(Additional update for "konstanzzz" brothers [1/5])
"General Staghelm! The teleportation gate leading to Ashenvale has been prepared in Karazhan's teleportation hall. Moroes's housekeeper sent Light Eater's attendant to remind you that you can go back through that door to see your family at any time.
In addition, your "leave application" has also been approved by Archbishop Saloras!
Counting the vacation you saved in the past few months, you can take a month off this time."
In the shadow of Dark Reverse Tower below Karazhan, a Ren'dorei Shadow Hunters pushed open the door of Vastann Staghelm's room and reported to his commander.
General Staghelm, who just returned to the station last night, is packing his luggage.
He nodded, and then put the gift he brought back specially for his daughter from Pandaria into a thermostatic treasure box with life magic.
Those are two eggs with beautiful patterns.
It looks like the egg of some kind of raptor, and in fact it is. Fandral Staghelm used his "connections" with Light Weaver Warband to obtain the "Phoenix egg" from Yrel.
Yrel, Lelan and red panda Li Li conducted a very successful "domestication" in Isle of Thunder.
With the help of Old Anzu, the three girls captured the no longer noble wild Phoenix Ji-Kun and its ferocious children, and then ransacked the bird's nest built by Ji-Kun in the sewer of the Thunder King's Palace.
They found a total of twelve Phoenix eggs. After swearing to Old Anzu that they would cultivate these little Phoenixs and bring them back to nobility, the three of them each received four Phoenix eggs as "copy rewards."
As for the "Mother of Phoenix" Ji-Kun, who became barbaric after eating too much of Mogu's experimental flesh and blood, and her children were taken away by Old Anzu.
It is said that it is to be handed over to Arakkoas for "Holy Corruption".
The day these wild Phoenix cannot return to their nobility, the day they will not be free.
Arakkoa is a professional in doing this!
Princess Lacey led a group of Sun Sage and Arakkoa Claw Priest to "spread the gospel" to Azeroth's raptors all day long. In the past half a year, he had tamed several Harpy tribes of the Eastern Continent and left this matter to their professional counterparts.
As for General Staghelm's behavior of giving Phoenix eggs to his daughter to raise, other races may think it is a bit outrageous, but Fandral Staghelm's family has two Archdruids in charge, and his daughter will most likely become an excellent Druid in the future.
With this family background, what's wrong with raising a Phoenix?
If it weren't for the fear of offending Four Celestials, General Staghelm would want to ask for a fluffy "Xue Nu son" from Yu'lon the Jade Serpent to compensate for the loneliness of their daughter not being able to see her father all year round.
Moreover, this Phoenix is a wild Phoenix after all.
Their divine bird bloodline is already very thin. If they are not cultivated by Druid using professional methods, it will be difficult for them to transcend the mortal species and return to the ranks of divine birds.
Yrel gave these Phoenix eggs to General Staghelm in the hope that he could use his connections in Cenarius Order to help cultivate the wild Phoenixs.
Eredar is not very good at breeding beasts, but Druid is indeed a professional counterpart.
In addition to the carefully selected gifts for his daughter, General Staghelm also found several fine silk dresses for his wife made by tailor Pandaren. They are made of Valley of the Four Winds's best royal silk and are Pandaria's top luxury products.
He found some legendary "Hozen masks" for his father.
This is a real rarity.
Legend has it that Monkey King used this mask when he helped Emperor Shaohao get rid of his inner demons. Hozens are naturally optimistic and have a strong suppression of evil spirits. They are born to make exquisite and fun Hozen masks.
This mask made of bamboo can suppress inner demons and negative emotions extremely well after being worn. It is very suitable for Old Staghelm's violent temper.
After packing these gifts, Fandral Staghelm did not leave immediately.
He had one last thing to complete today, so he grabbed his Sha-Touched Weapon scythe and walked into the depths of the shadow of this Karazhan Inverted Tower.
Shadow Hunters who returned from Pandaria are currently completing the promotion ceremony of the insect swarm. This is Shadow Chasing Swarm's "reward" to these hunters who have made great contributions.
General Staghelm did not disturb the hunters' promotion.
He peeped in the darkness from a high place, watching the elites under his command re-contract with more powerful contract demon bugs during the communication with Swarm Mind. They were all elite bugs that became stronger after acquiring the superior genes of Mantid in this war.
If you are not satisfied with these normal bugs, Overmind also provides "customized" services.
Hunters can customize the insect swarm contract demon that suits them in the insect swarm according to their own fighting style.
Of course, this kind of multi-functional and complex customization requires hunters to pay for biomass and Entropic Energy by themselves. Some more complex specialized bugs also require hunters to prepare their own "conversion materials".
For example, Colonel Marlis, a quicksand veteran under General Staghelm, is planning to contract a "Thunder Beast" for himself.
But this thing is truly "high-end stuff".
The insect swarm not only required him to prepare a huge amount of biomass, but also asked him to capture a Crypt Lord and bring it back as "material".
That is to say, Colonel Marlis "entered the industry early" and has deep qualifications. He is the leader of the first batch of Shadow Hunters, and his profound research on the doctrine of light and shadow has won the attention and favor of Archbishop Saloras. Otherwise, Overmind would not have paid attention to such an outrageous "order".
And the thunder beast!
Why don't you look at where there are extra thunder beasts now?
Even in Shadow Chasing Swarm, Thunder Beasts are elite formation breakers used in large-scale battles.
This giant creature should not be held privately at all. Once the contractor loses control, a furious thunder beast can level a city in a short time.
"So, are you still sure you want to own a Thunder Beast?"
General Staghelm in the shadow asked softly. Colonel Marlis, who was holding a bone pipe and wearing a black eye patch beside him, shrugged and said hoarsely:
"Our hunters need such large-scale war weapons. As the enemies Light Weaver faces become more and more exaggerated, ordinary elite bugs cannot ensure our survival and development in the increasingly cruel operations.
It's rare to have such authority, and I also want to challenge myself.
When you go back to spend time with your wife and children, I'm going to Northrend to see if I can catch a Crypt Lord. I heard that the Nerubian are fighting the undead, so there should be a lot of opportunities."
"Are you going to Northrend?"
Fandral Staghelm hesitated for a moment and said:
"Don't you go back and see your lover? You and Natalia haven't seen each other for several years, right?"
"She was the devout Moon God Priest, and I now walk the path of shadow."
Marlis Colonel blew out a smoke ring and pulled his black hood down to cover his eye patch and scars.
This strong and decorated Night Elf veteran said:
"I don't want to argue with Natalia about doctrine. I know she loves me and I miss her, but I always worry that the whispers I hear in the shadows will prompt me to hurt her.
Perhaps staying away from her is the best protection.
I am now fighting with bugs, Fandral Staghelm. Sometimes I feel that bugs are more trustworthy than other people.
This is obviously not what normal people should think."
"I thought that way before."
Fandral Staghelm patted his partner on the shoulder and said:
"But after experiencing the disaster vision brought about by Y'Shaarj, which allowed me to see the bond between me and my family, I realized that the precious things we walk in the shadows to protect are the things our family can live peacefully under the light.
You also experienced that vision, and you must have seen those disasters."
The colonel fell silent.
After more than ten seconds, he whispered:
"I saw my beloved Natalia being lured into the shadows by that bastard C'Thun. I tried to save her but could only ask a group of greedy adventurers to let her rest in peace.
I know those things can never happen again, but I still think it was my fault.
I failed to protect my lover.
There is guilt in my heart, so I want a thunder beast to be my fighting partner. In this way, whoever dares to hurt my beloved and my people will naturally have a roaring beast to speak for them!
Monsters will be monsters.
If becoming monsters can bring peace to our families and people, then this can be considered a glorious sacrifice and is the path I am willing to take."
"But we cannot be content with being monsters, and Light Weaver would not want us to be, my brother."
Fandral Staghelm put his arm around Marlis's shoulders and said:
"Come back to Ashenvale with me. Take a vacation and think of it as relaxing. Accompany Natalia to pray at Moon Goddess Temple. Leave the shadows temporarily and accompany your beloved in the light, even if you argue with her every day, even if it's only for a month.
When we come back, I will go to Northrend with you.
Over there at Nerubian is the "subunit Legacy" that Shadow Chasing Swarm longs for. That is also our next goal.
I won't let you hunt Crypt Lord alone, that would be to send you to death."
"Oh, I'm not as fragile as you think."
Marlis laughed, thought about it, and said:
"Okay, I'm going to write a request for leave first. Archbishop Saloras has strict management, and if I'm caught deserting in private, I'm afraid I'll have to spend half a bad month in Light Weaver Warband's solitary room.
I don't want to listen to those Holy Light Follower chanting every day."
He waved his hand, turned around and left with the pipe in his mouth, while General Staghelm walked into the midst of his hunting brothers with a scythe. There were also some new recruits here who were observing and learning how to communicate more effectively with the insect swarm.
When General Staghelm came down, these Ren'dorei recruits bowed to pay tribute to their leader.
Although the leader of Shadewalker Cult is Archbishop Saloras, General Staghelm single-handedly established this sect and is still serving as the combat commander, so he is truly the number two figure and deserves such respect and awe.
"These humans."
Fandral Staghelm glanced at the crowd covertly, and whispered to a veteran beside him:
"Have they recently joined us?"
"Yes, they are from the Stormwind Kingdom, and some are from Northern Borderlands. They were previously Warlock or Wild Mage. I don't know where they heard about Shadewalker Cult, so they joined us in various ways."
The veteran with the shadow-chasing motto tattooed on his face whispered:
"You don't have to worry about their minds. We have dedicated people in charge of recruitment activities. They are sisters Ren'dorei from Quel'Thalas. They have been recognized by Archbishop Saloras and have been given the responsibility of recruitment.
Karazhan There is also a spiritual trial ground dedicated to us in the tower.
All recruits who apply to join us must go through three trials, and those who fail to meet the standards will be persuaded to return. However, Moroes Butler has always been short of people to maintain the tower, so they also have other paths to choose from."
Fandral Staghelm nodded.
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Because of the special nature of Shadewalker Cult, when recruiting new people, the more stringent the better.
They don't want people who are bitter and hateful.
Because hatred is a terrible force, it will make the Avengers lose their way in the shadows.
"Do you want to change the bonded demon?"
The veteran saw Fandral Staghelm taking out the casting materials in front of the insect swarm rift, and he said:
"Do you need to disperse the surrounding recruits? Your previous contract demons were already very strong. I am worried that the emergence of more powerful contract demons may impact the minds of the recruits. Especially the interference exerted by Swarm Mind will frighten those who are not determined.
They haven't learned how to protect themselves from Swarm Mind."
"Then learn now."
Fandral Staghelm said casually:
"This is a basic skill!
They also need some pressure, and at the same time, these young people who are embarking on the path of chasing shadows should be allowed to see the true power of the swarm."
After saying that, Fandral Staghelm threw his shadow-chasing badge into the crack of the insect swarm. Almost immediately, the insect nest on the opposite side of the crack reacted, and a very special void projection appeared in front of Fandral Staghelm.
It was the form of a strengthened elder Mantid.
It is no longer bloated and old, but has become more energetic and ferocious. It has six insect claws and is recording something on the ancient scroll while whimpering:
"General Vastann Staghelm, the supreme hunter of Shadewalker, for your contribution to the insect swarm, Overmind specially commends you and appoints you as the "honorary insect swarm Grand Lord". According to the demon contract standards revised by Swarm Archon, you will be able to have a "Hive Tyrant" as a combat partner.
Do you need me to recommend something for you?
Or do you already have a lover?"
"I want Mr. Wind Reaver·Kil'ruk to be my partner."
Fandral Staghelm said calmly:
"In previous battles, its unique sense of honor and steady fighting style have won me respect. If you can, please complete this contract immediately. I know this request is a bit excessive, but I don't want to miss tonight's reunion with my family."
"Well, it's not too much. The insects respect the strong."
The Swarm Archon let out a whimpering laugh, and then it made arrangements.
After General Staghelm cooperated with the spellcasting and presented a large piece of precious Kyparian Amber essence, five large barrels of pure biomass hunted and purified by hand, and a Mogu warhammer of legendary quality as "sacrifice" to Overmind, the contract ceremony entered the final stage.
Following the halo formed by the explosion of black and white evil energy, and amid the stunned and painful groans of the Shadow Chaser recruits, a ferocious-looking Hive Tyrant appeared in front of them.
That's a swarm demigod!
It has a dragon-shaped head as ferocious as a battle helmet, a strong yet light dragon armor shell, well-proportioned and powerful limbs, two human-shaped chitin claws and six spider-like cutting claws on its back.
This must be a Windfury Blademaster and weapons master.
Because this Hive Tyrant wears a total of six Sha-Touched Weapon for close combat in addition to its dark Amber Armor. It also holds a heavy sword with an amber scabbard in its hands.
But that is not the amber sword that Mantid would choose, but the famous Chaos Demon Blade·Swarm's Fang·Famine Marauder·Apocalypse.
"Wind-Reaver Tyrant"Kil'ruk stared at the Fandral Staghelm that summoned it with the six compound eyes on both sides of its head, and it said:
"Summoner, do you understand the rules?"
"Of course."
Fandral Staghelm clenched Sha-Touched War Scythe in his hand and said:
"If you want to contract Hive Tyrant, you must show your strength, skills, will and courage in front of you. I am ready."
"No need."
Kil'ruk raised his paws and refused this ceremony.
This bug is also in Swarm Mind's "network", but because each Hive Tyrant is the lord of a certain insect nest, they have more "individual thinking" than ordinary bugs.
This is their prerogative.
However, once Swarm Mind requires them to obey, these individual thoughts will be blocked immediately.
Privileges cannot affect the overall interests of the swarm, this is their way of doing things.
Kil'ruk leaned on the cold and violent sword, ignoring the frightened and awed eyes of the surrounding Zhuying recruits. It restrained its evil power to avoid impacting these weaklings, and said in a low tone:
"You have proven these qualities before, but I am unique. I will not kill innocent people for you, nor will I violate my morality for your desire. Overmind calls me "Swarm Knight", and I regard it as a compliment.
It is precisely because of this that I was given the obligation and responsibility to drive Demon Blade Apocalypse.
If what you desire is war weapons, then I will recommend my companions "Gluttony Tyrant" Kanoz."
"What's the point of having a the Butcher who is keen on killing?"
Fandral Staghelm said in a deep voice:
"What I want is a fighting partner, a bonded demon who can understand each other, help each other, and trust each other. You are the moral person who suits me the most.
Fulfill your moral obligations, I will not let you violate your own principles."
"Hehe"
Wind-Reaver Tyrant laughed.
Amid the flapping of the sharp knife-like chitin elytra on its back, it raised its claws, and amid the surge of black and white evil energy and the power of the insect swarm, it stuck together with the raised hand of Fandral Staghelm.
"Then, the contract is established, my fighting partner, I will fight for you in Material World, or when necessary, you will enter Sea of Darkness to fight for me!
Tell me, who is the next target?
Before taking action, I have to evaluate whether the other party is worthy of Apocalypse's sheathing."
This question made Fandral Staghelm smile. He took out a tactical plan that he had already compiled from his arms and handed it to Kil'ruk. He said:
"We will go to Northrend to intervene in the war between the undead and Nerubian. Lich King in the far north is eager to conquer Nerubian and let The last branch of the Aqir Empire served Scourge, and the Nerubians of Azjol-Nerub and En'Kilah resisted fiercely.
They do not want to be captured by death, they desire to maintain their independent status.
However, you and I both know.
Nerubian can only belong to the insect swarm!
For the glory of the swarm Consecration Everything they have is their mission and obligation.
As for your opponents, Nerubian's powerful "Crypt King" and "Supreme Warlord" Anub'arak have already gained a reputation under the frozen soil. Overmind will hope to get it and use it to hatch a leader beast that is comparable to Master Agamaggan."
"It can't do it. No king beast can defeat Agamaggan, but Anub'arak is indeed qualified to become the "new legend" of Shadow Chasing Swarm."
Wind-Reaver Tyrant's compound eyes looked at the sketch and portrait belonging to Crypt Lord on the material, and then read a series of exaggerated achievements and victories made by the crypt king in the past two months.
Those victories represent the strength of Anub'arak and its amazing commanding instinct.
Very good!
The swarm needs leaders who can fight and use their brains.
Wind-Reaver Tyrant buzzed with fighting intent. It was very satisfied with this opponent and said:
"Well, the advantageous genes are worth plundering! I am very honored to have such an opponent as my trial subject to step into and embrace "Eternal Great Cycle".
So be it, my fighting partner Fandral Staghelm, when you are ready to hunt, call me.
The eternal bell of Sea of Darkness will definitely respond to you."