Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 826

As the moon's trajectory slanted westward, signaling the end of the night, the eerie creatures hiding in the sand dunes outside the camp gradually retreated.

Just as the first rays of dawn pierced through the gaps in the sand dunes, those strange eyes slowly closed and vanished into the darkness behind the dunes, as if they had never existed. As the night receded, the desert once again revealed its daytime tranquility and warmth.

As the morning sun shone, the expedition team members gradually awoke, stretched, and began to get busy preparing for the first day of exploration.

However, they were completely unaware of the strange phenomena that were occurring around them while they were asleep.

After a quick breakfast, the team members split into several groups and set off in their respective planned directions.

Tierra, as one of the funders of this expedition, was not originally required to participate in the scientific exploration, but—

“Professor Caldwell.” While everyone was having breakfast, Tierra suddenly called out to Lenon Caldwell, an ecology professor from the University of Sydney.

"Would it be convenient for me and your team to enter the George Ring today?" Tierra asked.

“I am very interested in this unique ecosystem in the desert,” Tierra added.

“Ah… well… because the oasis is located relatively centrally in the George Ring, and the canyon is too narrow for our off-road vehicles to fit in, so…” Lennon Caldwell glanced at Tierra, hesitated for a moment, and then said, “So it might take me a day to half a day just to get there. We might also have to stay at the oasis for about two days, so the round trip will take a total of four to five days.”

“It’s alright, I can take care of myself,” Tiera said calmly.

“What I mean is, Mr. Lockhart,” Lennon Caldwell said hesitantly, “that is, we need to go in and out on foot the whole way. If anyone in the team falls behind in the wilderness, we can only ask them to turn back. We will not provide any additional assistance to anyone who leaves the expedition team.”

“Mr. Lockhart, this isn’t just about your personal safety,” Lennon Caldwell continued, his expression serious and impatient. Clearly, the ecology professor didn’t want to drag Tierra along as a “burden.”

“This is about the safety and collaboration of the entire team. Every action and decision we make must take into account the overall situation of the team. In the wild, especially in such remote and challenging terrain, everyone must be able to confidently handle whatever may happen. If someone falls behind the team or needs additional assistance, it could jeopardize the entire team,” Lennon Caldwell advised.

“Professor Caldwell, I fully understand your concerns and appreciate your consideration for my safety. But I must say that my participation in this expedition is not merely out of personal interest, but also because of my love for the natural world and my thirst for knowledge,” Tierra said with a light laugh, though her words were filled with empty platitudes. “I may not have the extensive scientific research experience of you or other team members. But my physical fitness, survival skills, and adaptability to the natural environment give me confidence that I can keep up with the team, and I am willing to bear all the associated risks.”

“I see,” Professor Caldwell said, scrutinizing Tierra. He could indeed sense the sincerity and enthusiasm of this young benefactor.

After a moment of silence, Professor Caldwell finally spoke: "Mr. Lockhart, I think I need to discuss this with the rest of our team."

"Please go ahead." Tiertra gestured for them to proceed.

Professor Caldwell knew time was of the essence, so he turned and whispered to his team members for a while.

“Mr. Lockhart,” Professor Caldwell then said somewhat seriously, “we agree to let you join us on this expedition, but I hope you will grant me two conditions.”

“Please speak,” Tierra replied with a smile. “First of all, you must follow my instructions. If I say you can’t go somewhere, you absolutely cannot go there. If I say you can’t touch something, you absolutely cannot touch it,” Professor Caldwell said seriously.

“That is only right,” Tiera replied.

“Secondly, I hope you will never leave the sight of my student, Algnes Mattis.” Professor Caldwell then pointed to a nearly two-meter-tall, muscular black man standing beside him.

Algnes Matisse was tall and strong, with bulging muscles and well-defined lines. Just standing there, he looked like an iron tower.

Tierra recalled that during their group meeting yesterday, Professor Caldwell had introduced Algnes Mattis to her. He was a second-year graduate student at the University of Sydney, whose father was Black, but who was raised by his Australian Aboriginal mother.

Current research focuses on the vulnerability and resilience of tropical ecosystems.

Algnis has extensive research and practical field experience in this field, and is particularly adept at analyzing and predicting the long-term impacts of environmental change through integrated ecological data.

“Of course, Professor, I completely agree to these conditions. I feel very reassured with Mr. Mattis by my side.” Tierra readily agreed.

Tierra's agreement reassured Professor Caldwell somewhat, and he then summoned all the expedition members to announce the special partnership between Tierra and Mattis, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

"Our mission this time is extremely challenging. We will not only face severe natural challenges, but also potentially encounter unknown risks. Each of us must remain vigilant, work together, and ensure the safety of the entire team," Professor Caldwell said solemnly.

After receiving instructions from Professor Caldwell, the expedition team began intensive preparations for departure.

The first step was an equipment check. Each team member carefully inspected their gear, including water bottles, tents, sleeping bags, GPS navigation devices, communication equipment, and personal first-aid supplies. In addition, geological sampling tools, biological specimen collection boxes, and protective gear were prepared specifically for the areas involved.

The team's supplies were also very important. They brought plenty of food, such as compressed biscuits, high-energy bars, canned food, and enough water. The food selection was designed to ensure that everyone had enough energy to cope with the long hikes and arduous work.

The expedition team's route was also planned in detail.

Professor Caldwell and the expedition's navigation experts carefully studied the existing maps of the George Ring and discussed the best entry and exit routes.

They identified several key sampling sites and planned to conduct detailed ecological and climatic observations at these locations.

Throughout all these preparatory activities, Algnes Mattis and Lutiera maintained close cooperation.

He was specifically responsible for familiarizing Tierra with basic wilderness survival skills, such as how to use a compass and map, how to find water in the wild, and how to ask for help and save herself in an emergency.

After all, this is their biggest financial backer. If they want to continue taking advantage of them in the future, it's not difficult to figure out how to get them in, but it's difficult to get Tyella out unharmed.