Jamie and his companions used the ultra-long-distance teleportation array provided by the Sacred Spring Trade Guild and soon arrived in the Gray Sand Desert, at the westernmost edge of the Nolant Kingdom.
The moment they stepped out of the teleportation array, they felt the change in their surroundings. Reef Island enjoyed springlike temperatures year-round, with moist sea breezes bringing a refreshing coolness that made it ideal for living.
Here, however, the wind carried a scorching heat.
It was not a dry heat, but a humid one. Only seconds after leaving the Spatial Magic Array, they were already drenched in sweat.
Anyone who had endured hot weather knew that dry heat was bearable, but humid heat made every inch of the body uncomfortable.
Moisture even dripped from their hair.
Every visible patch around them was covered in golden sand. Farther away, everything disappeared into darkness, making it impossible to tell how large this building truly was.
Just as they hesitated over whether to activate their small air-purifying Magic Tools, a voice came from the distance-
"Welcome to Gray Sand City."
The voice sounded young, and its owner crossed the distance in an instant.
A youth appeared before them, wearing nothing on his upper body except shoulder armor. Strange painted patterns covered his well-muscled abdomen, and a battle skirt was all he wore below.
At first glance, he seemed to belong to some martial profession.
Yet a closer examination revealed the almost endless magic power within him. They had only ever sensed magic power on this scale from their own lord.
Clearly, this was...
"The Gray Sand Lord!"
Jamie bowed to him on everyone's behalf. "Our teacher often speaks of you. This is a small gift from him."
The former farm boy now stood before a level-ten God-Touched without either servility or