Harry Potter and the Old Ones

Biologically, this oasis has proven to be a refuge for some extremely rare and endangered species. For example, researchers here discovered a small reptile previously thought to be extinct called the spotted basilisk.

In addition, some endemic plant species exhibit unusual biological properties in adapting to extreme droughts and short flood seasons.

In order to protect this precious natural heritage, in 1978, the Australian government officially designated the George Ring Mountains and its internal oasis as a national nature reserve.

Strict access control and scientific research activity regulations are implemented to ensure that the natural environment and ecological balance of the area are not destroyed.

After entering the 1990s, the Australian National Academy of Sciences and other European and American reliable institutions faced unprecedented challenges in their exploration of the huge oasis in the center of the George Ring Mountains.

Although previous discoveries have greatly stimulated the scientific community's interest and desire for exploration, however, limited by the level of science and technology at this time, most scientific research teams have been significantly restricted in their in-depth exploration of this remote and inaccessible oasis.

Although current human technology has made significant progress in many fields, there are still obvious limitations in remote detection and material transportation.

Without the drones or advanced remote sensing equipment that Tiera had before its crossing, scientists cannot easily monitor or explore the remote and harsh conditions inside the oasis in George Crater.

Moreover, because the central oasis is located very deep in the ring mountain range, surrounded by vast deserts and rugged terrain, there are no roads or other easy ways to enter. Therefore, to conduct scientific research deep into the oasis, the scientific expedition team must rely on livestock or Carrying out a long and arduous march on foot presented a huge challenge to the logistics of personnel and equipment.

Heavy equipment often cannot be transported to research areas, severely limiting the scope and depth of scientific activities.

In addition, communication technology in this era is far less developed than before Tiera traveled through it, especially when traveling long distances in an unfamiliar environment——

If anyone falls behind, it may be the last time they see each other in this life.

In this day and age, scientific expedition teams, especially such outdoor scientific expedition teams, have extremely high death and disappearance rates.

This is why Professor Caldwell strongly opposed Tiera's inspection with the team at the beginning.

But in the end, he couldn't defeat Tiera, and Professor Caldwell had to let Tiera, the big benefactor, follow him into the mountains.

However, this team was led by Professor Caldwell, followed by Tiera and Algenis Mathis, and then the other members of the scientific expedition team.

It was equivalent to Tiera being wrapped up in the middle of them, as if they were afraid that Tiera would get lost.

Although Tiera felt it was unnecessary in this situation, she was too lazy to explain at this stage and just smiled and acquiesced.

After entering the corridor, Professor Woodwardwell found that the passage was narrower and more tortuous than expected, the light gradually dimmed, and the air was filled with the smell of moisture and ancient earth.

The walls of the entrance are covered with dark green moss.

After passing through the depressingly narrow entrance and the dozens of meters of road behind it, we arrived at a slightly wider passage——

After overcoming the initial difficulties, Professor Woodwardwell and his team entered a spacious passage that was obviously dug by humans.

The scene here is in sharp contrast to the previous naturally formed narrow passage.

The walls of the artificially blasted tunnel are made of rough rocks. These rocks are somewhat irregular due to the action of explosives. The cross-sections of the rock layers are vaguely visible, showing traces of geological time. The alternating colors of gray, white and dark brown add to the space. A bit of a primitive feeling.

Every once in a while, there is a thick wooden stake implanted into the cave wall. They are very irregular, but they all play an important role in supporting the entire cave structure.

These wooden piles are different. Some are old and covered with thick moss. The color gradually changes from emerald green to decayed dark brown, while some look newer and the wood still shows the original light yellow color.

As the passage went deeper, the natural light gradually dimmed, and the members of the scientific expedition team had no choice but to turn on the flashlights in their hands.

The light casts long shadows on the rough rock surface, complementing the dark green moss on the cave walls, creating a deep and mysterious atmosphere. The smell of moisture and ancient earth in the air is stronger, and it seems that you can smell the smell of time, making people feel as if they have stepped into another time and space.

In this oppressive narrow passage, the scientific expedition team moved forward slowly, and everyone's breathing and footsteps were almost the only sounds in this dark space.

The team members adjusted the lights in their hands from time to time. The beam penetrated the thick air and swept across the wet rock walls and moss-covered wooden piles.

The dim light left swaying shadows on the stone walls, adding a layer of uncertainty and mystery.

Due to the narrow passage, the team members had to line up in a line and maintain a careful distance from each other to avoid causing unnecessary rock slides or disturbing loose geological structures.

Professor Woodward Will, who led the team from the front, would occasionally stop and direct the team members to record samples from specific geological layers.

Although they are a scientific expedition team in the field of ecology, it does not mean that the samples from these strata are useless.

At a long term, this stratigraphic sample can be used to exchange information with other research groups of the scientific expedition team. At a more recent term, it can be sent for chemical analysis or animal feces analysis. The data obtained are similar enough for a master's student. Used for graduation.

The further you go, the stronger the smell of moisture and soil fills the air, which is obviously caused by a long period of lack of ventilation.

Along the way, the silence is occasionally broken by the rustling of small animals. At this time, the biologists in the team will excitedly slow down and use night vision cameras to try to observe or record these precious natural creatures.

As he continued walking, each time he passed a wooden pile, Professor Woodwardwell carefully shone his flashlight on the rough wooden surface, looking for any sign that the structure might be unstable.

He carefully inspected every detail, making sure that each stake supported the weight of the cave.

After making sure everything is safe, he gives instructions to the students following him to record the number and condition of each stake. These records will be compiled and reported to the Australian Wild Materials Control Bureau so that necessary repairs and maintenance can be carried out in a timely manner to ensure that this artificial passage remains reliable and safe in the future.