Archbishop

The roof of the Daelaam government conference room is a transparent crystal structure, through which one can see directly into the deep purple sky of Shakuras. The twilight-shrouded dome extends above Augustus's head, with two enormous, stacked moons and a multitude of stars dotting the deep night sky.

Occasionally, a few bright purple flashes would appear in the curtain of the night sky, originating from the thunderclouds above Shakuras.

The hazy planet of Shakuras has no distinct day-night cycle, nor spring, autumn, winter, or summer. This dim planet, shrouded in eternal twilight, also possesses its own vibrant beauty. Cold rivers nourish diverse species, and numerous ancient Xel'Naga ruins, surrounded by clusters of purple crystals, resemble a mysterious veil.

Beneath the stars, around a conference table that appeared to be cast in platinum, sat an equal number of Aiur and Shakuras Protoss, with High Executor Tassadar and Chieftain Raszagal seated opposite each other at the Protoss of the table.

Augustus the only human allowed to sit at the conference table; his entourage had to wait outside. He was seated in a recessed oval chair, shaped like a golden eggshell that had been peeled open, with soft, comfortable silk cushions inside, though its size was still far too large for a human.

Kerrigan quite unhappy about having to leave Augustus's side and was unwilling to leave Augustus a moment, while Raynor and Tychus were already prepared, teaching the matriarch's shadow guards how to play cards, trying to win some souvenirs from those ruthless Dark Templar.

Many flags were displayed in front of the conference table, with the Daelaam flag shining the brightest, and the others being the flags of various tribes of Protoss Aiur and Shakuras Protoss. These flags all represented symbols of a constellation, fire, or weapon, and were as exquisite and beautiful as other Protoss creations.

All the Aiur Protoss present were names that Augustus could recognize. Fenix, Taldarin, Yurlan, and Mojya were all the most outstanding executives and governors under Tassadar. Even the Templar Knights guarding the meeting room were renowned Templar Knights, such as Selendis, Karass, Telbrus, Kaldalis, and Talis.

As for the Dark Templar, Augustus could not recognize anyone except Raszagal, Mohandar, and Vorazun. The Dark Templar's attire was much more restrained and sharp compared to the Templar Knights's glittering armor, and their clothing was distinguished by their tribe. If they were not wearing long veils to cover their faces, they would certainly be wearing helmets with many spikes.

There isn't a single Protoss of the Arbitrator rank here, because they have long since parted ways with the Templar Knights led by Tassadar and Fenix.

Augustus sat next to Tassadar, with Artanis on the other side. As Tassadar's closest friend, Artanis was, in terms of seniority, his uncle.

"En Taro Adun, Chieftain, thank you for everything you have done for us." Tassadar's voice was as loud as a bell, and his will was as clear as a ray of light, impossible to ignore.

"The Swarm destroyed Aiur, and in this time of crisis, it was you and your people who took us in. We will never forget the kindness of the Nerazim." His words were echoed by all the Protoss present.

"The catastrophe taught the Protoss things they couldn't learn in their glorious era, allowing us to rediscover the precious spirit of humility. The war against the Zerg also brought an opportunity to reunite the Protoss separated by distance—a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Under the banner of Daelaam, the Templar Knights and the Dark Templar will join forces to confront the threat from the outside world."

"Unity is the source of strength," Fenix said.

"Shakuras is where the Protoss began to reclaim Aiur," Yurlan said.

"The Executor is right." Artanis's reverence for Tassadar was exactly the same as the Revolutionary Army's reverence for Augustus. Almost all the Aiur Protoss were convinced that Artanis would have the opportunity to succeed as High Executor in the near future.

The Dark Templar attending the meeting remained silent. However, they clearly all agreed with the Daelaam's ideology; otherwise, they wouldn't have been present.

However, that doesn't mean the Dark Templar will take the Aiur Protoss's executors too seriously; earning the respect of the Shakuras Protoss is no easy task for the Templar Knights.

Tassadar might be able to do it, but the Dark Templar have always been aloof and unpredictable, like solid ice.

"Daelaam is both a union and an alliance. The Protoss should unite and fight together against external threats." Chieftain Raszagal's timely remarks prevented the atmosphere from becoming too awkward.

"During the Battle of Aiur, High Templar Knights Tassadar showed us just how powerful the Khala are when their power merges with the Void. When light and darkness unite, our power will be unstoppable."

The Dark Templar present were all juniors of Raszagal; Zeratul, the Dark Prelate who was acquainted with Augustus, was just a young man in her presence. When the Dark Templar first arrived in Shakuras, Raszagal was already their chieftain.

Raszagal was the undisputed leader among the Protoss of Shakuras, and even Orega, who was considered overly paranoid, would not defy her will.

"That's exactly what I wanted to say, Patriarch," Tassadar said, picking up Raszagal.

"As I said before, the Daelaam government will never interfere in the internal affairs of the Dark Templar; they all follow the principle of self-governance," he said.

"In Daelaam, the Protoss of Aiur and Shakuras are equal in status, and the purpose of the Daelaam government is to maintain the balance and unity between them. The Daelaam will build a home and fight together for a common purpose, and the reunited Protoss will be stronger than ever before."

"How magnificent!" Artanis whispered to Augustus, it was unclear whether he was referring to Tassadar or the Daelaam government.

"Only Tassadar and you can do this—unite the Aiur and Shakuras Protoss, maintain internal stability to ensure this union doesn't fall apart prematurely." Augustus thought to himself that this was probably what made Artanis so endearing. Tassadar was still leading the Protoss forward, and Artanis's job was to learn from his teacher, a step he had to take.

"Me?" Artanis bowed to Augustus and said.

"You're playing tricks on me again, Augustus Mengsk."

Artanis was, to say the least, as embarrassed as a cat that had missed its mouse. This almost made Augustus burst out laughing.

Artanis is a young Protoss leader, full of enthusiasm and drive. He sometimes displays the overconfidence and even arrogance of youth, but that can hardly be called a flaw.

"Don't be so quick to deny yourself, Artanis." Augustus seemed out of place at the meeting, and the Protoss present wouldn't consider his opinion— Augustus really didn't have anything to say.

"My fellow Protoss, forming a united government in Daelaam is only the first step in uniting all Protoss. The chieftain and I have decided to establish a new council here to lead the Daelaam," Tassadar continued.

"In the new council, Templar Knights and Dark Templar will have equal bishoprics to make the final vote on decisions made by the Daelaam government. Only decisions made after the vote will be implemented."

"I have something to say," Vorazun, sitting next to his mother, objected.

"Does your Aiur side only appoint Templar Knights to one position? Yet, among the Nerazim, there isn't such a clear distinction between the Khalai and Templar Knights," Vorazun said.

"The tribal chiefs who participate in construction and production should also have a seat in the council, and they have the right to express their opinions. The artisan tribes of the Dark Templar will also join the new council, because they themselves are both powerful warriors and forge armor and weapons for their people. I'm just asking."

Vorazun's words clearly posed a question to Templar Knights Aiur Protoss present. They looked at each other, seemingly never having considered such a question before: should the Khalai have a place in the Daelaam government and council?

This would have been absolutely unacceptable in the past Protoss Empire, as the system established by Khas was inviolable. However, in a sense, the Templar Knights took over the role of leading the Protoss from the Arbitrators.

"As a young Dark Templar, Vorazun, you likely lack the necessary common sense," Fleets Admiral Yurlan said matter-of-factly.

"How can Khalai govern a new Protoss Empire? You don't have Khala, how can you understand what we're thinking, how can you understand our system?"

"This is truly unheard of, but I do not object to granting seats in the Council to the Khalai tribes as well." Mojya certainly would not object; all the Protoss who believed that class distinctions were insurmountable sided with the Conclave during the Civil War.

"Let's do it that way," Fenix said.

"Yes, why have I never noticed that?" Tassadar said after a moment of silence.

"I am not as good as you, Vorazun."

"The tribe of Khalai should also be granted a bishopric in the council."

"An enlightened decision, Tassadar," Raszagal praised Tassadar, saying, "You are a pioneer; you have ushered in a new era."

"I've only ever seen one person like you, and that's Adun."

"Vorazun is right," Artanis commented at the opportune moment, realizing he was not yet qualified to speak.

"If the Templar Knights can gain some of the Arbitrators' power, then why can't Khalai become Templar Knights?"

"Artanis, your thinking is quite advanced. Tassadar never said anything about making the Khalai Templar Knights." Augustus suddenly realized that if everyone were Templar Knights, the Daelaam might not have to face the predicament of having no soldiers to use, which forced them to develop Omnic weapons.

Augustus's brother, Arcturus Mengsk the Great of the Terran Empire, once said, "In this war, there are no civilians left."

Even if Khalai civilian has received at least basic military training, they are not necessarily incapable of using weapons or piloting warships; the Protoss are, after all, a race of exceptional intelligence.

This is truly an honor.

"We should respect the Khalai, not act arrogantly because of our status Templar Knights," Artanis explained.

Looking into Artanis's sparkling blue eyes, Augustus certain that Artanis hadn't thought that far ahead yet.

"I have one more question for Executive Tassadar." This time it was Elder Mohandar of the Nerazim who spoke.

"Since Aiur and Shakuras have the same number of seats, what if the votes are tied?" he asked.

"."

"They must have forgotten you, Augustus Mengsk. You are human; you are neither the Firstborn nor Dark Templar," Artanis suddenly Augustus.

"You want me to become a bishop of the Conclave?" Augustus certain Artanis wasn't joking—this young executive officer simply didn't have much of a sense of humor.

"Thank you, Artanis. But don't expect me to travel all the way to Shakuras for a meeting. If you could pay me a salary, I'd be happy to come work." Augustus laughed.

"Salary? Work?" Artanis couldn't understand. He wasn't annoyed; he just thought he'd learned a few new words.

You always have your reasons.

"We should elect an archbishop—the leader of the bishops, a warrior and role model, and the protector of the people. The archbishop should have unparalleled prestige so that he can make the final decision on crucial matters," Augustus whispered to Tassadar.

On many occasions, Tassadar was happy to take Augustus's advice and make good use of the wisdom of this human leader. Because on many occasions, Augustus was full of wisdom, he had a long-term vision, and he often correctly predicted the next decision of the Zerg.

Not to mention being a prophet, Zeratul even doubted Augustus had read the complete prophecy.

"We should elect a new archbishop to lead the bishopric, one who must earn the respect of both the Aiur and the Shakuras Protoss," Tassadar said.

All the Protoss were captivated by Tassadar's words, almost believing that he was referring to himself.

"I propose that the matriarch Raszagal be appointed as the archbishop," Tassadar said, surprising everyone present.

"An exile? A Dark Templar? To lead the Firstborn?" Yurlan nearly jumped up, almost grabbing Tassadar by the neck to demand an explanation for his madness.

"Was this something you planned beforehand?"

"Could it be me, Yurlan?" Tassadar said calmly. "I don't think I deserve the respect of the Dark Templar, but all the Protoss from Aiur know who reached out to us in our time of need, and all the Sons of Adun know of Raszagal's compassion and motherly love."

"Raszagal is Adun's apprentice, and she is also the inheritor of the legend."

"No one can question the mother's authority." Vorazun even found Tassadar much more agreeable, and his attitude softened considerably. "Executor Tassadar, I apologize for my past rudeness. The Dark Templar will draw their swords for Daelaam."

"I knew it, this is the legendary hero who has killed the Overmind. No Dark Templar can match his magnanimity." Dark Prelate Azma stood up.

"I am ashamed of my narrow-mindedness and foolishness."

The Dark Templar all paid their respects to Tassadar; normally, one couldn't expect them to say a word in front of the Aiur Protoss.

"The matriarch is highly respected, and none of the eldest sons speak ill of her," Artanis said.

"What can I say? Just watch and learn carefully," Augustus shrugged.