Chapter 9: Trouble in Egyptapia

Author's note:

Here we go! Another chapter ready to be read, this is still a bit fillery, but I assure you that the next chapter will make things more interesting. Regardless I hope you enjoy the chapter or find things in the chapter you enjoyable. I also wish to hear from you, the readers as hearing from you help me a lot. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!

/

Diva's P.O.V.

The morning routine came by and went as I managed to meet up with Amr in the training hall. I hated that I had to sleep in a room by myself without Amr, but it can't be helped. I made sure to give him a hug without anybody looking. I am quite attached to the big lug as he has been with me through the thick and thin, honestly, I can't think of a life without him.

Anyway, we all entered the training hall once again for our next lessons in magic. Azhum himself didn't hesitate to say that today lesson in magic is elemental affinities. I slightly tuned him out as I brushed up on this stuff a bit. I proved my magical prowess quite well yesterday, so most of this stuff he is talking about is something I already learned about. Still he is a master magician so I might learn something new.

"Alright everyone, as you all already aware. Elemental affinity is the main element your mana is more connected to. Unlike what you may know in the world of fictional media, you are only capable of using magic of Grey Affinity and your Elemental Affinity. Grey Affinity is general use type magic or magic that doesn't fall into any elemental preference. Some may confuse this with Arcane Affinity, but there is a difference as that is pure Arcane power."

"I see, so I am only able to cast fire magic then? That is pretty limiting," Ankha commented.

"While that is true, you still can use any grey magic you learned as well. As expected, the elements are as follows, Fire, Air, Water, Earth, Nature, Arcane, Light and Dark. These are the main affinities and going further there is sub-affinities but let's keep the topic to the main ones. Everybody is born with a specific elemental affinity. In Mythica, it depends on where you were born plus the affinities of your parents. In your world, it's pretty much random on what you get with possibly your personalities playing a factor."

"Well that is surprisingly intricate. So, we really have no choice but master our element then?" Nacho asked.

"Well yes and no, many spellcasters often spend a lifetime just on the element they are born with and become masters of said element. Sometimes some are gifted enough to take two affinities and master them both. Rarely, some spellcasters may even master them all! However, that takes years of education far beyond the lifetime of any mortal, also such magical energies tend to tear apart a body not prepared for it. I myself can use all forms of elemental magic, but only one affinity at a time as I am a tome now."

"Wait, we can have more than one affinity? How can we do that?" I asked with genuine interest.

"Well…it's complicated, there are sacred temples of each element scattered around Mythica. The temples have various trials that will test your mettle to see if you are worthy of the element. However, you still need to access the temple and they only open up to those who have high magic potential."

"Huh, that is complicated. But I guess there is a good reason for all that then."

"Indeed, however, that is something I hope you don't have to worry about in your travels. Anyway, as you were to expect elemental weakness do apply and you do have a natural resistance to magic of your element. This also applies to your enemies as well, but strangely some Magi-beasts can use magic outside their affinity as you probably noticed already with the Marshogi. We have yet to have an explanation for that, but this also means some magi-beasts may have weaknesses not normal to their element. Keep a watch out for that."

"Sounds like the monsters back in the old world," Nacho began scratching his head. I don't know his experience, but considering what I saw so far, I'm just going to assume that he is a monster slaying expert.

I began tuning them out again as Azhum began going on another lecture. I couldn't help but be bother by that 'thing' I have to keep secret from the others. I hate holding it, but there isn't anything I can do about it.

"Something wrong mistress?" I sighed as Amr began speaking to me telepathically.

"It's nothing Amr, just being bored out of my mind."

"You are a terrible liar."

"I know, but it's going to keep bugging me the longer I have to keep it."

"You could always tell them; they may be able to help us."

"I know…but it could be dangerous…"

"I am aware mistress, but waiting too long can be problematic."

"I know I know…I'll figure it out."

I mentally sighed as suddenly I heard my name being called.

"Diva? Diva?"

"Huh what?"

"Don't be spacing out milady. You may be chosen by the gods, but it doesn't mean you can tune me out. Pay attention, as for today's training session you will be focusing on choosing a path of water magic to focus on."

"Path? What's that?"

Azhum sighed at me, "If you weren't tuning me out then you would have known that once you are a certain point with your magic skills with a spell path you can choose one of two paths of discipline."

"Oh…right…"

"Next time stay focused, anyway. Time for some free practice, I shall divide myself again so you may get personal attention. However, you Ankha will be coming with me to the silent chamber for more focused training."

"W-What? Me?" Ankha exclaimed in surprise. We were all surprised by this news, I mean been through modern school and usually that means the student is lagging behind. I mean I know Ankha is rusty as all heck, but is it really that bad?

"Yes, you lady Ankha, sorry to do this to you but this is necessary for your quest. So, swallow your pride and follow me."

"If I must, this is quite embarrassing."

The golden yellow feline followed the floating tome, not something I thought I would have said in a sentence even in my own thoughts. Out of respect for her, we all kept to ourselves. Only giving her a friendly smile or assuring gestures when she looked at all of us. I can only imagine what this training is going to be like for her.

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

I wasn't sure what to expect when Azhum dragged me into this separate area. It was quiet, eerily mute like just speaking will break more than the fragile silence here. Hieroglyphics filled with light blue magical power seem to stir something within me. Like my mana is reacting to the flowing magical energies within the section and clearing my mind.

"So, this is the silent chamber?"

"Indeed, lady Ankha. No distractions, mana rich, and perfect for focused training. This chamber is only used for masters who need to clear their minds or students deemed worthy for one on one training with a master."

"That makes me the latter then."

"Precisely, as a chosen of the gods, you are gifted with magical potential far beyond any mortal can hope to have."

"Even you?"

"If you desire it, yes. However, being's Bastet's chosen should have already gifted you some magical abilities to start with. I'm not well versed on how this works, just on what little I was allowed to learn."

"I see well, I have been able to keep track of all the magic abilities I gained over the years being Bastet's chosen. As you must know, being chosen by her bestowed me with some of her power as you say…like a starter kit? Any other I would gain is based on my experiences over the years along with some more of Bastet's abilities."

"Interesting, so you develop more god like abilities as you develop then?"

"In a way, they aren't as powerful as Bastet's until I become a God myself. Still what I get is essentially a spilt between her abilities and abilities unique to me. So, I'm not a copy of her in that regard."

"I see, so that explains how you are able to hypnotize people with your singing and dancing plus your ability to magically manipulate your own fragrance. You have music manipulation in the form of siren voice and dancing manipulation. At least from what you told me, it could be possible there is more to that, but let's move on. Any other abilities you can remember?"

"Hmm…" I thought far and hard into my past and recalling experiences I have long since pushed to the side. Most of the details are blurry but I was able to remember some other abilities I have, "Well…due to the fact I have hypnotized people in the past, I do recall showing immunity to being hypnotized myself. I also shown high resistance to corruption thanks to my last adventure which I guess also means I'm harder to possess as well if any spiritual creature tried. I also have an activatable speed boost should I really need the extra movement speed, but I rarely used it as it really tires me out if I use it for too long."

"Impressive, to have such high resistance to common villain trope number six. I wonder what helped lead to the development of that?"

"I have an idea…but that's not important right now. So, can you care to explain to me what I'll be doing for this focused training?"

"Simple milday, we are going to cover everything you need to learn as a chosen. This includes a sample of all ranks of pyromancy, curses, blessings, and finally two spells necessary if you wish to be a true chosen of Bastet."

"This sounds like it's going to be exhausting."

"It will be, because not only will you learn but you will also practice. Now, let us begin, shall we?"

"I am ready Azhum."

I gave a respectful bow as the lessons begin. As expected, we started with pyromancy and began covering tier two and tier three of the spells. I found out that I already have been using two spells from the second tier already. The fire mine and fire weapons spells, regardless I was allowed to learn two more spells of my choice. From this tier, I chose to earn Immolate, a spell that coats my body in flames thus making me untouchable, plus increasing my resistance to fire attacks. The other spell is Accelerant, which allows me to make a target more easily ignitable regardless if they have anything that can be ignited.

Learning and practicing spells was a tasking endeavor. Azhum made sure I knew how the spell works and I was the closest I can get to perfecting it. It was almost like my physical workouts except this is really tiring my out on the inside. Of course, he only allowed me to stop and take a break when I'm out of mana or when the lesson is done. Of course, being the strict teacher he is, we immediately moved onto the next tier. Once again, I was allowed to choose two spells from the small list of that tier. For this one, I decided to balance out my normally offensive repertoire of spells with some more supportive ones. My first choice being Purifying Flame and my second Will-O-Wisp. The first spell is able to cure targets of whatever status ailment such as poison, paralysis, forced sleep, etc. A cure all spell that was learned by a Phoenix, so I been told. Very powerful, but also cost quite a bit of my mana. Will-O-Wisp creates a little ball of fire that can guide me back to town or can be used to trick targets.

These weren't as bad as the previous spells I learned, but I never has sweated this much before in my life. I definitely would love a shower or bath after this intense training session. Never in my life I thought I would be brought to this state by a talking tome.

"Ah…hah…there!" I was panting between breaths as I can feel like my body was on fire.

"Good good, you are doing great lady Ankha. You are doing quite well and progressing at a quick rate. We'll stop with Pyromancy there and move onto curses, this should be no problem for you as you are experienced with curses and by extension hexes."

"Indeed…I am…"

"Ah tired are we? Fine we can take a break right now," He magically floated another mana potion bottle, which I gratefully took.

"Thank you…ah…I never knew training magic would be this intense!"

"Most would not think so, as a matter of fact, a poorly maintained body cannot handle this kind training. As true intense training with magic is taxing on the body and mind, since you maintain a fit body, you are able to bear this as you are now."

"Hmm…that makes sense, but not many pure spellcasters go out of their way to workout, do they?"

"Only the lazy ones who think they can get by with just magic alone. You aren't like that Ankha, your physical prowess is quite superb. I have much respect for those who practice their physical skills along with their magic skills. Those who do so go by many names, Spell Fencers, Mage Fighters, Spell Breakers, etc. While those who practice magic alone are indeed powerful, those who's physical might matches their magical power can be prepared for anything."

"Hmm…that is interesting to know. Considering you are a master wizard and all."

"Heh, if you must know, I had quite a rocking bod before accidently turning myself into a tome. An old man with solid pecs, that was me."

"My aren't we being prideful?"

"Don't forget who is teaching you miss high and mighty."

"Oh, right…that would be…problematic."

"Just as long as you are aware lady Ankha. Shall we continue?"

"Yes, let continue the training."

I got back up and continued my training with Azhum.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

"Damn, what's taking her so long?"

"It's okay Nacho, she needs to continue her training."

"I know Isabelle, but it sure has been taking most of the day. It is already the afternoon!"

"Yeah…"

Isabelle, myself and the others finished with our training for the day and have since recovered from the teachings of Azhum. For a floating book, he trains us as hard as a drill sergeant. Nothing I haven't experienced already though; in addition, I was able to learn some new techniques for me to use. Gaia blast, Tremor Shake, and Rock Launch. Not much, but it is a start for me. Isabelle herself learned three spells, Floral Strike, Vine Whip, and Healing Nectar. Honestly, consider me surprised how well she learned the spells in the first place.

Regardless, we are currently stuck with plenty of free time with nothing to do. Not to mention, I'm also slightly uneasy because I cannot communicate with the other side where our town is. I should have figured that my phone doesn't cover interdimensional travel. I just wanted to know how everyone was doing, and hopefully me and Isabelle didn't lose our jobs yet. It hasn't even been a week yet and still I can't help but worry. As for my assignment, I have been keeping notes on the civilizations so far and how magic rich the world is. The lab coats are going to have a field day with this stuff for sure.

"So, Nacho, why did you bring your shotgun? I been carrying it around and you haven't fired a single shot," Lucky asked, joining the conversation after some time reading in silence.

"A just in case weapon, honestly I hope not to use it as I don't see a gun store around here so once I fire those shots then they're gone. I have to conserve them as much as I can."

"Ah, that makes sense. So that explains those exploding duel swords you have with you."

"Yeah, I have plenty experience with these things. I mastered the fighting style common to all hunters who use them, The Dancing Demon."

"Interesting, I didn't know it had a name. Ankha's style with dual swords is called Predator's Dance, so I think there is some naming thing going with twin sword styles. What's with all the dancing?"

"Well, if I could throw my two cents maybe it's because using dual swords require a lot of foot work and movement to be effective in a fight?" Isabelle added.

Lucky and I looked at each other and simply shrugged as that made sense. Of course, the difference in our styles is that Ankha's can do a lot of acrobatic movement and out maneuvering an opponent while mines does not and focuses on aggression. Perhaps some comparisons must be made in the future.

"Funny thing, she created the style based on her original teacher, Bladeius!"

Isabelle and I shot our eyes in surprise, "Bladeius taught her how to fight like that?"

"Not exactly, he fought with his own style that focused on powerful strikes that can break spears and arms that carries shields or weapons. He calls it…um…man that was a long time ago…I…can't remember! Shoot!"

"Way to pique our curiosity Lucky, now that's going to bother us all day!"

"Sorry…"

"It's fine man…"

We chatted a bit more before suddenly an alarm rang out. The sudden blaring of the noise took us all by surprise. It nearly had me falling out of my chair, we all had a brief moment of who, what, where, and why until Ser-Ka and her children came to us.

("Sorry for the intrusion, but please come with us.")

"Uh…" I did not understand a word she said, but thankfully Lucky was able to translate.

"She wants us to follow her Nacho, I think she is going to explain what's going on to us."

"Thank you Lucky, when we get the chance. Can you and Ankha teach Isabelle and I your language? I'm getting sick and tired not understanding what everybody is saying."

"Please? That would be very helpful!"

"Sure, we can try. We aren't teachers but sure!"

*Ahem*

I couldn't help but flushed red when we saw an impatient Ser-Ka looking at us. We got up immediately and followed her and her children to an area of the palace where to our surprise was the equivalent of a command center. Technology advanced as those in the agency was everywhere and various officers were at work. Once again, I couldn't understand what they were saying, but one of them brought up a screen which to my surprise showed a giant fish like creature swimming in the sands heading towards the city.

"This looks awfully familiar…" I recalled the time I fought the Dhren Morhan when I first started as a hunter and on later future hunts.

"Is that thing going to hit us?"

("It's fine, nothing to worry about. Are the repellents working normally?")

["Yes mother!"]

("Where's Ankha and Diva?")

"Uh…"

"I got this Nacho," Lucky said as he cleared his throat, ("Ankha is still training with Azhum and Diva is with her guardian in town.")

("Oh good, as long they are still in town, they should be fine.")

("Just what is going on Ser-Ka?")

("Dune Whale, they tend to get near the cities and as a result we built a defense system to protect the towns from them. The only reason why we have an alarm is to prepare citizens for the worse just in case the defenses to fail.")

("Ah I see, that makes sense, so why are we here?")

("Just a formality for guests such as you. We wanted to show one of the dangers on the sands. The Dune Whale is a carnivorous creature, so it often tries to go to places where there is a lot of food lying around.")

("I see…")

I yawned with boredom as I listened on to this conversation that just kept going on. It feels like forever because I cannot understand what they were saying. With nothing to do I kept my eyes wandering around the technically advanced place while making mental notes on it. While looking around, my danger sense flared up. Somebody with hostile intent is in the room with us. I looked over to Isabelle who sensed it too and quickly we began pinpointing where it was coming from.

After a few seconds, we noticed a creeping shadow moving on the ground near Ser-Ka. We watched in horror as an invisible figure rose out of the shadows behind her with an unseen weapon. Thinking fast I moved in and kicked the would-be assassin in the side, which hissed out in pain as gun shot fired off and missed Ser-Ka by inches. The assassin became visible as it fell to the ground. A hooded figure wrapped in thick cloth that prevents identification of their form was revealed to all of us as it looked at me with surprise with piercing snake like eyes. I couldn't see their face as they wore a full metal mask with no discernable features.

"Who the heck are you?" I shouted out as the assassin quickly dove into the shadows and began fleeing. "Hey! Get back here!"

I made chase as I pursued the fleeting shadow, however, I was quickly losing ground on it as it jumped from one shadow to another. It was a pain as I'm not exactly a fast runner and not even beast triggering would make me fast enough. Still I can still sense the assassin and I can feel that it really doesn't like me chasing it as suddenly a magic construct of a knife just flew past me.

"Shit, this thing means business!"

As a result, it became a game of me avoiding this thing attacks while trying to keep up. Needless to say, this was really annoying. Especially when we hit the streets and I had to avoid the various people who got in the way. However, I had to put my chase to an end when the bastard threw a knife at an innocent civilian, forcing me to stop and pushing them out of the way as the knife disappeared before hitting them. It was a freaken feint, who or whatever it was figured I wouldn't let an innocent person take the hit.

"Just who was that and why did they try to kill Ser-Ka?"

I can only sigh as I checked up on the civilian before heading back to the palace. Just trying to figure out what it was all about.

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

("Lying tongue, deceitful soul! Your punishment comes at the cost of your lower half!")

I shouted in my native tongue towards the dummy which looked unaffected, but then the dummy voiced a robotic toned lie and suddenly their lower half was set ablaze. The curse worked perfectly, and I couldn't be prouder.

"Impressive Ankha, you're very adept at curses. Which is quite a feat, for someone like you. You must have plenty of practice."

"Well yes I have, thanks to willing participants."

"I hope you uncursed those participants."

"Don't worry I do, so blessings are next right?"

"Indeed, of course this can be harder for you since you picked up curses first. Like opposing elements, Curses and Blessings are often at odds with each other. To learn one means to have a harder time learning the other. Let's only attempt one blessing today of the fire element, Sacred Flames. This is a hard one, but important if you are going to fulfill the role of a chosen as this blessing will have you or a target with fire magic gain spiritual properties to your flames that can cleanse corruption from the world or from the souls of people."

"I see, yes that certainly would be helpful to have, but how do I go about using blessings?"

"Well for starters, you must have a connection to the gods of any pantheon. Since you are the chosen of Bastet, I say you have this covered. Second, you must incite an incantation in their name in order to gain their support. Depending on the power of the blessing you may require a setup for a much higher power or wide-reaching blessing. Lastly, you have to mean it and believe in it or else nothing will happen."

"Okay, so it's almost like using a curse then."

"Yes, but well no. It's complicated to explain."

"Well, thank you for the explanation. So, what kind of blessing will I be trying out?"

"You will be trying fire immunity on that plant over there. So, give it a shot," Azhum floated away to give room for me and the plant.

I took a deep breath as I began an incantation, ("Oh Bastet, protector of mothers. With thy gift you bestow me, allow me the power to give this plant true protection to the dangers of fire!")

With my hand outstretched I expected something to happen, but nothing happened. I repeated the incantation a couple of times, but still nothing happened.

"That's…odd, something was supposed to happen."

"What am I doing wrong? That should have worked," I began to think about it while Azhum began to talk about possible reasons, but only one reason came to mind; Bastet may be unable to spare any power. It's not impossible however it is worrying to think that my goddess has such low power that she is unable to spare any to help me.

"Ankha? You look to be deep in thought."

"Sorry, I was thinking how come that blessing wouldn't work."

"Well as I said there may be multiple reasons, but the fact you may be unable to cast blessings is troubling. You can't do your role without being able to cast any blessings."

"Well…can I cast blessings by myself without the help of the gods?"

"Impossible, you must be powerful as the gods in order grant blessings without their support. We'll just have to skip this lesson unfortunately, but maybe this next lesson can help compensate."

"Which is?" I asked confused as I wasn't quite sure what the next lesson was or how it is going to help me in my quest.

"Ankha, time you learned another class of magic, Nymphomancy!"

"Nymphomancy? Is that what I think it is?"

"If you were thinking sex magic, then yes, it is exactly what you were thinking."

"Oh…well I am astonished that such a practice exists. I am morbidly curious as well."

"There is a history to the school of magic, but that isn't important right now. What is important for you Ankha are two spells in this school of magic; Induce and Remove Fertility. These are tier five spells, that your Goddess Bastet knows herself along with a few others in her pantheon."

"Tier five? These must be powerful spells."

"Indeed, as it doesn't just mean the male or female sex fertility, but also the fertility of the land or animals and plants."

"Wow, that is powerful. It's borderline almost a blessing and a curse!"

"Close, but except this spell can be negated. Blessings and curses cannot unless dispelled by the person who casted it, or in the case of curses, somebody else stronger."

"I see, so how am I going to practice this spell?"

"Simple really, try that plant again. I have its pistils removed, but with the spell it should magically restore it. Give it a shot, take a deep breath and focus Ankha."

I did as the talking tome said as I focused my mana and began to mentally think of the spell. Restore the reproductive organ of the plant, restore it with the magic at my command. It took me six tries for the spell to finally work, each failure only drove me to focus harder and my mana to drain faster. I was panting by the end as the pistil was restored finally by the spell.

"Haah…haah…I didn't think…that…restoring…a plants…ovaries…will be…this hard…haah…"

"There is a reason why this spell is tier five Ankha. It takes a lot of mana just to cast it, it was thanks to your endurance training that you were able to cast it six times, but even then, you are still reaching your limits. We will focus on this on the next day, but first we must finish the lesson. Now, I want you to remove the fertility of the plant," He gave me another mana potion to restore my mana again, but now I was feeling the exhaustion and exertion on my body, "Now, proceed Ankha!"

"Right! Here I go!" Doing my best to ignore the pain and tiredness on my body. I focused on the spell while keeping target on the plant. It took less tries, four this time and once the spell worked, I collapsed onto my back. Sweating and panting, this is probably the most undignified position I found myself in.

"Good good, the pistil is sterile now. Fantastic Ankha, you managed to cast these spells. That will be it for today, go get some rest and let your body recover."

"Thank you…ah…on one condition."

"Yes?"

"Nobody must know…how I fell over…alright?" I made sure to emphasize my last word with a threatening tone. As nobody expect Nacho and Isabelle is know how much this training drained me.

"Understood, here take this," he handed me an energy drink which got me back on my feet once I drank it down. I still felt drained, but at least I can walk out with dignity.

/

Azhum and I left the training hall only to notice that nighttime has fell. Seeing this surprised me as this means I have been training for most of the day within that chamber. I felt my stomach growl as hunger set in. I can only sigh in mild frustration as I made my way to my room that I share with Nacho and Isabelle. Desperate for a shower and Nacho's famous massages.

"Lady Ankha, I normally don't do this, but here, have this book," He magically summoned a spell book and floated it towards me. It was bright pink and has the male and female symbols interlocked with each other.

"Nymphomancy: The Magic Kamasutra. Is this some kind of joke? Why would I need this?"

"Well…being a man myself, I am certain that this is a book you and your partners should look into. I know you don't need magic to have a satisfying sex life, but…just something I think you can learn in your own time. Besides, even sex magic has it uses outside the bedroom, trust me. Besides I have no use for it anymore, I learned everything I needed to know from it. Plus, I'm a tome so…yeah."

"Quite right, I hope this thing is clean."

"Untouched, I am very careful with my spell books."

"Good, because I was one spell away from incinerating the book if you told me otherwise."

Azhum only stared at me with a shocked eye as I stared him down with the most dead serious stare I could give somebody. We went our own ways as I bid him goodbye as I entered my room. I sighed as I saw it empty. So much for getting a nice massage from Nacho, but at least I can have a shower. It didn't take me long to take a long, nice, cold to warm shower to help with my aching body. After that I got dressed, I looked at the book I left on the bed and only sighed as I decided to hide it and put in in my travel bag. Better to hide it for now than have them asking questions.

Not too long after I did that, Nacho and Isabelle finally entered the room. Looking a bit ragged, "Well hello you two, I would ask what took you two so long to get back but…my training took longer."

"Heh, must have been some training. You missed out on some really important stuff," Nacho said cheekily.

"Really? Like what?"

Nacho quickly explained the assassination attempt on Ser-Ka's life and the man hunt that followed in looking for the assassin. He, Isabelle, Lucky, Diva, and Amr were taking part in the search which proved to be fruitless. Then they had to calm the citizens that grew concerned by the spectacle Nacho caused when chasing the mysterious figure.

"Wow, if I wasn't training, I actually could have helped in catching that assassin."

"It's okay Ankha, you need the training," Isabelle said as she gave a warm smile, "You do have an important role after all. Considering all this being chosen by the gods and stuff."

"I know I know…just wish it didn't take so much out of me. Azhum was really running me ragged. Right now, all I want is some food, preferably high quality, and a nice massage from you love."

"I can do that for you, also I think dinner time should be right around the corner."

"Sounds perfect, you two get cleaned up. I'll just rest until then."

"Will do, take it easy Ankha," Isabelle cheerfully said as they went off to the bathroom.

As for me, I laid my head back into bed and let my thoughts flow in. Drifting towards my mission, my current power, Aten, the reincarnation of my siblings, Bladeius/Ohkan's reincarnation, and most importantly the mortality of Nacho and Isabelle. I simply love them too much to let them go, but what can I do? I practically have nothing else other than Lucky as a constant in my life, however, familial love can only help me so much.

I express this concern with them before. Nacho first and he told me that if there was a way, he would take it so I wouldn't have to be alone which is reassuring, but then there is Isabelle. She herself was unsure about the idea as she didn't like the thought of seeing everybody she knew grow old and pass on. This is an understandable feeling as the thought of forever outliving every mortal friend she made is a scary thought. A reality I came to terms with quite early on in my life.

I sighed, that topic wasn't really brought up again since then. I didn't want to make them uncomfortable with such a subject. Yet I still wonder if it is still something they think about. I dare not ask as I don't want them to feel pressured.

It wasn't long until my lovers emerged from the bathroom and got dressed. No sooner as they did, the dinner bell rang, and we all left for the dinner table.

/

We made our way to the dinner table and very quickly our food arrived. My body was starved for nourishment and I found myself trying to restrain myself from devouring the food here and there like Nacho does sometimes. However, before we can eat Ser-Ka came in and seated herself, looking a bit downtrodden and even forcing a smile as she told us to eat. Despite this, she was barely eating herself much to the concern to her children who looked at her and tell to eat.

I can imagine that being almost killed already had an impact on her. It usually does, I feel bad for her that such a thing happened and that she will have trouble having peace of mind. I felt that way myself back when I was actor with the paparazzi and crazy fans. I couldn't dwell on it too much as went back to eating. Once everybody was done eating though, she decided to break the ice. First by casting a spell that surrounded all of us in a coat of silence where we can only hear each other.

("Everyone…I hope you enjoy your meals as I bring terrible news. Not only there was an attempt on my life, but even worse…m-my…") She looked at me and hesitated with her words, ("My h-husbands…tomb has been raided…treasure…and b-body…")

I had to hold back a gasp when I heard this news. To have your husbands tomb raided is the biggest insult that can be done to the dead. Stealing the body is just asking for judgment from the gods.

"Oh no! Do you know where they took the body?" I exclaimed out loud.

("No, w-were still trying to figure that out…I already have my best investigating, but Ankha…if you don't mind me asking. Can you and your group aid me on this search? I will make it worth your while and make it an official quest.")

I was surprised she asked me and not Nacho as he usually fashions himself as the leader, but I answered regardless, ("Of course, we will be happy to help. Although…this may cut into training.")

"I concur, but we can come to a compromise for that. Still be prepared for the trials ahead, whoever sent the assassin and the robbers no doubt is lurking in the shadows, waiting and planning."

"Whatever it is, we can handle it," Nacho declared proudly, which got a smile from me, "Doesn't matter who it is, well plow through them."

("I'm happy to hear that, I wish you luck in your investigations. We will be doing our part, but please remember. This must be kept secret from the public, this news would put them in a panic. They are already wary thanks to Nacho chasing the assassin, but to hear that robbers took my husband's remains is another story altogether.")

("Alright, we will keep that in mind Ser-Ka,") I assured her, the others agreed in a similar manner and she bowed gratefully.

("Thank you, all of you. Now please get some rest, we have much to do tomorrow.")

She removed the silent barrier around us as we are allowed to leave. I did get that massage from Nacho when we got back to our room, but my mind was restless about our new quest. Just where should we start?

/

Adofo's P.O.V.

I stood only silently as I saw my master speak with a hooded figure as we stood around in the jungle.

("I heard you caused trouble in Egyptapia,") Spoke the hooded figure.

("Yes, I did, but it was well worth it. I sent my best associates to obtain your requested items.")

("Yes yes, but do you have him? Do you have the body?"

("Does this answer your question?")

My master, with the snap of his finger brought out one of his followers who brought a mummified body in front of the hooded figure. Two more showed up carrying jars carrying the organs of the body. Seeing this made my blood boil as it is desecrating the body. However, I kept to myself and keep my anger repressed.

("So, this is the body that Ser-Ka holds so dear? The hero that help founded Egyptapia?")

("Indeed, unfortunately the assassination failed, but it served to be a great distraction.")

("It isn't important, the hero's body is my main desire. With his strength, maybe some changes can happen with my people. To stop outsiders, especially those wretched Humes from harming my people again.")

("There is an irony with using a hume to fight off other humes.")

("I am well aware, but this is also a chance to showcase my power.")

("I see, but do not forget your end of the bargain.")

("Yes yes, I'll make sure to establish a place of worship for your wonderful god.")

("Good, now to assure your success, give me your hand,") I watched as the hood figure extended out a spotted furred arm not too dissimilar to a cheetah out. My master took his hand and began chanting some kind of spell or blessing. A dark fire erupted in their hands, the hooded figure was surprised by the flames and groaned in pain for a bit until the flames disappeared, after that the figure quickly returned his hand to his body.

("What did you do to me?")

("Call it a blessing from my wonderful god. You are stronger now and your magic greater.")

("Is that what it was? I'll take your word for it for now, but no double crossing.")

("You have my word.")

My master bowed to the figure and the figure did the same. My master looked at me and created a portal back to the temple. I said nothing as I walked through the portal with the other followers. My resentment growing from this exchange.