The cold wind carried fine snow particles as it howled over the vast dunes, making a sound like sobbing.
Perfikot stood on the sand ridge, her black cloak flapping wildly in the wind. She gazed at the snow-covered lowland ahead—according to the comparison of the star maps provided by the chiefs and ancient maps, Safura's Temple was buried beneath this sea of shifting sands.
The distant dunes appeared in an eerie blue-gray as dusk settled, as if the entire world had been frozen in time.
"Regent, the Energy Tower has been set up, and the snow melting operation has commenced." An engineer clad in heavy protective clothing briskly walked over to report, his goggles already frosted.
As he finished speaking, a small mobile Energy Tower unfolded at the edge of the depression, its massive body slowly extending, emitting the sound of metal friction.
Scorching steam gushed out from the top of the tower, forming a white plume in the cold air.
