American Horror Story, Starting from Falls Town

Chapter 421 The Thing
“Mr. Wieland, I don’t recommend you do that. Navigation may fail in such extreme weather, and we might get lost in Antarctica!”

Another explorer named Victor chimed in.

Charles was getting anxious; this expedition was something he had meticulously planned and carried his hopes.

The cost of preparation alone is tens of millions of dollars. If someone gets ahead of Charles, all that money will be wasted.

"Is it really not possible?"

Charles looked at the scientists in the team.

The geologist spoke up.

“Antarctica is a magnetic pole, and many navigation systems will fail there. Add to that blizzards, and getting lost is a very likely thing.”

Meteorologists agreed with the geologists.

"Setting off first isn't necessarily a good thing. In such extreme weather, they certainly won't go far, and their snowmobiles might even break down."

Charles was finally persuaded and did not insist on leaving, but he was still a little worried, so he went to talk to Roy.

"Roy, do you think my expedition will be successful?"

Roy smiled.

"We're sure to succeed; no one can beat us to it!"

Even if Lucas Barnes arrives at the destination first, it will only be a suicide mission.

It's unclear whether Charles's discovery will be made public; he'll most likely be summoned by the FEA or Area 51.

At most, when the ban is lifted fifty years from now, Charles's name will be written on it, but by then Charles will have long been ashes.

Well, it's better than having no reputation at all. The FEA and Area 51 will still compensate Charles.

At 2 p.m., the blizzard began to subside. Although there was still some wind and snow, it no longer affected visibility.

Charles couldn't wait to give the order to set off, and the three snowmobiles departed.

Traveling across Antarctica is actually quite pointless.

If you leave from McMurdo Station, you can still see some rocky ground exposed outside the snow, because it is October now, and it is not the coldest time of year in Antarctica.

As is well known, the climate in the Southern Hemisphere is the opposite of that in the Northern Hemisphere.

So when the Northern Hemisphere enters autumn, the Southern Hemisphere is actually just entering summer, which is also around the time when Antarctica is at its hottest.

Heather and Penny were initially quite excited, after all, 99 percent of the world's population had never been to Antarctica, and this continent was a very mysterious place for most people.

However, after seeing a stretch of white snow, the two girls completely lost interest.

What's so interesting about a completely white space?
Moreover, looking at the snow for too long can easily lead to snow blindness.

Because snow reflects ultraviolet rays, staring at it for a long time can cause acute inflammation of the retina. Therefore, when climbing snow mountains or engaging in activities in the snow for extended periods, it is necessary to wear protective goggles or other eye protection glasses.

Otherwise, if you go blind due to snow blindness, then you're basically doomed.

Charles's preparations were so thorough that Heather and Penny didn't need to worry about these issues.

October is the breeding season for most penguin species, and you can occasionally see these adorable penguins by the roadside.

At this point, Heather and Penny would take out their digital camcorder and film the penguins.

What's even more amazing is that there were professional biologists on site explaining the habits of penguins to the two of them, making it almost like a sightseeing tour.

The only one who looked somewhat worried was Charles, who appeared very nervous, seemingly very concerned that Lucas Barnes would get ahead of him.

How much longer until we reach the Aurora Station?

Aurora Station is the research station where Charles's "friend" works, located deep in Antarctica.

The Conqueror's driver answered Charles, explaining that the drivers of such special vehicles were no ordinary people either.

"Mr. Wieland, we expect to arrive at the Aurora Station around 8 p.m.

"Eight o'clock tonight? How about this, you'll work a little harder tonight. After you get the coordinates, you'll drive all night to the destination, and I'll give you an extra bonus afterwards!"

Upon hearing that there would be an additional bonus, the driver immediately felt energized.

"No problem, Mr. Weyland! I wouldn't mind working two nights straight!"

If it's been two nights, Charles is scared. If such a big car gets into an accident, it could cost him his life.

However, this was just a polite remark. Once they arrived at their destination, the expedition team would begin their exploration work, and the driver would have ample time to rest in the vehicle.

However, at this time, the meteorologists brought another piece of bad news.

“Mr. Weyland, I predict from satellite data that there will be another blizzard tonight, and this blizzard will be no smaller than the one during the day!”

"What did you say? When exactly?"

"According to my calculations, it will be between 10 o'clock and 12 o'clock."

Charles frowned, his expression extremely unpleasant.

"Didn't you say that the blizzards in Antarctica wouldn't be too severe at this time of year?"

"Yes, but that's just the usual situation. The climate in Antarctica has indeed changed a lot compared to previous years, and meteorologists can't predict climate change with 100% accuracy."

Charles was speechless.

"Damn it! Looks like we'll have to stay at the Aurora Station for a while tonight! How long will the blizzard last?"

"I don't know about that, but summer blizzards in Antarctica are usually short-lived, so it shouldn't last too long."

Even if it couldn't last long, Charles wouldn't dare take that risk.

Driving at night is inherently dangerous, let alone in a blizzard.

If the Conqueror breaks down on the road, it will have to be abandoned in the wild. No one will be willing to tow Charles; it's not worth the trouble and they can't even move it.

At around 7:30 p.m., the three polar expedition vehicles arrived at their destination, about half an hour earlier than expected.

Because it is early summer in Antarctica, the days are very long, and it is still very bright at 7:30 pm.

The sun is expected to start setting around 10 p.m.

"Strange, why is no one from the Aurora Research Station replying to us?"

As they approached the Aurora Research Station, the Conqueror radioed to notify them.

However, the Aurora Research Station has not responded so far.

Charles looked at the Aurora Research Station, a lonely camp built in the vast white snow. It was indeed strange that no one came out of the Aurora Research Station despite the Conqueror's great commotion.

"Roy, why don't we go inside and take a look?"

Charles sensed something was wrong, so he wanted to call Roy in to check it out.

Just as Roy was about to nod, he saw a bearded man walk out of the Aurora Research Station and signal towards the Conqueror.

Seeing this, Charles finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"I was so scared! I thought something had happened to the aurora research station!"

Charles got off the Conqueror and walked toward the Aurora Research Station.

Hey! Why aren't you guys answering the radio?

"Radio? Oh, okay! Maybe someone's been slacking off again!"

In places like aurora research stations, people might not pass by for days, so the communications officers have a relatively relaxed schedule, and it's not surprising that occasional oversights occur.

"Then why didn't you come out just now? I thought something had happened."

"It was lunchtime at the research station, and nobody wanted to come out." Well, that explanation was barely reasonable, so Charles didn't ask any more questions.

"Hello, this is Charles Weyland. I'm supposed to meet Mike Reddy, but where is he?"

"He's still eating. Let me take you inside."

Only Charles, Roy, and Heather actually entered the research station; everyone else stayed in the snowmobile to wait for the three of them to come out.

As for Penny not coming along, it was just a backup plan left by Roy; Penny's abilities were enough to suppress everyone on the snowmobile.

Upon entering the aurora research station, we indeed saw a group of people dining in the restaurant.

Mike Reddy was overjoyed to see Charles; after all, the God of Wealth had arrived.

"Oh, Mr. Wieland, it's so nice to see you!"

But Charles wasn't so happy; he stepped forward and grabbed Mike Reddy by the collar.

"Did you sell this information to someone else? Didn't you agree to only sell it to me?"

“Mr. Wieland, it’s not necessarily because I sold it. The other people at the research station also know the coordinates.”

Mike Reddy looked at Charles with a grin. He wasn't worried that the other man would really turn on him; the coordinates should still be in his hands.

Charles was certain that Mike Reddy had sold the information to more than one person, but the other party's nonchalant attitude made it clear that he couldn't hold anyone accountable.

Left with no other choice, Charles had to endure it.

Give me the coordinates!

"Where's the money?"

"The money has been transferred to your account, here's the proof!"

Charles handed a Swiss bank transfer record to Mike Ryan, who examined it carefully for a while before accepting it, and shamelessly added a comment.

"I trust Mr. Wieland's credibility."

Roy, standing to the side, rolled his eyes. If he believed Charles, why would he need to look at it for so long?
Mike Reddy handed a USB drive to Charles.

"The coordinates are in here, but it's a large area, so you might have to look for it."

Charles stared into Mike Reddy's eyes.

"Has anyone else passed through this research station before me?"

Mike Dean chuckled awkwardly.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Wieland, I can’t say.”

This means that someone has already passed through this inspection station and even paid hush money, otherwise this guy wouldn't have this attitude.

Charles turned and left angrily, with Mike Dean's voice trailing behind him.

"Mr. Wieland, let's work together again next time!"

"Cooperation my ass!"

As soon as Roy and his two companions stepped out of the aurora research station's restaurant, they heard dogs barking, seemingly because the station's dogs were stressed.

Because resupply is difficult at research stations in the Antarctic interior, many research stations do not use vehicles unless it is an urgent matter; they generally rely on sled dogs for transportation and work.

Furthermore, sled dogs have a significant advantage: they are less likely to get lost.

Just then, a blood-covered Alaskan Malamute suddenly lunged at Roy and his two companions, looking as if it wanted to bite them.

Roy quickly pulled out his Smith & Wesson M500 and shot the dog. The immense kinetic energy of the .50 Magnum bullet blew the Alaskan Malamute's head apart.

At this point, someone from the research station came out and apologized to Roy.

"I'm so sorry! I don't know why, but the dogs in the kennel are acting like they've gone crazy, biting everyone they see. Even customers who passed by during the day got bitten."

Before Charles and Roy could even speak, someone suddenly disembarked from the Conqueror and ran towards them.

How could you so easily kill an innocent life!

Roy looked at the newcomer with surprise. The person who could utter such bizarre remarks was naturally Lex Wood.

"what do you want to say?"

"You could have caught the dog and treated it, why did you just shoot it and kill it!"

Lex Wood looked extremely angry, as if it wasn't a dog that had died, but a relative.

Roy looked at Lex Wood like he was an idiot.

"You wouldn't happen to be an animal rights activist, would you?"

Lex Wood glared at Roy with hatred.

"That's right, I'm not only an animal rights activist, but also an environmentalist!"

Goodness, Black, female, animal rights, environmental protection, the buffs are almost stacked up, all that's missing is a transgender person and a homosexual.

Heather couldn't help but speak up for Roy.

"Didn't you see this dog was trying to bite someone?"

"It might just be a bit stressed. You could catch it instead of killing it!"

Roy rolled his eyes, patted Heather on the shoulder, and told her to stop talking.

It's pointless to talk to these obsessed people; they only think according to their own logic.

"Stop talking, we don't have time to waste here."

Charles nodded.

"Roy is right! Ms. Wood, let's get back to the car!"

Lex was about to speak when he saw the skin of the Alaskan Malamute not far away suddenly burst open.

The kennel manager, who was guarding the body of the Alaskan Malamute, was caught off guard and splattered with blood.

Roy reacted quickly, pulling Heather and Charles back a few steps, so they weren't splattered with blood.

But Lex was unlucky; several drops of blood splattered into her open mouth.

Well, it can be considered that I drank the blood of a good friend.

Aren't dogs man's best friend? Absolutely!

"What's happening here!"

While the kennel manager was still in shock, a large number of pink tentacles suddenly emerged from the Alaskan Malamute's smashed neck and immediately restrained him.

(AI image found online)
Furthermore, the Alaskan Malamute's belly was split open with a huge gash, as if it were about to devour the kennel manager whole.

"Ah! Help! Help!"

The scene startled everyone. Roy pulled out his M500 again and fired several shots at the Alaskan Malamute.

But while Roy's previous shot could hit the Alaskan Malamute's head, these shots only managed to create a few small bloody holes.

It's as if the Alaskan Malamute has evolved in just a few minutes.

Those familiar pink tentacles and those peculiar evolutionary abilities... it feels so familiar!
The kennel manager was clearly dead. Roy noticed that the Alaskan Malamute's tentacles had pierced the other's body, so he took out a Molotov cocktail from his inventory and threw it, killing both the mutated Alaskan Malamute and the kennel manager.

"What happened?"

　Adapted from the 1982 sci-fi masterpiece "The Thing," the original film is excellent and I recommend it to enthusiasts.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)