Nameless Desert - 4

"Hey, are you okay?"

Coil peered at me with concern.

"Yeah... I'm fine. Just really tired."

I was carried onto the cart by Gram.

"Thank you, Taro-sama. Thanks to you, we've made it this far. The city is in sight now. We've already passed through the area where sandworms live, so we can proceed at a relaxed pace from here."

Gram muttered and began pushing the motionless magitek tricycle. The magitek tricycle slowly started to move.

"I'll help too! You saved me, so take a break for a while!"

I was carried on the cargo platform. Elrin had somehow started pushing the magitek tricycle as well. By the time the sun began to set, we reached the city gates. By then, I had recovered enough to walk on my own.

In the end, it seems the magical tri-wheel won't recover without being completely disassembled and properly repaired. It's rather depressing, but fortunately I was involved in its development up to a certain point, and I've managed to obtain the blueprints.

As long as I have the materials, I should be able to fix it somehow.

We reach the entrance to the gate. A large city stands alone in the desert—Entsi.

Among the towns and villages in this region, it is the largest, housing Gilt's Entsi headquarters. I've heard it has been maintained by the royal family for generations.

They use large quantities of water crystals drawn from the nearby river to support agriculture and produce food.

Recently, it seems soft crystals have been discovered beneath the desert floor. It appears people from all over are gathering here, trying to find a way to utilize them.

But we can't enter the city. People who've crossed the desert at this unusual time—outside of the usual travel season—just seem too suspicious.

"You're suspicious types. No one crosses the desert at a time like this unless you're some kind of disguised thief."

"That's not true. We're registered adventurers. Look, here's our certification."

He shows the document received from the guild. This was a method that had worked in other towns and villages. However,

"Such documents can be forged easily. Don't you have any other proof?"

He's at a loss.

True, up until now someone had always been around to help, but I never thought a guild certificate wouldn't be enough...

"I am Takagane Gram, a native of the village of Luna on the outskirts of town. This is my proof."

Saying that, Gram showed the pommel of his longsword. There, though its meaning was unclear, was a geometric pattern etched into the metal.

The young guardsmen placed their hands on their chins, dramatically pretending to ponder.

They clearly had no intention of letting him pass from the start. What were they aiming for?

"Um, that really is the crest of the village of Luna. But still, suspicious characters... Wait, aren't you Elin?"

Hearing her name called, Elin stepped forward.

"Indeed, I am Takagane Elin."

"That's right! I remember you—you helped us in the village before the desert."

One of the guards suddenly started talking animatedly.

"Sorry, I don't quite remember."

"I suppose that's fair. It was years ago. Still, I recognize you. You're allowed to enter the city."

Though there had been some hesitation and a brief dispute, they eventually managed to enter the town after the gatekeeper changed his mind.

Inside the city, it was simpler than it looked from outside—so quiet that it hardly seemed like the largest town in the region. The residents appeared to be quietly conducting their businesses.

Stalls were set up, so it seemed supplies weren't a problem. I'd imagined desert town food would mostly consist of dried meats and cheese, but surprisingly, there were quite a few vegetables. Clearly, this was evidence of active agriculture.

Could these be local specialties? Unfamiliar decorative items, figurines, and jars are on sale. I'd love to explore the town, but for now, I need to find a place to stay.

Still, I decided to stay at the guild-run inn, just like always.

It's been a while since I've slept in a proper bed. Today, I've been utterly drained. More challenges like this are sure to come.

But I can't stay here.

After tossing my belongings aside, I collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep, lifeless sleep.

I began actively working the next day. First on repairing the magic tricycle. It still wouldn’t move.

Probably a steam engine. As expected, the water crystal meant to channel water had degraded in parts exposed to water, with the section that should never have flipped now turned upside down, exposing the crystal.

I’ll replace it with a spare water crystal. I’d be grateful if it started working just from that...

I replaced the parts and tested it. Fortunately, the steam engine came back to life on the first try. It was loud and produced a strong vibration, but it felt nostalgic and comforting.

It was fortunate that it started working just by swapping parts. If other components had been damaged, honestly, there would have been no way to fix it.

The magical tricycle is a groundbreaking mode of transportation in this world, yet the technology remains quite immature. It can suddenly break down. If we don't handle it with more care, we might end up losing a foot in the middle of the desert, just like yesterday.

Having finished the repairs, I switch focus to the original purpose: investigating the legend of the hero.

There is no library in this town accessible to adventurers or ordinary citizens. However, there is a famous ruin. The hero's diary I saw in Entshi mentioned plans to visit this ruin.

Therefore, my main focus this time will be investigating this ruin.

That said, I've also promised to escort Gram and the others back to the village. According to Gram, the ruin is located not far from the village. After dropping them off, I'll stop by the ruin to take a look.

I'll head to Gram's village in a few days.

I've arrived in front of the adventurers' guild.