Argus, Please Don't Weep for Me [Premium Release Bonus 150]

Argus, Please Don't Weep for Me [Premium Release Bonus 1/50]

(Bonus chapter for "Frostfang's Claw" brother [1/10])

Velen and Hutton, bearing immense pressure, worked with remarkable efficiency.

Just a few hours later, they used the connections between the Naaru ships to convene an "online meeting" of all Eredar governors and archons.

The governors and archons aboard every starship they could contact were invited to participate. This was the governance model planned before the civilian evacuation.

The Eredar revered order and were already accustomed to being led by the archon system. Now that their civilization had been divided into hundreds of "interstellar clans," that system could still demonstrate highly efficient mobilization and organizational capabilities.

However, the situation aboard the Naaru ship called Sacred Revelation was somewhat complicated.

Governor Hutton had originally been the leader of that ship, but he had taken part in the rescue operation launched by Commander Kil'jaeden. As a direct result, the ship was currently without an archon.

Still, Hutton had made arrangements before leaving, so the ship's civil officer and commander of the garrison attended the meeting in his place.

Velen, who chaired the meeting, did not waste time. He briefly conveyed his blessings and instructions to the governors and archons, gave a simple account of the current situation, then relayed Mother of Light Xe'ra's proposal to establish the Army of the Light and a Lightforged Fleet of starships.

Since the "recruitment effort" in this proposal could only begin after all Eredar reached their respective destination planets, this was a matter tied to the interests of every exile aboard every starship.

Velen needed the governors and archons to hold a short discussion, then vote. The result would determine whether they would join the Army of the Light.

Naturally, there was no way to thoroughly discuss every benefit and obligation in such a short time, so this was more of a formality.

With the Eredar currently forced into "division," Velen's proposal was clearly a precautionary measure to lay the groundwork for lasting unity between the various "clans."

The Eredar did not lack experience or wisdom in such matters.

Before the Second Co-Governance began, their civilization had remained divided for a long time. Most of these elderly governors and archons had lived through that era, and they understood the importance of maintaining "diplomacy" amid such fragmentation.

Just as the communications fell silent, a voice suddenly rang out.

Admiral S'fraelx, acting as the archon of her starship, was the first to speak.

"I am willing to join the Army of the Light and do everything in my power to lead the Lightforged Fleet converted from the Naaru ships! I have not made this decision out of consideration for my own authority, but solely out of my responsibility to the people.

"Only when that fleet is entirely in Eredar hands can we ensure that, when any one of our 'clans' faces a demonic invasion, the other clans and the main force of the Army of the Light can rush to reinforce them at the fastest possible speed.

"If joining them requires faith in the Holy Light, then I and the battle captains under my command can convert immediately!

"More importantly, in my capacity as a military commander, I call upon the other governors and archons: even if you agree to bring the clans you govern and lead into the Army of the Light's structure, you must not draft the most experienced veterans and priests from your respective ships into military service!

"These warriors will be essential to maintaining security after our people arrive in their new worlds. We must never place the duty of rescuing the starry sea above the interests of our Clan members!

"Perhaps that sounds selfish.

"But I believe that only after we have taken care of our own people do we have the right to spare strength for other innocents.

"The present situation is critical, so I will not mince words. I am saying this specifically to those governors and archons who have already converted to the Holy Light. I hope you can strike the right balance between faith and reality!

"You are first and foremost Eredar archons and commanders. Only after that are you Holy Light Believers!

"If you believe yourself to be a fanatic who puts faith above all else, then I suggest you resign immediately! Let a more rational official lead our people, who are destined to scatter and endure hard times."

Her words were far from polite.

Yet they earned the approval of many governors and archons, including Hutton.

Given the miserable state of Eredar civilization, they truly had to secure their own safety before they could spare the strength to take part in building the Army of the Light.

Velen's expression became somewhat subtle.

On one hand, he agreed with S'fraelx's advice. He could hear the purity of a soldier and a sense of duty toward the people in her words.

On the other hand, he felt that this young woman with such an illustrious military record was a little too rash.

They were using a fleet communication network maintained by the Naaru. She might have felt good speaking so bluntly, but what would the Naaru who had already joined the Army of the Light think?

Ah, the wisdom of the ancients was right after all. Pure soldiers were better off staying out of politics.

"Then, if everyone has made up their minds, let us begin the vote on this proposal."

Velen spoke, then cast an affirmative vote on behalf of the Genedar.

The Naaru used radiant beams of light to represent the votes, allowing the governors to see the beams in favor increase at a rapid pace.

Clearly, even the most rational governors were holding back their anger under these circumstances. Besides, they truly needed a sufficiently powerful armed force to ensure that the Old Affairs of Argus would never happen again.

Thus, the proposal to join the Army of the Light passed smoothly.

It meant that the Eredar did not intend to forget the enmity they had forged with demons in their homeland of Argus. This once gentle and wise race had chosen, as a people, to embark upon the path of vengeance.

Their mindset was easy to understand. Our home is already gone. Why should we fear you idiotic demons?

Come on!

Let's fight to the bitter end!

But that was not all. After the proposal concerning the Army of the Light passed, Velen informed the other governors of the ideas he and Governor Hutton had just discussed. The Genedar had to shoulder enough responsibility, using sacrificial courage to draw the demons' attention and ensure the long-term safety of the other starship emigrants for a time.

Even Velen himself did not know how long their ship could hold out under the demons' pursuit.

But considering that the demons had yet to develop mature fel technology for the starry sea, the Grand Executor believed he could secure at least a thousand years for resettlement.

"The Genedar will slow down. We will seek out uninhabited worlds as docking points and resting places, drawing the Burning Legion's attention in this manner. We will be the vanguard sentinels guarding our people in this Dark Night Era, responsible for scouting and assessing the situation in the starry sea for you, then sharing that information with the planets where the other clans reside through the sacred connection between the Naaru.

"Once the Burning Legion begins large-scale destruction, you must enter a state of alert.

"The three guardian Naaru aboard the Genedar have all agreed to my proposal. With tremendous courage and a fierce desire to protect, they have promised to live and die alongside us.

"I believe this is the Holy Light's blessing."

Velen said in a low voice, "But I still cannot guarantee that the Genedar will secure enough time for the people. Therefore, after reaching your target planets, every governor and archon must settle our people as quickly as possible, allowing Eredar civilization to take root on as many worlds as it can.

"You all possess documents concerning fragments of the World Soul and World Will. This is a secret known only to governors and archons.

"You know well that every Eredar bears a duty to our homeland. It demands that we protect every compatriot as we would protect ourselves, and that we avoid all meaningless conflicts and wars whenever possible.

"But if war truly cannot be avoided, then we must strike with thunderous force and eliminate the threat!

"Once the Army of the Light has been established, a mature system for selecting warriors must also be put on the agenda. Our people must retain their courage. We must never let them become immersed in temporary peace.

"Most importantly, to ensure the better preservation of the star-soul's will and the healthy continuation of civilization, we should find ways to increase our population.

"Uh, that will be up to the governors and archons to figure out yourselves."

"But Grand Executor, the duty the Genedar must shoulder is far too dangerous."

Archon Ms. Vilara spoke through the communication.

"Most of the civilians are still aboard your ship. They are not suited for such a perilous exile. I propose that every starship transfer some of its warriors to the Genedar, while an equal number of civilians are distributed among the other ships.

"This would effectively increase the survival rate of the Grand Executor and his brave followers.

"They will need to keep entangling themselves with demons. Without the augmentation of World Power, our warriors will find that difficult."

"The distances between the starships are too great now, and the demons could move again at any moment. We do not have time to waste on such matters."

Velen refused. "Therefore, only the ships on the same route as the Genedar need to take aboard some civilians. Our people have all endured the disaster of Argus, and their anger needs an outlet as well. I believe that after training, our people can likewise become excellent warriors.

"That is all I have to say, compatriots.

"I will not conceal the terrible sacrifice Commander Kil'jaeden, my brother, made to preserve us.

"This is bad news.

"The Burning Legion has acquired new commanders and generals. Perhaps in the future, we will meet our former compatriots upon the battlefield.

"That will be a true tragedy.

"But we all know that we bear responsibility toward civilization and our people.

"Therefore, if that day truly comes, then by Eredar tradition, grant our compatriots a swift end and bless their lost souls.

"The Eredar may be divided into separate clans because of this disaster, and may even grow estranged from one another through long separation, but I firmly believe this! So long as we remember Argus! So long as the World Heart in our hands continues to be passed down, then we are still advancing toward the same goal by different paths.

"Everyone.

"May your journey be smooth! May your clans prosper and flourish!

"We will meet again on Argus!

"Genedar, Draenei Clan communication terminated."

"May your courage endure! May victory always be with you! We will meet again on Argus."

Admiral S'fraelx bid farewell in a grief-stricken voice. "Holy Power, Eredath Clan communication terminated."

"May you never forget your beginnings! May you find peace in the end! We will meet again on Argus. Pure Light, Krokuun Clan communication terminated."

One farewell after another, filled with blessings and hope but also pain and sorrow, echoed through the communication network.

The governors and archons each chose the concept they considered most important, most worthy of remembrance, or most impossible to forget as the new name of the Eredar clan aboard each starship.

Each severed communication represented the Eredar setting out upon the difficult road of civilizational division. Yet this was not their fault. It was merely the first mark left upon them by the dark years that had begun.

This scene was destined to be forever engraved in Eredar history—if they could truly rebuild their homeland and reclaim their legacy someday.

Velen stood before the navigation platform without speaking for a long time, while Governor Hutton repeatedly wiped his eyes.

Only after the farewell from the final starship ended, and the Naaru-maintained communication fell into prolonged silence, was this parting finally declared over.

Yet fate did not even intend to grant these exiles, who were about to embark on their journey, any more time. A moment later, Neri, who had been appointed ranger commander of the Genedar, entered the navigation platform carrying a box.

She stepped forward and handed it to Velen. "Grand Executor, these are the Atama Crystal fragments we collected. The Twins just examined them, and it has been proven that even shattered, these ancient relics still possess miraculous power. Each of these six crystals contains great power, enough to protect us throughout this journey."

"Oh?"

Velen turned back in surprise, pulling himself from his grief. Looking at the multicolored crystals in the box, he felt a strange calling and reached out to take the purple one.

The instant it touched his hand, layers of visions appeared before Velen's eyes.

He saw an extinguished planet, then saw endless Holy Light illuminate the dark earth at the call of a Draenei priest.

A prophecy!

His gift of prophecy had activated again, allowing Velen to see the first trial the Genedar was about to face.

He recovered from the vision, looked at the crystal in his hand, and said, "Indeed, these ancient relics are still protecting us. But if I remember correctly, the Atama Crystal cluster should have contained seven pieces. Why is one missing?"

"Uh..."

Neri hesitated, then pointed to the coffin beside the navigation platform. "Priestess Ishana has confirmed that the fragment of the Atama Crystal most closely connected to the Holy Light is currently inside Commodore Diakum's body. More precisely, that crystal seems to have formed a kind of 'symbiosis' with his heart under special circumstances.

"The highly destructive white holy flame we saw before came from the power bestowed by that crystal."

"Ah, this is the supreme will of the Holy Light."

Velen was not disappointed.

Instead, leaning on the Staff of the Redeemer, he walked to Dick's coffin and gazed at the "young" garrison commodore. After a moment of silence, he said, "The people need a symbol of hope to inspire courage. Only with courage can they possibly complete the journey ahead, which is destined to be perilous.

"I believe Diakum and his contributions are enough to earn him the honor of Saint. Though an honor with such strong religious meaning existed only in the mythical era tens of thousands of years ago, it is time for us to revive these ancient traditions!

"It was Diakum who first discovered the threat of evil when we had closed our eyes and ears. It was also he who brought us the enlightenment of the Holy Light when we had lost hope.

"We should honor him and await his awakening in the future!

"Yes!

"The Eredar respect heroes!

"In this Dark Night Era, nothing can inspire the people more than the great deeds of heroes. Hutton, my friend, what do you think of this proposal?"

Velen turned to look at Governor Hutton. The latter nodded and wiped his eyes. "My child will become a Saint who shelters civilization. Nothing could bring greater comfort to my heart. Perhaps we should—"

Slap!

The passageway to the navigation platform suddenly opened.

Ms. Devenius, the Holy Light Chosen, strode forward with a solemn expression and presented a special box with both hands.

She said, "This object was launched from the surface of Argus into the starry sea. Naaru Kara believes it is something specifically meant to be delivered into our hands. It carries a certain magical effect. You must decide how we should deal with it."

"Let me see."

Velen accepted the ancient box, fashioned in the style of an Augure treasure chest. The moment it touched his hand, he sighed.

"Kil'jaeden sent this. It is his favorite Magic Satchel."

With practiced motions, he dispelled the magical effect on the box. The instant it opened, both he and Hutton clenched their fists.

Inside was a shattered seal of light, preserved using the finest Arkonite Crystal as its vessel.

It was the shattered Grand Executor's Seal, the second most noble seal of Eredar leadership besides the one Velen held.

Kil'jaeden, having stepped onto a dark fate, no longer needed it.

"Is this a warning?"

Hutton asked. "Or... a farewell?"

"Both."

Velen sighed. "He is telling us in this way that the demons have a means of tracking us, reminding us that we must proceed more cautiously. He is also warning us that the Burning Legion's pursuit will soon arrive. It is time to depart."

The Grand Executor looked once more at the boundless dark starry sea before him. After sighing, he handed the seal of leadership to Hutton.

"I am not skilled in military affairs, Hutton. You are better than I am in that regard. You should inherit this commander's seal."

"Me?"

Governor Hutton was at a loss. "I am not qualified for this. The Grand Executor must be chosen by the people—"

"Hutton! You must take on this duty."

Velen said in a deep voice, "The Dual Ruling Council is our tradition! In difficult times, only through cooperation can we guide our path forward more effectively. I also need a trustworthy compatriot to command our warriors. Who here is more suitable than you, a Krokuun man whose bones are as hard as stone and whose head is as stubborn as a Talbuk's?"

Hutton fell silent.

As a plainsman indifferent to fame and fortune, he had wanted to refuse this heavy honor. But in the end, he turned to look at Dick in the coffin, gritted his teeth, and accepted the shattered seal of leadership.

After he crushed the Arkonite Crystal, the broken seal transferred to Hutton's forehead. A few breaths later, it reformed and began to shine with a faint glow.

He would not disappoint his people.

Nor would he disappoint his child.

"Ah, this is so boring. So how long until I wake up?"

Dick had no idea that he had already been bestowed the title of "Saint" by the Draenei Clan. If he had known, he would definitely have refused such an exaggerated title. After all, few Saints in history had ever met a good end.

But that was precisely the problem—he had no way to communicate with the outside world right now.

After witnessing Malderan use Divine Intervention to save him and turn to ash amid the blazing flames, Dick had remained in a state of extreme fury throughout his subsequent coma. He had wanted nothing more than to leap up immediately and burn a hundred, a thousand demons to death. Yet due to a strange reaction triggered on the physical level, his consciousness had become trapped "between life and death."

It was a gray, hazy realm. In the boundless spiritual world, he was the only one here.

He had tried every method available to him, yet he still could not make any contact with the outside world.

Worst of all, this damned place had no concept of "time." Dick had no idea how much time had passed outside. He sat cross-legged in the empty expanse, feeling like he would go mad if he did not find something to do soon.

He sat there, looking at the Character Card display that appeared before him:

Name: Diakum Zastinus

Titles: Senior Polluter Bane, Hand of Argus

Honorary Title: Vigilant (detection ability increased; more sensitive to forces other than the Holy Light)

Race: Eredar

Special Race: Mythical Creature · Holy Light Descendant Mutant (in transformation · transformation progress: low)

Life Rank: Legendary

Status: Near Death [missing torso, organ failure, damaged heart, fusion with external object]

Classes: Vindicator Commodore [Eredar exclusive] / High Priest / None

Legendary Class: None (awaiting selection; available options: Harbinger of the Sun / Light Weaver / Archon)

Power Affiliation: Holy Light Force

Force Doctrine: Hand of Fate

Racial Talents:

Energy Affinity, Heroic Aura, Advanced Shadow Resistance, Lura's Legacy (inactive), Radiant Body (inactive), Divine Adjudicator (inactive).

Personal Talents:

Vindicator Tactics, Defender, Spellbreaker, Elder Intimidation, Holy Light Echo, Art of War, Zealous Devotion, Lightforged Armaments, Light Unsheathed.

Legendary Talents:

Ashbringer, Lightforged Knight, Forge Sword into Light (inactive), Brilliant Star (inactive)

Notice!

Your body is undergoing a strange and unknown transformation through its encasement in Naaru fragments and fusion with the Atama Crystal. This process will take a long time to complete. The exact time when this state will end cannot currently be predicted.

Overall Evaluation:

A barely passable wielder of the Holy Light?

Character Evaluation:

[What the fuck, can you even do this? You ended up in this sorry state fighting an unascended Sarkir? How is the organization supposed to count on you to complete greater challenges and fulfill arduous duties in the future?

If you can't do it, then just surrender!

Nothing shameful about that.

Anyway, given how much you've interfered with the course of fate so far, the "history" you'll face afterward will be even more absurd than what you remember. Ha, the butterfly has already begun to flap its wings. Given enough time to nurture it, the result will eventually be either a freak or a miracle.

In any case, do a better job from now on!

I've bet big on you. If you make me lose money, you'd better watch yourself, kid!

Now, make good use of this hard-won time. Think carefully, study things carefully, and preferably practice those pathetic fighting skills of yours. You're a movie star, yet you still have so many high-tier skills locked. Don't tell people you're one of us after you get out.

We can't afford that embarrassment, you understand?]

"Holy shit!"

Dick saw that infuriating commentary again.

If he could find that foul-mouthed bastard right now, he would definitely grab his gem warhammer and fight him for several hundred rounds. But after calming down, he realized the situation he was in.

Hiss... this was indeed a serious problem.

The Character Card showed that he was undergoing some unknown transformation. How had even his "race" changed?

Moreover, Dick had already noticed that although the "foul-mouthed one" behind the Character Card spoke horribly, he always hid reminders for Dick within that filthy language. As long as Dick was perceptive enough, he could glean some "guidance" from it.

For example, right now, he was being reminded to make proper use of this time.

"So, he means for me to practice my fighting skills here?"

Dick stood up and began trying to shape things within this gray spiritual world. As his memories flowed, an illusory Felguard took form before him.

"Ha! I knew it—a training ground."

Dick loosened up his body, then used his will to form a warhammer for himself. He opened the Character Card and glanced over his skill list. Although most of his skills had already reached "Mastery," it turned out that there were even higher levels of proficiency beyond Mastery.

Raising all those skill proficiencies would require a great deal of time and sufficient practice. Those happened to be the only things he possessed right now—and the things he lacked least.

But before beginning the fight, he looked at the Legendary Class he had yet to choose. This had to be selected carefully, as it directly concerned his future class development and combat style.

Archon was eliminated first!

It was the hero class for priests, and it leaned toward healing and spellcasting. If he chose it, Dick would become a "coward afraid of close combat" from then on.

Then Light Weaver was eliminated.

It was not that this hero class was not powerful enough. The main issue was that its power leaned more toward protection. Dick had not even figured out the path of Retribution yet—where would he find the energy to start down the "Protection Paladin" class path as well?

Besides, if he remembered correctly, this hero class had once been called a "Holy Light Blacksmith." Although he had always been determined to walk the Holy Light Path and did not care much for others' opinions, wasn't that just a little too uncool?

Thus, the only choice left to him was "Harbinger of the Sun."

"Forget it, forget it. You'll do."

Dick sighed. As he changed classes, he grumbled:

"Sure, forcibly advancing before maxing out the mastery of both classes will reduce my options, but where's the cooler 'Void Weaver'? Where's the more mystical 'Oracle'? Where's the more badass 'Templar'?

I was supposed to have six hero classes to choose from across the two class systems, so why am I only being offered three?

Does the Holy Light think I'm not suited for those overly cool classes?

That can't be right!"

Amid his sighing and grumbling, Dick completed his class change within this simulated spiritual world.

As the path of the Sun Herald opened before him, he rolled his shoulders and spread the Holy Light like a rising sun. Beneath that brilliant, majestic dawn radiance, Dick picked up his warhammer, crooked a finger at the Felguard before him, and said:

"Come on! Demon brat, play with your old man of the Holy Light for a while. Once I wake up, I'll kill every last one of you!"

P.S.:

Beep beep beep, hold on tight and sit properly—the "Mass Release Express" is about to depart!