Although the George Gill Range had been discovered long ago, its harsh terrain and extreme climate meant that few scientists had ventured deep inside to investigate. They had only found several oases along the outskirts and studied their ecology. However, recent satellite scans revealed an even larger oasis at the heart of the George Gill Range, covering nearly two thousand square kilometers.
That was practically the size of a small island at sea, except this "island" was cut off by an endless desert.
Although no one had yet reached that oasis, nearly all researchers speculated that it might contain an exceptionally unique ecosystem.
The unexplored oasis at the center of the George Gill Range possessed distinctive geographical features and had long been isolated from the outside world. It might have nurtured many unknown species and ecological balances, filling the entire expedition team with excitement and anticipation.
Once they had packed up, they set out at once. Their confrontation with Tierra had already cost them considerable time, so they had to move quickly and cross an extremely rugged passageway at the foot of the range on foot while the morning sandstorms were still mild.
This was a passage carved out by Australian Aborigines who had once lived in the surrounding region.
The George Gill Range had originally been called "Passabiondi," which meant "Cradle of the Night Goddess" in the language of the Australian Aborigines. In their hearts, this was a sacred mountain, the birthplace of all Aboriginal deities.
The passageway they were now taking was called "Dini Rodriguez," meaning "Goddess's Passageway."
Legend had it that all Aboriginal deities came into the world through this passageway and would eventually return to the Cradle of the Night Goddess through it.
When the local Aboriginal people worshipped this mountain in the past, they only