It has been a week since they left Ilysia. Alexander, Adrian and Moss found themselves crossing a vast desert, as if they were embarking on a journey full of unknowns. The scorching sun scorched the earth, the dry wind blew up the dust, and the yellow sand and scattered rocks were everywhere in sight, as if warning them and inviting them.
"The environment here is really extreme," said Moss, his mushroom cap was a little sluggish due to lack of water, as if expressing his concern to them, and as if showing them the fragility of nature, "I have never seen a place so lacking in life."
Adrian used magic to create a small piece of shade for everyone to rest for a while, as if expressing his kindness to them, and as if showing them his strength. "Indeed, the ecosystem here is very different from what we have encountered before. But I believe that even in such a harsh environment, life will find its own way."
Alexander silently observed his surroundings, and his hand unconsciously touched the crystal ball hanging on his waist - a gift from Ilysia, as if showing him hope. Suddenly, the crystal ball began to emit a faint light, as if a spiritual light, illuminating his heart.
"Look!" Alexander exclaimed, his eyes full of amazement, as if expressing his feelings to Adrian, and as if exclaiming to himself, "What is the crystal ball reflecting."
The three of them came closer to observe, and saw a vague image inside the crystal ball: an ancient city buried in the desert, with a pyramid-like building standing in the center, as if showing them the secrets of history.
"Is this... some kind of guidance?" Adrian guessed, his voice full of curiosity, as if asking Alexander, and as if challenging himself.
Just then, a strong wind blew, rolling up a lot of sand and dust, as if warning them, and as if inviting them. When the wind and sand subsided a little, they were surprised to find a figure not far away, as if inviting them and showing them hope for the future.
It was an old man in a sand-colored robe. His skin was rough and dark due to long-term exposure to the scorching sun, as if showing them the cruelty of the desert. The old man approached slowly and said, "Welcome, travelers from afar. I am Hassan, the guide of this desert. I feel the special energy in you, so I come to greet you."
Alexander stepped forward and saluted respectfully. His voice was full of sincerity, as if he was expressing his gratitude to it, and as if he was sighing to himself: "Hello, Mr. Hassan. I am Alexander, this is Adrian and Moss. We are looking for an ancient city buried in the desert. Do you know anything?"
Hassan's eyes flashed with surprise: "Ah, you are talking about the lost city of Zahar. It is an ancient legend that it was once a prosperous oasis kingdom with magical power to control water sources. But a thousand years ago, a terrible disaster caused the entire city to be swallowed by the desert."
"Does that city really exist?" Adrian asked curiously, his voice full of curiosity, as if he was asking Hassan and challenging himself.
Hassan smiled mysteriously: "Whether it exists or not depends on the faith and wisdom of the seeker. If you really want to find it, I can guide you. But I warn you that there are many dangers hidden in the desert."
Moss said with some concern: "Our water and food reserves are running low, and I am afraid we can't support the long journey."
Hassan nodded: "Don't worry, I will take you to my tribe. There you can replenish supplies and maybe get some useful information."
In this way, the three followed Hassan on a journey to find the lost city, as if embarking on a journey full of unknowns. After several hours of trekking, they came to an oasis hidden between huge sand dunes, like a huge life, surrounding them in a vibrant environment. Palm trees surrounded a clear spring, and tents and simple houses were scattered among them, as if inviting them and showing them hope.
The people of the tribe warmly welcomed the guests from afar, as if expressing their goodwill to them and showing them their strength. That night, by the campfire, Hassan told them more legends about Zahar, as if showing them the secrets of history.
"Legend has it that Zahar's prosperity stems from a divine artifact - the 'Heart of Rain'. It can call for rain and turn the desert into an oasis. But one day, a greedy king tried to use the power of the 'Heart of Rain' to conquer neighboring countries. As a result, the artifact went out of control, triggering a terrible sandstorm that buried the entire city."
Alexander said thoughtfully: "So, the destruction of this city was due to the abuse of power?"
Hassan nodded: "That's right. This story has been reminding us to respect nature and cherish resources."
Adrian suddenly thought of something: "Wait, if the 'Heart of Rain' really exists, then finding it may change the ecology of the entire desert?"
"It's theoretically possible," Hassan said, his voice full of caution, as if he was expressing his concerns to Alexander, and as if Showing him the challenge of the future, "But countless explorers have failed for thousands of years. The desert will protect its secrets."
Moss interjected: "But if we can find it, maybe we can restore the balance here and let life flourish again."
Alexander's eyes flashed with determination, as if expressing his determination to them, and as if challenging himself: "We must try. This is not only about a lost city, but also about the future of the entire region."
Hassan looked at the three people with admiration in his eyes: "Your courage and wisdom give me hope. Tomorrow morning, I will take you out in person. But remember, the desert is a cunning opponent, it will test every decision you make."
That night, Alexander tossed and turned, as if he was having a spiritual dialogue with himself. He remembered the knowledge he learned in Elysia and thought about how to apply them to this new environment, as if showing him hope. He understood that the journey ahead would be their biggest challenge so far, as if challenging him, and as if showing him hope for the future.
At dawn, a group of people set out on a journey to find Zahar, as if embarking on a journey full of unknowns. The desert glowed with golden light in the morning light, as if telling ancient secrets. Alexander held the crystal ball tightly, feeling its weak pulse, as if he was having a spiritual dialogue with it. He knew that a thrilling adventure was waiting for them, and this mysterious desert might teach them a lesson, teaching them how to find life and hope in the most extreme environment.