Ah, the feeling of being a priest who saves souls and still has the chance to learn new skills is truly wonderful!

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As Dick stepped out of the Archon’s Hall, it was no exaggeration to say that his back was soaked with sweat. Although the Eredar were renowned for their tolerance and openness, the heretical words he had just spoken—uttered boldly to an Archon newly converted to the Holy Light—could very well have seen him burned at the stake. Especially since he had spoken ill of the Holy Light openly in his capacity as a Lightwalker.

To someone like Ishana, a legendary priestess or an even more fervent zealot, this would be a clear act of apostasy.

Yet old Velen was certainly a man of great tolerance. Even hearing such blasphemous and terrifying “heresy,” Velen only scolded Dick without imposing harsher punishments. Dick was allowed to leave the hall unscathed, now bearing the new rank of Guard Brigadier General.

Moreover, there was an unexpected boon that even Dick hadn’t anticipated. When he boldly urged Archon Velen to maintain reason beyond faith, he keenly noticed a rare approving smile flicker across Commander Kil’jaeden’s usually impassive face. Apparently, Kil’jaeden was worried about Velen’s mental state as well.

This unexpected goodwill from Kil’jaeden, earned during Velen’s “slander,” was a pleasant surprise to Dick. Being of the guard officer class himself, having some favor with the Guard Commander guaranteed smooth sailing in future endeavors.

Besides his brigadier general commission, Dick also received a secret directive from the two Archons. They tasked him with swiftly locating the “holy stone” mentioned by Sachir, to prove the true existence of the “World Soul.” To facilitate this mission, Dick was granted the authority to assemble an exploration team from available personnel. Combined with Nelie’s squad from the Assassin’s Court, his manpower increased significantly, bolstering his confidence for the journey ahead.

After all, he knew Krokuun like the back of his hand! Not only was he now a “country boy” born on the frontier, but in his past life as an old veteran, he had scouted every boss spawn point in that cursed land to farm the flashy “World Polluter” transmog set.

“So, now it’s back to Oronaar City to bid farewell to Maldren, then board the military airship to Krokuun.” Dick looked over the two commission letters in his hand, feeling somewhat lighter.

“And with Commander Kil’jaeden’s permission, I get to pick out my own fitting armaments from the Archon’s Guard armory. That’s fantastic—complete a mission, pass a storyline, and get a whole set of gear delivered! What luck! Ah, slap my own mouth—no swearing, even in my heart, as a Lightwalker. That’s professional discipline and roleplaying spirit!”

He tapped his mouth lightly, humming a tune as he set off to the armory.

Halfway there, he was abruptly stopped by a newly appeared, robust woman radiating a golden glow. Not exaggerating—the Eredar woman was a full head taller than Dick, with biceps that could easily strangle a Tabu ram. Dick admired her physique but knew such visible strength was no envy to the raw power she wielded.

Her abnormal blue-gold skin marked her as a “Chosen of the Naaru” from the Naaru Shrine. The Holy Light doctrine had, over a millennium, selected six of the most gifted and resolute Lightwalkers—three men and three women, all legendary paladins. They served as elite guardians of the Kuure Shrine and the two Archons, their combat prowess making them the “Vanguard of the Light,” superior even to ordinary legends.

Before Archon Velen’s conversion, these six “Holy Muscle Brothers and Sisters” were the embodiment of the Holy Light doctrine in the eyes of the Eredar.

“Brother Diakum, please wait.” Dressed in training garb and bearing a gleaming spear, the Light Chosen ran up to Dick, flicking her glowing, adorable tail, speaking solemnly: “The guardian Kuure invites you. It wishes to converse with you and has prepared a reward for your victory over formidable foes.”

“Hm?” Dick looked at the woman with the radiant holy seal hovering over her forehead, puzzled. “I’ve never met Kuure before, though I’ve crossed paths with Lura. Why would Kuure summon me?”

“I don’t know, but perhaps it is the will of the Holy Light. Please follow me, Brother Diakum.”

The Light Chosen answered straightforwardly, leaving Dick momentarily speechless. These Chosen were simple and taciturn, like ascetics indifferent to mortal pleasures. Rumor had it they were truly immortal, quickly revived by the Holy Light even if slain in battle.

Dick envied such abilities. In the real world, convenient “resurrection” magic simply did not exist—death was final. Across all legends, resurrection was deemed a divine miracle, underscoring its preciousness.

“May I know your name, my radiant sister in faith?” Dick quietly asked as they walked toward the Kuure Shrine.

She glanced back briefly and replied simply, “Devinus. That is my secular name, but upon entering the Holy Light, names lose their meaning.”

“Well, that answer is quite divine indeed,” Dick sighed. “But I don’t think the Light wants you to forsake your own names, sister. Devotion does not require constant self-destructive sacrifice. It’s simple logic—if you don’t love yourselves, how can you love the world? If you abandon all human feelings, can you still represent the Light as a symbol of healing and protection?”

“I am not adept at doctrinal debate, Brother Diakum. I heard you chose to become a priest? Your words earlier sounded much like preaching. You will surely be an excellent missionary.” Devinus nodded earnestly. “Your admonition makes sense. I will discuss this with my brothers and sisters; perhaps Kuure will guide me.”

“So I’m curious, my sister in faith—does the voice echoing in your mind belong to Kuure, or to the Holy Light?” Dick hesitated, glanced behind, and saw the two Archons leaving the palace. He saw an opportunity to show Velen, newly devoted, the distinction between “Naaru” and “Holy Light,” so the old prophet would not blindly follow in the tragic footsteps of the Dark Portal’s history.

He then posed this somewhat irreverent question to the Light Chosen.

The question puzzled her; she looked back at Dick in surprise. “Is there a difference? Aren’t they the same concept?”

“Ah, that’s what I fear... Whenever I think I might become like you in the future, I feel uneasy. But since I am already a priest, and you say I will be an excellent savior of souls, I cannot ignore this ‘lost lamb’ before me. Forgive my presumption.”

Dick shook his head and, with a bold gesture, grasped the hand of Devinus—strong enough to easily snap his neck—and spoke earnestly:

“You must sever your spiritual bond with Kuure, sister! The Naaru were born of light but do not fully embody the Holy Light. Each Naaru has its own will, desires, anger, and despair. Each interprets the Light differently, and factions and moral divisions exist among them. Sister, you should be devoted to the Light itself, not become a puppet of a Naaru. We are equals in spirit.

“Kuure! If you can hear me, please release this sister’s spirit. Such prolonged connection is not protection but disgraceful assimilation. This is why the Arcanists despise you. If you truly wish the Light to shelter the Eredar and merge with the World Soul, please employ gentler methods!”

Dick held the Light Chosen’s hand, but his words were not for her alone—through her spiritual link, he knew the Naaru within the shrine could hear him.

Such are the Naaru.

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They are inherently benevolent, willing to protect all goodness around them. They use their immense innate spirit to delve into their followers’ minds to provide spiritual protection, but they overlook the mortal fragility that cannot endure such “protection” for long.

Brief connections can shield the spirit, but prolonged resonance confuses Lightwalkers under the overwhelming radiant spiritual song of the Naaru, causing them to mistake the Naaru as the embodiment of the Holy Light.

In a sense, this perception is not entirely wrong.

But the problem is, as I said, the Naaru are not as pure as people imagine.

They have their own thoughts and independent consciousness, meaning a Naaru’s conduct will deeply influence the Lightwalkers who follow it.

The worst example is the future Holy Light Legion.

Led by the radical and prophetic primordial Naaru, “Mother of the Holy Light,” Zera, the entire legion became despised “holy zealots.” These ancient veterans blindly obeyed Zera’s voice as the Light’s will until Egg brother destroyed Zera with a single focused shot, after which the legion gradually returned to normal.

Moreover, the “blind faith” and “fanaticism” borne of the Holy Light’s power produced the exaggerated “Holy Tyrant Erel” on another timeline, Drano world. They “cleansed” the world with Light, imprisoning and forcibly reforging all who disobeyed the doctrine.

Add to that the extreme and hot-tempered Scarlet Crusade...

Honestly, how is this “Crusade” any different from the Burning Legion’s demons?

I chose to walk the path of the Holy Light, but that doesn’t mean I will follow the road of fanaticism. Seeing signs of zealotry in the Light Chosen now, I must save as many as I can.

And at the same time, brush up my priest skills. Ah, leveling up, that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Besides, the Kuure guardian Naaru is known as a “moderate” among the Naaru. In the official Dark Portal history, this noble Naaru indeed sacrificed everything for the fate of the Eredar.

It is trustworthy and worthy of respect.

This is why I dared to make such demands of Kuure.

Under my gaze, Devinus clutched her forehead and collapsed in pain a few seconds later. Though a powerful Light Chosen unafraid of pain, she writhed on the ground as if a fish out of water, her eyes filled with confusion.

Like a newborn baby opening its eyes to the world for the first time.

“Don’t be afraid! Breathe deeply. Feeling lost is normal. Recite the Holy Light’s teachings with me, sister.”

Dick squeezed Devinus’s hand. As a priest apprentice, he did his best to soothe the restless Light Chosen. Gradually, she calmed.

Her body was healthy, but her spirit seemed gravely ill. Clutching Dick’s hand, she spoke helplessly:

“I can’t hear it anymore... the Holy Light’s voice. No... I have awakened. Reason has returned. It was like a dream—I was wrapped in golden light, lost. I couldn’t see or hear, like a marionette... Oh my! Oh my... I have awakened.”

“It’s alright, sister. Kuure does not deliberately manipulate you. Mortal minds simply cannot withstand such great power. Like moths drawn to a flame, it’s not your fault.”

Dick spoke gently, like a true priest: “Rest now, sister. A good sleep will help. Always hold firmly to your morals; those vows bind and protect us. Keep reason and ethics as your guiding line, leaving space for soul and faith.”

“Thank you, wise Brother Diakum. You... you have saved my soul.”

Devinus sincerely expressed her gratitude. She did not fear the Holy Light; becoming a Chosen proved her mind’s strength was beyond ordinary. Yet, even as she rose and faced the Kuure Shrine, a trace of estrangement lingered in her eyes.

This is necessary!

I believe one should revere greatness but never blindly follow at the cost of reason. True greatness would never wish to see fanaticism’s result.

Any extreme leads to disaster, no matter the original intention.

This scene was witnessed by Kil’jaeden and Velen atop the Archons’ platform. Kil’jaeden shook his head, silently patting Velen’s shoulder to advise caution, growing ever more impressed by Dick’s wisdom. Velen’s rosary spun faster, deeply moved, forcing him to reconsider how his newfound faith should develop.

Dick then entered the Kuure Shrine as if nothing had happened.

He thought the guardian would discuss the Holy Light and World Soul’s relation with him, but Kuure’s sole purpose was to reward him for his service to Eredar civilization.

Kuure had prepared a gift.

A meticulously crafted set of “Lightforged Armaments” was brought forth by priests and placed before him.

Gazing upon the enormous, geometrically intricate Naaru—entirely composed of dazzling crystal and hovering above the altar, continuously spinning while emitting an ethereal melody—Dick felt remorse for his “dark soul.”

Indeed, Kuure was unlike those who weave conspiracies. Its spirit was pure.

It could even do the truly noble act of sheltering “alien souls” when broken and near death, indirectly affecting the future of another race entwined with the Draenei.

Because of this, Dick lingered longer than expected in the shrine. Besides kneeling before the Naaru to pray under its holy light, he checked his character sheet.

At the moment he calmed Devinus, prompts appeared:

[Successfully soothed a lost believer; priest skill “Mind Soothing” learned! Current proficiency: Novice. Please continue practicing to improve power.]

[Successfully awakened a confused believer; advanced priest skill “Spiritual Prayer” learned! Current proficiency: Novice. Please continue practicing to improve power.]

“The priest profession was granted by the ‘War Art’ talent, so it lacks the exaggerated ‘skill imprint’ effect like the Veil of the Other Shore. I have to explore and train these skills myself.

Speaking of which, even skill imprints only gave me a series of basic paladin skills, like ‘Kingsguard,’ ‘Shield of Justice,’ and ‘Faith in Spring’—I still have to figure out the advanced ones on my own.”

Dick sighed inwardly as he prayed, “There’s much to do ahead, but learning and practicing skills is how you grow. This finally feels like a real cultivation game.”

“May the Holy Light be above! Naaru bless you!”

In the midst of his thoughts, noisy sounds arose around him. Looking up in surprise, he saw shimmering light particles drifting down from the gently spinning Naaru Kuure, transforming into bright feathers that landed on his forehead.

At the instant of contact, the “Lightwalker’s Mark” on his forehead blazed brilliantly.

Simultaneously, a prompt flashed before his eyes:

[External power connected! Power path identified as: Holy Light Force; connection mode: Blessing!

This power is harmless.

Naaru Kuure, in recognition of your dedication to the Holy Light’s path, bestows its holy power upon you. Your ‘Lightwalker’s Mark’ is replaced by the ‘Naaru’s Blessing Mark.’

Permanent individual status gained: [Kuure’s Divine Hymn]

Status effects:

- Maximum radiant energy pool increased slightly (total +10%).

- Holy Light combat skills deal slightly increased radiant damage.

- Holy Light affinity increased slightly.

Profession effects:

- Kuure imparts a series of priest profession skills:

Priest skill [Power Word: Shield] learned.

Priest skill [Power Word: Fortitude] learned.

Priest skill [Power Word: Radiance] learned.

Priest skill [Power Word: Command] learned.

Priest skill [Power Word: Barrier] learned.

Priest skill [Flame of Mind] learned.

Priest skill [Healing Prayer] learned.

Advanced priest skills [Fountain of Light], [Holy Aura], and [Holy Hymn] learned.

Additional effect:

Special language [Naaru Tongue] learned; character’s language library updated.]

With this blessing, Dick’s mind was suddenly flooded with numerous priestly powers and techniques. As if mastering a foreign language, he effortlessly understood the spiritual communication embedded in the ethereal Naaru song.

A gentle, deep male voice echoed in his spirit:

“O hand of fate born in the age of impending darkness, the Holy Light watches over you. Continue your path; if you need aid, Lura and I shall do all we can.”

“Thank you for your blessing, noble guardian Naaru.”

In that moment, Dick seemed to resolve something. He replied:

“I should be humble, but as you said, the dark age is near. Prepare yourself, for soon we may truly need the Holy Light’s help.

Yes, it will be a miracle born of desperation—a miracle belonging solely to the Holy Light!”

———

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“Hey, why is your head so pointy, guard?”

That evening, upon returning to Oronaar City and heading to Maldren’s home for dinner, Maldren’s brat son Marlad greeted Dick with this first remark.

This “Argus-version Northrend dialect” nearly broke Dick’s composure.

Bringing gifts, Dick glared at the foul-mouthed kid, about to retort “Well, I ask you,” when the noise brought Maldren rushing out.

The embarrassed old guard officer smacked his son’s backside and apologized: “Don’t mind him, Dick. Kids that age always have strange ideas… though your head really is kind of….”

“It’s the holy mark,” Dick said sternly, pointing to the “Naaru’s Blessing Mark” flickering like golden flames on his forehead. “Kuure rewarded my service—perhaps because the Archons didn’t properly match my merits with rewards. That Naaru is a benevolent soul, compensating me with its blessing.

“But the problem is this mark isn’t like other guard officers’ holy marks. It’s alive.

When not in battle, it stays calmly lit, even masking all my holy power fluctuations, making me look like an ordinary soldier. Naturally, kids think the light is just part of my head, which makes it look pointy.”

“A Naaru’s blessing? Hmm, that’s the highest honor for us Holy Light believers.” Maldren laughed heartily, taking the fruits and vegetables Dick had brought. He invited Dick inside.

Old money of the proud Eredar flag, after all, Maldren’s guardhouse was practically a small manor. Not like Krokuun’s frontier lands where land was cheap—just owning this house in Oronaar proved Maldren’s deep concealment.

His wife was gentle and beautiful by both Eredar and human standards, clearly from a prominent family.

Yet Maldren’s smile that night was tinged with guilt.

He knew some of the awards he received should have belonged to Dick too—but because of Dick’s “blemished” identity...

“Don’t worry! I’m no glory seeker, Maldren, nor suited to be a commanding general. Actually, I have a mission to undertake.

“After dinner and a night’s rest, I leave tomorrow.”

At the dining table, waiting for the servants to serve, Dick spoke sincerely to his friend:

“I can’t tell you the mission details, but when you reach the Antoran Plains outpost, you must train hard. This storm isn’t over yet.”

Hearing this, the old guard nodded solemnly.

But since tonight was a family feast, the mood wasn’t right for serious talk. Soon, Dick was playing with Maldren’s children.

Marlad, a lively rascal of the same age, was thrilled with the Lightforged short sword Dick gifted him. He dashed into the garden, “slaughtering” the poor, expensive flowers. His angry mother dragged him back inside by the ear.

His sister Lailan was much quieter. Sitting beside their father, she listened intently as “Uncle Diakum” spun tales with great enthusiasm—especially the story of hunting the evil shadow leopard that devoured the Tabu sheep in Krokuun’s petrified forest. The little girl clenched her fists, fully captivated.

Dick felt great affection for the big-eyed girl.

Perhaps because he knew what dark fate awaited her in another timeline.

Marlad soon joined the story’s spell, clutching the gleaming short sword and imagining himself a heroic frontier defender.

“I want to be a guard officer as skilled as you someday!”

After the story, Marlad clenched his fists and shouted:

“Father says you’re the best guard officer he’s ever seen. You’ll be a great hero, like Commander Kil’jaeden—famous forever!”

“Yet, when I was young, my proudest moment wasn’t becoming a high-ranking guard,” Dick said softly, patting Marlad’s head.

“My proudest moment was standing up to protect my ‘family’ when a shadow leopard attacked my orphanage. Though we’ve gone our separate ways, and may never meet again, I still believe that night I was strongest.

“You don’t have to be a great leader, but you must protect your family, especially your sister. Little Lailan looks to you for support—you must give her peace of mind.

“Promise me! Be your sister’s guardian. Don’t let this sword I give you down, okay?”

Childishly, he extended his pinky to Marlad.

Amid laughter from Maldren, his wife, and Lailan, little Marlad pursed his lips, solemn as if swearing a sacred oath, and linked his pinky with Dick’s.

Contract sealed!

May the Holy Light bless these two children so that, millennia hence, they need never endure the pain and despair of parting again...

Dick looked at the two children, then at this happy family, and suddenly understood his “Hand of Fate” duty more deeply.

Why rely on fate’s mercy to prevent tragedy? Didn’t he come here to stop it all?

Isn’t that his morality, his sacred vow?

Yes, Dick resolved to take this sudden enlightenment as the Holy Light’s guidance, wiping away the despair Sachir’s revelations had caused.

Indeed, fate had dealt him a heavy blow, but the fight was far from over.

He would continue to grasp fate by the throat, waiting for the right moment to deliver a devastating blow. Just wait—this “Holy Spear” will never allow Argus’s dark future to repeat! This butterfly is about to truly flap its wings.

Ps:

Thanks to brother “Southern Blaze” for the guild leader’s reward. Additional chapters will count after going live. Much appreciated.

Also, yesterday’s description of the number of tentacles on the eggs and Akk was mistaken. Yep, brothers guessed right—I was a victim of fake internet pictures. I’ll fix it when I have time. Thanks for the corrections!

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