Chapter 632: The True Meaning of the Grand Ceremony

Had it been a human's breath, it would have merely caused minor contamination.

The breath of dragons, however, inherently possesses formidable power. Even when not at full strength, the combined breath of numerous dragons still inflicted significant damage. Nonetheless, most dragons are robust and hardy beings. In comparison to the minor injuries sustained, the comical display of Neltharion, the once mighty Deathwing, was what truly astounded the dragonkin.

It was foreseen that for the next millennia, this incident would serve as an inside joke among the dragons.

Alexstrasza rolled her eyes exasperatedly. She had hoped for a righteous trial that all dragonkin could learn from. Who would have thought that Neltharion's lingering spirit would remain so stubborn, showing not even a hint of remorse? This left the four Dragon Aspects, who had longed to mete out the harshest punishment to the traitorous Dragonlord, feeling as if they were punching air.

At least Duke managed to address the issue, though not in the way the Guardian Dragons had hoped...

Only now did the remnant soul of Neltharion realize, "Duke! You tricked me! No—I do have a mind of my own. I decided to rule this world with my own free will!"

"Sure, sure! Anyone who chants 'I am the world's ruler' a thousand times will feel, for a fleeting moment, that they've become divine," Duke responded with apparent annoyance.

This remark elicited roaring laughter from the gathered dragonkin. Some of the temple's guardian dragons, who were hovering mid-air, laughed so hard they nearly plummeted. Thousands of dragons, revealing their sharp, interlocking fangs, chuckled heartily—a sight truly spine-chilling.

Thankfully, Duke remained oblivious to this.

Even Alexstrasza struggled to contain her amusement, constantly reminding herself, "I absolutely cannot laugh at this moment."

"I am the great Neltharion, the pinnacle of wisdom! Haven't you seen how I've fooled you fools for ten thousand years?" The spirit wrapped around the black dragon's corpse roared.

This statement set off all four Dragon Aspects.

However, Duke immediately delivered the finishing blow, "Indeed, wise Neltharion. Even after the Brain Eaters cracked open your skull, they weren't interested. But the beetles? Their eyes lit up at what they found inside."

Alexstrasza: "..." Nozdormu: "..." Malygos: "..." Ysera, observing from the Emerald Dream: "..."

After a three-second silence, a dragon with a low threshold for humor collapsed in laughter, followed by a second, a third... The grand dragon ceremony unexpectedly turned into a comedy special.

The Red Dragon Queen harbored mixed feelings towards Duke. She was grateful for his intervention but was irritated by his offbeat antics that disrupted the solemn atmosphere. She shot Duke a sharp glance, then sighed, "Oh, Neltharion— this pitiable soul, clinging to a false will, has plagued Azeroth for ten long millennia. It's the misfortune and sorrow of our dragonkind. But today, all suffering and betrayal will meet its end..."

The humanoid forms of the three Dragon Aspects took their positions in the east, south, and west, while Ysera's ethereal figure appeared to the north.

Each Dragon Aspect extended their right hand and pressed into the void. In response, the uppermost layer of the Wyrmrest Temple revealed four massive dragon claws, each a different hue.

These claws, without mercy, slashed down, resonating with an incredible power within the temple.

This power was so vast and astonishing that as it approached the remains and spirit of Neltharion, ripples reminiscent of water waves formed in the surrounding space.

"Roar!" What seemed to be a less intimidating power made Deathwing let out a painful cry.

The Dragon Aspects remained undeterred, even taking some satisfaction from the event.

As the ethereal dragon claws descended, the orb surrounding Neltharion transformed into countless dragonlings, as real as full-sized dragons. These dragonlings attacked Neltharion, biting, clawing, and whipping their tails.

Duke realized that each strike from these dragonlings weakened Neltharion's 'existence' in this world.

A realization hit Duke— the dragons aimed to erase Neltharion's very existence!

Such a complete erasure, from body to soul, would make it impossible for even the Lich King, if present, to resurrect him as a bone dragon.

From the past, to the present, and the foreseeable future.

No remnants or artifacts of Neltharion would remain!

Neltharion's spirit went from initial outrage to mournful whimpers.

He resembled a dragon drawn on a chalkboard, gradually being erased.

The dragons fell silent.

Each dragon and dragonkin watched with complex emotions.

As the last of Neltharion's darkness vanished from sight, the Wyrmrest Temple quaked briefly. Then, a dragon's head, identical to Neltharion's, appeared at the pinnacle of the temple.

It was a replica of Neltharion's head, but in essence and soul, completely different. It now stood as a warning symbol to all dragons.

Suddenly, thousands of dragons raised their heads, letting out a collective roar. Their cries carried a song in the dragon tongue, which translates to:

Dust to dust, earth to earth. Every action has its consequence. The end of the traitor's path is annihilation...

In the chorus of dragon cries, the ceremony concluded.

Despite the intricate dragon rituals, Duke had one lingering question— "All I came for was the reward. Why waste so much of my time?"

However, when Alexstrasza, witnessed by the other three Dragon Aspects, pinned a brooch to Duke's chest, his expression shifted dramatically.

"This is..."

"Congratulations, Duke, Guardian * Marcus."

Yes! Exactly!

A system notification also displayed, "With unanimous agreement from the four Guardian Dragons of the Wyrmrest Temple, the dragons recognize you as inheriting the legacy of Medivh, becoming the Guardian of Azeroth (pro tempore). Though you're a temporary appointment, due to your outstanding performance in the dragon ceremony, you've been granted above-standard military privileges."

"Whenever your foes aren't native to Azeroth or are recognized as enemies by the Wyrmrest Temple, you can summon the Dragon Armies of the Wyrmrest Temple to fight unconditionally for you. Based on your current reputation with the Wyrmrest Temple, you can summon a dragon battle squad (comprising one ten-thousand-year-old dragon, five millennium dragons, three elite dragonkin captains, and five hundred elite dragonkin guards)."

Before Duke could fully rejoice, Alexstrasza interjected, "Duke, I received a message. Demons are planning to attack your Karazhan."

"Darn!"