"Believe in the Holy Light?"
Wayne was momentarily stunned, not expecting such words from Raani. Her suggestion genuinely caught him off guard.
After a brief pause, his gaze drifted toward the ornate magical tome held by Raani's puppet. Curiosity tinged his voice as he asked, "Are you referring to the kind of Holy Light described in that book?"
Raani's puppet nodded slightly, her tone as composed as ever. "It's merely a theory, Wayne," she began.
"This tome contains accounts of an elf prince named Kael'thas. Within its pages are many references to the Holy Light. According to his writings, the human priests of Azeroth wielded a power comparable to arcane magic through their unwavering belief in the Holy Light. They used this power to aid in their victories over formidable foes, such as the troll armies."
She continued, "Unlike arcane magic, which requires talent and years of study, the Holy Light is said to be benevolent and accessible to those with steadfast faith. It possesses remarkable abilities to resist the undead and cleanse the corrupting influence of evil forces. Its nature is directly antagonistic to the power of the demonic magic residing within you."
Raani's tone became slightly more measured. "According to the teachings of the Holy Light, any race—be it human, elf, or otherwise—can access its blessings through firm belief, moral integrity, a commitment to justice, and the protection of the weak. If these accounts are true, embracing the Holy Light might offer a solution to your predicament."
Wayne considered her words with a skeptical expression. Protecting the weak might align with his occasional inclinations, but firm belief, integrity, and upholding justice? Those qualities seemed far removed from his pragmatic and morally ambiguous nature.
Raani's reasoning sounded convincing on the surface. Still, as a longtime fan of World of Warcraft, Wayne couldn't help but spot the gaps in her logic. The Holy Light, pure and unwavering, would hardly favor someone with a mind as complex and morally flexible as his.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he studied Raani's expression. Was she genuinely proposing this as a solution, or had her own curiosity about Azeroth led her to test him with such a suggestion? He could almost sense her true intentions behind her serene facade.
Raani, noticing his scrutiny, turned her gaze elsewhere, avoiding his piercing look. Wayne's smirk widened, though his thoughts turned serious.
Despite her far-fetched reasoning, her suggestion sparked an idea. Based on his knowledge of Azeroth, the Holy Light was indeed a potent counterforce to evil magic, capable of cleansing and restraining the corrupting influence of demonic forces.
Even if Wayne couldn't directly wield the Holy Light due to his nature, he could still leverage its power indirectly. Azeroth was home to countless practitioners of the Holy Light, including priests and paladins, many of whom embodied kindness, altruism, and unwavering morality. Convincing them to aid him might not be impossible, especially with his substantial resources and bargaining power.
And if persuasion failed, there were darker methods. He recalled the practices of the blood elf magisters, who sought to harness the Holy Light by less-than-ethical means.
Wayne's mind drifted toward the state of Azeroth. The continent was likely deep in turmoil, with the Undead Scourge running rampant across the Eastern Kingdoms. The aftermath of Prince Arthas's betrayal and the fall of Lordaeron had likely plunged the land into chaos.
This chaos, however, presented opportunities. Azeroth was a land rich with magical artifacts and alchemical treasures. In his earlier days, he had looted Stormwind's auction houses for healing potions and hearthstones, making his adventures far more manageable.
Years had passed since then, and his supplies were long depleted. With his current wealth, he could now afford to visit Dalaran, the magical hub of Azeroth, and stockpile resources to bolster the Order's strength.
Still, the dangers of Azeroth were immense. Its power rivaled, if not exceeded, that of the Witcher world. Proper preparation was essential.
Wayne's gaze returned to Raani. "Do you also want to visit Azeroth, Raani?"
Wayne smiled at Raani, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Raani, despite maintaining her usual calm tone, couldn't quite hide the spark of excitement in her response.
"Of course. I did promise to accompany you to see other worlds someday," she said. "However, the world of Azeroth is unlike any other. True gods exist there—beings of immense power that could pose significant threats to both of us."
Her tone grew more serious. "In that world, you must follow my lead and avoid any reckless decisions."
Wayne chuckled but nodded. "Fair enough."
Over the years, Wayne had come to appreciate the enigmatic Princess of the Moon. Despite her extraordinary power as a demigod, Raani was surprisingly easy to get along with. She spoke little, demanded even less, and displayed an accommodating, almost serene demeanor. Whenever Wayne sought her assistance, she rarely, if ever, refused.
As a being with an immortal lifespan, Raani was a natural companion for someone like Wayne, who also possessed extraordinary longevity. Their mutual understanding had grown over time, and Wayne often found himself indulging her wishes.
This time was no exception. Azeroth held many dangers, but Raani's genuine interest in the journey was enough for Wayne to agree. Besides, it was a good opportunity for him as well.
The war between the Northern Kingdoms and Nilfgaard had entered a brief period of respite, providing the perfect window for such an undertaking. A journey to Azeroth would be both an adventure and a chance to gather valuable resources.
Before embarking, however, Wayne knew he had responsibilities to address.
Managing the Order of Witchers was no small task, and leaving it unattended for months could lead to complications. He needed to delegate tasks and ensure the organization ran smoothly in his absence.
Additionally, Azeroth was a perilous world full of unpredictable challenges. Even with Raani's formidable powers, additional precautions were necessary.
Wayne decided to bring Deathclaw Robin, his trusted companion, along for the journey. Robin could serve as both a powerful mount and a formidable ally in battle—an invaluable asset for the trials ahead.
Yet, beyond the practicalities, another thought lingered in Wayne's mind.
In the Witcher world, magical nodes could be converted into ability points, enhancing his strength and skills. Azeroth, known for its rich and abundant magical energies, might hold even greater potential.
Could Azeroth's magic offer him more ability points to harness? The possibility was tantalizing.