--- CHAPTER 2: Divine Glow, Devilish Thoughts ---
The great hall of Lordaeron falls into an abrupt, heavy silence as the golden radiance bursts from me like a divine explosion, washing over the nobles and servants in waves of ethereal warmth. It's like the Holy Light itself has decided to make a grand entrance through my body, turning the banquet into a spectacle that no one saw coming. For a full minute, the only sounds are the subtle hum of the energy and the collective, drawn breaths of the witnesses, their faces illuminated in a mix of awe and fear. *Holy shit, this is actually happening,* I think, my mind a whirlwind of fresh Earth memories clashing with the nineteen years I've lived as Arthas. *Just moments ago, during that banquet haze, my past life slammed back—dying mid-wank to Sylvanas, all those WoW grinds—and now this? The system activating right after? It's like the merger triggered it. And why do I feel... hornier? This mysterious pervert shift is hitting hard, making every curve in the room pop. Focus, Arthas—reputation farming time.*
The whispers start like a slow-building storm once the initial shock fades, spreading through the clusters of nobles in hushed, fervent tones. "Did you see the Prince? Do you dare approach him now?" one lady murmurs, her eyes wide with that blend of terror and admiration. But even in the midst of this, I can feel the weight of my father's authority hanging over everything like an invisible crown. Terenas rules with the Light's guidance, setting the limits for ambition, especially mine. As the sole prince, with only my sister Calia—unmarried and sharing the royal bloodline—I've been the beacon of Lordaeron's future. Not overly favored to breed resentment, but given education, training, and subtle privileges. And now, hovering slightly above the ground in this radiant glow, it feels like all those petty plots and jealousies are vanishing like smoke. *This display isn't just flashy; it's strategic,* I reason, my newly merged Earth logic kicking in hard. *Makes me untouchable. Shifts the dynamic. Who'd scheme against a guy channeling the Light like a living sun? But with these memories fresh, it's weird—gamer instincts telling me to farm rep, while this mysterious lust makes me eye the ladies like loot. What the hell is this change?*
Bathing in the Light feels... oddly intoxicating, a soothing warmth that seeps into my pores and energizes every fiber, like a full-body upgrade potion. *Feels like a heated blanket after an Earth all-nighter, but better—not to mention this tingly side that's got a perverted edge now. Merger side effect? Gotta stay in character.* The energy pulses around me, wrapping me in its embrace before sinking deeper, infusing my bones with strength. The system UI blinks in my mind: **Guardian Specialization Unlocked**, and my body hums with power, muscles feeling forged in holy fire. It lasts long enough to make hearts skip and minds reel before the glow contracts, retreating like a tide. I land with a soft thud on the marble, the hall still echoing with awe and the faint scent of ozone.
I open my eyes slowly, letting a flash of Light shimmer through them, enhancing my features—making me look impossibly handsome, ethereal even. At nineteen, my frame is already commanding: broad shoulders from training, height that demands attention, and now this solidity from the Light. *Nailed the landing,* I think smugly, Earth sarcasm blending with my princely poise. *Look the part, play the part. Charm stat boosted, no doubt. But this mysterious change—sudden lustful thoughts eyeing Mother's form? Snap out of it.*
"Arthas, are you… all right?" Mother's voice cuts through, her approach measured and graceful, concern veiled in regal poise. Queen Lianne, with her delicate circlet catching the light, her golden hair a veil framing a face of timeless beauty, lines adding depth. Her tall, lithe form in flowing silk whispers authority and allure. *By the Light... this is my mother,* I think, inner voice darker as my gaze traces her despite myself. *Menethil blood runs hot, but with the merger, no kinship stirs—just this mysterious hunger pulsing at every sway. Damn this change—why hornier now?* Her eyes like tranquil depths holding realm secrets, lips soft with power, neck pillar leading to shoulders bearing queenship, waist narrow as blade, hips full and swaying subtly, legs hidden in silk. Each step a temptation, reminding of frailty and the line between duty and deviance.
Beside her, Calia—1.65 meters, oval face framed by golden hair mirroring Mother's, eyes alight with fire, stance quiet dominion suggesting untapped strength. Her presence lacks Mother's mature force but holds equilibrium, noble allure echoing family legacy, blending innocence with power potential. *Less tempting than Mother... but the blood's there,* I ponder logically, forcing strategy over urges. *Such gifts make the throne serpents' den—beauty weapon, alliances charm. Can't distract; focus quest. But this pervert shift—mysterious, merger-fueled?*
Banishing profane thoughts before they consume, I don the Devout Heir facade. The Light demands vigilance; I'll wield it as shield against impulses. "I am well, Mother. No concern," I reply, voice steady, laced with holy fervor. "The Light showed ancestors' echoes, bidding me tread virtue, ascend as king... worthy of Father."
*Words like venom now,* I think with self-deprecating humor, Earth wit sharp post-merger. *Ancestors' charge... hollow, but epic—crowds every time. Classic bullshit, but effective.*
A hearty laugh rings like thunder, an older man approaching, crown gleaming, beard glinting silver. King Terenas, vigilant and ambitious in his years, eyes me sharply—as threat or asset. "My achievements nothing to Forefathers," he says, amused yet steady, authority from wars and politics. "Sure bear their words?"
Nineteen years under him worn any warmth—respect from utility. *Smart,* I acknowledge, admiration amusement. *Testing—Light/merger crack skull? Cool, assertive. Memories fresh—gamer mode on.*
Moment: quest [Liberated Scion] flickers, opportunity. Drop knee graceful, filial devotion image. "Yes, Father," intone conviction fervor. "Light showed will Sainted Kings. Incensed orcs south, defiled lands slain people. Crimes unforgivable. Request join Alliance war, share leadership burden, honor teachings!"
*...And quest,* add mentally smirk. *Burden thing. Can't say—ruins vibe. Ticket puppet strings action. Lead gain exp loot... perks. Merger insights: avoid canon charge—play hero smart.*
Silence falls heavy, pressing walls. Goblets mid-air, whispers die, air frozen anticipation. War idle no—Stormwind lost kingdom ruins. Stakes blood chaos glory grisly.
Mother hand quiver shoulder, no touch. Worry evident brow tightness. Reluctance son danger, but no interfere public. Nineteen no child; forging ruler trial fire.
Terenas studies long, beard thoughtful, mind weigh politics. Seven nations quarrel centuries, alliances fragile; orc threat Grand Alliance tenuous, leader pressure shoulders. Finally speaks, quiet weighty, echo decree: "Go son," tone finality command, "shall not lead. Learn Uther Lightbringer. Assist no command. Understand?"
*Ah sly fox,* think admiration amusement reason. *Move lets dip without drown. Errors Uther tab victories shared. Leash room roam. Smart parenting. Memories merger—see layers now, pervert aside.*
Blink grasp brilliance—instant exposure no full, safety net experience. Errors contained Uther eye. Victories reflect master apprentice, legacy bolster.
"Yes Father," say bow respect steady. "Serve honor diligence."
Uther steps broad shine inner Light paragon order, kneel humility believer. "Light will done," intone deep resonate prayer, loyal stubborn steadfast—paladin embody, virtues pretend.
Place hand chest solemn oath bow poise. "Not fail Father."
Inside grin hidden. *Rare chance freedom command indirectly armies behest,* think triumphant. *Economic spoils trade influence wealth... elves personal research. Battlefield perks—pointy-eared exotic. Merger lust mysterious amp—hornier thoughts sudden.*
Pious outside. Pervert inside. That new me—reincarnated memories merger prince skin, balance vows unholy. But whispers hall—schemes shadow. *Can't charge canon. Play smart avoid ice fate. Merger change mysterious—lustful foreshadow trouble or tool?*
Nobles eyes wide silent watch prince radiate Light authority, unshaken politics currents. Words measured reverent fire conviction inspire awe. Syllable reinforce perfect prince—son kingship vessel Light beacon loyalty guard lord.
Behind mask grin internal. Perfect act moment. *Light keep sane. Might pull. Memories fresh—changing mysteriously, lustful... hook: war beckons, urges rise.*
--- END OF CHAPTER 2 ---