Antarctica—the last true wilderness on Earth.
The white ice sheet stretched endlessly to the horizon, glinting painfully bright under the sun. The sky was an unreal shade of deep blue, the air so crisp it stung the lungs. This was the coldest, driest, most desolate continent, the last place on Earth unconquered by humanity.
Yet even here, human footprints had been left. Research stations, scientific bases, and temporary camps dotted the frozen desert like isolated islands in the cosmos.
The Watchers' plane touched down on a temporary runway near McMurdo Station, one of the primary U.S. research bases in Antarctica. Yeh Yao, Alicia, and Kristina stepped off the ramp and were immediately struck by the continent's harshness—even in summer, temperatures plunged to -20°C, and the biting wind seemed to pierce through the thickest winter gear.
"Colder than I imagined," Alicia murmured, tightening her scarf. "Do people actually live here?"
"Scientists and support staff," Kristina replied, her military training preparing her for extreme environments. "Most are on rotation; few stay long-term."
"But according to our intel, the New Humanity Alliance has built a permanent facility here," Yeh Yao noted, gazing across the ice. "A base called 'The Ark,' likely meant to shelter chosen survivors during the Cataclysm."
A snow vehicle approached, stopping before them. A middle-aged man in heavy winter gear stepped out and waved.
"Welcome to McMurdo Station," he introduced himself, voice hoarse from the cold. "I'm David Wright, the base's security chief. Marcus Chen informed us of your arrival."
The three shook hands with David and quickly boarded the vehicle, escaping the frigid wind. Inside, it was warm and comfortable, a stark contrast to the icy wilderness outside.
"Marcus mentioned you're investigating a possible illegal base," David said as he drove toward the station. "But he didn't give details. What exactly are you looking for?"
The three exchanged glances before Yeh Yao spoke. "We believe an organization called the New Humanity Alliance has built a secret base here—'The Ark.' They may be conducting dangerous experiments, even attempting to trigger global disasters."
David's expression darkened. "That's a serious accusation. Antarctica is protected by the Antarctic Treaty—military activity or environmental damage is strictly prohibited."
"We have evidence," Kristina said, pulling out a tablet displaying data from the Alaska facility. "These files confirm the Alliance built a large-scale facility here for a 'final phase' of their plan."
David studied the data, his face growing graver. "These coordinates point to a remote area of the Ross Ice Shelf, far from any known research stations. The terrain there is complex—full of ice caves and crevasses, perfect for hiding a secret base."
"Do you know the area?" Alicia asked.
"I've worked in Antarctica for 15 years," David replied. "But that region is rarely visited. Too dangerous, with no obvious scientific value. However," he paused, as if recalling something, "there have been odd activities lately—unauthorized cargo planes landing, heavy equipment movements, unidentified ships offshore."
"That fits our intel," Yeh Yao nodded. "The Alliance has been secretly transporting materials and personnel here for their 'final plan.'"
"We need to reach that area and investigate this 'Ark,'" Kristina said. "Can you help us?"
David thought for a moment, then nodded. "I can arrange a reconnaissance mission, but it'll take time to prepare. The weather there is treacherous—we'll need proper gear and personnel."
"Time is life," Yeh Yao stressed. "Our intel suggests the Alliance's plan is in its final stages. We must act fast."
"I understand," David said solemnly. "I'll expedite preparations. Meanwhile, rest at the station and acclimate. Trust me, you'll need it."
The snow vehicle arrived at McMurdo Station—a cluster of low buildings surrounded by towering snow walls to block polar winds. Inside, it was warm and cramped, with narrow corridors and sparse quarters.
David gave them a tour of the facilities and safety protocols before settling them in a small meeting room with maps and comms equipment.
"I'll arrange the recon mission," he said. "Study the maps and familiarize yourselves with the target area's terrain."
Once David left, the three immediately pored over the maps and data, searching for clues about The Ark's location and layout.
"Based on these coordinates," Alicia pointed to a spot on the map, "The Ark should be here—an ice-covered valley."
"The terrain's extremely complex," Kristina observed, her military training making her sensitive to topography. "Numerous ice caves and crevasses, with several hidden entry points. If I were building a secret base, this would be ideal."
"The question is, how do we approach undetected?" Yeh Yao mused. "If the Alliance has a large facility, they'll have surveillance and defenses."
"Maybe we can use the relics' power," Alicia suggested. "Your Phoenix Blade can create spatial rifts to bypass defenses."
"But we'd need exact coordinates," Yeh Yao pointed out. "And if the base has energy shields or interference fields, it might disrupt the relics' effects."
"We'll need to scout first," Kristina decided. "Confirm the base's layout, then plan our approach."
Hours later, David returned with news: "I've arranged a reconnaissance flight for tomorrow morning. A small plane with advanced sensors—it can gather intel without being detected."
"Perfect," Yeh Yao thanked him. "We'll be ready."
"One problem, though," David added grimly. "The weather station reports a major blizzard forming, due in 48 hours. If we're going, it must be before the storm hits."
"Then we're even more pressed for time," Kristina said. "Recon tomorrow, then immediate action."
That night, the three rested in their assigned quarters, adjusting to Antarctica's environment and circadian rhythms. Even in summer, the sun barely set, creating an eerie perpetual daylight that disrupted their sleep.
Yeh Yao lay awake, thoughts racing. He remembered his conversation with Dr. Morris in the future, the world devastated by the Cataclysm. Now, they faced Dr. Alexander—a younger version who might possess future memories, determined to purify humanity through disaster.
"What's on your mind?" Alicia asked softly from the adjacent bunk.
"Dr. Alexander," Yeh Yao replied. "If he truly remembers the future, he knows what we did in that timeline—how we changed it."
"Meaning he's anticipated our arrival," Alicia realized. "He's prepared."
"Exactly," Yeh Yao nodded. "We must be cautious. We can't underestimate his capabilities or resolve."
"But we have an advantage," Alicia pointed out. "The six of us have been through so much together—we share a unique bond. And we have the relics' power."
"Let's hope it's enough," Yeh Yao murmured. "Because if Alexander's plan succeeds, the world will pay the price."
The next morning, the three met David and a pilot to board a small reconnaissance plane. Specially modified with stealth tech and advanced sensors, it could gather ground data from high altitude without detection.
"Flight time's about two hours," the pilot explained as they took off. "We'll circle the target zone, collect as much data as possible, then return."
The plane soared over endless ice, the landscape below monotonous yet awe-inspiring—white expanses broken only by the occasional blue glacier or black rock outcrop. As they neared the target, the terrain grew more complex, with mountains, canyons, and massive ice shelves.
"Approaching target coordinates," the pilot announced. "Initiating scans."
The plane's sensors activated, scanning the terrain below for signs of artificial structures or activity. At first, everything appeared normal—just ice and rock formations.
Then the sensors picked up anomalies—heat signatures and electromagnetic signals from an ice-covered valley, unmistakably man-made.
"There," David pointed at the screen. "Those heat patterns aren't natural."
"Can we zoom in?" Kristina requested, studying the data.
The pilot adjusted the sensors, revealing a massive facility hidden beneath the ice—spanning several square kilometers, with multiple structures, tunnels, and a central domed building.
"That's The Ark," Yeh Yao confirmed. "Bigger than we thought."
"Look at those energy readings," Alicia noted. "They're using massive power—far beyond normal research needs."
"And there are defenses," Kristina observed. "Radar, anti-aircraft guns, possibly energy shields. This isn't a research base—it's a fortress."
"We need more detail," Yeh Yao decided. "Can we get closer?"
"Risky," the pilot warned. "If we're too close, their radar might spot us."
"We'll have to risk it," Yeh Yao insisted. "We need to find entry points and study the layout."
After a hesitation, the pilot nodded and descended toward the target. The sensors provided clearer images—entryways, vents, power stations, and patrol routes.
"Look there," Alicia suddenly pointed at a corner of the screen. "What's that?"
All eyes turned to a smaller structure at the base's edge, seemingly a lab or research facility. Oddly, its energy readings were unusually high, surrounded by a strange energy field.
"That's no ordinary energy field," Kristina noted. "The pattern resembles..."
"Temporal distortion," Yeh Yao realized, stunned. "Like what our relics create."
"You mean they're experimenting with time?" David asked uneasily.
"Or worse," Alicia said worriedly. "They might be trying to open a portal—like the hellgate."
Suddenly, the plane's alarms blared.
"We're locked on!" the pilot shouted, veering sharply. "They've spotted us!"
"Retreat!" David ordered. "Back to base, now!"
The plane banked hard, accelerating away. Seconds later, radar showed objects launching from the base in pursuit.
"Missiles!" the pilot warned, executing evasive maneuvers. "Hold on!"
The plane shook violently, twisting and diving to shake the missiles. David activated countermeasures, deploying flares to confuse the tracking systems.
"They're still locked!" the pilot reported tensely. "These aren't normal missiles—they're adapting to our moves!"
"We need the relics," Yeh Yao told Alicia and Kristina. "Ready?"
They nodded, summoning their relics—Yeh Yao's and Alicia's Phoenix Twin Sword, and Kristina's Angel's Blessing.
"David, pilot, brace yourselves," Yeh Yao warned. "This'll be rough."
The three focused, combining their relics' powers. The Phoenix Blade and Sword created a spatial barrier while the Angel's Blessing added protection and cloaking. A brilliant flash enveloped the plane in a translucent energy shield.
As the missiles closed in, the shield flared, deflecting them harmlessly into the ice below, where they exploded in towering plumes of snow.
"It worked!" Alicia exhaled in relief, then frowned. "But they know we're here now. Defenses will tighten."
"And they know we have relics," Kristina noted. "That might change their plans."
"We need to move fast," Yeh Yao decided. "Before they can react."
The plane returned safely to McMurdo, but everyone knew the stakes had risen. They convened immediately to analyze the data and plan their next move.
"Based on the scans," Kristina said, pointing at a holographic model of the base, "The Ark has three main entrances, all heavily guarded. But there's a potential weakness—this vent," she indicated a small opening near the temporal research facility. "If we enter here, we might bypass primary defenses."
"But we'll need a distraction," Yeh Yao considered. "Something to draw their attention while we approach."
"I can help," David offered. "We can stage an 'official inspection,' claiming to investigate unauthorized activity. That'll divert their focus, giving you an opening."
"That's too dangerous," Alicia worried. "If they realize it's a ruse, they might retaliate."
"The risk is real," David admitted. "But if your intel's correct—if this New Humanity Alliance truly plans global catastrophe—then it's worth it."
After further discussion, they finalized their plan: David would lead an "inspection team" to the main entrance as a diversion, while Yeh Yao, Alicia, and Kristina used the relics to infiltrate via the vent and locate Dr. Alexander.
"Remember," David cautioned as they prepared to depart, "the blizzard arrives in 24 hours. If you're caught there, rescue could take days."
"We'll finish before the storm hits," Yeh Yao assured.
"If you're not back in 12 hours, I'll contact the Watchers for backup," David said. "But in these conditions, help may take time."
"We understand the risks," Kristina nodded. "But this is necessary."
With preparations complete, the two teams set out. David's "inspection team" took a large snow vehicle toward the main entrance, while Yeh Yao's group rode a smaller snowmobile along a hidden route to the vent.
The weather worsened—wind picked up, snow began to fall, heralding the approaching storm. The trio sped up, knowing time was short.
"There's the vent," Kristina pointed at a partially buried metal grate ahead. "No visible guards or cameras."
"Could be hidden sensors," Yeh Yao cautioned. "We'll need the relics to cloak our approach."
Summoning their relics, they created an invisibility field, masking their advance. Carefully, they inspected the vent for alarms or traps.
"Seems clear," Kristina confirmed after checking. "But the grate's sturdy—we'll need to cut through."
"Let me," Yeh Yao said, using the Phoenix Sword to slice through the metal effortlessly, creating an opening just wide enough to crawl through.
The three slipped into the ventilation shaft, crawling through the dark, cramped passage. The relics' faint glow provided just enough light to navigate. They moved cautiously, avoiding noise that might alert guards.
The journey through the vents was long and arduous, but eventually, they reached what appeared to be a laboratory. Peering through the grate, they saw a high-tech lab filled with advanced equipment, where scientists in white coats worked.
But the centerpiece was a massive device—a circular platform surrounded by intricate machinery and energy coils, topped with a retractable dome. The entire structure pulsed with an eerie energy reminiscent of the time portal they'd created in China.
"That's some kind of temporal gateway," Alicia whispered. "More advanced and powerful than ours."
"Look at those readings," Kristina pointed to a large screen displaying complex data. "They're trying to open a massive portal—to a specific time or dimension."
"We need more intel," Yeh Yao decided. "Find a control room or data center."
They continued through the vents until reaching what looked like a command center—a room filled with monitors and consoles, where operators monitored various systems.
"Look at that main screen," Alicia pointed at a central display. "It's a countdown."
The screen showed: 18:43:27... ticking down steadily.
"Less than 19 hours," Yeh Yao calculated. "That must be when they activate their plan."
"But activate what?" Kristina wondered. "That temporal device? For what purpose?"
Just then, the command center door opened, and a man walked in. The three held their breath, watching closely.
He was young—around thirty—wearing a white lab coat, with sharp eyes and a resolute expression. He approached the central console, checked some readings, and spoke to an operator.
"That's Dr. Alexander," Yeh Yao confirmed, recognizing the face—a younger Dr. Morris. "He looks almost identical to the future version, just decades younger."
"What's he saying?" Alicia asked, straining to hear.
"He's asking about the 'inspection team,'" Kristina replied, her military training including lip-reading. "David's diversion worked—they're distracted."
"We need to get closer, learn more," Yeh Yao decided. "But crawling through vents is too slow and risky."
"I have an idea," Alicia said. "If we find an empty room, we can use the Phoenix Twin Sword to create a small rift, teleporting us where we need to go."
"Too dangerous," Kristina warned. "If caught, we'll face the entire base's defenses."
"But time's running out," Yeh Yao stressed. "If that countdown is their activation window, we must act fast."
After a brief debate, they opted to risk it. Moving through the vents, they found an unoccupied storage room, carefully removed the grate, and dropped inside.
"Good," Yeh Yao said, summoning the Phoenix Sword. "We need to find Alexander's office or private lab—somewhere with details about the 'final plan.'"
"Based on the layout," Kristina recalled, "it's likely in the central area, near that domed structure."
Yeh Yao and Alicia focused, combining the Phoenix Twin Sword's powers to visualize the target location. The relics glowed brightly, then sliced through the air, tearing open a spatial rift.
"Quick," Yeh Yao urged. "It won't last long."
The three leaped through, materializing in a spacious office lined with maps and charts. A large desk was strewn with files and tablets.
"This must be Alexander's office," Alicia said, scanning the room. "Look at all these documents."
"Search everything," Yeh Yao ordered. "Look for anything about the 'final plan' or that temporal device."
They combed through files, drawers, and electronics. Kristina found an encrypted tablet and attempted to hack it, while Alicia studied the wall maps for clues.
Yeh Yao was drawn to a notebook on the desk. Flipping it open, he found handwritten notes and sketches outlining a complex plan.
"I've found something," he said quietly, drawing the others' attention. "This seems to be Alexander's personal journal."
He skimmed the contents, his expression growing increasingly grim.
"It's worse than we thought," he finally said, voice tense. "Alexander isn't just triggering natural disasters—he plans to open a massive temporal portal to another dimension, one filled with those monsters. He wants to unleash an army of them, reshaping Earth's ecosystem entirely."
"That's insane," Alicia gasped. "Even by his standards, this is extreme."
"And," Yeh Yao continued, flipping pages, "he does seem to remember the future. He mentions 'time travelers' and 'relic-bearers' who tried to stop him before, saying this time he's prepared."
"That explains their missiles," Kristina realized. "They've engineered weapons specifically to counter the relics."
"There's more," Yeh Yao said gravely. "The countdown isn't just for the portal—it's synchronized with global earthquakes and eruptions. He's aiming for maximum chaos."
"Less than 19 hours," Alicia repeated urgently. "We have to stop him now."
"But there are only three of us," Kristina pointed out. "Against hundreds of personnel and heavy defenses."
"We have the relics," Yeh Yao reminded her. "And we can call Michelle, Eunice, and Nasser for backup."
"But they're in Alaska," Alicia worried. "Even if they leave immediately, it'll take hours."
"We'll have to buy time," Yeh Yao decided. "Sabotage their equipment, delay their plans."
Just then, the office door swung open—and Dr. Alexander walked in. Seeing the three, he froze momentarily, then relaxed, a strange smile forming.
"I've been expecting you," he said calmly. "Time travelers, relic-bearers. I knew you'd come."
The three immediately summoned their relics, ready for a fight.
"Dr. Alexander," Yeh Yao said firmly. "We know your plan—to open a portal to a monster-infested dimension while triggering global disasters. We won't allow it."
"You don't understand," Alexander shook his head, almost pitying. "This isn't about disasters or monsters. It's about evolution—humanity's future."
"By killing billions?" Alicia challenged. "That's not evolution—it's extinction."
"Sacrifices are necessary," Alexander insisted. "As I told you in the future, only through extreme pressure can humanity advance."
"We saw your future," Yeh Yao countered. "A nearly destroyed world, humanity driven underground. That's not evolution—it's failure."
"Because you interfered," Alexander's voice turned sharp. "You altered the timeline, ruined my plans. But not this time. This time, I'm ready."
He pressed a button on his desk, triggering alarms. Red lights flashed.
"You're surrounded," he said coolly. "Every exit is sealed. Even with your relics, you can't stop what's coming."
"We'll see," Kristina replied, already assessing tactical options.
"You have two choices," Alexander continued, ignoring her. "Surrender and join the new world, or resist and die here. Either way, the portal will open. The new epoch begins."
"There's a third option," Yeh Yao stated. "We stop you and save this world."
Alexander laughed—a strange, almost sorrowful sound. "You truly think you can? I've lived through hundreds of time loops, tested thousands of possibilities. I know every outcome. This time, victory is mine."
The door burst open, armed guards rushing in.
"Take them to containment," Alexander ordered. "Ensure they don't interfere."
The guards advanced, but the three were ready. Yeh Yao and Alicia used their relics to create an energy barrier, blocking the guards, while Kristina's Angel's Blessing emitted a blinding flash.
"We need to retreat," Kristina whispered. "Regroup, replan."
"But we can't just leave," Alicia protested. "We have to stop him!"
"We will," Yeh Yao promised. "But not here, outnumbered. We need backup."
He slashed the Phoenix Blade through the air, opening a rift back outside the base.
"Now," he urged. "It won't last!"
Alicia and Kristina hesitated, then nodded—it was the only sensible choice. The three leaped through the portal, escaping Alexander's office and reappearing on the icy plains outside.
The rift closed behind them, and the biting wind immediately reminded them of Antarctica's brutality. The blizzard was intensifying, visibility dropping rapidly.
"We need to find David and his team," Kristina said, scanning their surroundings. "Get back to McMurdo and call for backup."
"But in this weather," Alicia worried, "we might not find them—or our way back."
"We can use the relics to create a beacon," Yeh Yao suggested. "Guide David to us."
Focusing, they combined their relics' powers to emit a strong energy signal, visible even through the storm.
Minutes later, headlights pierced the snow—David's team, returning from their diversion mission.
"What happened?" David asked as they boarded. "The base went on high alert."
"We met Dr. Alexander," Yeh Yao summarized. "Learned his plan. It's far worse than we imagined."
En route to McMurdo, they explained—Alexander's plan to open a massive portal, unleash monsters, and trigger global disasters simultaneously.
"That's madness," David said, horrified. "Even if his 'new humanity' theory is right, billions would die."
"Exactly," Yeh Yao said grimly. "That's why we must stop him."
"But how?" David asked. "You said the base has hundreds of personnel and heavy defenses."
"We need backup," Kristina said. "Contact Michelle, Eunice, and Nasser—get them here fast. We may also need Watchers or even military support."
"In this weather," David worried, watching the worsening storm outside, "external help could take hours. And you said we have less than 19 hours."
"Then we act with what we have," Yeh Yao decided.
Back at McMurdo, they immediately called Michelle, Eunice, and Nasser in Alaska, briefing them on Antarctica. The three were assisting with earthquake preparations but promised to come as soon as possible.
"We'll get there ASAP," Michelle said via video call. "But even with the Watchers' fastest jet, it'll take at least 12 hours."
"That might be too late," Yeh Yao fretted. "Alexander's countdown gives us under 19 hours."
"Maybe we can use the relics," Nasser suggested. "Create a rift straight to Antarctica."
"Too risky," Eunice warned. "Crossing such distance could drain the relics' power, maybe even disable them temporarily."
"But it might be our only choice," Michelle reasoned. "If Alexander succeeds, the consequences are unthinkable."
After debate, they agreed to try: Michelle, Eunice, and Nasser would attempt a long-distance rift to Antarctica. Meanwhile, Yeh Yao's team and David would strategize.
"We'll attempt it in six hours," Michelle promised. "If successful, we'll appear at McMurdo. If not, we'll take conventional transport and hurry."
After the call, Yeh Yao's team and David pored over the base scans, marking key locations and possible entry points.
"The central dome is critical," Yeh Yao pointed out. "That's where the temporal device is. If we destroy it, we stop the portal."
"But it's the most heavily guarded," Kristina cautioned. "A direct assault is near impossible."
"Maybe we can target their power supply," Alicia suggested, studying the model. "If we disrupt their energy flow, it might destabilize the device."
"Good idea," David agreed. "According to scans, the main power station is here," he indicated a corner of the model. "Less defended."
They refined their plan, considering contingencies. Time ticked away as the blizzard raged outside, nearly cutting off McMurdo from the outside world.
Six hours later, as they prepared to check on Michelle's team, the station's alarms suddenly blared.
"What's happening?" Yeh Yao asked sharply, standing.
"Energy surge," a technician reported, checking monitors. "Just outside the station—similar to what we detected near The Ark."
"It's them," Alicia said excitedly. "They did it!"
Minutes later, the station door opened—and Michelle, Eunice, and Nasser walked in, exhausted but determined.
"It worked," Michelle smiled weakly. "But it drained our relics. They'll need time to recharge."
"You're just in time," Yeh Yao welcomed them. "We're finalizing our plan."
Reunited, the six refined their strategy. With Michelle's scientific knowledge, Eunice's historical insights, and Nasser's survival skills, the plan grew more robust.
"We'll split into two teams," Yeh Yao decided. "One disrupts the power supply; the other heads straight for the central dome to stop the device."
"Nasser, Michelle, and I can handle the power station," Kristina proposed. "Our relics are best for sabotage and control."
"Then Alicia, Eunice, and I will take the dome," Yeh Yao nodded. "Our relics are better suited to counter Alexander and the temporal device."
With the plan set, they made final preparations. David provided extra gear and comms, promising logistical support from McMurdo.
"The countdown's under 12 hours now," Yeh Yao reminded everyone. "We move before then."
"But the blizzard's still raging," David worried. "Visibility's near zero, temperatures are lethal."
"We have the relics," Nasser said confidently. "They'll protect us from the worst."
"And," Michelle added, "the storm might disrupt The Ark's defenses, giving us an opening."
After gearing up in specialized polar suits, the six prepared to depart—not to scout this time, but to prevent a cataclysm that could alter the world's fate.
"Remember," Yeh Yao said before they left, "no matter what happens, we're a team—a family. We've been through so much together. This is no different."
"For the world," Alicia said, extending her hand.
"For the future," Michelle added, placing hers atop Alicia's.
"For hope," Eunice joined.
"For courage," Nasser followed.
"For justice," Kristina said.
"For friendship," Yeh Yao finished, completing their ritual. "Let's go."
The six stepped out into the raging blizzard, facing the dangers ahead. They knew the path was perilous and uncertain—but they also knew that together, nothing was impossible.
This was the final stage of the Gaia Expedition—the battle that would decide the world's fate.