The blinding light of the portal faded, replaced instantly by a blast of scorching heat. Hajin shielded his eyes with his forearm, his boots sinking into soft, shifting sand.
A howling wind ripped through the area, whipping thick clouds of dust that stung his exposed skin. As his vision cleared, he realized the entire landscape was a vast, desolate desert stretching toward a red horizon.
"Vanguards, shields up!" the Captain barked, his voice cutting through the roar of the gale. "Form the defensive wedge immediately, and keep your eyes on the dunes."
The knights moved quickly, their shields locking together to block the stinging sand. The Captain turned back toward Hajin's group, his expression cold as he looked down at the four of them.
"You four, stay at the very back of the formation," he ordered, gesturing toward the rear guard. "Do not try to be heroes, and do not block our path if we need to retreat."
