Chapter 1071: Chapter 1070: The Antarctic Base Tragedy (Part 2)
The Antarctic Base is different from other bases; it is primarily built beneath the ice layers, first for confidentiality, and second because of its primary purpose—it’s mainly used for researching biological, or rather, biochemical weapons.
This is also why the base is located in an uninhabited zone of Antarctica. If anything happens, it’s much easier to control than in other places.
But now, for the people at the Antarctic Base, it’s somewhat akin to calling out to heaven for help and receiving no answer.
"Request immediate assistance! Dispatch the emergency response team’s MS for suppression!"
The person in charge of the Antarctic Base was sweating profusely. Just now, District Three, which was responsible for confining those creatures, completely lost contact. They dispatched an MS team to attempt suppression, but unexpectedly, the creatures that were previously docile had become exceptionally cunning. If it weren’t for the base’s cramped space, and the fact that these creatures are flying ones that can’t maneuver well in tight spaces, the situation might be even worse.
"Our surveillance camera captured something strange in District Three!"
As the person in charge was in a fluster, a researcher rushed in hastily and displayed the images on the screen. In the footage, a massive structure resembling some kind of flesh-and-blood amalgamation towered silently in the experimental zone meant for trials. Moreover, beneath it was a layer of thick purple moss-like substance, upon which dozens of peculiar egg-like objects stood...
"What is that?"
The person in charge was certain that their base had never researched anything akin to this.
"We don’t know, but it’s highly probable that it’s something created by those Flying Dragon creatures. What should we do now?"
Before the researcher could finish speaking, a Flying Dragon suddenly appeared in front of the surveillance camera, opened its mouth, and snapped the camera to bits.
"Rustle..."
Looking at the screen filled with snowflakes, both individuals gasped, and the person in charge seemed to make a decision.
"Prepare for complete disinfection of District Three!"
"Is this really okay?"
Upon hearing the order, the researcher was taken aback. This Antarctic Base was designed for biochemical weapon research, and naturally, it had comprehensive precautions in place. The so-called disinfection involves opening the gates and flooding District Three with seawater, utilizing the cold temperatures of Antarctic seawater to freeze or drown the out-of-control substances.
This was the only feasible solution.
"Stop talking and hurry up!"
The person in charge glared fiercely at the researcher. The work they did was never meant for the public eye. If something leaked, the Earth Federation would definitely deny involvement, pinning the blame solely on them. In comparison, losing an experimental zone due to "operational error" was a more acceptable outcome.
Getting suspended is better than ending up in prison!
"Yes!"
Upon hearing this, the researcher nodded hurriedly and dashed out. Soon, the urgent alarm sounded.
"Alert—District Three is about to be sealed and fully disinfected. Personnel in District Three are requested to vacate immediately..."
The heavy steel gate slowly descended, followed by a swift surge of icy seawater from the surrounding inlets. Before long, the entirety of District Three was submerged in the frigid water.
"Whew..."
Only then did the person in charge breathe a sigh of relief.
With this, there shouldn’t be any more issues.
However, due to the loss of the surveillance camera, the person in charge didn’t see that shortly after the seawater flooded the base, the eggs on the Fungal Carpet began to swell and tremble, cracking open with a "pop." Subsequently, creatures with pitch-black skin, long skulls, and sharp tails and claws emerged.
They opened their mouths, emitting a hissing sound. Like fish, these pitch-black creatures quickly swam into the ventilation ducts, disappearing silently into the darkness.
At this moment, the people within the Antarctic Base remained oblivious.
"Quickly prepare the MS equipment for underwater use, gear up, and immediately proceed to District Three for inspection once the alarm clears!"
Inside the Antarctic Base’s hangar, maintenance personnel were running back and forth, operating machinery to outfit the MS with aquatic gear. Although most people weren’t fully aware of what had transpired, they knew that in this base, unnecessary questions were better left unasked, and they simply needed to focus on their duties.
Knowing too much might lead to unforeseen trouble.
One maintenance worker completed his task, then moved to the side to catch his breath, fanned his right hand, and let out a yawn.
"Creak."
Hmm? What’s that sound?
Hearing the distant noise, the maintenance worker paused in confusion, then curiously peered around.
"Hey, what’s going on? Who’s over there?"
"........"
Yet, there was no response from the other side. Out of curiosity, the maintenance worker approached the cargo area to investigate further, discovering that the cover of the ventilation duct had been opened.
"Damn it, what’s going on?"
Muttering to himself, he crouched down to close the cover. Just then, a faint "creak-creak-creak" sound emerged from behind him.
What is that sound?
Upon hearing it, the maintenance worker felt a wave of cold shivers, instinctually warned not to look back. Despite this, he saw a shadow slowly emerge on the wall in front of him.
That... wasn’t a human shadow.
"Aaaaaaaah!!!!!!"
A piercing scream echoed, startling everyone working inside the hangar. At the same time, several Federation Soldiers quickly seized their weapons, rushing to the source of the noise at the maintenance duct. Just as they arrived, a black silhouette sprang out!
"What is that?!"
Seeing the pitch-black creature with a sharp, elongated tail and oval-shaped skull, everyone gasped. The Federation Soldiers hurriedly raised their weapons and fired at the creature.
"Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!!!"
A barrage of gunfire rained bullets at the creature, but to everyone’s shock, the Federation Soldiers’ shots couldn’t even pierce its outer shell!
"What the hell is this creature... Ahhhhh!!"
Desperately gripping his weapon, the Federation Soldier continued firing, but the next moment, the resilient creature lunged at him, extending its claw to grab the soldier’s shoulder, jaw agape.
In an instant, the creature’s inner jaws shot forth, piercing the soldier’s skull, blasting his brain and skull into fragments.
This gruesome scene left everyone stunned. Before they could process it, identical black creatures descended from the ceiling, crushing the oblivious prey beneath their bodies.
"Noooo!!!"
"Help!!!"
Soon, the entire hangar was filled with screams and cries, and moments later, only silence remained.
When the pitch-black figures vanished again, only mutilated bodies were left behind in the hangar, alongside...
"Thump... Thump..."
Suddenly, a Federation Soldier with a torn throat began to twitch; his chest heaving repeatedly. The next moment, the corpse jerked upward violently, and his chest burst open!
"----------!!"
Accompanied by a faint yet terrifying screech, an ominous small creature emerged from the chest.