Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 68, Part 23: Aww! Gul'dan's wrath is about to transform into the hand of destruction that will overwhelm Karabor! [Update 26/50]

(Additional update for the "Sakurababy" brothers [1/5])
The Vigilante's first sermon upon returning to the Temple of Karabor was a great success.

But this was not because the level of the Vigilant's teachings was so high, but mainly because the audience was too fanatical.

In fact, when Dick just started his emotional speech, he found that no matter what he said, the audience sitting below would give a super exaggerated and enthusiastic response, just like a group of little fans waving glow sticks to cheer for their giegie.

This was mainly because the awakening of a saint, which only happened in myths, was too bizarre, and the audience involved had already been shocked by the "halo" around Dick.

The Draenei have long coexisted with the Holy Light during the past 25,000 years of exile. The arcane tradition that once competed with the Holy Light in the world of Argus has long been squeezed into a corner and is struggling to survive. Today, eleven out of ten Draenei are believers of the Holy Light, which makes them directly defenseless against the saints who symbolize the Holy Light.

They simply couldn't calm down enough to listen to what Dick wanted to tell them.

In this case, the sentinel does not need to rack his brains to soothe their hearts. He does not need to waste any more words until the people calm down.

But the atmosphere had become so tense that Dick felt embarrassed to leave hastily without saying anything, so he took the scriptures that Ms. Isana had prepared long ago and explained the enlightenment of the Holy Light to the people in the way that priests are best at.

Of course, I am a saint after all, so the necessary "light and shadow effects" are still necessary.

Therefore, Dick made full use of his professional advantage as a pioneer of the scorching sun. As he explained different doctrines, the holy light transformed into three kinds of light and illuminated the entire pulpit in turn. Under the illumination of the light that was either warm, soothing, or full of hope, the people listened with fascination.

Especially those citizens who are injured, they can even get a free wave of the saint's healing morning light.

Oh, this wave really made money.

Amidst thunderous cheers, Diakum finished his wonderful sermon. He bid farewell to the people and left along with the priests of the Ordo Temple amidst a wave of regretful cries.

As she walked into the jewel-studded passage, Dick saw Ms. Ishana waiting for her there.

The legendary priest looked very tired, as if he had just gone through some spiritual "trial".

"The people are devout in their faith in the Holy Light, which is excellent. However, the problem of the Church's overdevelopment of faith is serious. Blind obedience to faith is depriving our people of their ability to think. I don't know how you have addressed this issue over the past 25,000 years, but judging by the results alone, you have clearly failed to curb this ominous trend.

Of course, I am not criticizing you, my mentor in faith."

With all due respect to Ms. Ishana, who led him on the path of pastoral ministry, Dick said:

“I just think that while it’s good to have faith to protect the soul, self-awareness and the ability to think independently are equally important for our people.

Ok?
What's wrong with you?
Why do I feel like you just fought a rampaging Elekk and lost?"

"You still have the nerve to say it?"

Ms. Ishana, who is usually gentle, rarely loses her temper.

The leader of the Aldor priests glared at the Vigilant Saint and asked sternly:
"Brother Diakum, I've always known you to be a brilliant and intelligent believer. When I first entered the priesthood, you refuted me with a series of difficult doctrinal questions, causing me to fall into a long period of contemplation. Only then did you gradually regain my sanity through my faithful understanding of the Holy Light doctrine and my deepening ability in scripture interpretation.

That was indeed a debate that still makes me shudder when I think about it now, but you shouldn't pass on your personal understanding of doctrine to the garrison officers under your command!

They are still young, Brother Diakme, and they have not experienced the same profound life experience as we have, which makes them lack sufficient understanding to correctly understand the profound series of teachings you have conveyed.

It's easy for them to go down the wrong path because of your guidance!

Just like just now, while you were giving your outstanding speech, the new recruits you recruited came to me with doubts and asked me about the true meaning of the Holy Light.

But the questions they ask are enough to make my brain explode!

It's not because I can't answer it, but because that is not the question they should be thinking about at this stage. You know, without sufficient knowledge, life experience and inspiration, rashly getting involved in overly profound philosophical discussions will only make talented young people waste their time without gaining anything!

If not handled properly, they may even be devastated, causing their originally positive minds to fall into the terrible abyss of nihilism.

I understand that you want your children to be able to think for themselves, but your actions are irresponsible."

"Ah, this is a common problem among young people of all races: they think too much and do too little; they have too many questions and too little knowledge."

Dick didn't think it was a big deal.

After all, he had also come from that time. Facing Ms. Ishana’s anger, he waved his hand and said:

"But you have to admit that without a clear understanding of the correct relationship between 'Holy Light and Man,' they will be unable to make deeper progress on the path guided by Holy Light. I have no intention of arguing with you. I simply believe that faith is not everything for our people.

Please don't forget that you also bear the world oath of Argus!"

He glanced at the Heart of Argus pendant hanging on Lady Isana's chest and said:
"The garrison protects the people's safety, and the priests guard the souls of the tribe. If our young people only regard the Oath of Argus as a legend and myth, and do not intend to follow their predecessors and embark on this path of national salvation, it will only prove that...
We priests have failed in our duty for the past 25,000 years!

So, tell me, Bishop Ishana."

Dick emphasized his tone and said:

"How many people have now lost faith in returning to Argus? How many people no longer care about our suffering homeland, and only want to spend the rest of their lives in this strange and peaceful place that does not belong to us?

Tell me! Ms. Isana.

As the leader of pastors and the protector of people's souls, have you also become disappointed and hopeless about the oath you have taken to the world?

Have you also long since given up looking back at Argus?"

Faced with Dick's harsh questioning, Bishop Isana, who was originally furious because Dick had "corrupted the children", fell silent for a rare time.

Under the horrified gaze of the numb priests around her, their leader even bowed her head before the saint at this moment. Her body was trembling, as if she was afraid to give an answer that was bound to disappoint the saint.

Ishana was silent.

But this silence itself represented her answer.

"Ugh."

In the deafening silence, Dick sighed.

He did not blame Isana for her weakness, but raised his hand and placed it on the shoulder of his old friend, and whispered:
"Twenty-five thousand years of exile is too painful and too long. We are far away from home, so far that we can't even find the lights of our hometown in the sea of stars, and thus we are lost in the darkness.

Just like children who are afraid of the darkness, they can only hold their heads and cry, locking themselves in cowardly protection and no longer trying to contact the outside world easily.

This doesn't mean you're not strong enough, my friend.

You're just lost.

But as long as that light is rekindled, you will soon find your way home.

Go and rest, I will soon help you and our people light that lamp, so that courage and hope can return to our hearts."

"I'm sorry, Diakham, we must have disappointed you."

Isana said softly with sadness:
"You and those who sacrificed your lives did your best to get us out of our homeland. You helped us regain the light and hope we had lost, but we lost it again."

"I'm not disappointed at all. When we set out, there were only 120,000 people on that ship, but 25,000 years later, we have more than 200,000 compatriots in this world."

Dick smiled and said:
"Such a long exile is bound to be accompanied by sacrifices, but our people are still developing and reproducing. Our civilization has not been destroyed by disasters. We are still moving forward.

Sorry, I just said something I shouldn't have said.

You have done a great job and performed your duties more responsibly and perfectly than I imagined.

I was the deserter!

It was me who wasn't there for you when you needed me most, but now that I'm back, we can recover together what we were forced to give up because of suffering and pressure.

We will find it, and we must find it!"

"woohoo"

The wailing cries echoed in the passage.

Bishop Isana, who had always been strong and had hardly shed tears in her more than 20,000 years of exile, threw herself into the arms of the Saint of Vigilance at this moment. She seemed to want to release all the pressure and grief she had endured over the years with such a weak cry.

She whispered how much she missed the sight of Mac'Aree, how much she longed to step into Her Majesty's temple again.

But there's no going back.

The homeland they were familiar with was lost 25,000 years ago, and His Majesty Lula was dead.

They are already homeless.

This scene made the surrounding priests and ministers bow their heads, especially those who had traveled all the way from Argus, tears streaming down their eyes.

They couldn't let the people see their cowardice, but now with the return of the Sentinels, the missing sense of security was finally brought back from the past, and they seemed to be able to finally take a break.

Even if it's only for a few days.

Dick did not leave in a hurry. He supported Ishana, who had completely broken down emotionally, and listened to the sorrow and heavy burden in the heart of this legendary priest. He sent her back to the Aldo Temple area surrounded by priests, and told the priests to take good care of their old friend. Only then did he leave the temple with some regret and a heavy sigh.

As soon as the results came out, I heard a joke:
"Oh, the great saint is so charming that even a legendary priest like Isana is willing to throw herself into your arms. I've never seen her lose her composure like this before. She's crying like a little girl whose teddy bear was taken away."

Dick looked up helplessly and saw Nari sitting on a stone pillar, chewing a bloody apple. She had changed back into the archbishop's ceremonial armor, washed her face and put on makeup, looking energetic.

Facing her teasing, Dick said unhappily:

"Your crying that night when you talked about your hometown was no better than Isana's."

"boom"

The half-eaten apple smashed hard on Dick's big face plate, and was caught by the saint, put into his mouth and took a bite, splashing juice everywhere.

"Am I crying because I miss my hometown? You really have no self-awareness at all!"

Naili jumped down lightly, put her hands on her hips and scolded:

"But I'm too lazy to tell you this. I just ask you not to put on this 'weeping Eredar' drama every time you meet an old friend from Argus. There are tens of thousands of people in Karabor Temple who are ancestors of the Argus era.

If every one of them cried in front of you, the tears of missing their homeland would be enough to drown the city.

Please restrain your overly gentle consolation. What the people need now is protection and stability.

follow me!
The Great Prophet is ready to have a secret talk with you. I have informed Lord Velen of your current situation, and he has prepared a gift for you."

"Hmm, a gift? I like it."

Dick smiled and tried to summon his sacred warhorse but was stopped by Nellie.

The holy object made of light was too conspicuous in the Temple of Karabor and was not suitable for a secret conversation. She prepared a Talbuk sheep for Dick to ride on, and then took him through the magnificent and exaggerated temple area of the Temple of Karabor, heading towards the area where the Great Prophet Velen had been recuperating and living alone for the past few years.

"I know you're not happy with some of the decisions made by the Council of Bishops, but that's not really Prophet Velen's fault."

As they approached Velen's residence, Nari whispered:
"The Great Prophet's health has only improved in recent decades. In the years immediately following the crash of the Genedar, he was even in intermittent coma, which nearly forced us to prepare a holy coffin for Velen according to your specifications.

Also, I told you before that the prophet lost his prophetic ability because of that serious injury. He could no longer discern danger from visions of the future and lead his people forward. He was afraid that making the wrong choice would ruin the future of the Draenei, which led to the joint rule of the Council of Bishops.

The good news is that as the prophet's body gradually recovers, his ability to predict is also returning, but now he still needs to rely on the Soul Song, one of the Atama crystals, to help him see visions of the future.

Indeed, his conviction that orcs and draenei could coexist peacefully seems inspired by prophecy."

"He must have seen it wrong or he was misled."

Dick jumped out of the carriage and said to Nellie:
"This war is inevitable. Even if peace is truly possible, we must first defeat the Horde army led by Warchief Blackhand and Gul'dan. I hope Velen is ready. If he is not, I will have to use more drastic measures to persuade him.

Naili, the letter I asked you to deliver before"

"It has been sent. Archon Hatton may reply soon."

Nellie whispered:
"But you don't have to worry about Archon Hatton's attitude. That stubborn Krokuun has never thought of compromise. He has always been the main fighter among the Draenei clans. Before you woke up, conflicts often broke out on the border between the Talador region he managed and the Nagrand grasslands.

The Krokuun Hunters, led by your brother, Brigadier General Jaid, have never treated the orc clans that dared to provoke the border with a good face.

In short, we all privately call Jaid 'the Ram' and Hatton 'the Old Ram'. But on the other hand, the father and son's ruthless attitude towards the orcs is also an important reason why the orcs feel pressured and threatened. "

"Well, that's what we Krokuuns are supposed to do."

Dick nodded with satisfaction, then walked towards Velen's residence. The six familiar Chosen Ones of Holy Light were still guarding the Grand Archon as they had done 20,000 years ago. When they saw Dick coming, they raised the light-forged spears in their hands to salute the Saint of the Vigilance.

"Ms. Devinius, we meet again."

Dick greeted the Chosen One of them, whom he had met once before, and said:

"After twenty thousand years, your aura has become much more powerful."

"This is just a pretense of strength. We haven't participated in many battles in recent years. We are just pretenders. We can't compare to your glorious achievements on the battlefield."

Devinius smiled and said to Dick:

"Come in quickly, the Prophet has a surprise for you."

"Honestly, I can't wait."

Dick smiled and strode into the prophet's residence. He saw old Velen standing in front of the table. He took something from Archbishop Akama beside him and examined it carefully in his palm.

It is worth noting that when Dick entered the residence, the thing in Viren's hand began to tremble as if sensing some power and emitted floating beams of light.

"You're here! Come quickly, Diakam! I heard from Nellie about your current situation. The exaggerated accumulation of holy power is indeed affecting your condition, so I prepared this for you."

Old Viren beckoned Dick to come closer, then handed him the exquisite gem crystal in his hand that looked like an eye.

"Is this one of the Atama crystals?"

Dick took the gem and said curiously:

"Which one?"

"It's the Eye of the Storm, Vigilant."

Akama next to him introduced:
"This gemstone possesses the power to enhance the holder's energy manipulation. It can activate almost any energy and allow you to control it more freely.

As the custodian of the Atama Crystal, I have only allowed three people to use it in the past twenty thousand years. Every time it is activated, our people are in danger, just like the current situation. Holding this crystal will undoubtedly help you dissipate the accumulated holy power in your body more quickly.

Also, glad to see you awake!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Lord Akama."

Dick stroked the crystal and said to Archbishop Akama with sincerity in his heart:
"I will never forget your heroic performance in the final battle of Argus. It is no exaggeration to say that you were the embodiment of courage for us Eredar people. I was honored to fight alongside you at that time."

"Your praise makes me feel uneasy."

Akama smiled. The decisive battle scene the saint had described was also one of the glorious moments in the Archbishop's heart. However, he still shook his head seriously and said:
"But now is not the time to flatter each other. Vigilant, Prophet, Nai Li and I are here tonight to help you dig out the terrible cancer hidden among the people. The one who calls himself 'Socretha the Eternal'!"

The Archbishop touched the golden sickle hanging from his waist, inlaid with gems and wrapped with chains. He said in a deep voice:

"We must cut off the roots of this evil that poisons people's hearts, just as we cut off the roots of the Awakener cult."

"That's exactly why I'm here!"

Dick pulled up a chair and sat down at the table. As the others took their seats, he glanced at the Eye of the Storm gem in his hand. The gem's attributes quickly popped up:
【

Item Name: Atama Crystal Eye of the Storm
Item Quality: Universe Wonder

Item special effects:

The Eye of the Storm possesses magical powers that can greatly enhance the holder's energy manipulation. When holding this crystal, the holder will be temporarily granted the talents of [Excellent Energy Affinity] and [Excellent Energy Harness].

The energy possessed by the holder can be mobilized and used in a more free manner, and can be shaped into various possible forms according to the user's wishes.

Set effect:

Atama Crystal [2/7]: The Eye of the Storm senses the radiant dawn at your heart. The encounter with your ancient "brother" creates a wondrous resonance and amplification between the two crystals.

In this amplified state, your Holy Power recovery speed is further greatly improved to the "Legendary·Upper" level, and your Radiant Energy Pool is further greatly expanded to the "Legendary·Upper" level.

In this amplified state, Eye of the Storm will additionally grant you the special ability of "Activating Holy Light". Combined with the talent [Unsheathed Holy Light], you can temporarily materialize the Holy Light energy into the weapon or shield state you want, while greatly enhancing the effectiveness of the offensive priest spells you cast.

Item description:

[I suggest you make an iron glove with six grooves on it, and then collect Atama crystals as your side quest. Once you get all the crystals, you can learn to snap your fingers like a certain purple potato titan.

Your compatriots simply don’t understand how to properly use this holy object that was born during the Great Order of Light and Darkness, but you definitely do!
A snap of the fingers is enough to solve most problems, you know what I mean? 】

】

"But the problem is that Soul Song, Leaf Shadow, and Lucky Kiss are completely useless in my hands."

Dick mentally rejected this offer, which was honestly quite tempting.

He did not intend to do so, because the seven fragments of the Atama Crystal each had its own power. Using them together would only strengthen a single unit. It would be worse to give them to the people to use so that they could realize their true use as strategic artifacts.

But the Heart of Fury and Shield of Naaru, which are more inclined towards combat amplification, are indeed worth collecting if there is a chance in the future.

"I have carefully studied the letter that Diakum gave me."

In this residence, the great prophet Velen said in a serious voice:

“That’s the clearest evidence!
Those blasphemous characters clearly proved that there was a secret organization in the Temple of Karabor that maintained a cooperative relationship with the Shadow Council of the orcs. Coupled with the name Socrethar the Eternal, which was a mixture of Demonic and Eredar, it was enough to prove that it was a group of lackeys of the Burning Legion!
The priority now is to confirm their identities.

If, as Diakum anticipates, this incident involves one or more archbishops, we will need to invite Archon Haddon to send a credible force into the Temple of Karabor to ensure the cleanup is seamless."

"Yes, we must eradicate them! We should not give them the chance to escape and hide again."

Nari, who used to punch in at the Argus Assassin's Court and hated traitors the most, gnashed her teeth and said:
"I have another guess. Perhaps this organization doesn't only have servants in the Karabor Temple. If they really grew up in the shadow of civilization under the protection of certain people, then their tentacles may have already reached..."

"Wait! Did you feel that?"

Dick was listening when he suddenly felt his heart tremble. He stood up suddenly, interrupted Nellie's description, covered his heart, and felt the sadness and warning conveyed by his flesh and blood.

His expression changed slightly, and he said to the others:
"Something is about to happen. The remains of His Majesty L'Ula convey a warning to me! It's not good right here at Karabor Temple! It's the Dark Star! Is Gul'dan going to risk everything at this moment?"

"Is he crazy?"

Nellie exclaimed:
"The orc army simply can't arrive in such a short time. He can't achieve the victory he wants just by calling for the Dark Star to fall."

"What if that mad orc no longer wants victory, but only wants to see destruction?"

Dick shook his head and said:
"It seems my awakening has stimulated them. Those traitors are almost insane with their fear of being exposed."

"Anyone who burned alive like you did, like Gul'dan, would surely harbor resentment."

Nellie sighed and said:
"The question is what to do next? If you can already sense the approach of the Dark Star, it's too late to evacuate the citizens! Once that evil void star hits, the Karabor Temple will be finished!"

"Wait, who can tell me first, what is 'Dark Star'?"

Akama looked at Nellie and Dick in confusion. He felt the seriousness of the problem from their serious tone but couldn't understand where the problem came from. However, Vilen stood up at this moment.

He sighed, grasped the Redeemer's Staff at hand, and said:

“It’s Kara!

It was the noble life that dedicated everything it could to the survival of the Draenei clan. It did not leave this sea of stars after choosing to exile itself. Chieftain Ner'zhul told me before that the Shadowmoon orcs captured Kala's movement trajectory with their astrology.

Ah, we have to face our former friends, no, relatives."

"But besides facing the void bombardment head-on, there's actually another way. I've been thinking about this on the way, and I must rush back to Karabor Temple as soon as possible to prepare for this, but I can't do it alone."

Dick looked at Weiren, and under the latter's surprised gaze, he whispered:

"Do you remember how we ended Sachir's dark ambitions in the city of Oronaar?"

Wei Lun was stunned for a moment, and then distant memories surfaced in his mind. He clenched his hand around his staff and asked cautiously:
"Are you sure?"

"I do not know."

Dick looked at the Eye of the Storm in his hand and said:

"But I think we must try! The people need this light, and we need to reconnect with the Army of Light."

------

"Ah! The Dark Star has arrived! The end of the void will be ushered in by Kara's Dark Song!"

High in the Shadow Council's hideout, Gul'dan stood in a dark circle filled with the cold power of the void, surrounded by the corpses of Shadowmoon warlocks who had their souls drained and died tragically.

But he didn't care.

He raised his hands high, letting the evil energy and fire of power burn on his body, and looked at the dark evil star falling from the sky to the earth with satisfaction. The terrifying void shadow dragged Shadowmoon Valley into a deeper eternal night the moment it appeared.

Even the last bit of starlight disappeared.

"The end of Karabor Temple has come! The war has begun. I am the messenger of destruction, I am the sign of doom, I am the twilight of the exiles!"

Gul'dan's heart was filled with the shame of being burned to death. He stared at the dark meteorite sliding down and roared ferociously:

"Tell me! Diakum, you damned Vigilant! What are you going to do against this supreme destruction? Ha, die with your false holy light! Bastard! I want to see how you can defeat me again."

(End of this chapter)