Scorching Desert

A few days passed since Nox started developing the Abandoned Village. Besides the Wooden Fence and Gate, he built a few towers overseeing the entire village, which will notify him if there's anyone or anything approaching which could pose a threat.

When Roi woke up and saw the changes happening around him, he confronted the young man. Nox told him the truth about the skill he gained after he defeated the Hero, Jenna.

Roi didn't question him since he was being honest and offered to help with any materials he may need in his constructions.

Nox is at a stalemate. According to the Development Table, he needs a crystal so he can build a magic research building, and further advance their magical strength. That kind of crystal is rare and they can only find it in ancient ruins and temples.

Roi, over the years, found pieces of information in his travels or what one can describe as rumors of a lost city beneath the Scorching Desert. The duo embarks on a journey, hoping to find said city and the crystal in the meantime.

Experiencing the intense heat before when he first arrived in this world, Nox secures a not so reasonable amount of water. Even though there are streams along the way, he leaves nothing to chance.

He takes a while to walk out of the Abandoned Village. He's been reluctant since he fixed a portion of it, but it's something he needs to do, in order to move forward and gain strength he will later need.

Nox and Roi both ride Umbra and set off. The ever-changing scenery leaves them in awe as they feel stagnant in time and the rest of the world around them moves.

Since leveling up, the Mana Hound is faster, and it doesn't take them long to reach the streams. Something that previously had taken Nox half a day, it only took Umbra an hour or two.

They let the beast rest and have their fill with water, fresh straight from the source. They may not need it, since it didn't take them long, but they understand the dangerous situation they will be in if they don't hydrate enough. Same goes for Umbra. As soon as they got off him, he jumped into the stream and splashed in the shallow water.

Nox returned to the familiar fishing spot and caught a few fish for later. Roi kept watch by patrolling the area.

After resting, they get back on Umbra's back and continue their journey. Nox is feeling anxious, coming this way. Memories surface from when he first woke up. "Since we are making good time, with this guy's speed, how about we make camp a little further than we planned?"

Roi senses the fluctuations in Nox's emotions. "As long as we have water nearby, I don't think it'll be an issue."

As they get closer to the Scorching Desert, the more the heat gets to them. Their mouths dry faster and sweat drenches their clothes. Umbra has it the hardest. Being a beast in black fur, it draws in all the heat.

Long way ahead till they actually reach their destination, but the waves carrying the high temperatures are never-ending. Small gusts of wind every one in a while, refreshes their burning bodies.

Because of the blistering rays, they stop more frequently and replenish their energy with water and the occasional snack. Either a fish Nox caught earlier or if they are lucky fruits from their latest stop, next to a grand forest, with trees so high that cover the blue sky.

The forest is next to the dirt road they are travelling, but as a change of pace and to get out of the blazing sun, they decide to take a detour and delay a few hours. As soon as they enter the forest, they get off Umbra and into formation with the beast in the front, and the duo follows.

Nox and company get bombarded with the forestry freshness after entering its shade. Their fatigue fades into nothingness while they inhale the surrounding humid air. A feeling of euphoria overwhelms them, as the sudden surge of oxygen into their systems makes them hazy.

They embrace this fresh sensation with smiles. It rejuvenates them mostly, therefore; they don't mind the minimal side effect that comes with it.

Surrounding them are trees with enormous trunks and rough barks that almost seem peeled off. Branches reach the sky and cast a shadow under them, letting no light through. Sneaky vines hang from whenever they want and climbing plants with overly large leaves and fragrant flowers create a green husk around the gigantic things.

Being in an unfamiliar place, they keep their guards up as they move forward and deeper into the forest. They walk with caution and take in all this novel place offers.

Umbra's fur puffs because of the humidity, making the other two laugh to the point of tears, but the beast is fine with it. He prefers the forestry breeze with moist and refreshing air over the shadeless dirt road.

A few hours pass and the sun waves goodbye to the world below, as its brilliance is getting replaced by every passing minute when the night's dark sheet envelops the sky. The tall trees obscure the vision of the sparkling world above them with their density. Shining stars claim their place by shedding silver light.

A chorus performed by bugs livens the night life of the forest as their chirping gets louder. Nox and company lay on the mossy ground and enjoy the serenade.

The following morning, they pack their things and continue their journey. They are almost out of the jungle and their movement becomes sluggish. In their hearts, they know that enjoying a cool shade is no longer possible unless luck smiles at them.

Nox, Roi and Umbra stand together and steel their resolve. In their eyes burns determination as they take the first step out of the paradise they enjoyed so far. A sudden burst of heat waves attacks their faces and hot air invades their nostrils.

Nox rubs a wet towel around his face. His muffled voice is barely audible. "It's like a different world!"

They are closer now to their destination, but a different surge of feelings leaks out of Nox's eyes. The familiar knoll with the tree and its umbrella-like branches he woke up under is right in front of him.

"How would things have gone if I had gone the other way that day, I wonder!"

Roi looks at him, confused. Nox closes his eyes and shakes his head. "Pay me no mind. I'm reminiscing!"

Their reluctance diminishes and their muscles relax after they watch Nox approaching the small rise. Like a tapestry, the tall grass covers the entire valley and the hump accommodating the tree.

As he got closer, he saw something blinking at the foot of the rise. He quickened his pace until he reached it. It's been so long that he completely forgot about his phone. Of all the places he finds it here in the grass. "It must have fallen off my pocket back then…"

He picks it up with visible sadness on his face. "I forgot all about it…!"

Roi and Umbra caught up to him. They didn't disturb him when they saw him lost in thought. Saying nothing, they went around and sat down in the grass, waiting for him. Umbra rolled around while wiggling his tail, like he had never seen grass before.

Moments later, the young man regains his composure. He puts the phone in his pocket and turns towards them with a smile. "Thank you for giving me some time… Shall we get going?"

Roi didn't question him about the strange device. He simply got up and nodded.

At first he wanted to have a break here and spend the night, but they already got delayed in the forest's detour. Nox felt a pressure of urgency in his chest to keep going, like they were behind schedule. After confirming with Roi, they agreed to have their next stop before entering the Scorching Desert.

While walking, the young man with the messy brown hair can't help but think out loud. "I don't want to jinx it, but our trip is with no trouble so far!"

Roi chuckles, which leaves Nox confused. "With this guy around…? Who or what would dare attack us?"

Nox smiles and pats Umbra. "Thank you for keeping us safe buddy!"

The Mana Hound howls and wags his tail.

After walking for a few hours, they would make sudden stops to splash the faces and refresh their innards with water. They didn't ride Umbra this time around to not make it difficult for him. He already struggles with his fur.

When the sun started its descent, the air got cooler. This helped them to fasten their pace and reach their destination without taking further breaks.

There's still ample light before the sun completely vanishes behind the sandy hills, but the duo doesn't want to push their luck. Nox stands right on the border between green and gold. "Let's make camp for the night!"