In stark contrast to the situation here, Lu Ze's side was a picture of peace. Although many demonic beasts had blocked their path along the way, they couldn't resist the army's push north. Soon, they arrived at the ancient structure, Gu Li Yuan.
Lu Ze was currently recounting the events of the past.
Due to the system, he had successfully arrived at that orphanage, which was where he met everyone.
He clearly remembered, it was a morning of heavy snowfall…
"It's so cold... Damn system, why does it always open dungeons in places with ice and snow everywhere? I should have worn more clothes if I had known…"
Since he had no idea where he was in the dungeon, he hadn't made any preparations. His thin sleeves, buffeted by the cold wind, made him feel like he was about to freeze into an ice popsicle.
"Orphanage? Could this be... Cocolia's…?"
As if confirming his guess, as the outline gradually enlarged, the lights and warm glow of the house became clearly visible.
The people inside, seeing someone still out and about in such weather, poked their heads out, eager to see who it was.
Even Cocolia was somewhat shocked. After all, a child out in this weather? How could that be?
She quickly ran out to check the situation. Perhaps due to the extreme cold, Lu Ze collapsed on the snow as he walked, every inch of his skin frostbitten, his entire body chillingly cold.
"Child? Are you alright, child!"
Finding that the child had lost consciousness, Cocolia quickly scooped him up and, braving the wind and snow, returned to the orphanage.
Under the warmth of the fireplace, his body temperature gradually returned to normal, but he remained unconscious.
"Mommy Cocolia… Who is he? Why was he outside?"
Rosalia, who was very young, leaned in close, wanting to imprint the child's appearance deeply in her memory.
"I don't know either, but… until we figure out the situation, let him stay here for now."
Bronya, sitting beside them, propped her chin with one hand, lost in thought. She had a feeling that things were not as simple as they seemed.
"You children stop crowding around. Let him rest for a while."
As time passed, Lu Ze's eyelashes trembled slightly, and then his eyelids lifted. The first thing he saw was the ceiling.
"Where am I… It's so warm. Huh? Where is this?"
In a panic, he quickly sat up from the sofa. He looked around but saw no one, except for the warm fireplace, a not-too-shabby sofa, and cozy decorations, giving the impression of a snow cottage.
"You're awake?"
Cocolia had appeared behind him at some point. Looking at his handsome face, she couldn't help but hug him.
"Ah, please don't do that… It only makes me uncomfortable."
Seeing the child resist so much, Cocolia could only set aside her purest intentions and prepare to question the child's background.
"My name is Cocolia, and I'm the director of this orphanage. I wonder, little one, how did you end up outside? There aren't many people living nearby."
Upon hearing this question, Lu Ze glanced nervously out the window, his mind racing to concoct a plausible excuse. But no matter what he said, it sounded suspicious.
"Um… I don't know."
This answer completely stumped Cocolia, leaving her speechless.
"Then where is your home? Your parents? Don't tell me you don't know that either."
Lu Ze continued to feign ignorance. After a series of "I don't know" answers, even Cocolia lost interest in questioning him further.
"Last question, you don't mean to say you don't even remember your name, do you?"
"This I remember. My name is Lu Ze… Lu from 'land', Ze from 'Bai Ze'."
Upon hearing that he wasn't completely clueless, Cocolia breathed a sigh of relief. If he didn't know this, he was likely simple-minded. Fortunately, he wasn't.
"In that case, Lu Ze. You can stay at the orphanage for the time being. I will send people to look for information about you. Until we get a clear answer, I hope you won't leave here easily."
Hearing about free accommodation, this was exactly what Lu Ze wanted. After all, the dungeon had a long duration, and he needed a stable place to live.
"Okay, I'll trouble you then."
About half an hour later, it was time for lunch. All the children came out of their rooms. The first thing that caught the eye was a pair of twin sisters.
The pink-haired one was a bit lively, while the lake-blue-haired one was a bit quiet. Their names were Rosalia and Liliya, respectively.
There was also a somewhat tsundere child, whose personality was a bit annoying but was actually someone with a sharp tongue and a soft heart, using harsh words to conceal her fragile inner self. Her name was Xing.
The remaining two were Seele and Bronya.
"Everyone, wash your hands obediently, and then sit in your seats. I have something to say."
As the children sat down one by one, Cocolia smiled gently. She always had boundless tolerance and love for these children, and for them… she was willing to sacrifice anything.
"Today, we have a new member joining us. His name is Lu Ze. He will be staying here temporarily until we figure out his background. Don't bully him. Everyone, introduce yourselves."
When it came to introductions, Rosalia was the first to step up, immediately saying.
"Hello, my name is Rosalia. It's nice to meet you, and I hope we can play together in the future."
Her light blue pupils twinkled slightly, and a smile graced her face, making her seem very approachable.
"Silly Rosalia, sit down quickly. It's my turn. My name is Liliya. Please take care of me in the future."
It was evident that the bond between these two sisters was extraordinary.
Next was Xing, who looked disdainful. She simply stated her name and sat down. Her displeased expression made her look like a boy.
"Hello… My name is Seele. I hope we can get along happily."
"Bronya. I am happy to become your friend."
Seeing that everyone had introduced themselves, Cocolia clapped her hands and said happily:
"Alright, let's eat, children. Today we're having curry rice."
The clinking of chopsticks or spoons echoed on the table. No one spoke while eating, but the curry rice tasted quite good.