The carriage stopped at the end of a dirt road almost swallowed by weeds.
Ahead, grayish-white mist hung low and heavy like a living curtain, flowing and devouring everything deeper within.
"Stop here," Robin told the attendant driving the carriage softly, then took Boer's hand and nimbly jumped down.
Her archaeological instincts told her that, from the moment they set foot on this mist-shrouded land, every step of observation mattered.
The morning chill struck their faces, mingled with extreme humidity. The air smelled of earth, humus, and the stale dust of ages.
Dew and moisture had made the ground soft and muddy, each step accompanied by a faint squelch. Visibility was extremely poor. Beyond fifty meters, the scenery dissolved into the rolling gray barrier, leaving only hazy, distorted outlines, as though the land itself resisted outside scrutiny.
Boer turned and beckoned gently. The metal cube that had been hovering silently behind them obediently glided before him.
Its surface flowed like liquid, silently opening a neatly shaped hatch. First, he took out the folded Hoverboard, followed by portable oxygen masks-although he was confident he would not need one, caution was always wise. Last came some small but sturdy archaeological tools and emergency supplies.
He unfolded the Hoverboard and adjusted it, confirming that the maglev system was functioning properly before smoothly pushing it over to Robin's feet.
Then he carefully checked her mask's seal and oxygen valve.
"You can head back." Boer nodded to the Happo Navy attendant standing respectfully to one side. "Tell Brother Caiyi we may need some time. There's no need to worry."
The attendant bowed without asking any questions, quickly turned the carriage around, and disappeared into the mist they had come through.
Soon, even the sound of the wheels faded, leaving their surroundings in a deeper silence,