"Uh... yes. All right, since you think there's no problem, Mr. Lockhart..." Professor Cadwell was briefly embarrassed when his little scheme was seen through, but fortunately, he had not said it aloud.
The half-hour break soon passed.
Before setting out, Professor Cadwell glanced at Tierra, seemingly considering whether he could endure such a forced march.
"Mr. Lockhart, have you... rested enough?" Professor Cadwell asked cautiously.
"No problem. Let's go." Tierra smiled, rose to his feet, and slung his pack over his back.
Only after hearing Tierra's answer did Professor Cadwell signal everyone to gather their gear and set off again toward the oasis Tierra had mentioned.
The team regrouped and marched briskly across gravel-covered ground and sandy trails toward their destination.
Before long, they left the rocky terrain and stepped once more onto soft, dry sand that stretched like an ocean.
After several more hours of walking, evening drew near. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed every corner of the desert, draping it in a golden coat, while the distant landscape gradually came into focus.
Sure enough, just as Tierra had said, a lush oasis appeared before their eyes at the very last moment before sunset. Its verdant vegetation stood in stark contrast to the withered yellow sands around it, like an emerald set into the desert.
"We've finally arrived." Professor Cadwell let out a sigh of relief and smiled at the team.
The group quickly headed into the oasis and soon reached the vibrant place. This oasis was larger than the one they had encountered before. Spring water trickled through it, forming several small pools, with all kinds of plants and flowers growing thickly along their banks.
The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and flowers, making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed.
The team swiftly