They waited three full days. The U.S. military and Israeli soldiers combed the area three times over before escorting the large group of scholars and professors from around the world to the site.
The three ancient Israelite bodies caused quite a sensation. Several geologists theorized there must be some special geological formation below the ruins creating a tiny freezing effect. The remaining scholars didn't care about geological effects—a bunch of them deployed massive technological equipment to seal the three bodies in airtight containers, preparing to transport them to Tel Aviv first.
The transport team leader was an acquaintance of Bella's—the tall soldier she'd met during the White House incident, nicknamed Duke.
"You re-enlisted?" Meeting an old friend in a foreign land, Bella asked curiously.
Duke didn't have the heart to admit he'd been exiled here. He just smiled and nodded.
He greatly admired Bella and her team for daring to excavate in such harsh conditions.
"In this place, you're probably the only scholar brave enough to come," he said meaningfully.
Even with over five hundred soldiers providing protection, many expert professors were terrified, afraid a missile might drop on their heads at any moment.
This highlighted how precious it was that Bella and her small group had come to survey and excavate in such a place. Luck aside, their courage was extraordinary!
Duke had personally witnessed Bella's family of four fighting, beating elite former Delta Force soldiers into retreat. Them coming to the Golan Heights to do archaeology wasn't too surprising!
Duke's responsibility for armed transport was crucial. He didn't have much time to chat and soon bid Bella farewell, boarding the armed helicopter responsible for transport.
The scholars and professors moved like ants, slowly transporting items from the ruins.
---
Seven days had passed since discovering the ancient Israelite ruins.
Charlie and Samantha got the news and felt immensely proud of Bella's achievement. Samantha asked if Natasha should come help. Bella flatly refused. Nothing was happening here currently, but if her little sister came, that would definitely change!
Let her stay home where it's safe!
Over thirty countries' research teams had now gathered at the site, plus numerous private organizations. Bella didn't crowd forward with the mob of old men and women. What fun was that? She was busy bragging to reporters.
Important ancient Israelite ruins, possibly the oldest image of Christ—these were tremendously shocking news headlines, at least in the Western world.
Reporters weren't afraid of death either. A huge swarm arrived.
Those old professors and scholars, academic clique members who loved mutual commercial flattery, also wanted interviews. But their meager fame and methods didn't work outside academic circles, and they couldn't compete with Bella's looks!
With fame, wealth, connections, and every other advantage, Bella's charm was no longer limited to men.
Would you rather listen to an old man who stuttered or a beautiful woman brag? The answer was obvious.
"Miss Swan, venturing deep into the Golan Heights to conduct scientific research in such circumstances—were you worried about your safety?" a reporter asked.
Bella thought seriously. Even with death premonition, sixth sense, and a pile of spell protections, if dozens or hundreds surrounded her and beat her, she'd still have a hard time.
"Actually, I was terrified. But thinking about humanity's cultural treasures buried underground, unknown to the public, I felt heartbroken. I overcame my fear..." She went on at length.
Bella didn't claim all achievements for herself. Strategic planning was her contribution, fearlessly braving danger was her excellent virtue, but calling herself a killing machine would ruin her image.
"Sergeant Wilson is an outstanding soldier. Under his protection, we safely completed our research mission." She shared the benefits. Fame was the same—she pulled Sam Wilson out and lavishly praised him. In her words, Sam was incredibly brave in battle, the type who fought desperately. A modern Rambo who regularly chased a hundred men by himself.
The other three U.S. soldiers were also warriors among warriors, fighting ten-to-one, absolute military models!
Barbara's four generations of military service also got mentioned twice. In Bella's mouth, she, Heather, and Sam Winchester were powerless scholars. Headshots with pistols, leg-cutting with chainsaws—none of that existed!
The U.S. military brass at the archaeological site were delighted to hear Bella's words. Barbara was hard to categorize, but Sam Wilson and his three teammates were genuine U.S. military. What excellent propaganda material!
Flattery only works if people play along. The military also engaged in mutual commercial flattery with Bella, praising her intelligence, resourcefulness, and fearless spirit.
Sam and the others were thrilled. This was obviously a promotion track! Even if they stayed enlisted, higher rank had no downside.
With military endorsement, Bella's position was completely secure. Several people who'd had ideas about letting their students or children claim credit also abandoned those thoughts.
Especially after learning Heather was the U.S. President's niece, they dared not try to grab credit.
Sensing several hostile gazes gradually fade, Bella sneered. Think you can handle me? Playing academic politics with me? I'll make you regret it!
Besides interviews, Bella's remaining work was settling scores. She circled those professors and scholars daily. Whoever had criticized her, she'd go after them.
These people relied on age and so-called academic high ground to band together and attack her. She could leverage her youth and female identity to fight back. Who was afraid of whom?
To gain these people's approval, she'd need at least a PhD. She was only a sophomore—how many more years of study? She couldn't wait that long!
"Professor Smith, didn't you say I had no academic literacy? What do you think of this site now? Don't tell me in your opinion it's still elementary school level? Hmm? Cat got your tongue? Blah blah blah blah? Hehehehe—"
"Stop! Aren't you that Professor Smida from Korea? Didn't you say my book plagiarized your paper? Look at this site—there's no plagiarism issue here, right?"
"Professor Duterte from the Philippines? Don't run, I'm talking to you, don't run!..."
Bella cheerfully sought these people out daily to discuss academic matters. If you questioned the site's authenticity, she'd say you lacked faith. If you said she wasn't qualified to discuss academics, she'd accuse you of sexism!
Building her own happiness on others' pain, her thoughts flowed freely, her mood improved. She felt her psychic powers had grown another notch.