19. Where is the assassin's courtyard? Why haven’t you dragged Diakem, the one spreading false rumors among the people, out to be executed yet?

Page (1/3)

The Seat of the Archon—one of the most important structures of the Eredar civilization—stands as the ruling center over several continents and the Eredar Sea territories within the world of Argus. As a symbol of power during the era of the “Second Co-Regency,” it serves as the national and civil hub under the dual Archon system. This magnificent palace lies beneath the towering Makaree Mountains, featuring a massive platform extending directly to the coast of the Eredar Sea, complete with a grand harbor.

Beyond the building’s own design as a militarized fortress city, nearly impregnable and easy to defend, the waters around it are guarded by Argus’s mightiest fleet. Under normal circumstances, breaching this stronghold is virtually impossible.

In addition to the advantageous terrain, the Seat of the Archon includes an auxiliary structure known as the Kuure Temple. It, along with the Rula Temple positioned to the south, flanks the dual Archons. The two Holy Light Naaru, whose power reaches the demigod tier, can withstand every mortal force known so far. Furthermore, the two Grand Archons, through enduring time and exceptional talent, stand at the pinnacle of legendary status. Notably, Grand Archon Velen’s acceptance of the Holy Light granted him a blessing of the Force, elevating him to a true “demigod” rank, a level mortals can only aspire to. This renders the Seat of the Archon as solid as a mountain in practical terms.

Of course, this invincibility is theoretical. The Holy Light Naaru follow teachings of healing and protection and generally avoid violence. If an enemy were to invade, the Naaru would likely respond as they did in Oronaar City—raising a heavy shield to protect the wounded and provide powerful healing. The actual combat would be led by the Grand Archons commanding the troops. This is precisely why Sathiel dared to launch the Awakeners’ cult coup. He firmly believed that with the demon legions distracting the two Naaru, the madness of the fel warlocks and his planted insiders at the Seat of the Archon could break through and wreak havoc inside.

Regrettably, whether in the official chronicles of the Dark Portal or in the altered fate orchestrated by Dik himself, he met what seemed an inevitable failure.

But that is in the past.

At least for Dik, who stands at the center of the storm, his mind now shifts to a newly emerging “threat.”

“Why the silence? Your furrowed brow does not look like the expression of someone who has turned the tide to victory.”

Talgas, the chief assassin leading the way, and Talgas, the Archon’s guard captain, both looked back at Dik with puzzled expressions. Dik was clad in lightweight yet imposing ceremonial armor and wore a battle helm radiating holy light, but beneath it was a somewhat heavy expression.

This caused the best assassin and hunter in Argus to quietly ask in surprise:

“Every Eredar visiting the Seat of the Archon for the first time is struck by its noble and solemn atmosphere, yet I see no ripple of emotion in your eyes. This either means you have been here before, or your mind is elsewhere, not on the impending meeting with the two Grand Archons. So, what matters more to you than meeting them?”

“Of course, I’ve been here. I practically camped at the Seat for a while, grinding for that damn felhound mount and toy collection. I’m more familiar with this place than you are. I’ve even seen it reduced to ruins and turned into a demon lair. That was far more ‘solemn’ than now.”

Dik mentally cursed but answered Talgas with polite distance:

“Apologies, the unique grandeur of the Archon Seat does indeed shock me, but I am pondering another matter... Before coming here, I spoke with Sathiel.”

“I know. I personally handed over your conversation records to the Grand Archons.”

Talgas nodded with a playful tone:

“I also heard you exchanged riddles with Sathiel.”

“As expected of the intelligence chief, your speed in acquiring information surpasses my imagination, like a six-legged spider lurking on the Makaree network, catching the slightest stir from any direction instantly.”

Dik used a peculiar metaphor to praise him, and Talgas did not take it as mockery. He gladly accepted being likened to a spider and said:

“I’m certain there are secrets between you and Sathiel known only to the two of you. Perhaps you cannot share them with me, but I advise you, Dik, when facing the Grand Archons, you’d better speak freely.”

“Nothing is off-limits.”

Dik thought for a moment and lowered his voice while Talgas led him through a passage guarded by the Archon’s elite guards. He briefly revealed the existence of the “World Soul” of Argus to the head of the assassin’s court.

Though only a few words, Talgas’s expression shifted multiple times.

After Dik finished, Talgas asked suspiciously:

“You mean the ‘World Will’ the old shamans always talk about? Do you truly believe in such a mythical thing existing on Argus?”

“Sathiel does! He explicitly told me that our Eredar myth of the ‘Forefather Mage Ogre’ is the man who forged a pact with the World. Without such a legendary past, how could he have tamed the wild elemental forces in ancient times to bring peace to the world? In his later years, he sought the arcane truth alone and left the Eredar with dual legacies of elemental and arcane arts. What if the legend of Forefather Mage Ogre is not exaggerated but rather sanitized through generations? What if he truly was the first ‘Guardian of Argus’ chosen by the World Will?”

Dik countered:

“Captain Talgas, Sathiel told me he found a ‘Holy Stone’ deep in the petrified forest of Krokuun on the path of the Forefather Mage. He said it could connect with the World Will or World Soul. I don’t think a desperate, dying arcane mage would leave us such a mocking lie. True or false, we’ll know once we see for ourselves.”

“Hm, reasonable.”

Talgas nodded.

Regardless of Dik’s words’ veracity, as intelligence chief, he must send agents to investigate. If the essence of a dormant “cosmic deity” truly slumbers within the Eredar world, this matter must be taken seriously.

With this thought, Talgas’s desire to recruit Dik grew stronger. Looking around as Dik stepped onto the stairs leading to the Archons’ audience chamber, he said:

“I know the chances are slim for a guard officer to join the assassin’s court, but I find you quite agreeable, Dik, so I must try. Are you willing...?”

“I’m willing to join!”

Before Talgas finished, Dik interrupted with a smile:

“But only as an ‘honorary member.’ Captain Talgas, as one who bears the Holy Light, I cannot walk in darkness. That would conflict with current Holy Light doctrines and easily brand me a heretic among my kin. However, I am happy to cooperate as ‘one of your own’ in upcoming operations, such as investigating the Holy Stone and the World Will.”

“Excellent!”

Dik’s decisiveness earned Talgas’s admiration.

Eredar guard officers are notoriously stubborn and difficult, rarely flexible like Dik. His traits shown in handling the Awakeners’ cult and Archimonde’s affairs exemplify the virtues and professionalism required by the assassin’s court.

Therefore, Talgas decisively handed Dik a gemstone necklace engraved with the assassin’s court insignia and said:

“I hereby appoint you ‘Honorary Commander’ of the assassin’s court, Dik. I will initiate the formalities. Once your appointment is official, I will assign an elite strike team under your command to investigate the Holy Stone and the World Will.”

“I accept the mission. If possible, I hope Captain Nari can assist me.”

Dik struck while the iron was hot:

“After all, we are acquaintances. Working together won’t feel awkward.”

“Good! Nari and her team are currently resting after their last mission. A ‘business trip’ to Krokuun can be a well-deserved reward.”

Page (2/3)

Talgas agreed promptly and then signaled Dik to proceed to meet the two Grand Archons.

Dik took a deep breath and ascended the gem-studded steps toward the highest palace of the Seat of the Archon—the main hall where the Grand Archons conduct their daily affairs.

The architecture retained traditional Eredar style; craftsmen designed the exterior with smooth, rounded forms capped by a grand dome. Elegant towers made of Akenite crystal encircled the structure, and ancient Eredar inscriptions carved into the stone walls added a profound historical gravitas beyond mere solemnity.

Though the Eredar favored gold and gemstones to adorn their buildings, their style never bordered on ostentation.

Upon entering the main hall, Dik saw no frivolous luxury. The only items remotely linked to extravagance were the enormous gemstones embedded above the two Grand Archons’ thrones.

Behind Velen was a purple gem; behind Kil’jaeden, a red one; and a violet gemstone floated before the Grand Archons’ seats. As Dik arrived, the two seemed to be discussing how to handle this crystal. They spoke loudly enough for the guards to hear.

“The Sigil of Enlightenment is part of the ‘Crown of the Archons.’ It was forged to symbolize the collective wisdom of the Eredar civilization. We bestowed it upon Sathiel as a mark of his wisdom, later passing it to Archimonde. Regrettably, this relic nearly became a tool for ambition. I believe, Velen, we should reclaim it into the hands of the Grand Archons. It can empower formidable spellcasters but also tests the bearer’s mind and character, lest past mistakes recur.”

Commander Kil’jaeden said solemnly:

“I think it best remains with us until the next suitable bearer arises. What do you say?”

“Your reasoning is sound, my brother,” Velen replied gently but with regret.

“Since embracing the Holy Light, the arcane wisdom of the Sigil no longer responds to me. Though my connection with the ‘Eye of the Prophet’ deepens, this mark of wisdom is destined to lie dormant for some time. Truly regrettable.”

They discussed the crystal given to the fake Sathiel that night. It was smaller then, suggesting this so-called “artifact” changes size according to the bearer’s physique.

Dik also knew the Sigil of Enlightenment, Eye of the Prophet, and Laurel of Knowledge—three natural crystal relics—together form the complete “Crown of the Archons.”

This artifact, modeled after the ancient Atama Crystal, grants its wearer certain personal power enhancements. Yet its true function is far deeper.

It is a “strategic relic.”

It can transform buildings or vehicles into fortresses or siege engines and boost the morale of nearby warriors, readily determining the course of war. In the chaotic Azeroth universe, while the Crown of the Archons is not a top-tier artifact, it is far from ordinary.

Thousands of years after the Dark Portal, when the exiled Draenei returned to Argus to reclaim their homeland, they relied on the Crown to empower the starship Zenithar with wartime prowess, enabling it to blast open the demon stronghold’s fel-forged walls, creating a breakthrough for the million mighty lords from afar.

Ironically, the Eredar’s own artifact was originally forged in three parts.

Perhaps fate symbolically foretold the Eredar would ultimately be led by three Grand Archons. Unfortunately, their two candidates, Sathiel and Archimonde, have since been removed from power.

That was Dik’s “achievement.”

While the matter of the Sigil’s ownership weighed on him, Dik quietly observed the two Grand Archons seated on their thrones.

He was familiar with Velen and Kil’jaeden a thousand years later, but by then Velen had become a white-bearded, fanatical old man, and Kil’jaeden a genuine “red-skinned, one-eyed ogre.”

Their weathered appearances no longer bore the grace they once had.

Now, however, both were in their prime, their looks naturally far different from their later “fallen” states.

To the left, Velen’s complexion was serene, his features square and gentle. His black eyebrows merged with a meticulously trimmed beard, a style unique to male Eredar. Four strands adorned with golden rings blended with the black beard, complemented by softly glowing eyes and a high, well-defined forehead, radiating wisdom.

A face fit for a grand leader—no need for “Kargoth” here.

To the right, Kil’jaeden’s skin was paler, almost albinistic compared to typical blue-hued Eredar. This unusual complexion gave him a stern, imposing aura. He had no beard, but two long chin tendrils compensated for the lack of facial hair. His visibly robust build suited his status as a legendary warrior and commander of the guards.

Kil’jaeden was not a spellcaster, hence fewer tendrils—similar to Dik, who had none due to limited magical aptitude.

Although tendrils are chiefly a racial trait among the Eredar, within arcane circles there is superstition linking the number and length of tendrils to spellcasting talent. They are considered mysterious “casting organs.” Though no formal studies support this, renowned arcane users such as Sathiel, Velen, Archimonde, and the legendary Forefather Mage all boasted four long, elegant, perfectly styled tendrils. This overwhelming anecdotal evidence seems significant.

Notably, neither Grand Archon bore the male horns typical among Eredar. Their scalp was smooth and raised, traditionally signifying a lack of some “masculine vigor.” Of course, no one dared mention this in front of two Archons who had ruled for five millennia.

The Velen before Dik had recently embraced the Holy Light to purify the Fel Well, replacing his arcane Archon robe with a platinum-colored Redeemer’s robe—a look very close to his later “fanatic prophet” style.

He still held the famed Holy Light artifact, the Ture-Naaru Beacon.

This relic was crafted from the remains of a high-ranking Naaru who had completed a “savior’s feat,” known as a Forefather Naaru, and is among the closest holy relics connecting to the Holy Light force in the physical universe.

Dik long suspected that the two Naaru who arrived on Argus a thousand years ago had initially given this artifact to Velen, already an Archon, with ulterior motives.

No matter how wise the wielder, holding a Naaru-crafted relic for over a millennium inevitably leaves its mark. Moreover, just a few nights ago, the twins’ seemingly “random teleportation” at a critical moment conveniently brought them before Velen, directly enabling his embrace of the Holy Light.

But do such things really happen by “coincidence”?

Frankly, Dik did not believe it.

Additionally, Velen had a bad habit—or character flaw. From youth, he possessed “prophetic visions” and deeply believed in prophecy. When he first learned from prophecy he would become a Holy Light follower, it was only a matter of time before he became what he is now.

Though Dik himself is a Holy Light wielder, he frankly views certain actions of the Holy Light faction—especially some radical Naaru individuals—with disdain.

Regardless of faction, the extreme Naaru’s zealotry often mirrors the demons of fel forces or the faceless void entities. This underscores a fundamental truth of the Azeroth universe: “The Force itself holds no inherent morality.”

Pure Holy Light can be used for terrible deeds—like the fanatical Scarlet Crusade. Conversely, fel energy in the hands of heroes can become a protective power—such as the Illidari demon hunters loyal to Dik.

The morality of power and the course of fate are determined by individuals.

“Redeemer Diakum Zastin, greetings to the two Grand Archons!”

Dik saluted the two Archons with the etiquette of a high-ranking guard officer. Kil’jaeden’s expression was calm, while Velen’s eyes shone with warmth and joy.

Velen had personally witnessed Dik’s heroic deeds in the Great Lecture Hall and genuinely regarded him as a model guard officer, despite his past mistakes, on par with his brother Kil’jaeden.

“Due to your merits in fighting the Enlightened and Awakeners’ cult, Diakum, Grand Archon Velen and I have decided to grant you the title of ‘Guard Officer Brigadier.’”

Kil’jaeden stroked the jewel armrest of his throne and solemnly said:

“Unfortunately, no suitable position currently exists in the high command for you, so you may need to wait before receiving a permanent post and troops. Are you willing to wait?”

“I am a humble redeemer, esteemed Commander Kil’jaeden. All I do is out of remorse and atonement, not for honor or glory.”

Dik bowed slightly, employing the acting skills befitting a “great lord” and “master of disguise,” answering perfectly:

“In fact, under the guidance of Priestess Ishana of the Rula Temple, I have become a cleric. I hope to spend more time guiding and protecting the spirit and soul of the people. Of course, I will not abandon the guard’s creed. When you and Grand Archon Velen require my return to the front lines, my Holy Light and I will answer the call!”

Page (3/3)

“But...”

“Please forgive my frankness, two Grand Archons.”

“The storm stirred by the Enlightened is not over. In my conversation with him, I already sensed a more terrifying darkness watching our beautiful home. The demon lord who calls himself ‘The Benefactor’ will not cease just because the Awakeners failed.”

“Indeed, Sathiel himself admits he understands that the Benefactor is a terrifying fel god seeking dominion over the physical universe—a so-called ‘Dark Titan.’ He has set his sights on our world...”

This statement caused Kil’jaeden and Velen to exchange a glance. At that moment, Kil’jaeden’s attendant handed him a note. The commander scanned it and immediately became serious before passing it to Velen, who also looked grave.

Velen even rose personally, employing the elegant gestures of an archmage, and used the Holy Light to weave a protective barrier over the main hall.

Dik was dumbfounded.

No wonder the two Naaru schemed so hard to bring Velen into the Holy Light fold!

Others humbly pray to the Light with clerical methods, but here, Velen uses arcane techniques to wield the Light like magic.

Such spellcasting talent truly is exceptional.

It recalled the miraculous scene of Archmage Jaina summoning her deceased father’s invincible warship before everyone, instantly changing her role to “mage,” and single-handedly playing “bumper boats” with the enemy fleet.

Indeed, in the cold and grand Azeroth universe, geniuses can do as they please.

“Loyal Talgas told me you just described the legend of the World Soul to him?”

Kil’jaeden stood with hands behind his back and asked:

“You discussed this with Sathiel? I can understand Sathiel’s belief, as the most orthodox heir of the Forefather Mage. But how, as a guard officer, did you hear the ‘Whispers of the World’?”

“Well...”

Dik hesitated:

“I cannot explain it, but when the Awakeners’ assassins cut my throat and left me near death, I indeed heard a voice from the world. It may have been a hallucination, but the will I sensed must be real. I grew up in Krokuun, two Grand Archons. There, ancient shamanic traditions survive as a holdout in Argus. From childhood, I heard their ancient legends—they firmly believe in a force called the ‘World Will.’ Sathiel confirmed this.”

“He told me he found a Holy Stone in the petrified forest of Krokuun, the cradle of Eredar civilization. By touching it, one can communicate with the World Soul, provided they are ‘chosen.’”

Velen nodded at this and said kindly and wisely:

“The old shamanic traditions indeed contain similar records, said to be teachings from Forefather Mage Ogre. But arcane scholars generally consider this superstition. Many who sought evidence of the World Will found such claims largely fabricated. After the rise of arcane traditions and the decline of elemental doctrines, such talk faded. Yet in Krokuun, elemental teachings still hold sway. My old friend, Governor Hadton, is the last legendary shaman of Argus. As a student, he told me of the whispers of the World Will. His ancestors also heard similar voices in dreams. He believes deeply.”

Kil’jaeden nodded in understanding. Though well-educated, he was still, after all, a guard officer.

“So you and Sathiel believe that the Benefactor—or Dark Titan—will persistently send demons to harass our world because of the World Soul’s existence?”

Kil’jaeden asked again. Dik nodded and said:

“I believe what we face is more than mere harassment. But first, I must find evidence of the Holy Stone’s existence for you two. As leaders of our civilization, you cannot rely on speculation or rumors. Though the Dark Titan’s threat is terrifying, and fel invasions must be watched, there is something else I must tell you, especially you, Grand Archon Velen.”

Dik paused and looked at the surprised Velen:

“The World Will’s aversion is not only against fel claws... Grand Archon Velen, though you walk in the Light, you must beware its radiance. The arrival of the two Holy Light Naaru on Argus, the Forefather Mage’s discovery of the Atama Crystal, and the millennium flourish of Holy Light doctrine—all these have complex purposes.”

“Sathiel confirmed this to me. Not only does fel power crave Argus’s stellar soul, but so does the Holy Light, and even the order represented by arcane magic covets it.”

“Grand Archons, if Sathiel’s words are true, it means we hold the most splendid and rare relic in the entire physical universe. Sadly, we seem incapable of protecting it.”

“Now, factions with various aims have set their sights on us.”

“Perhaps I sound exaggerated, but I trust your innate prophetic ability will soon reveal this truth.”

“As the leaders of civilization, you must not be blinded by the Naaru’s enlightenment.”

“The Holy Light is the Holy Light; the Naaru are the Naaru.”

“They are entirely different concepts. Beyond faith, the Eredar have treasures more worthy of protection—our people, our civilization, and our world!”

“For you, these must always outweigh personal belief.”

“What say you?”

“Impertinent!”

Kil’jaeden narrowed his eyes, glanced at his brother, then scolded with a playful tone:

“You are yourself a Holy Light wielder. How can you so casually disparage your own faith? Is it true, as rumors say, that you’ve consorted with cultists so long you’ve become a heretic?”

“But the Holy Light does not resent my blasphemy, two Grand Archons.”

Diakum looked at Velen, then lowered his head and spoke softly:

“The Holy Light does not demand we sacrifice everything for its faith. It wants kindness instead of praise, actions instead of words. I embraced the Light not because of faith, but because I wished to be a good person. Thus, the Light responded to me a second time.”

“My devotion is not just to faith. Each call to the Light does not make me foolish.”

“No true deity wishes their followers to be a band of fanatical madmen. Conversely, if some need the Light’s revelation to summon courage, perhaps they should never have had it to begin with.”

“Forgive me, two Grand Archons, for my presumptuous words.”

P.S.:

In this chapter, a brother suggested changing the names of the current characters. However… except for “Maldran,” created specifically for the story of my great uncle, all other characters appearing here are official NPCs from the lore. This cannot be changed.

Changing them would cause problems.

Page (3/3)