Once, a high-ranking official in Kreshill refused to believe in the ominous legends surrounding Herbs Valley. He saw an opportunity to develop the valley into a tourist attraction and reap enormous profits. To prove the rumors false, he publicly announced his intention to personally debunk the myths about the valley. News of the official's upcoming venture into Herbs Valley spread like wildfire across the internet. Although most people doubted the official's bold claims and believed he was walking into his own demise, curiosity got the better of them. Everyone closely watched his movements, discussing his fate over meals and during breaks. A week later, the official, brimming with energy and confidence, was fully prepared for the journey. He posted a high-spirited photo of himself on social media, the sun shining brightly and a radiant smile. Little did he know that photo would become his obituary. The day he entered the valley, he vanished without a trace. No one ever saw him leave Herbs Valley again. His disappearance sent shockwaves through the public, cementing the valley's notorious reputation. With such a grim precedent, no one dared approach the valley anymore. This was why Matthew could not find any local workers willing to build a house in the valley despite offering astronomical wages. Upon hearing they'd have to work in Herbs Valley, laborers from Kreshill all shook their heads and flatly refused. It made sense—no amount of money was worth risking one's life. Out of fear of the valley's dangers, no worker was willing to take on the job. With no other options, Matthew was forced to hire a specialized construction team from abroad, paying an exorbitant price for their services. Though they initially agreed on the design and layout of the house, the builders could only endure the valley's harsh environment for a month before quitting. In the end, Matthew completed even the finishing touches on the wooden house alone. Despite the terrifying tales spread by outsiders, the Daves never felt anything unusual about the valley. On the contrary, they always experienced an inexplicable sense of familiarity with the place. As for the various rumors, such as exposure to toxic gases in the valley leading to death within a week or the thin air causing rapid oxygen deprivation and eventual suffocation, none of these seemed to affect the Daves at all. Apart from occasionally getting lost, they navigated the valley easily and never encountered any discomfort. Addison never understood why. She once asked Matthew, who scratched his head in confusion before replying, "Maybe it's something inherited from our ancestors." Inherited genes from the Daves's ancestors? Addison didn't understand what that meant as a child and could only shake her head. It wasn't until she grew older that she began to grasp the idea—perhaps the Daves had some sort of special constitution that allowed them to move freely through Herbs Valley. When they were about a few hundred yards from the house, Leon stopped the car."This is as far as we can drive. We'll have to walk the rest of the way. "Morris, grab the backup supplies from the trunk," Leon instructed. "Got it." Morris, dressed in work clothes, promptly got out and opened the trunk. "Addy, walk ahead of me so I can keep an eye on you," Leon said, turning to her after giving Morris his orders. His words pulled Addison out of her thoughts. "Alright." She nodded quickly, snapping back to reality. "Let's get going then. The path ahead isn't great, but you're wearing sneakers, so you should be fine." "Got it." Addison opened the car door and hopped out, taking the lead while Leon followed closely behind her. Morris trailed at the rear, carrying several large bags. As Addison walked toward the house, she couldn't help but be amazed by the structure ahead. The closer she got, the more intricate it appeared, leaving her astonished. A house of this size. How did they even manage to build it in such a treacherous valley? This was incredible. She couldn't fathom how her grandfather hired someone to construct such a magnificent house in this dangerous environment. "What's on your mind?" Leon asked, always perceptive to her emotions. Hearing his voice, Addison pointed toward the house not far ahead. "Uncle Leon, when did Grandpa build this house? It's so impressive." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as though she were marveling at a masterpiece. "Oh, that," Leon said with a casual tone. "It was built in recent years. Your dad hired an international construction team, and it took them three whole years to complete it."