A Brief Rest on the Journey North

As dawn broke, the light filtered through the gaps in the wooden cabin, casting dappled beams of light onto the hay-covered ground.

As usual, Lupa and Linié had already begun their training.

Lupa wore her "light" armor, sweat trickling down her lithe limbs, her pink twin ponytails fluttering with her movements, her heterochromatic eyes filled with focused concentration.

Linié quietly carried out her basic training on the side, her deep blue pupils reflecting the morning light. Her movements were as precise as a machine. After all, she didn't need to train her own skills; she could just steal others', just like the Sharingan —this move is good, it'll be mine from now on.

Inside, Frieren was still wrapped in a warm blanket, her long silver hair spread out on the straw mat like a handful of flowing moonlight.

She was fast asleep, her emerald eyes tightly closed, her long, thick eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath them. Her nostrils twitched slightly with each even breath, and she occasionally uttered very soft, unconscious murmurs, as if she were having a sweet dream.

Lowell naturally didn't keep watch, but he didn't sleep either; he wasn't sleep-deprived.

He sat casually on the edge of the "bed" covered with hay, leaning against the cold earthen wall. His black hair was a little messy, and his gaze was quietly fixed on Frieren's sleeping face for an unknown amount of time.

"Lowell..." Frieren turned over in her sleep and mumbled something indistinctly, her voice soft and nasal, as if she were confirming something.

"I'm here," Lowell replied almost immediately, his voice barely audible, as if afraid of disturbing her sleep.

He reached out and gently took Frieren's hand, which was sticking out of the blanket.

Frieren seemed to feel the familiar warmth and touch. She didn't wake up, but unconsciously gripped his fingers tighter, nuzzled against the straw pillow, and her breathing became deeper and more peaceful as she slept even more soundly.

After a while, the training sounds outside stopped.

Lupa walked in, wiping away sweat with a towel, still warm from her morning exercise.

She saw Lowell holding Frieren's hand, and slowed her pace. A knowing smile flashed in her heterochromatic eyes as she lowered her voice and asked, "Master, those five newly erected tombstones by the door, you made them, didn't you?" She paused, her tone confirming, "Are they... all dead?"

Lowell's gaze remained fixed on Frieren's face, and he merely gave a soft "hmm," his tone flat and emotionless.

"The Shadow Warriors are all dead. And those who were 'human'... two of them are dead."

Lupa was slightly taken aback, but quickly understood.

She didn't ask any more questions, just nodded, and then asked, "Then...?" She was asking with her eyes whether it was time to leave.

Lowell gently withdrew his hand from Frieren's grasp, careful not to wake her. "Let's go." He stood up, walked to Frieren's side, and expertly bent down to hoist her, blanket and all, onto his back.

Frieren's eyelids fluttered a few times as she was jolted awake, seemingly half-asleep, but the familiar scent lingering around her nose and the warmth from behind made her feel at ease.

She let out a soft, contented hum, like a small animal, but didn't actually wake up. She simply adjusted her position, buried her face in his shoulder and neck, and fell into a deep sleep again.

Lowell adjusted her position to make sure she was sleeping soundly before gesturing to Lupa and Linié were approaching quietly. Solitär also appeared silently from some corner, a smile of anticipation on her face as she looked forward to "observing" the new day.

The group quietly left their temporary shelter, leaving behind the night's fighting and brief peace, and continued their journey north.

Around noon, the team arrived at the Tor Great Gorge. The enormous rift valley, like a scar on the earth, was bottomless, and the howling wind whistled through it, creating a chilling lament.

A bridge is under construction and is already taking shape, spanning a treacherous canyon, showcasing the struggle between human power and nature.

Beside the bridge pier, a dwarf, shirtless, was wielding a hammer and striking something; it was Gaan, the dwarf craftsman.

Frieren seemed to be awakened by the sound of wind and knocking in the canyon. She stirred on Lowell's back and slowly opened her emerald green eyes.

She rubbed her eyes, saw the scene ahead and the familiar dwarf figure, and gently patted Lowell's shoulder. Lowell understood and carefully put her down.

"Yo, Gaan," Lowell greeted first, his tone casual.

Gaan stopped what he was doing, wiped his sweat, and looked at the person who had come in.

"It's you guys. I remember you went to defeat the Demon King last time, didn't you?"

Lowell shrugged, giving him a "don't get me into trouble" look. "It was Himmel and his team who were fighting the Demon King, a righteous Hero Party. I was just watching, joining in the fun. The Demons Realm is such a terrifying place, someone as weak as me wouldn't dare go there." He spoke with such sincerity, as if he were truly a harmless bystander.

"Stop lying. Although I'm just a craftsman, I still have a good eye." He paused, "Also, thanks to the funding you provided initially, I was able to continue building this bridge."

Lowell touched his nose, seemingly a little embarrassed. "Ah... that matter. It was mainly Himmel's suggestion. He's kind-hearted and can't stand seeing such a huge obstacle. As for me, although I contributed a little, I really didn't have that many grand ideas. And look at this bridge," he pointed to the magnificent project, "This is clearly a public welfare project, not your own private property, right? Himmel definitely support it."

Gaan's expression turned serious as he gazed into the bottomless canyon. His voice lowered. "Building this bridge was my lifelong dream. If there had been a bridge here back then, many of my people might not have been killed by the Demons..." He didn't finish his sentence, but a trace of sorrow flashed in his eyes.

Seeing this, Lowell gently patted his shoulder, his tone softening. "Alright, alright, let bygones be bygones. Besides, there's good news. Himmel and the others... they'll probably be back soon after successfully defeating the Demon King. When they do, save those words of thanks and praise him to his face! That kid really likes that; Human race hero deserves to hear praise."

"Hehe, really? Okay. Then I'll give him a good compliment."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the group bid farewell to the busy Gaan and continued their journey.

The wind in the canyon ruffled their clothes and hair, leaving the hopeful hammering of the dwarven craftsmen far behind.

As evening approached, they finally arrived at a slightly larger border town.

Although the town was not prosperous, it at least had decent inns and taverns.

The warm orange light shone through the window, carrying the aroma of food and beer, which dispelled the fatigue of the journey.

Stepping into a seemingly lively tavern, you are greeted by a warm atmosphere and noisy chatter.

Lupa's eyes lit up immediately. She moved closer to Lowell, grinning as she pointed to the wooden sign on the wall with a picture of roast chicken and ribs. "Master! You promised! You'd treat me to a big meal for praising my good behavior last night! You can't go back on your word!"

Lowell looked at the girl's expectant smile, smiled helplessly, and patted the not-so-bulky purse at his waist. "Alright, alright, don't worry, I still have some savings. Eat as much as you want today, everyone gets a share. And..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over a large, empty table in the corner of the tavern, a mysterious smile playing on his lips, "Looks like there will be a few more people."

"A few more people?" Lupa blinked, about to ask, when she suddenly heard a familiar, energetic commotion coming from the tavern entrance.

"Oh! Oh! I'm exhausted! Finally found a place where I can have a proper meal! Boss! I'm going to have a big feast!"

A familiar voice.