A large team was rapidly being formed. Its members consisted of expert researchers of various domains as well as the best military personnel from all over the world.
Because this was a novel exploration, youth, and fitness were also selected among the prospective researchers. After all, given the risks associated with the expedition, older and frailer individuals might very likely not make it.
“Hurry up, faster!”
Several drilling machines worked at full power to excavate the ground not far from the meteorite fragments.
The governments of the world knew that the meteorite had the power to mutate objects, but they were desperate to obtain more mystical artifacts and scientific knowledge.
Large military camps of hundreds of people were set up. Other than the individuals who were actually making the journey underground, there were also logisticians who needed to maintain the living standards and safety of the researchers.
“The drilling machine has found a tunnel under the ice. According to drone excavation, we have determined that the tunnel moves in all directions and straight to the depths of the Antarctic continent. Incredible, too incredible. These tunnels have obvious traces of artificial shaping. It's also surrounded by smooth ice walls. I’m guessing that these tunnels are like a city’s underground facilities!”
The engineer manipulating the robot and the expert at his side let out an alarming cry, causing a commotion.
These words were heard by those who were about to participate in the expedition, causing more excitement mixed with fear.
They were about to explore the great unknown of the Antarctic underground.
Some individuals held crosses and prayed, while specialized psychologists provided counseling to each brave explorer preparing to embark on the expedition. As the commanding officer, a major issued orders to the soldiers under his command to conduct inspections. They needed to carry sufficient equipment, light sources, food, and other necessary supplies for the exploration.
Adequate provisions of compressed food that could sustain each individual for a month, a substantial supply of small light sources, recording instruments, materials for sample preparation, and various other necessary items were being prepared to the utmost perfection before the commencement of this highly anticipated expedition, which had captured the attention of governments worldwide.
“This will be an expedition that will go down in history. To be able to participate in this expedition is the greatest honor of my life. I do not know what dangers we will encounter, but Mary, Daddy can never give up on this expedition. Daddy will always love you. May God bless me.”
An expert recorded a video of himself for his family. Although this expedition was confidential and these videos could not be sent home, the success or failure of this expedition did not matter as these were the last words that he could leave to his family.
“Everything is ready!”
Iron cables were installed in the hundreds of meters-long tunnel that led underground, and numerous fluorescent light sticks were thrown down. The disciplined soldiers secured hooks to their waists and, with a dozen of them leading the way, ventured deep into the cave as the iron cables rotated.
Soon, more than a dozen soldiers landed on the bottom of the cave. They quickly took tactical maneuvers and positioned themselves in safe places. Then they pulled out brand new fluorescent sticks from their waists, causing the cave to be as bright as day. They carefully pointed around with their firearms in their hands while being alert to the dangers of their surroundings.
“Clear!”
One of the soldiers gestured and half of them quickly put away their weapons and began to notify the top. Then the entire scientific research team entered in full force.
“Look everyone, this smooth and flat cross-section in this underground cavity is definitely man-made, and it was definitely done with a machine! Could it be that thousands or even tens of thousands of years ago, humans had mastered the use of machines?”
A geologist touched the smooth ice wall and let out words of awe.
Another historian frowned and said, “It’s possible that these caves were made by machines, but I’m more inclined to believe that they were made with supernatural powers.”
Many experts and scholars began a heated discussion, while the major-general, who was the leader of the group, determined the right direction to go with his rich survival experience.
“Here, this direction should lead deeper!”
After making a decision, the general shouted, “Everyone, we are going to set off!”
The crowd began to advance in solemn silence, with the occasional whisper punctuating the quiet.
The military personnel protected the backs and fronts of these experts while shining light sources all around.
“Have you guys noticed that this place doesn’t seem as cold as we expected? I’m actually sweating!”
An expert exclaimed in alarm.
For this expedition, everyone expected it to be very cold so they all wore thick layers of clothing, but as they went deeper and deeper, they found that the temperature was rising instead of falling.
“I also sensed it. Why is it so hot here? Could there be lava underground?”
“Volcanic lava on the Antarctic continent? That’s really hard to imagine.”
“What’s so hard to imagine about it? You just don't know much about geology. The Antarctic is home to hundreds of underwater volcanoes.”
“......”
“Look, there’s something up there.”
Suddenly someone shouted, causing a commotion among the crowd.
In the vicinity, people pushed each other, trying to see what the person was pointing to. They saw black traces like paint on the icy walls.
“What is that thing?”
“Careful and don’t touch it. Who knows if it's poison or something related to the mysteries.”
“That looks like its garbage, the garbage that comes out of humans. Under normal circumstances, it shouldn’t decompose at this temperature, but the temperature here is a little strange, so there should be microorganisms present. These things look like it has decomposed for many years.”
“I think there is something wrong with these underground passages. Could it be that these are the city’s underground garbage disposal sites? Or is it an underground facility?”
“Are you an idiot? If this is the underground of the city, then the city should be above us. Are you saying that the city is upside down like the mountain?”
Someone rebutted, but immediately after, he stopped talking, because an upside-down city might really exist as it was something that the occult would really do.
Just as the group of experts were discussing with each other, the major and the soldiers who went further ahead exclaimed, “Come here everyone, hurry up!!! You have to see this! I swear, this… this is amazing.”
Hearing this shout, everyone looked at each other and ran forward. Then they saw the light in front of them and became dumbfounded.
“How could it be! How could it be!”
“How was this ever made!!!”
“Could this be the kingdom of a god!”
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