Azeroth: Starting with Eagle Eye in the Necropolis.

“Of course, Lord Rhodes, you have won. This battle was absolutely magnificent, and I am very satisfied. As the victor, what reward would you like?” Azshara asked with a smile.

Chapter 335 The Queen's Temptation, Sargeras's Surprise

Queen Azshara descended slowly from the high platform, her steps elegant, as if walking on a path paved with starlight. Her presence was enough to captivate some of the Highborne elves and ordinary night elves around her. Her Majesty was as beautiful as ever; she was simply the epitome of beauty.

She approached Rhodes, her deep, star-like golden eyes sparkling with undisguised curiosity and admiration, even a hint of burning desire. She longed to possess this man, to make him kneel at her feet and acknowledge the beauty of the Great Azshara.

“A reward? Your Majesty is joking. I have already received the reward of the Well of Eternity.”

Rhodes smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the unconscious Savas on the ground, and said meaningfully, "I only hope that when Lord Savas wakes up, he will remember this lesson and not have any more unrealistic ideas to provoke powerful people that he cannot handle."

After all, I'm not always like I am today... patient enough to spare his life so mercifully.

Rhodes' words were gentle, yet carried a strong warning, not only to Xavius, but also to all the Highborne mages around him who might have ill intentions.

Several mages who were on good terms with Savas, or who also coveted Rhodes' power, unconsciously looked away upon hearing this, not daring to meet Rhodes' gaze. Savas's decision to fight Rhodes was partly due to the instigation of these people.

These past few days they've been going to great lengths to boast about how powerful Rhodes is and how much magic he possesses, which has greatly displeased the ever-arrogant Savas, indirectly leading to today's duel between the two.

Several high elf mages had already come before Savas and began to examine the archmage's injuries; his physical body was not badly injured.

However, he suffered a severe mental blow and fell into a deep sleep, possibly one in which he may never wake up.

“Of course, I think Savis will behave himself from now on.” Azshara chuckled and waved her hand, signaling the servants to carry Savis away for treatment. She felt it was superfluous to even glance at the losers. Queen Azshara never cared about the losers; her gaze was always drawn to the victors.

“Losers should have the awareness of losers. However, Rhodes, what did you use at the end...? I felt that Savas’s soul was dragged into some terrible realm. He only spent a moment in reality, but his mind seemed to have experienced endless torment.”

Azshara is now more curious about Rhodes's spellcasting process. What method did he use to directly and severely damage Xavius's spirit?

To be honest, Azshara wanted to learn Rhodes' attack techniques; that golden giant was perfect in both practicality and visual appeal.

The powerful illusion attack used to finish off the opponent is even more enticing. It defeats the opponent with just a glance. If I could learn this move, I could kill a high-ranking member of the Burning Legion with a single blow when Sargeras arrives. This would definitely make Sargeras look at me with new respect.

She wanted to show Sargeras that she was not just a pretty face, but a powerful queen of the Night Elf Empire.

Rhodes inwardly praised Azshara's keen senses; this woman had discovered his attack method. However, he remained outwardly calm: "It's just a little Holy Light application technique, which I call 'Mental Guidance'."

Holy light can soothe pain, even heal some spiritual wounds, and naturally it can also reflect and amplify the fears and darkness deep within. Lord Savis seems... not as resolute as he appears; his heart is quite fragile, which is why I defeated him.

He cleverly interpreted "Tsukuyomi" as another application of the Holy Light, avoiding introducing too many concepts beyond the comprehension of Azeroth. However, this exquisite manipulation of the spiritual and soul levels sent a chill down the spines of all the mages present, including Azshara. This power was more terrifying than pure destruction.

Because this thing is impossible to guard against. If Rhodes were to use this move at a banquet, no one would suspect him if they didn't know the specific reason.

Many people even felt that Rhodes was hiding something, and that the attack method might be even more bizarre, perhaps not even requiring any change in his eyes.

It must be said that these experienced mages who have lived for hundreds or thousands of years are indeed quite something. This move is an attack technique developed based on the Sharingan.

However, this Holy Light Illusion attack doesn't require eye contact with the opponent. Even from a great distance, Rhodes' mental power can invade the opponent's mind. As long as the opponent's mental ability is not as good as Rhodes', they will be dragged into this illusion space and tortured to no end.

Just kidding. When Naaru used this move, he took care of a large number of blood elves from a distance, causing the Astrologers to appear. As Rhodes's strength and knowledge attributes increase, the power of this move will only become stronger. Rhodes is even considering adding a little shadow power to further enhance the mental damage of this move.

It's important to know that the power of shadow is also quite effective against mental attacks, such as Mind Lash and Shadow Shock. These are all bizarre mental attacks, and holy light and shadow are inseparable.

“Mental guidance… Interesting, so interesting!” Azshara’s interest intensified.

"The power of Holy Light is indeed infinitely mysterious. It seems that my previous attempt to learn Holy Light by simply imitating the way energy flows was a misguided path. Is it really impossible for me to master this power, Rhodes?"

“Your Majesty, I also very much hope that you will master this powerful force, but unless you give up the use of magic, I cannot grant you the Holy Light’s approval,” Rhodes said with a smile.

If it were a night elf who had never practiced magic, Rhodes could use his powerful holy light to plant a seed of holy light within them.

This method is similar to what the first archbishop did when he created the Paladin class. The five first Paladins received the powerful Holy Light Seed and five ancient holy contracts: Retribution, Protection, Divinity, Justice, and Judgment.

If Rhodes truly wanted to create the Paladin class, he could select some young Night Elves to train. However, this method is not advisable, as the Paladin class, according to the course of history, should not have been born at this time.

Therefore, what Rhodes taught these night elves and high elf mages was actually the way of the priest, which is completely different from the way of the paladin. It is somewhat similar to how mages need to have piety, compassion, and sufficient faith, which are precisely what night elves do not possess.

"Rhodes, your strength and wisdom deserve even greater honors. From this day forward, you will not only be my special advisor but also my chief magical counselor, with the authority to access most of the Royal Library's collection and the right to draw upon a limited amount of the Well of Eternity's water for...research."

She deliberately emphasized "most" to imply that even the most core and dangerous forbidden knowledge still required her approval. And the permission to access the Well of Eternity was undoubtedly an extremely tempting lure.

“Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to share your burdens and explore more possibilities of knowledge and power,” Rhodes said politely.

Queen Azshara nodded in satisfaction, then dismissed all the night elves who were watching, and led Rhodes back to her bath.

“I want to have a good talk with you today. Please wait here for a moment while I go change my clothes,” Azshara said to Rhodes with a meaningful smile.

Rhodes's smile was a little awkward. The Queen's smile seemed a bit off, but oh well, he wasn't losing anything anyway, and Azshara wouldn't force him to take responsibility.

Attended by several beautiful maids, Rhodes changed into a comfortable, loose-fitting silver velvet bathrobe, and when he looked up again, his breath hitched slightly.

Azshara is back.

She changed into a light purple dress, the material as thin as a cicada's wing. The dress was almost semi-transparent, perfectly outlining her breathtaking curves. Her key parts were faintly visible under the thin fabric, which made her even more alluring than if she were completely uncovered.

She moved with light steps, her skirt swaying as she walked, carrying a faint fragrance. Her long legs, slender waist, and full breasts were clearly visible behind the thin veil, yet shrouded in a mysterious aura, inspiring endless imagination.

This is terrible! Her Majesty the Queen has gone to great lengths to deal with me. Damn it, who can withstand this?

Since Your Majesty is being so impolite, then I won't be impolite either.

“Come on, Rhodes, my chief advisor, let’s… have a proper talk… don’t rush.” Azshara said, but a smug smile appeared on her lips. No one could resist the charm of this queen.

“Let’s have a proper discussion, Your Majesty,” Rhodes said with a slight smile to Azshara.

Azshara was filled with anticipation, eager to be conquered by a true warrior.

Large splashes of water rose from the pool, and an ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.

...............................

On the other side, the defeated Savas was led by his several loyal mage disciples to a huge green portal.

Their teacher was seriously injured, and all the treatments they tried were ineffective. Now they could only pray to that great god.

“Praise be to you, great God, and heal our teacher.” The apprentices began to pray to Sargeras.

A green portal flickered, and an extremely terrifying consciousness descended—it was Sargeras, the lord of the Burning Legion.

"What happened to Savis?"

Chapter 336 Sargeras's Self-Imagination: The Holy Light is a Lackey of the Void

The green fel portal pulsated violently, like a giant heart beating.

Sargeras's consciousness was like an invisible mountain, pressing down on every inch of space. The high elf mages kneeling on the ground did not even dare to raise their heads, their souls nearly collapsing in trembling.

The oppressive aura of the Fallen Titan, even if it is merely a projection of its will traversing the endless sea of ​​stars, is not its true form, and is certainly not something an ordinary mortal could withstand.

The mages felt their heads were incredibly heavy, as if being pressed down by an invisible giant hand. Their cervical vertebrae groaned under the unbearable weight, and every bone in their bodies wailed. They could only press their foreheads firmly against the cold ground, trembling in extreme fear.

"Tell me, what happened to Xavius?" Sargeras's voice roared directly into the depths of their souls, devoid of any emotion, yet containing a burning intensity that could freeze their blood; the fel flames seemed poised to devour everyone.

A slightly bolder mage mustered all his strength to force out a trembling voice: "Great, great true god... please forgive... Savis, Archmage Savis, he, he fought against an otherworldly visitor who wielded strange golden light... and was severely injured."

We...we tried everything we could, using all the known healing spells and potions, but we couldn't wake him up. His soul seemed...it seemed to be trapped, or rather, his spirit had suffered great damage.

In utter desperation, we can only bring him into your glorious light, begging for your mercy and salvation… Only your supreme power can save Lord Savis!

"Useless trash! Truly worthless." A cold thought lashed at the mages' hearts like a whip, almost making them faint.

"Let me see what kind of power dares to harm the one I have chosen."

Sargeras's immense spiritual power, like the finest probe, began to scan Xavius's body. His physical damage was minimal, but there were obvious, holy burn marks on his skin—not the destructive fire of fel energy, nor the explosive energy of arcane magic, but one of the powers he loathed and was most wary of: Holy Light!

Everything in the universe is interconnected and mutually restraining. His prized fel energy, representing the ultimate chaos and destruction, can indeed erode and suppress arcane magic, which represents order.

However, the holy light, which represents pure light, order, and life, also has a natural restraining and purifying effect on chaotic and evil evil energy.

Although he defeated his brothers in the Pantheon with his unparalleled strength and strategy, the Naaru scattered throughout the universe who believe in the Holy Light, and the Holy Light Legions they lead, have always been stumbling blocks on his Burning Crusade, and objects he must thoroughly purify.

He even fanatically believed that the so-called Holy Light Legion was nothing more than a more cunning lackey of the Void Lords, their lackeys.

Light and shadow, seemingly opposites, are actually two sides of the same coin. At their extreme ends, they will inevitably transform into each other. The best evidence is that the Naaru fell into darkness and became dark demons after exhausting their light energy! In his eyes, everything the Holy Light Legion did was just another form of corruption, which would ultimately serve the void!

“Savis…” Sargeras’s voice rang out again.

"His soul suffered a severe blow? A kind of... extremely pure and powerful light, with strong judgment and purification qualities... even mixed with a trace of... a 'holy' aura that feels both familiar and repulsive to me."

Sargeras's fel perception penetrated deep into Xavius's spiritual world, and the shocking "scars" surprised even him. This was not a simple mental shock or energy burning, but a kind of "torture" and "mental imprint" that was close to the level of rules.

Savas's soul essence, which had just been enhanced by fel energy, appeared so fragile and vulnerable in the face of this strange light.

What alarmed him even more was the bizarre nature of this attack method. If it weren't for the clear aura of holy light remaining on it, he would have almost thought it was an ancient god who was proficient in shadow and mental magic making a move.

At this crucial moment, at the key juncture of his plan to use the Well of Eternity to open a stable portal and allow the main force of the Legion to descend upon Azeroth, one of the Highborne leaders responsible for the specific execution was injured in this way!

Sargeras couldn't help but suspect that the Legion of the Light had discovered his plans and sent them as pawns to disrupt them. Those damned, meddlesome Naaru!

However, Xavius's tragic state also indirectly confirmed some of his views—the Holy Light is not merely superficial healing and blessing; it also possesses a powerful force capable of twisting minds and crushing spirits, its eeriness comparable to the power of shadow. This further strengthened his resolve to purify all unstable elements in the universe (including the Holy Light Legion).

"Tell me, my servants, describe in detail the person who injured him, and the course of the battle. No detail should be omitted," Sargeras's voice rang in the mage's ears.

These high elf mages dared not be negligent and described in fits and starts what they knew about Rhodes, as well as the brief but one-sided battle, especially emphasizing Rhodes's eerie golden eyes and the summoned golden giant, and the bizarre scene where Savis collapsed instantly after just making eye contact with it.

"...A golden giant...a weapon forged from thousands of lights...and that terrifying gaze...incomparably powerful mental damage." Sargeras silently processed this information, his thoughts instantly linked together.

"A human who claims to be from another world? Possesses a power similar to holy light, yet different, and is proficient in powerful mental illusions... and that aura that feels 'familiar' to me..."

That's right, definitely right, these are the lackeys of the Holy Light Legion, the servants of those Void Lords.

Azeroth, this unborn Titan brethren, was already brimming with immense potential. Now, with the emergence of this mysterious and powerful variable, he was even more convinced that he had to take over this world as soon as possible, lest things get complicated.

“So be it.” Sargeras’s voice rang out again. “Although Xavius ​​is incompetent, he is still useful. He will become more power-hungry and more loyal to me because of this defeat and pain.”

He has already begun transforming Xavius ​​into the first satyr of Azeroth, a twisted creation entirely shaped by fel energy. This is the gift he promised Azshara. The night elves will be transformed into members of the Burning Legion, joining the great cause of the Burning Legion. Azshara herself can become a Legion commander, and if she is capable of absorbing her own fel energy, she can become as powerful as she desires.

From the boiling fel energy portal, a torrent of condensed, almost tangible, dark green energy suddenly shot out and instantly pierced through Xavius's body. Xavius's previously unconscious body convulsed violently, and inhuman hoarse sounds came from his throat.

"Ughhhhhh—!"

The marks on his body scorched by the holy light sizzled under the impact of the torrent of fel energy. The golden residual energy of the holy light melted and evaporated rapidly, like ice cubes encountering boiling oil. But this was not a simple healing, but a brutal "transformation"—using more powerful fel energy to forcibly erase the scars of light.

Sargeras's whispers echoed directly in Xavius's shattered soul, carrying an irresistible will: "Come, my servant, feel this pain, embrace this power!"

Your failure stems from weakness, and weakness is the original sin!

Abandon your pathetic elven form, accept my blessing, and become a more powerful being, more adapted to the darkness! Become a demon of the Legion.

With each word he spoke, more fel energy flowed in. Savas's body began to undergo horrifying mutations: his skin became rough, turning an unhealthy grayish-green; his fingernails grew wildly, becoming jet black and sharp, like eagle claws; his legs twisted backward, the bones emitting a teeth-grinding cracking and reforming sound, transforming into hooves; most noticeably, on the top of his head, a pair of curved, demonic horns pierced his scalp, slowly growing out with viscous blood.

This process was filled with extreme pain. Savis was even unable to maintain his coma, briefly regaining consciousness amidst excruciating agony, his eyes bulging and bloodshot, filled with pain, fear, and a frenzied awe of the being that had given him all this power.

“Remember this pain of rebirth, Xavius… or should I call you ‘the first satyr’?” Sargeras’s voice echoed in Xavius’s mind.