While the Exiles and the Resistance factions continue their arduous struggle, the Adventists have already resigned themselves to their fate with a sense of inevitability.

Midnight approached.

Jaide had transported the first group of jewelers to the vicinity of the Holy Stone in the Petrified Forest at the maximum speed a Talbu knight could muster. The "Five Little Strong" had established a temporary camp here, situated exactly where Dick remembered the Krokuun camp being.

Governor Haton set up a workbench, using the jewelers' professional tools to meticulously refine the fragments of the Holy Stone. They chiseled out the finest possible raw stones, then cut and polished them, striving to ensure every shard was utilized reasonably and properly. The jewelers who arrived later, seeing that the Governor himself was working, dared not delay.

The Eredar's innate talent for jewelry crafting allowed them to work both quickly and skillfully. Although Dick had requested they avoid any unnecessary ornamentation and aim for the simplest and swiftest production of the first batch of World Heart artifacts, the jewelers clearly had their own ideas. Professional craftsmen simply cannot allow their skills to go unexercised; this is a persistence unique to "artisans" in every world.

Therefore, when midnight arrived and Governor Haton handed the first completed "Heart of Argus" ring to Dick, Dick—who had been swinging a large hammer at the Holy Stone for several hours—despairingly saw that the ring's face was still embellished with exquisite Eredar casting runes, and the piece showed clear signs of careful carving. While it lacked overly flashy craftsmanship, in terms of sheer quality, it was already a remarkably refined piece of jewelry.

"Didn't I say there was no need to waste time like this?"

He took the pinky ring and examined it. Facing Dick's complaint, Governor Haton snorted, shook his head with the pride of a craftsman, and said, "Carving these runes and shaping the ancient spell-forms didn't even waste ten seconds of my time. This setting was originally a frame I had prepared as part of a 350th birthday gift for Jaide, but giving it to you now is just as well, Diakum. You are a child I watched grow up, and you have more promise than Jaide."

"Please, don't say that. I just did a trivial amount of work and got lucky. If Jaide were in my position, he would certainly have done better than I did." Dick waved his hand modestly, continuing to inspect the ring.

The band, made of superior Celestial Gold, utilized the Eredar's unique "crystal-casting" technique, studded with fine yet durable crystalline fragments. The piece was lightweight yet sturdy, resistant to deformation from impacts or bumps. The flat face, which should have held a magnificent gemstone, was inlaid with a single Holy Stone fragment polished into a three-dimensional triangular shape. Because the Holy Stone was neither gold nor jade, its special texture and natural crystallization, brimming with elemental power, made it no less impressive than the finest crystal. The perfectly cut angles reflected brilliant arcs of light, and the Eredar characters of the blessing inscriptions and ancient spell-forms engraved around the setting gave it an artistic quality of "great simplicity that hides sophisticated skill." It was truly a boutique piece crafted by an Eredar master; their race was simply too gifted at jewelry processing.

But external beauty was only one aspect. Dick, already bearing the World Contract, was more concerned with its functionality. He touched the ring, and golden text soon jumped out before his eyes:

[Accessory Name: Doomsday Decisive Battle · Heart of Argus (Diakum Exclusive · Unique Equipment)]
[Accessory Quality: World Artifact (Only effective within the world of Argus)]
[Accessory Traits: Ancient Elemental Blessing · World Essence Container · World Power Conduit]
[Accessory Effects: When 'World Essence' is infused, it provides the wearer with comprehensive enhancements to Stamina, Strength, Agility, Intellect, Spirit, Energy Aptitude, and Energy Manipulation!]
[Note! This enhancement effect can accumulate with wear time and combat duration until it reaches the maximum capacity of the current life state; it can be used in small, multiple doses or released all at once after charging. When released in a single burst, the individual's temporary enhancement will transcend their life-rank limits.]
[Warning! Releasing a large amount of World Power at once will cause extreme physiological and mental stress to the wearer. It is not recommended to use this multiple times in a short period, otherwise, it will lead to extreme consequences.]
[Note! This effect only functions within the territories of the world of Argus. Once outside the region where the World Soul resides, all effects of this equipment, except for the 'Ancient Elemental Blessing,' will be sealed.]
[Equipment Description: "Come, come, come! Take a look! Limited edition Heart of Argus artifact is out! Eight stars, eight arrows, full weight, artifact quality, a family heirloom! The damn Dark Titan has run off with his little brother Argus! The original price of 99,999,998 for the Heart of Argus is now not 998, not 98, not 9.8—it's free as long as you dare to gamble your life alongside the 'Holy Light Hanging Brother'! Absolutely free!"]

"What the hell..."

Seeing this mind-numbing item description, Dick almost choked on his own breath. Such a good item, yet twisted by that bastard hiding in the shadows, it seemed to have dropped several tiers in value instantly. But in truth, aside from that god-awful description, this Heart of Argus had indeed achieved what Dick wanted.

Although in terms of functionality, it could not be compared to the "Heart of Azeroth" from his memories—which had "three-ring enhancements" that could simultaneously accommodate a dozen powerful blessing effects and allow mortal warriors to slay gods and demons—given the current state of the Argus World-Soul baby, it was already quite impressive to be able to create such an artifact with His power.

Most importantly, according to detailed estimates by Governor Haton and the jewelers, at the current specifications, the Holy Stone could definitely produce over 100,000 Hearts of Argus once fully dismantled. This was absolutely enough to arm an entire army for the doomsday battle against the demons! It was just unclear if the Argus World-Soul could support so many warriors sharing His power simultaneously. For an adult World-Soul or a "talented child" like Azeroth, this clearly wouldn't be a problem. But the Argus "baby" had limited power, and His potential had yet to be tapped.

"The Shamans will absolutely love such a treasure..." Governor Haton stroked a string of unfinished, rustic pendants. He sighed, "The Progenitor Wizard O'gure concentrated all the ancient elemental power of the Argus world around the Holy Stone, preserving the greatest elemental blessings to this day. Each fragment of the Holy Stone is the essence of these ancient elements; even a Shaman apprentice wearing it would be enough to call upon the elements and cast powerful spells. If not for the world facing the threat of annihilation, these pendants and rings alone would be enough to revive the fallen Shamanic path. That brat Jaide is lucky. He will become a Shaman and rider whose name will go down in history."

"Since we are wearing them, it means we will not give up, Father Governor." Dick carefully slipped the Heart of Argus pinky ring onto his left hand. He touched the ring and said in a deep voice, "We will fight the demons until the very last moment! For our loved ones, for our morality, for our world! Whether it is Jaide or any other warrior, when they wear this artifact, they will share one identity. We will fight under that banner, until the end!"

"Of course, I absolutely believe in your fervent determination and devoted sacrifice, child." Governor Haton patted Dick's shoulder with emotion, looking at him like an old father looking at an outstanding son. He said softly, "I used to have some doubts about the morality of the Holy Light, but after seeing you today, I have no more worries about the future. Even if we face a desperate situation, that beam of light has indeed guided you to become a better person, and it will guide generation after generation of Eredar to walk the same path as you."

*Swish.*

Just as Dick was about to be humble, a flash of teleportation light flickered. Saloralas rushed over, looking anxious, and said to Dick and Governor Haton, "The two Triumvirs have arrived at Nathraxas Castle. They don't want to waste time and are heading here with their men. Captain Nari asks that you both prepare to receive them. She also said the Triumvirs look very displeased. Perhaps because we..."

"Because we destroyed the Holy Stone?" Governor Haton, who had already been worried about this, looked as if the sky were falling. But then, the old Shaman gritted his teeth, turned to the frightened craftsmen, and shouted, "Don't be afraid! Keep working! If the sky falls, I will hold it up! Since I gave the order, I will naturally bear the consequences."

"But it was my order, Father Governor." Dick shook his head, comforting him. "Do not worry. The Triumvirs are reasonable people. Once they understand the causes and consequences, they will never blame us. And I think that instead of trying to persuade them with words, it would be better to let them feel it for themselves. Please make two Hearts of Argus that match the status of the Triumvirs as quickly as possible, Father Governor. We will give them as gifts, and as a medium for them to communicate with the World-Soul."

"Right, right, right. Speaking with facts is naturally the best way." Governor Haton's eyes lit up. He glanced at the semi-finished pendant in his hand, said nothing more, and hurried to his workbench to get busy.

Dozens of minutes later, after three teleports across the entire Krokuun plains, the Triumvirs and their guards arrived in the depths of the Petrified Forest, reaching the temporary camp surrounded by the Chosen of Light and the priests. Before Velen and Kil'jaeden could even ask, Governor Haton stepped forward to greet them and presented two exquisitely crafted Hearts of Argus.

They were two necklaces. A circular crystal main body contained Holy Stone fragments of different shapes. The one for Velen was specially used with a gemstone having excellent Holy Light compatibility, making it the perfect spell-casting tool.

"Are you saying that wearing this 'Heart of Argus' allows one to communicate with the World-Soul?" Kil'jaeden looked suspiciously at the sword-shaped pendant in his hand. Governor Haton nodded solemnly, "Theoretically, yes! But the premise is that the World-Soul must be willing to communicate with the wearer. The Holy Stone can only act as a medium, but according to the legends of ancient Shamanic tradition, only the chosen are qualified to see the World-Soul. However, the situation is special right now; I suspect the World-Soul doesn't care about these details."

"The more I hear this, the more it sounds like some kind of scam," Talgath, the head of the Assassin's Court beside Kil'jaeden, muttered. But the two Triumvirs, who had personally seen the doomsday prophecy given by the Dark Titan, did not think so.

They put on the pendants almost simultaneously. As a warrior and a Vigilant, Kil'jaeden did not have outstanding energy affinity; touching the pendant, he could feel some kind of summoning, but it would take time to perceive it. Velen, on the other hand, was pulled into the World-Soul's illusion almost the moment he put it on. He reached out and grabbed Kil'jaeden's wrist, using mental resonance to lead his brother to perceive the World-Soul's will together.

The life-ranks of the two had already reached the highest level naturally achievable by the Eredar, so the energy infusion they could withstand before the World-Soul was naturally much stronger than that of a "skinny" person like Dick. Amidst the gasps of the people around them, Velen and Kil'jaeden appeared to "ascend to immortality on the spot." Their bodies were enveloped in brilliant beams of light and floated upward, with pulsing points of light shining in their eyes. Their spirits temporarily separated from their bodies, but the generous gift from the World-Soul caused their power signatures to soar like a rocket.

Dick originally had such an opportunity. But he had refused the glory of becoming the World Guardian alone, instead sharing the honor that should have been his with more warriors who could fight. Seeing the scene of the two being "taught" by the World-Soul, the Brigadier General was not envious at all. Really. This was not sour grapes.

Dick knew very well the terrible "price" of becoming a World Guardian. Magni Bronzebeard, the speaker for the world on Azeroth's side, was first turned into diamond by atavism, and then nearly collapsed several times during his communications with the World-Soul. He himself had said it was a pressure and torture unimaginable to ordinary people, akin to a form of torment. Moreover, the glory and power of a World Guardian were tied to the world itself. But the Eredar would eventually have to leave their homeland and embark on a long path of exile. At that time, the lost World Guardian would surely bear the heavy burden of the soul, perhaps even evolving into an inescapable despair—and for exiles, despair is the most unnecessary emotion.

Dick knew very well that the world of Argus was just the beginning. For him, this was merely the starting point and end point of a journey. He could not be trapped here forever. At the very least, in the future, he had to go to the world of Azeroth. The "World Cleansing Oath" he made for Argus could only find its answer on that "main stage" where countless fates intertwined and demons danced in chaos.

This exaggerated blessing process did not last long. Velen and Kil'jaeden, the absolute leaders of the Eredar, returned from that "audience" after a few minutes. They looked at each other, hand in hand, and then turned to look at Dick simultaneously. The latter nodded at them. In this silent exchange, some things that didn't need to be expressed in words were confirmed.

"I will immediately summon all the jewelers in the country to concentrate here as quickly as possible." Kil'jaeden said to Governor Haton in a deep voice, "Lord Haton, I leave it to you to preside over this work, which is the most important for our civilization and our world. Craft more Hearts of Argus as quickly as possible. Our warriors need this weapon blessed by the world to fight those shameless demons and their evil masters! Elite warriors and powerful spellcasters will also be assembled..."

"Are we in such a rush?" Governor Haton was a bit surprised, then heard Velen, who was stroking his Heart of Argus pendant, sigh, "There are only thirty days left, everyone. Kil'jaeden and I just received a 'Doomsday Declaration' directly from the Dark Titan. He and his lackeys are already moving toward our world. Thirty days later, the Dark Titan will arrive at Argus! The fate of us and this world will be determined then. My audience with the World-Soul just now with my brother Kil'jaeden proved this. Our beloved Argus-Soul has sensed the same disaster. He also does not want to succumb to a dark fate, but unfortunately, we and our world are not yet able to resist the obscenity of the Dark Titan. My brother does not want to abandon our homeland, and I will stay here with him to fight until the last moment! But we must find a way to settle those old, weak, women, and children who cannot fight."

"Once the bravest warriors have completed their mission, they will inevitably have to step onto the battlefield. Even the elderly and children must learn to fight for themselves and others," Kil'jaeden clenched his fists and said, "Fate has not given us more choices! Velen, you and I might die in the first wave of the demon invasion, but after we die, this world still cannot give up resistance! I would rather our world be destroyed in a passionate war than see our people abandon courage and dignity and allow themselves to degenerate into demonic monsters."

Although both Triumvirs agreed to resist, they clearly had disagreements on how to settle the old and weak. This was normal. Velen was benevolent and did not want to see innocent people involved in the war. But Kil'jaeden was rational. He knew that in front of the Dark Titan and his demonic lackeys, there would be no safe place in all of Argus. Instead of waiting passively for death, it was better to arm the people first.

Dick watched them. He was pleased that both Triumvirs had the determination to fight to the end, yet he felt that these two guys seemed to have fallen into some kind of stubborn dead end, as if it were a stubborn correction of fate. In the official history of the Dark Portal, Velen, who had foreseen the disaster, dragged it out until the Dark Titan himself arrived before giving up on persuading Kil'jaeden and the now-deceased Archimonde. Perhaps the conflict between the Triumvirs led old Velen and his followers to lose the most precious window for escape, even causing Velen's wife and children to be left behind in this desperate situation, thereby indirectly affecting Velen's tragic life. However, now that Archimonde, that top-tier troublemaker, was not interfering, the two old friends would naturally not suffer more dark temptations.

"Protection and resistance are not mutually exclusive, Triumvirs. We also have reinforcements!" Dick glanced at High Priestess Ishara, who was following behind Velen. He stepped forward and said to the two Triumvirs, "We can pray to the Holy Light... I mean, contact their kin through the two guardian Naaru. If K'ure and L'ura possess the ship *Genedar* that can span the stars, then other Naaru should have the same vehicles. The number of Naaru in the sea of stars is not small, and they have their own ways of contacting each other. K'ure has also guaranteed to me that as long as we need it, they will definitely lend a helping hand! If we can get support from the Naaru, while we might still be unable to reverse the fall of Argus, we can at least send more people away from the desperate situation. We still have thirty days! If the Naaru's support is fast enough, perhaps we can send millions or even tens of millions of civilians away from the battlefield?"

He emphasized his tone, "We will definitely give everything to protect our world, but the inheritance of our civilization is equally important! The Eredar were born because of Argus's mercy; as long as we are alive, as long as our descendants and bloodlines are still walking among the stars, the fire of Argus's will will not be extinguished..."

It seemed like an emotional plea, but in reality, Dick conveyed his thoughts to the two Triumvirs with a subtle look. He touched his pinky ring. This was a hint. Velen and Kil'jaeden had just seen the World-Soul; they certainly knew about his plan to convince the World-Soul to distribute and carry His will in the minds of the Eredar—the "Wandering Argus" plan.

As for whether the two Triumvirs would know Dick's "true identity"... That was absolutely impossible! The domineering effect of the "Otherworldly Veil" was not for show. In the event that Dick himself was unwilling to share, even the Argus World-Soul baby could not share what He saw with others. Dick had confirmed this earlier by talking to Father Governor and others in the "World-Soul Expeditionary Force."

These words made Velen and Kil'jaeden look at each other again. They had indeed just seen with their own eyes the World-Soul bearing the pain to turn His unformed will into fragments and integrate them into the minds of the Eredar, which meant that the Eredar not only had to fight to the last moment to defend Argus, but those who survived also had to take on the responsibility of inheriting something truly great. Every Eredar who existed now and would be born in the future bore the oath to the World-Soul in this way. It was a blessing, and also a shackle. But as long as they were alive, as long as Eredar civilization existed, the pure will of the Argus World-Soul would not die in the filthy infusion of fel energy! This world and the people born because of Him would from this moment breathe together and share the same fate! Both sides would head to the battlefield together, and head to the distance together.

"I will return to Mac'Aree immediately!" Velen made a decision on the spot. He said, "I will personally convey our decision and request to the two guardian Naaru. If they can really bring more ships to save our people, then we can bear any cost."

"I will head to the Antoran Wastes to assemble our legions." Kil'jaeden pressed the hilt of his sword at his waist. He said in a deep voice, "The Dark Titan will arrive in thirty days, but his shameless demonic lackeys will certainly arrive first to convey that so-called fel authority to us. They expect to break us, frighten us, and make the fearful Eredar do foolish things like the Man'ari Eredar, selling the country for glory. But I guarantee they will return disappointed. On our land, in our homeland, the demons won't be able to take anything but despair!"

"We will definitely craft enough Hearts of Argus to arm the warriors as soon as possible." Governor Haton took a deep breath, and he shouted loudly, "For the people! For the Eredar! For Argus!"

"For Argus!" Dick waved his fist and shouted. The "Five Little Strong," already impassioned, followed along. Finally, when Kil'jaeden raised his fist high, the entire camp was filled with noise. They were high in fighting spirit.

Perhaps this was because they didn't realize what kind of opponent the Burning Legion was. Perhaps because they still held a sliver of unrealistic fantasy about the power of the Dark Titan. Perhaps because in this era before the Burning Crusade had begun, the horror legends of the universe had not yet spread. But no matter what, at this very moment, they were high in fighting spirit!

——————

"Hmm, it's close, His footsteps are close..."

In a cell beneath the Naaru Temple in Mac'Aree, Xal'atath, the Enlightener, who was bound by heavy chains and had already become a cripple and was transforming into a Broken form, suddenly raised his head. He opened his extremely turbid eyes, seeming to see some kind of illusion that only existed in his imagination. Amidst the vigilant gaze of several high-ranking Vigilants, Xal'atath laughed wildly as if he had gone mad. He pulled his hoarse throat and shouted, "The footsteps of the God of Darkness are approaching! The roar and destruction of demons have arrived! The doomsday of Argus is right before our eyes... Eredar, cry, despair, wail. Our civilization will eventually be destroyed—not when we die, but when we kneel. We... have already lost our last chance. Ah, Progenitor Wizard, noble ancestor, your weak and incompetent descendants have let you down, I have let you down. Xal'atath is dead. He was strangled by his own despair and cowardice like a rat in the dark! But the Enlightener is still alive, and he is living very well. It will wake up soon, carrying that question destined to never get an answer, looking forward to a different answer. Wait in the abyss, looking forward to that beam of light that will never come."

*Bang.*

As Xal'atath called out like a cry, the door of the cell was pushed open. An Eredar executioner wearing the uniform of the Inquisition stepped in, and a stern Inquisitor read to Xal'atath the execution order signed by Kil'jaeden himself. This order had been signed just over ten minutes ago. Clearly, with the Dark Titan about to arrive, the Triumvir had no intention of leaving Xal'atath, this scourge, behind. But facing the beheading blade raised by the executioner, the bound Xal'atath did not show any special expression. Just in the light and shadow of the blade falling, he said softly, "Ah... Diakum, you hand that intervenes in fate with the Holy Light, what kind of answer will you bring back for me?"

*Pfft.*

Blood splattered, and the head flew out, only to be picked up by the Inquisitor by its braid. Even after death, such an outstanding spellcaster like Xal'atath would have his head collected as a "strategic item" by the Reliquary. As for the corpse, let it rot there. In these days when the administrative system operates slower than the civilization's self-rescue, there was no time to bury an old madman.

But the ghost known as "Xal'atath" did not die. Just as the Dark Titan was marching toward Argus, those in the darkness were also walking in the abyss under the light, waiting for the time to change to continue fulfilling their "mission" in a more abominable form.