In the hushed hours of the night, the Proseford Village underwent a breathtaking transformation.
The cobblestone streets, typically teeming with the hustle and bustle of the day, lay quietly beneath a pristine quilt of fresh snow.
The occasional creak of wooden shutters and the soft crunch of footsteps were the only sounds that broke the stillness.
As the village's diligent workers concluded their day, they made their way home, their footprints forming a meandering path in the snow.
They were bundled in thick, woolen coats and fur-lined cloaks. Their footsteps were deliberate, leaving distinct trails in the snow. Faces were often obscured by scarves and hoods, protection against the winter's frosty grip.
Lanterns hung from wrought-iron brackets, casting a warm, inviting glow onto the cobblestone streets. The windows of the cottages were adorned with lace curtains, offering glimpses into hearths with roaring fires, around which families gathered to escape the cold.
The guards, bundled in heavy, fur-lined cloaks, patrolled the streets with a solemn dedication.
Their boots left deep impressions in the snow, and their watchful eyes scanned every corner, ensuring the village remained safe.
The gentle breath of the wind carried a bite, and each exhalation of people turned into a visible cloud of mist.
Overhead, the sky was a canvas of darkness, punctuated by the glistening diamonds of stars.
The snowfall, like a flurry of delicate dancers, continued its descent.
Each unique snowflake fell gently to the ground, building upon the ever-growing blanket of white.
The snow-covered rooftops formed elegant, rounded peaks, and icicles hung from eaves, catching the soft lamplight.
As Reiner walked through this serene winter's night, his boots produced a satisfying crunch with each step. His breath, visible in the chilled air, dissipated into the quiet landscape.
It was quite hard to enter the village without getting noticed by anyone.
Reiner thought as he walked towards Zephyr's home.
***
Reiner's journey to the village had been a grueling one, necessitating hours of relentless walking through the snow-covered wilderness.
His journey began at daybreak, as the first light of dawn kissed the snow-covered landscape. It was a half-day trek, and he knew he needed to make the most of the available daylight.
After all, it would be more dangerous in the night.
The snow, waist-deep in some places, made every step a laborious effort. Reiner's boots sank into the snow with each footfall, and he was often knee-deep in its frozen embrace.
He took periodic pauses for short breaks, finding a snow-covered rock or a fallen log to sit on.
During these moments, he would take a sip of water from his flask to quench his thirst and have a small handful of dry fruits to stave off hunger.
I wish I had some beer and these cashews were roasted.
Ahh... The grape wine would be nice too.
When the exhaustion began to set in, Reiner reached for a piece of dried meat jerky, chewing on the tough, flavorful morsels to refuel his energy.
He carefully chose his routes, aiming to avoid the deepest snowdrifts. He followed the forest's edge, where the snow was less cumbersome, and occasionally hopped from one boulder to another to avoid sinking into the snow.
It's good that I didn't encounter any Permafrost Revenants.
Well, they aren't much different to zombies. I didn't want to meet them so it's good for me.
Reiner thought as he moved. There were many mysterious things in the world. No one knew much about them except they roamed at night.
***
After spending more than half a day walking, Reiner could see the walls of the Proseford Village.
It was already night. Therefore, guards were guarding the entrance.
Reiner cautiously approached the outskirts of the village, where the glow of lanterns and the warmth of home fires began to recede.
The village's perimeter was bordered by a low stone wall that met the edge of the dense forest, creating a natural barrier for all but one approach.
The entrance was a formidable structure, characterized by two massive towering, weathered wooden posts, which stood sentinel on either side, with lanterns hung from their iron brackets, providing a warm and welcoming glow in the evening hours.
A wrought-iron archway, adorned with intricate scrollwork, marked the boundary between the village and the outside world. The archway was draped in thick ivy, now dormant in the winter cold but promising vibrant greenery in the spring.
Each gate featured a peephole that allowed the guards to survey those who sought entry.
Village guards, distinguished by their fur-lined cloaks and lanterns, stood sentinel duty at this entrance, vigilant against any potential threats.
They were well-acquainted with the villagers and their comings and goings, but they remained wary of strangers who sought to enter after dark.
They might get suspicious if I approach the village at this time.
As most of Permafrost Revenants roamed at night, the guards would rarely let people enter the village at night.
Although it might sound atrocious, it was one of the ideal methods they could implement.
This entrance served as the gateway for the Proseford Village. There wasn't any other entrance either.
Beyond it lay the cobblestone streets and the timeless architecture, where thatched cottages huddled together.
I can enter through the forest, but I don't think I should do that. It's too dangerous.
According to Zephyr's memory fragments, there weren't any gaps in the stone wall either.
Reiner would have jumped off those stone walls, but it was close to impossible.
The village's perimeter was encased by a formidable stone wall, its height reaching a sturdy ten feet. Along the top of this protective barrier, wrought-iron spikes jutted upward, serving as a clear deterrent to would-be intruders.
I might become a fishing net if I fall on those spikes.
While there was an option of waiting till morning when guards stopped patrolling.
However, I don't want to wait till then. I don't when I would encounter some danger.
With my current misfortune, I won't wonder if I encounter some Permafrost Revenants.
Reiner was also quite tired from walking for more than half a day. He was almost reaching his limits.
There was also potential risk of hyperthermia. His supplies were also reaching the low bottom.
In the end, Reiner left the entrance and went to a different area.