Welcoming the New Year

Defeat the monster.

Dugu Qing walked slowly forward, inspecting the damaged carriage, but found no one inside.

He turned and went to Stark's side, took out the Holy Scripture, and cast a healing spell.

A warm breath wafted from the other side, Stark, clutching his chest, slowly awoke.

"Just now... I..."

Stark wondered why he had suddenly fainted. After thinking about it carefully, his face turned ashen, and he stammered, unable to look Dugu Qing in the eye.

"Don't worry, I can give it to you next time I see Demons."

Dugu Qing, his eyes gentle and warm, instantly calming the tense atmosphere around him.

Frieren helped Stark up and examined him, finding no other injuries.

The four men set off again, with Stark abandoning his usual "steady and solid" fighting style.

He always charged to the front lines in every battle, drawing the attention of the monsters and bravely launching attacks. He fought on despite repeated defeats, displaying unwavering willpower, as if he had become a completely different person, which was quite unexpected.

"Stark, you've changed a lot lately! Now, I can't connect you with the Stark who ran away."

Frieren looked at Stark with satisfaction, showering him with praise.

"Hmph, I don't want to be completely outshone by Dugu Qing and reduced to a mere jealous trendsetter."

Stark thoroughly enjoyed Frieren's praise, put his hands on his hips, strode forward with an air of arrogance, and floated away.

In the 29th year of the Xinshi Era, on the Northern Plateau, in the Wine City.

There are only five days left until the New Year.

Dugu Qing, Frieren, Fern, Stark walked out of the forest and arrived at a heavily guarded city.

This place is called the Wine City, famous for its wine, attracting countless wine lovers and adventurers.

They are the best aid for humans on the Northern Highlands in their fight against monsters.

"Identity verification."

At the gate, fully armed soldiers blocked Frieren and her group.

Frieren expertly pulled out her Level One Mage certificate and handed it to the soldier.

The soldier glanced at him, as if seeing a celestial being, and bowed respectfully.

"So you are the legendary sorceress Frieren, please."

As the group slowly entered the city, the rich, bustling atmosphere of everyday life washed over them, softening the fierce killing intent that had permeated the plateau.

The sounds of vendors hawking their wares, children laughing and playing, and passersby haggling over prices all blended together, creating a scene that felt like stepping into another world.

"I never imagined there was such a lively place on the Northern Highlands!"

Fern had thought this year was going to be a bloody and turbulent New Year, but unexpectedly, she was able to enter the city and see many people. Her mood immediately relaxed, and she quietly leaned against Dugu Qing, her tired spirit instantly full of energy.

"The Lunar New Year is almost here, let's stay a few more days and leave after the holiday!"

This city was as peaceful as a paradise, with residents whose brows were relaxed and whose faces wore calm smiles. The atmosphere was harmonious, and Dugu Qing immediately fell in love with the place.

"Okay! But, no alcohol, okay?"

Frieren reminded everyone in a serious and methodical manner.

"Uh-huh."

Stark nodded emphatically. After all, beer isn't alcohol, so you can't drink too much of it.

Commercial street, Deer Cry Inn.

The four arrived at the lobby, checked in, and settled into their rooms on the second floor.

Frieren took a bath, put on her pajamas, leaned against the railing, and admired the bustling traffic below, gradually relaxing.

Dugu Qing carried a bamboo basket and headed to the market, intending to prepare a delicious meal to reward herself.

Fern immediately reappeared and caught up with Dugu Qing. The two of them, like a divine couple, strolled through the streets wearing matching clothes.

Dugu Qing thought about the New Year in her previous life.

I'll go to concerts, watch fireworks shows, eat delicious food, stay up all night for New Year's Eve, and buy lots of fun games...

He opened his mind and decided to relax.

They took Fern to the market to buy various snacks.

After we finished eating, I also brought some for Frieren.

"A circus just passed by; it's such a shame you didn't see it."

Frieren took the snacks, a smile playing on her lips, and savored them slowly.

"There's a circus here? That's great! Let's go see the circus on New Year's Eve!"

Unable to attend concerts or play strategy games in this other world, Dugu Qing can only focus her attention on small animals.

"What's so interesting about animals? I just want to sleep, you can go now!"

Stark was completely exhausted. All he could hope for now was to sleep and rest to replenish his depleted energy.

"Then let's go as a trio!"

Fern looked at Frieren with expectation in his eyes.

Frieren lowered her eyes and nodded slightly.

The group rested at the hotel for a few days. Dugu Qing and Fern bought various ingredients in advance and prepared all sorts of delicious food.

Braised pork belly, sweet and sour pork, West Lake fish in vinegar sauce, fried pork ribs, steamed buns, Mapo tofu, boiled fish fillets, dumplings, glutinous rice balls, sweet potato balls...

Fern, Stark, Frieren had a wonderful time eating.

She's gained a significant amount of weight.

Even Frieren, who claims to have a naturally thin physique, has noticed that her face has become slightly rounder.

Fern wanted to be reserved, but the thought that once they left Wine City, they would be surrounded by a forest teeming with monsters and fraught with danger made them eat even more heartily.

With her mouth stuffed and holding something in her hand, her figure grew increasingly voluptuous.

If Zanze sees Fern again, he definitely won't cry and beg to find a mature older sister anymore...

The residents near the hotel usually eat bread and potatoes, and at most, they'll add steak.

Now that we have such a good neighbor as Dugu Qing, we're really living a good life, having lavish meals every few days...

The children in the family were hoarse from shouting, and the adults' stomachs were rumbling with hunger. Despite the pain in their livers, they brought their families to the hotel for a big meal.

This led to a surge in the hotel's business. Upon hearing about this, the hotel owner went directly to Dugu Qing and waived all the room fees for the adventure team.

"Dugu Qing's cooking skills are truly excellent. After the adventure ends, he should open a restaurant; it'll definitely be a huge success."

Upon hearing this, Stark devoured half a roast suckling pig in one gulp.

"No way, I won't sell what I make. That would take away the fun of cooking."

"That's right, Dugu Qing's level is indeed higher!"

Without hesitation, Fern blurted out, making no attempt to hide his status as Dugu Qing's number one die-hard fan.

"All right!"

Stark thought that Fern had become much bolder since obtaining the Magic of Eternal Youth, and nodded speechlessly.

As everyone enjoyed the delicious food, time flew by and night fell.

The crackling of firecrackers echoed intermittently throughout the Wine City, followed by beautiful fireworks bursting in the sky above each house, their light scattering across the streets and alleys.

Upon hearing the noise, Frieren, Dugu Qing, Fern, Stark moved out a sofa and sat down in the open-air corridor.

Watching the fireworks light up the night sky, the tension from days of battle finally eased, restoring a sense of peace and tranquility.