Chapter 1

I was born into this world as a child of a concubine. My mother apparently died shortly after I was born.

From the moment I was born, it seems I had a higher magical power than most people. Although I was born as the fifth son of the emperor, in my country, the most important thing is how much magic one can wield.

Because of this, even though I was a child of a concubine, great expectations were placed on me due to my high magical power. However, when I turned 12, it was revealed that my affinity attribute was sand. I could use sand magic, and that was my power.

However, sand had a drawback. It was a single attribute, meaning that those who possessed it could not handle any other attributes. For example, if fire was your affinity attribute, you could still use wind to some extent, as the attributes were somewhat compatible. But with a single attribute, that was impossible.

However, in exchange, single attributes were often very powerful, and possessing one was considered rare. So it wasn't all bad, in theory.

But sand was different. Sand magic could not be used in places without sand, so it was generally considered an unfortunate attribute.

My attribute was that. Still, I tried my best to be useful, practicing sand magic diligently using the sand pit in the estate.

But now, I stand in the middle of a desert. Words were burned into the sand:

"If you like sand so much, stay here and play with it forever, you idiot!"

I immediately knew it was done by one of my older brothers. One of them had fire as his affinity attribute. But it wasn't just that. My father and the empress must have also approved of my exile.

When it was revealed that my attribute was sand, most of my family showed looks of disdain. And even after that, no matter how much I practiced, they only looked at me with contempt.

One of my older brothers even said that my existence was a disgrace to the family and treated me with disdain. So this must be the collective will of the family, the royal family.

And so, I was abandoned by my family and exiled from the country, left alone in the desert.

All around me is sand, sand, and more sand. I might have been thrown into the center of the desert.

But it's hot—more than just hot, it's scorching. The sun above is glaring down, mocking me as it continues to shine on the desert. The sand is also hot.

I'm still wearing the clothes I slept in. They are somewhat like a robe, but not suitable for walking in the desert. Normally, I would be in despair and resigned to death. But my attribute is sand. My brothers might have meant it as a joke, but I had been practicing sand magic in the estate's sand pit.

In the estate, I could only practice in a small sand pit, so I could only make small sand castles or sand figures that could be easily destroyed by my brothers.

But in the desert, with so much sand, things are different. I can fully utilize the power of sand magic. I immediately manipulated the sand to form a thick robe-like covering. The sun's heat was absorbed by the sand.

Now, to survive, I need water. This is a desert, so it's naturally full of sand. If I do nothing, even with the sand blocking the heat, I won't last long.

"Sand Perception—"

I focused my mind and interfered with each grain of sand. By moving the sand like ripples, I gathered information about what the sand touched.

I expanded my interference range from the surface to underground. This range can extend up to several kilometers in a flat area, but it becomes less efficient in three dimensions.

Hmm, yes! I found a water source! It's quite far, but—

"Sand Wave—"

I cast the sand magic. This spell allows me to move the sand like waves and ride on it. By riding the sand waves, I can reach my destination faster than walking.

The speed is quite fast, several times faster than a carriage. However, if it's too fast, it becomes difficult to control, so I need to adjust it. Still, it's quite fast.

Now, I've arrived at my destination. At first glance, it looks like any other sandy terrain, but with Sand Perception, I found an underground water vein.

"Whirlsand—"

I cast the spell. This magic makes the sand move in a whirlpool. I adjusted it to dig underground. The sand easily dug into the ground.

"There it is! It's coming out!"

Success. As I sensed, water gushed out from the spot I dug, quickly forming a large puddle. Yes, it's practically a lake now.

A water source in the desert is called an oasis, but I've just created a makeshift oasis here.

Now, I don't have to worry about water. Next, I need a place to live if I'm going to make this my base.

So, I guess it's this—yes.

"Sand Magic—Sand Castle!"

I cast the spell, and the sand rose and changed shape. Walls formed, and inside, buildings appeared—yes, a sand castle.

"Yep, it seems strong enough."

I tapped the walls and the castle to check. This should be sufficient to live in.

Now, I have water and a place to live. Next, I need food... I can't survive on water alone.

I used Sand Perception to check the surroundings. Oh, there's a life reaction nearby.

I moved through the sand like a wave. I saw a creature with long ears and a tail, about the size of a medium dog, and colored like sand.

It reacted as soon as I approached, probably very sensitive to my presence. It looks cute, but I can't let it go.

Securing food is essential to survive in the desert.

"Kyukyuk!"

The prey tried to escape. I quickly cast a spell.

"Sand Magic—Sand Spear!"

The sand changed shape, forming spears that flew and pierced the prey.

"Sorry, but I have to do this to survive—Sand Box!"

I placed the prey in a sand box created by magic. At that moment, I sensed something approaching.

"Roar!"

A creature similar to a lion leaped at me. I quickly moved the sand to avoid it.

Its claws left deep gouges in the ground. This isn't just an ordinary animal; it might be a monster or a magical beast. Its claws might be enhanced by magic.

"Sand Spear!"

I cast the spell, creating eight spears of sand and launching them. But the creature moved quickly, dodging the spears and closing the distance.

"Then, Sand Magic—Whirlsand!"

The sand moved in a whirlpool, tripping the creature. This sealed its movement. Now—

"Sand Magic—Sand Giant Fist!"

I formed a giant fist of sand and punched the creature. It was sent flying, bouncing off the sand, and rolled to a stop, no longer moving.

It seems I successfully defeated it—

From here, I will develop the desert and build a great nation!

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