Oasis

The heat hit me like a wall as I stepped into the desert, the sun beating down mercilessly. The sweat started pouring almost immediately, soaking my combat gear. Designed for combat efficiency rather than comfort, my outfit was suddenly stifling.

"I should've asked for climate control features," I muttered to myself, trying to wipe the sweat from my brow. It was a futile effort; the sweat just kept coming.

I trudged forward, each step sending sand cascading around my boots. The orange stone on my bracelet gleamed in the sunlight, a constant reminder of my objective. But all I could think about was finding some kind of relief from this oppressive heat.

After what felt like an eternity, I spotted something in the distance—a patch of green amidst the endless beige. My heart leaped. An oasis.