Saints Smile in the Light, Warriors Sleep Peacefully in Dreams

"What happened? What's going on? Why has the passage to the navigation platform been sealed?"

A large crowd had gathered in Genedar's starship plaza. Even some civilians had been alerted, and everyone was chattering about the strange phenomenon from earlier. Fareeya, who was on duty, had been watching the excitement when the voice behind her hit her with a triple interrogation.

The Holy Light warrior who had just finished her daily training turned around. Seeing that it was Captain Neri, she explained in a low voice:

"Just now, a strange Holy Light erupted from the navigation platform. It drew the Holy Light Chosen here to investigate, and some civilians who were taking a walk nearby saw the light too. They stubbornly believe it must have been some kind of 'miracle.'"

"Huh?"

Neri was stunned.

She looked in surprise toward the navigation platform. It had already been sealed off, and the crystal doors had descended, preventing the light within from shining into the plaza. She asked in confusion:

"What kind of light would make civilians see it as a miracle? We've all lived through Argus's fall. It was only four months ago, after all. What I mean is, we Eredar have seen plenty. How could we be so easily deceived by a ball of light?"

"Because it wasn't ordinary Holy Light, Lady Neri. Also, we should call ourselves 'Draenei' now."

Fareeya first corrected Captain Neri's improper term before excitedly explaining:

"I arrived late and only saw the light's final transformation. But a civilian who happened to be here described it to me. She said she personally saw light like the morning glow at sunrise spilling forth, and in that instant, she and her children felt as though they had returned home, as if they were watching the dawn.

"The light felt warm when it fell upon them, completely unlike the traditional form of Holy Light.

"And that beam kept changing.

"At least, by the time I arrived, it had transformed from gentle morning light into the blazing radiance of a sun hanging high overhead. It was scorching, as if it could drive away every shadow, grant courage to the people, and inspire their will. Even injured patients here felt their wounds improving.

"Uh, of course, I think that was mostly psychological.

"Anyway, this light is very strange!

"No one believes it was Holy Light emitted by the Naaru. Even Lord K'ure was startled. It was the one who ordered the navigation platform sealed.

"Great Prophet Velen has already gone over. Perhaps he can uncover its mystery."

"But apart from the Naaru, the navigation platform only holds the Crown of the Triumvirate relic we brought back. That thing can't glow."

Neri said in surprise:

"Could it be something else? Come to think of it, such an important place as the navigation platform isn't supposed to store useless things. Other than the Naaru, there's only—Oh no! Come with me!"

Neri jolted and immediately shoved through the crowd, rushing forward. Fareeya caught on as well and followed her, battle spear in hand.

Other than the Naaru, the only thing on the navigation platform that could emit light was Commodore Diakum's coffin!

Oh, right. According to the order issued by the two Grand Executors, Velen and Hutton, more than three months ago, Commodore Diakum's official titles were now "Saint" and "Vigilant."

The veterans of the Hand of Argus had no objections to this glorious honor. They even felt that granting Commodore Diakum only the title of Saint reeked of "official suppression." But considering Lord Dick's current state of being neither alive nor dead, it would have been useless to grant him more authority anyway.

The civilians, on the other hand, thought the honor was wonderful!

Especially the civilians whom Commodore Diakum had rescued in Mac'Aree. They truly regarded Diakum's coffin as a "holy relic."

Every monthly prayer day, many people went to the navigation platform to pay their respects to the sacred site.

But the navigation platform was the most important section of the ship, so it was inconvenient to open it every month. Thus, Velen and Hutton were preparing to erect a stone statue of Dick in the "city plaza" on the starship's lower deck during the ship's next stop at a planet for supplies. They also planned to refurbish the "holy coffin."

Relying on her status as a ranger commander, Neri smoothly entered the sealed navigation platform. The moment she stepped inside, she went numb. So the civilians in the plaza had not been lying. The entire navigation platform before her had been enveloped in light emanating from Dick's coffin.

And unlike the blazing sunlight Fareeya had described, the light had now transformed into orange streams of radiance, crimson like fiery sunset clouds.

It truly did not resemble the uniquely distinct Holy Light. It possessed the softness, grandeur, and naturalness expected of light in nature. Though the energy contained within could be clearly felt, it looked no different from a magnificent sunset at first glance.

Mm, based on its pattern of transformation, it should be called the "Light of Dusk" now.

Neri stepped forward beneath the warm light that carried a trace of evening chill. She saw that all the starship's senior officers had already gathered around the coffin, including Velen, Hutton, cavalry commander Jaide, and the caster commanders, the Twins.

Everyone stood around the coffin without saying a word. Even Prophet Velen wore a helpless expression.

"So what exactly is going on? Why did his coffin suddenly start glowing?"

With barely concealed anticipation, Neri stepped forward and asked:

"So, is Dick going to wake up?"

"No. He isn't."

The Twins shook their heads regretfully.

"We just examined the commodore's condition. His body is still incomplete and wrapped in Naaru crystal. There are no signs of awakening, but this sudden light is impossible to explain."

"This is the power of the Holy Light!"

Velen turned the Argus Heart pendant in his hand and said gravely:

"I discussed this with the three Naaru, and we examined it with Holy Light of the same origin. We can now confirm that this light is a variant of Holy Light power. According to the Naaru, it most likely came from a natural transformation of primordial Holy Light within the material world. It is a highly advanced technique.

"Dawn, blazing sun, and dusk—these three different lights carry different concepts and effects. The Naaru believe this is a blessing from primordial Holy Light in recognition of Diakum's miraculous achievements.

"They believe primordial Holy Light is healing our Saint.

"However, we cannot yet determine whether this light will have unusual effects on others when it shines from Diakum onto them. Therefore, Hutton and I are considering whether to move Dick's coffin into storage.

"At the very least, we should wait until the light stabilizes before making any other plans."

"I think this may be guidance from the Holy Light."

Fareeya leaned on her battle spear, basking in the Light of Dusk that she had not felt for four months. The pent-up gloom from traveling through the stars seemed to dissipate somewhat beneath this unusual light.

She quietly said to the others:

"Perhaps the Holy Light saw that we would inevitably face a long road of exile, so it deliberately granted Commodore Dick such power and made him Genedar's 'simulated sun'?

"If we place Commodore Dick at the highest point in the center of the starship, wouldn't that mean our people could still feel the comfort of dawn, blazing sun, and dusk throughout this long exile?

"The stars are boundless, and everything around us is always pitch-black. That leaves people feeling stifled. Besides, because the starship's lighting remains constantly unchanged every day, everyone is nearly losing their sense of time. Though we Eredar, because of Eternal Life, have never paid much attention to the passage of time."

"So you mean we should hang Commodore Diakum in the sky and use him as a lighting device?"

The Twins exchanged a glance. Saloras snapped fiercely:

"Isn't that a little too 'pragmatic'?"

"More importantly, these beams change too frequently."

Oreses shook her head.

"They cannot guarantee stable illumination, and their durations differ as well. What I mean is, we should put it in storage and observe it for a while first. If this truly is a blessing from the Holy Light that can give Genedar a natural light source, then it won't be too late to decide."

"Still, the changes in this light really do resemble the complete cycle of a natural light source."

Velen gave Fareeya a strange look and mused:

"If we truly regard it as a blessing from the Holy Light, then the people will gladly accept this natural order. More importantly, with these light sources, Genedar's energy consumption can be reduced.

"The ship relies entirely on the three Naaru for energy. They can grow tired and exhausted as well. Even reducing their burden by the slightest amount is necessary."

"No! Are you really going to hang Dick up there? How can you do that?"

Neri could not accept it.

She was unusually agitated, completely unlike her usual calm and capable self.

But everyone knew that this hundred-year-old "little girl" had a peculiar sort of feeling for Commodore Dick, so they could understand her agitation.

In the end, Velen and Hutton made their decision.

Dick's coffin would temporarily be moved to the biological storage bay to observe the patterns in the light's changes. Once it stabilized, they would make further judgments. But the gathered officers had not come to the navigation platform solely because of this unexpected development.

Standing amid the orange sunset glow, Velen said to the gathered starship leadership:

"Next month, we will land on a physical planet for the first time. Aside from allowing the three guardian Naaru sufficient rest, our ship needs to replenish necessary fresh water and ingredients, as well as collect certain local materials.

"Although the starship has complete food-production facilities, the people need a change of taste once in a while.

"Lord K'ure suggests that we remain on the planet called Xagaria for at least three to six months, so our people can recover some of their strength after this long journey through the stars.

"We will also establish temporary contact with our other people and determine whether the Burning Legion has begun pursuing us.

"This is very important."

"Besides that, the Army of the Light's invitation must also be addressed."

Grand Executor Hutton, who was responsible for military affairs and public security, continued:

"Lady Kara, who is in charge of communications with the other Naaru, informed us that Xe'ra, Mother of Light, will send a troop transport to rendezvous with us in Xagaria. It will take away some young and strong warriors willing to join the Army of the Light.

"The internal survey aboard the starship has concluded. Many young people yearn to join the Army of the Light and fight demons. Anger still remains in their hearts.

"But we cannot truly send only a group of recruits.

"Therefore, after discussing it with Velen, I decided to assign a squad of experienced senior Vindicators to serve as the recruits' commanders. Lady Fareeya, would you and your teammates be willing to take on such a responsibility?"

"Us?"

Fareeya froze for a moment, then said hesitantly:

"I must ask the other four for their opinions. But personally, every time I've fallen asleep over these past four months, I've recalled the days of war on Argus.

"You are right!

"There is a flame of anger burning in my heart. Until I have executed enough demons, that flame will only burn hotter. If the Army of the Light can truly fulfill the oath it made at its founding—to fight demons across the worlds and bring salvation—then I am willing to join it.

"Perhaps I cannot achieve a true great deed like Lord Dick, but I still hope the Eredar's tragedy will not happen to others.

"Demons are our common enemy!"

"Very good. Then please discuss it with your companions. There is no need to give us an answer immediately. We still have enough time."

Hutton nodded, then looked toward the Twins.

He said:

"Xe'ra, Mother of Light, also needs sufficiently elite spellcasters. Moreover, that primordial Naaru, who is skilled in prophecy, explicitly stated that she hopes the two of you will travel to Tempest Keep and serve as the Army of the Light's caster commanders."

"Us two?"

The Twins clasped each other's hands in surprise.

"We admit that we have some talent, but we are too young. Can we really bear such an important responsibility? And honestly, neither of us is interested in the Holy Light Doctrine!

"Lord Dick once said that our talents were naturally suited to the path of the Arcane. And we don't know whether he was joking, but he also said we were equally gifted in the path of the warlock. But after forming a life-and-death grudge against demons, how could we possibly walk the path of fel?"

"No, children. Studying the path of the warlock is precisely necessary."

Velen, once an Arcane master himself, spoke up to persuade them.

"If we do not understand our enemy, then we cannot possibly gain an advantage in the coming war. Although the path of the warlock comes with the risks of temptation, evil, and corruption, the spellcasters among us must make certain sacrifices for it.

"As for why Lady Xe'ra specifically invited the two of you, I do have some idea."

The prophet smiled softly, somewhat regretful and lonely.

"Because you two are people who defied fate and succeeded. Do you know? In the dark prophecy I once saw concerning Kil'jaeden, you two stood beside my brother in grotesque Man'ari forms.

"You were his adjutants.

"That meant that in the original fate, you would also have become members of the Burning Legion, perhaps even occupying high positions.

"Children, your fates have already been changed in silence. Lady Xe'ra is a more exceptional prophet than I am. She must have seen the future that I saw as well. So it is no surprise that she became interested in you.

"Your fates have broken free of their shackles. No one can predict your futures anymore!

"This means that under the guidance and training of an exceptional prophet, you can accomplish nearly endless great deeds."

That explanation made the Twins' eyes widen. The ambitious pair looked at each other and saw longing in each other's eyes. They would not walk the path of fel again, but fate had always shown special favor to geniuses.

The starting point of a new journey toward great deeds now lay before them.

"Grand Executors, we sisters need to seriously consider this choice."

The Twins said solemnly to Velen and Hutton:

"This decision concerns our futures. Please allow us to submit our answer after some time."

"That is only proper."

Velen nodded.

"In these dark times, we should all be more cautious when making decisions. Then, Commander Neri, you—"

"I'm not going!"

Neri stroked Dick's coffin and refused decisively:

"My arrows and bullets will only ever fly for my people. I do not have that much compassion or energy to spare for other races, just as Dick once told me. I must first become a torch for my people, lead the Draenei out of this dark night, and Set Foot On the dawn of the future before I have the right to speak of anything more."

Her voice rang with strength, representing her unwavering conviction.

And at the very moment Neri finished speaking, the dusk within the coffin pulsed and transformed into a ray of dawn that enveloped her.

As though it were a gentle response.

"Ah, today's combat warm-up is over."

Within Diakum's spiritual world, Dick stood atop a "small mountain" of demon corpses, covered in wounds. He tossed aside his bloodstained warhammer and looked at the light shrouding his hands.

The Sun Herald class traits gave him more ways to manipulate the Holy Light, completely freeing him from the rigid habit of only bursting and igniting it.

The healing dawn that pierced darkness, the scorching sun that burned away evil, the indifferent dusk that passed Judgment and execution—

These lights, carrying different doctrinal concepts, all came from Dick's understanding and control of his own Holy Light.

Better still, because the Sun Herald class traits contained certain caster concepts, his priest abilities could also perfectly blend into the transformations of these three-colored radiances. In the truest sense, it allowed Dick to merge the two class systems of Vindicator and priest into one.

But this was only the beginning.

Dick knew he would need to spend much more time completing the fusion of these concepts of power, using them as a stable foundation to develop a combat style uniquely his own.

Most importantly, he needed to hurry and replicate the advanced abilities from both classes that he had not yet learned.

In his previous duel with Sarkir, he had already discovered his shortcomings in combat technique. Compared to a Vindicator with solid fundamentals like Malderan, his strength had improved too quickly, causing his techniques to lag behind somewhat.

Still, today's training results were gratifying. His proficiency with Judgment had finally reached the "Master" rank. Yet this was not the end of technique training. Above Master lay the ranks of "Supreme" and "Flawless."

"Still need to train!"

Dick looked at the demons he had slain beneath his feet. They were all enemies he had faced before, Draining from his memories. The Thirty Day War on Argus had given Dick enough "material" to select opponents for himself.

If that was not enough, then the assorted bosses from the memories of his previous life were waiting in line for him to challenge again.

"Decided. Tomorrow, I'll try taking on three hundred demons alone!"

Diakum stretched his body, causing the demon remains in this space to dissolve into gray light. He sat back down on the ground, intending to recover his spent energy through priest meditation.

He could not die in this space.

But every swing of his weapon still consumed energy. The exhaustion of prolonged combat meant he needed to enter deep meditation to recover more quickly.

He had to maintain this regimen of self-forging, not merely to increase his strength, but also to ensure that he would not go mad from prolonged solitude. And as Dick entered deep meditation, in that sleep-like state, he vaguely seemed to hear a voice from "outside."

"Lord Dick, I spoke with them. Everyone has decided to leave Genedar and go to the Army of the Light. We have not abandoned our oath to protect the people. We want to take the initiative and strike out more actively.

"You once said that the best protection was to execute enemies before they could harm our companions.

"I think your words make perfect sense.

"We will take you as our example!"

We will don the battle robes of the Army of the Light, travel across different worlds, and once again deliver the wrath of the Hand of Argus to those destroyers.

We will never disappoint you!"

That was Fareeya's voice. It was a farewell.

At that moment, Dick seemed to see the young girl he had trained and her companions, carrying packs on their backs as they led a group of recruits onto an Army of the Light transport ship.

He sighed. He knew that the five young heroes had ultimately embarked upon the destiny of Lightforging that belonged to them.

There was no regret in his heart, only blessings.

"That old fraud Xe'ra!"

Dick said in his heart,

"You'd damn well better take care of my apprentices. If they suffer even the slightest grievance, just wait until I wake up and tear you, you useless piece of trash, apart!"

Then the Twins' voices rang out beside Dick's ears. These responses seemed to come from different times, yet their order had been scrambled so that Dick could hear them clearly.

Compared to Fareeya's solemnity, these two clever little devils were far more relaxed.

They said:

"Goodbye, Lord Dick. We sisters have decided to explore the most brilliant of the countless possibilities our lives may hold. Lord Velen said that we had already broken free from fate's shackles, but we both know very well that all of this began with your guidance and protection.

We are deeply grateful.

If you awaken in the future, we wouldn't mind returning to your side and becoming your adjutants again—or perhaps something more intimate.

Um, don't misunderstand.

We sisters are committed to being single. We do not intend to be burdened by the bonds of marriage, nor do we plan to raise offspring.

Since we have Eternal Life, why not enjoy life?

But if it's you and your 'Holy Gun,' then we might consider maintaining something long-term.

Hahahaha.

Wake up soon, before we grow old."

Amid their light laughter, the Twins completed their farewell to Dick as well, leaving him helpless.

Hey!

How could you say such dark and vulgar things in front of a pure Warrior of Light? Being single, enjoying life... tsk, wasn't that just hookups?

What a pair of shrimp-brained girls.

"Seriously, what kind of people do I have around me?"

Dick sighed.

But before he could recover his inner peace, he heard Neri's greetings again.

And there was more than one.

Perhaps because Neri had not left the Genedar, Dick seemed to hear nearly every greeting from Neri across different times and spaces in a single instant. For that moment, it was as though he were protected by a barrage of comments.

"We were attacked on Xagaria, Dick. It proved that your guesses about demons were as accurate as ever. They would not let us go so easily, but we were prepared, and the demons suffered another crushing defeat there.

In your name, I slew many high-ranking demons. Even without the blessing of World Power, I am still the greatest ranger.

I made a vow to myself. Perhaps once I kill 999 demons on my own, you will awaken.

You didn't object, so I'll take that as agreement, Dick."

The next voice followed immediately after, but it carried more exhaustion and less cheerfulness:

"The target of 999 has been reached, but you haven't awakened. Fine, I'll expand the vow—9,999! All right? This time, you can't break your promise again, hear me? Diakum, I... I really miss fighting alongside you. Sigh, who am I trying to fool?

I miss you!"

Dick's heart began to beat at that moment.

He thought of that night in Krokuun. He truly wanted to answer the call from outside, but he could not, and damned fate had no intention of letting him remain here in peace.

Then new calls began to ring out continuously.

"I'm three hundred years old, and you bastard are still sleeping. I've had enough. I'm giving you one more chance—you still owe me a date."

"The goal of 9,999 demons has been reached. I'm two thousand years old now, so how much longer are you going to make me wait?"

"Sigh, it's been seven thousand years since we left Argus. Our journey has lasted far longer than Prophet Velen predicted. I can almost no longer remember the scene of our first meeting, Diakum. Will you really awaken?"

"Today is my thirteen-thousandth birthday. I spent it alone, just like every birthday before it. Today, I rejected that young man's confession. He really is excellent in every way, but there is only one problem.

He isn't you.

What a pity."

"Cough, cough, I'm hurt. That damned Tichondrius lay in ambush and clawed me. Perhaps it was taking revenge for the humiliation you left it with back then. If the Warriors of Light led by General Sfurax hadn't happened to be fighting desperately on that battlefield to save me, I would have slept forever on that damned plant planet.

Prophet Velen said I need to rest for at least a hundred years.

That's fine too.

It gives me more time to come here and see you every day.

Sigh, I've already given up counting the days. I know that perhaps one day, I will die alone. I only hope that when that time comes, your light can still shine upon me.

Dick, Eredar have no concept of 'old,' but I truly feel old."

"The second ten thousand years since escaping Argus. Maraad came to see me today. His sister said I look like a widow who lost her husband. This is all your fucking fault! I'm obviously still single."

"Dick! This is bad, something happened. Lady Kara has developed a problem. It... it transformed into some terrifying thing under extreme exhaustion. Lord Velen risked his life to banish it outside the starship, but the Genedar was heavily damaged because of it.

We had no choice but to make an emergency landing!

This was an unforeseen crash. We may die in the hard landing, Dick.

I don't know whether I can survive, but... I know you will definitely awaken! If I die unfortunately, remember to come mourn this pitiful old woman who kept herself chaste for you for over twenty thousand years at my grave.

Damn it!

It's all because of that unfinished date.

But on the bright side, the exile is finally over. I still remember that terrible prophecy you made to me in Krokuun. I will do everything in my power to ensure it cannot come true! I will not let my people suffer the demons' humiliation until the day I die in battle.

Dick.

Wish us luck. If you can hear this, I..."

Boom

The tremendous explosion prevented Dick from hearing Neri's final words, but he guessed what those two unspoken words were. In that instant, he tried with all his strength to awaken, but then he realized that these conversations came from the distant future.

Perhaps it was that damned racial trait of mythical creatures that allowed him to hear the voice of the future in this state between life and death.

This was a good thing. It meant that the destination of this exile had not changed. But it was also a bad thing. Precisely because the broad course of fate had not changed, Dick knew very well what the Draenei would encounter in that world where they crashed.

The danger was no less severe than their desperate escape from Argus.

He would definitely awaken!

He had to awaken before everything became irreparable.

Dick rose to his feet. No longer heeding his spiritual exhaustion, he silently conjured a warhammer and summoned more demons and enemies to surround him.

He began fighting again. As the Hand of Fate, he had to seize every remaining second to prepare for their next "reunion." Though he knew Neri would certainly not die in that crash.

Good girl, wait patiently.

When you are at your most desperate, your Commodore will surely come to save you beneath the shining Holy Light.

When that time came,

I will make up for that missed date.

May the Holy Light bless you. May the Holy Light bless my brave and passionate Clan members. May the Holy Light bless my beloved and steadfast companions.

If the Holy Light cannot do it, then when I awaken next time, I will do it myself!