[Reach your destination. Time remaining: 47 hours 50 minutes.]0

The endless expanse of desolation before me resembled the arid wastelands of the American West. Everything that met the eye appeared distorted by the oppressive heat, as it gave rise to a constant shimmer of red mirages.0

The horizon shook hazily in the distance, its contours trembling and blurring, almost like the bold textures of Vango's impasto brushstrokes brought to life.0

I walked for roughly ten minutes away from the mountain peak when an invisible barrier abruptly stopped me. It resembled the protective boundary that used to surround the Zone 1 rest area, invisible yet immovable.0

Ugh, of course.0

I let out a heavy sigh, only to find the searing air immediately clawing its way into my lungs. It felt as though my chest was on fire.0

Damn it, I can’t even sigh properly.1

Grumbling a bit under my breath, I turned around. The ten minutes I had spent walking only made the peak feel farther away.0

What now? Should I head to the left or right instead?0

No, that didn’t seem wise. Focusing on the trial seemed far more prudent than chasing after a potential hidden mission.0

Sure, moving either way could reveal something worthwhile, but realistically, the odds felt low. On top of that, this was an individual challenge floor, which was generally...1