C2 I Ordered Takeout in the Desert

Everett left his hometown of Hadleigh and used his remaining funds to purchase a plane ticket to Millwell. From there, he boarded a bus to the small county town of Limesvilles, located on the edge of the Ironwharf Desert.

Upon Everett's arrival in Limesvilles, he found that the desert had swallowed more than half of the town. The blowing sand was so thick that visibility was reduced to zero. Although Everett had often contemplated the desert, being there in person left him somewhat overwhelmed.

"Everett, we've seen the desert. The sandstorm is too intense, and everyone in Limesvilles has evacuated. Let's head back!" Fatty Wang suggested, ready to give up as the sandstorm raged on. Everett, however, was not intimidated by the sandstorm; he felt a strange kinship with the desert.

Looking at Fatty, Everett declared, "Heroes like us should not cower before the desert. Fatty, go with the evacuees. I'll stay and face this challenge."

After all, Everett had nowhere else to turn.

Despite Fatty's repeated attempts to convince him, Everett stood firm in his decision. With no other choice, Fatty reluctantly left with his belongings. Once alone, Everett purchased a camel, intent on braving the Limesvilles Desert amidst the fierce winds. Indeed, the Limesvilles Desert was the easternmost part of the Ironwharf.

Everett recalled his grandfather's diary entries, which mentioned that to reach the heart of the Ironwharf, one must traverse the Limesvilles Desert. The optimal time to do so was during the tumultuous month of March. It was said that during this period, the Limesvilles Desert would reveal a gateway to the world. Beyond the tempest, a serene Limesvilles awaited.

Guided by his grandfather's notes, Everett mounted his camel, stocked up on food and water, and set off with his compass. However, just outside Limesvilles, he discovered that the compass was rendered useless by the overpowering sandstorm. Unable to discern his bearings, Everett had no choice but to trust his instincts and make his way back to Limesvilles.

After all, as long as he was alive, there was hope. Everett was not ready to meet his end just yet.

Everett quickly realized he was lost, wandering aimlessly in the sandstorm. His camel refused to budge, taking shelter beside a sand wall. With no other choice, Everett shielded his nose with his sunglasses and trudged on. After all, if the sandstorm buried him, he wouldn't be able to leave even if he tried.

After battling the storm for hours, Everett acknowledged there was no path back. Worse yet, he had lost his bearings. As despair set in, he heard Fatty's voice calling out.

"Everett, Everett..."

Responding to the call, the two found each other amidst the swirling sands. Everett's mouth filled with sand as he spoke. They took refuge beside a crumbling wall. "Fatty, why did you come back?" Everett asked, his voice muffled by his hand.

Fatty wasn't always the sharpest tool in the shed, often appearing simple-minded, which earned him the nickname 'big guy'. But at times, he could outsmart a monkey.

"Everett, I left my wallet with you. I can't buy a ticket without it, and without a ticket, I'm stuck here!"

Damn!

What a reason...

Could this be destiny?

"Fatty, we're lost. Going back is not an option. My grandfather's diary mentioned that sandstorms could engulf half of Shaoland, leaving us no choice but to press on."

After Everett's declaration, Fatty braved the sandstorm, shouting, "I know. They warned me that if I don't leave now, I'll be trapped. If we're trapped, we must head deeper into the desert."

Puzzled, I wondered if they had all read my grandfather's notes. "Why?"

"Because in the desert, bodies dry out quickly!"

"Go to hell!"

Cursing, Everett grabbed Fatty's camel and led the way into the desert, with Fatty trailing behind. Everett recalled his grandfather's words: "If you're lost in the desert, look up for the North Star. It will guide you."

Everett looked up, cursing the elusive North Star.

His grandfather's diary also advised: "Without the North Star, feel the wind. In the Limesvilles Desert, it always blows from east to west."

Everett stood, arms outstretched, feeling for the wind's direction. Fatty approached, yelling, "Everett, what is this, your Titanic moment?!"

Everett really felt the urge to kick him down.

After figuring out which way to go, Everett led Fatty deep into the desert. They walked for days in a world engulfed by sand and wind, feeling fortunate they hadn't encountered any quicksand. When they ran out of water, the wind finally started to die down. They trudged on for another ten miles before the storm ceased.

It was evening, and the sand dunes glimmered gold in the fading light. The sky was ablaze with fiery clouds that constantly shifted shape, and the red sun hung just above the horizon, painting a scene of indescribable beauty.

"It's freaking gorgeous, Everett, but we're out of water and food. What do we do now?"

Despite the breathtaking view, the gnawing hunger and thirst were relentless. Everett stood atop a dune, gazing into the desert as night approached. It was eerily silent, but as darkness fell, numerous insects began to emerge. Everett recalled his grandfather's diary, which spoke of the desert's many bizarre creatures that could be deadly.

"There will always be bread."

Just then, his phone vibrated, surprising him. In the middle of the desert, who would expect a signal?

Everett pulled out his phone, which lit up on its own. It was that app, the golden desert farming app. He tapped it with curiosity, and a message box appeared.

[Mission reminder: Congratulations on reaching Ironwharf. You will receive a novice gift pack as a reward.]

"Wow, it's as if it's real."

Everett deftly opened the novice gift pack, and another message appeared.

[Mission reminder: Congratulations on obtaining the desert cactus seed. Why not plant one and see what happens?]

"Seriously? They're actually giving out seeds!"

"Everett! We're about to die, and you're still playing games? Where's your conscience?"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a chilling cold swept through the desert.

"Everett, we need to figure something out, fast!"

"Be quiet!"

If death was inevitable, why not enjoy one last moment of defiance?

So, Everett resolutely launched the desert farming game. He navigated to the seed page, a starkly simple interface with a gray wall and several squares. A message appeared:

[Desert Immortal Cactus]: Also known as the Giant Pillar Cactus, this is a fundamental plant for desert improvement. Plant it, and it will shield you from sandstorms and even alter the desert's climate.

[Beginner's gift pack: Receive 100 Desert Cactus seeds. After planting, additional seeds must be purchased from the in-game store.]

"Wow, there's actually an in-game store? That's so Penguin Games for you."

Everett was just about to check out the store when Fatty sidled up.

"Hey, Everett, are you ordering takeout or something?"

Everett looked skyward, exasperated. Seriously, can't the guy use his brain?

Does he have any idea how much delivery would cost out here in the desert?