Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 9 9. Are you there? Come out and have some fun together
In the night of the academy, the Grand Chancellor Galasum was busy in his office.

As the prime minister, he is responsible for the internal affairs, logistics and discipline system of the entire Arcana Academy. It is not an easy task to manage the food, drink, defecation and urination of tens of thousands of people. However, this kind of work was not difficult for him in the past. Now he needs to work overtime because he has been following Principal Archimonde to deal with the Enlightener's affairs in recent days.

Most of the daytime time was spent helping the Enlightener perfect the "coup plan" so that he and Principal Archimonde could enter the core of the Awakener Cult more quickly, while his own work could be done at night.

This will undoubtedly affect the Grand Chancellor's sleep quality.

Fortunately, he was a very good arcanist, and using meditation instead of sleep was enough to ensure that he would still be energetic when he woke up the next morning to devote himself to helping the principal seize power.

Unlike servants like Dick who rose to power through nepotism but still remained in a marginal position, Galasum had been "bound" to Lord Archimonde long ago. The two of them had a relationship of shared success and failure, so naturally he had to treat the Lord's affairs as his own.

This is the experience of the Prime Minister of the Academy who has experienced the ups and downs of officialdom for many years.

However, even the already grueling night work was bound to encounter unexpected events. For example, now, while Galasum had to deal with the budget that the Arcana Academy had applied for from the Archon's Seat next year, he also had to receive a student with a "special mission".

"Dealt with it?"

He reviewed the huge budget figures with a gem-carved arcane instrument and asked without looking up:

"Why are you here alone? Where's your sister?"

"Gardacon Diachem is not dead yet. He just drank his last potion. As you instructed, he will return to the Holy Light promptly at dawn. But the new recruits will keep a close eye on him. Oreses must stay there to ensure everything goes according to your plan."

Sarolas, dressed in her student robes, humbly and respectfully presented an arcane rune and placed it on the Grand Vizier's desk. She whispered:

"Is there anything else we need to do after this?"

"Witness!"

Garasum took the runestone in his hand, infusing it with arcane energy to allow it to play the stored images.

In the pale arc light background, a weak Dick was seen coughing and telling bit by bit about his experience as an undercover agent in the Awakener Cult, which made Galasum very satisfied.

With this item, Lord Archimonde's impending backstab was imbued with a new dimension of righteousness: revenge for his friends and subordinates. The final piece of the moving story of the principal, determined to root out the treacherous cult by risking his life, infiltrating it and ultimately wiping it out, was now complete.

The Grand Chancellor put down the talisman stone and looked at his favorite talented student with a friendly expression.

He warned:

"Garrison Commander Diakum played a crucial role in this series of events. You sisters witnessed the entire process of him being poisoned and assassinated by the Awakened cultists. This way, you can share your experiences during the subsequent investigation. I'll give you a list of specific things to say later.

You and your sister must practice diligently when you return home, and absolutely no mistakes will occur in this important matter."

"Ok."

Sarolas nodded, said goodbye to the Grand Vizier of the Academy, and was about to turn and leave. But just as she turned around, Galasum suddenly spoke:

"Because you two sisters have contributed to the principal's career, in addition to the outstanding graduates scheduled, the principal and I have decided to prepare another future for you.

Calculating the time, the year you graduate will be the assessment period for the rotation of civil servants in the Archon Seat, and you will be sent to the Archon Seat to serve the Grand Archons.

This is the most perfect career plan for graduates of the Academy of Mysteries. The connections and resources owned by the principal will also be open to you two, helping you to rise through the power core of the Eredar civilization. But don't get too close to Lord Archimonde, who is destined to become the Archon, so as not to be discovered. Just maintain the necessary respect.

Your ultimate goal is to approach one of the two Archons, Velen or Kil'jaeden, and demonstrate your qualifications as much as possible and strive to become a trusted subordinate.

But never forget where you come from, and never forget who raised you and gave you the opportunity to display your talents."

The Grand Chancellor said in a tone that was neither light nor heavy:
"The murder of a high-ranking garrison commander could be a major or minor matter, but since you're already a clique with a vested interest, I will naturally help you suppress this harmless truth, which no one else will know. Do you understand?"

"Grand Vizier! My sister and I are loyal to Lord Archimonde!"

Sarolas turned around hastily, revealing the uneasiness of a young student. She expressed her loyalty with a somewhat immature tone:
"Even if we were only awarded the title of Outstanding Graduate, we would be very satisfied. It is precisely because we admire Principal Archimonde's incredible talent and strength that we voluntarily follow him. It was you and the Principal who discovered our potential. Without your help, we would still be wasting our lives in this small school in the Antoran Plains."

"Very good, just say that when you're out in public."

The Grand Chancellor's chin tentacles twitched for a moment, then he nodded and said:

"We arcanists should be more pure and avoid giving people the first impression of being ambitious. You and your sister are usually too high-profile. You should change your ways. You will serve the Archon in the future, so you must be humble on the surface.

Go ahead.

Help your sister with the final errands, then wait patiently for the call.

In the 'Battle of Justice' that is about to begin, you, the most outstanding and talented spellcasters in this academy, must also participate and bear witness to our rise firsthand."

"As you command, Grand Vizier."

Sarolas accepted the order, turned around and left the office. As he walked out of the dome-shaped building, the passionate and talented arcanist finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Her heart was beating wildly because she had just told a terrible lie.

For the first time in her life, she became a traitor.

The ones who betrayed her were Principal Archimonde, who she thought was extremely powerful, and the Grand Chancellor of the Academy who had promoted the two sisters.

This may sound a bit shameless, but considering that the entire plan of these two people has been known by the two archons, even Commander Kil'jaeden has given the Diak'um garrison commander a "secret order" to get rid of Archimonde!

This means that all the promises they had made to the sisters before have become empty promises.

What a pity.

Sarolas looked back at the Prime Minister's residence, which radiated a gentle glow in the night, and sighed in her heart:
"If you can get rid of this seemingly insignificant figure, Commander Diakum, sooner rather than later, your and the principal's plan might actually succeed.

But it's too late now.

The opponent, with a cunning plan no less brilliant than yours, delivered a fatal blow. He became the scapegoat, and even for my sister's life, I must now turn from darkness to light."

The genius arcanist felt sad and ashamed for a long time, but by the time she returned to Dick's courtyard, she had convinced herself with the facts.

This is not betrayal!
In fact, if the principal and the Enlightened One's plan were really implemented, the entire Mac'Aree region would fall into chaos, and many people would surely die.

My sister and I are assisting in the execution of justice!
There is no doubt that this behavior is clearly in line with the moral behavior that the Holy Light priests talk about all day long.

"You're back? You're not missing any limbs. It seems you're really good at deception."

The person who greeted Salolas at the courtyard gate was her "senior" from the same academy, Imira. The latter made a sarcastic remark, but Salolas just sneered and replied with a cute little tail:

"Students of the Arcane Academy must make good use of their wisdom. Deception and cunning are also essential for survival. Unfortunately, you, a 'good person', seem to lack these.

It doesn't matter, following the Holy Light is also one of the paths of a spellcaster.

For those students who are mediocre in talent and amazingly bad at it, even the strictest instructors would helplessly persuade them not to waste too much time chasing after the secrets of the arcane. After all, you are different from us two sisters, senior sister, and chasing after the truth is not for you.

Congratulations, Yimi La, you finally made the right choice in the last period of your unsuccessful student life."

"Ah, Holy Light, every time I see you, I can't resist the urge to punch your charming face and chop off your tail!"

Yimi clenched her fists and said:
"But a mediocre priest is better than an arcanist who abuses his talents and harms others. In fact, I think Commander Diachem is too lenient with you two. Letting you follow the evil Archimonde down this path, and ultimately being sentenced to death by the Inquisition is the fate you deserve."

"That only means that Commander Diakum has also seen the amazing talents of us sisters."

Sarolas snorted.

She pushed away Imira who was blocking her way and whispered:

"Being a genius means you can do whatever you want, Senior Sister. Our world of arcanists is just so cruel. Oh, sorry, I forgot, you are no longer one of us who pursue the truth.

May your holy light bless you, Senior~"

Leaving behind the angry Imira, the sharp-tongued Salolas quickly walked into the main hall.

Dick was sitting on a chair at this time, receiving help from Oreses to remove the "injury" disguise he had deliberately dressed up to "record a short video". Faria and Imira were not good at makeup, but for the "tea art masters" Salolas and Oreses, putting on beautiful makeup was the basic skill for these exquisite girls.

"You will have to go again tomorrow to convey the news of my death."

Dick said to Salolas in front of him:
"The Assassins' Court will find a body similar in size to mine, and Garrison Commander Malderan will single-handedly arrange my 'funeral.' Since this is a show, we have to do it in full. I'll have to trouble you two again."

"This is what we must do to turn from darkness to light."

Orestes, the more rational sister, whispered:
"We are grateful for giving us, who have done wrong, a chance to leave the quagmire."

"You have to fight for yourselves, children. The Holy Light has only given you a hint through me. And you have more dangerous things to do. To make up for your mistakes is like crossing a quagmire. It is not as easy as you imagine."

Dick's words sounded high-sounding, but he didn't really trust Gemini.

The things these two did in the Dark Portal official history were enough for them to violate any law in any orderly world.

Different from the five little strong men who have a simple sense of justice, this pair of twins are born without the bottom line to measure good and evil. Even though they are still very immature, they can kill people for the honor of being outstanding graduates. It can be seen that they are both black when they are cut open.

These two young girls were undoubtedly of the same kind as Archimonde.

Ambitious, contemptuous of morality, high self-esteem and extremely talented, after all, being able to achieve the position of "Deceiver's Lieutenant" in the future has proved that their talent in the path of evil is no less than their amazing talent in spellcasting.

But Dick was still willing to give them a chance.

It wasn't simply because, as a part-time PE teacher, he couldn't bear to see a promising youngster being led astray, but also because the twins hadn't yet done anything that would infuriate the gods. If he could kill Archimonde and reverse a dark fate, then perhaps his intervention could also change the twins' fate.

If such a genius can walk on the right path, it will definitely be a blessing for the Eredar civilization, which will suffer a major blow in the future.

"After my burial, you must cooperate with Garrison Commander Maldran and Instructor Tarana to coordinate and contact the Academy Governor, Ms. Verala, and persuade her to join this effort to restore order."

Dick warned:
“There are also cultists of the Awakener Cult in the Mysterious Academy. They hide among the instructors and teaching staff of the academy, forming small groups.

I can tell you clearly that Argon, the high-level Enlightener in charge of the academic affairs of the academy, is the backbone of the Awakener Esoteric Sect. He is one of Sachir's disciples and is very influential in the Awakener Esoteric Sect.

While we are participating in the sniping of Archimonde and Thal'kiel, the academy must also maintain the most basic order.

The students here are innocent, and the only one who can protect them in times of crisis is Ms. Verala, the nominal second-in-command of the academy.

I don't need Ms. Vera to lead the righteous mentors to fight against the cultists. The Malderan Garrison will be responsible for this matter. I only hope that Ms. Vera can protect the students in times of crisis and transfer them to a safe area in advance.

I don't have anyone available, so this has to be done by you two.

I believe that if this turmoil can be resolved smoothly, Archon Velen and Lord Commander Kil'jaeden will also be able to see your determination to abandon darkness and join the light.

Just like me.

I took a wrong turn, but I eventually got back on track.”

The two sisters looked at each other and took on the task without hesitation for too long.

As the most dazzling talents in the academy's recent classes, they both have a good relationship with the academy's regent, Ms. Verala, so it is indeed appropriate for them to complete this task.

This is probably the "advantage of being a top student".

After the twins went to the next room to rest, the five little strong men were called into the room. Dick had already changed into a set of traveler clothes to disguise himself.

He put on his hood, a backpack beside him, sat on a chair and said to the five recruits in front of him:

"I have to turn into the shadows before dawn and prepare to go to the Enlightener Sachir to complete the last part of the plan. It's very dangerous this time, so I won't take you with me.

You will stay in the academy and accept the command of the Malderan garrison commander. Once the awakeners' coup is carried out, the academy will become a battlefield, and the results of your training in the past few days will come in handy.

I don't have much to tell you. Before we part, I wish you can become glorious warriors who defend the Eredar civilization under the guidance of the Holy Light.

I believe that your talent and determination can make this happen."

"Master Dick, don't make it sound like you're leaving a last will."

Imira couldn't help but say:
“You should be hopeful that everything will work out.”

But others disagreed with Imira's statement.

They could understand the terrible risk that Commander Dick would take by going deep into the cult's base camp, but he did not back down in the face of the threat of being killed by the Enlightened Ones. Instead, he bravely assumed his duties, which was enough to let the five recruits see the "character" of the high-ranking garrison officer.

And have a deeper understanding of the "guidance" of the Holy Light to them.

As a race that has coexisted with the Holy Light for thousands of years, the Eredar have a new tradition of firmly believing that all ups and downs in fate come from the guidance of the Holy Light. They like to look for "enlightenment of the Holy Light" in the changes in the material world, although this is indeed superstitious.

For example, the five strongest men now believe that Commander Diakum, an elder with a complicated past but who ultimately faced his fate, was sent by the Holy Light to teach them something.

As for what they can understand from it, that is a matter of opinion.

Dick left the weapons and armor he had collected over the years as a high-ranking garrison officer to the five little strong men. He himself, wearing an old set of armor, left the courtyard he had not left since he traveled through time with the tearful farewell of the five little strong men.

The garrison commander of Malderan was already waiting at the front. He handed the reins of the Talbuk sheep to Dick.

After the latter turned over and rode on the mighty Talbuk, Malderan said:

"No matter how dangerous the situation, Diakum, you must persevere and call upon the protection of the Holy Light. After I complete my duties here at the academy, I will immediately go to Oronar City to rescue you."

He lowered his voice again and said:

"Don't put too much faith in the promises of the Assassin's Court! As a structure under the Grand Archon specifically responsible for the nation's dark side, they prioritize completing their mission over protecting others, Diakum."

"You can call me Dick, Malderan. I think we've repaired the bad relationship we've had with our colleagues over the past thirty years, don't you?"

Dick pulled up his hood.

Looking at the deep darkness before him, he whispered:

"After what I've been through, after hovering on the brink of death, I've decided not to leave my fate in the hands of others. I may die in the storm that's about to begin, but only I can decide where I'll die and with what reason I'll face the end.

You know, Mardelaine, I'm still searching for my Light and my morality.

I have a feeling that if I survive this, I can once again embark on the path the Light has laid out for me."

"But the more you say it, the more I feel like you're a 'martyr' at this moment, Dick."

Malderan sighed:
"After I became a vindicator, I've seen similar people in battles against alien creatures and roaming beasts. I don't know how to persuade you, but don't do anything dangerous just to gain the approval of the Holy Light.

That is putting the cart before the horse.

It's just a moral obligation, Dick!
Just like being a garrison officer is just a job, it makes you more determined, but you can live well without it."

"Being able to have a devout believer like you say such words to comfort me, it seems that our relationship has indeed improved a lot. But don't be so discouraged, it's as if I really can't come back."

Dick smiled and said:
"If I come back alive, will you invite me to your house for dinner?"

For married Eredar, inviting others to their homes for dinner is an invitation only extended between close friends.

As immortals, the older the Eredar are, the more they like to be alone with their families. Maldran is more than twice as old as Dick, and he has reached the stage of "learning to enjoy himself and reconcile with loneliness."

Hearing Dick's joke, Madeleine smiled. The serious and rigid garrison commander nodded and said:

"I'll have my wife prepare a delicious meal and introduce you to my children, Dick. Come back alive!"

"Well, I'll try my best."

After saying this, Dick pulled the reins and let the Talbuk goat gallop in the night, carrying him towards the city of Oronar.

The garrisons patrolling along the way were all Malderan's confidants. They all knew what Dick was going to do, so they stopped and paid tribute to this colleague who was once mediocre but now had the courage to face his fate.

Quaram, the high-ranking garrison officer at the academy's gate and the "guard" in charge of the academy's access control, personally manipulated the huge arcane guard to make way for him.

When Dick looked back, he could still see the old garrison commander standing on the tower and saluting him.

"It feels like I'm really heading for death. Oh, you Eredar are so unlucky."

Dick complained on the galloping Talbuk sheep.

For him, leaving the academy actually brought him a sense of "freedom". In front of a group of colleagues he had worked with for thirty years, he could only try his best to maintain the image of "Diaqm", imitate their way of speaking, and even couldn't make a few jokes. But the real him would rather be more free and easy.

"Now the sea is wide enough for fish to leap, and the sky is high enough for birds to fly."

After running for an hour, Dick took out the device for contacting the Assassin's Court from his arms and pressed it to break the rune stone.

He rested in a pavilion near the largest local water source, Lake Eredas, and leisurely made a rough fishing rod and threw it into the water, waiting for Talgas's subordinates to come and meet him.

As a result, after a few minutes, he felt the fishing rod shaking. Dick lifted the stick and saw, to his misfortune, a brightly colored water snake wrapped around the rope.

He took the little thing off and was about to throw it into the water, but suddenly remembered that ten thousand years later, a dangerous giant water snake monster would be lurking in this water source.

It’s hard to tell whether that guy is the twisting “little cutie” in his hand.

"Well, I remember your name was 'Shirithorne'. I'm not sure if it was your name or the name of your race, but I know you can live a long time just like the Eredar. If you eat too many demons and mutate, maybe you can live even longer."

Dick said to the struggling water snake in his hand:
"Go back and hide. Don't run around until you become stronger. When the demons land, remember to eat more of them and vent your anger on this world that is destined to fall.

Maybe we'll meet again in the distant future, little one.

Wish you good luck, and wish me good luck.”

He threw the water snake back into the water, and then heard a teasing voice behind him:

"For someone about to undertake a dangerous mission, you have a really good attitude, Mr. Diakham."

Dick shrugged and looked back at the Assassin Court lady with long white hair and a sapphire hunting rifle on her back. He said:

"No matter how bad my mentality is, I can't refuse the secret order from Commander Kil'jaeden. I will naturally find a way to adjust myself. So, can we set off now, this heroic lady?"

"Oh, you're quite good at talking. You don't seem like a rigid garrison officer."

The female Eredar wearing an assassin's mask smiled, pointed at the flying ray behind her, and said:

"Come with me. I've been waiting for you. Also, my name is Nari, Captain of the High Rangers of the Assassin's Court. It's a pleasure to work with you."

(End of this chapter)