Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 599

“Waaah! If you get caught, your life is forfeit!”

“Hehe! Catch me if you have the guts.”

Young children zipped through the narrow alleys as if the area were their personal playground.

Among the youngsters darting about with immense excitement was Samuel, the third son of Urtian.

The children Samuel associated with were the sons and daughters of individuals who had recently sought refuge within the Steel Fortress.

In the interim, the Steel Fortress had undergone significant transformations. Numerous new structures had been erected, drawing a substantial influx of people. While many initially perceived the location as merely a frontline outpost, the rapid development of the Steel Fortress ultimately persuaded a considerable number to establish permanent residences.

The offspring of those who decided to remain became Samuel’s companions. Samuel relished having friends. His elder siblings, Leodor and Daian, no longer engaged in play with him as they had begun participating in monster hunts.

They had been running and playing for a while when—

“Samuel! Why is that inner section left unoccupied?”

One of his new acquaintances gestured towards a sizable empty plot situated deeper within the Steel Fortress. Unlike the surrounding areas, this particular space had been intentionally left barren, a fact that puzzled him.

“Ah, that? My father mentioned that people are slated to occupy it.”

“Truly?”

“Indeed!”

“What sort of people might they be? From Neo Seoul? Or perhaps from elsewhere?”

“You shall discover this when they make their appearance.”

Samuel refrained from divulging further details. An ordinary child would have been desperate to share all the information they possessed, but Samuel was far from ordinary. As the son of Urtian, who held dominion over the Steel Fortress, he had accumulated considerable experience. Consequently, he possessed a keen understanding of what ought to be disclosed and what ought to be kept private.

Samuel proceeded alongside the other children towards the Steel Fortress’s main entrance. From the gateway, nestled halfway up the sandstone mountain, a clear panorama of the surrounding terrain unfolded. Nothing but an unending expanse of desert and a sky of ochre greeted the eyes, yet Samuel found himself fond of the vista from this vantage point.

“Waaah!”

“This feels wonderful!”

The wind that swept past offered a cooling respite from the children’s exertion. It was at this moment that an anomaly registered in Samuel’s vision.

“Hm?”

Something was stirring on the distant horizon. Having been born and raised amidst the desert, Samuel possessed eyesight far keener than that of average individuals. He could discern objects at great distances and never failed to notice the subtlest of movements. It was precisely this acuity that led Urtian to believe Samuel could excel as a formidable monster hunter or a proficient scout.

Once more, his exceptional eyesight proved its inherent value. He called out to the Awakened sentries guarding the entrance.

“People! Individuals are approaching from the far distance.”

“What?”

“What sort of people?”

The Awakened stationed at the entrance directed their gazes towards the direction Samuel indicated. However, they could perceive neither the faintest shadow of a monster, nor any humans. “Where are these individuals you speak of?”

“Toward the horizon.”

“You can discern them from that far?”

“Yes!”

“What remarkable eyesight. I wish I could exchange mine for yours.”

The Awakened regarded Samuel with evident astonishment. At that precise moment, Urtian, having overheard Samuel’s announcement, approached.

“Samuel!”

“Father?”

“You reported people on the horizon?”

“Yes!”

“How many?”

“A multitude.”

“Precisely how many?”

“So many that counting is impossible.”

“I comprehend. In that case, I shall investigate personally.”

Urtian promptly marshaled the Awakened and descended from the Steel Fortress. With the recent installation of several modern elevators, the descent no longer demanded the extensive duration it once did.

Urtian and the Awakened rapidly moved in the direction Samuel had indicated. After proceeding for approximately an hour, they finally encountered the group making their way towards the Steel Fortress. Just as Samuel had foretold, an innumerable host of individuals, in a state of disarray, were advancing towards them. At a rough estimation, their numbers had to be in the tens of thousands. It was an overwhelmingly immense congregation.

At the forefront of this multitude, Urtian recognized certain figures. “You have come to extend a welcome, Urtian!”

“You have finally arrived.”

Those approaching him were none other than Riala and Hera. Despite being coated in the pervasive dust from their arduous desert trek, their innate beauty remained utterly undiminished. Urtian gazed upon the humans and elves arrayed behind them, his expression one of profound shock.

“You cannot possibly mean you brought all of them?”

“Indeed! We have escorted every human resident from El Harun.”

“Damn!”

Urtian inadvertently uttered a curse. It was not born of displeasure, but rather an overwhelming wave of shock that compelled the exclamation. While he had anticipated a respectable number of humans accompanying Riala, the notion that every single one would make the journey had never crossed his mind. Furthermore, it wasn’t solely humans; a significant contingent of elves, brought forth by Hera, were also present. Their faces clearly bore the marks of exhaustion from the prolonged passage.

“You must have faced considerable opposition from monsters along the route. What measures did you employ?”

“We confronted and vanquished the lesser beasts, while strategically evading the larger ones. Nevertheless, numerous lives were lost.”

Riala’s countenance darkened involuntarily. It had been a migration involving tens of thousands. Regardless of the precautions taken, the occurrence of casualties was an unavoidable consequence. Monster assaults, the relentless sun, dwindling water supplies—every element of their journey presented the direst conditions. Despite their utmost efforts, a great many succumbed to the unforgiving desert. Riala could not suppress a surge of guilt. Both human and elven lives had been extinguished in vast numbers.

Urtian released a deep sigh. “Ha… You have endured much hardship. Let us proceed to the Steel Fortress.”

“Our gratitude is immense. It must be a significant burden, yet you have graciously accepted us.”

“It is fine. I was aware of this outcome from the very beginning. There’s no need for any thanks. Let us proceed.”

Urtian and the rest of the Awakened pivoted, their path now set towards the Steel Fortress.

“So, we have journeyed this far… will there truly be adequate accommodation for all of us?”

“We have no other sanctuary. Moreover, Lady Riala and Lady Hera would not mislead us.”

“To commence anew in a location such as this… it is indeed a formidable prospect.”

A complex tapestry of apprehension and anticipation was etched onto the countenances of the El Harun refugees following in Urtian’s wake.

Their progression towards the formidable Steel Fortress was, as expected, somber.

A pervasive question lingered: could such a sanctuary truly exist amidst this desolate expanse?

Destiny, however, was poised to provide an immediate answer.

Rising majestically from the desert’s embrace was an immense monolithic structure of sandstone, its face bisected by a grand entrance situated midway up its towering form.

“Is that the Steel Fortress?”

“Can that colossal edifice truly house a population?”

“At the very least, it appears impervious to monstrous incursions.”

As their approach grew nearer, a chorus of hushed exclamations swelled amongst them.

At the colossal base of the Steel Fortress, a considerable throng had already congregated.

Among them were the indigenous inhabitants, alongside Awakened individuals who had navigated the dimensional rift from Neo Seoul.

A mere glance at their attire sent tremors of awe through the newly arrived.

Their garments, it was evident, were of an unparalleled refinement.

The integration of Neo Seoul’s advanced civilization had catalyzed a profound elevation in the living standards within the Steel Fortress.

Even the native populace now sported attire and wielded weaponry procured from Neo Seoul.

The stark visual disparity served as irrefutable testament to Neo Seoul’s technological supremacy over El Harun.

A subtle undercurrent of intimidation rippled through the newcomers as they were formally received by Deborah, the esteemed matriarch of the Steel Fortress.

Acting as their representative, she extended a heartfelt welcome to those undertaking the migration from El Harun.

“A warm welcome to you all. We extend our sincerest felicitations on your successful migration.”

“Our profound gratitude, Deborah!”

“We are deeply appreciative of this most gracious reception.”

Riala and Hera articulated their collective thanks, speaking for the entire group.

A gentle smile graced Deborah’s features.

“Rather than lingering here, let us proceed into the interior of the fortress.”

Within the fortress’s hallowed confines, the women of the Steel Fortress had meticulously arranged a welcoming reception for their new brethren.

Elevator systems operated with remarkable efficiency, ferrying the newly arrived inhabitants to their designated areas.

Upon their entry, the newcomers’ gazes widened in sheer astonishment.

“Magnificent! The sheer scale is breathtaking.”

“Despite being subterranean, the illumination is astonishingly complete.”

“The edifices are grand, and the populace is immense.”

They found themselves utterly captivated by the staggering immensity of the interior.

The entrance area, once merely functional, was now adorned with towering structures.

Each building radiated a vibrant luminescence, bestowing upon the locale an aura of unparalleled splendor.

Deborah guided them deeper into the fortress’s heart.

In an expansive open space, numerous women were diligently preparing sustenance.

Given the arduousness of their journey, provisions were understandably the utmost priority.

Catering to the needs of tens of thousands presented a monumental logistical challenge, yet an atmosphere of unwavering confidence prevailed.

Adequate provisions had already been secured from Neo Seoul in meticulous anticipation of this very event.

“Kindly assemble in groups of ten. Ample space and provisions are available; there is no need for haste.”

“This way, please.”

“Maintain orderly conduct, if you would.”

The women of the Steel Fortress exuded an aura of remarkable fortitude.

Some had remained steadfastly loyal to Deborah since their nascent days as scavengers, while others had been lifelong residents of the fortress.

Regardless of the prevailing circumstances, a sense of calm composure consistently defined their actions.

With unwavering dedication, they prepared and dispensed nourishment to those who had endured such an arduous pilgrimage.

This genuine warmth and care resonated deeply with the people originating from El Harun.

“Mmm! This is exquisitely prepared.”

“The texture is tender, unlike the sinewy monster meat.”

“Sniff…”

A few individuals were visibly moved, their eyes welling with tears as they savored the meal.

As the comforting warmth of the food permeated their beings, the arduous trials of their journey resurfaced in their memories.

Moments of despair had certainly arisen, particularly when companions had tragically fallen to monstrous assaults, prompting introspection about the very worthiness of their undertaking.

Yet, now, enveloped in the safety of this haven and nourished by a wholesome repast, such doubts dissipated entirely.

Upon concluding their repast, genuine smiles finally began to grace their weary faces.

Precisely at that juncture, as if perfectly synchronized, figures emerged from the shimmering expanse of the portal.

It was Jin Geum-ho and Seo Taeran, their arrivals perfectly timed.

Upon receiving intelligence of the El Harun contingent’s safe arrival, they had promptly traversed the dimensional gateway.

It was only then that the newcomers’ attention was drawn to the portal, their eyes widening with incredulity.

“What manner of phenomenon is that?”

“A portal? Could it possibly facilitate instantaneous translocation?”

“Merciful heavens… is actual teleportation a reality?”

Such technology was entirely unknown in El Harun, a civilization they had once considered to be the zenith of advancement.

The notion of such sophisticated technological prowess existing within the Steel Fortress had never even entered their wildest imaginings.

Jin Geum-ho observed them, a low murmur escaping his lips.

“Indeed, the migration from El Harun has been successfully accomplished.”

“Then we may commence with the subsequent phase.”

“Initiate the operations immediately.”

“Understood!”

Seo Taeran offered a decisive nod before stepping back through the portal’s shimmering threshold, returning to Neo Seoul.

This instantaneous transit capability was a significant strategic advantage afforded by the portal’s existence.

Should the need arise, seamless travel between the two distinct locations could be achieved at any given moment.

Her reappearance was not solitary; she was accompanied by a procession of vehicles laden with an immense volume of essential materials.

These were vital provisions, meticulously prepared in advance to coincide with the arrival of the El Harun populace.

“Quickly now!”

“Unload the materials at this designated location!”

The materials being disembarked from the vehicles were earmarked for the construction of new dwellings.

They had been engineered in a modular fashion, necessitating only the minimal effort of assembly.

While pre-constructing the residences was a feasible option, it had been deliberately deferred due to the inherent uncertainty surrounding the safe arrival of every individual.

Consequently, only the requisite materials had been stockpiled, awaiting their opportune moment.

Witnessing the skilled laborers from Neo Seoul engaged in the construction of the dwellings, the people of El Harun gradually began to mobilize themselves, sensing a newfound purpose.

It was clear to everyone that those houses would soon belong to them, even without explicit confirmation.

"We will lend our assistance as well."

"Please, just let us know what needs to be done."

They felt compelled to participate actively in the creation of their future homes, unable to remain passive observers.

Each individual present volunteered their efforts to contribute.

Before long, the construction site buzzed with a vibrant, collaborative spirit.

Urtian, Riala, and Hera then approached Jin Geum-ho.

The moment had arrived for the leaders to commence their official deliberations.

An unspoken understanding resonated among all those gathered – this discussion would undeniably lay the groundwork for their entry into a new epoch.