Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 764, Section 42: Reunion at Dawn - Did you call us into your dreams just so we could sleep?
Kael'thas recaptured Silvermoon City.

The Sun King sacrificed the lightning-forged constructs he brought back from the Temple of the Star Soul, and an entire army of Titan Guardians from Ulduar fell on the Sin'dorei, fulfilling the oath they had taken when they were given intelligence in the Forge of Will.

They protected the world and died for it.

Of course, it would be difficult for a small number of Titan Guardians to retake Silvermoon City, which had been previously occupied by demons with several forging camps. Therefore, Kael'thas actually received support from several factions in this operation.

Besides the Sunwell floating islands and the Arcane Academy suspended high in the sky, constantly bombarding the ground, the Venthyr Punishers from the Shadowlands also contributed to this battle.

The four covenants of the Shadowlands are commanded by the Warlord. The elites of each covenant are assigned a different number of Mawsworn to enter the material world to support Azeroth's resistance and to mark the first appearance of the Death faction in the material world.

However, the military commander did not give a death order.

A strategic mastermind like Him would never engage in frontline micromanagement; His instructions were only given to high-ranking commanders, while lower-ranking commanders had a certain degree of freedom.

Therefore, the Venthyr Punishers who came to support Silvermoon City did so voluntarily.

As for why it was voluntary.
"Father!"

Kael'thas jumped off his magnificent armed chocobo and rushed to the Venthyr blood mage standing on the edge of the palace ruins, gazing at the distant Sunwell floating island.

Kai was very excited as he looked at the elegantly dressed yet gloomy Wenshire in front of him.

Although the latter had changed his appearance, becoming slightly thin like other Venthyrs and losing his signature pointed ears, the light emanating from his blood-red eyes, his clothing habits and demeanor, and especially the way he held the dark yet exquisite rose-colored longsword of forgiveness, all convinced Kael'thas that the Venthyr before him was his deceased father.

The previous Sun King, His Majesty Anastarian.

Kael'thas never expected to see his father again; it was a truly unexpected joy.

However, Anastarian appeared somewhat indifferent compared to his joy.

He glanced back at his son, a faint smile appearing on his face, and said:

"meet again."

"Father, you."

Kael'thas sensed something was wrong.

But Anastarian raised his hand, using his red and black gloved fingers to stop Kael'thas from asking.

He explained:

"The timing of my being taken to Revendreth was not ideal. I was still going through the process of atonement when Queen Azshara caused a ruckus in Revendreth, which prevented my atonement from being completed smoothly. Fortunately, I later met the shrewd and capable countess."

She allowed me to become her retainer, which enabled me to possess the monument of sin in Revendres and thus gain a new life.

However, child, only sinners are sent to Revendres, which is something I wanted to tell you but didn't have time to.

The Sunstriders are the rulers of Quel'Thalas, and we are responsible for all the sins committed on this land. If we fail to fulfill our duties as kings, we will also be considered guilty of dereliction of duty.

Addiction
The most terrible sin of a king is that his addiction to tormenting his people cannot be eradicated. I am your example, son. If you fail to resolve this problem before you die, you will go to the same place as me.

but."

His Majesty Anastarian looked at his son.

He noticed the sunburst pattern on Kael'thas's golden robes and said with a smile:
"But it seems that my gifted child has found the 'redemption' that his incompetent father sought his entire life without ever finding it at the very beginning of his reign. The Quel'dorei's addiction to magic will become a part of history that must be remembered in your hands, even if we have to pay the price of having to say goodbye to the magic of the Sunwell."

Come on, tell me about it.

While there's still some time, tell your father what you've been through lately and what your plans are for the future.

"Father!"

Kael'thas wiped away his tears and stepped forward to stand beside his father, who was dressed in a Venthyr tuxedo, impeccably dressed but now a "psychic vampire."

He said softly:

"The Church of the Sun Kingdom brings warmth and care to the hearts of the people, thanks to the Holy Flame Ritual shared with us by the Arathi Empire overseas, which allows the people to draw energy from the alienated light and heat to satisfy their demonic cravings."

In the long run, people can replace their thirst for magic with the faith of the state religion. More importantly, the faith will strengthen their already fragile will and soul.

I also sent Lady Sylvanas to Suramar to participate in the campaign to save Queen Azshara, and so far everything is going well.

The Queen possesses the knowledge to cultivate the Tree of Arcandor. After this calamity of demons has passed, I will personally travel to Dazar'alor to meet the Queen and receive the legacy of Arcandor from her.

With this two-pronged approach, I am confident that I can completely eradicate the Sin'dorei's addiction to magic within a thousand years. When I step down from the throne of the Sun King, I will surely see our people return to the right path of evolution.

From this day forward, all the sins of the Sunchaser family will be atoned for! You, your grandfather, and the rest of the family will no longer bear the burden of the past.

"Sindorei is a very menacing name, which suits your ambitious mind."

Anastarian did not interrupt Kael'thas's description, nor did he offer any objections to the plan. He was very clear-headed; since he was already dead, he should not interfere with the operation of the living realm.

Having undergone Revendres's atonement ceremony, he has become much less attached to the regrets and longings he felt when he was still alive.

After meeting Kael'thas today, he has completely said goodbye to the past and is now fully embracing his new life in Revendreth.

However, it's impossible not to worry at all, since this is, after all, my only child.

Therefore, Anastarian said softly:

"If you want to establish a state religion of the sun, you will inevitably have to connect with the faith of the Holy Light. If you become a believer, it means that your future affiliation will be in the High Heaven, which is not a bad thing."

“No, Father, I have spoken with Saint Diakum.”

Kael'thas explained:
"The 'Lord of Dawn' told me that faith and truth are not in conflict. He even encouraged me to continue on the path of an arcanist and seek the ultimate truth of fire magic. I once thought of giving up my pursuit and sacrificing myself for faith to save the people, but how can I put it?"

I was very lucky to have met a god I could follow.

Tell me about yourself too.

From what you just said, it seems you experienced a lot during your time in the Shadowlands?

"Yes."

Anastarian sighed and said:
"I have only been gone a short time, yet I have already experienced a coup that abolished the true god of death. On the day of the siege of Nathria Castle, I stood beside the Countess like a lackey, trembling like a leaf. But even in that state, I witnessed with my own eyes the changes that Saint Diakum was promoting in the Kingdom of Death."

自由
My child, the Lord of Dawn has not only given you the freedom to pursue the truth, but He has also granted me and the other dead the freedom to break free from destiny.

What an honor!

"To be honest, I'm not surprised at all, even though I don't know what 'destiny' specifically refers to."

Kael'thas laughed:

"But to be regarded as an enemy by righteous people like the Vigilant, it's obvious that he's not a good person. Therefore, the Sunchaser family owes him a heavy debt of gratitude."

I have heard that the Flame's Expedition has begun, so, Father, I will participate in that punishment of the Sea of ​​No Light in my own capacity.

I hope I can participate in the great undertaking of igniting the sun, and live up to our name, "Sun Chaser".

Oh, right. "

The Sun King hesitated for a moment, then whispered to his father:

"Well... after you left, when I followed Saint Diakum on the path of the sun, I unexpectedly found the source of my family's lineage. I mean, I saw our true ancestors in the illusion of the sun."

"is it?"

Anastarian became immediately interested, but failed to notice the strange expression on his son's face. It wasn't until the mystery was revealed that Wenthyr, who had undergone the atonement ritual and gained the peace of mind of the dead, and thus believed he could laugh off any turmoil, couldn't hold back and exploded on the spot.

He roared:
"Shut up! How can you be so sure that the ancestors of the Sunstriders were... trolls? That's impossible! That's blasphemy!"

“Uh, Father, there are no more trolls in Azeroth. Queen Azshara has declared that trolls are a branch of elves, therefore, our ancestors were actually 'dark elves'.”

"No! I don't accept it! Even if I'm dead, even if I've become a Venthyr, I will still shout out my opinion with my voice that pronounces sin. I don't accept it, do you hear me?"
Kael'thas, I won't allow you to admit it either!

We are not trolls!

This is Azshara's trick; this is blasphemy!

------

Because of Diakum's "visit" to Azeroth in this timeline, many people who deserved to die did not die, and naturally, not many dead people became "old acquaintances" in the Shadowlands.

Therefore, when the veil of life and death shattered and the army of the dead surged into Azeroth, scenes like the Blackhand family and Kael'thas meeting again were rare. Although some unfortunate souls who died did return home in glory as "Death Lords," there weren't many joyful events because the demons hadn't been completely eradicated yet.

But as midnight finally arrived on this agonizing day, the warriors, who hadn't had a rest in a long time, finally got a rare moment of leisure. After the Oathsworn of the Land of Death took over the heavy responsibility of driving away the demons, the world, which hadn't felt peace for more than three months, finally had a moment of peace to sleep in.

However, for those who have a "dream date," this night is destined to represent reunion and warmth.

For example, the twin archbishops.

The two women dragged their weary bodies back to their cabin on the Exodar. After taking a shower, the sisters sat down in the room, each holding a scroll of the Way of Light and Shadow, and softly recited it after exchanging glances.

Exhausted, she fell asleep quietly. Saloras didn't know when she entered a dream. In a moment, her consciousness quietly "awakened," and when she opened her eyes, she saw a place filled with light.

All around were pulsating light veins, but in front of him stood a door in the style of Eredar.

Saloras breathed a sigh of relief. With anticipation and joy, she pushed open the door and climbed the stairs. When she reached the ground, a world bathed in sunlight came into view.

The endless green grass and the fossil forest in the distance mark the location of this place.

Krokuen Grassland!
Or rather, it is the Krokun Steppe in Diakum's memory.

Right before Saloras' eyes, Diakum was leaning against a rock on the grassland, while Nelly, that wild woman, was curled up in the Vigilant's arms, holding a traditional Eredar instrument in her hand, playing a melody from more than 20,000 years ago on a small flute-like contraption.

A refreshing breeze swept across the area, seemingly bringing the entire grassland to life.

It looks just like the waves surging on the grassland.

Peaceful, serene, and enduring, it seems to exist in a completely different dimension from the ongoing demonic war outside.

Saloras didn't disturb the two men. She simply took off her shoes and quietly stepped forward, leaning against the rock. She let Commander Diakum take her arm, letting her long hair and head rest on her lover's shoulder amidst the melodious flute music.

She said softly:

"So, is this how it will be if we want to meet again in the future? We spend the night in our dreams, and when we open our eyes the next morning, we are filled with the disappointment of waking up."

You feel disappointed because the dream is false.

Dick leaned down and kissed Saloras on the forehead, saying:
But I am real!

You know, the dreams of gods are always strange in one way or another. I am not a god in the realm of life, so I cannot weave an absolutely realistic dream for the three of you, but fortunately there is warmth even in the sun.

Besides, we don't need to meet in our dreams.

As long as you walk in the light, when a ray of sunlight shines on your cheek, it means I want to kiss you.

"Ugh~ That's so cheesy."

Aurecis appeared there at some point, and her sister squeezed into Diakum's arms from the other side, disturbing Nelly's imagined world for two. The archbishop glared at the slut, wishing he could fight her on the spot to see who was worthy of the Vigilant's embrace.

But the next second, Nellie’s tail, which she had been waving excitedly, was pulled by Dick, causing the Archbishop to fall onto the Watcher. Fortunately, Diakum’s shoulders were broad enough to accommodate the three old maids.

As the four talked, Diakum shared his journey in the Shadowlands with his loved ones, recounting his battles of wits and courage with the Eternals.

As Dick's three most trusted confidants, they heard from the Watchers about what had happened in Zaremotis, which made Nelly exclaim in surprise:
"So, Lady Elune was actually designed by the Firstborn?"

"Yes, to be precise, it's Musa."

Diakum explained:
"Although both sides use the same power, Musa and Elune are from two different periods of moonlight and cannot be confused."

The gods we know, those deities that have vanished into history, were basically designed by the Firstborn. As for the Star Souls, such as Lord Argus and Kalecgos the Ruthless, they were also creations of the Firstborn.

Of course, the Supreme Star Soul of Azeroth is unique. She carries the blessings or punishments of the Firstborn upon the material world, depending on how life under this sea of ​​stars will treat the yet-to-awaken power.

We exist within the system designed by the First Ones, but they seem to have delegated the choice to all living beings.

"But that's not right!"

Saloras frowned and said:
"If each of the six Forces has its own Zare Holy Land, then you should have been able to find the Holy Light Zare when you discovered the High Heaven. Why is there only a wasteland after you entered the High Heaven?"

“I don’t know, but I suspect it has something to do with Anser.”

The vigilant whispered:

"Just as I guessed, Anser's fall in the Sea of ​​No Light should be in the ruins of Void Zare. He didn't just randomly choose a direction to fall into the Sea of ​​No Light. Anser crashed into and destroyed Void Zare!"
The reason why Musha became Elune is probably related to the survival of the Zarei Sanctuary in the realm of life.

The land of creation left behind by the First Ones is indeed troublesome, but it's not actually as troublesome as we imagine.

"This is something your gods should worry about."

Nelly snorted and said:
"We mortals only need to think about how to expel the demons. But then again, now that Lady Eonar has returned to Azeroth, the next step is to dismantle the Unifying Field and send it back to Argus, right?"

"Ah."

Diakum yawned, closed his eyes wearily, and said:

“That’s true, but while you’re busy with this, I still need to complete the expedition to the Sea of ​​No Light. Anser’s matter can’t be delayed any longer.”

Seeing that Nellie was about to ask more questions, Saloras reached out to stop her and gestured for her sister to be quiet as well.

The three women looked at Diakum, who leaned against the rock and quickly fell asleep. Although it was hard to understand how a god could fall asleep in his dreams, it did not prevent the three women from sensing Diakum's exhaustion.

This man probably hasn't had a proper rest in a long time.

"Let him sleep."

Saloras leaned on Diakum's shoulder and whispered:

“He will feel at ease when we are here, and we will feel at ease when he is by our side.”

"Hmph, I thought something was going to happen."

Nelly swished her tail and climbed down, nestling close to Diakum's ear like a cat. The archbishop whispered in the gentlest of voices:

"Well then, goodnight, Lord of Dawn."

After saying that, she remained in that prone sleeping position, hugged Dick's neck, rubbed against him, and then changed to a more comfortable position. A moment later, the snoring of the four of them echoed in this land of memories, and only the wind that kept blowing across the grass could soothe everyone's fatigue.

Although nothing particularly joyful happened, the most important thing was the reunion.

Go to sleep.

We will set off again at the next dawn.

(End of this chapter)