Chapter 48: Dehya - "I'm Still By Your Side! And This is the Wilderness!
"What? You're going to the desert too!?"
Early the next morning, Dehya had just woken up when she heard Jeht words.
"Yes, it was the master's decision yesterday."
"Since he slaughtered them, the Legacy of the God King definitely won't let it go."
"So, the master intends to prevent future troubles once and for all."
Dehya was thrilled to hear this.
Having a companion on the road is always best. After all, the desert is far away and dangerous. Going alone would be both boring and unsafe.
If they travel together, even if they get lost, they can look after each other.
"Alright! Let's go, then!"
...
Ye Xi gave instructions to the Abyss Apostle in the house.
During the day he would be in the desert, he needed Ayexia and Dunyarzad to be protected.
After explaining everything, Ye Xi left Sumeru City with Dehya and Jeht.
Both Dehya and Jeht were daughters of the desert, so they knew the way well.
"Let's go to Kawan Station first; it's the most convenient route to the desert!"
"We can rent pack animals there!"
If you want to travel long distances in Sumeru, pack animals are essential.
They're full of energy, able to carry people for days and nights, and can also transport enough supplies.
However, Ye Xi shook his head. "There's no need to rent a pack animal."
"My lord, it's really difficult to travel through the desert without them!"
Jeht knew Ye Xi had never been to the desert, so she quickly explained.
Ye Xi then called forth a Ruin Guard from his portable space.
"We can use this instead of walking."
"Huh!?"
Dehya and Jeht were startled by the sudden appearance of the Ruin Guard.
They had seen Ruin Guards before!
In both the desert and the rainforest, encountering a Ruin Guard is always a hassle, with the best option often being to run.
If you choose to fight, you might win, but it would require considerable effort.
Seeing the girls were slightly scared, Ye Xi smiled and said, "Don't worry, I can control it."
"It's a Khaenri'ah invention, and I know how to handle them."
With that, Ye Xi seated himself on the large hand of the Ruin Guard.
This was a far more convenient mode of transport than pack animals.
Seeing how confident Ye Xi looked, the two girls relaxed.
Once they sat together on the other palm of the Ruin Guard, it began moving forward.
*[Boom...boom...boom...]*
The Ruin Guard made its way swiftly through the forest.
Before long, Dehya and Jeht realized the convenience of using a Ruin Guard.
"This is amazing!"
"Yes, it doesn't need food or water, and its speed is just as good!"
Dehya looked at Ye Xi, thinking that if Aaru Village had transportation like this, more children could come to the city for school.
Of course, the Ruin Guard wasn't without flaws; the main drawback was its eye-catching appearance.
Everyone they passed was left in shock.
"Oh my god! That... that's a Ruin Guard!"
"They're actually using a Ruin Guard as transport!"
"Am I dreaming?"
"Only a skilled person with nerves of steel would do that! If it loses control, they'd be crushed with a single blow!"
"…"
Along the way, adventurers couldn't stop talking about it.
By noon, the Ruin Guard reached Kawan Station.
This was the checkpoint from the oasis to the desert.
Whether you're entering the desert or returning from it, everyone must go through it.
It also served as the main supply station in the desert.
Ye Xi looked up at the enormous sand wall, admiring it.
"Truly worthy of King Deshret; an incredible achievement."
The huge stone walls on one side, like mountains, blocked all the yellow sand from the other side.
Once they passed through Kawan Station, the ground beneath their feet turned into golden sand.
Even the wind carried sand with it.
At a glance, the vast desert was barren and empty; not even a single cactus was in sight.
Master, here's my spare red silk. Let me help you put it on."
Jeht pulled a piece of golden-red silk from her chest and helped Ye Xi drape it over his eyes.
The silk was warm and soft, carrying a faint fragrance—the scent of Jeht.
Dehya was stunned.
"Jeht, where do you usually keep your spare red silk!?"
Jeht shook her head. "It's a habit I just started today."
Dehya: "What?"
Ye Xi nodded. "It's really effective."
With the silk on, his vision was a bit blurry, but it kept the sand from blowing into his eyes.
Jeht looked pleased. "I'm so glad I could help you, Master!"
Dehya suddenly felt a pang of discomfort, similar to how she felt yesterday with Dunyarzad.
With Dehya guiding, the Ruin Guard moved confidently in the right direction.
But not long after they entered the desert, the wind picked up, becoming harsh.
The sky turned gray, and sand filled the air, making it hard to breathe.
"Uh-oh, it's a sandstorm!"
Dehya expression grew serious.
Jeht face was full of concern as well. "Master, we can't go any further. We need to find shelter!"
"I remember Candice mentioning a cave nearby."
Dehya pointed into the distance. Though visibility was low, a stone wall was faintly visible.
Ye Xi directed the Ruin Guard toward the stone wall.
Sure enough, there was a cave not far ahead.
Ye Xi led Dehya and Jeht inside, instructing the Ruin Guard to block the entrance.
This way, the wind and sand outside were kept at bay.
"Phew… That was close. Luckily, Candice told me about this shelter; otherwise, we'd be in trouble."
Dehya patted her chest in relief.
Jeht couldn't help but praise him, "Master, you're incredible! Even with a sandstorm on your first trip to the desert, you didn't panic."
"Yes, indeed!"
Dehya added with a smile, "I've seen many brave men who, on their first trip to the desert, were so scared they wanted to go back."
"To be honest, I was curious about how you'd react. I didn't expect you to stay so calm."
Ye Xi took a water bottle from his portable space, smiling. "Most people fear dying of thirst in the desert, but that's not a problem for me."
"Have some water and something to eat before we continue."
Seeing him summon supplies so effortlessly, the two women were amazed.
"Your powers are so convenient! Being with you in the desert makes me feel really safe."
"The wind and sand left me so thirsty; my mouth is full of grit. Thank you, Master!"
The two women took big gulps from the bottle.
They realized that, while the desert might seem terrifying to most, Ye Xi had plenty of supplies, so he had little to fear.
Ye Xi took out firewood and lit a campfire.
Otherwise, the cave was pitch dark, making it impossible to see.
Dehya was right; the desert can be a daunting place, evoking a deep sense of human insignificance.
He could hardly imagine how Dehya and Jeht lived in such a harsh environment.
How do people in the desert survive in such desolate conditions?
"Here's some barbecue from last night. Help yourselves."
Ye Xi took out last night's leftovers, and the scent of barbecue filled the cave.
Dehya smiled, taking a bite and marveling, "I didn't expect to eat barbecue out here; it feels like a vacation!"
"Yes, yes! Just like being at home!"
After they ate and drank, the atmosphere grew quiet.
The sound of the wind howling outside was constant; they couldn't tell when it would end.
Jeht moved closer to Ye Xi. "Master, let's find a way to pass the time together."
Ye Xi: "What?"
Dehya eyes widened at Jeht suggestion.
"Hey! Wait a minute! I'm still right here! And we're in the wild!"
Jeht replied indifferently, "Then Dehya can close her eyes."
"But I'll still hear everything!"
"That's Dehya problem," Jeht said without a hint of embarrassment.
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