Chapter 373: The Religious Prophet
[On the other side of the portal lay a snow-covered mountain range, and in the midst of those peaks stood a city that looked indestructible. The city resembled a gigantic forge, bustling with countless dwarves who looked remarkably like you, moving to and fro in the streets.]
[This is… Ironforge? You were shocked—it could be nothing else! The portal led directly to Azeroth, the world of World of Warcraft!]
[You quickly realized this was an opportunity. After only a moment's hesitation, you reached out and touched the portal. As a thin membrane-like sensation passed over you, you successfully arrived on the other side. The portal's exit was hidden within the Mystic Ward, mixed in among the ordinary portals—almost impossible to notice.]
[You experimented with traveling through the portal and confirmed that you could pass freely in both directions. You couldn't help but laugh—you seemed to have gained control over something truly extraordinary.]
[May 2, 2766 – March 9, 2767: You spent nearly ten months mastering the Dwarvish language of Azeroth, as well as gaining a solid understanding of both worlds' histories and social structures. You have learned the skill: Dwarvish (Advanced).]
[What surprised you was that the main world on the other side turned out to be the world of The Lord of the Rings—to be precise, The Hobbit.]
[The current timeline appeared to be set before any of the major stories began. If everything proceeded as in the original sequence, in a few years the Dwarven King would amass a vast fortune—especially a gem known as the Arkenstone. This jewel was not only priceless but, much like the One Ring from The Lord of the Rings, could corrupt hearts and awaken inner greed.]
[The Dwarven King's enormous treasure would attract the covetous gaze of a dragon named Smaug, who would occupy the Lonely Mountain and destroy both Iron Hills and Dale. The Dwarven Kingdom would fall into ruin, its people reduced to a tenth of their former numbers.]
[Meanwhile, the Azeroth side corresponded to a historical period you weren't very familiar with. The mighty High King Modimus Anvilmar ruled over the Dwarven Kingdom, and at least on the surface, the Bronzebeard, Wildhammer, and Dark Iron clans were united under his banner.]
[March – September 2767: With your business acumen and research talent, it was no surprise that you prospered in both worlds. Within half a year, through trading liquor and rare ores between the two realms, you had amassed considerable wealth. (Family Background +10, Happiness +3)]
[Of course, you hadn't forgotten to strengthen yourself. Your mid-term plan was to establish a religion centered around you in both worlds—to see if you could leave your mark on history.]
[Through careful maneuvering and long-term management, you established a trading guild in Ironforge, recruiting a group of highly capable adventurers and craftsmen. You transported them through the portal to Iron Hills.]
[At this point, you altered Azeroth's history for the first time. Among the adventurers you recruited were Briviv Stonefist and Bix—two dwarves who would one day become renowned warriors, masters of all weapons. But now, you had drawn them to your side early, making them your loyal subordinates.]
[At a gathering, you met Lohan, a high priest of Ironforge. According to him, you possessed strong potential in the Light and were born to be a priest. After several months of effort, you successfully changed classes and gained the power to heal others with the Light and harm enemies with Shadow. (You have learned the combat skill: Healing) (You have learned the combat skill: Shadow Word: Pain)]
[September 2767 – April 2768: Your reputation in Iron Hills gradually rose. Meanwhile, due to the corrupting influence of the Arkenstone, King Thorin's greed deepened, and his taxes grew harsher—giving you an even greater opportunity.]
[You had always believed that the Lord of the Rings world possessed a high level of magic, but after studying it deeply, you discovered that it was not true magic—it was divine miracles.]
[Take Gandalf and Saruman, for example. Their power was actually the projection of the Maiar's might into Middle-earth. Among the dwarves, your Healing ability was seen as divine power. Through long periods of free medical aid, free food, and healing the sick, a large following of devoted believers gathered around you. Counting the dwarves you brought from the other world, your power was now rivaling that of the Dwarven royal family. The time might soon be right—but like all prophets before you, you waited for divine enlightenment.]
[May 2768: After sitting beneath a sycamore tree for three days and nights, you looked up by chance and saw a shooting star streak across the sky. In that moment, you received a revelation from the divine.]
[The revelation contained only eight words: "Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise." You faintly sensed there was more, but guessed you would have to wait for the next revelation.]
[When you came to your senses, you couldn't help but be startled—was this destiny telling you to become a dwarven Zhang Jue?]
[But divine revelation never deceives. After some preparation, you founded a new religion that could cure diseases—the Yellow Turban Faith—and proclaimed yourself the Great Teacher of Virtue and Wisdom. Both awed and exhilarated, you discovered that once you confirmed your doctrine, your soul resonated with a certain heroic spirit. New divine spells appeared in your mind—allowing you to summon soldiers from beans, control the weather, and unleash massive lightning strikes. Where your will extended, heaven and earth responded. You have gained the general skill: Lightning Strike.]
[You soon realized that these new divine spells could merge with your priestly abilities, forming an entirely new class system. You had thought of calling it the "Yellow Turban Warrior," but for simplicity and to better fit the setting, you named the new class: Paladin.]
[Your loyal subordinates, Briviv Stonefist and Bix, became the first Paladins of the Yellow Turban Faith. Combining their warrior skills with divine techniques, they refined the class into one that blended melee and ranged combat.]
[May 2768 – July 2770: Though your movement had taken shape, you remained cautious, methodically strengthening your position in both worlds. You were confident that you could create revolutionary technologies—steam engines, textile machines, machine tools—but that would have to wait until you fully controlled the Kingdom of Erebor.]
[During these two years, your economic power grew immensely. The dwarven forging techniques in Iron Hills surpassed those of Ironforge, while Ironforge possessed greater mineral resources and stronger individual fighters. Using your unique ability to travel between worlds, you traded in minerals, liquor, weapons, and armor—every moment expanding your financial empire.]
[Thanks to your wealth, you became King Thorin's honored guest, and he even addressed you warmly as "Great Teacher." On the Azeroth side, High King Modimus Anvilmar summoned you several times. Through your Observation Technique, you could see that Modimus Anvilmar's death was near—and that might be your chance to rise in Azeroth.]
[Meanwhile, your Yellow Turban Faith continued to expand its influence, now reaching every corner of the Kingdom of Erebor. Subtly, even most officials had become your believers.]
[Compared to Erebor, the spread in Ironforge was slower—but you were in no hurry. After all, dwarves lived up to 250 years. Time was on your side.]
[February 2771: The long-awaited opportunity arrived. Seeking to fund a massive statue of himself, King Thorin imposed yet another new tax—the Beard Tax. Any dwarf with a beard was required to pay an enormous sum.]
[That was the final straw. Crowds of dwarves took to the streets in protest. You seized the moment to launch your uprising, crying out your slogan: "Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise!" You declared yourself the Celestial General, while your loyal followers Briviv Stonefist and Bix became the Terrestrial General and the Human General, leading an assault on the Dwarven royal palace.]