Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 787, Section 65: Demon Brats, Your Star Hunter Grandpa's Here to Bring You Warmth!

Kil'jaeden's return to Argus was not smooth.

Although Sargeras did not strip it of its title and power as the Great Demon Lord, and theoretically it remains the supreme leader of the Burning Legion, it suffered a terrible injury when it borne the power of the Dark Titan and fought against Diakum.

That's not something you can recover from in just a day or two.

Subsequently, due to Sargeras's order to "fight to the death," Kil'jaeden's call to arms against the Twisting Nether was carried out to an "outrageous" degree.

When the war in Azeroth ended, the Burning Legion's internal structure suffered a devastating blow.

It is important to know that in the latter half of the war, the blessing of the "Ashbringer" from the High Heavens was continuously applied to the Children of the World, which meant that the demons who died in the latter half of the war were all burned to ashes and could not be resurrected.

Those demons were precisely the true elites personally trained by Kil'jaeden over the past 20,000 years.

In other words, the final order issued by the Dark Titan directly crippled the most combat-effective elite troops of the Burning Legion, and the damage to the commander system can only be described as crippling.

From the conquerors' perspective, the Burning Legion still doesn't lack the cannon fodder and backbone needed for its assaults, but before the commander system is restored, the demons can no longer launch the same fierce and swift invasions as before.

The legion has lost the ability to wage large-scale wars.

Even if their grassroots forces are still intact, if they still have to fight against a powerful enemy under these circumstances, they will eventually resort to the worst possible "piecemeal tactics".

That would have been a truly awful battle.

However, the demons don't care; they're happy as long as there's a war to fight.

Whether it's a bad battle or not, as long as it can carry out destruction, it's enough to please the fel energy. In fact, Kil'jaeden's military reforms couldn't make all demons obedient. There were plenty of wild guys who didn't want to be controlled and were very resistant to the rules and regulations within the Legion.

Ultimately, the demons lack the wisdom to realize the importance of "order" in war.

But if that's all the losses we've suffered, the Burning Legion can afford them!
The demons' unique reproduction patterns, their warlike and ferocious nature, and their immortality make the selection system for demon commanders highly efficient.

The Burning Legion only needs a period of respite to quickly recover its strength by continuing to use the war system established by Kil'jaeden.

However.
What does "seizing power" mean?

The Conqueror, who had returned to the Burning Throne of Antorus through the portal maintained by Lady Hasabelle, the Portal Master, stared in astonishment at the warlock Man'ari who had come to deliver the message.

It asked sharply:
"Explain yourself! Malzak, what do you mean you've been ousted from your positions? Who dares to do that!"

"They are the other demons, the conquerors."

Prince Malzak, a high-ranking Man'ari sorcerer covered in dust and wounds, looked around and said in a low voice:

"It's those demons from the 'Blood War Sector,' who are fighting the Shadow Chaser swarms in the Twisting Nether while we are advancing our war in Draenor and Azeroth."

"I know that! Get to the point."

Kil'jaeden coughed twice, and said with a frown:
"The war there has come to a conclusion? That can't be right. Based on my and the Command Council's previous assessment, given the Shadow Chaser Swarm's war potential, that place will definitely become a wound in the Twisting Nether, causing the demons to bleed continuously."

Unless the main force of the Burning Legion is mobilized for a brutal crackdown, the demons there simply cannot achieve victory in the short term.

"But the fact is, they won, and won a glorious victory!"

Lady Hassabel, who was in charge of coordinating the portal system and the order of passage between various demon worlds within the Burning Legion, whispered:

"Just as the war in Azeroth was largely over, the Zerg swarm in the Blood War Sector was defeated."

Although my teleportation masters and I are well aware that it was because the main force of the Shadow Chaser swarm had moved to the Sea of ​​No Light to continue their damned cycle, leaving the swarm with less than half its original strength, which gave the demons there an opportunity to launch an attack.

But victory is victory!
When you lose, the other side gains victory, which inherently increases their influence.

Most importantly

The great demon, personally appointed by Kil'jaeden as the portal commander and regarded as a confidant by the conquerors, lowered his voice and said in a deep tone:

"All the demigods and higher-ranking demons in the Legion have received a clear message from the Dark Titan, who told us that the Legion's leader will be selected in a new way. Although it was not explicitly stated that you have been stripped of your power, there is no shortage of ambitious people among the demons."

Conqueror, your defeat has stripped you of your authority, while the enemy has seized the opportunity to rise, with Lord Sargeras's endorsement. This has given those mid-level commanders who have long harbored resentment towards you an opportunity.

Actually, it's not your subordinates' fault for being incompetent.

They've done a good job, managing to maintain Manari's base even amidst counterattacks and retaliations from all sides. But frankly, this doesn't prove how loyal Manari are.

They are simply not accepted by other demons originating from the Twisting Nether, and no one but you and Lord Sachil will offer them any further protection.

But if a truly intelligent and ruthless individual were to emerge at this point and explicitly declare their intention to protect Manari, your core support base might very well crumble.

At this point, the great demon in charge of the Legion's portal system solemnly said to Kil'jaeden:
"Don't linger too long at the Burning Throne of Antorus, Conqueror. Although I haven't received definitive information, there are indeed some radical high demons discussing very dangerous matters. I will open a portal to Mac'Aree for you and your direct descendants, which has always been your core territory."

Let's regroup there.

Given the current situation, you must not rashly confront those newly risen demon leaders, otherwise, they, currently indulging in mutual sabotage, will most likely unite to eliminate you and your forces first.

"Yes, thank you for reminding me, Hasabelle."

Kil'jaeden said expressionlessly:

"I do need to rest for a while right now, so thank you for your help."

"Please don't say that."

The Portal Master didn't seem like a demon; she sighed and said:

"Without your guidance, I would still be just a mid-level player leading demons into battle. The weakness of female demons makes it difficult for us to stand out in the Twisted Void, but the series of war systems you have established have given us the opportunity to be in high positions."

Trust in our loyalty, conquerors.

"At your command, at the opportune moment, the female high demons of the legion will do everything in their power to help you regain your throne."

"Yes, you're very thoughtful."

Kil'jaeden remained lukewarm.

After Hasabel opened a portal to the ruins of Macare for it and the terrified Man'ari, the Conqueror sent its angelic sorcerers first. After the others had left, it whispered:

"After the demons of the Blood Wars Sector defeated the Zerg swarm, did they carry out an extermination operation?"

“They did it. They’re not stupid; they know that leaving even the slightest hidden danger is like planting a time bomb for themselves.”

Hasabelle flapped her wings and said:

"They dispatched the lowest demons to exterminate planets one by one, burning the core of the entire world with evil fire to ensure that not a single insect egg was left."

In addition, they selected several suitable worlds and dragged them near the world of Argus. Although no one has said it outright, I suspect those guys probably intend to rebuild the former planet of Mardun.

As you know, the Witch of Destruction has been corrupting the remaining Titan souls, and Khaz'goroth possesses the ability to forge planets. Aman'thul's temporal powers are perfectly suited to shaping a new war nexus.

Those idiots!

Having just gained power, they are eager to launch a new conquest of the material world in order to completely overshadow you and secure their own throne.

"It's only human nature. Such a hidden danger was sown long ago when Sachiel and I became the Great Demon Lords."

Kil'jaeden sighed and said:
“Even the kobolds of Azeroth have regional discrimination, so how could the demons be willing to allow ‘outsiders’ like us to become the rulers of the Twisting Nether?”
This is merely a concentrated eruption of contradictions more than 20,000 years later, and it is not surprising.

But Hasabelle, for the sake of our friendship today, I advise you not to get involved in these foolish actions. The material world has changed dramatically, and in the coming era, demons will have to learn to struggle for survival in a 'disadvantaged position'.

ambition
Ambition is not something you should continue to hold onto.

It will lead you to make one wrong choice after another in the difficult years that follow. That's all I have to say. Goodbye.

After saying that, the Conqueror clutched his chest and walked into the portal.

As its figure disappeared, a cold glint appeared in the eyes of the usually obedient portal master, but she was, after all, one of the few great demons with intelligence.

Kil'jaeden's final reminder gave Hassabel a very ominous feeling, like the heavy pressure of an impending storm, and made her start to seriously consider the situation ahead.

She may not believe the conquerors' stance, but she must acknowledge their strategic vision.

Therefore, the fact that the Legion's elite forces suffered a humiliating defeat in Azeroth is not a coincidence, but an inevitability under some major change in the situation.

Is the era of legions truly coming to an end?
Is the rise of the "Blood War Faction" demon leaders really just a last gasp of the fel age?
------

"Ms. Hasabelle is an ally we can trust."

"Snapped"

Before Prince Malzak could finish speaking, a slap landed on its face.

The slap nearly sent the blue-skinned Manari flying. He covered his face in astonishment as he looked at the conqueror standing before him, glaring at him with eyes full of "anger at his lack of self-confidence."

On the ruins of the former seat of the ruling council, on the final battlefield of the great battle of Argus more than 20,000 years ago, Kil'jaeden was so angry that flames spewed from his nostrils with his breath.

It scolded:

"During the time I was away, how many Manari leaders did you take to Hasabelle's sanctuary? How many of your people secretly defected to that cunning female demon?"

She's already revealed her hand!
She told you that if a great demon chose to protect Man'ari in this situation, then our less steadfast people would make a foolish choice.

you tell me!

Could her hiding and pretending during this time be considered a form of protection for you?
You were once an outstanding student of the Academy of Mysteries. Did you sacrifice all the wisdom in your mind to gain power during your 20,000 years as a demon?

No wonder Sachiel didn't think much of you, no wonder he assigned you to my command.
tell me!
How many of your commanders haven't contacted you for more than three days?

"The whole of Argus is in chaos right now, with all the demon factions fighting each other and the numbers of them are countless."

Prince Makzal realized he had made a foolish mistake.

It lowered its head and said in a deep voice:

“I will immediately summon all the leaders of Man'ari to come to Macare and join you with their respective servants, but Conqueror, you must come up with a plan, otherwise it is only a matter of time before everyone is divided.”

Although I know that you and Lord Sachiel have always asked us to maintain the Eredar's self-identity, I think you also know that many of our people have become accustomed to becoming demons and indulging in the pleasure of destruction.

they
They've gone too far.

"How could a company with over ten million Man Arieli not have a few idiots?"

Kil'jaeden scoffed at this, waving his hand and saying:

"Biodiversity is the foundation of the continuation of the race. I have long been accustomed to the rampage of those worthless creatures. This is indeed an opportunity to rediscover purity. Go forth and summon those of the race who are still willing to obey."

If they still fail to see the situation clearly, when the other great demons' swords come down, they will truly realize just how terrifying a mountain of prejudice the demons hold in their hearts truly is.

As for those who refuse to obey and believe that being a demon is happier than being an Eredar.
Let them be.

Nature's natural selection process will weed out the fools who don't deserve to live.

"As ordered."

Faced with this cold order, Prince Malchezaar, feeling as if a huge rock was pressing on his heart, responded and hurriedly left with a few lieutenants, while Kil'jaeden, escorted by his loyal guards, returned to the ancient hall of the Council of Kings.

This is Kil'jaeden's "residence" besides Antorus, the Burning Throne.

For over 20,000 years, it has often come here to rest, and thanks to Kil'jaeden's protection, Mag'aire is currently the only land in the world of Argus that has not been tainted by fel energy.

Even the demons have protected this place very well.

This allowed Mac'Areth to remain untouched by fel energy, preserving the desolate landscape it was in when the Eredar withdrew from the world 20,000 years ago.

Kil'jaeden's "putting personal interests before public duty" behavior naturally drew a lot of criticism within the Burning Legion, but no one ever dared to say these things in front of the Conquerors. Those gossipy demons would eventually die inexplicably in one suicide mission after another.

From this perspective, eggs can actually be quite petty.

The guards remained outside the hall, and the conqueror entered the dark hall alone. Continuing its old habit, it stepped forward and stroked the two well-preserved consul thrones with a complex and subtle gaze before returning to its seat and leaning back.

Only then did it completely relax.

Kil'jaeden, tormented by both physical and mental suffering, has found it difficult to truly rest. He has only managed to hold on until now thanks to the fel-based reshaping of his body that Sargeras did during his "divine descent."

Only after all his potential was unleashed was Kil'jaeden able to barely escape with his life in that desperate situation.

"Come out."

With his eyes closed and curled up on the throne, the conqueror, clearly feeling the torment of pain, said in a hoarse voice:

“If this was an assassination attempt, then you have clearly wasted too much time on observation.”

"I'm just curious, has anyone else ever seen the 'Great' Kil'jaeden show such vulnerability and weakness?"

A chilling sarcasm echoed from the darkness of the hall.

With a thud of his hooves, Illidan, the "Star Hunter," halted at the edge of the shadows. The progenitor of the Demon Hunters remarked with interest:

How does it feel to be betrayed?
Right now, all the ambitious high demons in the Burning Legion are sharpening their knives, ready to use your head to pave the way for their thrones as high demon lords.

Sargeras has abandoned you; He no longer even cares about you.

"He had better really be so."

The conqueror said casually:
"Otherwise you'll be finished when you show yourself. Enough nonsense, Illidan Stormrage. I'm not in the mood to discuss those stupid things with you right now. I need time to rest. You'd better explain your purpose."

"this."

Illidan opened his left hand, causing the Sargeras Keystone to emerge in the glow of fel energy, and also causing Kil'jaeden to open his eyes.

At that moment, it fully understood Diakum's ultimate plan.

After a moment of silence, Kil'jaeden clutched his chest and let out a painful laugh, like a broken bellows being pulled apart:
"Hahaha, as expected of the guy I approve of! He has already crafted the perfect ending for this war of reconquest, but not now to tolerate your bloodlust, Illidan Stormrage."

Now follow my instructions!
Your blade will be at my command, and all of Argus will be your hunting ground until the war for reconquest truly begins.

"Sure, but I want the compensation I deserve!"

Illidan said:

Use your brain.

"Feel sorry."

Kil'jaeden touched his neck and said regretfully:
"This head has already been reserved for someone else. Let's change our request."

do you know?

The demons' current near-immortal 'swift rebirth' is actually an enhanced effect; since it can be enhanced, it can also be stripped away. Therefore, you will personally sever the demons' immortality in the material world!
Is this enough to pay your fee?

(End of this chapter)