In short, please smash the enemy with the Holy Light's iron fist! Loyalty!

Bang! Bang!

Just as a potion of God-knew-what effect was about to be poured into Dick's mouth, two perfectly timed dull thuds suddenly echoed through the room.

"Hunter" Talgas appeared beside the bed, a gem-studded blackjack in hand. With a casual grab, he precisely caught the potion that had fallen from Saloras's hand. Before the two girls, dazed from the well-placed blows, could react, the Five Young Heroes who had burst through the door dragged them out with prepared chains and ropes.

Among them, Imira, the "bottom-ranked student," was the most excited and proactive.

She stuffed ropes into the vicious twins' mouths, seemingly rough but actually quite skillful, preventing them from chanting spells to save themselves. This was also a method of "spellbreaking," explicitly recorded in the tactical manuals of the Vindicator Academy.

But judging from her animated expression, it was not hard to see that the private grudge between the underachievers and top students of the Arcane Academy ran quite deep.

"Sweet without being cloying, a three-stage extract mixed with a trace of starlight essence, prepared with extremely delicate technique into a top-grade assassination poison. It's the Assassin Court's classic formula, no doubt."

Talgas identified the potion's origin after only a few sniffs.

He sealed it with the stopper and shook it in his hand, making the liquid within shimmer with illusory stars. Then he looked at Dick with teasing eyes and shook his head.

"You really are 'lucky,' kid. This kind of high-grade poison is usually used by the Assassin Court to secretly execute troublesome figures guilty of terrible crimes who nevertheless must appear to have 'died suddenly.' It does not kill immediately after poisoning. On the contrary, it makes the victim feel invigorated for a short while.

"Once the toxin accumulates to a certain degree, it takes their life through sudden heart and brain failure.

"The best part is that even the finest priests cannot detect the cause of death."

"Archimonde truly is vicious."

Vindicator Malderan, who had witnessed everything, spoke with a disgusted expression.

"Diakum rendered him service, even risking his life to bring back intelligence for him, yet because of his lust for power, he intends to silence his own follower. He even ordered the Arcane Academy's finest students to carry it out.

"Whether as a leader of spellcasters or as the headmaster of the academy, he is utterly unqualified!

"I now truly believe Diakum's accusations against him!

"Allowing such a hypocritical and vicious man into Argus's political upper ranks would be profoundly irresponsible toward the people."

"Unfortunately, you and I do not make that decision. I will report everything to the two Grand Executors."

Talgas was unconcerned by this.

Eredar civilization was glorious and ancient, but only those lurking in the shadows of history knew how much filth and scheming lay hidden in its darkness. The open and covert struggles between Arcane Mages and Holy Light priests over authority in matters of faith alone had buried countless people over the past thousand years.

Wherever there was power, there would naturally be conflict.

Archimonde was merely one of those Ambitious Persons. And the fact that a minor figure like Diakum could turn against him under such circumstances showed that Archimonde was not even the most outstanding Ambitious Person Argus could produce.

"The ruling seats will reach a decision soon, Vindicator Malderan. For the next few days, please properly protect Diakum, this important witness. Before the commanders reach their decision, do not act rashly.

"I will also invite a trustworthy high-ranking priest to treat your injuries, Captain Diakum.

"Rest and recover peacefully for the next few days."

Talgas changed back into his scholar's robe for disguise. After offering a few final instructions, he rode his flying ray away from the Arcane Academy through the night.

Vindicator Malderan told Dick that he needed to settle his family first.

He had truly brought his family to the Arcane Academy. Perhaps he was worried that the chaos stirred up by the Awakeners' Cult in Oronaar City would endanger them. In that respect, Vindicator Malderan truly was a model Holy Light Believer.

He cherished his family, valued order, protected the weak, and held justice in his heart.

There was no doubt that becoming friends with someone like that felt comfortable.

"I recall that you have a son and a daughter?"

Leaning on his war spear, Dick escorted Malderan to the courtyard gate. Through telepathic communication in his mind's-eye vision, he said to Malderan, "In Eredar society, where reproduction is difficult, families like yours with two heirs are quite rare. Perhaps this is the Holy Light's reward for you."

"I think so as well."

At the mention of his children, the always-serious Vindicator Malderan smiled. He mounted his Talbuk and said softly, "I have always believed that my little Maraad and little Lelan are the finest gifts the Holy Light has granted me. Perhaps after you survive this crisis, you should also try finding an emotional home and starting a family. Though to Eternal Life beings like the Eredar, love and reproduction are often considered unnecessary burdens.

"But believe me!

"Becoming a husband and a father is absolutely a memory one will never forget for all eternity.

"Get some rest.

"I will return at dawn."

With that, the old Vindicator tugged the reins and swiftly vanished into the evening darkness of the Arcane Academy, while Dick remained standing there in astonishment for a long while.

Maraad and Lelan? Is that the Maraad from my memories? Although the plot about that "brother-in-law" was 404'd from the official Dark Portal history, he is still someone who can stand center stage beside old Velen in the Draenei racial story.

Dick turned back to look at the Five Young Heroes guarding the prisoners and sighed inwardly.

If these five young people are heroes with S-rank talent, then Maraad, who is only a kid right now, will absolutely become an SSR-rank racial leader in the future. Less precisely speaking, he could even be called one of the symbols of the Draenei.

It's just a pity about little Lelan. I wonder whether that girl will suffer the same misfortune again in the future?

With those thoughts in mind, Dick leaned on his war spear and approached the Five Young Heroes.

They were highly alert. To recruits, "catching assassins" sounded thrilling enough, while the tightly bound twins had bloodied heads and hemp ropes wrapped around their mouths, leaving them able to make only muffled whimpers.

"Arcane Mage Twins' Captive Imprisonment. BD"—that was exactly it!

All their magical items had been confiscated by Imira. Unable to perform the advanced spellcasting technique known as "ventriloquist casting," they were now truly trapped in a desperate situation where no plea could reach heaven or earth.

"Saloras and Oreses are acknowledged geniuses of the Arcane Academy, Commander Diakum, but the two of them have terrible reputations."

Under Dick's questioning gaze, Imira, the famous "big sister" of the Arcane Academy, immediately introduced them to him and the other four.

"Ever since entering the academy, they have repeatedly broken records in every kind of casting examination and enjoyed all the glory. Not long ago, despite being lower-year students, they were selected to undergo Headmaster Archimonde's personal examination. It is said that the headmaster greatly admired both their Casting Talent and their unique telepathic connection.

"There are rumors that although they still have several years before graduation, they have already been promised medals for 'Outstanding Graduates.'

"When I say their reputations are bad, it is not just the resentment of an underachiever like me. They really are overbearing. They often occupy the best practice grounds in the name of spell training, and use 'duels' to swindle magical items from other students. Even in the Arcane Academy, where everyone tends to act aggressively, those two are among the most extreme.

"Oh, right, and there's also..."

Imira cautiously glanced at Commander Dick's expression before lowering her voice.

"They and some 'bad sisters' who always hang around with them seem to have used magic to spy on you while you were bathing."

"?!"

That bit of gossip made Dick raise his brows.

He looked at Imira with a baffled expression, only to hear her continue in a strange tone.

"Because of your strange 'Holy Gun' nickname. And apparently, they were all quite frightened that day..."

"Haha!"

Fareeya, who had been listening in, could not hold back her laughter. But after Tramon punched her hard in the back, she immediately forced her expression straight. The Five Young Heroes' suppressed laughter severely undermined the solemnity of the scene, but Dick could only look helpless.

It was not his fault that he carried such a big gun around with him, right?

"Would you like to interrogate them?"

To keep the topic from drifting somewhere strange, Imira asked with some concern, "Or... execute them?"

"I am not that cruel, and the Holy Light does not teach us to act in such a way."

Dick replied telepathically, "They are merely two students with poor records. How grave can their crimes be?

"They were led astray only because their vanity and ignorance allowed an Ambitious Person like Archimonde to use them. When this storm ends, inquisitors will naturally judge their fates. Lock them up for now, in the room next door.

"Get some rest early. You will continue training over the next few days.

"Children, I have already delivered the important information to Commander Kil'jaeden and General Elodus. I believe they will certainly reach a prudent decision.

"Do not worry!

"The shadow woven by Enlightener Sarkir and Headmaster Archimonde cannot harm any more people. You will surely take part in this and witness their downfall.

"This will become a vivid stroke in your newly begun Vindicator careers."

He waved them off and returned to his room, pretending to rest while actually continuing to call upon the Holy Light in search of new principles, hoping to unseal his class skills.

To be honest, under the current circumstances, Dick felt deeply insecure for every day that his strength as a high-ranking Vindicator remained unrecovered.

The twins' assassination attempt was only the first step. Who knew whether Archimonde would send even stronger assassins? Or even act personally? If it truly came to that, Dick would be forced to fight to the death, if only to die with a little dignity.

Without considering an ambush, even ten of him working together would probably struggle to kill the still "weak" Archimonde.

The next morning, just as the Five Young Heroes were preparing to challenge the "Demon Trial" once more, Vindicator Malderan arrived in the courtyard with a high-ranking priest riding a thunder elephant.

He introduced her to Dick.

"This is Lady Ishana. She is a high priestess from the Temple of Lura and has come specially at Lord Talgas's invitation to treat your injuries."

Dick's heart tightened.

The Temple of Lura was a sacred sanctuary devoted to the guardian Naaru.

More than a thousand years ago, the current Grand Executor Velen had accidentally awakened the Atama Crystal, a holy relic discovered by the Eredar in ancient times. This caused two Naaru to descend from the heavens, forging an inseparable bond between the Eredar and these sacred, pure beings of the Holy Light.

The Atama Crystal itself had been found amid the mountains of Mac'Aree by Lord Augure, the "Progenitor Mage" of Eredar mythology. One could only say that the Eredar's affinity with the Holy Light had been forged from the moment their civilization was born.

However, Dick knew that the Naaru's arrival had not been entirely for the purpose of "guiding" the Eredar. That was a complicated matter.

In any case, the Naaru were the most favorable medium for spreading the Holy Light Doctrine throughout Eredar civilization. The Eredar regarded them as "the will of the Holy Light." Since arriving a thousand years ago, the radiant Naaru K'ure and Lura had remained in the world of Argus, answering the questions of Eredar priests and Vindicators and teaching them the power of the Holy Light in their respective temples.

Without question, the Naaru were symbols of faith for the Eredar at this stage. The high priestess before him served Lura, proving that her status was both noble and eminent. Would someone like her really be invited by Talgas, an assassin leader, to treat a security captain?

Dick did not believe a word of that lie.

He looked at the gentle Lady Ishana and bowed to her with the humility expected of a Vindicator. Yet inwardly, Dick had already raised his guard.

He felt that this might be a test.

Perhaps it had come directly from Commander Kil'jaeden and Grand Executor Velen.

After all, his whistleblowing directly implicated the prestigious Enlightener and the high-ranking Archimonde. If something happened to those two, it would certainly cause intense public discussion throughout Eredar society. Therefore, it was understandable that the two Grand Executors would ensure that everything was in order.

If Dick harbored any kind of "filth" within him, it certainly could not escape the scrutiny of a legendary priestess who had served the Naaru for years.

Ah, who said these Holy Light Walkers were all blunt and straightforward?

Weren't they quite shrewd after all?

Dick sighed inwardly, but he was open and upright, unafraid of the priestess's secret examination.

There was no filth within him. If there was anything suspicious, it would perhaps be that translucent interface that constantly appeared before his eyes, along with his soul from another world.

But even when Archimonde had personally searched his memories last time, the Veil of the Afterlife had blocked him. Dick believed that this priestess could not possibly surpass a universally acknowledged peerless genius like Archimonde in spellcasting mastery.

"There is no need to be nervous, Vindicator Diakum."

In Dick's room, Priestess Ishana arranged an exquisite gem incense burner and placed several other calming materials beside it. As Dick sat in his chair, she explained in a gentle voice, "Before coming here, Lord Talgas informed me of your injuries. Because your throat has been wounded, a fatal area, Holy Light cauterization will cause extreme pain. It could very likely make you harm yourself while you are still weak, so I will need to hypnotize you.

"Please do not worry. This is a normal treatment procedure.

"I have brought medicine blessed by Lady Lura. It can restore your strength and energy in a short time, while also dispelling the curse effects upon you.

"The treatment will last several hours. The hypnosis is also intended to let your mind rest. Just from your appearance, I can tell that you have been under great pressure recently."

"I will trouble you, Priestess Ishana."

Dick replied telepathically, "I am a Vindicator. I once swore the Vindicator's oath. I believe firmly in the Holy Light and follow the teachings of its commandments. You are my sister in faith. I would never doubt you."

"Mm. Nor will I betray your trust. Now, take a Deep Breath."

Ishana lit the incense, then picked up a pendant polished from a radiant gem. After infusing it with a little Holy Light, she swayed it before Dick's eyes.

When Dick's gaze became vacant, Ishana picked up her healer's short staff and began casting.

At that moment, the flickering runes in the translucent interface before Dick's eyes showed that the thing was still operating.

[External power connection established... Determining power pathway... Determination: Holy Light primal power · healing system · Greater Heal/Greater Restoration/Prayer of Healing · Energy Recovery/Mass Dispel/Power Word: Fortitude are being applied.

This power has been determined harmless. Please do not worry.

Notice!

Caster "Ishana · Legendary Priest/High Priestess/Master Jewelcrafter" is casting "Soothe Mind" and "Mind Control." Veil of the Afterlife status is active! Caster "Ishana" cannot perceive content she should not see.]

The appearance of those words immediately eased Dick's lingering worries. Soon, his mind grew weary, and he fell into a sweet slumber.

Outside, under Vindicator Malderan's helpless and ashamed gaze, the hand seal in Lady Ishana's fingers changed slightly.

Looking at Diakum, now under hypnosis and Mind Control, she asked in the gentlest voice, "Now tell me, Vindicator Diakum. What exactly did you experience at Archimonde and Sarkir's side?"

"He... threatened me!

"He coerced me with the favor of having promoted me!

"He wanted me to infiltrate the dangerous Sarkir's side. He wanted me to become his eyes, to spy upon the rebellion plot of the Enlightener and the Awakeners' Cult.

"He hoped to gain merit through this, to step over the head of the mentor who had promoted him and treated him like a son, and rise to a high position. The power of being headmaster of the Arcane Academy could not satisfy him. He wanted to stand beside the esteemed Commander Kil'jaeden and the benevolent Grand Executor Velen, sharing the Eredar's highest authority.

"For that, he would sacrifice anyone. I was only the first...

"They discovered me!

"They sent demon servants and Man'ari. A fel-tainted blade slit my throat. Pain... death...

"Ah!"

Dick spoke in fits and starts. As he recalled that night's assassination, he let out a pained wail. Vindicator Malderan could no longer bear to watch and reached out to stop her.

"Enough! High Priestess, you are forcing Diakum to remember the most painful experience of his life. Is this truly treatment? Why would sisters of faith from the Naaru temple participate in this kind of 'interrogation'?"

"This is one of our duties, Brother Malderan."

Ishana continued to maintain the spell as she said softly, "You have failed to notice Brother Diakum's true predicament. He has already lost the Holy Light's favor. His principles have shattered. Perhaps those painful experiences caused him to doubt his faith, and the Holy Light no longer answers him.

"That is the spiritual wound that must be healed.

"I am helping him, not interrogating him.

"You should know that the Holy Light teaches us that the best way to face fear is to confront it, not flee from it."

"Ah?"

Only after hearing Priestess Ishana's answer did Malderan realize Dick's predicament. No wonder Diakum had never used the Holy Light to heal himself over the past few days.

It was not that he had been unwilling. It was that he could not!

The old Vindicator sighed.

"Anyone who experienced death, then betrayal by his commander and even the dispatch of assassins, would develop some doubts about life and faith. It is not his fault."

"Indeed. He was not crushed by fate's crushing weight. Instead, he firmly chose to fight evil. That alone proves Brother Diakum's courage."

Priestess Ishana nodded approvingly.

"With such courage, I believe it is only a matter of time before he regains his own principles. But his old principles have already shattered, and the Vindicator's oath has lost its effect. Brother Diakum must undergo another choice of heart and will.

"He needs to prove himself and find the path back to true faith through the eruption of courage.

"No one can help him with such a thing.

"Since it is a knot in his heart, only he can untie it."

The benevolent Holy Light never gave up on anyone. Its radiant brilliance bloomed for all the beauty in the world, but only when he took the initiative to call for it could the Holy Light bestow its blessing upon him once more.

He had to reexamine his own heart!

He had to find a vow of self-restraint and a path he was willing to uphold for the rest of his life, just as a warship pressing onward through a storm needed a beacon in the darkness to guide it.

Our brother Diakum was currently lost upon the sea of darkness. He needed to relight that glimmer of light."

"Huh? So that's how it is?"

Though under Mind Control, Dick had retained his reason and listened to the entire conversation between Priestess Ishana and Malderan. Through the words of others, he finally understood the proper interpretation of the Holy Light Doctrine.

"This Holy Light truly deserves to be called the most idealistic of the six primal forces."

Dick grumbled inwardly:

"Fel only needs to be infused, the Void longs for an embrace, Life evolves on its own, Arcane blindly follows authority, and Death is the simplest of all—just stab yourself or someone else. Only the Holy Light... requires you to make some kind of vow from the heart and find a path to uphold for a lifetime.

Why does that feel like a monk observing precepts? But that raises a question.

What goal should a soul like mine, one that crossed over from another world, choose to pursue for the rest of my life?

Hmm. That really is worth thinking over carefully."