It was now possible to summon a variant of the Light Element standing approximately 3.5 meters tall, possessing golden wings and significantly enhanced combat prowess. While these elementals were not as powerful as Rhodes's permanent versions, they were far superior to the basic ones used in Stormwind.
However, the requirement for a Paladin's Holy Light reserves had increased accordingly. To manifest such a form in battle required a high level of mastery; currently, only veteran Paladins and Priests could achieve it, while others remained limited to the basic version.
Rhodes felt a sense of pride—he had effectively contributed a complete spell school to Azeroth's Holy Light professions.
"Excellent, Rhodes. You've finally perfected this spell. With this, a Paladin's individual combat capability will be vastly improved when operating alone," Uther remarked.
"No time like the present. I will pass the spell to you two now, and you can disseminate it through the Order of the Silver Hand and among the Priests," Rhodes said.
"You can teach it to me as well, Rhodes. I am a fairly capable Priest myself," Princess Calia added softly from the side.
As a member of the Lordaeron royalty, her brother Arthas had been trained as a Paladin, while she had been trained as a Priest. Since the tragedy of her nation's fall, her connection to the Light had intensified. Specifically, after her "union" with Rhodes, she felt her affinity for the Light had reached new heights. She wondered if being the "Son of the Holy Light" had some fringe benefits—and if Jaina had experienced a similar boost.
Rhodes nodded. He wouldn't refuse her. Calia was indeed a top-tier High Priestess, and though she hadn't studied under Archbishop Faol, her power had never ceased growing.
He signaled the three to prepare, then closed his eyes, sinking his mind into the surging Source of Light within him. Moments later, he opened them, golden radiance swirling in his pupils. He traced complex, esoteric runes in the air—the new summoning array designed by Anveena. Unlike the arcane spells of mages, Holy Light relied on summoning and faith.
"Relax your minds. Feel the intent flowing through the runes," Rhodes began his theoretical explanation. "The core of summoning a Light Element is resonance and shaping. You are not forcing the Light to obey; you are using your conviction as a guide to invite the Light to respond, using your steady will to construct its temporary form."
He didn't use the direct mental imprint method this time, choosing instead to explain the mechanics so that Uther and Alexandros could better teach others.
The two veteran Paladins were quick studies. Uther, aided by the artifact The Silver Hand, learned the spell in mere minutes. He successfully summoned four Light Elementals simultaneously. While slightly weaker than those summoned by elemental scrolls, they were formidable.
Alexandros Mograine was just as efficient. He also summoned four, but his were different—they blazed with a fierce, scorching radiance, much like the Ashbringer itself. They appeared like a fusion of Fire and Light.
"The Silver Hand makes my summons lean toward healing and defensive blessings," Uther noted, stroking his chin.
"And the Ashbringer makes mine aggressive—focused on the offensive," Alexandros added.
Rhodes nodded. Uther, the "Lightbringer," focused on protection, while Alexandros focused on "Purification" and "Judgment." This created distinct specializations: Holy, Protection, and Retribution-style summons.
Princess Calia took nearly an hour, but she eventually succeeded in manifesting a pure white Light Element with elegant wings. While less imposing than the Paladins' versions, its balanced healing and offensive capabilities were a welcome sight.
"It's a success! From today, this spell will be a core part of our priesthood and knighthood," Calia said, beaming. "Rhodes, you have brought hope to Lordaeron once again."
"It is our shared strength," Rhodes replied.
Uther and Alexandros shared a knowing look. Realizing the Princess and Rhodes had "royal matters" to discuss, they excused themselves. Alexandros clapped Rhodes on the shoulder: "We'll go to the training grounds to familiarize ourselves with this new power. Take your time." Uther gave Calia a nod that clearly said, Good luck, Princess, and they left.
They were fully supportive of the idea of Calia bearing Rhodes's child; after all, a scion of the Son of the Light would be the perfect heir for a reborn Lordaeron.
Left alone, Rhodes felt a bit awkward. Am I really going back to "pipe cleaning" duty so soon after getting back?
"Rhodes, I need your help. Since you left, there has been no sign of... progress," Calia said, taking his arm and leading him toward her chambers.
"If the Princess is so hospitable, I have no reason to refuse," Rhodes said, picking her up boldly.
"I believe in you. Let's work hard together!"
A few hours later, a somewhat exhausted Rhodes emerged from the royal apartments. The Princess was exceptionally enthusiastic, but he told himself it was all for the sake of saving Lordaeron.
The coronation was set for five days from now. Kael'thas was already en route from Quel'Thalas. The Wildhammer and Ironforge Dwarves, High Tinker Mekkatorque, Maiev Shadowsong, Archdruid Malfurion, High Priestess Tyrande, Rhonin of Dalaran, and even Rhodes's "father-in-law" Admiral Daelin Proudmoore were all expected to attend. It would be a monumental event marking the rebirth of the kingdom.
Two days later, Rhodes and Anveena went to the training plaza. They were joined by Tyrygosa, Jaina, and even the "captive" Onyxia. Rhodes had important business to confirm.
By now, he had constructed four unupgraded buildings from the Conflux town and upgraded four elemental types to their "God's Awakening" Tier 3 forms: Storm Elementals, Ice Elementals, Plasma Elementals, and Earth Elementals.
"Are you sure about this, Lord Rhodes? You want me to use both the Light and Arcane to empower them?" Anveena asked.
"Yes. If Fire Elementals can be enhanced into Light Elementals, there's no reason the others can't be evolved further. I want to experiment with your power," Rhodes said. Anveena could now fully control her essence as the Sunwell, making her the perfect "laboratory" for this.
He also glanced at Tyrygosa and Onyxia. He wondered if the power of the Earth Warder's bloodline could enhance the Earth Elementals or if he could grant "Earth Power" to his own forces.
"Fine. Let's start with the Ice Elementals," Anveena nodded.