Spring rain.
The rain pattered down without pause.
The mountain road was difficult to traverse, slippery and muddy.
The men silently concealed their fatigue, maintaining their formation as they advanced at a steady pace.
The captain's voice rang out:
"The Magic Cottage is just ahead. We'll rest there tonight!"
"Yes!" everyone answered in unison.
The captain added, "Brother Peppa, I suggest you at least wait until dawn before crossing this mountain. It'll be safer that way."
"All right, I'll come along with you, then," Shen Ye said with a smile.
At these words, everyone's expressions visibly relaxed.
-A fierce tiger had just charged out from behind the bushes. Before anyone could react, Brother Peppa had shot it dead.
What excellent archery!
Having a hermit like him around gave them an added sense of security.
"Come on. The marching rations in the cottage aren't very tasty, but I remember there are a few bottles of wine left. I'll share some with you tonight," the soldier captain said with a smile.
"Thank you, then," Shen Ye replied.
The group unconsciously quickened its pace.
The rain grew heavier.
After they rounded several winding bends in the mountain road, someone suddenly called, "We're here!"
Shen Ye looked up and saw a large, towering wooden cottage on a flat stretch of land jutting out halfway up the mountain.
A faint glow appeared beside the cottage:
"Magic Cottage." "Enchanted with several permanent utility and defensive spells to provide a resting place for human soldiers."
-It was a magical building!
The soldier captain strode up to the cottage, took out a badge, and pressed it firmly into a recess in the door.
Clack, clack, clack, clack-
Gears turned with a series of clicks.
The door opened.
Inside, candles had already been lit throughout the cottage.