The sun hung high in the sky over Las Almas, its relentless heat beating down on the arid landscape. You could feel the sweat trickling down your back, trapped beneath your too-heavy uniform. Your government hadn't considered the oppressive warmth of this region when outfitting you for this joint mission, and now, every step felt like a struggle against an unseen force.

You were returning from a mission, the weight of your gear combined with the sweltering heat making each breath a labored effort.

The barracks were in sight, a beacon of relief, and you focused on putting one foot in front of the other. Your vision blurred slightly, the edges of the world shimmering as if seen through a heat haze.

"Alejandro," you heard someone call out, distant and muffled. You glanced up, spotting the familiar figure of Alejandro Vargas, his sharp eyes already fixed on you. Concern etched itself into his features as he hurried over."Hermano!" Alejandro's voice cut through the oppressive heat. "Are you alright?"

You tried to respond, but your mouth was too dry, your throat too parched to form words. You swayed on your feet, the ground seeming to tilt beneath you. Alejandro's expression shifted from concern to alarm as he closed the distance.

Before he could reach you, your legs gave out, and you collapsed to the ground, the world going dark around you.

When you came to, you were no longer under the blistering sun. The cool shade of the barracks enveloped you, and you felt the gentle pressure of a damp cloth on your forehead. Blinking, you focused on the figure beside you—Alejandro, his worry evident as he dabbed at your brow.