From Today Onward, I Am Taelan Fordring!

To study his system, Zhou Shen tapped into the talent options once more. The first six slots were already illuminated: Perception, Every Man for Himself, and:

Human Spirit - Passive skill, increases Spirit by 3%.

Diplomacy - Passive skill, increases reputation gain speed by 10%.

Weapon Specialization - Passive skill, increases accuracy with swords, two-handed swords, maces, and two-handed maces by 3.

Power of Nephalem, passive skill (requires five points of World Power).

Above the icon was an arrow pointing toward four question marks: ????

Zhou Shen still remembered the prompt stating he had changed fate, granting him five points of World Power. It seemed that whenever he altered the destiny of characters from the original world, he would gain World Power, which in turn would activate his talents. No wonder his character panel noted that the Power of Nephalem was not yet fully awakened.

He then opened the quest menu, where only a single entry remained.

Salvation (Legendary Quest)

Azeroth is a world plagued by disaster. Countless catastrophes and heart-wrenching stories unfold here every day, and this world has chosen you.

Nephalem, child of the world! Do you possess the resolve and responsibility to save it?

Do you wish to mend those regrets?

Do you wish to redeem those tragic heroes and your people?

Rewards:

1. The secret of the world's origin.

2. The truth behind your transmigration.

3. Unknown reward.

Zhou Shen looked out the window at the lush, green trees and houses built of white stone, shimmering under the sunlight.

Not far away, a knight of the Order of the Silver Hand was patrolling with a squad of guards. Several sturdy farmers and their wives were busy at work. A few white clouds drifted across the blue sky, and a flock of nameless birds flew off with a noisy chatter.

A gentle breeze blew by, carrying the faint fragrance of grain. Everything was so beautiful!

The air was saturated with warm energy, which vied to surge into Zhou Shen's body.

It appeared that the Power of Nephalem brought not only a powerful skill system from another world but also the ability to control energy.

Zhou Shen gazed through the window at the world that looked like a painting. Suddenly, his heart stirred; a surge of energy fused with his soul, and the memories of Taelan Fordring merged with his own. Yes!

Accept quest!

From this day forward, I am Taelan Fordring, the Paladin of the Nephalem! I shall dedicate my life to fighting for the salvation of this beautiful world. Any evil force shall be shattered by the Power of Nephalem!

"Ding!

Taelan Fordring's memories have merged with yours. Your Spirit has increased by 2, and your Strength has increased by 2. You have gained the skill: Hammer of Justice.

Hammer of Justice, Already at maximum level.

Instant cast, hurls a hammer of Holy Light, stunning your target for 5 seconds!

A powerful brick—everything must shut up when it hits!"

The most important thing now was to adapt to life in this world while growing stronger.

Tirion Fordring had just returned home covered in glory. These years were the happiest of Taelan Fordring's life.

When the 8th year of the Dark Portal arrived, 11-year-old Jaina would head to Dalaran to study, and his dear father would meet the person who would change his life forever: the Orc Eitrigg! To uphold his convictions and the path of the Holy Light, Tirion Fordring would refuse to break his promise.

However, Taelan Fordring knew he could not, and must not, change Tirion Fordring's ordeal; it was a vital part of his father's life experience. Furthermore, he did not know which day Tirion would encounter that Orc, but he would eventually face the choice between honor, promises, and family.

Therefore, Taelan needed strength to shoulder the burden of this household while his father was away, to protect his mother, and to hold fast to his own heart.

Then, when the 20th year of the Dark Portal arrived, the Third War would begin.

At that time, the original Taelan Fordring, facing a bleak future and the successive deaths of his comrades, would lose his mind, discard the banner of the Order, and choose to follow his mentor Isillien—the very Priest who had just healed him—into the Scarlet Crusade, never to return. He would eventually die on the road to see his father during the In Dreams quest.

The person who betrayed Taelan Fordring was his own adjutant, meaning he had not a single true friend by his side.

In Taelan's eyes, Hearthglen was his home, but since his father's exile and his mother's passing, he had no family left here.

The education he received from childhood made it impossible for him to integrate into the fanatical Scarlet Crusade, yet he could not completely abandon his honor either.

Thus, Taelan Fordring's current way out was this upcoming trip to Dalaran; he had to change the trajectory 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 ordered to rescue the Dragon Queen Alexstrasza; this was his chance to make early contact with the high-end combat power of this world.

Of course, there was one more person through whom he could seek a chance to change his destiny!

She was Jaina Proudmoore, known as the Princess of Kul Tiras.

This archmage would experience a life of hardship, and her emotional entanglement with the Crown Prince of Lordaeron would last until the expedition to Northrend.

Once he could change her fate, he would gain a massive amount of World Power, which would allow him to unlock even more powerful talents and forge a path for the future. Only by participating in the war of Ragnarok could he gain the world's recognition, achieve great deeds, and accumulate capital for his future development and salvation!

What he needed to do now was reach at least level 30 before the opening of the Dark Portal twenty years later, master the ultimate skill of the Offensive Aura, Fanaticism, learn Holy Shield, and raise his Zeal in the combat skill tree to a sufficiently high level.

If there were any spare skill points, Fist of the Heavens would also be an excellent choice; when facing swarms of undead and demons, Fist of the Heavens could provide powerful assistance.

Having settled on his future plans, Taelan Fordring immediately adjusted his state of mind, endured the headache, and forced himself to fall asleep. He had always possessed a stout heart, and he was a man of his word.

The next morning, Taelan Fordring rose early and folded his quilt. He walked out of the room fully dressed and began his morning exercises, first running around the walls of Hearthglen, then picking up Tirion Fordring's training sword to practice his swordsmanship.

Thanks to his Hero Template, he could control his body exceptionally well, and strength far beyond that of his peers allowed him to swing the training sword with ease.

Just then, Karandra ran out of the house, grabbed Taelan Fordring's hand, and tossed the training sword to the ground. She said, "Taelan, my son, are you feeling any better?" As she spoke, she reached out to touch Taelan's forehead.

Taelan Fordring instinctively wanted to dodge Karandra's hand, but he stopped himself and let her touch his brow. Looking at his mother, who was already wearing an apron, Taelan Fordring said, "Mother, I am fine. I am a man; a little headache is nothing!"

Karandra said, "Taelan, don't do such dangerous things in the future. Your father only cares about his martial arts, honor, and the Holy Light. You are still too young..."

Taelan Fordring listened quietly to his mother's nagging.

At this moment, Tirion Fordring emerged from the house. Hearing Taelan call himself a man, he wore a smile and said, "Well said! My son! I just saw your sword swings; you are truly a natural Warrior. At your age, you could defeat three of me."

Stealing a glance at his wife, whose face had darkened and was on the verge of exploding, Tirion Fordring quickly added, "Taelan, how do you feel? Are you better?"

Taelan Fordring began to adapt to the title and replied, "Father, I am fine. It was just a headache, and I feel like I have forgotten many things; I don't remember the names of many people anymore!"

Karandra, standing nearby, immediately said, "Tirion, in a few days... no, you must take our son to Dalaran right now and find that Archmage named Antonidas to have him examine our son. This is a major matter! May the Holy Light be praised! Thank goodness he still remembers us!"

Tirion Fordring hurriedly pacified his wife, saying, "Alright! I understand. My dear, you prepare things today, and tomorrow I will take our son to Dalaran. It is not a short journey; it will take several days."

Tirion Fordring went back to eat breakfast with his wife and son before heading out to patrol the territory.

Taelan Fordring, however, was forbidden by his mother from using weapons and was told to go inside and rest. Helpless, Taelan Fordring went to Tirion Fordring's study, found a book titled How to Become a Paladin, and began to read.

Update delivered! Requesting recommendation votes! Thank you all!

I got a solid scoop this morning! All obstacles have been cleared! My beloved Hearthstone has also been unfrozen. That world is one step closer to me again!

I just don't know if this melon is ripe!