Chapter 17: Clearing the realm gate 2
A low growl rumbled through the tunnel.
Kieran turned his head instinctively, muscles tensing as the sound echoed off the stone walls. His sharp gaze locked onto the source, his breath steadying. The dim light from the glowing gems embedded in the cave walls illuminated the hulking figure standing ahead.
A troll.
Its grotesque form loomed in the darkness, its thick, leathery skin appearing even more menacing in the flickering light.
Beady red eyes glowed with primal hunger, locked onto him like a predator assessing its prey.
’A troll? I thought they were supposed to be inside... How is this one here?’
His eyes flickered past the beast, scanning the path that stretched deeper into the cavern.
The air was thick with the stench of damp stone and something rancid—like decayed meat. He didn’t know what awaited him beyond this tunnel, but one thing was certain.
He had to get through this first.
Kieran shifted his weight, analyzing the creature.
It looked similar to the ones he had encountered before, but there was something... off. It was taller—almost his height—and the way it stood seemed different, as if it carried more intelligence than the usual mindless brutes.