Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 617

Del Roa, his eyes deeply recessed, surveyed his surroundings.

An uncountable number of tents sprawled across the landscape, forming a dense, seemingly endless expanse.

These were the temporary shelters for those who had fled El Harun.

Over hundreds of thousands had been displaced, now wandering the harsh desert.

Constructing permanent dwellings in the middle of such a barren place was simply not feasible.

Consequently, they had resorted to erecting tents as their makeshift abodes.

Shortages of food, adequate sleeping arrangements, and potable water were rampant.

While they managed to subsist by hunting demonic beasts for the time being, it offered no lasting solution to their pervasive hunger.

The initial steadfastness of those who had followed Del Roa blindly began to wane; exhaustion set in, and the phenomenon of desertion started to emerge.

A significant number had broken away from Del Roa’s contingent, choosing instead to seek their fortune independently.

Initially, severe repercussions were meted out to any who deserted.

However, preventing every single departure proved to be an insurmountable task.

As time wore on, many departed, and the situation evolved to a point where they were simply permitted to leave.

Given the already critical scarcity of resources like food and water, maintaining a forceful hold on deserters was no longer a viable option.

Ultimately, over half of the original group had abandoned Del Roa, embarking on their own quests for survival.

Del Roa was acutely aware of this dwindling.

He understood that as more time elapsed, further desertions would inevitably occur, causing his group to diminish even more.

The relentless march of time was not in their favor.

“We must locate the World Tree with utmost haste. Naturally, before that mission can even begin, we must first secure this location known as the Steel Fortress.”

With guaranteed access to sustenance, water, and secure lodging, the tide of desertion would surely cease.

Thud! Thud!

At that precise moment, a colossal figure approached him.

It was Krudu, the formidable leader of the giants.

Each step of the seven-meter-tall giant resounded with immense weight, shaking the very earth and kicking up plumes of dust.

Walking beside Krudu was a figure distinguished by the horns adorning its head.

This was Garanta, the former priest of El Harun.

Garanta inclined his head and addressed Del Roa.

“Lord Del Roa! We have discovered the most direct path leading to the Steel Fortress.”

“How long will the journey entail?”

“Approximately one month’s duration.”

“That is far too lengthy.”

“At present, it represents the most advantageous route available.”

Del Roa’s brow furrowed instinctively, his displeasure evident at Garanta’s unhurried declaration.

“Is there no way to expedite the travel time further?”

“I offer my sincerest apologies.”

“Tch!”

Del Roa clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Garanta, Krudu, and their respective races were all demonstrably lacking in efficiency.

Garanta exhibited a deficit in adaptability, while Krudu’s intellectual prowess was notably weak.

Consequently, devising efficient strategies proved to be an arduous challenge.

‘If only humans were present during times like these…’

Del Roa bit down firmly on his lip.

Among the substantial number of deserters, the most keenly felt loss had been that of the humans.

Humans possessed an innate aptitude for labor.

While they might not have matched the sheer strength or the superior artisanal skills of the dwarves, they compensated with an ingenuity absent in other races.

Even when performing the identical task, humans would employ their intellect to simplify the process, continuously exploring novel methodologies.

Their contributions, akin to a fine lubricant, had ensured the smooth operation of El Harun.

The vacuum left by their departure was immeasurable.

Where they had vanished, it felt as though the systems had seized, replaced by the coarse grit of sand.

Because of this, their advance towards the Steel Fortress was agonizingly slow.

Del Roa shifted his focus to Krudu.

“What is the status of our combat readiness?”

“We stand prepared to annihilate any foe we encounter at any given moment. However, the prolonged duration of our stay in the desert may lead to a diminishing of our battle fervor.”

“Surely, there will be no deserters amongst the giants?”

“Such a betrayal would never occur, not even in death.”

“I commend your loyalty.”

“I shall never falter in my commitment to you. However…”

“Pray tell, what is it?”

“Our intelligence is insufficient.”

“What specific information is lacking?”

“Our knowledge concerning the Steel Fortress is extremely limited. At best, we understand it provides refuge from demonic beasts and that it is currently inhabited by humans who defected from El Harun.”

“Hmm!”

“Now that the humans from El Harun have also joined their ranks, their strength has undoubtedly been bolstered. Yet, we remain ignorant of their capabilities and the true nature of the Steel Fortress. Should we initiate an assault in our current state, a considerable number of casualties are almost certain.”

Del Roa’s frown deepened involuntarily.

He harbored the same concerns.

The crux of the problem lay in the absence of any viable strategy.

There existed no apparent method for acquiring intelligence about a location situated a month’s journey away.

Without the potent influence of the World Tree, Del Roa’s personal abilities proved inadequate.

“What method could possibly…”

Ziiing!

In that instant, a severe pain flared through Del Roa's head.

It felt as though his skull were on the verge of cracking open.

“Ghk!”

“What troubles you?”

Both Krudu and Garanta exhibited signs of alarm as Del Roa suddenly collapsed to his knees, moving to assist him.

However, Del Roa raised a hand, halting their advance.

“This sensation is…”

Concurrent with the intense headache, a torrent of knowledge surged into his consciousness.

Initially, he perceived it as a mere hallucination.

Yet, the information flooding his mind was unequivocally the knowledge of another being.

An unidentified entity was transmitting information to him, effortlessly crossing the boundaries of time and space.

Del Roa closed his eyes, quietly absorbing the foreign knowledge that was permeating his mind.

Krudu and Garanta observed him with bated breath.

After what seemed like an extended period, Del Roa finally opened his eyes.

“This is a curse.”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

“Should we not attempt to remove it immediately?”

Krudu and Garanta reacted with palpable horror, yet Del Roa himself maintained an unnerving calm.“A curse of knowledge, dispatched by an enemy of my enemy. How truly intriguing.” “Your meaning, Master?” “Precisely as stated. Information concerning Neo Seoul and the Steel Fortress was transmitted to us via a curse. Although a significant portion was lost, the details pertaining to the Steel Fortress are definite.” The sorcerer who cast the curse had perished before its completion. Normally, the knowledge-transferring curse would have dispersed without a trace. However, the sorcerer’s intense animosity anchored the curse, preventing its dissipation, and it consequently reached Del Roa. The sole reason Del Roa could receive even this fractured curse was due to his extraordinarily potent capabilities. “A portal enabling spatial passage. Should we secure the Steel Fortress and utilize this portal, we can transit to Neo Seoul itself.” “And then?” “Indeed! Not only the Steel Fortress, but Neo Seoul itself shall fall under our dominion.” “Ohhh!” At Del Roa’s declaration, both Krudu and Garanta emitted cries of astonishment. It was akin to a beacon of hope illuminating an abyss of utter darkness, where foresight was impossible. Del Roa proclaimed, “Convene the council without delay. I shall now impart the intelligence regarding the Steel Fortress, and together, we shall formulate a strategy for its conquest.” “Yes! We shall assemble everyone immediately.” Krudu and Garanta promptly departed to summon the leaders of each respective race. Left in solitude, Del Roa allowed a chilling smile to grace his lips. “As anticipated, the divine powers have not forsaken us.” *** “Huup!” “Haa!” Habin and Kaden simultaneously drew open their eyes, expelling deep breaths. The first sight to greet their reawakened senses was Levin and Brielle, their faces etched with concern as they peered down. “Cap…tain?” “Brielle? Am I hallucinating?” The two uttered, their gazes unfocused like bewildered cattle. Having been under the influence of potent drugs for an extended period, their minds remained clouded, struggling to discern reality. Levin delivered a sharp rap to the foreheads of both. “Ow!” “That stings.” Habin and Kaden exaggerated their feigned agony. Only then did a flicker of relief cross Levin’s features. “Damn it! You scoundrels are perfectly healthy. You had me genuinely worried.” “We… we are alive?” “Yes! You ungrateful wretches. You’re all alive. We managed to rescue you.” “But we were addicted to those substances?” “Lemura has purged all traces of the toxins.” “Ah!” A cry of joy erupted from the pair. Following their capture by Illusion, they had endured brutal torture and become ensnared by narcotic dependency. Illusion had administered the drugs with the explicit purpose of extracting information. Even while enslaved by their addiction, they clung fiercely to their secrets. Consequently, Illusion escalated the dosage, a point beyond which their cognitive functions ceased entirely. The drugs had completely subjugated their reasoning faculties. Whenever even the faintest spark of conscious thought manifested, Illusion would administer further doses, extinguishing their very will. They had existed as mere animated husks. Yet, now, they could think. They could comprehend their present predicament. Their bodies still felt heavy and sluggish. However, the capacity for movement was readily available if they willed it. Not a single vestige of their former addiction remained. “Lemura’s expertise is truly remarkable! I feel no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever.” “Naturally not. Had it not been for Lemura, you two would likely be deceased by now.” Levin responded with a gruff tone. Under normal circumstances, such an attitude might have irked them, but now, even that gruffness offered a strange sense of comfort. “And what of Beron?” “He is also alive.” “Beron succumbed to the addiction too, did he not?” “No need for concern. Brielle completed his detoxification prior to yours. His family members were also extricated safely.” “Haa…” Only then did the two release sighs of profound relief. “You miserable lot! You certainly persevered.” Levin offered praise, roughly tousling their hair. “Apologies, Captain! We endeavored to establish contact, but…” “Your survival is sufficient. Recuperate until you are fully restored.” “Understood, Captain.” “Thank you!” Habin and Kaden once again closed their eyes. Soon, they were enveloped in a profound slumber. Only then did Levin exhale a breath of genuine relief. “You infuriating fools! Causing such immense worry.” Despite his harsh words, a smile had already blossomed on his countenance. Leaving the slumbering duo behind, he stepped out. The panorama of the subterranean city unfolded before his eyes. Lemura, who had been attending to other convalescents, noticed Levin’s presence and approached him. “How are they faring?” “They appear stable. My gratitude to you, Lemura.” “It was nothing significant.” “Were it not for your intervention, those fools would undoubtedly have succumbed to withdrawal and perished.” “I am relieved. That my skills proved effective.” Lemura released a sigh, tinged with relief. “I shall repay this kindness most certainly.” “This is unnecessary. What debt exists between us? If anyone owes gratitude, it is I.” “My thanks are sufficient.” “That suffices. Given that both appear to be recovering well, I shall now attend to the others.” “Very well!” Levin inclined his head. The most heavily burdened individual within the underground city was undoubtedly Lemura. Every single soul required her assistance. Regardless of City Hall's efforts to improve conditions through support, their resources remained scarce. Numerous individuals suffered from illness and languished. They required Lemura’s gentle, healing touch. Consequently, Lemura was in a perpetual state of motion. “Hoo…” After Lemura departed, Levin issued another sigh of relief. Habin inquired cautiously, observing Levin intently, “And what became of the syndicate behind the drugs?” “What do you surmise transpired?” “Well…” “We eradicated them. Every last one associated with the operation.” “Ah!”“Everyone, focus on resting and regaining your strength. This is for the benefit of all.” “Understood, Captain!” “And…” “Yes?” “You all did exceptionally well. Because of your efforts, we successfully eradicated the drug organization that had been infesting Neo Seoul in a single, decisive operation. All of this was possible because of you.” Levin’s commendation visibly lifted the spirits of both subordinates. They responded in unison. “Yes! Captain!” Smiles blossomed on their faces like vibrant flowers.