Old Gods

On the third night after leaving Silver Oak City, the party made camp at the edge of an open woodland.

The nearest village was still half a day away, but the terrain here was flat and the view unobstructed, making it an ideal campsite.

Kade swept the surroundings with [Detect Evil]. Only after confirming there was no danger did everyone set up camp with ease, while Xia Lin also cast an Alarm scroll just in case.

Night fell, and the temperature plummeted.

Late autumn nights carried a biting chill. If not for Xia Lin's hundred-gold [Ever-Burning Warmth], everyone would probably have been shivering.

Xia Lin had long since fallen asleep wrapped in a blanket. The occasional indistinct mumble from his dreams sounded like he was haggling with someone.

And Celia, the fusion who theoretically did not need sleep, was also curled up in a sleeping bag. Her breathing was steady and deep, an unnatural flush tinged her cheeks, and even a sweet smile lingered at the corners of her mouth. She looked like she was sleeping even more soundly than Xia Lin.

"This is also part of adapting to mortal life." That was Xia Lin's excuse when he forced her to rest.

Sera sat alone by the campfire, absentmindedly poking at the flames with a branch, sending sparks soaring before the night wind extinguished them.

A small pot still hung over the fire, containing some of tonight's dinner: meat porridge mixed with wild vegetables.

The wild vegetable was called Dreamroot Grass, an ingredient often used in the wild by experienced hunters. Not only was it nutritious, but its distinctive roots could also help restore stamina quickly.

Heavy footsteps came from behind her. Kade's tall figure appeared in the firelight. He removed his helmet, his short golden hair looking especially warm