Storm Sea, located in a sea area in a remote place Endless Sea.
It is called this name for a reason. This sea area is surrounded by weird weather, with high winds and rough seas all year round, accompanied by dangerous tides.
Although the climate is quite extreme, it is strangely stable around the sea area, preventing it from overwhelming the land in the Storm Sea, but it also cuts off all possibilities for people here to travel to the outside world through fleets.
But the desire for exploration of the brave will not be restricted, and humans on this continent have still developed their own unique exploration tools.
What's more, the countries on this continent were not born here.
They are "immigrants" from the outside world.
In the distant past, during the chaos that destroyed the old empire thousands of years ago, their ancestors chose to set sail out of despair, and were trapped in this isolated sea due to a very tragic fate.
Arathi people here calls the area he is in "New World", and the hometown that Storm Sea cannot return to is called "Old World".
Thoradin Empire continues its own civilization here. In order to distinguish it from the old civilization that they thought had been destroyed, the people here call themselves "Arathi Empire", and the emperor who is now sitting on Holy Flame Throne is respectfully called "Thoradin IX".
The Emperor is more than just a symbol of power in the Empire.
To sit on the throne, in addition to having noble blood, extraordinary courage, erudite wisdom, and firm will, you must also have extremely high sensitivity to Holy Flame.
All candidates must be able to interpret the "prophecy" from the changes in Holy Flame.
In fact, it is the "Prophet" talent, and it is a "Prophet" for the power of Holy Light.
This is obviously a rare talent, but for the Arathi Empire, who regards the faith of "Holy Flame" as the state religion and has lasted for thousands of years, such a "prophet" can be born in every generation.
Arathi Empire relies on the command of the emperor with prophetic ability to resist threats again and again in the millennium of inheritance.
This isolated continent is no different from other continents in Azeroth. Evil and dark forces also exist, hiding in the shadows and watching the prosperous people of the empire.
However, although the Holy Flame belief was born out of Holy Light, it is completely different from the original Holy Light belief.
The people of the Arathi Empire not only worship light!
They also worshiped fire.
They regard "light" and "fire" as the source of birth of all things, and combine Holy Light with flames to create their quite unique Holy Flame national religion.
In this country, burning flames are regarded as a good omen, and lighting fires in the Shadow Land is a symbol of courage. If a Warrior can burn the enemies of the empire with Holy Flame, then he will be promoted to "Arathi's Holy Flame Warrior".
The Priests of the state religion have both the piety of light and the enthusiasm of fire.
They are by no means weak chanters. In fact, in order to become State Priest, they must first become "Holy Flame Warriors". In other words, the martial virtues of Holy Flame's national religion are not generally abundant.
Even the junior Priest is a hero who has set fire to the enemies of the empire with his own hands, not to mention the martial virtues of the deans and deacons of the monastery.
He is the kind of hero whose eyes light up when he sees a demon, and then he rushes to release Solar Storm.
The scale of the state religion of the Arathi Empire is not necessarily as exaggerated as that of Church of the Holy Light of Old World. This is an elite organization after all, but the combat power of Holy Flame Church is estimated to be able to lift Church of the Holy Light up and fight.
The empire continues to this day in an atmosphere illuminated and blessed by the holy flame. It should be a place of faith.
Fanaticism is not a shortcoming here, but a virtue!
But on that day, when the brave explorer of the empire and the colonel of the Protectorate Army, Ms. Velicia Stittek, was summoned to the Emperor's Seat, things seemed to have undergone some unknown changes.
"Why are you so anxious to summon me?"
The brave colonel stared blankly at State Priest who greeted her outside the Emperor's Seat. The latter maintained the usual silence and vigilance of members of the state religion.
Under the head decoration dotted with golden fire patterns, sharp eyes like fire scanned the whole body of this famous explorer of the empire.
After noticing that Ms. Stittek's emblem of faith was placed in the correct place and that the "Holy Flame Tinderbox" she carried with her was carefully maintained, the stern State Priest showed a satisfied smile.
Alas, people's hearts are not ancient.
With the retreat of the dark enemies around the empire, there has been no war for decades, and the piety of faith in the hearts of the people of the empire has become dusty.
During this time, more and more people are despising doctrinal norms and even dare not wear a tinder box when going out on the street.
What a treason!
So arrogant and frivolous, so wanton and reckless!
They also don't think about it, what if the enemy of darkness suddenly comes and viciously extinguishes the Holy Flame placed in various towns and neighborhoods of the empire. When the empire needs its people to go and rekindle the holy flame, how can they ignite the glory of faith without the sacred tinder box in hand?
It's not that Holy Flame needs the protection of the empire, it's that the empire needs Holy Flame to cover it!
It was faith that allowed the ancestors to take root in this dangerous land, and it was faith that protected the inheritance of the empire. Today's young people have not experienced the tragic pioneering of the ancestors, nor the fierce struggle between the empire and foreign enemies. They can no longer understand the importance of faith.
Alas, the rituals and music are ruined.
The State Priest lamented in his heart, but he became more and more satisfied with the explorer and brave officer who strictly abided by the etiquette of the state religion before him.
She made a slightly different religious etiquette from Church of the Holy Light on her chest, and said softly in the silent tone that a clergy should have:
"Just a few hours ago, the Emperor interpreted a prophecy from the changes in Holy Flame. His Majesty called it "Solar Vision". He was convinced that "Hand of the Sun" touched him and brought him important enlightenment."
"Ah?"
Ms. Stittek was even more confused.
What's the point of asking me, a junior officer, for such an important matter?
There are so many generals in New Stromgarde on vacation. It would be more useful to just find one here than a colonel like me.
But Ms. Stittek is not an idiot. Since she is not summoned for military reasons, it must be another label on herself that needs to be paid attention to in the next actions.
She reacted quickly and asked in a low voice with a hint of expectation:
"The Emperor needs explorers to explore beyond the Storm Sea? This is a great thing! Our latest airship has exceeded the very edge of the Storm Sea in the last attempt.
If we had not taken into account the constraints of the state religion code and the stability of the empire, we would have sailed out of the Storm Sea that time."
"You are wise, but too wise."
Priest didn't like this kind of prying remarks, so she said in a deep voice:
"We are all the people under the light of Holy Flame. We don't need to spy, we only need to do things that shine brightly."
"Mommy, I am not doing this for personal gain. Since it is a sacred prophecy that requires me to take on responsibilities, I must understand some of the responsibilities so that I will not waste everyone's precious time during this brief meeting."
Ms. Stittek explained:
"The Emperor's affairs are complicated. His Majesty has to govern the country and interpret the signs of fire. Every minute of his time is precious. How can we servants of faith dare to waste your Majesty's time?"
"Quia!"
That State Priest took Ms. Stittek towards the Emperor's Seat, but still explained on the way:
"This vision is different. It does not reveal anything about the empire. On the contrary, it brings us the news of "Old World""
"Holy Flame is here, does Old World really still exist?"
The explorer clenched his fist fiercely.
If she hadn't been in the sacred throne of the emperor at this moment, she would have jumped up and cheered.
Perhaps Ms. Stittek will grow into a steady, strong and charismatic commander in the future, but now she is just a newly married young man who is discussing with her Half Elf husband about having their first child.
Yes, she has a Half Elf husband, which is a very common thing in the Arathi Empire.
Although the ancestors were still pure humans and some Quel'dorei elves who were forced to evacuate when they arrived in this strange continent under the guidance of fate and the protection of Holy Flame, during more than two thousand years of intermarriage, Half Elf had already become part of the people of the empire.
This is not only due to reproduction and human beings' strange "sexual addiction" to elves, but also out of necessity to save them.
The elves' Magic Addiction is a big problem. New World is not as spectacular as Sunwell. In order to ensure that Magic Addiction is weakened to a bearable level, large-scale intermarriage and bloodline dilution have become necessary.
Facts have proved that this is useful. Arathi Empire's Half Elf's Magic Addiction has weakened to the extent that they can rely on faith to resist, and Holy Flame's restraint on Magic Addiction is indeed very strong. Those very old pure Blood Elf can also protect themselves through devout faith when Magic Addiction breaks out.
The state religion's prosperity over several eras and the inheritance of dozens of emperors has a great relationship with the lifestyle of these Half Elf people.
Unfortunately, Ms. Stittek was born in a pure-blood human family. She did not have beautiful and delicate pointed ears, which made her very disappointed when she was a child. But now she can ensure that her son or daughter will have such cute little ears and a more delicate face in the future.
Faced with Ms. Stittek's unspeakable excitement, State Priest sighed.
She obviously doesn't think this is a good thing, at least not as pure as the explorer who hopes to return to Old World to find the roots of the empire.
"Old World" was not destroyed. After our ancestors left, very complicated things happened there. "First Empire" collapsed, but it did not fall into the hands of foreign enemies. On the contrary, they divided into seven countries and city-states and continued to live on the land established by Emperor Thoradin.
They have different heritages, but they are fighting each other because of their lack of faith."
State Priest gritted his teeth and said:
"Although Holy Light is also shining there, you and I both know that Holy Light of Old World has not embraced the passion of the flames, making it lack the necessary power, which has led to the continued weakening of mankind in the constant division.
But two years ago, things changed.
The evil Orcs from another world invaded Eastern Kingdoms, forcing humans to unite. Then Magic Plague went rampant, demons invaded, evil things from the void ran rampant in the human land, and weird things in life also broke out.
Although the hometown of the ancestors is now filled with strange things like werewolves, Dragonborn and demihumans, the bloodline of Emperor Thoradin has still accomplished incredible feats in the face of adversity.
Just over a month ago, he and his warriors once again unified the territory of mankind, and they planned to build a new empire."
"This is indeed a good thing."
Ms. Stittek does not have much political sensitivity, she said doubtfully:
"The descendants of our ancestors are brothers with the same blood as us. They rebuilt the empire. We should feel happy. Why is your expression so serious?"
"Then let me ask you, Stittek."
Priest said seriously:
"Who is the orthodoxy of the Arathor Empire, them or us?"
"Ah?"
The explorer was confused.
Then I felt that this question was ridiculous. Arathor Empire was almost three thousand years ago. Even for elves, it was very far away, let alone humans who had already reproduced for many generations?
That's just a legend.
The people of the Arathi Empire were born in the continent of the Storm Sea. Do they have to fight back to Old World just for the sake of orthodoxy?
You know, the empire has been preaching that human civilization Old World has been destroyed.
"You are really not suitable to be a manager."
Seeing Stittek's confused expression, State Priest was a little desperate. Is it really appropriate to entrust such a big event to such a brave explorer who has no political sensitivity at all?
However, she briefly explained the reason:
"That "His Majesty Lothar" holds "Emperor's Sword" of Emperor Thoradin."
"Strom'kar, the Warbreaker? Holy Flame is on top!"
Ms. Stittek now completely understands.
She looked towards the glorious Emperor's Seat Prayer Hall in front of her. She was even a little frightened at this moment. She couldn't help but whisper:
"If the real Emperor's Sword is in the hands of that His Majesty Lothar, then the holy sword we use to inherit the throne of the emperor, isn't it? Oh my God, no wonder you attach so much importance to it, this is something related to the foundation of the empire."
"Yes, this is a mistake that has lasted for three thousand years."
State Priest is also a little sad.
She sighed and said:
"At first, it was just to stabilize people's hearts. The ancestors weaved that lie. It should not have been exposed and there was no need to care. However, changes in the outside world have forced us to face this lie head-on."
"So, this is my mission?"
Stittek said somewhat uneasily:
"Bring that sword back?"
"It's one of your optional missions, but it's not your main mission."
Priest made a "please" gesture and said:
"Your Majesty will explain the rest to you.
In addition, there will be members of the Lothar Family in your expedition team, so be sure to protect them.
Although Lothar Family and Arathi Empire have been in decline for many years, and even lost their titles and became businessmen and scholars, their bloodline as "ancient nobles" is pure.
If you take them to Old World, you may be able to establish friendly diplomatic relations with "Strom'kar Empire".
Robbery is the worst way."
This warning made the explorer blink.
She was relieved, as long as the state religion did not make it mandatory, then there was indeed room for change in this matter.
With this in mind, Ms. Stittek recited the scriptures of Holy Flame and pushed away the people in the Emperor's Seat Meditation Hall. Under the indifferent and majestic gaze of the Holy Flame Warriors, she strode forward, knelt down on one knee in front of Emperor Thoradin IX, and listened to the holy edict.
"Ms. Stittek, you are the most outstanding explorer and the bravest soldier in the empire. I must leave this matter to you. Considering the sensitivity of Old World, this news will not be announced to the whole country before you return."
In addition to the usual tiredness, the emperor's voice also had a strange resonance.
This made Ms. Stittek, who had always lowered her head, couldn't help but take a peek, and then she was shocked to find that their emperor had "transformed".
Although he still had a strong body as per Arathi people, there was a beating corona of light surrounding the emperor at this moment, much like the blessing of the holy flame left behind by Touch of the Sun.
This is truly a divine blessing.
At this time, the emperor is sitting in the light of the sun with incomparable majesty, like a god. No wonder State Priest are so excited. Such clear prophecies and oracles have never been seen in the past three thousand years.
"You will be promoted to general and receive a well-trained expeditionary force!
The high-level officials of the state religion will send "Exalted One" Pastor Kairon and "Holy Flame Scholar" Ms. Halsey Mupley as your companions. At the same time, there will be a monastery-standard State Priest as the guardians of your faith.
In addition, you can list everything you need for this expedition, and I will fully support all your needs. But my request, the One, is that you must set off as soon as possible!"
The emperor rubbed his brows. In the sacred touch of the huge amount of information just now, he had already read the hidden dangers faced by Old World.
He said in a deep voice:
"You do not need to return to Stromgarde along the route of the ancestors, but go to Kul Tiras, the former border of the empire, where the monsters of the void shaped the fallen castle.
Our brotherly country is about to launch an attack there. His Majesty Lothar is eager to regain the ancient territory. This is also the desire of the Arathi Empire.
We will participate in the Strom'kar Empire's holy war in the name of supporters and "Bloodline Pact". This is our honor and the will of Holy Flame.
In addition, Touch of the Sun granted the empire the secret to create a true "Chosen of the Sun".
You and your commanders will be the first batch of "Children of the Sun", go back and prepare, you must complete this sacred ceremony before you set off."
"But Your Majesty, I know I shouldn't ask, but as an explorer who shoulders the will of the Arathi Empire, I must understand what kind of posture I need to use to communicate with that His Majesty Lothar?"
Ms. Stittek asked in a low voice:
"I must get your guidance, otherwise I will miss important matters in the empire."
"You must have heard State Priest's reminder. Haha, don't worry about their vigilance. Whether Strom'kar, the Holy Sword can return is not a priority."
The emperor sighed:
"It's all because we already have a heritage more valuable than the Holy Sword. Sun God will enlighten us, General Stiltek, you know? Although the contact with Sun God was only for a moment, I have already seen the majestic "High Heaven" gate.
Holy angels climb the walkway to welcome the advancement and arrival of devout souls on both sides.
After Children of the Sun has traveled a lifetime, we will go to High Heaven to embrace the promotion of the Holy Flame. Is such an honor inferior to a holy sword that lost its meaning when Old World collapsed?
Arathi Empire was not founded on the reputation of that holy sword. General, it was the ancestors who built this country brick by brick. What we should remember is not the holy sword, but the hardship and persistence of the ancestors.
So if you have to ask about style, I'll tell you."
The emperor rubbed his chin, feeling the warmth of Sunfire, and said warmly:
"Invite His Majesty Lothar for me to visit "New Stromgarde" of the Arathi Empire, or send me an invitation letter in advance when he ascends the throne of the emperor.
We and they inherit the same civilization on different lands, which in itself is the basis of an unbreakable alliance between the two parties.
Well, yes, there is one more important thing.
You need to send the secret that Holy Flame can restrain Magic Addiction back to Old World, to the hands of Sun King of Quel'Thalas, which is also the "country of brothers" of the Arathi Empire."
"As commanded."