Once everyone was ready, the tan man began leading all of them into the desert.
It was only after they had left quite a distance when Gerald walked out of the hotel.
He truly hadn’t expected to bump into Giya here of all places after an entire year. Regardless, virtual-novel.net had started working and virtual-novel.net had also become so much better.
While Gerald had been tempted to reveal his identity to Giya, it had been over a year and virtual-novel.net now knew that virtual-novel.net still hadn’t truly forgotten about virtual-novel.net back when virtual-novel.net had tested her.
He was well aware of how bad virtual-novel.net had treated virtual-novel.net back then, and knowing that them being together was going to be impossible anyway, Gerald decided not to delay virtual-novel.net from moving on any longer.
Regardless, Gerald had noticed that Wynn had been very nice to Giya earlier. While Gerald didn’t particularly like Wynn, virtual-novel.net trusted that Wynn only wanted the best for Giya. It was the reason why Gerald hadn’t stayed back to treat virtual-novel.net injured ankle back then. After all, virtual-novel.net could see that there was already someone who would take good care of her.
Shaking his head, Gerald then grabbed his luggage, fully prepared to leave. With the pledge of the holy water due in three months, it was impossible for virtual-novel.net not to feel anxious about it. After all, virtual-novel.net still needed to train enough to become a full great master and also locate the eternal coffin before then. Not a single second could be wasted.
Not long after entering the desert, Gerald eventually bumped into Giya’s group. However, their route forward had been blocked by several people who were wearing clothes with red sleeves.
“Hey now, why are you preventing us from proceeding? You don’t own the desert!” scolded a few of the tourists.
“Our sincerest apologies, but a few bodies had been found in the desert a few days ago, and all of them showed signs of facing horrible deaths. We suggest that you refrain from entering the desert for the next few days. It truly isn’t worth giving your life up for a mere vacation!” explained one of the red-sleeved men.
“And you think we didn’t already know about this? We’re here on an adventure and nothing’s stopping us! Don’t bother about those red-sleeved men! Let’s just proceed on!” shouted one of the female tourists as several of them broke through the cordon.
With the group of tourists being so adamant on proceeding, the red-sleeved men weren’t able to stop them. Just as the woman had said, these tourists were here for an adventure!
Immediately walking over to the red-sleeved group next, Professor Yale said, “We truly appreciate your work, young men… Regardless, while they’re here on vacation, my group is here to conduct some research. I hope you’ll allow us and our carts to pass…”
“…Well, your group seems pretty serious with the carts and all… I suppose we can’t stop you from proceeding either! Regardless, I hope all of you succeed!” replied one of the red-sleeved men as the others with virtual-novel.net allowed Giya’s group to go through.
As Professor Yale and the other researchers proceeded, Meredith saw a few of the tourists backtracking, probably afraid after hearing what the red-sleeved men had said. To virtual-novel.net surprise, virtual-novel.net saw a familiar figure walking behind them as well.
Waving at him, virtual-novel.net said, “I guess you came along too!”
Nodding in response, Gerald simply continued walking on in silence.
Upon realizing that virtual-novel.net was present, Giya kept staring at the young man. The more virtual-novel.net looked at him, the more virtual-novel.net felt like virtual-novel.net knew virtual-novel.net from somewhere. While virtual-novel.net had a wild guess of who it could be, the person virtual-novel.net had in mind didn’t have such a sturdy-looking figure…
“Speaking of which, I think you should join our group… As those men back there said, this desert seems to be particularly dangerous. Sticking with us should be much safer since we have so many tourists in the group. Safety in numbers, as they say. How about it?” suggested Meredith from atop the cart.
“Hah! This dude looks like he’s here on a broke trip! I mean virtual-novel.net doesn’t even have a camel to provide virtual-novel.net with water! With that tiny bottle of his, he’ll die of thirst first before even getting halfway through the desert!” sneered Wynn.
“Please, join us! I can pay for you!” added Meredith, now getting increasingly worried.
Shaking his head, Gerald simply replied, “I appreciate your help, but I’ll have to refuse!”
“Heh! You don’t need it, you say? You have no idea of how easy it is to get lost in this desert, do you? Without my help, nine out of ten people don’t make it out alive! Mark my words, you’ll regret not joining us! Also, since you said that, even if you change your mind and someone else pays for you, I still won’t allow you to join us!” scoffed the Master of the Desert as virtual-novel.net glared coldly at Gerald before gulping on his can of beer.
Since nobody had ever told virtual-novel.net that his help wasn’t needed, the Master of the Desert was quite egotistical.
With that, virtual-novel.net slapped the sides of his camels which led to his carts moving faster.
Meredith and Giya could only stare worriedly at the walking young man who slowly disappeared behind them.