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Chapter 290: Sandstorm Attack

A sandstorm. When I recreated one using spiritual arts, it was a vicious natural phenomenon capable not only of blinding the enemy but also of slicing them to pieces with its grains of sand.

However, the scale of the sandstorms that were likely to hit us within a few days was entirely different. Each one was massive enough to engulf a small village, and there were easily over a hundred such storms brewing.

“How long until the sandstorm reaches us?”

“Given the current pace, about three days. We need to get our preparations in order.”

“It feels like our serious efforts in building this base are really paying off.”

The deadline was three days, during which we had to prepare for a sandstorm of unknown duration. Fortunately, as Marcellus mentioned, walls and houses built of stacked blocks of sand were ready. These blocks were not just piled up; they were bonded by earth spiritual arts used by people such as Gora. So they would be able to withstand the sandstorm.

Because the oasis was distant, we had built a solid base. Had we only stayed under tents, a hellish situation would have undoubtedly awaited us. I can say we are really lucky.

“However, I’m not sure about the food. It would be better if we knew how long the sandstorm would last…”

“That’s something we just don’t know, right? Best to gather as much as we can now.”

Having a guaranteed shelter was beneficial, but it would be meaningless if we ran out of food while remaining in our place. Therefore, even though the time was short before the sandstorm arrived, it was necessary to gather as much food as possible.

The boat had just returned from a morning fishing trip, but in order to secure some more food, it was deemed necessary to go out again in the afternoon. Of course, only those who could stand the heat were allowed on board.

“We do not know the frequency of the sandstorms… but it has become clear that having our base at the oasis does not guarantee safety.”

“That’s true… perhaps we should make this place into a full-scale base.”

We had intended to decide on the base after checking the condition of the oasis, but after seeing the sandstorms coming towards it, it seemed that the oasis was not the safe haven we had hoped for.

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Perhaps it would be better to make this place into a full-scale base. We had made it habitable, and there had indeed been voices suggesting just that.

However, this was based on the assumption that we could solve the water problem by sprouting the great spring tree that the “Mountain God” had given me. What we would do until the great spring tree grew, and how much water it would produce, was unknown. Therefore, it was rejected due to concerns that it might be dangerous to rely on it.

“If we’re going to make this a base, there are going to be issues.”

“Yes, it’s not like we built the dwellings with city planning in mind.”

“Whether we go to the oasis or stay here, it seems the aftermath of the sandstorm will be tough either way.”

Tigar shook his head in resignation. Our homes were randomly arranged, not designed with comfort or ease of living in mind. If we were to make this place a base, we would need to transform it into a livable city. That was on us, as we hadn’t initially built with convenience in mind. We had no choice but to work hard.

With a course of action decided, we started moving quickly. I went fishing with those who could withstand the heat, and the others who could move would head north to gather resources. We urgently needed food.

When night fell and Asumi and the others woke up, they were informed of the approaching sandstorm and our strategy for gathering food, so they began to gather food during the night as well. It was hard, as we also had to watch out for small animals coming from the north and targeting our crops.

I, who hardly needed any sleep, intended to keep moving, but Chris and Lappy insisted I rest. For some reason, I couldn’t defy these two. Even when I consulted Tigar about it, he just laughed and said, “That’s right.”. What did he mean by that?

Three days later, just as Marcellus and Decius had predicted, the sandstorm hit our base. However, the effects of the sandstorm were definitely noticeable from the day they had predicted it. The winds had become much stronger and filled with sand.

The sand sea grew tumultuous, and the sandfish leaped about wildly. This frenzy resulted in a surprising bountiful catch. Combined with the food we had brought, we had successfully gathered enough supplies to sustain everyone for a month.

“Ugogo… so, so noisy…”

“There’s nothing to be done about it. Look, try to be more like Chirik.”

Woodsorrel rolled on the floor while covering her ears. The sandstorm made a grating noise against the walls of the house of stacked blocks, and the sound seemed unbearable to her.

I could understand her feelings. Constant noise was indeed unpleasant. In fact, Gardenia was pressing her front paws against her ears and curling up as well. While Chris and I could still endure it, Chirik completely ignored it and continued his spiritual arts training. Tolerance varied from one to another.

“Don’t say that; it is really noisy after all.”

“Well, yes. Oh, isn’t it about time?”

“Is it that late already? It’s hard to tell time in this closed space.”

The house we had built from sand blocks protected us from the sandstorm, but it lacked windows and the entrance was now sealed with sand blocks too. Fortunately, this prevented sand from filling the interior of our home.

However, the absence of windows meant that no sunlight could enter which made it difficult to tell the precise time. Under these circumstances, Chris’s internal clock, which seemed to accurately gauge time, was remarkable.

After Chris pointed this out, I opened a door on the floor. Underneath it was a network of tunnels connecting each house; these passages were hastily dug in preparation for the sandstorm. These tunnels allowed us to visit other houses even in the middle of the storm.

As the leader of our group, I had decided to check on everyone daily until the sandstorm passed. Now was the time for that routine patrol.

“Shall we go together?”

“Oh, I want to go!”

“Mm, I’ll go.”

“Then perhaps I should join.”

Chirik, Lappy, and Chris expressed their willingness to accompany me. They were among the more energetic ones in our group. With little else to do while waiting out the sandstorm, joining me probably seemed like a good way to pass the time.

“I’ll pass…”

[Same here…]

“Understood. Then I’ll count on you two to keep watch.”

Meanwhile, Woodsorrel and Gardenia decided not to come. They seemed troubled by the noise of the sandstorm and weren’t in the mood to do anything. I had no intention of forcing them to join, so I left them in charge of keeping watch.

There’s no rule that only I can use this passageway. I just felt obligated to check on everyone, which is why I must go, but it’s normal for others to use it to visit others. They will likely end up accepting anyone who comes through.

I was the first to descend, followed by Lappy carrying Chirik. Chris jumped down last and then closed the door on the floor. The underground passage was dark and stuffy but cool and quieter. Considering a basement for sandstorm protection might be a good idea.

But that discussion can wait until after we’ve overcome the sandstorm. For now, prioritizing checking on my comrades is essential. I led the way through the passage toward the nearest house. When I knocked on the door, it was promptly opened.

“Hey, boss. Come on in.”

“We’ll come in, then.”

The first house we visited was Tigar’s. However, it wasn’t just Tigar and his family of three here. Julius, Ariel, Magna, and some children without parents had all been gathered here as well.

Everyone usually lived with those with whom they chose to live. Tigar and his family usually consisted of three members. However, during emergencies such as this sandstorm, the situation was different. It was considered better to gather those who got along well together, as it would be easier to deal with any problems that might arise.

“Is there anything troubling you? Though I suspect not, given it’s only the first day.”

“Nope, nothing in particular. Actually, Ariel and the others looking after Reese have been a big help.”

“Is that so? What about you, Julius, Magna?”

“There’s nothing particularly troubling us, but…”

“It’s pretty frustrating not being able to go outside.”

When I asked them, Tigar seemed to be in good spirits, but Julius and Magna looked unhappy. Tigar, always the doting father he was, seemed to think his daughter’s current situation was not bad. Sharl probably felt the same way judging by her expression.

On the other hand, it wasn’t just Julius and Magna; most of the children were stressed about not being able to go outside. With only the light of fire spiritual art and some glimmers to illuminate their surroundings, it was only natural for them to feel dejected.

“Then, how about taking a walk through the underground passageway? There’s no one who would refuse you, and it should be a distraction for those you visit.”

Since going outside in the middle of a sandstorm was not an option, it was impossible to come up with a straightforward solution. However, it was possible to suggest something that might serve as a distraction. I suggested visiting other houses through the underground passages.

After a brief discussion, Julius and Magna decided that the children who were feeling stressed would follow the underground passage to visit another house. However, they would not go immediately because they also wanted to play with Chirik.

Since he was my disciple, Chirik had decided to live with me. However, this decision was not made hastily. He weighed the option of staying with Magna and the others and, after much deliberation, made his choice.

The children’s laughter echoed through Tigar’s house amidst the disaster of the sandstorm. With such a joyful atmosphere, I was sure that we would survive this ordeal. I could feel my heart warming.