After weathering the baptism of a thunderstorm, the mining team regrouped and, gritting their teeth, pressed on into the depths of the Mysterious Mountain Range. With every step deeper, the surrounding environment grew increasingly bizarre and unpredictable. The air was thick with a pungent odor—a mixture of sulfur and some unidentifiable stench of decay that made one want to retch. The ground beneath their feet had become unnervingly soft, like saturated sponge; each step resulted in a slight sinking sensation, and fissures frequently spread across the earth like spiderwebs, as if silently testifying to the endless dangers lurking in this region.
"General, this place is becoming more and more ominous. The men have been marching for days, they are exhausted, and morale has suffered greatly. What are we to do?" a deputy general asked, his face etched with worry as he leaned in to whisper to the Minister of War.
The Minister of War’s expression was stern and grave. He knew well that his team was mired in a desperate situation, but his eyes burned with unwavering resolve. He replied decisively, "We bear the vital mission of saving the world; there is no turning back. Pass on my orders: boost morale, tell the men to support one another, and ensure we push forward!"
Chapter 223