Crockta swung the Ogre Slayer, but the doppelganger dodged it with ease by flipping its body. The greatsword grazed the surface of the barrier instead. The barrier cracked but refused to break. The gnomes’ technology was indeed remarkable. It was strong enough to withstand the Ogre Slayer!3

Then Crockta turned toward the doppelganger and asked, “What are you?”0

The doppelganger smirked. It had the appearance of a gnome’s body, but its joints twisted in unnatural ways. The doppelganger’s head stayed static while its body climbed around the barrier wall.0

The doppelganger whispered with its characteristic sneer, “It is calling me…”0

Crockta swung his greatsword again. However, the doppelganger jumped up high. It happened in an instant. The doppelganger was now looking down on Crockta from the top of the barrier sealing the Demon’s Mouth. Crockta tightened his grip on the hilt of the greatsword.0

“What’s calling you?” asked Crockta.0

The doppelganger opened its mouth. Crockta paused, waiting for it to speak, but the doppelganger began vomiting green fluid instead. Crockta used his greatsword as a shield to block the liquid. Most of the liquid slid across the sides of his blade and missed its mark, but some splashed onto Crockta’s shoulder and melted his skin. A sharp pain seared through his shoulder.0

“Dammit!” shouted Crockta as he tried to shake off the liquid.0

The doppelganger was a truly dreadful monster. Crockta decided to retreat. There was no way he could catch the doppelganger with its speed. He had to make the doppelganger come to him.0

“Is this it?” Crockta...0