"Professor, you're not fighting alone. I... we've all experienced terrifying incidents like yours—horrors that shattered everything we thought we knew," Mitchell Megan said, still shaken. "Everyone has gone through similar confusion and doubt, but it is precisely the courage to seek the truth that drives us forward."
Mitchell Megan could feel Professor Frolov's inner pain and confusion. She knew this was not a simple matter.
"Professor, I understand your confusion and unease. What we've encountered truly lies far beyond anything we previously understood," Mitchell Megan said gently but firmly. "But that may also mean we are standing at the edge of science, facing an unprecedented field. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us to embrace new knowledge and ideas, to explore unknown realms."
"Exploring the unknown may be confusing and frightening, but Professor, just this once, please believe us," Mitchell Megan said. "Please believe Mr. Tierra."
"Ah..." Professor Frolov sighed wearily. "Thank you, Miss Megan. I feel much better now. Go get some rest."
"All right, Professor. You rest first. I'll go check our diving equipment," Mitchell Megan said. "We'll enter the target waters in another two or three days. Once the fishing boat's sonar confirms traces of suspected Deep Ones, we'll dive immediately."
"You've worked hard, Mitchell," Professor Frolov said with concern.
"It's not that hard, Professor. Things will be much easier once we make contact with the Deep Ones," Mitchell Megan said. "As long as we show them goodwill, we'll be able to use some magic."
Mitchell Megan spoke with Professor Frolov for a little longer. Once she was sure he had no other needs, she left the lounge.
After Mitchell Megan left, Professor Frolov did not immediately lie down to rest. Instead, he took another sip of the hot tea in his hand and gazed through the