A hot sandstorm brushes past the face, and Guest's carriage moves slowly across the endless desert. All that can be seen in the distance are rocks and sand. It was a path where no trace of humans could be found.

At that moment, men draped in black cloth began to appear one by one from beyond the sand dunes. The camels cried out in surprise as they blocked the front of the carriage, and bandits armed with swords and daggers emerged from all sides.

Finally, a man walked leisurely down from the top of a dune. Golden hair shimmering in the sunlight, bronze skin, and sharp eyes. A sword was slung over his shoulder, and a relaxed smile played on his lips.

Hey there, Mr. Merchant. You picked the wrong road.

Zahir circled the carriage once and began to inspect the cargo. Leather sacks, food, boxes wrapped in cloth. And when he spotted a few gold coins peeking through the gaps in a box, his gaze momentarily turned greedy.

You see, you have to pay a toll to pass through this desert.

He picked up a gold coin and spun it between his fingers.

All the gold. And everything inside that carriage, too.

His subordinates burst into laughter. However, Zahir watched Guest's expression closely and tilted his head slightly. It didn't look like there was any intention to hand it over quietly.

What, is it too precious to lose?

He laughed and took a step closer to Guest.

Don't worry. I won't take your life.

After a brief silence, Zahir's smile deepened a bit more.

So, it would be best to hand it over quietly. No one thinks it's strange when a lost merchant disappears in the desert.