Mittelter frowned at the circular map, pondered for a moment, and said, "Perhaps we can bypass these areas ahead and use satellite positioning and other means to directly locate the position of this Gate of Hell, then enter with the fastest and smallest possible speed."
Mittelter's point was valid. Society was developing, and humanity was progressing. With the current level of technology, there was no need to rely entirely on maps like explorers centuries ago.
It would only take some time to pinpoint the location of this great chasm. They wouldn't even need to travel by water; they could go by air, with multiple aircraft dropping submarines that would then directly penetrate.
"Uh, sorry sir, I'm afraid that won't work."
Just then, Bob pointed to a line of small text in the corner of the map and said, "There's a note here. To enter the Lost Continent, one must visit all marked locations in the order shown on the map. Additionally, a specific magic ritual must be performed at each marked point. Only then will the gate to the Lost Continent open."
Hearing this, Mittelter felt a wave of despair wash over him, but he quickly recovered from his gloom.
Bob, oblivious to this, was still immersed in his own world. While translating the demonic script on the disc, he muttered, "To reach these marked points, we'll need ships, submarines, airplanes, and even satellite guidance."
"Don't worry, I've already thought of all that," Mittelter said, extending his leg under the table and giving it a gentle nudge. The table in front of them sank and then rose again, revealing exquisite models to Bob's eyes.
Mittelter explained, "My ancestors, in their quest to find a way to break the curse, traversed almost every continent and life-forbidden zone. Yet, all they found were branch ruins, not the true entrance to the Lost Continent. I believe their search direction was wrong from the start. The entrance to the Lost Continent is not on land, but in the deep sea. For this purpose, I have invested heavily in these."
These models included exploration ships modified from warships. Though modified, they were equipped with naval guns and the like, appearing even more formidable than when in active service. Several smaller frigates, fully armed, surrounded the exploration ships. In addition, there were unbelievably large, giant black submarines, drilling vehicles, transport vehicles, two large transport planes, and an artificial satellite.
"These are all..."
"Yes, I have already prepared everything you can think of. The submarines are still undergoing final adjustments, but that will only take three more days. So, whatever you need to prepare, do it quickly. I'll send you the location, and we'll depart in three days."
"Hey, are you listening?"
Seeing Bob still fiddling with the models like a child, Mittelter couldn't help but raise his voice slightly.
"I'm listening, I'm listening," Bob said, returning to his seat like a child who had done something wrong. Sudan Fiction Network
Despite the fact that his companion was merely an old British nobleman, Bob felt as though he were in the presence of an ancient emperor; every gesture carried an intangible sense of pressure.
Mittelter shook his head helplessly at Bob's unreliable demeanor. Perhaps it was precisely because of this that Bob could use the disc.
By the time Bob recovered from his excitement and the feeling of pressure, he had already been escorted to the manor gate by the old butler.
"This is the assembly point for three days from now. Please keep it safe."
In the basement, after seeing Bob off, Mittelter sat alone, placing his hand on his face and pulling hard. A human skin mask was ripped off, revealing Savage beneath.
From the very beginning, this had been a deception, a ruse to lure Bob to them.
The story of a curse, three generations searching for the Lost Continent, even the red birthmark on Savage's face – all were borrowed from other novels by Bai Qi.
Everything was orchestrated to make Bob voluntarily join the expedition team.
The plan had proven to be extremely successful, with the naive Bob completely fooled.
Savage lightly tapped the earpiece in his right ear and said, "You've seen the map, haven't you, Holy Lord?"
"Yes."
Bai Qi's voice came through the earpiece, "My technical personnel have completed scanning the map and selected the optimal route."
"So, this poor kid named Bob is no longer needed?"
Savage's voice revealed undisguised killing intent.
As an immortal king who had lived for an unknown duration, Savage had long lost his initial reverence for life. Furthermore, Bob's actions and tone of voice were extremely irritating to Savage. If it weren't for the plan, Savage would have long ago exploded and chopped the coward to pieces.
"Not yet. The current map only leads to the doorstep of the Lost Continent. There might be a second phase of the map. He's still useful."
"Fine, let it be so."
Three days passed in a flash. At a port in Cutoor.
Bob had arrived early, a backpack taller than himself slung over his shoulder. He gazed at the exploration ship before him, his eyes sparkling.
He was incredibly excited. His grandfather's unfinished business would now be carried on by him. He could already imagine returning with evidence of the Lost Continent's existence, the expressions on the faces of those who had looked down on him.
Money, fame, he would be a regular on television, universities would vie for him to give lectures, and he could even record this expedition and write a book. He would surely become a legendary adventurer.
"Ouch!"
As Bob stood mesmerized by the large ship, lost in his fantasies, he collided head-on with a small old man walking towards him.
Strangely enough, considering their ages, Bob, being stronger, should have had the advantage in the collision. However, the opposite was true. Bob stumbled, unable to regain his balance, and fell onto the ground. The old man he bumped into merely staggered back a few steps, then steadied himself with his wooden staff.
"That... are you alright?"
Bob felt somewhat embarrassed, scratching his head before uttering such a phrase.
Fortunately, they had arrived early, and there were few people around. Otherwise, for that remark alone, Bob would have been ridiculed for a long time.
The old man, clad in a gray cloak, walked up to Bob and lightly tapped Bob's head with his wooden staff, saying, "Watch where you're going."
With that, he turned and left.
"Do you need help?"
As Bob stood there, touching his head and feeling awkward, a hand was extended to him.
Looking up, he saw a blonde girl in a brown jacket.
"Thank you."
After pulling Bob up, the girl asked, "My name is Artemis, what's yours?"
Bob replied without thinking, "Bob, Bob Smith."
"That's a very common name," Artemis commented, then asked, "Are you also boarding this ship?"
"Yes," Bob nodded, taking out his notebook. "Yes, I'm going to find the legendary Lost Continent and become the King of Explorers."