John C. Priscu, a
professor of land resources and environmental sciences at Montana State University who discovered microorganisms thriving in
permanently frozen surface lakes in Antarctica at temperatures
as low
as — 10 degrees Fahrenheit, wants to study microbes in Lake Vostok to learn if they are viable or unique, or both.
Fortunately for all involved, the local
professor has invented a device known
as the Demon Hand — an absurdly useful MacGuffin which allows Slayers a host of new options such
as permanently smashing the limbs off enemies, acting
as a grappling hook, or closing poisonous rifts whenever they're located.