Chapter 345 35.Stromgarde Oh, Black Wolf a blessed place, may you rest in peace
"I can understand that the Green Skinss took away the bones of Mannoroth to commemorate the end of their slavery, but is it too much?"
Archbishop of Holy Twilight Saloras looked at the demon skeleton in front of her that had mostly been taken away, she sighed and said:
"I originally planned to take the skeleton of Destroyer back and reassemble it in the exhibition hall of Exodar Starship as a display of Light Weaver Warband's illustrious martial arts. But now there is only so much left, and it is useless to take it back."
"At least I can piece together a broken head and a spine, which is not bad."
Diakum didn't care about the dismantled Greater Demon skeleton in front of him. He looked at "Burial Ground" in front of him with admiration, and the "Petrified Heart" placed in the skeleton.
In the darkness behind the two men, the war between humans and demons was coming to an end. Under the leadership and assistance of the Light Weaver Warriors, General Danath·Thorbeinn successfully took over the Arathi army, and led the Warriors with great momentum to drive the demons away from the battlefield.
The demon Burning Legion led by Mannoroth is a real elite division. The demons did not flee because of Greater Demon's defeat. On the contrary, they retreated to the ruins of Stromgarde in a planned way, as if they planned to use it as their stronghold in Material World to mount a more determined resistance.
Although the lower demons have no brains, the upper demon commanders are still somewhat talented, especially these demons who have been personally trained by Kil'jaeden. They can understand the strategic significance of Stromgarde, an ancient city guarding the entrance to Northern Borderlands.
As long as that city is occupied, it will be very difficult for the Southern Borderlands humans to go north.
Although Destroyer has fallen now, Grand Plan, which burned Legion Invasion Azeroth, must continue to advance.
Kalimdor is not under their control, but their loyalty to Dark Titan makes the demons unwilling to give up the Eastern Continent Northern Borderlands area that has fallen into their hands.
They want to turn this place into "Land of Demons" to separate the physical boundaries of the civilized world and the devil's territory, just like drawing a line through Arathi Strait in the middle of the Eastern Continent, using the word "gentle" The old saying is "draw the sea and conquer it". If humans cannot regain Stromgarde, it means that their power will be completely cut off from Northern Borderlands, and the land that gave birth to human civilization will be lost forever from their hands.
Vigilant did not intervene in the war that is still going on behind the scenes.
It was a confrontation between humans and demons. He, Ancient Eredar, had fulfilled his duty by bringing reinforcements. Besides, if he stole Lothar's limelight, how would the reputation of the human emperor spread far and wide?
Diakum approached the huge devil's heart in front of him. He left this thing behind in the purification of Holy Light. He did have his own ideas. Abyssal Lord's heart is the source of their power. In many of the forbidden magics of Warlock, the devil's heart is a very important ritual item.
The heart of a superior demon like Annihilan has other wonderful uses. For example, after Destroyer died, its heart quickly "petrified" and its outer layer became extremely tough and felt like some kind of steel material, but the power belonging to Greater Demon was locked within it.
When Diakum touches it with his fingers, he can still feel the strong echo like the beating of his heart.
"Take it back and give it to the Lightforged Artificers."
Dick turned around and said to Saloras:
"Let the Artisans use this thing as the main body to make a shield for me. The power of Mannoroth will be used by me. Only weapons made of this material can perfectly take over my Holy Light infusion."
"Do you need a new weapon made for you?"
Saloras asked:
"I can understand your feelings for Ashbringer, but in the battle between you and Destroyer, it was broken again. Even if Lightforged Artificer people try their best to repair it, this artifact can no longer withstand all your power."
Diakum glanced at Ashbringer who was lying on the ground next to him.
The blade of the holy blade was even more shattered after this battle. The Celestial Gold shaped by the holy flame struggled to maintain the shape of the blade in irregular postures, but could not be completely closed. They could only rely on the chains of energy transformed by Holy Light to "glue" each other, and there were also fine golden lightnings wrapped around the broken blade.
Under normal circumstances, such weapons are indeed obsolete.
But Dick isn't about to give it up.
Under Saloras's gaze, Vigilant lifted Shattered Blade in his hand, touched the broken blade of the holy blade with his fingers, and then golden runes danced in front of his eyes:
[Weapon name: Ashbringer·Shattered Reckoning
Weapon quality: Force Artifact
Weapon status: broken·melted·moral infusion·holy object promotion
Weapon Traits: None
Weapon effects:
This weapon is in a special promotion state. Its original sword body is broken, but the addition of Holy Light Doctrine and the secret of the path gives it the possibility of promotion to a greater state.
At present, all the special effects of this weapon have been lost, but it will continue to reshape itself according to the user's will and power tendency, until it is finally recast at the conceptual level.
Tip!
This process requires the user to constantly infuse their own morality to resonate with the weapon. This process will consume a lot of time and energy, but when the weapon awakens the "conceptual power", the weapon will be promoted to "Cosmic Oddity".
Manufacturer: Diakum Zastinss.]
"It is not broken, Saloras. This is just a stage of weapon promotion. It will eventually burst out with its power again."
Diakum explained to his secretary and lover:
"Not only Ashbringer, but Twilight Hammer as well. These two loyal weapons have already set foot on Path of Strength, who is traveling with me, and I will never let them down. Of course, with Heart of Azeroth in my possession, most battles that take place in this world do not require powerful weapons as a medium of power for me."
"Everything about you is so mysterious and weird."
Saloras grinned, looked around, opened his arms to Dick after confirming that no one was around, and was picked up by Vigilant for a kiss. However, this sneaky emotional release did not last long.
As Arcanite Crystal in Diakum's luggage vibrated, a message was delivered to Exodar Ship currently parked in a nearby mountain.
"King Thoros Thorbeinn is on his deathbed. He is not a devout believer, so he refused Lightforging. Lothar informed me that he said that King Stromgarde had a final request and hoped that I could fulfill it for him."
Diakum glanced at Saloras, whose cheeks were flushed and panting, and he said:
"Hurry up and sort it out. Before that worthy soul passes away, let us listen to his last desire."
"You! Prepare Lightforging for me immediately!"
Colonel Daenerys glared at Thoros Thorbeinn who was lying on the hospital bed in front of her. She showed the momentum of an elder and scolded her careless nephew:
"You are the king of Stromgarde. Your city, your territory and your people are being harassed by demons. You have your responsibilities. How can you allow yourself to abandon your mission at this moment?
This is not the choice a man from Trollbane family should make!"
"Ahem"
King Thoradin, whose face was as pale as paper, sighed. He could feel the entanglement of coldness and weakness. Even in this Holy Light starship, he could feel the call of death.
Facing his little aunt's scolding, he weakly waved his hand and said:
"I am just a pan-believer, Aunt Daenerys. I will definitely not be able to pass the test of Holy Light. I know how ungodly I am, and witnessing the fall of Stromgarde has made my spirit close to collapse. If I walk into Holy Light at this time, there is only one tragic end.
You don't have to insist.
me too
Alas, just think of me as a coward."
"But you're not!"
Daenerys's tone softened.
She sighed and stretched out her hand to caress the cheek of the junior in front of her, who she watched grow up, ascend the throne, command the kingdom, and gradually grow old.
She whispered:
"I know you are not a coward, you are the most standard Arathi people. As long as there is hope, you will never stop fighting. You led your knights and Warriors to defeat the devil. I don't believe that the devil's sword that pierced your body can defeat your proud soul so easily!
You must have made such a decision for other reasons, tell me, Thoradin, tell me why you did this?"
King Thoras fell silent.
Facing the questions from his relatives, he sighed and said hoarsely:
"I got information from ancestor Farodis. The ancestor asked me to assist Anduin Lothar in rebuilding the empire. He said this was just a suggestion, but you and I both know that when the ancestor said such a "suggestion", it meant that he had made a decision.
And your being allocated to Lothar also means that Quel'Thalas has been bet.
Perhaps the reconstruction of the Human Empire is unstoppable, but I am the king of Stromgarde after all! Auntie, I also have my own legal system that I need to uphold!
"Ahem"
He coughed violently. Even though the filth left by the demon sword that pierced his waist and abdomen had been purified by the Light Weaver Priests, the weakness it brought still made Thoros Thorbeinn feel like the world was spinning.
He closed his eyes and said with difficulty:
"It's not that I don't know the benefits of rebuilding the empire, but how can the king bow his head so easily?
The legal system of Stromgarde has stood on this land for more than two thousand years. We were once so poor that only one Stromgarde was left and the other territories were occupied by other kingdoms. We were also so prosperous that we invaded Alterac and Tirisfal, forcing Lordaeron to surrender.
those histories
That's not Arathor Empire's history, aunt!
That's the history of Stromgarde.
Perhaps my kingdom will eventually disappear into history, but as the last king of this king, I can complete this final road in my own identity. Ah, in my hands, Stromgarde, which has never fallen in two thousand years, died in the hands of the devil. In front of my eyes, the proud Arathi people almost had its spine broken.
Me.
I am ashamed of my ancestors, Ignacious's glory is stained because of me, I am the king of the subjugated country."
"No! You're not!"
General Danath·Thorbeinn, who had just arrived from the battlefield, rushed into the room without even having time to change his blood-stained armor. He half-knelt beside his elders with a sad face, and said loudly:
"Please hold on! I will soon lead the Warriors to invade Stromgarde. I will definitely take back our city for you. I will never let the demons continue to arrogantly desecrate our Holy Land. Your Majesty, I will definitely"
"No, boy, brave Danath."
King Thoras looked at the crying Danath·Thorbeinn with relief. This young man was much better than his son Garin Thorbeinn. Thoradin also had a private wish for the inheritance of the throne, but now he has looked away.
He stretched out his cold and trembling hand and stroked Danath's forehead.
He said:
"I can't leave you the stain, I must be the king of Stromgarde's country's subjugation!
This thousand-year kingdom will be swallowed up by history with my death. Only in this way can you follow Anduin Lothar to rebuild Human Empire without any pressure. Only in this way can you carry the glory of Thorbeinn and make great achievements like your ancestor Ignacious.
Listen to me, the shame and pain of this day will be attributed to me alone, and someone must be responsible for the fall of the kingdom.
I'm the best candidate.
Children, you must become the hero of this country, and you must also become the great man who leads Stromgarde back to the Arathor Empire. This is the last care that I, a loser, can leave to you.
Ahem, if Garin is unwilling to obey, then you must shoulder the responsibility."
His voice trembled and his tone was no longer smooth. It seemed that the last strength was dissipating from his body. Lothar, who was standing outside the door, strode in with a heavy face and used his holy light to provide final treatment to King Thoras Trollbane.
This kind of power cannot heal him, nor can it prevent him from death, but it can make his road to death easier.
"You Lothar, the Holy Spirit in you"
Thoradin leaned against the bed.
He stared at Lothar, with no joy but not much disgust in his eyes. He said:
"Is that Emperor Thoradin? Can you allow me to meet my ancestors before I die?"
"Why not?"
Lothar put his hand on his chest and called Emperor Thoradin. In Holy Light Gleam, Emperor Thoradin, who transformed into Guardians of Kings, was suspended in the air. He looked at the dying Thorbeinn in front of him with a heavy gaze.
"You look nothing like Ignacious!"
Emperor Thoradin whispered:
"Your ancestor is the bravest and most loyal Barbarian Lord under my command. After I became the emperor, he commanded the powerful Arathi tribe for me. When I went out on expeditions, Ignacious was either my vanguard or sitting in the rear for me.
I trust him, Lodan and they are also very convinced Ignacious.
After my death, I thought that Ignacious was the most likely lord to become the emperor, but that foolish and loyal fool was unwilling to take that position. The long-term vacancy of the highest power laid the foundation for the division of the empire.
But I never blamed Ignacious.
He is that kind of person, just like this land, just like Stromgarde, strong, stubborn, brutal but loyal.
You are nothing like him, Thoros Thorbeinn.
Your ancestor did not have as many ideas and wisdom as you. After his death, his descendants occupied Stromgarde openly and regarded the heart of the empire as their own territory. Stromgarde was the first kingdom to declare independence from the empire.
From my perspective and that of your ancestors, you are a bunch of traitors.
But I don't blame you."
Emperor Thoradin stretched out his hand and put the palm surrounded by light against the king's forehead.
He whispered:
"When the empire declines, this is what the brave men should do. They use their own strength to break away from the outdated dogma and open up a new path. They use the sword in their hands to fight for power and protect the people. You have done a good job because this land has been well taken care of by you.
Go with peace of mind, Thoros Thorbeinn.
You are a proud Arathi people, and your ancestors will not blame you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Thoros Thorbeinn was obviously relieved.
Stromgarde Kingdom occupies Stromgarde, a city that is of great significance to mankind. This results in the reputation of this kingdom among Seven Human Kingdoms being not good. Many people will privately call them "usurpers".
But now, the emperor of mankind has pardoned them and recognized them, which is enough for Thoradin to leave this world without any regrets.
As he said, if Stromgarde Kingdom is destined to perish, then he, the "king of subjugation," should bravely bear all the burdens for his children.
"Vigilant is here!"
Yrel's shout sounded from outside the door. Everyone turned around and saw the majestic half-giant striding towards him. He said to Thoros Thorbeinn:
"I can host Lightforging for you"
"No need, Your Excellency."
Thoradin refused again.
He looked at Diakum and begged:
"I just want to ask you to return my body to Stromgarde after my death."
"Okay."
Dick nodded and said:
"I will take the Light Weavers to help you regain that city."
"No!"
Thoradin and Lothar declined at the same time.
The dying king glanced at Lothar, gritted his teeth and said:
"That is the ancient capital of mankind, that is the capital of the Human Empire. If a person wants to become the emperor, then he must use his own hands and strength to regain our ancient city from the hands of the devil.
If he cannot even do this, then he is not qualified to be the co-owner of mankind!
Anduin Lothar!
This is the mission that Stromgarde and I give you. Only if you take back the demonic city of Stromgarde with your own hands will this kingdom and this land surrender to you! The proud Arathi people will not give his loyalty so easily
Do you dare to take on this mission?"
"With the witness of my ancestors and Vigilant Saint, I am willing to accept it!"
Lothar said without hesitation:
"Even if it's not for the position of emperor, even if it's just to protect our dignity, I will definitely lead the brave Warriors to clean up all the troubled demons in this city!
This is my duty.
But not now, neither the soldiers nor the people are ready yet, in the future!
One day in the future, the proud Warriors who followed me from the Stormwind Kingdom will cross all the way across Thandol Span. We will set foot on the land of Arathi again. We will hold high the banner of the empire to attack Stromgarde and recapture it.
That will be our first battle to regain the entire Northern Borderlands!
Just lie down in Stromgarde, Your Majesty Thoros Thorbeinn.
When that day comes, your children and your Warriors will finally bury you in the ancient cemetery of this city. On that day, you will finally wash away all shame and go to see your ancestors without any pain.
I swear!"
"Okay! Okay, okay."
Thoradin King laughed.
He pointed to the ancestral sword beside the bed, laughed several times and reached out to hold it with his aunt, and then breathed his last amidst the cries of Daenerys and Danath·Thorbeinn.
Diakum drew the famous Holy Crest next to it, completing the funeral with the gesture of Priest.
In the dark night before dawn, a ray of light fell in the ruins of Stromgarde where demons were dancing.
Like a meteorite of light falling down in the center of the ruins of the king's palace, the demons roared in provocation, but those who dared to look directly at the light would have their eyes incinerated, causing them to retreat in agony.
When the light fell to the ground, the golden hot Holy Light turned into Holy Halo energy and overflowed. In the gathering and sweeping of Solar Storm, all the demons near the ruins of the palace were purified.
In the background of hot ashes blowing in the wind in the filthy palace, the expressionless Diakum placed the sarcophagus he was carrying under the place where the throne once was.
He touched the sarcophagus where Thoros Thorbeinn was sleeping, and let the Golden Little Angel around him patrol the sarcophagus. He also left the seal handwriting of his own consecration on it, so that the sarcophagus was personally cared for by Holy Light like Medivh's urn.
Any tomb robber who wants to dig a grave will definitely get a big "surprise" if he dares to get close to this sarcophagus.
"May you rest in peace, brave soul."
Diakum lowered his head in front of the sarcophagus.
Amid the desolate ruins around him and the demonic screams throughout the city, he drew the famous Holy Crest on his chest and whispered:
"I wish your country, people and this land all get what they want, and the thousand-year legal system of the Stromgarde Kingdom rest in peace."
PS:
Will update 3+5 tomorrow.