Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 705, Section 73: Sachiel finally offers the Sorrowful Sword, Azshara cleverly creates the Book of Collapse.

Ash Wastes is a place the Venthyrs avoid at all costs.

In ancient times, the Naaru's violent expedition raged here, and the ultimate collision of holy light and death permanently altered the terrain and environment of one-third of Revendreth.

Considering that Revendreth was the manifestation of the will of Emperor Denathrius, and that the Eternals maintained a mysterious and intimate relationship with their own land, the Naaru's final act of using their last holy light to completely transform this dark land into a holy land of blazing light was by no means merely a last struggle.

Diakum had good reason to suspect that, like this desolate wasteland weeping under the scorching light, the Holy Light Crusade had inflicted far more damage on Emperor Denathrius, the Eternal One, than was merely a fleeting mention in the history of the Shadowlands.

He was injured.

Perhaps worse, the injury may never fully heal.

Just as the Ash Wasteland still burns in scorching holy flames after all these years.

It took Dick almost a whole night to collect all the Naaru fragments scattered across the Ash Wasteland.

That's a truly staggering number.

So many fragments were thrown into the torch of the Sunstrider's Warhammer that the warhammer no longer needed Diakum to infuse it with power; the light and heat emitted when it burned were comparable to the corona of a star. However, Dick was certain that what he had found was not all the fragments of the Naaru that had fallen to Revendreth.

He only found half of them at most!
The remaining half was collected by the Venthyrs and piled up in the abyss where the Naaru were imprisoned.

Diakum was once a Naaru, and now he possesses the body of the Sun God, the source of all Naaru, so he can clearly sense the location of every Naaru fragment.

He could also sense the exact location of the imprisoned ancient Naaru, but his decision not to immediately go to rescue them was not because the Vigilant feared Emperor Denathus.

In Dick's eyes, that guy was nothing more than a skeleton in a tomb.

Azshara told him not to interfere, which clearly shows that the Queen herself was confident that she could defeat Denathrius in the "second battle".

When Diakum, following the clues left by Queen Azshara, wandered through the Ash Wastes and finally found her "palace," the Queen's court diplomat, Duke Sitar, and his two mud servants had already prepared "court tea" for the vigilante.

Well, it's actually a very difficult-to-judge drink made by brewing various herbs found in the desert with local bitter water. The only thing in this brew that can be considered somewhat nutritious is probably the cactus fruit in the tea.

Even with the sweet and sour fruit flavoring, only a superhuman could drink this complex "Imperial Black Tea" without batting an eye.

More importantly, the Sunstrider warhammer that Diakum carries with him is now a terrifying thing for the Venthyr and the Mudbroke.

The Duke of Sitar screamed as he saw Diakum put down his warhammer, abandoning all his impeccable aristocratic manners.

Don't blame him.

Duke Sitar was considered one of the most powerful Venthyr vampires, but even he was instantly reduced to bones when struck by the Sunstrider's warhammer.

This isn't even a question of whether it can be blocked or not! Which vampire would dare to defy the sun?
This thing is considered a "natural enemy of the race", okay?
"Put it outside right now! Diakum, look what you've done to my court diplomat."

Azshara, who was savoring her "royal red tea," looked up from her grimoire and called out to Diakum. The Vigilant remained calm and casually left the Sunstrider's Hammer outside the "palace." The mud golem stonehead sitting there was eager to pick up the scorching hammer. Perhaps in its eyes, this torch was equivalent to a "spicy" Holy Light lollipop?
Hopefully it won't actually pick it up and lick it.

Although sunlight kills all bacteria, it's still disgusting to think about as a user of a weapon!

What is called a palace is actually just a section of ruins in the desert that has not yet collapsed. There are rooms half-buried in the sand, which is just right for Wenthyr, who hates light, to live in.

Azshara said that she spent her weakest moments here when she first arrived in the Shadowlands.

The Duke of Sittal, who was appointed by the Queen as a "court envoy," was completely innocent of the misfortune.

In historical records, this powerful duke of Revendreth was involved in Prince Renasol's disastrous coup, in which the mastermind Renasol was thrown into the Maw by the Emperor, and some other core members suffered the same fate.

Duke Sitar was relatively lucky; he was not cast into the Maw during that terrible defeat, but was instead banished to the Ash Wastes by Emperor Denathrius.

To be honest, from the perspective of the local Venthyr, it's hard to say whether being thrown into the Maw is more miserable, or being burned by the Holy Light in the Ash Wasteland and eventually becoming a mindless and miserable Ash Ghoul.

If it weren't for the charismatic and meddlesome "Maw Walker" who came to his rescue, poor Duke Sitar would probably have ended up much like the other exiles.

However, in the current timeline, Prince Renasol had only quietly gathered a group of people and had not yet launched a coup when he encountered Azshara's expedition against Revendreth.

Therefore, Duke Sitar was not stripped of his power and status, but perhaps fate favors the mad and extreme soul. Thus, during Azshara's retreat, she randomly grabbed a Venthyr to be her guide, and the unfortunate Duke Sitar was forced to become the queen's servant because he didn't check the almanac when he went out to join the fun.

Strictly speaking, the Duke of Sital was not a servant of Prince Renasol.

He joined the prince's cause as a collaborator, therefore he remained free.

In his time with Azshara, the Duke, like the other men, was quickly captivated by Queen Azshara's charm and grace. He not only ordered his loyal mud servants to help Azshara carve the horrific monument of sin, but even after Azshara's failed challenge against Emperor Denathrius and her subsequent fall into the Maw, the Duke remained in the dilapidated "palace" awaiting her return.

You could say they were extremely loyal.

At this moment, Duke Sital, dressed in a magnificent Wenthyr robe that seemed out of place in this dilapidated place, stood very respectfully beside the Queen, holding a black parasol, looking at His Majesty with gentle and adoring eyes.

Of course, as Diakum approached, the still-sane Duke pulled out a fragrant handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow.

On the one hand, the heat generated by Diakum itself is indeed a bit too much.

On the other hand, as a Venthyr, he was really not used to being so close to an incarnation of the sun.

"Meeting a gentleman like Sitar was the most joyful thing during my dreary stay in the Shadowlands."

Azshara put down her teacup and introduced herself:
"He, like Vine Nari, is one of the most important members of my new court. Sitar has decided to follow my throne. Although he cannot go to the material world to serve me, everything I leave here will be entrusted to my loyal Sitar to manage and oversee while I temporarily leave the Shadowlands."

"I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the supreme Queen."

Sital bowed politely to Diakum.

Like the other Venthyrs, this guy had dark skin and bloodshot eyes. He had good manners, but his hairstyle was a bit strange, which made Diakum stare at him with a peculiar look.

Good guy!
Do mind vampires also experience hair loss?

Indeed, the problem that Losa encountered is a real challenge across the entire world.

However, considering that the Lin Jing's atavistic spores made Lothar's hair thicken again, Lin Jing might be able to make a fortune in future interstellar trade by advertising "hair loss treatment".
"While you were collecting the remains of the Naaru, my loyal Sitar reported an important message to me."

Azshara succinctly stated:

"Prince Renasol's coup group has already begun operations in secret, and those ambitious fellows are preparing to support our operation in Revendres."

They are very powerful and well-connected locally, which means we don't need to worry about the chaos caused by the change of power in this area. Our only goal is to defeat Denathrius and bind him eternally.

The Pardoner bestowed his authority upon the seven local Venthyrs in the form of seven 'Medals of Sin,' which were extensions of the Pardoner's power. This meant that after Emperor Denathrius was sealed away, Revendreth would continue to exist because of the Medals of Sin and would not collapse.

Now only one final step remains.

The Queen nodded on the table and said:

“We must eliminate the most troublesome force under the Emperor’s command before ‘King’s Mourning’ is delivered to him. Sitar, you take charge.”

She waved her finger, and the courteous Duke of Wenshire immediately adopted a refined tone and said loudly:
"Not all the ancient Venthyr families under the Emperor's command are willing to submit to Prince Renasol's efforts to restore order, but they are not a problem. These power struggles can be resolved gracefully by leaving them to the Prince."

The truly formidable enemy, which cannot be dealt with through words and intrigue, is the 'Stone Legion' that guards the Emperor's palace.

"As you can tell from their name, they are a stubborn and powerful group of Stoneborn. In fact, compared to the Venthyrs who prefer to hide in the shadows and weave conspiracies, the Stoneborn are the true guardians of this land." Duke Sitar gestured, and his loyal mud servant immediately stepped forward with a tray, diligently filling Diakum's cup with tea. The warden, who had just forced himself to drink the red tea despite feeling unwell, sighed and raised his teacup again.

He looked at Duke Sitar and said:

"It was the Stoneborn Legion that defeated the Naaru who invaded Revendreth in ancient times. Although they themselves suffered heavy casualties, this victory proved that the Stoneborn were not afraid of the light and its blows."

They are indeed troublesome enemies.

"Yes, it's good that you realize that."

Duke Sitar continued:
"But not all Stoneborn are completely obedient to the Emperor's orders. Some Stoneborn are loyal to their creator, the lady known as the 'Stonesmith,' who is also one of the seven Sin Lords under the Emperor's command. However, she is not interested in local social life and is quite disgusted by the scheming nature of the Venthyr."

She lived alone on her estate for many years, accompanied by the stone descendants she had carved and brought to life.

Prince Renasol had always wanted the Stonesmith's help, but unfortunately, the powerful and mysterious lady had no interest in power and even ignored the Emperor himself.

We do not yet know why the Emperor tolerated the Stonesmith Lady's arrogance so much.

"It's not just because the Stonesmiths created the Stone Legion and saved Revendres during the Holy Light's expedition, but also because the Emperor might not dare to provoke the Stonesmiths."

Diakum provided the answer.

He took a sip of the rather strange-tasting black tea and felt as if he had gotten used to the odd flavor, but that was just an illusion, because the sourness and bitterness of the second sip quickly made Diakum grimace.

He put down the "ever-changing flavor" imperial black tea with a sigh, somewhat helplessly, and said:

"The Stone Forger was a 'Moonlit War Goddess,' at least in her lifetime. Before her death, she possessed power comparable to an emperor and had experienced countless challenges. How could one expect her to submit to a leader she did not like after death?"
You must know, the Stonesmith's previous 'superior' was Lady Elune, the Radiant Stars. What makes her, Denathrius, worthy to be compared to the Radiance of a Thousand Moons?

"Hmm, I see. What a terrible secret."

Duke Sitar squinted.

This occasionally eccentric but cunning Venthyr nobleman quickly devised a strategy, but Azshara disliked the term "Moonlight War Goddess." She was clearly reminded of some unpleasant memories and spoke up:

"You mentioned before that you served as a messenger for Lady Elune in Ardenweald. If the Stonesmith was once Elune's servant, then you two must have something in common. Why don't you step forward and persuade the Stonesmith to stand on the side of 'justice'?"

“I would be happy to, since the Stonesmith’s manor is not far from the Crimson Abyss, where one of my kinsmen is imprisoned.”

Diakum nodded and said:
"Then I will go and persuade the stonesmith, and you will wait here for the arrival of the King's Mourning. Once Sachiel and Prince Renasol give the signal, you will immediately go to Nathria Castle to challenge Denathius."

I will go to the Crimson Abyss to accomplish the work of the Holy Light.

Ultimately, I will accept the battle and ensure that Denathrius receives the judgment he deserves.

"You seem very confident?"

Duke Sitar asked in great surprise:

“But I must tell you, the Stonesmith is a very difficult woman to deal with; her difficultness is notorious throughout Revendres.”

"Actually, if you knew what stonesmiths hate the most, you would understand why I am so confident."

Diakum downed the strangely flavored tea in one gulp, stood up, and said:

"The moment Emperor Denathrius chose to use underhanded schemes to achieve his ambitions, it was already destined that he would part ways with the Stonesmiths. I'm not particularly good at speaking, but fortunately, I don't need to persuade her."
All I need to do is reveal some truths to that 'Mother of the Stoneborn'.

She doesn't need to be our friend!

All she needs to remember is her former enemies.

------

"Look, Your Majesty, what a perfect weapon!"

In a secluded chamber of the Tower of Torghast, in the Maw, Sachiel is using the Venthyr's unique magic mirror to present the Sorrowful Sword, which is being forged by the Maw-sworn master craftsman, to his master.

The perfect prototype was placed on the anima felt and constantly hammered by a powerful forging hammer.

With each strike, blue flames flickered, and further away, a gigantic, wretched "Spellblade" wearing a helmet of confinement was bound by three chains of dominion, yet it was infusing the Sorrowful Sword with power in its own way.

Sachil sang:

"The generous Lord Zovaar, Lord of the Maw, has bestowed the blessing of 'Domination' upon your Sorrow Sword. He has commanded the runemaster to infuse the concept of 'Victory' into your blade as well. This divine sword, forged from the vessel of the concepts of life and death, will soon be complete, Your Majesty."

Please wait a little longer; you will soon realize your grand ambition.

"Excellent, excellent, I'm very satisfied!"

Through the magic mirror, the Great Emperor of Forgiveness, admiring the banquet being held in the castle from the top floor of Nathria Castle, nodded. He truly admired this blade, which bore a striking resemblance to his former demonic sword.

Not to mention that this sword was also imbued with the power concepts of the other two Eternals, which was enough to make "King's Mourning" possess the highest level of power in the starry sea when it was formed.

Even though the Emperor wasn't a warrior who enjoyed fighting enemies, with such a weapon, He even dared to appear before the fearsome Dark Titan.

Of course, it's just a brief appearance, a few witty remarks or something.

Don't expect Denathrius to dare to compete with Sargeras in swordsmanship; that would be suicide.

Where is my son?

The emperor took a sip of wine and asked:

Why is Reinasol not here?

"In order to seize this vessel of life and death for you, Prince Renasol clashed with the courtiers of the Queen of Winter in Ardenweald. Loyal to me, he chose to remain in the perilous place to draw attention and buy me time."

Sachir remarked:

“Your son truly admires you and is willing to dedicate his loyalty to your great cause. You have a perfect successor, although he is somewhat inflexible, but Prince Renasol still has a long time to learn.”

"Yes, my son will be the pride of Revendres."

The emperor was even more satisfied.

He swirled his wine glass and said in a sentimental tone:
"The life of an eternal being is lonely and pale, but as long as I can leave something lasting, my life will not just be a record. Renasol is the 'gift' I leave to Revendres and the universe."

Even after I perish, my story will continue through his hands.

Return soon, my loyal Sarger, for the light of the Ash Wastes has dimmed.

I don't think it was just a coincidence.

Perhaps the 'debt collector' has already arrived. Alas, the blazing holy light has returned, yet I have no weapon to defend myself; it is truly worrying."

(End of this chapter)