At night, Deadlands was very cold, with a bitingly cold wind that stung the face. In the morning, it would become extremely hot, like a fire pit. If a person cracked an egg on a rock, it’d be cooked in a minute.
The average person wouldn’t be able to endure the extreme weather in Deadlands. They’d only be barely surviving, even with enough resources. The real test was on one’s determination and the ability to endure stress.
Dustin, Grace, and the rest of the team moved steadily forward, following Ryan’s map. They walked from night till morning and vice versa.
Due to their group size, the team wasn’t going very fast. The good thing was that Grace had prepared everything well in advance, and the team consisted of only the elites in their own trade. They were able to resolve any trouble that they ran into quickly.
As night descended, Grace instructed the team to set up camp when she found a suitable spot.
They had been traveling for quite a long time, and everyone was physically and mentally exhausted. They needed a good rest tonight to re-energize.
When the tents were all set up, Grace ordered the chefs to prepare dinner.
The kitchen crew, headed by two great chefs and a dozen kitchen helpers, quickly got busy preparing dinner. The team of around a hundred people waited eagerly for dinner to be ready.
The two days in Deadlands had been tough. However, it was amazing to be able to enjoy a delicious meal and have some wine when they were tired.
In one of the big tents, Dustin, Grace, Garett, and a few others sat around the table after dinner to discuss their next steps. Due to the cold, they even had a bonfire in the tent.
“Ms. Linsor, it’s been smooth sailing for us till now.
“If we keep this pace, we should reach the border of the oasis around tomorrow afternoon.
“However, please be reminded that sandstorms are frequent at the border. Therefore, we still have to be very careful.” Garett pointed to the map on the table with his finger and gave everyone a simple explanation.
“Alright, thanks for the information, Captain Wilder. Please rest well.” Grace nodded in reply.
“Good night, Ms. Linsor.” Garett nodded slightly and glanced at Dustin, who remained in the tent. Although he was quite upset about it, he could only leave.
“Dustin, you sleep here tonight. I have already prepared the mattress on the floor for you,” Grace said suddenly as she drank some water.
“What?” Dustin was stunned. “I don’t think it’s right for a man and a woman to be alone in the same tent.”
“What’s wrong? I won’t eat you.” Grace rolled her eyes. “Besides, you’re my bodyguard. It’s your job to protect me at all times. I am just a weak woman. What if something terrible happens at night?”
“Weak?” Dustin’s mouth twitched, and he was speechless for a moment.
Grace may appear weak, but she was actually a grandmaster and well- versed in all kinds of mystical arts. Excluding te normal martial artists, not even Aidan Ridge, the Sandscale, could fight her.
“Hey, stop overthinking. Let’s get some rest. We have to wake up early tomorrow.”
Before Dustin could reply, Grace took off her jacket and revealed her graceful figure momentarily before she quickly snuck into the sleeping bag and closed her eyes.
Dustin was dumbfounded. He could only yield in for the night.
