Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 83: 38. Why are you cursing me right after we met? Agus, you've learned bad habits! [Updated 41/50]

(Additional update for brother “Huo Zheng Ting Hao” [6/10])
The saint stayed in Telmor for one night. He summoned the city's commander and issued new defense orders. The Krokuun hunters who came with him left a hundred people here to assist in the defense, and the saint promised to send a garrison from the Holy Land of Auchindoun as soon as possible to fill the defensive gaps in Telmor.

This is one of the two mountain roads that lead from Talador into the southern Spires of Arak, and it is also a very important strategic location. Under the premise that the Sentinels have decided to intervene in the wars in various regions of Draenor, such a strategic location must be controlled by the Draenei.

After completing the above deployment and having breakfast the next morning, Saint Diakum set out again. The hunters who came with him escorted the remains of their compatriots who died gloriously in the battle yesterday to Auchindoun.

This is part of the Draenei's death ceremony in the world of Draenor.

All the dead, if their bodies can be found, should be buried as carefully as possible and returned to the sacred cemetery of Auchindoun, where they will receive the rites of consolation from the Auchenai priests under Archbishop Maladaar before being buried in the crypts of the holy land.

Since the time of the Eredar, these blue-skinned hoofed people have respected the concept of "death".

Because they are immortal, and unable to embrace death in a normal way, the passing of life among their compatriots is naturally given a higher level of "meaning."

Some extreme members of the tribe even believe that such abnormal death is a revelation of fate or a "blessing."

The long exile of 25,000 years made them stop at many worlds and encounter many accidents. Most of the tribesmen who died on the journey sacrificed their precious lives to protect the clan and their people. In this case, death is often tied to "noble dedication".

Therefore, in the current culture of the Draenei, respect for death is a basic social morality, and this respect does not even just remain at the moral level.

Although the Sanctuary of Auchindoun is only a tomb in terms of function, the grandeur built by the Draenei is no less than the main urban area of Shattrath City or the temple area of Karabor Temple. It can be said that this holy place itself is a city and one of the two major cities of the Draenei in the Talador region.

It is also the end point of the "pilgrimage route".

Every month, many Draenei civilians take this road to the holy land to mourn their fathers, friends or the heroes who saved them.

Precisely because the sacred site of Auchindoun is of great significance to the Draenei clan, Maladaar, the "Speaker for the Dead" in charge of this place, was appointed as the distinguished Archbishop. Although he and his Auchenai priests are generally classified as "priests", in fact, according to Dick's observation, these Auchenai priests are more like necromancers who master the Holy Light.

They can converse with the draenei spirits within the sanctuary of Auchindoun, and even "raise" the dead when necessary.

Judging solely from their forms of expression and the social responsibilities they undertake, the Auchenai priests and the orc necromancers of the Shadowmoon clan are of equal status and are both highly respected classes.

Unfortunately, the "traitors" caught in the Karabor Temple previously proved that this team, which was supposed to be of noble status, had also become corrupt. When Dick escorted the coffins of the dead to the outskirts of the Holy Land of Auchindoun, he saw a team of garrison officers escorting several priests in shackles away.

"Archbishop Maladaar has strong executive capabilities. He has already begun an internal review of the Auchenai priests. This is good. Eliminating the traitors before they cause more damage will undoubtedly strengthen our internal unity."

Riding on his sacred warhorse, Diakum could tell at a glance that the imprisoned priests were emanating a strong shadow power. Like the Soulbinder Niami who had previously attempted to "assassinate" him, these were priests who had fallen into the path of shadows.

Although not every shadow priest is a villain, to be honest, ordinary priests do not have enough willpower to resist the whispers from the void. All those who are confident that they can control the shadows will eventually fall into it. Only those who are vigilant and have the light to guide them can reach the other side.

The important thing about the Shadow Priest profession is not the "Shadow" but the "Priest".

Go deep into the shadows and master the true intention of darkness in order to better defeat evil and protect the light!
If there is a problem with this most basic self-positioning, then getting lost in the darkness is the inevitable outcome.

"This kind of inspection will cause panic within Auchenai. No wonder they've closed the path to the Holy Land for pilgrims in recent days. Although it's in the name of 'repairing the Holy Land,' I heard that many people who came from far away were quarantined in the Court of Heroes."

In addition to the three new recruits behind Diakme, there are two more "newcomers" on this trip.

Leilan, whose injuries had not yet fully healed, took the initiative to ask to follow her uncle. She was wearing a purple arcanist robe and carrying her amethyst staff, and whispered:
"If this review can't be concluded anytime soon, perhaps we should better accommodate the stranded civilians?"

"The Courtyard of Heroes has special receptionists, Leland. They are all trained priests. They know how to calm people's hearts. If the number of people gathers, they will take action.

For now, we should send the remains of these warriors to the holy land so that their souls can rest in peace."

Another voice followed closely behind.

That's the Eredar.

The garrison officer, wearing heavy armor and carrying a jeweled sword and shield, is also old Velen's eldest son.

This guy's appearance is almost exactly like Velen from the Argus era in Dick's memory, except for the lack of lush black beard. The facial similarity of over 70% alone is enough to prove the strength of the old prophet's bloodline.

Diak'um really wondered how Eredas could have managed to hide his identity for so long with this face? Anyone who had seen the Prophet during the Argus era would have recognized him as his son, right?

But soon, Dick noticed the battle mask that Eredas placed in the Talbuk's sidecar. Perhaps it was because the child wore a mask most of the time?

Okay, that's a crude and simple solution, but it works.

"Uncle Diakme and I certainly know what's most important right now. You don't need to keep repeating it."

Faced with Eredas's persuasion, Lelan showed some dissatisfaction. She retorted and turned her head to the side, chatting with Yrel about the affairs of Amberi Village, which made Eredas look helpless.

But fortunately, the way he and Leland get along has lasted for at least thousands of years. People have long adapted to it and may even enjoy it.

If Lelan really hated him, given her personality, she would never have teamed up with Eredas. This only showed that Brigadier General Maldran's daughter was an incurable tsundere, while old Velen's son had long since learned the art of licking a dog.

Tsk, I have it in this life.

But considering that if the child did not take this path, he would most likely follow the horrible fate in the official history and follow Kil'jaeden, and then give himself a terrible name "Rakeesh (Butcher)", and one day in the future he would repeat the story of Arthas to his father, so Dick would persuade himself to accept this scene calmly every time he saw Eredar.

Just be a lickspittle, it's much better than degenerating into a perverted Manari who uses evil energy to fight against the big wood and likes to listen to the wailing of the Naaru.

It was not appropriate for an old man like Dick to interfere in the interactions between young people, so he turned around and asked his "adjutant":
"I heard that the Auchenai Holy Land is also where the tribesmen crafted the Immortal Protector?"

"Yes, because the production of the soul core involves some necromancy, it can only be completed in the Holy Land of Auchindoun."

Maraad explained carefully to his superiors and elders:

"There is a special area in the Holy Land of Auchindoun, which we call the 'Hall of the Undying'. Only warriors who are seriously injured and can no longer fight, but still hope to continue to protect the people after death, are allowed to enter.

The Soulbinders under Archbishop Maladaar will use secret methods to properly care for the warrior's soul, and then work with the craftsmen under Archbishop Hataru to seal the soul into a unique Arkonite crystal box, which is the heart and brain of the immortal defender.

As long as the crystal box is not destroyed, the souls of those warriors will be able to control their iron bodies to protect our people forever.

This is a new tradition among the Draenei, the Sage.

Shattrath, Auchindoun, and the Temple of Karabor all have such Immortals, and we believe that the spirits of those warriors are with us.

Unfortunately, completing this process requires enduring great stress and pain, and the warrior spirits will lose some of their memories and emotions, so not every noble soul can achieve this."

"How many immortals do we have now?"

Dick was moved by this noble sacrifice. After getting off his mount and personally escorting the coffin into the Soul Corridor of the Holy Land of Auchindoun, he asked softly.

Maraad was silent for a moment, then said:

"One thousand four hundred and seventy units, that's the total number. Most of them are ordinary defender models. Elite immortals like Lord Quaram, the 'guard' who sits in the Karabor Temple, only account for one seventh of them.

They are equipped with unique mechanical modules and are therefore also considered commanders of the Immortals.

There is also an elite Immortal in Auchindoun, guarding the holy place in the Hall of the Undying.

It has the same title as you, the Vigilant Caesar. It once saved thousands of patrol rangers in danger on a planet. After the battle, it was seriously injured and volunteered to join the Immortals to continue fighting.

"Caesar, I remember the name."

Dick closed his eyes, sighed and said:

"He was a new recruit. On the Antoran battlefield, he longed to join the Hand of Argus Legion but failed to complete his recruit trials. I still remember the disappointed expression on the child's face as he wiped away his tears after the battle.

He didn't cry because he failed the trial, but simply because he blamed himself for not being able to save his companions.

But he proved himself!
During the long time I was asleep, he used his courage to protect the people on my behalf. It is clear that Kesar is more worthy of the title of 'Vigilant' than I am."

"Every time I hear you talk about this, I think your connections are too exaggerated."

Following behind him, Irel sighed:
"These heroes who have left their mark on history are all related to you in some way. I don't think I'm surprised anymore by your eventful life."

"That's just the beginning, little Yrel. You haven't experienced the last thirty days of the Argus Era, so you naturally can't understand the earth-shaking deeds Uncle Diakum did during that time."

Leaning on his amethyst staff, Lelan lowered his voice in this holy place and said to Yrel:
"When my brother and I were in the safe zone of Oronar City, we heard battle reports from the front almost every day, and almost every report related to Uncle Diakum was filled with exaggerated stories of victory and achievements.

So much so that during those turbulent years, we all regarded Uncle Diakme as a symbol of 'invincibility'."

"really."

Eredas bowed to the statues of the ancients on both sides of the Corridor of Souls and echoed:

"At that time, the garrison commander I admired most was naturally my adoptive father, but Lord Diakum was my second-most admired garrison commander! I always used him as my role model to train myself."

"But you've been training for so long, and now you haven't even killed a single demon."

Leland curled his lips and said:
"You haven't even received your Heart of Argus yet."

Rylan's words belong to "Aoe".

She wasn't alone among the five recruits, possessing the Heart of Argus pendant from Brigadier General Maldran. Honestly, inheriting this world artifact didn't quite translate into passing a "test," so Leland's words lacked confidence. "Don't worry, you'll all receive your own 'Proof of Oath' today."

Dick waved his hand, interrupting the recruits' discussion.

In addition to burying the warriors and inspecting the internal defenses of the Auchindoun Sanctuary, he brought them here today for another important reason, which was to obtain the "Fragments of Star Soul Will" and the Heart of Argus artifact for his new recruits.

Lelan, Maraad, and Eredas were all among the evacuees that year. When they left Argus, the three of them carried a fragment of the Star Soul's will on their backs, but Yrel and Nobundo were children born in exile, and they had not yet completed their own "World Contract".

As for the Heart of Argus.
After leaving its hometown, the artifact was left with only its own elemental blessing, but in the eyes of the older generation like Dick, this thing is indispensable if one wants to become an outstanding guardian of the people.

"Saint, you are finally here. I have been waiting for you here for two days."

When everyone entered the visiting hall of the sacred cemetery, Archbishop Maladaar came out to greet them personally.

He knew the purpose of Dick's visit today, so he didn't exchange pleasantries. He asked the Soul Binders to send the coffins of the dead into the funeral hall, and personally led the Sentinels into the deepest secret room of the holy land.

The five new recruits waited here for the time being, their ceremony to be held after Dick finished his important work.

"How many fragments of the Star Soul's will are preserved in the Holy Land?"

On the stairs leading to the depths of the holy land, Dick asked:
"I learned from Prophet Velen that after we fell into Draenor, there was no large-scale inheritance ceremony. Instead, we switched to individual coming-of-age ceremonies. Why did they do that?"

"For one thing, our population growth has slowed since entering Draenor, making it difficult to gather enough young people for a large ceremony in such a short period of time. Even though the two archons moved up the coming-of-age ceremony from 300 to 250 years old, we've only been here for a little over 200 years, which is far too little time for all those newborns to reach adulthood."

Maladaar sighed and said:
"On the other hand, it's difficult for me to explain in words the strange changes that have taken place in those fragments of the Star Soul Will that were stripped away after the warrior's death over the years. You'll understand once you see it with your own eyes."

"Have those precious fragments changed?"

Dick frowned and said:

"But I feel that the will of the Star Soul that I carry on my spiritual level is very calm."

"Yes, most of our compatriots don't feel that strangeness. In fact, we think the transformation may only occur after it leaves the spiritual carrier."

Maladaar explained:
“It’s hard to judge whether this change is good or bad, but it concerns the foundation of our hometown, so we can’t act rashly.

The traitor Osar has been trying to intervene in this matter, but I stopped them from getting close to here. If they had succeeded before, I can't imagine what kind of blasphemy those lunatics would have committed to this holy relic.

We are here, right ahead.”

The archbishop took out a crystal key and placed it on the magic door. As the heavy mechanical sound echoed, the heavy sealed door was opened. In the hall before him stood a pillar like a booth, and on it stood a stone tray filled with the Heart of Argus that had been recovered over the years.

Those ancient things retain the form in which they were made.

The rings, pendants and ornaments didn't have much decoration, but just piled there they created a heavy aura. Dick could even feel that the previous owners of the Heart of Argus were standing in this hall, watching him.

"It's not your illusion."

Maladaar whispered:
"There are indeed many spirits here that exist in another phase, and they are all warriors who died in battle holding the Heart of Argus."

"Why not let them rest in peace? Or become one of the Immortals and continue to defend our people?"

Dick asked, and the Archbishop shook his head and said:

"It's not that we don't want to, but that we can't. They seem to be 'bound' by the Heart of Argus. No, that's not accurate. These warrior souls voluntarily stay in the mortal world. They don't talk to us, but they guard their respective artifacts, as if guarding something.

This is the kind of ‘change’ I want to show you.”

Maladaar formed a hand seal and released a special technique.

As the psychic's magic power spread, the scene of the "soul world" was temporarily exposed to Diakum's eyes. When the pale green light enveloped the holy cup in front of him, Dick's eyes immediately widened.

"The fragments of the Star Soul Will have merged?"

He exclaimed.

Then he quickly stepped forward to check out the special ball of light formed by many fragments of the star soul's will. It was still surrounded by the power of the world he was familiar with. The gorgeous light was dotted with faint blue spots, which was a wonderful color that was completely different from what the real world could create.

But the size of this ball of light is a little too huge.

Dick clearly remembered the scene where he saw the Argus star soul carrying its will in the body of the Eredar. Each individual only had a small piece, which was also the limit of what a mortal spirit could bear. But the ball of light in front of him was so big.
"So, the fragments of the Star Soul Will carried in the spirits of all our compatriots who died in the past 25,000 years are all within it?"

Dick looked back at Maladaar and said with a look of realization:
"The so-called 'inheritance ceremony' is just a cover, right?

No wonder Velen didn't talk to me about this. No wonder our people forgot the vision of returning to their homeland in just two hundred years. They forgot Argus because they no longer have the World Contract!
What exactly is going on? "

"We don't know the reason, but in fact, during the first ten thousand years of exile, the inheritance ceremony was able to proceed smoothly."

Archbishop Maladaar sighed:

"But from some unknown moment on, when our compatriots died, the fragments of their star souls, extracted by the Heart of Argus, became beyond our control. They spontaneously merged together, becoming indistinguishable from one another, like a 'return.'

At first, this happened only occasionally, but soon it became the norm, until our spaceship crashed into Draenor, and the fragments of the star soul became the integrated state they are today.

Once a member of the tribe dies elsewhere, the star soul fragments in their spirits will instantly return to this fragment in a way that does not conform to the rules of space.

In this case, let alone inheriting it, it is difficult for us to even touch it.

The High Prophet tried himself, but even an eredar as powerful as he could not bear such a heavy force.

We don't know how to stop this. This is a matter related to the Star Soul. The wisdom of mortals seems so insignificant in front of it. We can only try our best to prevent the tribesmen who carry the fragments of the Star Soul from encountering misfortune.

This is also one of the important reasons why the Council of Bishops practices conservatism in Draenor. We must avoid stimulating the continued fusion of the Star Soul fragments. "

"I see. It seems I was too harsh in my accusations against you."

Dick nodded. He looked at the World Soul fragments floating above the pile of Argus Hearts and asked:
"So, how much of this fragment has been fused?"

"A conservative estimate is around 30,000 people."

Maladaar replied:
"That's the number of deaths I started counting after I observed the Star Soul fragments going out of control. I only counted those compatriots who escaped from the Argus world. Those who were reborn during the journey were not included."

"The weight of the world is borne by 30,000 living beings. No wonder ordinary people cannot bear this kind of pressure. This is the weight of the Star Soul's thinking, this is the weight of Argus."

Diakum sighed deeply, waved his hand and said:

"Seal off this place, Maladaar. You stay outside too. I'm going to try to communicate with this Star Soul fragment and at least figure out what happened."

"Are you sure?"

Maladaar said seriously:

"If even the Great Prophet can't do it, perhaps you shouldn't take such a risk?"

"No, I am the first Eredar to sign a world contract with the spirit of Argus, Maladaar. I am the true 'Hand of Argus'."

Dick took off his gauntlet, stroked the pinky ring on his left hand, and said:
"If there is a life among the stars that can converse with Him, it can only be me. Go! This conversation cannot be interrupted. Don't let anyone else get close until I call."

"As you command, Saint."

Archbishop Maladaar saw that the Sentinel had made up his mind, so he had no choice but to leave and seal off the secret hall with his own hands.

He stood guard outside the passage, tightly clutching his Heart of Argus ornament in his hand. Although he had not participated in the final battle of Argus, he had heard everything about his hometown from his parents, and he also spiritually inherited the star soul fragments from his mother.

For him, returning to Argus was more than just an illusory ideal.

Unfortunately, things have changed and many people no longer think this way.

Maladaar clenched the artifact in his hand and said in his heart:

"Saint, if we cannot light the lamp that leads us home at this moment, we will only drift further and further away from our hometown. Mortals have run out of tricks and can only hope that you can turn the tide."

At the same time, Dick stretched out his hand after taking several deep breaths, and touched the flickering light with his left hand wearing a pinky ring. The moment of contact, he saw the guarding spirits around him "come alive" one after another.

They glared at Dick.

They surrounded Dick in the center.

They seemed to be waiting for some cruel order.

In the connected spiritual world, Diakum once again returned to the scene of his audience with the Star Soul. However, this time, when he raised his head, he was met with a harsh and angry rebuke:

"You! Draenei. Forsworn!"

(End of this chapter)