Diablo traveled through time and became a necromancer

The clamor in the training ground abruptly ceased at Aisila's cold command. Cole sheathed his axes in frustration and glanced towards Wu Ye and the others, his eyes brimming with lingering fighting spirit and a hint of scrutiny of the unfamiliar, formidable force. Aisila then turned towards Wu Ye and the other two, her ice crystal staff twirling slightly in her hand, reflecting a cold light.

"Lord Ormus's prophecies never fail," Ashela's voice remained cold, but less austere and more scrutinizing. "He said a 'variable' would arrive in Kurast from the west, holding the key to a breakthrough, but also bringing the seeds of storm." Her gaze swept over Wu Ye, Liya, and Vera, lingering for a moment on the silent, towering skeleton of the Skeleton Brother, its soul flames blazing. "Now it seems that the key is you, and the storm... is also you."

Wu Ye met her gaze without wavering. "Captain Aisira," he said, his voice steady and frank, with the candor of a traveler, "we are merely adventurers, seeking greater power and the opportunity to see a wider world. The rainforests and legends of Kurast have drawn us in. As for politics, conspiracies, or storms..." He spread his hands, a helpless yet sincere smile on his face. "That's not our interest. We simply wish to gain experience and grow stronger here, nothing more."

Aisheela's sharp eyes lingered on Wu Ye's face for a few seconds, as if trying to determine the truth of his words. After a moment, she nodded slightly, her tone softening slightly. "Kurast welcomes all forces that oppose darkness. But remember, the depths of the rainforest are not a playground. Mephisto's whispers never cease, and Travink's shadow looms like a leech. Here, strength means responsibility, and survival means battle." She paused, pointing to a building at the edge of the training grounds, adorned with a snarling wolf head emblem. "The Iron Wolf headquarters is nearby. If you need supplies, intel, or want to take on missions to clear out the outer demon lairs, you can find the captain on duty. Hera Tieli's shop is just east along the main street, with the iron hammer sign."

"Thank you for your guidance, Captain." Wu Ye nodded in greeting.

Aisila said no more and turned to walk towards the Iron Wolf headquarters, her dark green cape drawing a neat arc behind her. Cole and the other Iron Wolf mercenaries also dispersed, and order was restored to the training ground, but the air seemed to still linger with the aftermath of the fierce confrontation.

After bidding farewell to Ashela and the Iron Wolf Mercenary Group's training grounds, Wu Ye, along with Liya and Vera, searched for a place to stay on the bustling streets of Kurast. They eventually settled at the Seagull Inn, a relatively quiet spot near the port. The inn, constructed of thick logs, was simple but clean. The owner, a warm middle-aged woman, didn't seem overly surprised to see Wu Ye and his group with Skeleton Brother—in Kurast, a city teeming with adventurers, this didn't seem unusual.

After a brief rest, the three decided to venture out and familiarize themselves with the surroundings. Kurast's streets resembled a maze, brimming with an exotic atmosphere. The air was thick with the aroma of the sea, spices, grilled fish, and tropical fruits. Shops lined the streets, selling goods from around the world: colorful silks, exotic wood carvings, dried herbs, shimmering minerals, and even caged, colorfully feathered birds of unknown origin.

Leah couldn't take her eyes off a stall selling exquisite shell jewelry, while Vera's attention was drawn to several oddly shaped scimitars in the weapon shop. Wu Ye smiled and let them go, paying more attention to the street layout and possible landmarks. Skeleton Brother followed silently behind. His tall frame seemed somewhat out of place in the crowded street, attracting many curious and awe-inspiring glances, but his soul fire was calm, as if everything around him had no concern for him.

Before they knew it, they had reached the city's heart. The buildings here were noticeably taller and more imposing, and the streets wider. The bustling sounds of the city gradually gave way to a solemn atmosphere. Turning a corner, a vast square appeared before them. In its center was an exquisite fountain, its waters shimmering golden in the setting sun.

On the north side of the square, a majestic white marble building stands there like a sleeping giant, instantly grabbing everyone's attention!

"Oh my God...what is that place?" Leah exclaimed softly and stopped.

Vera also narrowed her eyes, her sharp gaze sweeping over the building: "What a magnificent building... like a palace, like a fortress."

Wu Ye was equally astonished. It was a church! But unlike any other church he had ever seen. It blended the solemnity of antiquity with the rugged beauty of the tropical rainforest. A massive arch towered, flanked by stone statues of armored crusaders wielding greatswords and holy shields, their faces solemn, as if silently guarding. A towering spire reached the sky, crowned by a massive, pure gold eagle emblem with outstretched wings, gleaming in the setting sun, exuding a sacred and majestic aura. The main structure of the church was constructed of pristine white stone, but upon closer inspection, traces of repairs could be seen in some areas, with slight variations in color between the new and old stone. It was obvious that the church had been rebuilt upon the ruins of the original. The main entrance was open, revealing a spacious interior with neatly arranged pews. The air was filled with the faint, soothing scent of incense. Worshippers, dressed simply but neatly, entered and exited quietly, their faces expressing piety and peace.

"Is this... the Zakarum church?" Wu Ye's mind raced, recalling the rumors of Pope Colin's reorganization of the Vatican. He stopped an elderly man who looked like a local resident as he approached the church and politely asked, "Excuse me, old man. May I ask what that magnificent building is...?"

The old man looked in the direction Wu Ye pointed, and a look of reverence immediately appeared on his face: "Oh! That is the pride of our Kurast, the new Light's Hope Cathedral! It was rebuilt under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Colin Sweet! It is one of the most magnificent churches in Sanctuary! His Holiness the Pope presides over the sacraments in it, guiding us into the light!" The old man's tone was full of pride.

"New Zakarum..." Wu Ye understood. As expected, he thanked the old man and walked towards the church with Leah and Vera. The closer they got, the more they felt the solemn atmosphere. In the square in front of the church, some believers were praying quietly or sitting in meditation by the fountain. The holy light in the air was pure and gentle, bringing a sense of peace to the heart.

Leah and Vera also lowered their footsteps, feeling the influence of this sacred atmosphere. Skeleton Brother continued to follow silently behind, his soul fire burning calmly, seemingly unaffected by the holy light.

Just as Wu Ye and the other two stopped to admire the magnificent church and considered whether to go in, a loud, bell-like voice, full of surprise, suddenly came from the side door of the church:

"Wu!? My dear friend! Is it really you?!"

Wu Ye looked in the direction of the voice and saw a tall figure wearing heavy Crusader armor with platinum trim, rushing out from the side door of the church! His face was filled with unreserved ecstasy as bright as the sun. It was Grimm Sigurd!

Grimm completely ignored the gazes of the believers around him, and did not care about his solemn armor. He opened his arms and rushed towards Wu Ye at an astonishing speed as if he had seen a long-lost relative!

"Grimm!" Wu Ye also recognized him, and a surprised smile instantly appeared on his face.

The next second, Grimm rushed forward, opened his heavily armored arms, and gave Wu Ye a solid, armor-clacking bear hug. The force was so great that Wu Ye felt his bones groan.

"Hahaha! Best friend! It's really you! Great! I knew you were a tough guy! Even the storms in the Twin Seas can't do anything to you!" Grimm slapped Wu Ye's back hard, and his armor made a muffled "bang bang" sound, so loud that it almost broke his eardrums.

"Ahem... Grimm... Be gentle! My bones are about to break!" Wu Ye was a little breathless under his stranglehold, but the smile on his face was extremely sincere. Being able to see this comrade who had shared life and death in distant Kurast, a strong warmth surged in his heart.

Grimm finally let go, but he still held Wu Ye's shoulders tightly, his bronze face filled with the excitement of reunion. He glanced at Leah and Vera, grinning, revealing his white teeth: "Miss Leah! Miss Vera! Long time no see! You've become more beautiful! Oh! And this..." He looked at the silent Skeleton Brother behind Wu Ye, his eyes flashing with surprise and respect, "Brother Wu Yi! Your aura is even stronger!"

The Skeleton Brother's jaw opened and closed slightly, and his soul fire swayed gently, which was considered a response.

At this moment, a cold and steady voice came from the side door of the church: "Grimm, please be mindful of the occasion."

Juliana Sigurd slowly stepped out. She wore silver-white armor engraved with the Zakarum emblem, a longsword shrouded in holy light dangling from her waist, a valiant presence. In stark contrast to Grimm's outwardly passionate demeanor, she was like a sword unsheathed, its edge restrained yet undeniable.

She first cast a look at Grimm that was slightly reproachful but not angry. Grimm immediately restrained his exaggerated smile, straightened his body, and responded respectfully: "Yes, sir!"

Julianna then turned to Wu Ye and performed a standard Crusader salute, her movements meticulous and full of military competence and elegance: "Elder Wu Ye, long time no see. I'm glad to see you are safe and sound." Her voice was still calm, like a clear mountain spring, but the depths of her ice-blue eyes clearly reflected the warmth of seeing an old friend and a subtle concern.

"Lady Juliana," Wu Ye returned the greeting solemnly, a sincere smile on his face. "It's wonderful to see you in Kurast. This cathedral... is magnificent. His Holiness Pope Colin is truly remarkable."

"His Holiness the Pope is working diligently to restore the glory of Zakarum," Juliana replied succinctly, her gaze sweeping over Wu Ye and the other two. "His Majesty, upon learning of your arrival in Kurast, has specifically instructed Grimm and me to keep an eye out. Just now, while Grimm was on guard duty in the tower, he saw a figure in the square who looked very much like you, and he couldn't wait to come down. His Majesty has important matters to attend to, and he hopes to meet with you as soon as possible."

Grimm nodded vigorously, the excitement still lingering on his face, but his tone was already solemn. "Yes, my dear friend! His Holiness the Pope said it's about the blood moon! And the ominous news from Travink! The situation is urgent!"

Blood Moon! Travink!

Those two words struck Wu Ye's heart like a hammer. He immediately recalled Ormus's prophecy and Asheera's warning. It seemed that beneath Kurast's apparent prosperity and tranquility lay a deeper crisis than he had anticipated.

"I understand." Wu Ye nodded solemnly, "Please lead the way, we will go to see His Holiness the Pope now." He glanced at the magnificent Cathedral of Holy Light's Wish. The golden glow of the setting sun sprinkled on the white stone walls, sacred and solemn, but the news brought by Grimm and Juliana cast a shadow on this sacred place.