Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 830

After a short rest, the research team regrouped and prepared to continue their journey.

After another ten minutes or so, and after passing through several open-air caves similar to the one they were in now, they finally emerged from the somewhat oppressive passage.

After exiting the passage, there is a small oasis growing along the mountain wall, where mineral-rich streams flowing from the cave bring a touch of life to this barren desert.

This small oasis is like a miniature miracle in the desert. Although it is not covered by tall trees, it shows a vibrant ecological environment in a different way.

The exposed rocks and lichens gleamed faintly in the sunlight, displaying a simple yet resilient vitality.

Scattered among these rocks and moss are bushes that are about waist-high. Although these bushes are not tall, they always gather in clusters, crowding together in the narrow crevices.

Sedges are scattered in the loose, alluvial soil near the stream. The slender leaves of the sedges sway gently in the wind, like waves in the desert, bringing a lively dynamism to this small green space.

In the heart of this oasis, nestled in a depression, a clear spring nurtures life; it is the green heart of this place. Lush vegetation grows around the spring, and flowering shrubs release a refreshing fragrance.

Spring water flows quietly among the rocks and bushes, providing a constant source of nourishment for the surrounding plants.

Nestled amidst desert and rock, this oasis shines like a dazzling emerald, radiating unparalleled vitality.

“Look at the ecosystem here, it’s truly amazing.” Although it wasn’t the first time he had seen it, Professor Caldwell still couldn’t help but exclaim, “Such an oasis is like an emerald in this desert.”

Professor Caldwell did not allow his team to stay in the oasis to collect samples; he only observed it briefly before quickly leading his team away.

"Don't we need to take samples here?" Tierra asked, seeing Professor Caldwell and his group rushing around.

“Oh, no need, Mr. Tierra,” Professor Caldwell replied. “Although this is an oasis inside the George Ring, it is relatively small and located on the edge of the ring. It no longer has much research value. Many research groups have already published papers based on their findings from this oasis, and we are not willing to waste any more time here.”

“Even my own research group has published three papers on this oasis, so…” Professor Caldwell chuckled awkwardly.

Moreover, their supplies were only enough to last them seven days, so they needed to get to their main destination as soon as possible.

The great oasis of the George Ring.

"I see." Tiera smiled, turned back meaningfully, glanced at the cave entrance she had come from, chuckled, turned away, and continued on her way.

Tiera was well-versed in ancient texts. Although the dark planet "Eris" and the Great Old Ones inhabiting it had never interacted with Earth, Tiera knew all too well what kind of life forms a meteorite tainted by the Great Old One's dark magic could evolve into after billions of years of evolution.

Even just now.
Professor Caldwell and his group continued their journey.

The place gradually fell silent. The spring water where Tiyela had just dipped his hands to cool it, the rocks the expedition team had trodden on, the stone walls they had touched.
Suddenly, eyes appeared one after another, then disappeared all at once.

As the group gradually left the small oasis, the desert landscape once again took center stage.

The wind swept across the dunes, whipping up grains of sand that shimmered in the sunlight, but this beautiful scenery could not conceal the harsh environment it concealed. Professor Caldwell constantly reminded the team members to maintain formation and avoid getting lost in the vast desert.

After walking for about two hours, the team reached an area with more complex terrain. There were many rocks and gravel, the ground was uneven, and there were also many caves and simple rock shelters that looked like they were built by man.

It looks as if someone once lived here.

The reason it's called a rock shelter rather than a house is because the structures were so rudimentary. Perhaps due to the passage of time, when Professor Caldwell arrived, most of the shelters had collapsed, leaving only a few scattered stone shelters that seemed to offer some shelter from the wind and rain.

The stone shelter was built by stacking several large stones, with smaller stones and a seemingly similar mixture of clay and gravel stuffed into the gaps.

It's just that it's been around for so long, and it's in such a dry place, that it has weathered and become as hard as rock.

Based on the map Professor Caldwell carried and previous research, there may have been signs of ancient civilization activity in this area.

Some archaeological experts speculate that some of the living sacrifices sent to this place survived from the winding "Goddess's Passage" and lived for a period of time in many oases in the George Ring.

However, Professor Caldwell was not an archaeologist but an ecologist, and he was not interested in these potentially man-made things, plus they needed to continue their journey.

Therefore, Professor Caldwell ordered the team to rest here for half an hour before continuing their journey.

The team members found a sheltered spot near the rock to sit down and rest.

A gust of wind blew by, bringing with it the heat of the desert, causing everyone to close their eyes and enjoy this rare moment of tranquility.

Professor Caldwell looked around and then pointed to the right front.

“I remember that if you walk about one or two hundred meters over there, there’s a refuge that the joint scientific expedition team built five years ago. They put in a lot of effort to bring in cement and build it,” Professor Caldwell suggested. “It’s very sturdy and can provide some shelter from the wind and rain.”

As Professor Caldwell spoke, he glanced furtively at Tyella, seemingly observing his expression.

In fact, given Professor Caldwell and his team's physical strength and endurance, they could have continued walking before dark to set up camp in a medium-sized oasis five kilometers away. However, Caldwell had to consider his benefactor and see if he still had the strength to continue.

“Professor, you don’t need to worry about me.” Tierra noticed that Professor Caldwell was looking at her, smiled and said, “If I remember correctly, there’s an oasis about five or six kilometers away. Wouldn’t it be better if we settled there tonight? It’s still early.”