"The Greenland Ice Cap was the largest ice cap in the Northern Hemisphere. It stretched 2,530 kilometers from north to south and reached 1,094 kilometers at its widest point. Its ice layer was astonishingly thick, exceeding 3,000 meters at its deepest, covering a basin. In other words, the ice grew thicker toward the center. There were also two large ice domes on it, and our destination this time was near one of them.
"Over the previous few days, the expedition continued the good fortune of the first day. Both the weather and the journey went smoothly. Since the expedition took place in summer, the edges of the ice cap had begun to melt. The ice had become very thin in many places, and chunks of ice near the coast would occasionally break off and fall into the sea. We had to be especially careful while walking across it, but the farther inland we went, the more stable the ice cap became.
"We also excavated some shale and fossils. The geologists and biologists on the team were visibly delighted. If we had not needed to keep moving, they probably would have been unable to resist studying them on the spot. At first, I had been somewhat worried because the expedition team's composition seemed rather odd, but as time passed, those retired soldiers truly did as Mr. Taim had said. They simply and dutifully carried out the work they were supposed to do. Gradually, I let down my guard and began to enjoy the expedition.
"After all, the payment was only one reason. What had truly drawn me into this operation was my love for this ice field, especially the chance to explore its hidden, unknown secrets. It was like slowly lifting its mysterious veil. The most wonderful part was that whenever