The desert held many mountains eroded by wind and sand. Their ridgelines had been worn away, leaving them quite rounded, with distinct layers like a layered pastry.
Beneath one of the larger mountains lay a depression, where a small village had been built.
This was their destination-Aaru Village.
That morning, after Dehya got up, Li Qiuzhi and the others continued on their way. They encountered some Hilichurls, scorpions, and other monsters along the road, which he casually cleared out, earning a few Experience Points.
Finally, before noon, the group arrived safely at Aaru Village.
Some Sumeru soldiers stood guard at the village entrance, mainly to prevent people of unknown backgrounds from slipping inside.
"Hey, Dehya, haven't seen you in ages. Are they new members of your company?"
The soldier at the entrance clearly knew Dehya, but he was a little puzzled by Li Qiuzhi and Nilou, whom he had never seen before.
"Long time no see, Alei." Dehya greeted him with a smile, then explained, "They're friends of mine, here for an adventure in the desert."
"I see. Go on in, then."
The soldier named Alei wasn't worried that Li Qiuzhi and the others were bad people. For one thing, Dehya had brought them, and she was very close to the guardian.
For another, with the guardian around, anyone who dared cause trouble in the village would be brought to justice!
"Thanks!"
Dehya nodded and led Li Qiuzhi and Nilou into the village.
"This village is so big, and it's pretty lively, too." Walking in transparent Hydro ankle boots through which her white tights were visible, Nilou looked along both sides of the street.
As one of the desert's few safe human settlements, Aaru Village was naturally rather prosperous, not sparsely populated like an ordinary village.
"Well, the village is