By the time the afternoon sun hung low in the sky, the group had finally wrapped up their grueling grinding session. Their faces were streaked with sweat and dust, their bodies aching from hours of combat and exertion. All except Alex, who stood as lively as ever, his trademark grin still plastered across his face.
The others sat sprawled near the oasis, leaning back against the cool sand as they watched their horses drink from the shimmering water. The peaceful stillness of the moment sharply contrasted with the chaos they had endured earlier.
Ryu slumped against a dune, wiping his face with the edge of his shirt. "Hahhh, Alex... I've prestiged twice already. Give us a break, man. I've hit level 60 three times over!"
Medusa lay flat on her stomach, her cheek pressed against the sand, as though the weight of exhaustion had completely overtaken her.
Marlowe sat cross-legged nearby, staring blankly at the horizon, her mind seemingly lost in thought.
