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墨書 Inktalez
We all climbed onto the back seats of our motorcycles, and with the roar of the engines, a convoy of people and vehicles set off towards the mountain. The scenery along the way was picturesque, but my gaze was more often drawn to the busy volunteers around us. Some hurried up the mountain with swift steps, while others trudged down with weary expressions. Each person carried a passionate heart, striving for a common goal.
When I finally arrived at the foot of the Isolation Zone, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I took a deep breath and began to methodically check the personnel and equipment. Every name and every item was carefully confirmed before I nodded in satisfaction.
After making thorough preparations, I looked up at the peak of the mountain. However, what greeted my eyes left me astonished: the mountain was bustling with excavators and diligent volunteers, their figures densely packed, stretching as far as I could see. At first, I naively thought that what I saw was the summit of the Isolation Zone, but I quickly realized it was merely an illusion.
Without hesitation, I hoisted the heavy chainsaw onto my shoulder and began my determined ascent. However, after only a few steps, I encountered a problem: excavators were working in the Isolation Zone, completely blocking the path. With no other option, we had to choose a winding side path to proceed. Calling it a path was somewhat misleading; it was merely a route formed by countless footsteps over time.
This narrow path was exceptionally steep, almost vertical to the ground. Moreover, it was covered with thick pine needles and various dry leaves; stepping on it felt like walking on ice—extremely slippery. A moment's carelessness could send one tumbling down. Despite the difficulties, we gritted our teeth and climbed step by step.
After much effort, we finally reached the first slope. Just then, I suddenly sensed something was amiss. It turned out that what I had thought was the summit from afar was merely the starting point of this long Isolation Zone! There were still two-thirds of the journey ahead waiting for us to conquer.
After resting for a moment, we pressed on without delay. Not long after, we faced our first steep incline. This slope was incredibly steep, nearly vertical to the ground, towering at an impressive angle! Faced with such treacherous terrain, we had two choices: one path wound around through a long detour while another went straight up. After a brief discussion and considering our need to conserve energy for future challenges, we resolutely decided to climb directly up.
As we approached the steep slope, we were pleasantly surprised to find a water hose above us. One end was tightly secured to a sturdy wooden stake while the other dangled down along the slope. It seemed that this had been left behind by firefighters during their previous missions here. So we all reached out to grab hold of this hose and began our arduous climb carefully.
The first teammate to reach the top didn’t leave us behind; instead, they quickly turned back to lend a hand to those still struggling below. With everyone working together and helping each other out, we finally all made it to the top of the slope. However, just as we breathed a sigh of relief, we were astonished to find countless more steep slopes appearing before us like layers of mountains. These slopes varied in height and stretched endlessly.
Despite our exhaustion at this moment, in order to reach our mission area as soon as possible and fulfill our duties, we exchanged determined glances and resolutely took another step forward into the unknown.
This area of the Isolation Zone had been excavated thoroughly enough for us to walk freely now. Thus, I decided to descend from the slope. However, as soon as my feet touched this new path, an odd sensation washed over me.
Although this path wasn’t as steep as that initial narrow one, its difficulty had significantly increased. The surface was piled high with loose soil about three or four centimeters deep; it was extremely soft. A gentle step would cause my foot to sink deeply into it.
At that moment, there were few options available; this was the only route open for passage. Returning along our original path? That would be sheer folly! Given that reality, we had no choice but to push forward despite our reservations. I loudly reminded everyone to watch their footing and led them onward.
Every three steps brought another slip; this arduous pace combined with the scorching sun overhead and temperatures soaring above thirty degrees made this short stretch of about one hundred meters feel exceptionally grueling. Along this journey, I drained three bottles of mineral water just to alleviate my thirst.
After a long and exhausting trek, we finally reached our mission area. Everyone collapsed onto the ground as if all their strength had been drained away, panting heavily. Our clothes were soaked with sweat, clinging uncomfortably to our skin; even that towel hanging around my neck for wiping sweat felt indistinguishable between being soaked with sweat or water—it never seemed dry at all. Despite how high the temperature was around us, that towel seemed perpetually damp.
We rested there for over twenty minutes. During that time, some sipped water to moisten their throats while others simply closed their eyes for a brief nap. Gradually regaining our strength and spirits, everyone stood up again ready to dive into our upcoming tasks.
It’s worth mentioning that since everyone had actively participated in constructing the first section of the Isolation Zone just days prior, they were quite familiar with this operation's flow and requirements. Therefore, everything progressed exceptionally smoothly without encountering any major obstacles.
Moreover, in order to fully support the needs of personnel on-site and ensure optimal working conditions, local authorities thoughtfully arranged for drones to deliver various supplies to us—these included drinking water, food, and essential equipment. With such robust logistical support in place, our efficiency soared; everyone worked with renewed vigor.
I had hoped someone would come along midway to relieve me so I could take a short break; however, reality proved otherwise—I ended up staying there for an entire day! From dawn until dusk, time seemed infinitely stretched out. Reluctantly finding a relatively open spot within our work area, I lay down directly on the ground. The moment I closed my eyes felt like plunging into an endless abyss; my consciousness gradually faded away.
I don’t know how long it had been when I finally opened my eyes again as sunlight streamed onto my face—I realized it was early morning once more.
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