After crossing the oasis, the group began another grueling journey through the desert. McBain walked at the very front of the party, seeming to be in an exceptionally good mood. Even his grandson Forte stared at him in bewilderment and asked, "Grandpa, how can you be so happy about something as hard as crossing the desert?"
McBain paused, then said, "Didn't I tell you that my hometown is in the Ostan region? My old home is in a small town not far ahead. I have some incredible memories of that town."
Forte was startled. "Grandpa's hometown is up ahead?"
McBain laughed heartily. "Of course. Why would I lie to you? Look, that little town up ahead—we'll be there soon. It may not be an oasis, but there should at least be some signs of life. Let's hurry over. Once we reach the town, I'll take you all to visit my old home."
The town McBain spoke of truly was not far away. Although Ada still kept crying out that she was thirsty, things were still much better than last time.
But when they entered the "town" McBain had mentioned, everyone—including McBain himself—was stunned.
How could this possibly count as a "town"?! The place was as desolate as the desert road itself! The only difference was a few crumbling walls and ruins that still allowed people to make out what the "town" had once looked like.
Even in its heyday, the town had not been prosperous. Now, it went without saying that this place, ruined to such an extent, was already dead.
McBain hurriedly searched the town for a long while before finally finding a household that had not yet left. Yet only an old man remained there. Coughing, the old man looked at the crowd before him, shook his head,