Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 832

After receiving the data brought back by Tierra and confirming that the water quality of the Albert Oasis met drinking standards, Professor Caldwell dispatched several students to the water's edge. They carried empty water bags and several large collapsible buckets to collect water, intending to bring this precious clean water back to camp as supplies for the next few days of their expedition.

The desert sun was gradually setting, and the evening breeze brought a touch of coolness. Students took turns scooping water from several water sources in the oasis using buckets, while others were responsible for opening and preparing empty water bags to ensure that every precious drop of water was properly preserved.

Meanwhile, the other team members in the camp began to busy themselves, collecting dry branches and withered grass to start a fire.

Soon, a wisp of smoke slowly rose, and the campfire gradually ignited, bringing warmth and light.

After the flames were lit, they took out a large iron pot, placed it on the fire, and poured in the water they had just fetched.

“Remember, the water must boil for at least three minutes to kill most of the bacteria and microorganisms and ensure the water is safe,” Professor Caldwell instructed from the side.

The students, including Tiera, nodded in unison.

Although they had learned this from books countless times, and even some of the veterans who had personally gone out into the wild...
With nothing else to do, I simply stayed by the large pot, observing the water gradually change from calm to boiling. The sound of boiling, accompanied by the arrival of night, was like a unique symphony of the desert night.

After boiling, they let the water cool naturally, then carefully poured it into sterilized water bags to prepare for the next day's journey. This simple task was crucial for the self-sufficient expedition team far removed from civilization.

As night deepened, the campfire burned brighter, and the conversations of those gathered around it gradually subsided, each person filled with anticipation.

If this scientific expedition goes smoothly, the data they obtain will be enough for all of them to publish a good paper upon graduation. How could they not be excited when they thought about this?
Under the cover of night, the camp was quiet. Everyone was making final preparations for the next day's mission, checking their equipment and planning their routes. Tierra returned to her tent, reviewing information about the George Ring, occasionally jotting down her thoughts and questions.

As night fell, the camp gradually quieted down, with only the sound of the night wind gently rustling through the tents and the occasional animal calls from the distant desert.

Tiera lay in the tent, but instead of going to sleep, she turned her head to the side and stared in one direction for a while.

"Hehe." Tiera chuckled softly, then turned her head and closed her eyes.

Below the desert that Tiera had just gazed upon, pairs of emerald green eyes opened greedily, then closed unwillingly.

These newly evolved creatures of dark magic, possessing an insatiable thirst for human flesh and blood, but—

These lowly dark magic creatures, which didn't even possess a concrete physical form, suddenly felt a sense of fear.

This fear is unfounded, a fear etched deep within the soul.

The closer they got to the camp of the invading creatures, the stronger their craving for flesh and blood became, but their fear also intensified.

They are intensely afraid of something or someone.
This sense of dread quickly spread among the dark magic creatures, who began to hesitate about approaching the intruders' camp. After a struggle, the conflict between desire and fear forced the creatures to keep their distance, and they quietly retreated into the night, leaving behind an unsettling and silent desert.

As the morning light gradually warmed the desert air, each team member demonstrated tacit understanding and efficiency amidst their busy work.

Some of them were responsible for dismantling the tents, skillfully folding them to ensure that every piece of equipment could be packed lightly and compactly back into their backpacks. Others were responsible for checking water bladders to determine if water needed to be replenished, and organizing food and energy supplies to ensure sufficient energy throughout the day. Tierra and several technicians confirmed that all research equipment—such as GPS navigators, cameras, laptops, and containers and tools necessary for collecting environmental samples—was correctly equipped, complete, and functioning properly.

They also checked the communication equipment to ensure they could maintain contact with the outside world during the expedition.

Since the interior of the George Ring does not contain any mineral veins, there is no possibility of geomagnetic interference with communication equipment.

Team members communicate with each other via walkie-talkie, and can stay in touch within a two-kilometer radius.

Professor Caldwell, the team leader, had a satellite phone to use in case of emergency to contact the outside world.

This is why Professor Caldwell plans to conduct a scientific expedition deep into the central oasis of the George Mountains.

In this era before Tiera's time travel, a satellite phone cost as much as a Buick sedan.

Fortunately, this expedition had the strong support of Tierra, a major financial backer.

This is why Professor Caldwell was so attentive to him throughout the journey.

Because this satellite phone is really important.

What is the most frightening thing about field research?
No samples were collected? The desired data was not obtained?

No, neither.

The biggest fear during field expeditions is the possibility of casualties.

No samples were collected, and the desired data wasn't obtained; we can just try again next time. It might take a little more time, but the loss of personnel is a different story.
Professor Caldwell felt a headache just thinking about it.

Led by Professor Caldwell, the team set off from the Matisse Oasis, slowly advancing along the pre-planned route. Although the desert temperature was gradually rising, the air at six o'clock in the morning still carried a slight chill, bringing some comfort to the team members as they marched.

Led by Professor Caldwell, the team set off from the Mattis Oasis and headed toward the unknown oasis in the center of the George Ring.

The cool morning air provided the team with a brief respite, but as the sun climbed higher into the sky, the desert temperature began to rise sharply.

The temperature difference in the desert is huge; the scorching heat during the day and the freezing cold at night pose a great challenge to the team members' physical health.

In such an environment, high temperatures can lead to dehydration and heatstroke, especially when moving around continuously. Everyone must constantly replenish fluids and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.

The changing terrain of the desert also makes travel difficult. The vast sand dunes are constantly changing shape and position, sometimes making it difficult even for experienced guides to determine the exact direction.

The sand dunes are unpredictable and can easily lead to getting lost, and the scorching sand on the surface can almost burn the skin, so every step requires extra caution.