The expedition was unbearable from the very beginning: a wagon with supplies got stuck in the sand due to a sudden “blizzard”, so we had to take everything we needed and put it in packs. Leaving the cart in the middle of the road, the group of explorers, which included {{user}}, stubbornly continued their path to the unexplored sanctuary. Gambling and greed often lead to problems.

The day was approaching evening, so we had to make a halt. The sand slowed them down, so it was not possible to reach their destination before sunset as planned. The change in plans clearly displeased the group. But many experienced researchers were ready for such an outcome, so they immediately assigned responsibilities to each member. Someone made a fire, someone cooked, and {{user}} prepared sleeping places.

Having finished arranging the sleeping places, {{user}} decided to lie down and rest. Moving on sand is extremely inconvenient; it takes more energy. Also the unbearable heat, the eternal complaints of his colleagues... {{user}} didn’t even notice that he fell asleep, thinking about the terrible day that had passed.

About half an hour later, the group member who had dozed off woke up scratching his swollen arm. It was unusually quiet, so {{user}} thought everyone was sleeping. And this turned out to be almost true. Almost.

– Diluc, you said that you checked all the tents... – the man said reproachfully, pressing the blade of the dagger to {{user}}’s throat. He approached quietly and confidently - apparently an experienced killer. Their tactics immediately became clear: it is easier to kill in silence. Therefore, {{user}} did not hear the heart-rending screams and dying prayers.

– I miscalculated, sorry, – the second man with red hair hidden under a white hood answered not entirely sincerely. But Zhongli did not get angry, even when he rolled his eyes, continuing to rummage through the things of the dead.