Thirty-six Holy Light Runes— which one was this? Robbie's eyes widened immediately, thankfully his visor concealed his unusual expression from Aegwynn.
Robbie observed the Holy Light Rune discreetly, comparing it with the incomplete Runes in his memory. Robbie confirmed that this should be the seventeenth Holy Light Rune. At the same time, his mind raced, trying to figure out how to get his hands on the stone tablet and how to subtly inquire about the whereabouts of the other Runes from Aegwynn.
Aegwynn failed to notice Robbie's change in expression, remaining engrossed in her presentation to Robbie, or rather, in her straightforward and undisguised brainwashing.
She recounted her experiences, some true and some false, at length: how Demons with friendly intentions secretly helped Azeroth, how the Burning Legion's Pro-peace Faction made contact with humanity, and how they secretly helped improve human bloodlines.
According to Aegwynn, the Vrykul are the ancestors of humankind, and the Vrykul themselves were created by the Titans and underwent the Curse of Flesh, so humankind is almost identical to the Vrykul in bloodline.
Humans inherited the arcane Arcane of the Vrykul, but are extremely poor in Frost, Flame, and shadow magic.
However, humans displayed an extraordinary talent for all types of magic, surpassing High Elves in the application of magic. The same spells were more powerful when cast by humans, which is why they were able to defeat the Trolls.
All of this was inseparable from the Burning Legion's covert assistance. They secretly improved the bloodline of human mages and modified most Elf magic to make it more suitable for humans to cast.
Throughout human history, many renowned and accomplished Archmages were actually Demons from the Burning Legion in disguise.
In Aegwynn's account, she herself also followed the call of the Pro-peace Faction, for example, allowing some Demons to intermarry with humans, thus giving birth to humans with special bloodlines who became heroes among humans. This is how the bloodlines of the Kings of the Seven Kingdoms came about.
Aegwynn kept talking and talking, unaware that Robbie's thoughts had already drifted to the stone slab.
A mage who has lived for a thousand years—even setting aside her mysterious magic—her experience and knowledge are far beyond what Robbie can match. Robbie believes he has no chance of fooling Aegwynn.
Seeing the stone slab lying carelessly to one side, covered in dust and missing a corner, it was clear that Aegwynn didn't value it. So Robbie decided to use the biggest lie of all: to tell the truth directly.
"Where did this stone slab come from?" Robb suddenly asked, pointing to a corner of the warehouse.
Aegwynn paused, annoyed at being interrupted, and casually said, "This is a church from Lordaeron, I think it—" Aegwynn hesitated, and being the intelligent person she was, she immediately sensed something amiss and asked, "Do you think this stone slab is unusual?"
"I believe this stone slab holds the secret of Holy Light," Robbie said bluntly.
"That's the truth," Aegwynn thought to himself.
A mage who has lived for a thousand years cannot be deceived by lies, but she will be defeated by her own weaknesses, such as pride, arrogance, and disdain for everyone. Upon hearing this, Aegwynn's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer:
"At first, I thought so too. At the beginning of Lordaeron's founding, a stone tablet engraved with thirty-six Runes suddenly appeared. No one knew their origin. Later, some people went mad because of it. I discovered that they accumulated Holy Light energy in their bodies and gradually transformed into Holy Light creatures. I realized that these Runes might be related to the Holy Light."
Aegwynn shrugged and smiled faintly, "After decades of research, including capturing various humans for experiments, I've discovered that these Runes simply filter out humans that the Naaru don't like, nothing more."
Robbie immediately shook his head, saying firmly, "No, I don't think so. These Runes must hide a deeper secret. I believe it's a way of cultivating Holy Light." Denying the former Guardian's opinion was very impolite, but Robbie did it intentionally.
"A Pride, rude, self-important, and conceited little fellow."
Aegwynn quickly came to the conclusion in his mind: the former Guardian was incredibly confident in himself and did not believe that his knowledge was inferior to that of a young man who had lived for over twenty years.
"Alright, alright, if you're interested, you can have this stone slab."
Aegwynn said nonchalantly.
Robbie quickly grabbed the stone slab, clutching it to his chest as if it were a precious treasure. Aegwynn found it hilarious; she recognized Robbie as the kind of person the Naaru hated most. They would be attracted to these kinds of stone slabs, either going mad or gradually transforming into beings of the Holy Light, ultimately ending up in a tragic state.
"I wonder if there are any other similar stone slabs?" Robbie pressed on.
Aegwynn blinked and smiled:
"I originally collected fifteen stone slabs, but many of them have been damaged over time. Let me think, I had five left when I moved a few years ago, but those damned workers broke four of them while placing them. My original laboratory was in the ecosystem of the Outland 'Netherstorm, which I commissioned the Consortium to build."
"Move place?"
Robbie quickly deduced that Aegwynn's new laboratory was probably not in Theramore. Considering Aegwynn's fate, could she have moved to Orgrimmar? And the so-called workers—she probably meant Orcs.
Yes, that must be it. Aegwynn's new laboratory is in the Cleft of Shadow, and the relocation must have taken place twenty years Dark Portal. The magnificent Orcs city of Orgrimmar miraculously rose from the earth in less than two years; this would have been impossible without Aegwynn's help.
"Thank you so much for your help; it has been invaluable to me." Robbie bowed respectfully.
Aegwynn was secretly pleased with herself. She believed that she had successfully changed Robbie's mindset. The seed had been planted, and all that was needed was careful nurturing, and it would take root, sprout, and grow into a towering tree, just like Jaina.
"We should head back now; we can't keep His Majesty King Varian waiting any longer," Aegwynn said with a smile.
The two hurried back to the Castle in Theramore, where the welcome reception was already drawing to a close.
Jaina had ill intentions; she deliberately got Experiment 335 drunk, hoping to extract some truth from the King.
But she overlooked the shamelessness of Experiment 335. This guy forgot everything after getting drunk, except for his infatuation with Jaina, and he kept showering Jaina with sweet words.
It should be noted that many officers from Theramore, some resident nobles, merchants, and others were also present at the banquet. Jaina's face was ashen, and she had to force a smile, making the scene extremely awkward.
Seeing Robbie and Aegwynn return, Jaina felt as if she had been saved, and quickly said, "Guards, your King is drunk. Help him back to his room to rest."
Robbie grabbed Experiment 335 by the shoulder, practically lifting him up, and carried him to the prepared guest room, throwing him directly onto the bed. Robbie had absolutely no concern for Experiment 335's safety as he returned to his own room!
Robbie took out the stone tablet and eagerly began to study the meaning of the Rune.
Since the Mutation of the fifth Rune in Stratholme, Robbie has realized that the Holy Light Rune have become increasingly complex. To this day, Robbie has not fully understood the Mutation Runes and has only grasped some superficial aspects.
Robbie would be satisfied with just a basic understanding of the seventeenth Holy Light Rune.