Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 10. The Holy Light teaches us to be honest, but I didn’t lie.
The city of Oronaar, the largest and most prosperous city in the Mac'Aree region, the capital of the Eredar, is also the oldest surviving city in the entire civilization.

Although the Eredar originated in the Petrified Forest in the Krokuun region, it was here that the ancestor wizard Augre found the sacred Atama Crystal tens of thousands of years ago. The ancestors who walked out of the forest established the first settlement here and then spread out.

The legendary ancestor wizard used the power of the Atama crystal to establish the first Eredar nation in history, officially opening the Eredar civilization.

They discovered the fertile Antoran Plain, and after nearly ten thousand years of development, they developed sophisticated navigation technology, which enabled them to form a fleet to explore the entire world, and spread the Eredar's footprints to several other continents throughout the world. However, with the mysterious disappearance of the Ancestral Wizard, this civilization soon split, and then wars broke out between the various Eredar countries.

It was a war that engulfed all of Argus and led to the collapse of the Age of Kings.

After the war, everyone reunited, regained unity in the ruins of division, and learned from their mistakes. They no longer supported the king but established a new "two-man ruling group" system, determined to guide the people with the coexistence of wisdom and strength, thus leading the Eredar into the current "second co-governance" era.

From this point of view, the Eredar are actually a group with a spirit of exploration and strong martial virtues.

Unfortunately, the advantage of the immortal species is also a disadvantage.

In the immortal life without aging, marriage and family became unnecessary options in life, and the difficulty of breeding immortal species was like a curse hanging over the Eredar. From the mythological age of the Ancestral Wizard to the Age of Kings, and then again in the Second Co-Governance Era when this civilization was at its peak, the number of Eredar has never seen a breakthrough growth.

According to Dick's communication with the Maldran garrison commander in the past few days, the number of Eredar should be in the tens of millions and has remained at this level for a long time.

For a race that has explored the entire world and established its rule, this number is truly pitiful. It is said that as the Grand Archon, Velen set an example by encouraging fertility; he has a happy family and one child.

But another Grand Archon, Lord Commander Kil'jaeden, is an out-and-out "bachelor".

Throughout his life, he had never been involved in any scandal with any woman, even though there was always a lack of beautiful and virtuous ladies around the commander.

Of course, there are also rumors that exaggerate the touching friendship between Commander Kil'jaeden and Archon Velen, and even fabricate their spiritual love. However, even in today's very open-minded Eredar society, those who dare to spread such gossip about their leaders will be caught by the Assassin's Court and killed first and then questioned.

The main thing is that there is no evidence! Naturally, you can't slander others without any evidence.

By the way, it’s hard to find evidence for this kind of spiritual attachment and love, right?
"Dick? Dick, are you listening to the plan? Why do I feel like you've been daydreaming since entering the city? For someone about to embark on a 'suicidal' journey, your mental state is really bad!"

The dissatisfied voice of the high-ranking ranger Nari brought Dick back to reality from his reverie. Hiding in a secret tower in Oronaar City, he turned around and said apologetically:

"It's just that I haven't left the Arcana Academy for a long time. Before, I came here secretly at night to attend the cultists' gatherings, and rarely had the opportunity to appreciate our Eredar's most prosperous city in the sun.

Sorry, I got distracted."

"Maybe it's just too much pressure."

An Eredar male warrior dressed as an assassin behind him shook his head and said:

"After all, he's going to die in a few days, and I'd be under a lot of pressure if I took over."

"Indeed, entering the Awakener's gathering alone and instigating a rift between the Awakener and his most trusted disciple are both difficult tasks."

Another female hunter assassin wearing ruby goggles looked at Dick suspiciously and said:
"If this matter were handed over to an eloquent arcanist, I'd have some hope, but it's a bit outrageous for a sternly honest garrison officer to act as a lobbyist. By the way, Dick, have you offended Commander Talgas?

Otherwise why would I force you to do this fatal thing?"

"Shut up!"

Captain Nellie scolded her team members and said to Dick:
"Ignore them! The Assassin's Court is a bunch of eccentric eccentrics who don't know how to communicate normally with others. Actually, it doesn't matter if you don't listen to this plan. You just need to be responsible for your mission.

But Commander Talgas has instructed us to obey your orders, so you must give us a focus of action!"

The dashing huntress folded her arms and asked:
"Do you want us to protect you along the way and rescue you in the end, or..."

"No, you don't have to worry about me. Your only goal is to ensure that Archimonde dies in the chaos when the two factions fight, and to seize his Soul Stone to prevent him from resurrecting again."

Dick said to Captain Nellie very seriously:

"I will take care of my own life, but Archimonde must die!"

"I see. It must be Archimonde who provoked you."

The female assassin before couldn't help but complain:
"What you're saying now is like those revengers with deep hatred who are willing to risk everything to kill their enemies."

"Is not this nonsensical?"

Another assassin followed up with a comment like a supporting actor:

"We've all read the files. Mr. Dick served Archimonde wholeheartedly, yet that hypocrite turned around and tried to kill him to silence him. How can you tolerate that? If it were me, I wouldn't tolerate it! Not only that, I'd definitely put a laxative or something in that bastard's tea."

"You two subordinates are really..."

Dick was speechless as he watched the two chatterbox assassins talking back and forth like a crosstalk, then he glanced at Captain Nari, whose expression was as calm as if her nerve endings were dead.

He said sympathetically:
"It's not easy for you either."

"Well, who says it isn't true? Commander Talgas recruits these weirdos every day, but their assassination skills are as good as their words, so there's no need to worry about the mission."

Nellie shook her well-maintained tail, pointed to the weapons box behind her, and said to Dick:
"There are the weapons we brought with us. You can pick a few to arm yourself with. There are also Arkonite crystal shields and phantom generators made by the master technicians. While they won't be of much use, they can at least help you attract more fire in a worst-case scenario.

Unfortunately, the Vindicator's Codex prohibits the use of poison and cursed weapons. Otherwise, eh? What would you do with that thing?
Put it down now!
That is a cursed blade, and if you hold it you will be burned by the Holy Light."

"But my moral integrity has been broken, Lady Nari. Until I rediscover my oath, the Holy Light may not be able to control me for the time being."

Dick took out a one-handed sword inlaid with dark gems from the weapon box, and a half-shield equipped with an Arkonite crystal array. He waved them twice in his hands and put them aside when he was satisfied. Under the stunned gaze of the three high-level assassins, he took out several bottles of poison of various colors and put them in his pocket.

Finally, I also took a few packs of jeweled throwing knives used by Eredar assassins.

This weapon is very sharp and brittle. After piercing the human body, it will break into pieces and release the cursed power inside. It is a vicious weapon specially used for assassination.

The sight of an upright garrison officer who followed the guidance of the Holy Light holding this thing in his hand would be completely disastrous to any normal Eredar.

"Hey! You, the garrison commander."

The chatterbox female assassin couldn't help but exclaimed:
"You're not playing by the rules!"

"And your words just now, 'The Holy Light has no effect on you,' are enough to be considered blasphemy by the other garrison officers."

The female assassin's supporting actor also exclaimed:

"Have you given up on yourself because you've been abandoned by the Holy Light? Hey, it's not that serious. We've seen vindicators whose moral integrity was broken before, and most of them were able to regain the blessing of the Holy Light after a period of time.

Don’t give up on treatment!”

"You guys have a rather shallow understanding of the Holy Light."

Facing the shock of the three high-ranking assassins, Dick acted quite indifferent. He rearmed himself and said:

"Perhaps it's because of my unique experience, but in my opinion, Holy Light isn't a commandment or a constraint. It's a power and a tool, just like the magic in the hands of arcanists or the razor in the hands of assassins.

A good person can use the Holy Light to help others not because the Holy Light teaches him to do so, but because he decides to do so.

By the same token, a decent garrison officer can transform into the most terrifying madman after a bad day.

Good and evil lie only in the human heart. Don't attribute all your mistakes or victories to the Holy Light. If I can only be a good person when I hold the Holy Light, then perhaps I shouldn't have it in the first place."

"God, just be thankful that the person standing before you is a weirdo from the Assassin's Court."

Captain Naili couldn't help but complain:
"If the priests of the Naaru Temple were here, you would probably be burned at the stake this afternoon, and we would have the honor of witnessing the first heretic burned to death by fanatical believers thousands of years after Archon Velen abolished cruel religious punishments.

Dick, don't say these things outside
Even Grand Archon Velen would not agree with your crazy talk. For the Eredar, Holy Light, arcane, and even the more ancient elemental theory are all beliefs. Belief is the foundation of life and the foundation of the existence of world order. Even the most extreme arcanist would not dare to comment on the relationship between Holy Light and humans in this way.

How can you, a former garrison commander, say such a thing?"

"But am I wrong? Blindly following the light will make us lose our own reason, and eventually fall into a pit and be swallowed by the shadow. Light and shadow are interdependent. The brighter the light, the longer the shadow of the person in it.

The closer you get to the Holy Light, the more you must be wary of the shadows in your heart."

Dick snorted and activated the Arkonite crystal array on his shield.

Amidst the flickering blue sparks, an energy shield radiated outward from the shield, blocking Dick's front before being closed by him.

He had no intention of arguing with the three assassins, so he took the initiative to end the topic and said:
"When do we act?"

"That'll have to wait."

Nari didn't want to discuss doctrine too much. She was a ranger and worked in the Assassin's Court and did not follow the teachings of the Holy Light, but Dick's words still made her feel uneasy.

She accepted the change of subject as if nothing had happened and said in a very professional tone:

"Captain Talgas has sent scouts to closely monitor Archimonde's movements. Once he's ready to act, we'll follow suit. As you mentioned in your plan, the best outcome would be for both Thal'kiel and Archimonde to perish together, allowing us to solve two problems at once.

But you are the most important person on our side of the operation, so I want you to use the next few days to recuperate."

"It would be better to write another suicide note."

The female assassin continued:

"If you die, we will send your suicide note to the right place. Do you have any family?"

Dick shook his head and said, "I am an orphan from the Krokuun region. My parents were shepherds there and were killed by a shadow leopard in the Petrified Forest. I grew up in the Krokuun orphanage founded by Governor Hatton. If I had to name a relative, it would probably be my father, the Governor.

In addition to his busy work, he always took time to tell us kids some stories and common sense.

But he is not one who follows the Holy Light. He is an elemental shaman, a member of the oldest spellcasting tradition of the Eredar.

In our frontier land, where the people are tough and stoic, there isn't much difference between shamans, arcanists, vindicators, and priests, and they are all equally respected."

"Indeed, Mac'Aree is too urbanized, and the people here are too impetuous to calm down and seek the ancient and traditional shamanic ways."

Nellie nodded and said:
"In the more than a hundred years I've been growing up here, I've only met a few knowledgeable shamans. However, there are shaman colleagues in the Assassin's Court."

"You're only over a hundred years old?"

Dick looked at Nellie in surprise and said:
"Seeing you're so experienced, I thought you were a senior, but I didn't expect you were just a kid who just grew up."

"Look at what you're saying, you're just being too narrow-minded! Our Captain Naili is the most talented elite ranger in the Assassin's Court!"

The chatterbox female assassin proudly defended her commander and said:

"It only took her three months to pass the Ranger Trial presided over by Commander Talgas himself. She is a new legend in the Assassin's Court, second only to that shadowy female assassin Akali."

"But that guy is a lunatic!"

The male assassin played his role perfectly, and complained:
"I heard that Akali killed her parents when she was little. That little lunatic is so mentally disturbed that even Commander Talgath doesn't dare to let her go. If it weren't for Lord Commander Kil'jaeden's pity for her talent in the Way of Shadows, that little lunatic would have been burned to death by the priests!"

"That's enough, you two! Little Akali's affairs are top secrets of the Assassin's Court, and I see you don't want your tongues anymore."

Nellie finally couldn't stand these two idiots under her and drove them out in a bad mood. When she left, she warned Dick:
"You stay here for the next few days. We will inform you as soon as we have any news. Don't mind my subordinates' boasting. I am actually just an ordinary child raised by an old hunter.

It's worse than yours. I haven't even met my parents.

But because of that, I can't let other children like me lose their parents.

Dick, what we are doing is a good deed to protect our people. Whether you survive or not, I will always consider you as my companion."

"Of course, I believe in your protective heart, Archbishop Nari."

Dick said without turning his head:

"You will become a great man in the future. Believe me, one day, you will take over the heavy responsibility and become the sentinel arrow guarding the people."

"What 'Archbishop'?"

Nari said in surprise:

"In the entire Argus, there's only one position called 'Bishop'. Above that, you're called 'Consul'. Are you dizzy?"

"Oh, maybe in the future, and you might even set a lot of records? At least I think you have the talent, but I need to rest now. Could you please close the door?"

------

A few days later, just as Dick was slowly adapting to the "golden and magnificent" temple-like architectural style of Oronar City, which was exactly the same as the Mystery Academy, and embellished with gems, Captain Nari arrived quietly one evening.

She arrived riding on a flying ray and brought the important news that Dick had been waiting for.

"That hypocrite Archimonde just reported his mentor by name at the Archon's Seat. He shamelessly claimed the information you risked your life to gather was the clues he obtained while lurking in the Awakener Cult. He even proactively proposed to the two Archons that he personally give his mentor a 'final dose of dignity'.

Lord Commander Kil'jaeden agreed to his proposal, but the disgusting hypocrite would never know that his "perfect performance" tonight was just a farce before the clown's closing scene.

Commander Talgas has told us it's time to act!
Archimonde's followers are gathering at the Arcane Academy. They will set out at night, leaving you with less than four hours to persuade Thal'kiel."

"enough."

Dick stood up, packed his war hammer, sword and shield, and "Poisonous Dagger of Justice", and took a last look at the Oronaar market which was still bustling in the evening.

He turned and walked up the steeple steps and said to Nellie:
"People in the city, won't you evacuate?"

"It would alert the enemy. General Elodus, who is in charge of this suppression operation, obviously wants to complete a quick and decisive annihilation."

Nellie loaded her sapphire shotgun and said:

"Don't worry, the Capital District Garrison has made all the arrangements. Once the two sides engage in battle, the old city of Oronaar will be immediately sealed off, and no dangerous creatures will escape the encirclement. The priests of the Naaru Temple have also been mobilized to set up a barrier according to your suggestion to prevent the demons from breaking out of the battle zone and harming innocent people.

But that means you'll also be trapped in that 'animal cage'.

I'm asking you one last time, are you sure you don't need us to protect your safety?"

"No need. This is Diakum's farewell and Dick's rebirth!"

Dick said in a deep voice:
"I will earn my own life back! Besides, if I can't even make it through tonight, then wouldn't all those great goals I've planned for myself be like the moon in the mirror or the flowers in the water?

Ms. Nellie, I don't even dare to tell you my wish for fear of frightening you.

But the fact is that in that plan, Archimonde was just the initial challenge of an initial dungeon."

"I don't understand. Perhaps it's the border dialect from Krokuun?"

Nari shook her tail, took out a bundle of specially made Arkenite crystal bombs from her slender waist, handed them to Dick, and said:
"If you want to break out, throw this thing out, but be careful, it's very powerful. One shot can blow up an Arcane Guard. You don't have the Holy Light to protect you now. If you get blown up, I can only attend your funeral with compassion, senior."

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Dick put the bomb into his backpack, touched his cool-looking horns, and joked:
"My 'funeral' has already taken place. It was held in the cemetery of the Arcana Academy. Many students attended the memorial. I heard it was quite a grand occasion.

Ha, see you after we win, little Nellie, good luck to you."

"Good luck to you too, Mr. Dick."

Nairi hid in the shadows, watching Dick walk out of the tower and ride a Talbuk sheep through the bustling streets of Oronaar towards the old city, which was the headquarters of the Awakener Cult in the Mac'Aree region and where the Enlightener Thal'kiel had often held lectures in the past few years.

Even today, Naili could not imagine that the arcane master she once admired the most would degenerate into a crazy cultist in just a few decades.

It is said that it was a temptation from the devil.
"Alas, is it true, as Mr. Dick said in his advice to Lord Commander Kil'jaeden, that the demonic legions of the astral sea and their wicked masters have already set their sights on Argus?"

Nari sighed:
"I haven't had enough peaceful days yet. It seems they're gone forever."

Dozens of minutes later, at the entrance of the Grand Lecture Hall in the old city, Dick strode towards the entrance, but before he could get close, he was stopped by several gloomy guards.

"Private territory, please do not approach! Your Excellency."

The guards holding sharp blades shouted:
"If you don't care, go somewhere else and have fun."

"Really? I don't think I'm irrelevant."

Dick pulled down his hood in front of them and raised his head as the guards stared at him in shock. He looked at the guards, who were already emitting the smell of fel sulfur, with subtle eyes, and finally pointed at one of them and said:

"I remember you. You were the one who cut my neck. Unfortunately, your technique was a little immature, so I survived. But that's not a big deal.

Step aside!

I want to see His Excellency the Enlightener.

I bring you important news concerning the fate of the Awakener Order. I know you are about to launch a coup at dawn, but please forgive me for being frank. Before you do anything big, you must first clean up the bugs inside.

How can we accomplish the great cause bestowed upon us by the Benefactor if we mingle with insects like Archimonde?"

"you"

"What do you mean by 'I'? Hurry up and report! The dead are here to tell on me. If the Enlightener doesn't see me, then I'll be killed by the knife of my closest relatives."

Dick acted very arrogantly and frankly. Several guards were unsure of the situation, so they asked the guy who cut Dick's neck to go back and report.

A few minutes later, a gloomy warlock in a spellcaster's robe came out. He still had the lingering smell of blood on him. He looked Dick up and said:

"Come with me. The Enlightened One wishes to see you, but be forewarned: no matter what news you bring, you will not leave alive tonight. The sacrifice has begun, and the blood of a high-ranking vindicator is just the right thing to lure those hungry and brutal creatures.

Diakme, you were one of us.

It is your turn to do your duty.”

"of course."

Dick strode into the lecture hall and said:

"That's why I came here. The Holy Light teaches us not to deceive the world with lies. Therefore, what I bring is both the truth and the reality."

Ps:

Thanks to brother "Sakurababy" for the reward, the extra chapters will be counted in the release. I...you...ah...the kindness from my brothers seems a bit too heavy, I have no way to repay them but to try my best.

(End of this chapter)