Another Varian

Trundle's words weren't believed by Zul'jin. In fact, even Trundle himself didn't believe them. The nameless troll from back then had already disappeared when Zul'jin tried to kill him. The only one who stood before the world now was Trundle, a troll wholly devoted to Leiluo. He would also become the future King of the Trolls, because that was what Leiluo expected of him. Trundle would fulfill Leiluo's expectations.

At the Alliance camp on the Dwarven Bridge, inside Varian's tent, the king still held to the Uryen family's fine traditions and the habits he'd cultivated over the years, despite his stubbornness. He was frugal. There was little in his tent: a bed, a table, a chair, and an armor stand. Nothing else.

The tent, usually rather spacious, seemed cramped now. A large pot had been added, and the tent's owner, Varian, was currently inside it.

The water bubbling in the pot was clearly scalding hot. Strangely, though, there wasn't a single piece of firewood beneath it. Only a beautiful woman stood beside it, resting her hand lightly on the pot.

"Katrana, is this really necessary? It's so hot. It feels like my body is going to split apart."

"Your Majesty, the muscles in your body are constantly tearing and rebuilding themselves. That's how you'll grow stronger. So you must endure it. If you pass out, the potion's effects will be greatly diminished."

"All right, all right. I understand."

The potion in the pot churned, turning Varian's skin bright red with the heat. Just as he thought Katrana was going to cook him alive, she finally bent down and whispered in his ear.

"Your Majesty, you can get out now."

Varian was so scalded he couldn't even wait to climb out. He leaped straight out of the pot, and Katrana,