As the senior man savored his pipe, his tranquil demeanor remained unshaken, his gaze fixed upon the secret location of the hidden witch clan within the valley.

At last, he extinguished his pipe, rising to his feet with deliberate slowness and brushing off his attire. “Let's proceed," he announced calmly.

Nicole and the senior man ventured into the valley, their familiarity with the terrain lessening the sense of unfamiliarity. Nicole, armed with the sulfur powder provided by the senior man for snake deterrence, navigated the winding paths with cautious determination.

As they entered the valley, the ground stirred with the presence of slithering serpents. Though the sight might have unnerved her before, Nicole remained composed, addressing the situation with practiced calmness. She judiciously dispersed small amounts of sulfur powder, ensuring the serpents were deterred without intruding upon their habitat excessively, reserving the remainder for potential emergencies.

As twilight descended, Nicole awaited the cover of darkness to proceed further into the valley. Concealing herself, she watched silently as the senior man rose to his feet, addressing her with a solemn directive, "Remain here. There's a matter I must attend to."

"Alright." Though Nicole remained unaware of the senior man's precise intentions, she understood his profound disdain for the witches and his unwavering resolve to eradicate their presence.

Whatever actions the senior man undertook, Nicole resolved not to pry too deeply, trusting in his judgment implicitly.

As the senior man meticulously prepared his tools, he said to Nicole with solemn urgency, “Regardless of whether you rescue your friend, you must leave this place before dawn, understood?"

Puzzled by his directive, Nicole regarded him with confusion, prompting the senior man to clarify the gravity of the situation.

"Did you notice the pile of red berries near the snakes when you entered? It signifies a ritual tonight. Come dawn, all witches and serpents will disperse. If you're caught, escape will be futile. Do you understand?"

Nicole's confusion deepened at the revelation of the impending ritual.

Emerie had spoken of using her for such a ceremony. With her free from captivity, who would become their sacrificial pawn?

Recognizing Nicole's lingering bewilderment, the senior man reiterated his instruction with firm insistence. "Remember, leave before dawn, understood?"

To reassure him, Nicole offered a nod of affirmation.

Only after that did the senior man leave.

As darkness enveloped the valley and the senior man failed to return, Nicole resolved to take action alone.

Retracing her previous steps, Nicole followed the familiar path leading to the ritual site. A sense of unease gnawed at her.

Arriving at the ritual site, Nicole was met with a surreal sight.

Hundreds of witch clans congregated, draped in voluminous black cloaks adorned with crimson trim. Their obscured visages, concealed beneath hooded robes, rendered them enigmatic and inscrutable.

In reverent silence, the assembly knelt before the figure at the forefront. The chief was resplendent in a vibrant scarlet robe embellished with gilded accents. Amidst the swirling tendrils of rising smoke, the chief exuded an aura of regality and inviolable authority.