Diablo traveled through time and became a necromancer

"Maybe... I shouldn't try to be so brave next time..." A clear thought arose in his mind, carrying an unprecedented weight. "When it's time to run... you still have to run."

In Branwell, he had the opportunity to evacuate with Irene. However, his duty as a scout, his sympathy for his comrades, and his miscalculation of his own strength led him to stay and fight to the death. The result... if it weren't for the unexpected change of Nicholas, the outcome would have been disastrous!

"If the sky falls, there's someone taller to hold it up..." This seemingly cowardly saying now took on a new, weighty weight in his heart. This wasn't cowardice, but rather the wisdom of survival after recognizing reality.

Kasha, Akara, even the unfathomable Nicholas…these were the truly powerful ones who could "hold the heavens." And Wu Ye, despite possessing Skeleton Brother and decent necromancy, was ultimately far from capable of single-handedly turning the tide. In the face of a true storm, his power was still dwarfed.

The warm dinner ended with laughter and joy. Aunt Mia took Betty to bed, while Wu Ye and Liya helped clear the dishes. Uncle Jordan returned to the blacksmith shop, continuing to study Wu Ye's golden dagger, marveling at it.

Wu Ye lay in his familiar bed, the sound of Leah's warm breathing beside him. Physical exhaustion and a peaceful mind allowed him to quickly fall into a deep sleep, a dreamless night.

next morning

Sunlight streamed into the room through the window. Wu Ye woke up, feeling much more refreshed. He had just finished the simple breakfast Aunt Mia had prepared with Leah and Betty when there was a clear knock on the door.

Leah opened the door, and outside stood a capable-looking girl named Rogge. She was wearing standard leather armor, with an upright posture and sharp eyes.

"Elder Wu." Sister Rogge bowed respectfully to Wu Ye. "Lord Kasha and Lord Akara request that you proceed to Lord Akara's cabin immediately. There are important developments regarding the Branwell incident and the interrogation of the captives that need to be discussed. Captain Irene is already there."

Wu Ye noticed that she only mentioned herself and emphasized that Irene was already at Akara Lodge (because she was receiving treatment and recuperation there). He nodded. "Got it. I'll be right there." He turned to Liya and whispered, "I'll be there."

Leah nodded in understanding: “Well, be careful.

Wu Ye hurried through the relatively quiet streets of Rogge City and arrived at Akara's hut, nestled in a secluded garden behind the cathedral. At the entrance, two fully armed Rogge women, their eyes alert, stood guard like statues. Seeing Wu Ye, they nodded slightly, clearly recognizing him.

As I pushed open the door, a tranquil atmosphere, a blend of herbal fragrance and a touch of magic, washed over me. The interior of the cabin was more spacious than I'd imagined, with a simple yet practical layout.

On one side were herb racks, apothecaries, and some simple medical instruments; this was clearly the area where Lord Akara was providing medical treatment. At this moment, Irene lay on a single bed covered in clean linens. Although still a little pale, she looked much better. Seeing Wu Ye enter, she nodded slightly. Her back injury had clearly been properly treated.

The other side of the hut was relatively empty, with a few wooden chairs and a small round table. Kasha and Lady Akara were currently seated there. This was Lady Akara's residence and also where she conducted important discussions and made important decisions.

Lying on her hospital bed, Irene recounted in a low but clear voice how Branwell had been attacked.

Kasha reported the results of the interrogation:

The captives confessed that they were loyal to the Trinity Church.

The existence of the Trinity Church is no secret among the upper echelons of Rogue and even among those with insight in Sanctuary! This ancient cult, with a history far older than the founding of Rogue Camp, dates back to ancient times. It is said to have been secretly founded by the incarnations of Hell's three great demons (Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal) while walking the mortal realm. Its core doctrine is the worship of the "True God," a unified being of the Three Devil Gods of Hell, and its mission is to plunge Sanctuary into eternal darkness.

Rogge has always regarded it as a serious threat, but the sect acts in secret and has deep roots, making it difficult to eradicate.

The key breakthrough of this interrogation was the confirmation that Thorien West was not only a member of the sect, but also its supreme leader and one of its core members in Westmarch! He used his power and position as a general to secretly recruit followers and cultivate influence within the Westmarch military and aristocracy. His level of infiltration far exceeded Rogge's previous expectations!

The Shipwreck Graveyard has been confirmed to be a key stronghold of the cult near the coast of Westmarch, used for secret meetings, training of minions, and preparation of sacrilegious rituals.

They were indeed preparing a large-scale blasphemous ritual with the goal of summoning more powerful hellish creatures, but the specific details and timing were unknown due to the low level of the captives.

Thorien's goal is to overthrow the Westmarch regime and use it as a springboard to expand the influence of the Trinity to the entire western continent, ultimately serving the will of the three great demon gods.

Kasha and Lord Akara decided: to strengthen the Rogge defense line, to carefully contact the uncorrupted forces in Westmarch, to send elite troops to investigate the shipwreck graveyard, and to ask for help from Lugol.

Kasha's face was terribly gloomy, but her shock and anger did not come from the existence of the Trinity Church itself (which had long been a known threat), but from Thorien's deep involvement and the breadth of its infiltration!

"Thorien West!" Kasha's voice was like ice, bursting with murderous intent. "This bastard! We've always known that the Trinity was active in Westmarch, but we never imagined... that he was the supreme leader! Westmarch's military power... is actually in the hands of such a person! This is a hundred times worse than our worst expectations!"

Mistress Akara's eyes were also filled with deep worry. She spoke slowly, her voice carrying the weight of history: "The Trinity... this ancient shadow, like a cancer, always haunts Sanctuary. Thorien's betrayal was like piercing this ancient boil, causing pus and blood to flow. He used the power of Westmarch to give this ancient evil unprecedented strength and support. The threat of darkness has never been so close or so powerful."

Kasha turned her gaze to Wu Ye, her voice filled with unprecedented gravity. "Wu, you've proven your courage and strength in Branwell. But the next core battlefields are in Westmarch and the Shipwreck Graveyard. There, you'll be facing the core forces of the Trinity and may even be exposed to the vortex of the Demon God's conspiracy. The danger is far greater than Branwell. This is no longer a level you can participate in now."

Master Akara added gently, "My child, you have great potential. The future of Rogge will become even stronger because of your strength."

Wu Ye's heart trembled. Although the existence of the Trinity was known, Thorien's deep involvement and the escalating threat it posed were still like a hammer! He immediately understood Kasha's meaning—facing an ancient and powerful cult led by General Westmarch, Rogge needed to give it his all. New forces like him and Vera needed time and space to grow, to avoid being crushed in the early stages of the storm!

"I understand! Grandma Akara!" Wu Ye responded without hesitation, his tone carrying an unprecedented solemnity. He glanced at Irene, who lay in the hospital bed with an equally solemn expression, knowing that even this strong warrior needed time to recover.

Walking out of Akara's hut, Rogge, standing guard at the door, stood tall and straight. The sun was still shining, but Wu Ye felt a heavy heart. The deep connection between Thorien and the Trinity hung over Rogge like a dark cloud.

"It seems like it's time for Leah, Vera and the others to pass Lu Gaoyin's test." Wu Ye muttered to himself.

He looked up at the training grounds, where he could hear the Rogge girls shouting even more passionately and desperately, and the clash of weapons. They had clearly sensed the gravity of the situation, and under Kasha's strict orders, they were undergoing brutal training to combat the ancient and powerful evil shadow.

Wu Ye took a deep breath, temporarily putting aside the heavy burden of responsibility, and walked quickly towards home. Sunlight shone on the cobblestone streets of Rogue City, and the air was filled with the fragrance of grass and trees, but Wu Ye's heart lingered with the solemn atmosphere in Akara's cottage—Thorion's profound betrayal, the ancient shadow of the Trinity, and the demonic conspiracy that hung like the sword of Damocles over Westmarch.

Pushing open the gate, Leah was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, holding a book on basic runes. The sunlight shone on her soft hair, making her look peaceful and beautiful. Seeing Wu Ye return, she put down the book and greeted him with concern.

"Wu, how is it? What did Lord Akara and Lord Kasha say?" Leah keenly noticed the lingering solemnity between Wu Ye's brows.

Wu Ye took Leah's hand and sat down on the stone bench. He organized his words and told her the news he had heard in Akara's cabin as concisely and clearly as possible: the ancient existence of the Trinity, Thorien's astonishing status as its supreme leader in Westmarch, the stronghold of the shipwreck graveyard, and the blasphemous ritual that was being prepared, the purpose of which was unknown.

He emphasized the judgment of Kasha and Lord Akara - the danger of the next core battlefield is far beyond imagination and is not a level they can participate in now.

Leah listened quietly, her bright eyes a crisscross of surprise, solemnity, and worry. When she heard about Thorien's true identity and the shadow of the demon behind the Trinity, she couldn't help but gasp and subconsciously tightened her grip on Wu Ye's hand.

"The three great demon gods...Torien turned out to be..." Leah's voice trembled slightly, but she quickly took a deep breath and her eyes became firm again. "Then...what are Lord Kasha and Lord Akara's plans?"

Wu Ye watched Leah quickly recover, and an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart. He said in a deep voice, "Lord Kasha and Lord Akara were mainly reporting the situation and deciding to strengthen the Rogge defenses, investigate the shipwreck graveyard, and contact Westmarch."

"But, Leah, I've thought about it carefully."

Leah watched him intently.

"Lord Kasha is right. We can't directly participate in the core of the next storm. Forcing our participation will not only be of no help, but may even become a burden, or even..." Wu Ye's mind flashed with Branwell's tragic death and Nicholas's figure, "...and die in vain."

"But," Wu Ye changed the subject, his tone carrying a well-considered determination and a subtle hint of yearning, "this doesn't mean we can only passively wait or do nothing! Leah, let's go to Lugain next to help you and Vala pass the test. Your current strength is enough to go to Kurast, right?"

He looked into Leah's eyes, his voice filled with sincerity and anticipation. "Kurast Harbor! It's the largest port in the East, home to a powerful Mage Guild, adventurers, and scholars from all over the world. I don't think we can stand still."

"Now," Wu Ye's tone became more resolute. "We can't directly participate in Rogge's Storm for the time being, but this is an opportunity! You and Vera haven't passed the test of the Serpent Canyon in Lugoin, so you can't get the Adventurer's Guild certificate required to go to Kurast. I'm familiar with Lugoin and have passed the test there. I've decided to take you and Vera to Lugoin and help you complete the test of the Serpent Canyon! That way, you can get the certificate! Then, join me on the ship to Kurast."

Seeing Wu Ye's vision for the future, his desire for shared action, and the eagerness to join him, Leah's heart was instantly filled with warmth and gratitude. She understood that Wu Ye's decision wasn't just to temporarily avoid the storm and help Vera and himself, but also to grow stronger faster! After all, she knew full well that weak people could accomplish nothing.

"Wu..." Leah's voice was choked with sobs, and then it turned into a brilliant smile. "You're right! Kurast... That's the future we planned! Help Vera and I pass the test, get the proof, and then the three of us will go together! And..." She shook Wu Ye's hand firmly, her eyes shining brightly. "I'm looking forward to going to Kurast just as much as you are. I'm sure Vera has the same idea!"

At this moment, there was a sound of sharp footsteps outside the courtyard gate. A tall figure appeared at the door. It was Vera!

She was wearing a light leather armor that was easy to move in, with a red cloak casually draped over her shoulders. Her wheat-colored skin glowed with health in the sun, and her face had a hint of fatigue from the journey, but her sharp eyes lit up instantly when she saw Wu Ye and Leah.

"Wu! Leah!" Vera's voice was a little hoarse, but still crisp and clear, "I just came from my aunt's place! She told me about Branwell and that cult! That bastard Thorien! He's actually the leader of the Trinity in Westmarch!" Her tone was filled with undisguised anger, and it was obvious that she had learned the core information from Kasha.

Wu Ye nodded and added some details (such as the shipwreck graveyard stronghold, etc.).

After hearing this, Vera frowned and clenched her fists. "Auntie must be furious! The Trinity Church... turns out to be backed by the Three Demon Gods! This is a big problem!" She looked at Wu Ye. "Auntie said we can't get involved in the upcoming tough battle, so we should take care of ourselves first. What are you talking about? Do you have any plans?"

Wu Ye looked at Vera and said in a deep voice, "Vera, I have an idea." He repeated what he had just said to Leah, emphasizing his plan to take Leah and Vera to Lugoin to complete the test in the Serpent Canyon, obtain the certificate from the Adventurer's Guild, and then the three of them would go to Kurast together.