Chapter 144: Valiant Spirit Warriors

"I don't know if a ghost, once decomposed, will be reborn in the form of a baby, but if you think that's painful, I can erase your soul."

For some reason, a three-dimensional model of Karazhan appeared in the system prompt. On the clearly displayed first floor, Michael's name appeared. In the annotation for Michael, besides "unable to leave Karazhan," the option "can erase soul" was clearly marked.

For some people, existing as a ghost might be torturous. So Duke offered Michael a choice.

Michael looked at the ghostly Khadgar beside Duke: "What about you? I've seen you before, Mage Khadgar. Why did you choose to continue existing in this world?"

Khadgar hesitated briefly before answering, "I feel like I haven't lived enough. There are still so many amazing things I haven't experienced in this world, and as long as I'm allowed to browse the books of Karazhan, serving as Duke's servant isn't a bad thing."

Duke muttered under his breath: No wonder this kid listens to me; books are his true master.

Michael considered it for a moment, then bowed to Duke: "In that case, if there's no need for me, I have no regrets sacrificing myself for the defense of Stormwind and Azeroth. Then I..."

At that moment, the system suddenly sounded a chilling alarm for Duke:

"Alert! Alert! Based on your newly acquired knowledge of [Spatial Theory], a spatial channel will be forcibly opened in 72 hours. According to calculations, there's a 92.7% match with the demonic legion previously summoned by Sargeras. Based on the energy level of the spatial channel, it's estimated that over 100 low-level demons and no more than 5 mid-level demons will attack."

Immediately, a glaring red countdown system appeared on Duke's retina.

Duke's face changed instantly: Damn it! I knew there was no direct path to a godhood in this world.

Medivh previously built the mage tower in Karazhan for research and, as a guardian, to silently protect the world.

As someone who changed history and inherited Karazhan, Duke had to assume the responsibility of protecting Karazhan. Historically, Karazhan was self-contained, which to a great extent prevented creatures from other worlds from entering Azeroth through Karazhan and causing harm.

The saying is true: "With great power comes great responsibility."

Duke's right hand filled with arcane energy as he gently placed it on the ghostly Michael's shoulder. He spoke with righteous vigor, extolling the power of the Holy Light.

"Michael! If you seek meaning in your existence, then there's an extremely important task for you right here, right now."

"How so?" Michael was somewhat astonished. In his mind, having just heard of the defeated Sargeras, there shouldn't be any significant enemies.

Duke's voice suddenly rose, filled with surging passion and unwavering determination. His eyes blazed, and his body seemed to emit a faint, divine radiance.

"Defend this place! Within three days, a group of demons will open a spatial channel, attempting to occupy Karazhan as a springboard to ultimately invade Azeroth, harming our loved ones, friends, and those we hold dear! Can we allow this to happen? No! Absolutely not! We can endure loneliness, hunger, and fear, but we can never tolerate harm to those we love, our beloved world."

As he spoke, Duke's voice abruptly rose an octave:

"Michael Jonathan, will you join me in protecting this world, protecting all of humanity?" The thunderous voice echoed throughout the first floor of Karazhan.

"In that case, please allow me, Gara Donald, to join," a voice suddenly rang out from the depths of the stables. Another soul wearing Stormwind soldier armor appeared.

"Count me in!"

"Me too!"

One by one, the souls of elite soldiers who had perished in Karazhan emerged from the darkness of the first and second floors.

Indeed, they had sacrificed themselves for the future of the kingdom's people. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Karazhan, their souls were also bound here, unable to descend to hell, ascend to heaven, return to the earth, or reunite with their loved ones.

Perhaps this was a form of torment.

However, at this moment, they found new meaning in their existence—defending Karazhan and the world!

Seeing the option in the system prompt, "Pay 10 points of Soul Power to transform 72 elite soldier souls into Valiant Spirit Warriors?" Duke decisively chose "Yes!"

A dazzling silver light shone from Duke's palm, gently brushing through the void. Little specks of silver starlight fell onto the elite soldier souls.

To their astonishment, their once dim and somewhat dissipating souls began to rapidly solidify. Long-lost sensations returned to their bodies. Although their forms still appeared somewhat translucent, it was an unexpected and welcome change.

There was no heartbeat, yet they felt powerful pulsations throughout their bodies.

No need to breathe, yet they could smell long-lost fragrances through their nostrils.

Sight, touch, taste, smell, and feeling—things they once took for granted now seemed incredibly precious after being lost.

The faces of each soldier lit up with surprise.

Then, their expressions quickly became resolute, and they swiftly formed three horizontal columns.

Taking the lead, Michael drew the sword he had worn in life and loudly proclaimed, "Salute to our new master and the new guardian of the world—Duke Markus!"

"Swish, swish, swish!" The perfectly synchronized drawing of swords cast a brilliant cold light in the dim stables.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The Valiant Spirit Warriors struck their shields with their swords, producing waves of uplifting, resonating sounds.

The entire first floor of Karazhan seemed to experience a deep, rumbling tremor. No, this was no longer a tremor; it was a roaring boom. Not just the shouts and strikes of these elite soldiers, but as if every corner, every brick, and every pillar of Karazhan emitted a deep, ancient sound.

They merged into a single resonance, as if responding to the will of the Valiant Spirit Warriors and their determination to protect the world.

With equal excitement, Duke looked over the Valiant Spirit Warriors and expressed satisfaction, "Alright, brothers, let's make a stand and show those damned demons that this is Azeroth's territory, not their playground!"

"Ohhhhh!" Wild roars echoed throughout Karazhan... (To be continued.)