At the Rakshasa border, they basically rested during the hottest part of the day.
The captain saw that it was about time, so he simply took a break as well and used the opportunity to quiz the newcomers in front of him.
"Everyone, come over here. While we're resting, let me test you. What's the key to preventing and controlling desertification?"
"Uh, changing the soil and the environment."
Clearly, he had done some basic studying before coming here to work.
The captain nodded at that, then went on to explain in greater detail...
"Correct! It rains in the desert too, so why is it still so dry here? The key lies in the soil!"
As he spoke, the captain scooped up a handful of scorching sand. He spread his palm open, and the sand immediately streamed away through the gaps between his fingers.
Over the years, the desertification-control department's research into the desert had grown increasingly thorough, allowing them to gradually master a few ways of dealing with it.
"The sand I'm holding is the same patch that was soaked when the kettle spilled just now. In the brief time since then, it has already almost completely dried."
"The sand here can't retain water. After it rains, as soon as the rain stops and the sun comes out, the rising temperature immediately evaporates all the moisture in the sand."
"Ordinary plants can't survive in this kind of soil, but greening is essential to preventing and controlling desertification. So our first step is to change the soil."
"..."
From ancient times to the present, training newcomers had always been exhausting work.
Fortunately, the newcomers of this era were generally diligent and able to endure hardship. Once the hottest period had passed and everyone had rested enough, they resumed work.
Recently, aside