well as his own soul from a foreign land.

However, the last time Archimonde personally searched his memories, he was blocked by the "Veil of the Other Shore". Dick believed that this priestess's spellcasting skills would definitely not be better than Archimonde, a recognized genius.

"Don't be nervous, Commander Diakham."

In Dick's room, Priest Isana placed an exquisite gemstone incense burner and several other materials that can calm the mind beside it, while gently explaining to Dick who was sitting in a chair:

"Before I came here, I learned about your injuries from Lord Talgas. Because the injury is to a fatal part of the throat, using Holy Light to burn it will cause extreme pain, and it is very likely that you will hurt yourself while you are still very weak. Therefore, I need to hypnotize you.

Don't worry, this is a normal part of your treatment.

I have brought you a medicine blessed by His Majesty Lula, which can restore your strength and energy in a short period of time and eliminate the effects of the curse on you.

The treatment will last for several hours, and the hypnosis is also to give you a rest for your mind. Just by looking at your appearance, I can tell that you have been under a lot of pressure recently."

"Excuse me, Priest Isana."

Dick responded in spirit:
"I am a vindicator. I have taken the vindicator's oath. I believe in the Holy Light and follow the teachings of the commandments. You are my sister in faith, and I will never doubt you."

"Well, I won't betray your trust. Now, take a deep breath."

Isana lit the incense, then picked up a pendant made of a shining gem, infused it with a little holy light, and swayed it in front of Dick's eyes.

When Dick's eyes became empty, Isana picked up the healer's staff and began to cast a spell.

At this moment, in the translucent light curtain in front of Dick, the pulsating runes represented that this thing was still working:

[External power is connected. The power path is being determined. It is determined to be: Holy Light Force·Healing System·Advanced Healing/Advanced Recovery/Healing Prayer·Energy Recovery/Great Dispersion/Mantra·Fortitude is being applied.

This power is considered harmless, so don't worry.

hint!

The caster, Isana, Legendary Priest/High Priest/Master Jeweler, is casting the spells "Calm the Mind" and "Mind Control." The "Veil of the Other Shore" is now in effect! The caster, Isana, cannot see what she shouldn't.

The appearance of this line of words made Dick, who was still a little worried, relax immediately. Then he felt his spirit becoming tired and fell into a sweet sleep.

At this time, in the outside world, under the helpless and ashamed gaze of Garrison Commander Malderan, the seal in Ms. Isana's hand changed slightly.

She looked at Diakum, who had already entered into hypnosis and mental control, and asked softly in the most gentle voice:
"Now, tell me, Commander Diak'um, what exactly did you experience with Archimonde and Thal'kiel?"

“He threatened me!
He used his kindness in promoting me to threaten me!
He wanted me to lurk beside the dangerous Thal'kiel, he wanted me to be his eyes, to spy on the rebellious plots of the Enlighteners and Awakeners.

He hoped to gain merit and ascend to a high position by stepping on the head of his mentor who promoted him and regarded him as a son. The power of the principal of the Academy of Secrets could not satisfy him. He hoped to stand with the honorable Commander Kil'jaeden and the benevolent Archon Velen and share the supreme power of the Eredar.

He would sacrifice anyone for this, I was just the first.
They found me!
They sent demon servants and Man'ari, and cut my throat with a fel-infused blade. Pain. Death.
what! ”

Dick spoke these words intermittently, and when he recalled the assassination that night, he let out a painful wail. Garrison Officer Malderan could no longer bear to watch, so he reached out to stop him, saying:
"Enough! High Priest, you are forcing Diakum to recall the most painful experience of his life. Is this really treatment? Why would the sisters of faith at the Naaru Temple also participate in such 'torture'?"

"This is one of our duties, Brother Malderan."

Isana continued to maintain the spell, she whispered:
"You haven't realized Brother Diak'em's true plight. He has lost the favor of the Holy Light, and his moral integrity has been shattered. Perhaps it's precisely because of the painful experiences he's endured that he's begun to doubt his faith, and the Holy Light no longer responds to him.

This is the spiritual pain that must be healed.

I was helping him, not torturing him.

You should know that the Light teaches us that the best way to face fear is to face it, not to run away from it."

"what?"

After hearing the answer from Priest Ishana, Malderan realized Dick's predicament. No wonder Diakum had never used holy light to heal himself in the past few days.

It’s not that he doesn’t want to, but that he can’t!
The old garrison officer sighed and said:
"Anyone who has experienced death and then been betrayed by their superiors, or even had assassins dispatched, would have some doubts about life and faith. I can't blame him."

"Indeed, he did not give in to the weight of fate, but resolutely chose to fight against evil. This speaks volumes about the courage of the Diakite brothers."

Priest Isana nodded approvingly and said:
"With such courage, I believe it's only a matter of time before he regains his moral integrity. However, the past moral integrity has been shattered, and the garrison officer's oath has become invalid. The Diakham brothers need to go through a new choice of heart and will.

He needs to prove himself and find his way back to the right path in a burst of courage.

No one can help him with this kind of thing.

Since it is a knot in his heart, only he can untie it.

The benevolent holy light never gives up on anyone. Its brilliant light blooms for all the beauty in the world, but he must actively call out for it before the holy light can bestow its blessings on him again.

He must re-examine his own heart!

He must find a vow of self-discipline and a path that he is willing to stick to throughout his life, just as a battleship sailing through a storm needs a lighthouse in the darkness to guide it.

Our brother Diakham is currently lost in the sea of darkness and needs to rekindle that light."

"Huh? Is that so?"

Dick, who was under mental control but still maintained his sanity, listened to the entire conversation between Priest Ishana and Malderan. From his words, he finally understood the correct interpretation of the Holy Light's morality.

"This Holy Light is indeed the most idealistic of the six forces."

Dick complained in his heart:

"Fel energy requires only infusion, the void craves its embrace, life evolves freely, arcane magic blindly follows authority, and death is simplest, just strike yourself or others with a single blow. However, the Holy Light requires a vow from the heart and a path to persevere throughout one's life.

Why does it feel like a monk is keeping the precepts? But here comes the problem.

As a soul traveling through a foreign land, what kind of goal should I choose to stick to throughout my life?

Well, that’s certainly worth thinking about.”

(End of this chapter)