Chapter 63: The Desert of mirages

Chapter 63: The Desert of Mirages

The endless horizon in front of Natasha and Alex showed its colors in gold and orange as the sun descended toward the horizon. The Desert of Mirages offered a different scenery than the previous barren wasteland since it presented shifting sands that glowed with an eerie sparkle which moved across the terrain like burning fire.

"This place is… beautiful," Natasha admitted, squinting at the iridescent dunes.

"Beautiful but deadly," Alex replied, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword. A thing so flawless should not be trusted.

They proceeded with caution while their feet sank into the gentle heat of the sandy terrain. A floral scent with a sweet aroma hung thickly within the air unlike the typical arid desert heat. Unusual short-lived visions emerged at the horizon showing both a green paradise and crystal castle walls as well as faces from their previous lives.

"Mirages," Natasha said, shaking her head as she spotted the silhouette of her childhood home. "They're trying to distract us."

Alex stopped walking immediately while his eyes became narrow. "Distract us… or lure us into a trap?"

A sudden movement of the ground beneath their feet created spiral-shaped patterns out of the sand. The enticing images in the distance became increasingly clear along with their vividness. Natasha noticed her deceased parents gesturing to her from under the shadow of a tree. Alex stood as a victor before a massive crowd who cheered enthusiastically in his vision.

Natasha guarded Alex by seizing his arm while she told him to avoid looking at the illusions. "It's not real."

"I know," he said, though his voice was heavy with longing. "But it feels so real."

The pair continued their march by staring at the ground which lay in front of them. The mirage illusions became more intense and started to display realistic appearances. 

The oasis transformed into a vast watery expanse which showed such perfect clarity that Alex could practically touch its cool temperature with his dry skin. His desire to drink water became stronger than his determination so he came to a stop.

"Alex, no!" At that moment Natasha yanked him away from the water just before he made contact. The deceitful mirage showed itself to be a dangerous pit of quicksand that replaced the place where the oasis had been.

"Thanks," Alex said, his voice shaky. "That could've ended badly."

"Stay focused," Natasha urged. The desert tricks people into craving things through their mental desires. We need to maintain control over our thoughts because this situation.

Each successive step became progressively heavier for them. The sun stayed motionless near the horizon while its changing shadows produced a dance across the desert dunes.

Suddenly, the ground trembled. A serpent emerged from the sand eruption which had burst in front of them as its scales displayed a color identical to the desert's iridescence. The creature possessed two golden molten eyes while poisonous liquid dripped from its fangs.

"Great," Alex muttered, drawing his sword. The day already had too many challenges before this serpent appeared.

The venomous serpent attacked them using incredible rapidness. The serpent's attack propelled Natasha toward the side while she executed a swift roll before standing as Alex executed his broadsword swing. The serpent raised its body while it emitted hostile hisses.

Natasha used her words to explain that the serpent moved too quickly to dodge easily before she drew her bow from her belt. "We need to outthink it."

With another strike the serpent came at them so Natasha released her arrow which targeted its glowing eyes. The arrow struck the target where it stood and the beast pulled back while howling in agony.

"Nice shot!" The serpent's attack wound down when Alex took advantage of the distraction to strike at its body with his sword.

The wildly moving creature disturbed the beach's surface which resulted in additional deceptive images forming. The group suddenly found themselves in the midst of twelve terrifying serpents which matched the original creature in menace.

"Which one's real?" Alex shouted, spinning in place.

"Look for its shadow!" Natasha checked the moving images while she spoke. "The mirages won't cast one!"

Natasha located the weak shadow of the genuine serpent and fired another arrow which struck the creature in its chest area. A last horrifying scream escaped the creature as it fell into the sand to become a sparkling waterfall of dust.

Alex paused for breath while sharing his relief that the unexpected moments seemed to have ended.

After the dazzling dunes became less intense the travelers carried on with their journey. The last section of the desert revealed itself through a solitary black rock spire which pierced the dunes with its jagged peak.

"That must be the exit," Natasha said, her voice filled with relief.

The temperature dropped rapidly when they entered the spire area which caused the mirages to disappear. The stone arch facing the spire base showed intricate runes which emitted faint blue pulsations.

"This feels too easy," Alex said, eyeing the archway suspiciously.

Natasha nodded. The door contains more depth than simple functionality according to the speaker.

A deep resonant voice started to echo as the runes intensified their brightness when they moved closer toward the doorway.

"Only those who see through the illusions of their heart may pass."

The two roommates briefly shared a look through their glances. "Another trial," Natasha said.

Alex decided to move forward quickly because he wanted to finish this task.

The light consumed their surroundings when they entered the archway and transformed them into two figures standing at the desert border.

Alex smiled while stating that the experience was not too difficult for him.

Natasha gave him a pointed look. "Next time, try not to fall for the oasis, okay?"

"Hey, I was thirsty!" Alex protested.

Natasha laughed, and for a moment, the weight of their journey felt lighter. Together, they turned toward the next challenge, their spirits bolstered by their victory.