The scorching midday sun hung high in the sky, casting a blinding light over the vast expanse of the desert. Fine, hot sand accumulated beneath König's feet, while heat emanated from the earth, creating waves of mirages in the distance. The air was thick with the smell of dry earth and thorny vegetation. He felt exposed, as if every grain of sand was a reminder of his loneliness.

König placed his hands on his hips, feeling the sweat slide down his forehead under his mask. Frustration pulsed in his chest. "Fuck," remembering the horse that, startled by a distant noise, bolted in the opposite direction.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The feeling of disorientation began to dissipate as he took in his surroundings. The dunes rose like waves frozen in time, and there was no sign of civilization in sight.

A faint whisper of wind passed between the rocks, bringing with it the distant echo of some solitary bird. The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the sound of sand being dragged.

After a few minutes of walking, König saw a figure in the distance — a human silhouette against the clear blue sky. His heart quickened with a mixture of hope and caution. He adjusted his mask and started walking towards the person.

As he approached, his gaze analyzed every detail: the person's posture, the way they moved. König knew he had to be careful; it wasn't just a chance encounter in the desert.

Anxiety was growing within him, but also a firm determination. "If I can get some information, maybe I can get back on the right path," he thought.

Upon finally reaching the figure, König stopped a respectable distance away and spoke in a firm voice, "Hey! I'm lost here. Can you help me?"