Kalanfu'er, the outskirts.
A breeze blew past, and nameless wildflowers swayed gently, their delicate petals looking especially vivid against the surrounding greenery.
The mushrooms at the foot of the wall had grown slightly larger than before. A careful look would even reveal two tiny clusters of miscellaneous fungi sprouting on either side of the roots that dug deep into the soil.
It was still that little wooden cabin nestled among the flowerbeds.
Quiet and peaceful.
Today, after the Halfling and the young Adventurer from a month ago, it welcomed another guest.
A burly, rough-featured Barbarian.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Fugan gently knocked on the door. Bits of grass clinging to his arm were shaken loose, drifting down to the stone steps before the door.
Behind the door came the slow, muffled sound of footsteps.
Creak—
The hinge rubbed, letting out a harsh screech.
Old Man Lou, his face gaunt and dry, slowly opened the door.
As if he had long since known the Barbarian would come, there was not the slightest trace of surprise in the old man's single eye, cloudy and dim like a mire.
A strange smile surfaced on that aged face, layered with folds of flesh and age spots.
"You're here?" He turned sideways, making way into the house.
"Come in. It's far too cold outside."
It was the height of summer. The temperature might have dropped somewhat because night was approaching, but no matter what, it had nothing to do with the word "cold."
At this moment, however, no one cared about such trivial details.
As if he really were only a traveler paying a temporary visit, Fugan's face showed not the slightest expression as he squeezed through the doorframe and walked inside.
"Sit down first. I'll pour you a cup of tea."
The old man greeted