20 The Deadlands (1/2)

”This is it. I guess. There's no turning back.” said Alfred who was sitting on a horse while looking back at the Farach Pass.

”Yeah ... well ... nevermind. We do or die, buddy.” Luccio replied to Alfred. He also rode a horse.

”....” Arno, who was sitting behind Alfred, was just silent.

After the team had taken a break at the 5th legion camp for a day, they finally left again this morning.

They had just arrived at the end of the southern border, just steps away from entering the Gobi Deadlands.

”Alright! In front of us now is the Deadlands. Does anyone want to go back? This is when you choose, otherwise, we will continue soon.” Melissa's rather a loud voice was aimed at the members.

The team members began to stare at each other.

They encouraged their hearts, and none of them wanted to return.

After waiting for a while and seeing none of them changed their minds. Melissa nodded in satisfaction.

”Good then. Let's go.” then Melissa gave the order to continue the journey.

All team members began to ride their horses at a fast pace towards the Deadlands.

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The journey to the deepest part of the Deadlands is expected to take approximately 3 weeks. That too if the journey is smooth and not hampered.

Therefore, the team had a discussion again this morning. Where a travel plan was made using various information they got from General Arthur, and clues from legion soldiers stationed at Farach Pass.

Their travel routes are separated in stages, and each stage has its own destination. The first destination is a village owned by the barbarians, named Sabre-tooth Village.

The Sabre-tooth village was a small settlement of the Sabre-tooth tribe. According to legion information, when the demon beast's attack occurred, the Sabre-tooth tribe was unable to hold it back. After many casualties, they were forced to leave the village and join other tribes to seek refuge on the imperial border. Because of this, the village is now destroyed and has been abandoned.

The village is located about 150km south of the border, the team can reach it in one day by riding.

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Midday, a few hours after the team enters the Deadlands.

”Fuck! ... It's so hot.” Zohar complained about the heat. He was very sweaty, even his beard was wet.

”What are you hoping for? This is Gobi Deadlands which is famous for its harsh atmosphere, it's naturally hot.” Aurel was upset with Zohar's complaint. She also wasn't comfortable with the heat, then, Aurel raised her gaze towards the sky, and she saw a blazing sun. She thinks it's really not normal.

It's not easy for Aurel, an elf, to experience extreme weather like this.

Other members also seemed troubled, their bodies filled with sweat. Even for Victor, who is a Saint warrior, he also feels hot. But he still maintained his composure.

Only both Arno and Alfred seemed to be still looked normal as if they were not affected by the weather.

Actually, it really is true that they were unaffected by this hot weather at all, because it was really easy for Arno to manipulate the temperature around his and Alfred's body. And when he saw the other team members seemed to feel hot, he feels sorry for them. Thus, he secretly manipulates the air around the team and lowers the temperature slightly, so that the air becomes somewhat cool.

Before long, the team members began to feel the change in the surrounding air, from what had been hot, to be quite cool. And it makes them very comfortable, then, they get excited and energized again.