Chapter 1131: The Fifth Ruin
Thomas Geller was in a complicated mood. His work clothes were covered in dust and filth. He strode forward with a long face, and a fat man panted as he scuttled and followed behind him.
“Hey, Thomas! Thomas!”
“What do you want, Andy? I’m in a bad mood now.”
“Bad mood? Why, Thomas?”
Upon hearing Thomas’s response, the man following him like a lackey widened his eyes in suspicion.
“Isn’t that a good thing? The excavation that was stopped has finally begun again. Besides, we have also received the large sum of money we wanted and you have been appointed as the leader of the site excavation team thanks to the excavation works of the previous sites. I don’t understand what you’re unhappy about.”
“I would rather work unrestrained than being forced to, like now!”
Thomas stomped his foot and glared at the fat man behind him. Upon realizing his rage, the fat man took down his gla.s.ses, wiped the lenses, and continued speaking.
“No-no-no, it isn’t worse off than before. We know this excavation job is extraordinary and relatively important. I know you hate the soldiers, but it is necessary for them to be here. Besides, don’t we also have some important figures in our team this time? Dr. Sean is a geological expert, Dr. Miller is a chemical engineer, and Dr. Alicia… oh, you don’t know, but gathering these people wasn’t easy at all.”
“Yea, we could have gotten a few more people…”
Thomas snorted and pointed outside the window.
“… so can you explain to me who those young ladies are?! d.a.m.n it. This is an excavation site, not some museum, idol stage, or karaoke hall. So why are they here? Darn it. They are nothing more than some brats!”
“This…”
The fat man forced a helpless smile.
“I’m not sure either, Thomas. I only know that they are representatives of B&M Company. We have many facilities provided by them and their request is to allow the young ladies to follow and record the happenings in the ruins. I don’t know the exact situation, but they have indeed negotiated with the higher-ups, obtained official doc.u.ments, and followed the right procedures.”
“Alright then, d.a.m.n those capitalists. I don’t know what they are up to. But I hope those young ladies don’t cause any troubles!”
Frankly, Rhode didn’t expect to join the investigation team with this ident.i.ty. But it wasn’t too surprising. Even though B&M Company seemed like a virtual-reality gaming company, their technologies were also used outside of games. The Creator Dragons were smart. All this while, they worked closely with the military and governments of various countries. After all, there was no doubt that such virtual-reality technologies were crucial for military affairs. It would be strange if one were to think that B&M Company sold games for a living. It was definitely no joke that the company was able to develop into a global multinational corporation today.
But Rhode didn’t expect Arthur and the rest to intervene with this matter. Even though B&M Company made such a request and had indeed put Rhode’s group in a better position, the company was therefore involved in this excavation. However, Rhode didn’t feel guilty. As Creator Dragons who were the root of everything that happened, it went without saying for them to a.s.sume responsibility. If not, Rhode wouldn’t have taken upon himself all the terrible stuff while they benefited from the good. But…
“I think we may be too conspicuous…”
Rhode gazed at the messy surroundings and couldn’t help but let out a sigh. Compared to the stern, fully-armored soldiers and ‘talented and influential figures’ communicating using incomprehensible phrases, Rhode’s group seemed more like scouts on an outing. The two Canaries listened to music and read novels, while the two Mini Bubble Gums cheered and caused a ruckus at the side like typical representatives of a group of brats. On the other hand, Erin and Lydia stood at the side, smiling and exchanging words in lowered voices. It was apparent that they were satisfied with this ‘outer world tour’ over the past few days.
But compared to the appropriately-dressed professionals, Rhode’s group was clad in uniforms printed with the words ‘B&M’. Rhode wore a black collared s.h.i.+rt like a highly-capable superior. The rest were wearing contemporary clothes that were convenient and safe for them to move about in.
According to Mini Bubble Gum, they looked like manipulators behind the scenes who sent these innocent researchers and crew members to their death in the movie ‘Alien’. Then, after the truth was exposed, they sneered as the protagonists struggled while being chased by monsters. This little fella was really satisfied with this role. Of course, it seemed to Rhode that the young ladies wouldn’t mind making a cameo appearance along the way.
As of now, Rhode’s group was situated deep inside the rolling hills. The terrain was steep and close to the polar circle where vehicles couldn’t enter easily. They could only rely on helicopters to deliver supplies, which was somewhat of a ha.s.sle. Due to this reason, the excavation job wasn’t smooth. The snowstorm from time to time also frequently disrupted traffic, which was why there weren’t as many people here as the other excavation sites. As for the soldiers who served as guards, there were only two teams. Of course, they claimed that they couldn’t transport too many soldiers due to the tough terrain and climate. But as a matter of fact, it was Rhode’s idea to make Orchid Heart use an underhanded method. After all, Orchid Heart had witnessed the scene of Chaos eroding the place through the surveillance videos. As of now, there weren’t any strange discoveries in the other ruins. If not, things should have happened after they were excavated for so many years. This went to show that the risks of this fifth ruin might turn out to be really high. Sending fewer people meant decreasing the dangers of being contaminated by Chaos and at least it would be easier for Rhode’s group to kill any hostile creatures if they were to appear, wasn’t it?
Due to this reason, under Orchid Heart’s control, this ruin had the least people. Excluding Rhode’s group, there were less than 50 soldiers. Not only that, but also after sending in the last batch of soldiers, all external communications were interrupted and no helicopters could arrive here anymore. Unless Rhode contacted Orchid Heart personally, this group of people was entirely within his control!
Judging from this point, it wasn’t wrong to say that they were the BOSS behind the scenes…
“Everyone, I suppose you’re aware of it by now.”
Standing in the brightly-lit hall and gazing at everyone, Thomas spoke sternly.
“This time our mission is to excavate an ancient ruin situated deep inside this mountain. There aren’t many dangers because we have been examining the place for a few years. However, we were unable to embark on this journey due to financial difficulties and now with your help, we’re able to begin excavating the first floor at the fastest speed possible. Although the terrain is higher here, we’re certain there aren’t any wild animals after our examination. But I hope everyone will remain vigilant as there may be traps in the ruins. So, please refrain from roaming as you wish…” Thomas said, turning to Rhode’s group on purpose. The others also s.h.i.+fted their gaze dubiously toward them. They were also curious as to why Rhode’s group was here. After all, judging from their appearance, the young ladies seemed to only be in their youth and the young man was only slightly over 20 years old. It didn’t make too much sense to say that they were sent by B&M Company. After all, Rhode’s group possessed no significant background or experience and was too immature to handle excavation matters. No wonder the soldiers and researchers weren’t able to set their minds at rest. But no one felt like they were any threat to them since they were just some ‘young children’.
Thomas didn’t continue speaking, but continued to stare at Rhode’s group in discontentment instead. Facing their uncertain gazes, Rhode’s group didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. On the contrary, they continued on with their business and even the two bad-tempered Mini Bubble Gums didn’t take his words to heart. After witnessing their reaction, Thomas let out a snort to express his dissatisfaction. After all, he was only a researcher who wasn’t comprehensive in worldly wisdom. Then, he continued. “… especially for those without any experience. Even though there shouldn’t be any venomous snakes or wild animals in the ruins, if you break away from your team out of curiosity, no one can predict what will happen. So I hope everyone will work accordingly to orders! If any of you are to disobey the orders, I will need to ask you to leave!”
Thomas said and waved his arm.
“Alright then, ladies and gents. Let’s move out!”
After hearing his remarks, the readied crowd stood up instantly and headed to their destination under the escort of the soldiers. Rhode gazed curiously at the two Bubbles who chuckled beside him. Then, he commented.
“You two sure can tolerate his insults.”
He was truly surprised because based on his impression of Bubble, whenever anyone looked down upon her, she would never be so kind as to remain silent. She wasn’t a reasonable person, so it wasn’t possible for her to not talk back and enrage that person. Moreover, there were two of them now so the danger was doubled. In this situation, they actually didn’t fight back and this piqued his curiosity.
Facing Rhode’s remarks, the two Bubbles revealed insidious smiles.
“Of course, Leader. During such times in the movies, those who talk back to the protagonist are only seeking death. A so-called BOSS behind the scene is one who maintains one’s composure, follow the protagonist, and torture them to death at the end. I’ll put aside that idiot’s words for now and give him a hard time later!”
“That’s right. When the time arrives, we will show that fool how powerful we are!”