As beings originating from beasts, demigods possess almost infinite life spans, and their moral concepts differ greatly from those of mortals.
As representatives of nature and life forces, the only thing these beasts may truly care about is the balance of nature.
Apart from that, whether it is wanton slaughter, bloody sacrifices, or devout faith, none of these can truly influence them.
In terms of power, these demigods draw their strength from nature itself, wielding it independently. Their power does not grow through faith, nor does it weaken with its loss.
They are eternal existences.
Perhaps the Amani trolls' rituals might eventually kill them, but such actions, aside from momentary anger, bring them no real distress—after all, they will eventually revive.
Of course, there are exceptions. The demigod Hakkar, the Blood God, strengthens himself through bloody sacrifices.
However, he is a fallen and exiled demigod, fundamentally different from his kin.
For this reason, Alaric was not foolish enough to question why the four demigods before him were drawn to the widespread blood sacrifices, nor did he intend to judge them.
After all, such brutal massacres among their own kind were insignificant matters in the grand scheme of nature.
Alaric did not expect to move the demigods with mortal morals.
The betrayal of the trolls was enough to sway the demigods.
Now, the only problem was how to rescue them.
After examining the bindings of shadow, Alaric quickly devised a plan.
If the Holy Light represents justice, kindness, and zeal, then shadow energy is linked to corruption, madness, and decay.
Thus, the reason blood sacrifices generate shadow energy is largely due to the vengeful spirits of the innocent trolls who perished in the rituals, their resentment fueling the dark power.
These souls, unable to rest after death, remained bound to the rituals that claimed them.
Through these ceremonies, their desperate emotions became the source of shadow energy. Even in death, the trolls continued to be exploited by their killers, a truly tragic fate.
Alaric reasoned that if the Loa gods could influence these souls, the shadow energy of Marakas would be weakened, thus reducing the demigods' restraints.
Initially, Alaric planned to directly borrow the power of the demigods. Their natural-born divinity was potent enough to dispel the shadow barrier protecting Marakas.
However, while the demigods were willing to lend him their strength—especially since he carried the aura of Ysera—they were currently unable to do so.
Drained of too much power and tightly restrained, they had no excess divine force to offer Alaric.
With no other choice, Alaric had to resort to an indirect approach.
Though he could not borrow their divine power directly, he could temporarily link his consciousness with theirs.
His formidable soul was strong enough to endure such intimate contact with the demigods' spirits.
Then, he once again surrendered his thoughts to his subconscious.
Soon, the lush green scenery before him shifted. Instead of returning to his body, his consciousness entered another layer of the Emerald Dream.
What he saw was no longer the mirrored Azeroth, but the real one: Alliance warriors battling divine giants, while Marakas conducted his ritual unchallenged.
However, what shocked him most was the sight above the ruined temple.
There, countless souls of trolls, eagles, bears, dragonhawks, and lynxes swirled and shrieked in agony. Most spoke in Zandalari, but their cries were interspersed with the howls of beasts.
The number of spirits was so vast that they obscured the entire temple sky. Their mournful wails darkened the heavens and chilled the air.
Each soul was bound by chains connecting them to the ritual. These chains not only prevented their ascension but also siphoned their negative emotions, generating shadow energy.
This was Alaric's destination.
This place was another layer of the Emerald Dream, where it intersected with the Shadowlands, the realm of souls. Because of this, he could see both the physical world and the spectral plane—much like a grayscale "ghost vision."
Of course, so-called "Spirit Healers" were absent here; those beings who resurrected the fallen were a game mechanic. In the real Azeroth, Spirit Healers existed solely to guide souls to the afterlife.
Seeing Marakas's ritual nearing completion, the demigods connected to Alaric's consciousness urged him.
"Stop him now, human."
"He is about to succeed, Ysera's chosen."
"Fulfill your promise!"
"Of course, I will fulfill my promise, esteemed demigods," Alaric responded calmly. "However, I still need your help."
"Tell us what you need."
"As long as it benefits the plan."
"Our power is yours."
The demigods answered one by one.
Thus, Alaric's consciousness drifted toward the tormented spirits.
"A living one!"
Finally, a ghostly figure noticed Alaric's presence and cried out in alarm.
"He does not belong among us!"
"I recognize him! He is an ally of the long-eared ones!"
"A commander of the pale ones! An enemy!"
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