The Secret of the Catacombs

by nanjikat

Deep beneath Neopia is an ancient network of secret tunnels called the catacombs. The catacombs are Neopia's art centre, home to the Neopian Times archives, how to draw, and the poetry contest, among others. Though that is what the catacombs are now, long ago that's not what they were at all. Until now, no one knew what the tunnels were originally created for. Now, Benjamin Chia has discovered their original use. He has agreed to speak to me about his theory.

nanjikat: So Benjamin, word has it that you've discovered the purpose of the Catacombs. Is that true?

Benjamin: Yes, it's true. I've had this theory for many years, but it's only recently that I have been able to prove it.

n: Would you mind telling me what that theory was?

B: Do you have 5000 Neopoints? Just kidding. Well, we know that, many thousands of years ago, before the first NeoPet, Dr. Sloth lived here. Most scientists believed that he simply left after Neopets began to arrive. I, however, have thought differently. Dr. Sloth knew too much about Neopia as a civilization to have merely learned about it before his return nearly a year ago. I believe that Dr. Sloth lived in the catacombs, below Neopia, observing us as we changed an evolved.

n: How did you prove this theory?

B: After the catacombs were discovered, artistic NeoPets were granted a few tunnels near the entrance for their activities while scientists explored the rest of the tunnels. There were miles of them! We thought that perhaps the tunnels were just some natural phenomenon until we discovered sealed-off entrances all over the planet, all leading to a different area of the globe. There's entrances in Mystery Island, Happy Valley, the Haunted Woods, the Lost Desert, and Tyrannia. That was more than just coincidence.

n: So, did you discover Dr. Sloth's lair?

B: Yes. After the discovery of the other entrances, I decided to explore even deeper into the catacombs. After six months of exploring, last week I hit the jackpot. I discovered Dr. Sloth's laboratory, miles beneath Neopia, as well as markings from Professor Chesterpot.

n: Are you sure the laboratory was Dr. Sloth's?

B: Quite sure, since all of the files and equipment were neatly labeled "Property of Dr Frank Sloth" and the sign on the door said "Dr. Sloth's laboratory, keep out!"

n: How long has it been since he was down there?

B: By the state of his equipment and the last entry in his computer, I'd say about two or three weeks.

n: So, do you think he was planning his attack on the Lost Desert down there?

B: My guess is that he was.

n: Do you think he'll come back there?

B: We're counting on it. Sorry, I can't tell you more, it's top secret.

n: I understand completely. Do you have anything that you would like to say to the readers?

B: I'd like to warn them NOT, I repeat, NOT to go exploring the catacombs. Just stick to the art centre.

n: Well, thank you so much for your time Ben.

B: You're very welcome. Now, if you don't mind, I must be off. We're still doing some investigation at the site, and my coffee break's over. Good-bye!

So, the secret to the catacombs is finally revealed! You read it here first, folks! This is ace reporter, nanjikat, saying good-bye, and be careful!