The moment Grendel sensed our presence, I grabbed Alex by the back of his collar and threw him toward the dark tunnel path.
Just as I was about to use Void Step to catch Alex, a wall of rock suddenly descended before me, sealing my path of retreat.
When I turned around, I found the gazes of all the trolls fixed on me, their tusks dripping with saliva.
Closer to Grendel's throne, another chair was embedded a few steps lower than his. Sitting on it was a goblin wearing a robe and holding a staff in his hand. That must be the Goblin Shaman—the boss that was supposed to be of this gate before it upgraded, and also the monster that blocked my retreat.
"I'm fucked," I gulped inwardly before speaking loudly. "Hello, guys. I came here because the great King Grendel summoned me."
The trolls looked at me, their eyes widening and their jaws dropping to the floor in shock.
"Grrrrr! You human. How can you speak Morgul?" Grendel demanded, his voice laced with shock.
