Though she eased her guard slightly in the senior man's presence, she remained vigilant.

Accepting the water graciously, Nicole refrained from drinking immediately. "Sir, where exactly am I?" she inquired with curiosity.

"This is Mount Yienswart," the senior man responded.

Mount Yienswart? Realization dawned upon Nicole. She had traversed beyond the valley into a different mountainous region.

Roscoe's warning about the challenges of seeking assistance echoed in Nicole's mind as she observed the remote surroundings, devoid of any signal or means of communication. Even if she managed to find help, the journey out of this isolated place would span at least a week, with rescuers likely taking another week to arrive. By then, the witches would have vanished without a trace.

The valley's seclusion and inaccessibility had evidently appealed to thosee witches, serving as a haven for their nefarious deeds.

The senior man brought a plate adorned with freshly roasted game.

Prioritizing Nicole's well-being, he took a portion for himself before offering the remaining food to her. “Eat up, young lady. You must replenish your strength," he urged kindly.

Gratitude flooded Nicole's heart as she recognized the subtle gesture, the man's act of consuming the food first to allay her suspicions of poisoning.

Nicole's stomach protested loudly, craving sustenance after a night spent adrift in the water. The witches had intended to cleanse Nicole's body through enforced fasting, but hunger now gnawed at her insides, driving her to eagerly devour the meat before her.

With each satisfying bite, a welcomed warmth spread throughout Nicole's body, dispelling the chill of the night's ordeal.

Remarkably, her stomach welcomed the nourishment without protest, urging her to consume more. Could it be the effect of the mysterious pill? Nicole pondered silently, her thoughts interrupted as the senior man, sensing her lingering hunger, tore off two additional sizable portions from the grill, offering them to her without hesitation.

“Eat up, young lady. Don't be shy. We have an abundance of game here in the mountains." The senior man encouraged warmly.

Nicole needed no further invitation. She indulged in the hearty meal, savoring the succulent flavors of the roasted game and refreshing herself with the pure water from the mountain spring. With each bite and sip, she felt her strength returning, revitalizing her weary body.

Once her hunger was sated, Nicole knew she had to strategize her next steps. Without sufficient strength, her chances of navigating the treacherous terrain ahead were slim. Turning to the senior man, she inquired, "Do you happen to know how far Witch Valley is from here?"

At the mention of "Witch Valley," the senior man's demeanor shifted abruptly. His gentle expression hardened, and his brows furrowed in suspicion. "Why do you seek that place? Are you from Witch Valley?" he questioned, his grip tightening around the carving knife at his side.

Sensing his apprehension, Nicole hastened to clarify, “I'm searching for my friend. He's still there, and I need to bring him back."

Upon hearing her explanation, the senior man's demeanor softened, and he loosened his grip on the knife. "You should depart soon. It typically takes about three days to traverse these mountains. However, reaching Witch Valley will likely require four or five days, given your current condition. It's wiser to seek help than to venture deeper into danger.”

Grateful for his guidance, Nicole rose from her seat and removed a gold bracelet from her wrist, offering it to the senior man. “Please, take this. You can exchange it for supplies," she insisted earnestly.

The senior man hesitated, declining her offer initially. Nicole persisted. Fearing he might be taken advantage of, she explained, "This bracelet is solid gold, weighing sixty-two grams. Its value exceeds four hundred per gram. Ensure you receive a fair price."