It Is Also Recorded in Dalaran's Historical Annals

The Eredar had an incredibly badass talent: their energy adaptability was exceptionally strong.

Though they were far less outrageous than the elves of Azeroth, who could evolve into different "lineages" depending on the type of energy they absorbed, the elves had not yet been born at this point in time. Thus, when it came to energy affinity, the Eredar could modestly call themselves "among the finest in the galaxy."

Although the mainstay spellcasters of Eredar civilization were Arcane Mages like Enlightener Sarkir and Archimonde, the race had received the blessing and formed a symbiotic bond with the Holy Light creatures known as the Naaru a thousand years ago, due to their racial relic, the Atama Crystal. As a result, there were quite a few priests among Eredar spellcasters as well.

Their energy-affine constitutions allowed them to embrace the Holy Light quickly and effectively. Besides, the Holy Light really did not demand as much talent as the truths of the arcane did. Otherwise, someone like Dick, whose energy affinity was hardly impressive, would never have had the chance to become a Vindicator of the Holy Light.

Thus, after Dick made his suggestion, Imira, the perennial bottom-ranker of the Arcane Academy, did not hesitate for long before accepting it. Dick then personally witnessed her baptism into becoming a Holy Light priest at lightning speed.

There was not even any need to find an official priest to preside over the rite. Dick himself was a High Vindicator and a follower of the Holy Light Doctrine, which placed him on the same level as a high-ranking priest. He was fully qualified to conduct a baptism.

Of course, Vindicators generally did not do this sort of work.

The reason was simple. If someone truly had a talent for interpreting scripture, would it not be better to become a priest with higher social standing?

Those who became Vindicators generally had energy affinity, but not an exceptionally high amount of it. Compared to debating doctrine and reasoning with people, they were often better at "physical persuasion."

Though Dick's failure to "choose a doctrine of the Holy Light" had sealed away all his original class skills, it was not a major problem.

In this small courtyard, Dick held a Vindicator Codex in hand and solemnly asked several questions according to the baptism process he remembered undergoing himself. Then, in the name of the Holy Light, he welcomed Imira into the ranks of the Faith Walkers.

The moment he dipped the fingers holding the Rosary Beads into water and brushed them across Imira's forehead to conclude the ceremony, motes of light gathered above her bare brow and formed a gentle, mysterious "Holy Light Sigil."

It resembled the "Arcane Sigil" on Archimonde's forehead—small, adorable, and radiating a warm glow like a floating lamp. It signified that this Eredar girl had embarked upon another path of spellcasting.

Bolstered by the racial blessing bestowed by the Naaru, radiant energy swiftly flowed through her body, replacing the arcane power she had wielded before and granting Imira the authority of "healing."

"How does it feel?"

Dick closed the rather heavy Vindicator Codex in his hands, took a step back, and coughed several times before asking through the still-maintained Mind Vision:

"Did you hear the Holy Light's instructions for you?"

"It was vague, but I could indeed hear it, Lord Diakum."

Imira experienced the unfamiliar sensation and uneasily rubbed one of her delicate horns. She said:

"I never had this feeling when casting arcane magic. But I have discussed such matters with the Academy's priests before. They said this was normal. As my understanding of the Holy Light Doctrine deepens, my 'Holy Light Echo' will become clearer. Once I can hear the Holy Light's distinct teachings, I will be able to become a high-ranking priest."

"Mm, not bad. It proves that your Casting Talent is not as terrible as you think."

Dick comforted her.

"Be more confident, child. Being admitted to the Arcane Academy already proves that you are remarkable... Now, describe in detail how it felt when you first came into contact with the Holy Light."

"Ah?"

Imira blankly looked at the High Vindicator before her and softly said:

"You have been with the Holy Light for so many years. Do you not understand this feeling... Ah, I was being slow-witted. You must wish to examine the details of my contact with the Holy Light so you can tailor a training method more suitable for me, right?"

"Yes. A very good thought. Please keep thinking that way."

Dick nodded.

Naturally, he was not about to tell this "smart yet foolish" Imira that he needed to infer from her reactions how to choose a Holy Light Doctrine again, thereby activating the class skills currently sealed within him.

This was important.

It could even be said to be the most important matter at the moment.

The Holy Light Sigil that should have been on his forehead had become incredibly dim and even showed signs of cracking. For now, he could still fob people off by claiming that his severe injuries had temporarily prevented him from sensing the Holy Light. But once his body recovered and he still could not use Holy Light techniques, anyone paying attention would surely become suspicious.

He was, after all, a High Vindicator—a pillar of the Eredar military system. If someone of his status could not even sense the Holy Light, never mind Archimonde; even old Velen, renowned for his compassion, would probably suspect that he had something "unclean" on him.

And if he were investigated by the legendary Assassin Court or Inquisition Court, would his entire cover not be blown?

Especially at such a sensitive time, when the Enlightener was preparing a coup and he had just become an undercover agent, it was entirely possible that he would be implicated as a demon accomplice once suspicion fell on him.

At Dick's request, Imira described in great detail what it had felt like to come into contact with the Holy Light. She also explained that the Holy Light Doctrine she had chosen was "salvation and healing." This was the most widespread doctrine among Eredar priests and was said to be the interpretation closest to the essence of the Holy Light.

"So all I need to do is state my choice, and I can receive a response from the Holy Light?"

Dick nodded with an approving expression, though inwardly, he was muttering to himself.

Listening to Imira make it sound so simple made him want to find a moment alone and try it himself. If he struck a cool pose, gripped the Vindicator Codex, called upon the Holy Light, and shouted some embarrassingly melodramatic declaration like, "I will save the fate of Argus!" would he receive a response?

Of course, he definitely could not do something like that openly. High Vindicators had their pride too.

After completing Imira's baptism, he began instructing the "Five Little Powerhouses" in combat techniques in the manner of a senior.

They were all recruits. Though gifted, they had absolutely no real combat experience. Dick himself had only arrived in this world two days ago and could hardly claim any practical experience either, but the memories in this body were a tremendous help.

Though he was a textbook mediocrity who had risen through connections, Diakum Zastinus had genuinely fought dangerous beasts and otherworldly creatures wandering the endless Petrified Forest when he had served as a Vindicator in Krokuun. His combat experience was exceedingly plentiful.

Before encountering the "benefactor" Archimonde and receiving his patronage, Diakum had truly earned his High Vindicator qualifications through achievements won by blade and spear.

Actually fighting would certainly expose him, but simply instructing recruits was more than enough for now.

"Do not fear injury! A warrior's martial skill can only improve effectively through real combat. Imira has become a priest, and she can use the Holy Light to heal your wounds. That will also improve her healing skills."

Dick leaned on a war spear as though it were a cane and sternly told the Five Little Powerhouses:

"Though Malderan has not told you the specific details of this operation, I must emphasize that the moment you arrived here, you had already joined it! You may find yourselves facing vicious monsters in battle. For the sake of your lives, I must raise your combat capabilities as much as possible during this time.

"If I were not presently unable to fight others, I would train you personally.

"Now, pair up and begin sparring!

"Imira, remain ready to heal your companions at all times. Aside from individual drills, you will also undergo coordinated group-combat training. This is an extremely important part of Vindicator training.

"Next, I will assign your roles within the team!

"Listen carefully."

Putting on the air of an experienced instructor, Dick addressed Sovos, the recruit wielding a sword and shield.

"Sovos, you will serve as the defender and protector with your sword and shield. In team combat, you must always charge at the front, protect your comrades from harm, and create openings for their attacks.

"Fareeya, you wield a war spear. You are Sovos's partner and the team's vanguard. Use your long weapon to attack enemies while helping Sovos clear the way for his charges.

"Tramon, you wield a greatsword and serve as the primary damage dealer!

"Kill enemies as efficiently as possible at the safe distance Sovos and Fareeya create for you, while covering Barat behind you, who will serve as ranged damage. His heavy crossbow is the most destructive weapon in your squad at medium and long range, as well as the best weapon for suppressing and harassing spellcasting enemies.

"Finally, Imira.

"You do not need to participate in combat, but your role is the most important in the team.

"You are the lifeline of the other four. Only if your healing spells continue to take effect can your team keep fighting like precisely turning gears.

"Should you make a mistake, it will only be a matter of time before the entire squad is wiped out when surrounded. Thus, while carrying out their respective duties, the other four must do everything in their power to ensure Imira's safety.

"Of course, if the battle is not too intense, you may also use the Holy Light to strike your enemies. This is especially useful against spellcasters, as many priestly spell-countering techniques will come in handy."

Dick spoke with great confidence, but if one broke it down, was this not simply the classic standard strategy for a five-player dungeon run?

Still, combat experience distilled by countless players through endless real battles against powerful foes was inherently valuable instruction. It was the "optimal solution" obtained only after countless deaths. Besides, the Vindicator Codex did contain similar tactical arrangements, just not explained as clearly as Dick had put them.

Furthermore, this classic composition of "three Holy Paladins, a Marksmanship Hunter, and a Holy Priest" looked incredibly powerful at a glance. So long as they did not encounter an enemy whose absolute strength completely overwhelmed them, the five of them would have the strength to fight.

Under Dick's watchful gaze, the Five Little Powerhouses swiftly began their drills.

As an institution devoted to teaching and nurturing talent, the Arcane Academy also possessed "training equipment" specifically designed for such practical exercises. These "physical holograms," powered by Arcanite Crystals, could provide a highly realistic combat experience according to preset enemy types. However, these were not purely technological creations, but products born of technology fused with arcane magic.

This was also the most distinctive feature of Eredar civilization.

They were a magical civilization, but they also valued the application of engineering.

The arcane guard constructs patrolling throughout the Academy were the best example. These steel giants, over five meters tall, used Arcanite Crystals as their energy source. Once activated, they could strike down any intruder with their massive shield-like arms. Certain special models could even cast simple spells through engraved arcane patterns.

It was said that Grand Executor Velen, in his youth, had not only been exceptionally skilled in arcane magic and possessed Casting Talent comparable to Enlightener Sarkir's, but had also been proficient in repairing arcane constructs.

However, Eredar civilization had not yet advanced to the point where it could explore the stars.

Their greatest technological achievements thus far were the iron warships used by their navy and devices capable of atmospheric flight. It was said that the Technology Court, led by Chief Engineer Master Ishka, had been trying to design an aircraft capable of entering the starry sea, but had yet to make much progress.

Returning to the present, Dick's training was exceptionally strict. Using the practical training apparatus, he set up a "unique dungeon" for the Five Little Powerhouses.

They needed to continuously battle eighteen waves of enemies made up of demons in different forms, including three demon bosses. Though he had not designed any outrageously disgusting monster skills, the challenge still left the Five Little Powerhouses groaning in misery.

They were gifted, but they were only recruits. It was basically like making a party of level-twenty characters raid a level-forty dungeon.

Honestly, that was rather unfair.

By the time night fell on the first day of training, their best result had only been enduring through the seventh wave of demons.

Still, these recruits were indeed worthy of Malderan's high regard. They summarized their lessons and mistakes during their evening rest, and their performance in the second day's training became noticeably more competent.

Dick had been rather disappointed after trying seventeen different poses in his room the previous night and shouting many melodramatic declarations, only to receive no response from the Holy Light. But when he saw that the Five Little Powerhouses had exerted themselves to clear the second boss trial, his mood immediately improved.

"Even if I never receive a response from the Holy Light and cannot become a Highlord on the battlefield, I can still indulge my commander fantasies from the rear."

Dick consoled himself with that thought.

It was not mere wishful thinking. With his memories and understanding of those NPCs who had left their names in history, he was truly confident that, given enough time, he could train a "Legion of Heroes" for Argus.

Too many outstanding figures had emerged during this race's ten-thousand-year history of sorrowful exile and resistance. Thanks to the Eredar's Eternal Life, those heroes who would accomplish great things in the future were most likely somewhere in the world of Argus right now, learning how to be nobodies.

"Push harder!"

Dick encouraged the exhausted Five Little Powerhouses mentally through the Mind Vision link.

"Adapt to the experience of prolonged combat, children.

"Ancient Jed'hin Training has granted us enduring stamina. The benevolent Naaru have given us the blessing of the Holy Light. Ten thousand years of evolution along the Arcane Path have given us a tradition of wielding energy.

"You must make good use of your innate strength to reduce Imira's burden. These physical holograms are still far weaker than real demons. If you cannot even pass this training, then how will you fulfill your duties when truly facing the threat of demons?"

"But Argus has no demons..."

The blunt Imira softly said:

"We have never even seen these evil and violent creatures that you created with the training apparatus. Have you seen them, sir?"

"I can only tell you that they truly exist! And at this very moment, they are eyeing our world from the dark sea of stars."

Dick's answer silenced the warriors. When the next round of training began, he stood to the side and verbally instructed the three Vindicator recruits in the essentials of battle.

Like a strict but competent drill instructor.

They were all so engrossed that Dick failed to notice two uniquely shaped, gracefully moving flying rays carrying riders as they landed outside the courtyard.

These airborne magical rays were the Draenei's third traditional mount, besides lightly equipped Talbuk and heavily armored thunder elephants. They were also one of the specialties of Argus.

When the travel-worn Vindicator Malderan and an Eredar disguised as a scholar entered the courtyard, they happened to see the Five Little Powerhouses fighting a simulated Doom Lord demon under Dick's guidance. Malderan was about to call out to Dick, but the disguised figure beside him stopped him with a raised hand.

This person watched with great interest as the five recruits displayed immature but already competent teamwork, as well as the form of the violent creature that had been designed and woven into existence.

Finally, his gaze settled upon Dick, who stood at the side leaning on his war spear and continuously issuing commands.

The man flexed his fingers and silently connected both his own mind and Vindicator Malderan's to the maintained Mind Vision. Then they heard Dick's scolding and guidance within it:

"The Eredun Doomguard's most threatening attacks come from their fel curses. Imira, make sure to dispel those vicious forces that can make you explode from within.

"These demons can fly, and they bombard the battlefield with fel barrages and Doomfire Rain. When one takes off, you must evade it. You have not yet learned advanced techniques such as Divine Shield, so your positioning must be flexible.

"Always look for cover!

"If all else fails, have Sovos raise his shield.

"You must fight them quickly. Once a Doom Lord summons additional demon servants and surpasses the limits of what you can handle, retreat immediately.

"Of course, if Imira's and Barat's spell counters, which are always too slow, could interrupt the demon's casting at exactly the right moment, your current pressure would be far lower..."

Just as Dick said those words, the simulated projection was defeated beneath Tramon and Fareeya's joint assault.

When the arcane projection dissipated into motes of light, the utterly exhausted Five Little Powerhouses immediately cheered. This was the first time they had cleared this "dungeon" during two days of training.

Dick, however, was dissatisfied. Leaning on his war spear, he rebuked them through Mind Vision:

"If this had been real combat, by the time Tramon delivered that decisive strike, your team would have lost at least three members! This inferior tactic of sacrificing your comrades for victory is not worth encouraging.

"You are still too weak. Keep training!"

"Captain Diakum, you are being too harsh on them."

Vindicator Malderan's voice came from behind him. The old Vindicator looked at the five recruits with satisfaction and said cheerfully:

"They have already done exceptionally well. The opponent you designed for them is far too exaggerated. Even a squad of High Vindicators would have difficulty handling it. This is completely beyond the level of enemy recruits should be facing."

"But they cannot remain recruits forever, and demons will not wait until we have trained enough seasoned warriors before entering this world."

Dick turned and told Vindicator Malderan:

"We do not have much time to prepare. And this is?"

He noticed the mysterious person beside the old Vindicator. The latter generously removed his scholar's hood, revealing a cold, scarred face.

The broken-horned Eredar introduced himself:

"My name is Talgas, leader of the Assassin Court and the intelligence chief most trusted by Commander Kil'jaeden and Grand Executor Velen."

"The Hunter?"

Dick was greatly startled. Talgas seemed pleased that Dick knew his "nickname" in the "dark circles," while Vindicator Malderan also spoke:

"It is not only Lord Talgas, Captain Diakum. Today, I have also returned as the envoy of General Elodus, commander of the capital district's defenses. Commander Kil'jaeden and General Elodus take the information you provided very seriously. They urgently wish to know more about this matter, as well as any operational advice you can offer."

"My view and recommendation are simple."

Dick replied through Mind Vision:

"If we can create a suitable situation in which Archimonde and Sarkir destroy each other, then we will resolve two problems at once."

"What an arrogant plan!"

Talgas narrowed his eyes and said:

"Do you have a concrete operational plan?

"And setting aside Sarkir and the Awakeners' Cult's dangerous attempt at a coup, can you provide sufficient evidence proving that Headmaster Archimonde, who currently enjoys great prestige, has undertaken any actions that actually endanger Eredar civilization?

"Mr. Diakum, I hope you answer this question seriously. Otherwise, the price of falsely accusing a high-ranking spellcaster leader will be severe."

"Evidence?"

Dick laughed. He patted his still-bandaged chest and said:

"I myself am the evidence!

"And the actions you wish to see will naturally be carried out by me personally. I will shoulder the most dangerous and difficult step. As an abandoned pawn, I will become the fuse that ignites their internal conflict and remove two dangerous elements from our civilization and people.

"I firmly believe that this is a duty I must fulfill!

"And I am equally certain that this is the Holy Light's first test for me!"

The three men communicated both verbally and mentally, leaving the Five Little Powerhouses beside them completely stunned.

They had never expected the operation they were involved in to be so explosive. Not only did it involve Enlightener Sarkir, whom practically everyone in Eredar society knew, but even the prestigious Headmaster Archimonde was implicated?

Imira's legs were trembling even more.

After failing courses and repeating years so many times, she had sometimes entertained some rather wicked thoughts when she was feeling down. But directly participating in something like killing the Academy's headmaster...

Damn, that was exciting.

P.S.

Thanks to brother "Gervis" for the alliance leader donation. The bonus chapters will be counted toward the explosive release after launch. There are already twenty bonus chapters from donations alone... I honestly do not know whether I can finish that many manuscripts during the New Year period. I'll give it everything I've got!