Upon learning of its worth, the senior man's reluctance deepened. "I have no need for it. I barter game for all I require. Keep it for yourself," he replied kindly.

“Sir, I implore you to accept this humble offering. It holds little value in comparison to the debt of gratitude I owe for your timely intervention."

Despite the senior man's persistent protests, Nicole stood her ground, her eyes reflecting unwavering determination. She reasoned that the senior man could rely on the gold bracelet in exchange for satisfying his basic needs when he could no longer hunt.

Nicole discreetly tucked the gleaming gold bracelet beneath the plate of roasted game.

Unaware of the gesture, the senior man's concern for Nicole's well-being lingered. "You should consider resting some more. I'm surprised you haven't caught a fever yet since the mountain water can be very cold."

"I am grateful for your concern, sir, but time is of the essence. My friend needs me and I cannot waste time. Could you spare some dried meat and point me in the right direction?" Feeling hesitant to request assistance, Nicole elaborated. "Considering the length of the journey, my lack of hunting skills, and the insufficient sustenance wild fruits provide, dried meat is my optimal choice. Water, on the other hand, will be readily available due to the abundance of streams around."

The senior man expressed surprise, “I can provide you with the meat, but are you certain about venturing into Witch Valley? It poses considerable danger."

"I am aware of the risks, but my friend is in danger and I need to save him," Nicole responded resolutely.

After a brief moment of silence, the senior man's voice broke through the quiet, tinged with concern. “It's a dangerous place, you know. Are you absolutely sure you want to go there?"

“Yeah, I'm sure. I can't just leave my friend behind," Nicole replied firmly.

After a pause, the senior man surprised Nicole with his response. "I won't just tell you where to go. I'll come with you."

Nicole was stunned by his offer, her surprise evident. Concerned for his well-being, she quickly protested, saying, "Sir, you don't have to do that. I can handle it alone."

But the senior man shook his head, determined. "It's not just about you. My own child was in the Witch Valley," he confessed, his voice revealing the depth of his worry.

Nicole looked slightly confused and asked, "Sir, is your child a boy or a girl? How did your child end up in that situation?"

Now it was Nicole's turn to feel cautious. Could the senior man's child be a girl, possibly even a witch?

Luckily, that was not the case. The senior man said with seriousness, “My child is a boy. He was taken by that old white-haired witch. She denies it, but I'm sure she was responsible!"

Nicole slowly started to piece things together. The senior man had discovered an abandoned baby in a trash heap when he was descending the mountain. The infant was cold and had turned purple. When the senior man unwrapped the small blanket around the infant, he saw that the infant was born with only one hand.

He took the baby to a rescue center, but they dismissed him, insisting the child should be sent to an orphanage.

Living in the mountains for years, the senior man didn't know how to contact the police for help. However, the baby seemed to choose him, grabbing his sleeve tightly with its only hand, without crying or making a fuss.

Moved by this, the senior man decided to take the baby back up the mountain to raise him. As the boy grew, he was healthy despite missing an arm, and his laughter filled the senior man's mountain home.