The blazing sun cast long shadows over the entrance to the Desolate Desert as a large group of people assembled, led by the heir of the Lam family, Aran Lam. His striking golden robes shimmered in the light, marking him as someone of immense wealth and influence.
Beside him stood a woman of commanding beauty and poise, Roni, who carried herself like a queen. Roni was busy barking orders at the men around her. “You there, secure the provisions! And you, stop standing around like fools—move those water barrels to the front!” Her sharp voice brooked no argument.
In stark contrast, Jean walked calmly in the middle rows of the group, her light silver hair swaying in the dry wind. She exuded an air of quiet determination, her sharp eyes scanning the desert ahead. Despite the chaos of the group, she remained unfazed.
If she had arrived few hours earlier she could have found Kent, her long desired dream.
A young black woman stood close to Jean, her face pale with fear. “Lady Jean… do you really think it’s safe to travel with this group? They’re… they’re so unruly.”
Jean glanced at her and offered a faint smile. “Don’t worry. Stick close to me, and you’ll be fine. These men are too preoccupied with treasure to pose a real threat.”
As if to prove her point, a burly man approached Jean, his expression smug. “Hey, miss, why don’t you let me protect you? It’s dangerous out here, and you look like you could use a strong companion.”
Jean didn’t even spare him a glance. “No.”
The man frowned, but before he could press further, the sharp voice of Aran Lam cut through the air. “Enough with the distractions! We’re not here to babysit. Focus on the mission!”
The man grumbled and backed off.
Aran turned to Roni, who was holding a half-torn map in her hands. “Do you have the route memorized?”
“Yes,” Roni replied confidently. “The Hall of Eternal Music is supposed to be deep in the southern dunes. But remember, Aran, this map is only half the picture. We’ll need the other half to find the exact location.”
Aran smirked. “No matter. Once we reach the hall, the treasures within will make us legends. And I will get the legacy of eternal music… Keep moving!”
The group marched into the desert, their figures slowly swallowed by the endless dunes.
–
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the entrance to the desert grew eerily quiet. The oppressive heat gave way to a chilling wind that carried whispers of danger.
From the shadows emerged seven-figures, their sinister auras darkening the already bleak landscape.
These were the Demon Generals, handpicked by the Demon Emperor to hunt down Kent. Each of them exuded an overwhelming presence, their bodies brimming with demonic energy.
The leader, a tall figure with crimson horns and glowing red eyes, spoke first. “So, this is where that insect entered the desert.” His voice was low and guttural, carrying the weight of authority.
Another general, a slim figure with snake-like eyes, hissed, “That Kent may have escaped the Demon Emperor’s wrath in the past, but this time, he won’t be so lucky. Seven of us against one… it’s almost too easy.”
A third general, whose body was encased in blackened armor, laughed. “The boy is said to have half a drop of godly intent. Impressive… for a mortal. But we each carry two drops of demon intent. Crushing him will be like swatting a fly.”
“Perhaps we should toy with him first,” another general suggested, his voice dripping with malice. “Make him beg for mercy before we finish him off.”
The leader raised a hand, silencing the others. “Enough. The Demon Emperor didn’t send us here for games. Kent’s death will secure us favor in the court, and I don’t intend to waste this opportunity.”
“How will we find him in this vast desert?” asked one of the generals.
The leader smirked and pulled out a small crystal orb that glowed faintly. “This Demon Seeker is tuned to his godly intent as he used it to kill abyssal ghosts. It will guide us to him. He won’t get far.”
The generals nodded, their faces alight with cruel anticipation. Without another word, they began their march into the desert, their dark energies leaving a trail of corruption in the sands.
Meanwhile, deep within the desert, Kent and the old man, Grizzak, trudged through the endless dunes. The oppressive heat of the day had given way to the biting cold of the night, but neither of them seemed bothered.
Grizzak walked ahead with an almost childlike enthusiasm, his wiry frame moving nimbly over the shifting sands. He didn’t look back once, fully focused on the path ahead.
Kent followed in silence, his senses sharp and alert. His spirit ring stored all his belongings—his treasures, pets, and supplies—allowing him to move unencumbered. Despite the old man’s seemingly genuine demeanor, Kent kept his guard up.
“Hey, old man,” Kent called out, breaking the silence. “You’ve been leading me for hours. Are you sure you know where we’re going?” Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire
Grizzak turned his head slightly, his crooked grin visible in the moonlight. “Patience, boy. The shrine isn’t a place you can rush to. The sands hide it well, but I’ve spent years studying its movements. Trust me—we’re on the right path.”
Kent’s eyes narrowed. “Trust isn’t something I give easily.”
Grizzak chuckled. “Good. That means you’ll survive longer in this world. But mark my words—if I wanted to kill you, I would’ve done it by now. Poisoned water, collapsing dunes… there are plenty of ways to get rid of you without breaking a sweat.”
Kent didn’t reply, but his hand hovered near his waist, where the divine chakra rested. He wouldn’t let his guard down, not for a second.
As the hours passed, the desert grew darker, the moon obscured by thick clouds. A strange stillness settled over the dunes, broken only by the occasional howl of wind.
Grizzak finally stopped and pointed ahead. “We’ll camp here for the night. The shrine moves at dawn, and we’ll need to be ready to move quickly.”
Kent glanced around, his senses tingling. “This spot feels… strange.”
The old man shrugged. “The desert’s full of strange places. But this spot is safe—for now.”
Kent sat down, his back to a large rock, and pulled out a small flask of water. He sipped slowly, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Grizzak, meanwhile, began rummaging through his pack, pulling out a bundle of dried herbs.
“What are those for?” Kent asked.
“Protection,” Grizzak replied cryptically. He crushed the herbs in his hands and scattered them around their camp, muttering under his breath. A faint green glow surrounded them, and the air felt noticeably lighter.
Kent raised an eyebrow. “What kind of protection?”
“The kind that keeps the nastier things out of our camp,” Grizzak said. “The desert isn’t just sand and wind, you know. There are things out there that would freeze your blood in an instant.”
“I’ve dealt with worse.” Kent replied casually while closing his eyes.
Grizzak chuckled. “We’ll see, boy. We’ll see.”
As the old man settled in for the night, Kent remained awake, his mind racing. He can sense that a group of demons were really coming for him.