74 LIKE A BANISHED IMMORTAL (1/2)

The climate in Antarctica is unforgiving to humans. The cold winds are harsh and can cut through to the marrow, freezing every fluid in the body. For the foolish who venture into this unknown land chasing the thrill of nature, the low temperature often provides permanent refrigeration.

However, for about two months, everything changes.

Some of the ice forming this southern block of the globe recedes from the continent, flowing back into the oceans. This short period brings daylight for almost twenty four hours every day. And the temperature rises. Sure, no one feels warm, but the 10⁰ Celsius or higher is a heaven-sent gift for the creatures of this land.

It is during this season that most danger-seeking adventurers attempt to conquer this land. These people do not have the special machinery or other resources afforded to the corporation which had managed to build an entire underground structure in this desert. However, many visit the edge of the end of the world and see penguins frolicking in the waters.

It was on one of these summer days that a quiet jet, which blended perfectly into the surroundings, flew over the oceans and onto the white continent. If any person or creature saw this large machine, they would assume that it was a trick of the light.

Inside this stealthy aircraft made using advanced and even futuristic technology was a group of tense men and women in warm white military wear. From outside, they looked like a motley crew of misfits in uniform.

However, these people were actually the finest soldiers that the most powerful nations of the world could spare. They had gone through intense training, fierce fights and life and death situations, and they had come out alive and stronger.

For these fine people, this mission was just like any other. The only difference was that they were on a strange continent working with soldiers from other countries. But once this mission, they would go back to their own nations and perhaps even meet each other as enemies.

Unfortunately, this undertaking was not simple for one man in the jet. He did not blend in with the battle-worn soldiers. This person had taken a seat close to the front of the aircraft, separate from the soldiers. However, this was not the reason he attracted the gazes of the seasoned military people.

His appearance did not seem suited for their line of work. If they could describe him, they would perhaps say that he looked like a banished immortal gracing the earth. However, his aura suppressed all of them. He was like a powerful emperor, wielding the power of the universe in his hands.

Some of the soldiers wanted to inquire more about him. Others felt disgruntled about this soft-looking man coming with them. However, they did not dare speak. The commander had instructed them to treat this handsome man with respect because they could not bear the burden if he was offended.