The morning sun of Ufrifa was already a brutal, unyielding force by 8:00 AM, beating down on the pristine, pale-stone pavement outside their luxury hotel. The western continent was a desert jewel, and its climate was a physical thing.
The heat radiating from the asphalt was visible, warping the air into shimmering mirages.
Hide stood in the scant shade provided by a towering palm tree near the hotel's grand entrance, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. Next to him, Sora was frantically fanning her face with her hand, her dark eyes narrowed in pure annoyance.
"I swear, if he makes us wait another five minutes, I'm going to slice his kneecaps," Sora muttered, her voice laced with genuine irritation as she continuously shifted her weight. She looked up at Hide, who was staring blankly at the bustling street. "How are you not melting right now? I'm practically sweating through my clothes, and I can control the wind."
