The Dawn of the New World Chapter 1526

Hao Xuan and the other slaves were swiftly ushered into a long and sturdy carriage being pulled by four feathery beasts. They looked remarkably similar to ostriches from earth only bigger and a lot deadlier thanks to the curved beaks and sword-like talons.

There were even some flickering flames around the feathers of their girthy legs.

Hao Xuan threw them a cursory glance before jumping in. It wasn't the first time he had seen such creatures but ones with elemental powers were still rare in the outside world.

'Creatures like this thrive in hot climates which makes them perfect mounts for this dreadful place. But having four of them to pull a carriage is a little overkill no?'

Or so he thought.

Once all the slaves were loaded into the floating carriage that was more like a chicken pen thanks to all the bars, two oxen-tribesmen came out and jumped on top as well.

One of them was the same demihuman who had tried to stop Che Yun earlier and seeing as they were going to be 'working' together, Hao Xuan inquired about him from Che Yun himself.

"Who is that guard? The one that tried to stop you earlier."

Che Yun peaked through the bars to catch a glimpse of him, "Oh, that's Ketillaug."

"Do you know anything about him?"

Che Yun shrugged with a downtrodden expression.

"It's okay, I was just curious."

Sumeet was already sitting at the helm when he felt the carriage shake. He threw the guards a questioning look.

"For safety," Ketillaug replied, "Can't have the workforce dying on the first day."

"Hmph, whatever. Just stay out of my way!" Sumeet quipped before cracking his whip, "HAYA!"

The four feathery beasts let out high-pitched screeches before breaking out in a sprint. The carriage shook like a leaf in the wind for the first few seconds before stabilizing itself.

Hao Xuan could see and feel several runes activating all around the base of the carriage to make the journey somewhat bearable.

They drifted along the dunes until the city could no longer be seen before picking up speed upon reaching the open desert.

Hao Xuan was genuinely surprised by the top speed these flightless bird beasts were able to reach, and all while pulling a full carriage to boot. The surroundings became a blur for most but he was able to see everything.

The wasteland wasn't as empty as one would expect since they were chased by a group of borrowing creatures for the entire first quarter of the journey.

'That map was deceptively small. We've already crossed more than 200 kilometers and it's barely been fifteen minutes...'

Despite doing his best to keep track of the path they had taken, Hao Xuan realized halfway through the journey that without a sure-fire way back they would be as good as dead if they ever got lost since no one else could find the city in this place.

Not only were entire sand dunes shifting and like the ocean waves but sometimes giant holes would randomly open and swallow up swathes of land.

'I guess that's a no to accidentally killing the slaver then, huh? At least until I find out how to get back by myself. Hopefully he doesn't bother me too much.'

Hao Xuan leaned back and closed his eyes to rest since there was little else he could do.

Roughly 40 minutes later the carriage began to slow down before coming to a gradual halt. Hao Xuan opened his eyes when Sumeet smacked the roof of the carriage.

"Wake up, we are here. Everyone get ready!" he shouted.

The guards pulled the doors open to let them out while Sumeet threw down some bags that were tied to the top. He jumped down to cut open the bags that held some kind of long white garments.

"These thobes," he said holding one up, "Are your lifeline! Wear them or not but you only ever get one, that's it. They help with the heat and keep you hidden amid the blinding sand!"

The slaves formed a line to pick one that suited them.

When Hao Xuan's turn came Sumeet stopped him, "One per slave," he said gesturing towards Che Yun.

Hao Xuan looked back only to see Che Yun shaking his head, "I don't need it."

"Is there one in his size?" Hao Xuan asked softly, trying his best not to start anything.

Sumeet picked one up that was Hao Xuan's size and ripped off the bottom and sleeves to quickly resize it, "There you go. A little loose around the waist but nothing he won't grow into, am I right?" he finished with a wink.

"Thanks," Hao Xuan passed it to Che Yun before moving him to the side.

'That went rather well,' he thought.

"Sir- Mr. Jin, I really don't need it, I swear! I promised I won't slow you down-"

"Shhh," Hao Xuan threw the head covering over Che Yun's face to silence him, "If this is going to work then you must never question me, understand?"

"Y-Yes Sir- Mr. Jin sir!"

*sigh*

Once all the slaves apart from Hao Xuan were clothed, Summet threw a small bag at each of their feet.

"You will find some food, water, and tools inside. There isn't anymore so don't bother asking. You will start there," he pointed to a nearby dune, "Each dig site is marked so choose one and stick to it. I will make rounds to ensure no one is slacking off, and if someone is, they get the whip, simple no?"

He paused to take out a small stone tablet from his back and by moving a few pieces around the dune he was pointing to suddenly disappeared. In its place was a five-meter-long and approximately 120-meter-wide rock formation.

Flags were planted all around the area, which acted as its outer boundary.