Zhou Shen opened his talent menu again to study his system. The first six talents had already been unlocked: Perception, Every Man for Himself, and:
Human Spirit—Passive Skill: Increases Spirit by 3%.
Diplomacy—Passive Skill: Increases reputation gains by 10%.
Weapon Specialization—Passive Skill: Increases your accuracy with swords, two-handed swords, maces, and two-handed maces by 3.
Power of Nephalem—Passive Skill (Requires 5 points of World Power)
The icon showed an arrow pointing toward four question marks.
Zhou Shen remembered the notification from earlier: he had changed fate and gained five points of World Power. It seemed that whenever he changed the fate of someone from the original world, he gained World Power, which could unlock his talents. No wonder his character panel said that his Nephalem power was not fully awakened.
Then he opened the quest menu. There was only one quest:
Salvation (Legendary Quest)
Azeroth is a world beset by calamities. Countless disasters and deeply moving stories unfold here every day. This world has chosen you.
Nephalem, child of the world! Do you have the courage and resolve to save it?
Do you want to make up for those regrets?
Do you want to redeem these tragic heroes and your people?
Rewards:
1. The secret of the world's origin.
2. The truth behind your arrival in this world.
3. An unknown reward.
Zhou Shen looked out the window. Lush trees surrounded him, and houses built of white stone gleamed in the sunlight.
Not far away, a knight of the Order of the Silver Hand patrolled with a squad of guards. Several burly farmers and their wives were hard at work. A few white clouds drifted across the blue sky as a flock of unfamiliar birds chirped and flew away.
A gentle breeze carried the faint fragrance of grain. Everything was so beautiful!
The air was filled with warm energy, and it rushed into Zhou Shen's body.
It seemed that the Power of Nephalem brought more than just a powerful skill system from another world. It also gave him control over energy.
Zhou Shen gazed through the window at the world before him, like a scene in a painting. Suddenly, a thought stirred. Energy flowed into his soul, and Taelan Fordring's memories merged with his own. Yes!
Accept quest!
Starting today, I am Taelan Fordring, a Nephalem Paladin! I will devote my life to fighting for the salvation of this beautiful world. Any force of evil will be crushed by the Power of Nephalem!
"Ding!
Taelan Fordring's memories have merged with yours. Your Spirit has increased by 2 points, and your Strength has increased by 2 points. You have gained the skill Hammer of Justice.
Hammer of Justice,
Already at maximum level.
Instant cast. Hurl a hammer of Holy Light at your enemy, stunning them for 5 seconds!
A powerful brick—anything it hits has to shut up!"
The most important thing now was to adapt to life in this world and make himself stronger!
Tirion Fordring had only just returned home to acclaim. These would be the happiest years of Taelan Fordring's life.
By the eighth year after the opening of the Dark Portal, eleven-year-old Jaina would arrive in Dalaran to study. And his beloved father would meet someone who would change his life: the Orc Eitrigg! To uphold his convictions and the path of Holy Light, Tirion Fordring would refuse to break his oath.
But Taelan Fordring knew he couldn't—and shouldn't—change what happened to Tirion Fordring. It was a precious part of his life. Besides, he had no idea when Tirion would meet that Orc. In the end, his father would have to choose between honor, his oath, and his family!
So Taelan needed strength. While his father was away, he had to hold the family together, protect his mother, and stay true to himself!
And by the twentieth year after the opening of the Dark Portal, the Third War would begin.
At that time, the Taelan Fordring of the original story, lost and despairing over the deaths of his comrades, would lose his reason, abandon the Order's banner, and follow his teacher Isillien—the Priest who had just treated him. He would join the Scarlet Crusade and never turn back. At last, when the In Dreams quest began, Taelan Fordring would die on the way to meet his father.
And the one who betrayed Taelan Fordring was his adjutant. That meant he had not a single true friend at his side.
To Taelan, Hearthglen was home. But after his father was exiled and his mother died, he had no family left there.
The upbringing he'd received also made it impossible for him to fit in with the fanatical Scarlet Crusade. Nor could he completely abandon his honor.
So Taelan Fordring's way forward was this trip to Dalaran. He had to change the course of his fate.
There were several key figures there:
The first was Archmage Antonidas, the most powerful mage in Dalaran.
Another was Rhonin, who would be sent to rescue Alexstrasza. This was his chance to get an early look at the world's top fighters.
Of course, there was one more person. He could seek an opportunity to change his fate through her!
She was Jaina Proudmoore, the Princess of Kul Tiras.
This Archmage's life was full of hardship. Her tangled relationship with the Crown Prince of Lordaeron would last until the expedition to Northrend.
If he could change her fate, he would gain a great deal of World Power, unlock even more powerful talents, and find a way forward. Only by taking part in the battle of Ragnarok could he earn the world's recognition and distinguish himself, building the foundation for his future and his chance at redemption!
What he had to do now was reach at least level 30 before the twentieth year after the opening of the Dark Portal, master Fanaticism, the ultimate skill of Offensive Aura, learn Holy Shield, and raise Zeal in his combat skills to a high level.
If he had any extra skill points, Fist of the Heavens would also be an excellent choice. It could be a powerful asset against hordes of Undead and demons.
Having settled on his plans for the future, Taelan Fordring immediately composed himself. He gritted his teeth through the headache and forced himself to sleep. He had always been resilient, and he always kept his word.
Early the next morning, Taelan Fordring got up and made his bed. After dressing, he went outside to begin his morning exercises. First, he ran around Hearthglen's walls, then picked up Tirion Fordring's training sword and began practicing swordsmanship.
Thanks to his Hero Template, he could control his body well. His strength, far beyond that of other children his age, made it easy for him to swing the training sword.
Just then, Karandra ran out of the house, grabbed Taelan Fordring's hand, and tossed the training sword onto the ground. "Taelan, my son, are you feeling better?" she asked, reaching up to feel his forehead.
Taelan Fordring instinctively wanted to dodge Karandra's hand, but stopped himself and let her feel his forehead. Looking at his mother, who was already wearing an apron, he said, "Mother, I'm fine now. I'm a man, and a little headache is nothing!"
"Taelan, don't do dangerous things like this anymore. Your father only ever thinks about his martial skills, honor, and the Holy Light. You're still so young..."
Taelan Fordring listened quietly to his mother's nagging.
Just then, Tirion Fordring came out of the house. Hearing Taelan call himself a man, he smiled. "Well said, my son! I saw how you swung that sword just now. You're a born warrior. At your age, you could beat three of me."
He glanced at his wife's darkening expression, which looked ready to explode, and hurriedly added, "Taelan, how are you feeling? Any better?"
Taelan Fordring was beginning to get used to the name. "Father, I'm fine now. My head just hurts, and I feel like I've forgotten a lot of things. I can't remember the names of many people!"
Karandra immediately said, "Tirion, in a few days... No, take our son to Dalaran right now. Find that Archmage called Antonidas and have him examine him. This is serious! Light above, thank goodness he still remembers us!"
Tirion Fordring quickly reassured his wife. "All right, I understand. Dear, get things ready today. I'll take our son to Dalaran tomorrow. It's a long journey, and it'll take several days."
Tirion Fordring went back inside and had breakfast with his wife and son, then set out to inspect his lands.
Taelan Fordring, meanwhile, was forbidden by his mother from using weapons and told to rest indoors. He went to Tirion Fordring's study and, with nothing else to do, found a book titled How to Become a Paladin and started reading.
Update posted! Please vote! Thank you, everyone!
I got another confirmed scoop this morning! All the obstacles have been cleared, and my beloved Hearthstone has been unfrozen too. That world feels one step closer to me!
I just don't know if this scoop is reliable!
Before you continue