17. Hmm, now this truly becomes a "Holy Spear" in every sense.

Page (1/3)

When Dick opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was another unfamiliar ceiling. The same golden material adorned with gems, but compared to the humble cabin he had lived in before, this room's style was undeniably more "sacred." Those idle and overly artistic Eredar craftsmen had even inscribed hymns praising faith around the edges of the ceiling.

But who in their right mind would turn their ceiling into such an artwork that immediately clears the mind upon a glance?

This was clearly not an ordinary place.

Soon, Dick’s faint hearing caught the sound of chanting not far away, mingled with a peculiar, ethereal, and lingering melody that felt warm, like sunlight bathing the body.

Alright, the mystery is solved.

He was inside the Naaru temple.

After all, the unique "song" emitted by the "Holy Light Tangram" had no parallel in the entire physical universe—no other creature could imitate it.

Recalling the last scene before he lost consciousness, where he saw Velen purifying the Well of Existence, it meant that the first "limited-time event: Enlighteners and Awakeners Cult" dungeon he had experienced had likely concluded successfully. Along the way, he even managed to take down the world boss—the uncorrupted Archimonde.

However, considering that Archimonde infused with Fel corruption and "demonic ascension" was a completely different matter, after much thought, Dick decided to downgrade Archimonde's status from "world boss" to "regional boss."

Judging by overall strength, that was the highest rating he could give.

After all, before his "demonic ascension," Archimonde was at best a top-tier legendary figure.

"I’ve fought two bosses in a row, cleared a major lecture hall and a demon incursion dungeon—my level should have gone up at least one rank, right?"

Dick rubbed his eyes and summoned his semi-transparent light screen, his "non-godlike" cheat interface.

His body was recovering reasonably well, much better than when he first arrived in this weakened state. After all, he was in the Naaru temple, and pure Holy Light beings were unparalleled healers and purifiers in the physical universe.

Only those entities from the life domain could rival the Naaru in healing.

Basically, unless shattered on the spot or ground to dust, the miraculous Naaru always had ways to save him.

"Whoosh."

As Dick lay on the sickbed with hopeful eyes, the flickering light screen unfolded before him.

Golden Eredar runes emerged, forming his character status panel. This scene was quite artfully designed. He had no idea which genius had implanted this thing into his mind.

He focused and read:

Name: Diacum Zastins
Nickname: "Holy Spear" Dick
Title: Junior Corruption Nemesis (slightly increased efficiency when purifying Fel corruption)
Race: Eredar
Life Tier: Mortal
Status: Weak [Under Holy Light illumination, rapidly recovering]
Class: High-ranking Warden / vacant
Power Affinity: Holy Light Force
Force Link Status: Normal (racial average)
Power Path: Eredar-specific class "Warden" (a hybrid warrior/paladin class)
Power Inclination: Retribution / Punishment / Judgment
Force Morality: Hand of Fate (when in 'Fateful Choice' state, gains temporary high-intensity Holy Light blessings in addition to personal Holy Light enhancement)
Racial Talent: Minimal
New Personal Talents:
- Ashen Echo: All Paladin skills recorded in memory are imprinted, enabling activation of corresponding skills through Holy Light in practice or combat.
- Art of War: Through understanding and studying Holy Light morality, an additional class slot can be unlocked, mastering other career paths within the Holy Light force system. Recommended second class: Priest.
- Zealous Devotion: Due to external enhancement when regaining Holy Light blessings, the individual can hold more radiant energy/Holy Power than the average at their life tier. Current radiant energy pool is 150% of average.
- Holy Light Unsheathed: Grants the "Forge Light into Sword" skill, allowing the transformation of searing Holy Light into a temporary physical weapon or enchantment for existing weapons.
- Light-forged Armaments: Due to above-average radiant energy reserves, more radiant energy/Holy Power can be consumed in battle to temporarily strengthen class skill effects.

Overall Evaluation:
A lifelong nemesis of stray dogs.

Additional Suggestion:
[Heard you took down Archimonde? Very impressive! So, who's the next important NPC to eliminate? I think Velen is a perfect candidate. You know, everyone hates his indecisive nature that ruins things at critical moments.
Find a chance to kill him!
Then seize the opportunity to become Kil’jaeden’s new favorite, letting hook literature’s charm finally take root in Argus.
Though this won't stop the impending Dark Titans, at least it’ll give Lord Sargeras a good show before he crushes us.
Trust me, you can't go wrong!]

"What kind of people leave me notes like this?" Dick frowned after reading the "additional suggestion." He thought whoever left this might be a pervert.

The noble High Exarch Velen and resolute Commander Kil’jaeden’s tear-inducing brotherly bond could never be replaced by any ordinary male Eredar—no matter how holy the spear was!

Still, aside from that damned additional suggestion, the comprehensive enhancement of his new attributes gave Dick a bit of reassurance.

The return and full strengthening of his Warden skills finally gave him the ability to fight when facing danger, and the “Art of War” talent’s additional class slot opened up many possibilities.

The Paladin-Priest combination would definitely allow for many new creative tactics.

Most importantly, the Paladin’s frontline assault combined with the Priest’s powerful healing would grant a combat power boost greater than the sum of its parts.

Otherwise, at his current level—using his "idealist cheat" to fight the pre-ascended Sachiel who was already struggling—even a single encounter with those progressively more formidable foes from the Dark Portal’s history would be fatal.

However, Dick quickly noticed the “bad news” implicit in that unserious additional suggestion.

“What does ‘Dark Titans are coming soon’ mean?”

The high-ranking Warden frowned deeply on his sickbed.

If this mysterious figure who left him the visible personal attributes panel truly possessed great powers, that seemingly joking remark must have carried hidden warnings and profound meaning.

It was well known that such powerful beings liked to speak in riddles rather than plain words—a classic character trait.

After receiving this uneasy "prophecy," Dick no longer felt like lying around to heal slowly.

He struggled to his feet, donned loose patient clothes, and left the room. Upon pushing open the door, he saw the temple hall made of marble columns filled with Naaru-serving priests.

They were conducting an unprecedented baptism ceremony, with many civilians and officials chanting hymns patiently waiting for their turn.

Page (2/3)

“This is ridiculous,” Dick raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Although the Holy Light doctrine has been mainstream in Eredar society for a thousand years, I’ve never seen a temple with lines like this before.”

“That’s certainly unusual, but the cause is probably related to the ‘miracle’ you took part in earlier,” a gentle, familiar voice spoke behind him.

Turning around, Dick saw the high-ranking female priest Ishana who had treated him earlier, smiling as she leaned on her crystal staff.

Dick saluted her in the Warden fashion and sincerely said,
“I haven’t thanked you yet, Priestess Ishana. It’s because you used precious medicine to help me recover that I had the strength to survive what came after. You saved me—twice!”

“I’ve never seen another Warden as eloquent as you. What was just routine medical care sounds like a favor that even makes me nervous,” Ishana joked.

It was natural—having served the Naaru for many years, Ishana was one of the temple’s leaders, dealing frequently with believers and officials and delivering sermons as a high-ranking priestess.

In her position, good communication was essential.

Upon Dick’s heartfelt thanks, Ishana laughed brightly and gestured for him to follow, seemingly intending to give him a tour of the Naaru temple and explain his doubts along the way.

“You’ve been resting in the temple for three days, but during that time, the entire Mak’rel region has undergone a spiritual storm. All the residents of Oronar City witnessed the green Fel energy soaring into the sky three nights ago. At the people’s most fearful moment, the glorious Holy Light descended like salvation.

That was a miracle!

For both clergy and the faithful, it was an indisputable miracle.”

As Ishana led the way, Dick couldn’t help but glance at the small tail wagging behind her.

No way around it—the petite, adorable, and mischievous tail was a unique trait of Eredar women, so captivating that many warlords mockingly called them “little hooves.”

Judging by the frequency of the ruby-studded tail’s wagging, Ishana was clearly in a good mood.

She looked at the devout civilians and officials being baptized, showing the joy a clergyperson feels when witnessing flourishing faith. She traced a triangular religious symbol over her chest and continued explaining to Dick:

“That miracle truly revealed the ‘Holy Light’s protection of the Eredar,’ inspiring many previously neutral civilians to feel the touch and enlightenment of the Holy Light. Not only the Rula temple but also the Kurei temple, closer to the Exarch’s seat, have been receiving over ten times the usual visitors and baptism candidates these past days.

I’ve heard the Holy Light churches in Oronar City are exhausted.

You took part in that battle against evil three days ago, Brother Diacum. I also learned through private channels that you played a very important, even decisive, role.

Therefore, it’s my honor today to guide you—a true ‘Holy Light warrior’—around our temple.

It is also an honor for the Rula temple.”

“You’re too kind. I only did a trivial part and don’t deserve praise,” Dick waved his hand modestly, as befits a Holy Light believer.

“Archimonde’s defeat was by the sinner Sachiel, the cultists and demons were crushed by General Elodus and his loyal warriors, and the purification of the Well of Existence was done by High Exarch Velen. Even without me, that tragedy would have passed peacefully.

If my role in a past event was negligible, then I’m not important enough to be praised. I only did what my profession and identity require.

But since we’re on the topic, I guess those officials lined up for baptism not just because of the Holy Light’s call but also because High Exarch Velen converted to the Holy Light in a critical moment, right?”

“Yes, though we don’t like such calculated baptisms... we understand the principle of being ‘one with the light,’” Ishana sighed.

“Under Rula’s guidance, I am a rationalist in faith, uninterested in the conflict between Holy Light doctrine and arcane tradition, unwilling to see Holy Light as the only salvation for Eredar civilization. But the officials’ conversions expand our influence.

This helps propagate the Holy Light on Argus, better protecting our people.

That’s not a bad thing.

It’s just uncomfortable.

I feigned illness to escape presiding over today’s baptism. Compared to preaching to these officials full of platitudes, I’d rather be with my true brothers and sisters sharing faith insights.”

“Funny, I feel the same,” Dick laughed shamelessly.

“It’s because I don’t flatter or curry favor that I wasn’t valued in Archimonde’s faction—but that’s not bad. If I couldn’t hold onto that precious quality, I wouldn’t have a chance at redemption after doing wrong.

But, Priestess Ishana...”

“You should call me ‘Sister in Faith,’ Brother Diacum,” Ishana gently corrected, pointing to a reception room high in the temple.

“You recovered from danger thanks to Exarch Velen’s personal treatment, but your body is still weak. Let’s talk there. I guess I know what you want to ask.

Rest assured, your companions all survived and have been duly rewarded.”

They entered the incense-scented reception room.

Ishana poured Dick a cup of Eredar favorite drink—a semi-solid yogurt-like beverage made from Tabu goat milk and Mak’relet raspberries, tasty and nutritious for patients.

By the third large cup Dick gulped down, Ishana finally smiled and spoke:

“Brother Maldren, who also earned great glory like you, awoke yesterday and was summoned to the Exarch’s seat. I heard Commander Kil’jaeden awarded him the rank of ‘Warden Brigadier’ and assigned him as military commander of the Antoran Plains.

This ‘triple promotion’ doesn’t follow normal protocols, but many siblings think it’s still too little for his merits. Considering the recently revealed blood relation between Maldren and General Elodus, I think it’s to avoid gossip.

As for our five younger siblings, they were personally received by two High Exarchs.

They were granted the title ‘Warden Warrior,’ officially appointed as Wardens and honored with the ‘Radiant Holy Seal’ by Naaru Kauré.

Their future looks bright.

From these arrangements, you’ll likely be summoned to the Exarch’s seat soon, but I’ve heard some troubling rumors.

You might be...”

“I’ll be sidelined,” Dick said without surprise.

He flipped through the scripture interpretation on the table while casually saying,

“I’m tainted; the dark deeds I once took part in can’t be forgiven just because of redemption. In Eredar civilization, there’s no concept of balancing merits and faults. I’ll probably get a nominal title and be stationed far from the capital until I’m called back.

But trust me, Sister Ishana.

After experiencing life and death, I no longer care about hollow titles.

Right now, there’s only one thing I care about... The mastermind who led this chaos, the Enlightener Sachiel, hasn’t been executed, right?”

Page (3/3)

“Sachiel is imprisoned,” Ishana said solemnly, regret in her eyes.

“The High Exarch ordered all his spellcasting abilities stripped and the Fel within him purified. The Assassins’ Court needs to extract vital information from him. He’s actually being held in the Rula temple’s underground detention area.

Our knowledge of Fel is limited, so the purification process is slow.

When I was a child, my parents took me to hear the Enlighteners’ teachings on the arcane path. My parents were spellcasters and admired Sachiel greatly. I wonder if they could accept this harsh truth now.”

“Is he here?”

Dick raised an eyebrow.

“Can I see him? Not to vent or insult, Sister Ishana, but I’m genuinely curious how such a spiritual leader could fall so far in just over a decade.

Maybe it was the Holy Light’s enlightenment.

But I feel this is no simple conclusion. Perhaps what we’re experiencing is just the calm before the real storm.

I have to meet him!

Maybe it will answer my doubts.”

“Normally, I couldn’t agree to that request—Sachiel’s security level is very high, and the Assassins’ Court guards watch him day and night,” Ishana hesitated but added,

“However, Captain Nairi visited your sickroom yesterday. She said she has a good relationship with you, so through personal connections, you might get a chance to see Sachiel. Would you like me to introduce you?”

“That would be wonderful, thank you, Sister Ishana,” Dick earnestly requested.

Ishana nodded, summoned a priestess to find Captain Nairi, then returned to the reception room where Dick, holding the scripture interpretation, asked her,

“So, the Rula temple’s siblings still understand the Holy Light doctrine only at the ‘lead to goodness’ and ‘soul protection’ basic stage?”

“Huh?” Ishana was puzzled.

She looked at Dick strangely and said,

“Wardens, while also walkers of the Holy Light, generally aren’t very interested in doctrine and scripture—not out of disdain, but because Wardens use Holy Light blessings for combat, so their understanding of doctrine is more... pragmatic.

Are you suggesting you want to discuss theology with me? A legendary priestess who has served the Naaru for nearly a millennium?”

“Not a debate exactly. After experiencing the Holy Light’s blessing and reclaiming my moral path, I’m curious about a deeper conceptual understanding of the Holy Light,” Dick finally stated.

“I want to try understanding it more profoundly, and maybe follow your path while being a Warden, Sister Ishana. Perhaps while protecting people, I could also defend their souls as a Priest.

I don’t know if I can do it.

But if this is the enlightenment of the Holy Light, I should try.”

“By the Holy Light, a Warden who wants to become a Priest! The Light surely blessed you with wisdom,” Ishana exclaimed dramatically and eagerly sat opposite him.

As a clergyperson devoted to enlightening the world, she had a natural passion for “saving souls,” especially now guiding a Warden onto the path of Priesthood—something extremely rare in the last thousand years.

To be honest, most who become Wardens aren’t sharp enough to study doctrine. They may be steadfast, devout, and zealous, but debating scripture is better left to Priests than Wardens wielding warhammers to challenge demons.

After all, if Wardens understood scripture well from the start, why not become Priests with higher social status? Do they simply not want to?

But soon, Ishana sensed something was off.

She expected a basic “Priest enlightenment” conversation but found Diacum’s thinking quite abnormal, about ninety percent so.

She started by discussing the origin of the Holy Light.

Doctrine generally holds the Holy Light as a symbol of hope and healing, but Dick told her it was the first primordial light born from boundless darkness during the cosmic order’s light-dark balance in the physical universe.

It was never a vague symbol; on the contrary, the Holy Light was a real, cosmic-level force entity!

Because it pierced the initial darkness to bring light to all things, it carried “cosmic foundational” symbolic significance like other primal forces.

Unable to answer such grand topics, Ishana awkwardly changed the subject.

They talked about the Holy Light’s "three-phase transformation" and its universal values, but Dick said the “three-phase transformation” was merely the most basic manifestation of the Holy Light in the physical universe.

Its guardianship, healing, and punishment could be interpreted more flexibly!

For example, merging the paths of punishment and healing could create a new path of ‘discipline and self-control,’ suitable for Wardens and Priests as an advanced combat skill. He confidently claimed a highly disciplined Priest could easily defeat ten novice Wardens in battle.

Ishana broke out in a cold sweat.

Seeing she couldn’t answer further, Dick, disappointed, brought up the concept of “light and shadow coexistence.”

He believed the initial Holy Light and the boundless darkness that birthed it had a symbolic connection, and the interplay of light and shadow underpinned all Holy Light doctrine development.

He also thought Priests should master not only the Holy Light’s healing and protection but also explore its other side—shadow.

After all, without shadow, even the brightest light would lose its meaning.

This dualistic light-dark theory almost made Ishana jump up, accusing “Brother Diacum” of being a shameful heretic hiding among loyal Wardens! No wonder he went undercover with cultists—he must share common ground with them!

However, when Dick sharply asked if she’d ever heard whispers and temptations from the “shadow beneath the light” during her deep Holy Light meditations, Ishana decisively and awkwardly went silent.

Such “secret knowledge” accessible only to high-ranking Priests—how did a Warden like Diacum know about it? Could it be, as he claimed, he was truly enlightened by the Holy Light?

They debated and reasoned until an hour later, when Captain Nairi—still with a bandaged tail—came to escort Dick to see Sachiel.

She was shocked to see Ishana sitting opposite Dick, pale and eyes closed in an indescribable state.

“What’s wrong with her?” Nairi asked, concerned.

“She just had a crisis of faith—that’s all. Sister Ishana was suddenly struck by new insights during our discussion. Let’s not disturb her,” Dick said, standing and motioning for quiet. Then he let Nairi lead him to meet Sachiel.

As they left the reception room, Dick politely closed the door behind the “enlightened” Ishana and glanced at his character interface, noticing the newly acquired second class of “Priest Apprentice.”

A satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Well, career changes really do need to be taught by professionals.