Chapter 142: Damned Desert Heat!
Kaiden examined his ladies and noted that the heat was already starting to take its toll. Even with their heightened physical attributes, trekking across loose sand while carrying weapons and armor was pure hell. The desert air was dry enough to sap the moisture straight from their bodies, and each gust of wind sent grains of sand stinging against their skin.
Their boots sank with every step, forcing them to constantly exert more energy just to stay upright. The sun above wasn’t just hot—it was oppressive, like an anvil pressing down on their backs.
"Are we even moving forward?" Nyx muttered while shielding her face from the sun with a gloved hand.
Kaiden glanced over his shoulder. Their starting point was far behind them; the palm trees of the oasis were nowhere in sight. "We are. The pyramid just... doesn’t look to be any closer."
"How very motivating," Luna deadpanned as beads of sweat formed on her temple.
Nearby, the Nova Circuit members weren’t faring any better. Sasha repeatedly wiped her brow while Leon’s steps were growing heavier, and even Jack, the human tank brimming with energy, was slowing down. Vaelira, of course, still carried herself with forced elegance, but Kaiden could see the stiffness in her shoulders.
"Pick up the pace," she snapped at her own teammates. No one answered, but irritation simmered in the group. It was going to be a long day.
"I’m already regretting this... Why did I allow myself to be dragged into a desert dungeon...?" Sasha muttered before gulping a large amount of water down her throat. Her red hair that was previously so vibrant became dull by the thin layer of sand clinging to it.
"You and me both... Fucking hate heat," Leon grumbled.
They had only been marching for a short time, but the heat made it feel much longer.
A loud huff came from Jack, who adjusted his heavy armor that seemed more and more adamant about slipping off of his sweaty body. "How the hell are we supposed to fight in these conditions?"
"Something’s coming our way!" Sasha suddenly declared, snapping everyone’s focus forward.