Two Lines of Poetry Come to Mind

"You do indeed possess the power of the gods. Tell me, which deity bestowed this power upon you, and why?" Rastakhan blinked his eyes slightly, nodding as he asked.

"Because Zul'ra helped the Lord of Wind and Rain and the Snake Goddess Ulatek accomplish certain tasks, Ulatek asked Zul'ra what reward he desired. Zul'ra told the Lord of Wind and Rain that he wished for his hands to become more dexterous, and so Ulatek made my hands this way!"

Tian Sang recounted the events briefly, all the while avoiding direct eye contact with Rastakhan. The God-King possessed a powerful physique, yet his skin was a grayish-white, and the golden filigree netting across his chest revealed a torso that lacked the calloused layers seen on other Zandalari Trolls, proving he lived a life of luxury.

"So, these hands were not something you actively requested?" Rastakhan leaned forward slightly.

"The exact words Zul'ra told Ulatek were: 'I wish for my hands to become more dexterous,' and beyond that, no other requests were made." Tian Sang repeated the words directly, calming his racing thoughts; even with Ulatek as a shield, if he misspoke, he could truly be disposed of.

"I can sense that you are not lying. That is good." Hearing Tian Sang's words, Rastakhan leaned back into his throne, nodding to show his satisfaction.

"To be gifted by a Loa—young Zul'ra, you carry a mission upon you. Strive to grow and fulfill it!" Rastakhan scrutinized Tian Sang's build, delivering his words in a deep, resonant tone.

"I thank you for your guidance, God-King." Tian Sang lifted his gaze slightly to look at Rastakhan's face before lowering his head again. He noticed that the roots of the God-King's tusks were encased in golden bands, and while his left eye glowed with light, his right eye, marred by a deep scar, was dull and sightless—likely a mark left by some Loa.

To the Trolls, the right eye held a very special significance; Shadow Hunters believed the right eye was a medium for connecting with the gods. Zul'jin had his right eye gouged out after falling into the hands of the Elves, which was surely a deliberate act of vengeance on their part.

"Now, let us return to our conversation. Malacrass of the Amani, tell me your purpose directly." Rastakhan turned his gaze toward Malacrass.

"God-King, the Amani have come to Zandalar today in the hope of receiving aid." Seeing that Tian Sang had passed the test, Malacrass felt a slight relief in his heart as he presented his request.

"Zandalar provides aid to all our kin, provided our kin are in need and willing to accept it." Rastakhan offered an ambiguous reply.

"I thank you for your benevolence. The Amani have just suffered a defeat. We fought a war against Humans, Elves, and Dwarves, along with a group of Orcs from another world." Malacrass lifted his head slightly.

"Orcs from another world?" Rastakhan's eyes flickered.

"Yes, Orcs from another world. They possess a long history and fight with great ferocity. The Amani chose to ally with them to reclaim the forests that belong to us, but due to shortcomings in various aspects, we failed. We have summarized the failures of the war, and thus we beg you to allow us to learn the knowledge of Zandalar, in the hope of reclaiming our forests once more." Malacrass pleaded with a rhythmic, impassioned tone.

"You summarized the failures of the war?" A trace of a smile appeared on Rastakhan's face. This was truly a rare occurrence for the Amani; didn't those hot-headed youngsters always believe themselves to be omnipotent and invincible?

"God-King, the Amani have endured too many failures. The wise Kal'ma and his apprentice, Zul'ra, have analyzed this defeat. Compared to Zandalar, the Amani are too young and too reckless. We are in urgent need of knowledge, and we beg for your mercy." Hearing the playful tone in Rastakhan's voice, Malacrass suppressed the urge to let his blood boil and lowered his head in supplication.

"Tell me, what knowledge do you require?" Rastakhan watched the bowed Malacrass, the smile fading from his face.

"Agriculture, smithing, military strategy, the gods—we need much knowledge, in every aspect." Malacrass spread his arms to indicate the Amani's thirst.

"Your appetites are large, but knowledge is not gained in a single day. How do you intend to take this knowledge back?" Rastakhan asked.

"We have brought craftsmen, farmers, and soldiers, and we hope for your permission to study here in Zandalar," Malacrass replied.

"I can permit you to study in Zandalar, but I hold no high expectations for you, for you are young, reckless, impatient, and refuse to listen to advice." Rastakhan spoke in a slow, leisurely tone, pausing briefly before continuing.

"However, I am still willing to give you a chance. You may study here, but if you wish to return to Zul'Aman, you must pass the corresponding trials to prove your capabilities to me and the gods. If you cannot pass, you know what the outcome will be."

"Thank you, thank you for your benevolence, God-King." Seeing Rastakhan agree, Malacrass could not help but show great joy. Tian Sang, hearing Rastakhan's requirements, narrowed his eyes; it seemed that one needed a diploma to leave after studying here, and he feared that diploma would not be easy to obtain.

"Aside from the trials, Malacrass, I believe you have also come to provide Zandalar with information regarding those Orcs from the other world, have you not?" Rastakhan asked; Zandalar did not give without receiving.

"Of course, God-King. Zandalar's reverence for knowledge is something the Amani must admire and emulate. I have brought knowledge of the Orcs' Warlock arts, as well as some of their Shamanistic culture." Seeing Rastakhan's inquiry, Malacrass replied hurriedly.

"Very well. In the coming time, you shall work with Bajini, our chronicler, to record this knowledge while you study. As for you, Zul'ra, apprentice of Kal'ma, you are also a Witch Doctor, are you not?" Rastakhan looked toward Tian Sang.

"Yes, God-King." Tian Sang bowed slightly.

"Excellent. Then you shall study under Lal, servant of the Lord of the Sky, Pa'ku. He is an outstanding master of witchcraft; may he help you grow." After a flicker of thought, Rastakhan made his decision.

"I thank you for your benevolence, God-King." Tian Sang expressed his gratitude with the utmost caution.

"Then it is settled! May you truly acquire the knowledge you seek." Rastakhan waved his hand, and the guards on either side signaled immediately. Tian Sang bowed his head slightly, stood up alongside Malacrass, and exited the stone chamber at the top of the pyramid.

"So, I've become an international student!" Tian Sang walked out of the chamber, looking down from the top of the Dazar'alor pyramid at the capital city spread out below, and couldn't help but let out a breath. From this day on, he would have to study for the rise of Zul'Aman, and...

"Damn, forget it." Thinking of those poetic lines, Tian Sang quickly cut off the thought. He felt he didn't need to sacrifice that much for Zul'Aman just yet; he still needed time to adapt to being a Troll!