Rend and High Overlord Varok's Duel

"Rend Blackhand, you don't deserve to remain in the Horde. A man without honor like you will destroy the Horde sooner or later, so let me destroy you right here!" High Overlord Varok Saurfang had always been the one cursing others. This time, Rend had pointed at his nose and cursed him viciously, even saying his honor was worth less than a dog's. Varok was furious beyond measure.

"Let's settle this!" High Overlord Varok roared, gripping his battle-axe as he charged at Rend.

Yet Rend merely strolled forward at an unhurried pace instead of charging, his eyes fixed intently on High Overlord Varok.

High Overlord Varok raised his battle-axe high. Empowered by blood-red rage, the axe became a blur as it cleaved toward Rend's head.

But Rend lifted his own battle-axe with his right hand and, with the strength of one arm alone, blocked High Overlord Varok's full-powered, charge-fueled strike.

Rend raised his head and looked at the incredulous High Overlord Varok with a mocking smile. "Times have changed, old man."

Then he exerted force through his right arm, sending High Overlord Varok reeling with sheer strength. At the same time, he drew back his left fist at his waist and drove it mercilessly into High Overlord Varok's abdomen.

High Overlord Varok felt as though a charging clefthoof had rammed him head-on. With a cough, his body involuntarily doubled over.

Relying on his powerful will, High Overlord Varok pressed one hand against his abdomen while bracing himself with his legs to keep from collapsing further.

Rend flashed behind High Overlord Varok and said leisurely, "How does it feel to get hit by a punch?"

At the foot of the Stonetalon Mountains, High Overlord Varok had knocked Rend unconscious with a single punch. Rend had held that grudge for a long