Child of Light

"Mages are a respected profession. Most importantly, mages are powerful practitioners capable of protecting themselves!

Jaina, my daughter, I hope you can live well!"

It seemed that the death of Drake had not only cost Daelin an excellent heir but had also altered his perspective, filling him with a deep-seated hatred for the Orcs.

Jaina suddenly interjected, "Taelan can protect me! He is a Paladin. Didn't Father say that Paladins are the most powerful warriors, capable of protecting their kin and their people?"

Taelan Fordring: "..."

I tried that yesterday, and I nearly went to meet the little angel! I actually had to face a Dragonkin General alone at the age of eight. If it hadn't been for that foul-tasting potion from Dalaran, I would have been finished! I really should keep my distance from her in the future.

Daelin suddenly burst into laughter: "That's right, Paladins are powerful warriors. They are proficient in combat techniques and wield the power of the Holy Light, allowing them to protect their families and their people! Taelan, I will join Tirion in recommending you for advanced studies in Dalaran to learn Occultism and magic."

Taelan Fordring quickly replied, "Thank you, Uncle!"

The masters of the Council of Six were excellent choices for mentors! Except for Kel'Thuzad—not because he lacked knowledge, but because he simply had no time to spare for you!

Just then, Tirion Fordring walked out of the house. He said to Daelin, "You two are up early! Good morning, Jaina! You look truly beautiful today!"

Tirion watched the rising sun, then glanced at the chubby little hand still clutching his son's sleeve, and suddenly said, "Taelan, I recall you mentioning you had a small gift for Jaina?"

Upon hearing that Taelan had a gift for her, Jaina's eyes curved into crescent moons: "What is it? Show me quickly!"

Taelan Fordring felt a wave of exhaustion. Father, how terrified are you that your son might end up a bachelor! Of course, he knew exactly what gift his father was referring to.

He had no choice but to produce the "Gentleman's Formal Wear." He handed it to Jaina, who took the hat happily and examined it closely. It was a Witch Hat, though the peak was not overly tall, and it was adorned with a beautiful bow. The material was of high quality and inlaid with several pieces of Malachite. Jaina held it above her head, measured it a few times, then placed it on her head. She tilted her face up and said playfully, "Thank you! This hat is so beautiful, Taelan! I will wear it all the time!"

This scene made Taelan Fordring feel as though he were watching Lin Daiyu try on a bamboo hat. Well, a Lin Daiyu who could actually uproot a weeping willow!

Daelin glanced at the hat and immediately recognized it as a magical item, likely possessing special properties. He did not refuse it, but instead remarked, "It is more than just beautiful; it is a precious magical item. Jaina, once you become a practitioner, you will activate its magical power."

As a Grand Admiral of the nation, Daelin naturally had political considerations regarding his daughter's choice of friends. Tirion was a representative figure of the Order of the Silver Hand, possessing great strength. Moreover, he was upright and open-minded. Most importantly, his son Taelan not only had a good character and a sense of responsibility, but he was also exceptionally gifted, and Daelin himself was quite fond of him.

In his eyes, if this child were properly nurtured, he would inevitably become the next Lightbringer. His daughter becoming friends with him would be of great help to her life. Even setting aside the factor of Tirion, in this world of sword and magic where supreme power resides within the individual, great strength itself represented status and authority!

Jaina was very satisfied with the hat. She thanked Taelan first, then began to pester him about the origin of the item. Taelan had no choice but to tell her that he had fought a great battle against a gentleman, and in the end, the gentleman lost, and he won the hat.

After the group finished breakfast, Tirion Fordring prepared to take his son to visit the Archmage Antonidas in Dalaran, while Taelan Fordring and Jaina agreed to go catch the Gnome who had turned Taelan into a cat that afternoon! At the mention of the cat, Jaina's face flushed with shyness.

After saying their goodbyes, Tirion Fordring led Taelan toward the Violet Citadel. This time, Antonidas allowed the father and son to enter the reception room without delay.

Antonidas's reception room was not as luxurious as those of other mages; there were no excessive gold or jewels, only a few oil paintings, some magic gems, and, most abundantly, books.

Tirion Fordring quickly explained the situation. Antonidas invited the father and son to sit in his study. Aside from a desk, the room was filled with tall bookshelves packed with all manner of volumes! The items on the desk were arranged neatly, and an unfinished letter was placed tidily to one side. Judging by these arrangements and the old mage's immaculate robes, he was a disciplined man! He was undoubtedly a learned man as well, though his speech, actions, and posture were so rigid that he appeared somewhat overly pedantic. Yes, he was like a mage version of Uther!

The old mage took Taelan's hand, closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, a violet light shimmered within his pupils. Taelan immediately felt as if he were being seen through.

After a short while, Antonidas withdrew his hand, and his eyes returned to their normal color. He spoke: "I saw a mountain made of crystal, constantly emitting Holy Light. Tirion, your son has no problems whatsoever."

Tirion Fordring said, "But he suffers from frequent headaches and has forgotten many things. He doesn't even remember his childhood playmates."

Antonidas replied, "I have sensed his soul. There are no issues. If one must point to a problem, it is that he is different! You are both Paladins, but he is completely unlike you!

Paladins obtain the recognition of the Holy Light through faith. Through training, you master the Holy Light, and every time you fight, you call upon it. But your son—his body generates Holy Light continuously by absorbing the scattered energy in the air; his Holy Light belongs entirely to himself. I believe he should be called a Child of Light!"

"The reason for his amnesia is simply the severe impact his head sustained. The frequent headaches occur because his body is not yet strong enough to fully contain his overly powerful soul! It is precisely because his Holy Light belongs entirely to himself that he can cast spells instantly that would otherwise require incantations. I believe that when he grows up, he will be able to manipulate the Holy Light as freely as a mage."

Tirion Fordring and Taelan could not help but admire this wise Archmage! Although he was pedantic, his insight was truly extraordinary, and his research into the Holy Light was no less profound than his research into magic!

Seeing the two of them stunned, Antonidas asked, "Is something wrong?"

Taelan Fordring said, "Respected Archmage! You are absolutely correct. I have already mastered this skill of using the Holy Light just like arcane energy; I call it a Holy Bolt!"

Upon hearing of the emergence of a brand-new Holy Spell, Antonidas immediately became interested. He teleported the father and son to a magic laboratory within the Violet Citadel and asked Taelan Fordring to demonstrate the new magic. When he saw the bolt of light form and strike the target at high speed, producing a slight explosion, he immediately reached a conclusion.

"This is a brand-new Holy Spell, one that can only be used by someone who has complete mastery over the Holy Light. Not only is it instantaneous and requires no casting materials, but its damage is significant. This holy energy can inflict magical damage and also produce healing effects. Furthermore, it is quite gentle. While it cannot lock onto an enemy, its flight speed is extremely fast. It is more versatile than Arcane Missiles. Little Taelan, when you are a bit older, you should come to Dalaran to study for a time. Mastering more Occultism will be very beneficial for you! If I hadn't already promised Daelin to take Jaina as my apprentice, I would certainly have made you my apprentice."

"However, you need not worry. I will recommend you to the Archmage Krasus. He is knowledgeable, and more importantly, he has mastered some very formidable combat techniques!"

Taelan Fordring was overjoyed! This way, he could legitimately make contact with the Dragonkin and eventually meet Alexstrasza the Life-Binder!

When playing Hearthstone, his favorite neutral card was Alexstrasza the Life-Binder!

"I bring life and hope!"

And by making contact with Krasus, he would have the opportunity to participate in the Battle of Grim Batol!

Posted first, edited later! Everyone, please offer your suggestions! Thank you!