Where Is the Assassin Court? Hurry Up and Drag That Rabble-Rousing Diakum Out to Be Beheaded!

The Seat of the Triumvirate, one of the most important structures of Eredar civilization, was the center of rule over several continents across Argus and the Eredath seas.

As a symbol of power in the era of the "Second Co-Governance," as well as the seat of state and civilization under the Dual Ruling Council system, this magnificent palace stood beneath the towering Mac'Aree Mountains. Vast platforms and harbors extended directly from it to the shores of Eredath.

Aside from being designed as a military-grade fortress city that was easy to defend and difficult to assault, it was also guarded by Argus's most powerful fleet at sea.

Under normal circumstances, storming this place was almost impossible.

Beyond its geographical advantages, the Seat of the Triumvirate also possessed an auxiliary structure known as the Temple of K'ure.

Together with the Temple of Lura, one in the north and one in the south, they guarded the Dual Ruling Council. Two Holy Light Naaru whose absolute strength had reached the demigod tier could withstand virtually all known mortal forces. In addition, the two Grand Executors had, through long years and exceptional talent, reached the pinnacle of the legendary stage. Grand Executor Velen's conversion to the Holy Light and the blessing of primal power had allowed him to truly step into the "demigod" realm that mortals could only look up to. This made the Seat of the Triumvirate unshakable in every true sense.

Of course, that was merely its theoretical invincibility.

The Holy Light Naaru followed doctrines of healing and protection. In most circumstances, they would not resort to violence. Thus, should enemies invade, the two Naaru would most likely only raise thick shields as they had in Oronaar City, sheltering the wounded and providing powerful healing.

The actual fighting still had to be carried out by armies commanded by the Grand Executors. This was also the main reason Sarkir had dared to launch the Awakeners' Cult coup.

He firmly believed that once the demon army tied down the two Naaru, the madness of the Fel Warlocks, along with the agents planted beforehand within the Seat of the Triumvirate, would most likely be enough to charge in and massacre everyone.

Unfortunately, whether in the True History of the Dark Portal or in the new fate personally altered by Dick, he had met what seemed to be an inevitable defeat.

But that was already in the past.

At least for Dick, standing at the heart of the storm, his thoughts had now shifted to the newly emerging "threat."

"Why are you so silent? That frown of yours does not look like the expression a victorious savior should wear."

The Assassin Court commander and Executor Guard, Talgas, who was leading the way ahead, turned back in puzzlement to look at Dick. Dick wore light yet imposing ceremonial armor, along with a helmet that shone with Holy Light, but his expression still seemed somewhat heavy.

This prompted Argus's finest assassin and hunter to ask softly in surprise:

"Eredar visiting the Seat of the Triumvirate for the first time are always shocked by its dignity and grim majesty, yet I see no ripple in your eyes. That either means you have been here before, or your mind is not on meeting the two Grand Executors at all.

"So, what could possibly be more important to you than meeting the two Grand Executors?"

Of course I've been here. For that damned random-drop felhound mount and those damned collectible toys, there was a time when I practically lived in the Seat of the Triumvirate every day.

I know this place better than you do. I've even seen it turned into ruins and reduced to a demon nest.

That was far more "grim" than it is now.

Dick viciously complained in his heart, but when faced with Talgas's question, he still answered politely, with a trace of distance in his tone.

"My apologies. The unique presence of the Seat of the Triumvirate truly does fill me with awe, but I was indeed thinking about something else... Before coming here, I spoke with Sarkir."

"I know. I personally submitted the record of your conversation to the Grand Executors."

Talgas nodded, his tone faintly amused.

"I also heard that you and Sarkir spoke in riddles."

"As expected of the intelligence chief, your speed in gathering information far exceeds my imagination. You are like a six-legged spider crouching at the center of Mac'Aree's great web, catching the slightest movement from every direction the instant it occurs."

Dick used an unusual metaphor for his praise, but Talgas did not take it as mockery.

He readily accepted the image of himself as a spider and said:

"I am certain there are secrets between you and Sarkir that only the two of you know. Perhaps you cannot tell me, but I advise you, Dick, that when you face the two Grand Executors shortly, you should tell them everything you know."

"There is nothing I cannot say."

Dick considered for a few seconds. As Talgas led him through the passage guarded by the Executor Guards, he lowered his voice and briefly told the head of the Assassin Court about the existence of Argus's "World Soul."

Though it was only a handful of words, Talgas's expression changed several times.

After Dick finished, Talgas asked suspiciously:

"You mean the 'World Will' that those old-fashioned Shamans babble about every day? You truly believe Argus possesses something that sounds like a myth?"

"Sarkir believes it!

"He explicitly told me that the 'Primordial Sorcerer Augure' from Eredar myth and legend was the man who formed a contract with the world. Without such a legendary experience, how could he have tamed the wild power of the four great elements by himself in ancient times and brought the world into an age of peace?

"And how could he, in his old age, have pursued the truth of the arcane and left the Eredar both elemental and arcane legacies through his own strength?

"What if the legends of Primordial Sorcerer Augure were not exaggerated at all, but had instead become more conservative with every generation that passed them down? What if Lord Augure truly was the first 'Guardian of Argus' chosen by the World Will?"

Dick countered:

"Commander Talgas, Sarkir told me that while following the path of the Primordial Sorcerer, he found a 'holy stone' deep within the Petrified Forest of Krokuun.

"He said that thing could contact the World Will, or perhaps the World Soul.

"I do not believe an Arcane Mage who had already despaired and was waiting to die would leave behind a lie simply to mock us over something like this.

"Whether it is true or false, won't we know once we go see it?"

"Mm, that makes sense."

Talgas nodded.

Whether Dick was telling the truth or not, as intelligence chief, he had to send people to verify it. If an unawakened "cosmic deity" truly slept within the Eredar world, then the matter had to be treated with utmost seriousness.

The more he thought about it, the more eager Talgas became to recruit Dick. He glanced around, then spoke just as Dick was about to step onto the stairs leading to his audience with the Grand Executors.

"I know the chances of inviting a Vindicator to join the Assassin Court are slim, but you and I truly get along, Dick. So I still have to try. Would you be willing to—"

"I'm willing to join!"

Before Talgas could finish, Dick cut him off with a smile.

"But only as an 'honorary member' of the Assassin Court, Commander Talgas. As one who bears the Holy Light, I cannot walk in darkness. It does not conform to the current Holy Light Doctrine, and my people could easily see me as a 'heretic.'

"However, I would be very willing to cooperate with the Assassin Court as one of your own in the series of actions to come.

"For example, investigating the holy stone and the existence of the World Will."

"Excellent!"

Dick's decisiveness made Talgas admire him even more.

Eredar Vindicators were all as difficult to deal with as thunder elephants. It was rare to encounter someone as flexible and adaptable as Dick.

The qualities he had displayed while dealing with the Awakeners' Cult and Archimonde were precisely the virtues and professional ethics required of an Assassin Court member.

Thus, Talgas decisively handed Dick a gemstone necklace bearing the emblem of the Assassin Court.

"Then I appoint you an 'Honorary Commander' of the Assassin Court, Dick. I will handle the procedures now. Once you receive your new appointment, I will assign an elite action squad to your command. You will be responsible for investigating the holy stone and the World Will."

"I'll take the job. If possible, I hope Captain Neri can work with me."

Dick immediately seized the opportunity.

"After all, we already know each other, so there won't be any awkwardness in working together."

"Good! Neri and her team are currently resting after an operation. A 'company-funded trip' to Krokuun can serve perfectly well as an additional reward."

Talgas agreed readily, then gestured for Dick to proceed to his audience with the two Grand Executors.

Dick took a deep breath and stepped onto the gem-studded stairs before him, walking toward the palace at the highest point of the Seat of the Triumvirate—the main hall where the Grand Executors handled state affairs each day.

This place still followed the traditional Eredar architectural style. The craftsmen had made the palace exterior exceptionally rounded, crowned by a grand dome. Elegant defensive towers formed from Arcanite Crystal surrounded it, while maxims composed of ancient Eredar script were carved into its stone walls. In addition to its solemnity, the place carried a weight of history.

Although the Eredar enjoyed decorating their buildings with gold and gemstones, their style was never extravagant.

When Dick entered the main hall, he saw none of those flashy, impractical luxuries. In this enormous, austere palace, the only things that could be associated with luxury were the huge gemstones embedded above the thrones of the two Grand Executors.

The gemstone behind Velen was purple, while the one behind Kil'jaeden was red. A violet gemstone also floated before the Grand Executors' thrones. When Dick arrived, the two Grand Executors appeared to be discussing how they should handle that crystal.

They did not lower their voices, allowing the Vindicator to hear their conversation.

"The Mark of Awakening is part of the Crown of the Triumvirate. When it was forged, it symbolized the collective wisdom of Eredar civilization. We bestowed it upon Sarkir in recognition of his wisdom, and it was later passed down to Archimonde.

"Unfortunately, this sacred relic nearly became the tool of an Ambitious Person.

"I believe, Velen, that we should reclaim it into the hands of the Grand Executors. It can shape powerful spellcasters, but it must also test the bearer's mind and character, lest the mistakes of the past repeat themselves in the future."

Commander Kil'jaeden said in a deep voice:

"I believe this crystal relic should remain with us until the next qualified candidate appears. What do you think?"

"I believe your consideration is very sound, my brother."

Velen replied in a gentle but regretful voice:

"After embracing the Holy Light, the arcane wisdom of the Mark of Awakening no longer answers my pleas. Although my connection to the Eye of the Prophet has deepened, this mark capable of granting wisdom is destined to gather dust for some time.

"What a pity."

They were discussing the crystal Archimonde had handed to the fake Sarkir that night. It had not been as large then as it was now. Clearly, this so-called "artifact" could change size according to its bearer's body.

Dick also knew that only when the Mark of Awakening, the Eye of the Prophet, and the Crown of Knowledge—three sacred relics forged from natural crystals—were combined would they form the complete Crown of the Triumvirate.

The item had been crafted by the Eredar in imitation of the ancient sacred relic known as the Atama Crystal. It could grant its wearer a certain enhancement of personal power, but its true use was far from that simple.

It was a strategic relic!

It could strengthen buildings or vehicles into "fortresses" and "siege breakers." It could also bolster the morale of nearby warriors and easily determine the course of a war. In the demon-infested universe of Azeroth, the Crown of the Triumvirate might not have ranked among the finest artifacts, but it was certainly no ordinary item.

Ten thousand years later, in the True History of the Dark Portal, when the exiled Draenei returned to Argus to reclaim their homeland, they relied on the Crown of the Triumvirate to empower the starship Xenedar with war strength. Only then could it blast open the fel-forged walls of the demon stronghold with a single shot, creating an opportunity for the million High Lords from another world to drive straight into the enemy's heart.

Yet in a rather darkly humorous twist, this Eredar artifact had been divided into three from the moment it was forged.

Perhaps that had foretold that the Eredar would ultimately be led by three Grand Executors. Unfortunately, two of their candidates, Sarkir and Archimonde, had now both been eliminated.

That was Dick's "contribution," too.

Compared to the ownership of the Mark of Awakening, Dick was now quietly observing the two Grand Executors seated upon their thrones.

He was very familiar with Velen and Kil'jaeden from ten thousand years later, but by then Velen had completely become an old white-bearded holy man, while Kil'jaeden had become a genuine "red-skinned one-eyed Ogrin."

After weathering so much hardship, neither of them could still be described as possessing "bearing."

However, the two men before him were at the height of their magnificent lives, naturally looking vastly different from their later, "down-and-out" selves.

Velen, on the left, wore a calm expression. His features were square and gentle, his black brows joining with his meticulously groomed beard. This was a distinctive style among male Eredar. Four gold-ringed tendrils blended into his black beard, and together with his faintly glowing eyes and high, clearly defined forehead, they gave him an air of wisdom.

His face really was excellent!

At a glance, he looked like someone fit to be the Grand Executor. There was absolutely no need for "Kargokar."

Kil'jaeden, on the right, had paler skin. Compared to the normal blue of the Eredar, this commander had almost seemed albino before his fall. Yet it was precisely this unique complexion that gave him a grim and weighty presence.

He did not keep a beard, but the two long tendrils on his chin made up for that lack of ornamentation. His body was visibly more robust, reflecting his identity as a legendary warrior and commander of the Vindicators.

Kil'jaeden was not a spellcaster, so he had fewer tendrils.

Just like Dick, whose mediocre affinity for energy had resulted in no tendrils at all.

Although tendrils were more of a racial trait to the Eredar, there had always been a strange superstition among Arcane Mages that the number and length of one's tendrils corresponded to Casting Talent.

They viewed them as mysterious "casting organs."

Though no formal research papers supported it, famous spellcasters in Eredar history—such as Sarkir, Velen, Archimonde, and the legendary Primordial Sorcerer—all had four long, elegant tendrils with perfect and distinctive shapes.

Such an enormous number of examples seemed to prove the point from the side.

It was worth noting that neither Grand Executor possessed the horns expected of males. Their scalps were raised and smooth, which traditionally represented a lack of "masculinity" among Eredar males. Of course, probably no one dared say such things before two Grand Executors who had ruled for five thousand years.

Velen, who should have been a Grand Arcane Mage on the same level as Sarkir, had converted to the Holy Light three days earlier in order to purify the Fel Well. His arcane ruler's robes had therefore been replaced with platinum-white redeemer's robes, whose style was already very close to Velen's classic holy-man attire ten thousand years later.

He still held the famous Holy Light artifact, T'uure, Beacon of the Naaru.

This thing had been fashioned from the remains of a high-ranking Naaru, or Primordial Naaru, who had accomplished the "great deed of saving the world." It was one of the sacred relics most closely connected to the primal power of Holy Light in the material universe.

In truth, Dick had always suspected that the two Naaru who descended upon Argus a thousand years ago had "ulterior motives" when they gave this thing to Velen, a Grand Executor, right from the start.

No matter how wise a spellcaster was, carrying a relic made from a Naaru's remains for more than a thousand years without being influenced was impossible. And a few nights ago, the Twins' "random teleportation" had so "coincidentally" sent them before Velen's eyes at the crucial moment, practically directly causing Velen to fulfill his fate of embracing the Holy Light.

But did "coincidence" truly exist in something like that?

Honestly, Dick did not believe it!

Moreover, Velen had a very bad habit—or perhaps a character flaw.

He had possessed the talent for prophetic visions since childhood, so he believed deeply in such prophecies. Once Velen first learned through prophecy that he would become a Holy Light Believer in the future, it was only a matter of time before he truly became what he was now.

Though Dick himself was a Holy Light Walker, he had to be honest: he truly looked down on some of the actions of certain special individuals among the primal power faction of Holy Light, especially the complicated group known as the Naaru.

Putting factions aside, some extreme Naaru and their excessive actions were not much different from the demons of the fel forces or the Faceless Ones of the void forces.

This fully demonstrated a fundamental truth of the Azeroth universe: primal power itself had no distinction between good and evil.

Pure Holy Light could be used to commit terrifying atrocities, as with the lunatics of the Scarlet Crusade. Brutal fel energy could likewise become a power of protection in a hero's hands, as with the Illidari Demon Hunters who steadfastly followed Brother Egg.

The only thing that determined whether power was good or evil, and where an individual's fate would lead, was always the person!

"Penitent Diakum Zastinus greets the two Grand Executors!"

Clad in ceremonial armor, Dick saluted the two Grand Executors looking toward him with the etiquette of a high-ranking Vindicator. Kil'jaeden's expression remained calm, while Velen's eyes shone with warmth and delight.

Velen had personally witnessed Dick's "heroic feat" in the Great Lecture Hall. From the bottom of his heart, he believed that this Vindicator before him had indeed once strayed from the Right Path, but having now returned to it, he was undoubtedly, like his brother Kil'jaeden, a model figure among the Vindicators.

"Because of the merits you have earned in combating the Enlightener and the Awakeners' Cult, Diakum, Grand Executor Velen and I have decided to grant you the title of 'Vindicator Commodore.'"

Kil'jaeden stroked the jeweled armrest of his throne and said solemnly:

"Unfortunately, there is presently no suitable position for you in the army's upper command structure. Therefore, you may need to wait some time before receiving a formal posting and troops under your command. Are you willing to wait?"

"I am a humble penitent, honored Commander Kil'jaeden. Everything I have done was not for merit or honor, but only out of remorse and a desire to make amends."

Dick bowed slightly and answered with the flawless acting skill expected of a High Lord and a master actor:

"In truth, under the guidance of Priestess Ishana at the Temple of Lura, I have already become a priest. I hope to spend more time guiding and protecting the spirits and souls of the people. Of course, I will not abandon the tenets of a Vindicator. When you and Grand Executor Velen need me to return to the front lines, my Holy Light and I will answer without fail!

"But...

"Please forgive my bluntness, esteemed Grand Executors.

"The storm caused by the Enlightener has not yet ended. In my conversation with him, I sensed that an even more terrifying darkness was still watching our beautiful homeland.

"The demon master calling himself The Benefactor will not cease his actions simply because the Awakeners have failed.

"In fact, Sarkir himself admitted that he clearly understood the Benefactor's true nature: a terrifying evil god that dominates the material universe, a dreadful existence calling itself the 'Dark Titan.'

"It has already set its sights upon our world..."

This declaration made Kil'jaeden and Velen exchange a glance. At that very moment, Kil'jaeden's attendant handed him a note. The commander read it, immediately becoming serious before passing it to Velen, whose expression likewise grew grave after reading it.

Velen even rose personally and used the elegant methods of an Arcane Mage to erect a barrier of Holy Light around the main hall.

The move left Dick dumbfounded.

Damn, no wonder the two Naaru had gone to such lengths to pull Velen into the Holy Light faction!

Everyone else humbly begged the Holy Light through a priest's methods, but this old man directly treated Holy Light as magic through an Arcane Mage's techniques.

That Casting Talent was truly absurd.

It was rather like the miraculous scene of Grand Magus Jaina summoning her dead father's invincible battleship in front of everyone, immediately changing class into "Dunghoist," then playing bumper boats against the enemy fleet all by herself.

Sure enough, in the cold and magnificent universe of Azeroth, geniuses could do whatever they pleased.

"Loyal Talgas informed me that you just described the legend of the World Soul to him?"

Kil'jaeden rose to his feet and asked with his hands behind his back:

"You discussed such matters with Sarkir? I can understand why he, as the most orthodox inheritor of the Primordial Sorcerer, believes in such legends. But how did a Vindicator like you hear the 'whispers of the world'?"

"This..."

Dick hesitated before saying:

"I cannot explain it, but when the Awakeners' assassins slit my throat and I was near death, I truly heard a voice from the world. It may have been an illusion, but the will I sensed within it should have truly existed.

"I grew up in Krokuun, esteemed Grand Executors.

Our homeland was a preserve of the ancient shamanic path in the world of Argus. Ever since I was little, I had heard the ancient legends of the shamans. They firmly believed that our world possessed a force known as the "World Will."

Sarkir confirmed this.

He told me that he had once found a sacred stone in the Petrified Forest of Krokuun, where Eredar civilization had originated. By touching it, one could converse with the World Soul, provided one was "chosen."

Velen nodded at those words. The benevolent and wise Grand Executor said:

"There are indeed similar records in the ancient shamanic path. They are said to have been passed down by the Primordial Sorcerer Augure. However, Arcane Mages generally considered it mere superstition. Arcane Mages who believed more in evidence spent many years searching for proof related to the World Will, but in the end, it was all proven to be a seriously fabricated claim.

Later, after the rise of the arcane tradition, the Elemental Doctrine faded from the mainstream, and no one mentioned such claims again.

Yet in the remote region of Krokuun, the Elemental Doctrine still retained a place.

My old friend Governor Hutton is the only legendary shaman remaining in the world of Argus. Back when we were students, he also spoke to me of the whispers of the World Will. He said his forefathers had likewise heard a similar will in their dreams.

He believed in it without the slightest doubt."

Kil'jaeden nodded at the explanation. Though he was considered highly learned as well, he was, after all... a defender, right?

"So, both you and Sarkir believe that the 'Benefactor,' or the 'Dark Titan,' will keep sending demons to harass our world because of the World Soul?"

Kil'jaeden asked again. Dick nodded and said:

"I believe what we will face next will be more than mere 'harassment.' But before that, I must find evidence of the sacred stone's existence for the two Grand Executors.

After all, when the two of you lead our civilization, you cannot rely on speculation and rumors.

The threat of the Dark Titan is certainly terrifying, and the aggressiveness of Fel Force must be guarded against. But there is one more matter I must explain to the two Grand Executors, especially Grand Executor Velen."

Dick paused. Looking at the surprised Velen, he said:

"The World Will does not merely loathe and reject the claws of fel... Grand Executor Velen, you walk in the Light, yet you must still be wary of that radiance. The arrival of the two holy Naaru on Argus, the legend of the Primordial Sorcerer discovering the supreme treasure, the Atama Crystal, in ancient times, and the flourishing of the Holy Light Doctrine over thousands of years.

None of it had a simple purpose!

Sarkir confirmed this during our conversation.

Fel Force is not the only power that covets Argus's world soul. The Holy Light does as well, and even the order represented by the arcane harbors the same desire.

Two Grand Executors, if Sarkir's words are true, then what we hold is the most magnificent and rarest treasure in the entire physical universe. Regrettably, it seems we lack the ability to protect it.

Now, those forces with their own agendas have already set their sights on us.

Perhaps my words sound overly dramatic, but I believe your inborn gift of prophecy will soon reveal this to you.

As the leader of a civilization, you must never let the enlightenment of the Naaru blind you.

The Holy Light is the Holy Light. The Naaru are the Naaru.

They are entirely different concepts. And besides faith, the Eredar have treasures far more worthy of protection: our people, our civilization, and our world!

To you, the importance of these things must always come before personal faith.

Wouldn't you agree?"

"Insolence!"

Kil'jaeden narrowed his eyes and glanced at his brother before rebuking him in an amused tone:

"You are a Holy Light Walker yourself. How can you judge your own faith so casually? Could it be, as those rumors say, that you have spent so long associating with cultists that you have become a heretic yourself?"

"But the Holy Light has shown no displeasure at my arrogant words, two Grand Executors."

Diakum looked at Velen, then lowered his head and said softly:

"The Holy Light does not require us to give everything for its faith. It wishes us to replace praise with kindness and demonstrate our stance through action. I embraced the Holy Light not because I had faith, but because I already wished to become a good person. That was why the Holy Light answered me a second time.

My devotion is not offered solely to faith, so every invocation of the Holy Light does not make me foolish.

No true god would wish for all their followers to be a pack of fanatical, mindless lunatics. Conversely, if some people can only muster courage under the revelations of the Holy Light, then perhaps they should never have possessed it in the first place...

My apologies, two Grand Executors. I have spoken out of turn."

P.S.:

Some readers in the chapter comments suggested changing the names of the characters currently appearing. Well... aside from Malderan, whom I specifically created for the backstory of the Elder Brother-in-Law, every character currently appearing is an NPC from official lore, so there really is no way to change them.

Changing them would cause problems.