American comics: From Hogwarts to God on Earth

Chapter 594 So, what is the price for Rune?

After resolving the communication issues, Rune returned to the Warcraft universe. This time, he brought with him a portion of Compound V, intending to create a team specifically for protecting the Azerothian planet soul.

It wasn't that Rune distrusted the strength of Thrall, Malfurion, and Jaina; rather, he understood that the interests of the races these leaders represented did not align with the interests of the Azerothian world-soul itself.

The nights in Theramore are always filled with the salty, damp scent of the sea breeze.

Lina turned over, her silk pajamas brushing against her neck, but she couldn't dispel the restlessness that lingered in her heart.

The bed beneath her was very soft, but to her, it felt like a red-hot iron plate, making Lina extremely cautious and afraid to move, lest she soil this precious object.

She was indeed a descendant of nobility, otherwise it would have been difficult for her to become a paladin, but even for nobles, it would be difficult to sleep on such a soft bed.

Lina knew perfectly well why she was lying here. But ever since that otherworldly mage appeared before her, she hadn't had a single good night's sleep.

She could not forget Rune, who had annihilated C'Thun, the Old God who had dwelled deep within Ahn'Qiraj and whose presence had shaken the entire continent; he had defeated the powerful otherworldly visitor, the leader of the mighty army that had defeated the entire Azerothian coalition.

What troubled her even more was the invitation Rune had extended to her.

Lina is a paladin, a follower of the Holy Light. Her blade was born only to protect, for the peace of the Alliance, and for the tranquility of Theramore. But the power of the runes is simply too great—power capable of killing even the Old Gods—

If I refuse him, will it lead to my death? Or even—will the entire Theramore be wiped out by the runes? Holy Light, please guide me and help me make the right decision—

She prayed in her heart, hoping that the holy light would guide her, but what came even earlier than the holy light was the dark mage from another world.

The moonlight on the windowsill suddenly distorted, like silk being crumpled by an invisible hand. Wisps of dark mist seeped into the silvery light. These wisps of mist spread extremely quickly, even causing the air to move and making a whistling sound.

Lina, who was already tossing and turning in bed, immediately got up, her right hand instinctively reaching for the long sword on the bedside table.

The mist accumulated rapidly, and in the blink of an eye, it formed a semi-transparent door. Before Lina could even stop it, she saw a figure walk out of the door.

As the fog dissipated, Rune, the source of all her troubles and privileges during this period, suddenly stood in the center of her room.

Rune looked just like he had not long ago, like an ordinary traveler, but Lina knew that this traveler's power could easily overturn the entire world.

Lina took a deep breath. She didn't draw her sword, but her fingers gripping the hilt turned white.

"Please forgive my rudeness." Rune looked at the woman in her pajamas, his tone slightly apologetic. "In our world, it's still—nightlife time."

The current DC Universe is only at eight o'clock.

"It's alright." Lina pursed her lips, saying she didn't mind, but Rune could sense the paladin's wariness towards her.

This is probably the fear of the ants towards the strong.

Just like when humans feed stray cats, some cats hiss because humans are too large for them to be trusted. They dare not let their guard down around such powerful creatures, even if humans are giving them food for free.

So Rune decided to get straight to the point. He reached out from the void with his left hand and, as if by magic, produced the Heart of Azeroth.

This ornament is strange; its very center shimmers with an unusual light. The light is soft, yet it carries an aura of vastness and boundlessness. In fact, Lina could even feel a sense of familiarity with it.

"This is a gift from the consciousness of the planet beneath your feet," Rune said solemnly. "Her name is Azeroth, and she is also the Supreme Star Soul. She is your mother, the mother of all things in this world—"

"She is powerful. The future Azeroth will become the strongest in this universe. Whether it is light or darkness, order or chaos, life or death, they will all become Azeroth's weapons."

"But she is also very weak. Azeroth is still an embryo. And in order to prevent themselves from being bound by their fate, the six Forces are trying to corrupt Azeroth and turn her into a tool to represent their will and promote themselves."

Lina held her breath. She had never heard these words before, but she also felt that this powerful visitor from another world wouldn't lie to her.

"And I, I don't need followers, Lina—" Rune said softly, "But Azeroth—your mother needs them, she needs warriors who can protect her."

Rune paused, noticing the sword hilt gripping Lina's hand and the struggle in her eyes. He continued with a smile, "I know you question all of this, you doubt me, but it doesn't matter. You only need to swear to the Holy Light that you will protect Azeroth at all costs, and I will grant you immense power."

"Really?" Lina hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "No other requests?"

Rune nodded.

This time, Lina was truly convinced. The sea breeze seeped in through the cracks in the window, ruffling the stray hairs on Lina's forehead. She looked at the Heart of Azeroth in Rune's hand and finally nodded.

There are no bad people among beings who can use Holy Light. This is determined by the nature of the Force of Light itself. The stronger the Holy Light they use, the stronger their desire for dedication and sacrifice will be.

If anyone breaks their oath to the Holy Light or commits any heinous act, the Holy Light will abandon that being.

Although there are extreme individuals and organizations among the users of the Holy Light, such as Zera and the Scarlet Crusade, they can be called madmen, but cannot be classified as bad people.

This is the most important reason why Rune chose Lina: those who can become paladins are not bad-hearted.

Lina immediately made a vow, saying that she deeply loved the land beneath her feet and therefore did not mind becoming its protector.

A faint light flashed, and a bottle containing a pale blue solution appeared in Rune's palm. Compound 15, a liquid from the world of The Boys, which could grant powerful strength to its drinker, was the first layer of protection he provided to those who guarded Azeroth.

Rune handed the bottle of compound number five to Lina and said softly, "Drink it, and you will gain immense power—"

Lina took the bottle of solution, but then, as if possessed, asked, "So, what's the price?"

Just as Rune was about to explain the purpose of the liquid, he suddenly sensed that in a distant and unfamiliar dimension, someone was reciting his name—