Chapter 4 => Travelling is Nice

Oh, I almost forgot how nice it feels to travel…

The feeling is indescribable. An unusual peace settles over me whenever I go on a trip. Almost like I’m satisfying an urge I never knew I had. Funny…

Peeking out the window, I saw a myriad of fluffy white clouds stretching across the expansive sky. Through the gaps between them, I could see surprisingly patterned patches of land.

I’d seen something like this before, but never thought it’d be applicable to even larger land masses. The brand-new camera I had purchased rested gently on my lap.

When the scenery became too irresistible, I quickly took several shots to capture the moment on film. There would be no shortage of pictures to show mom when she returned from her business trip.

During the flight, we passed through some more clouds, experiencing a little turbulence. Some passengers were visibly agitated. But there was no need to panic. It’s only a matter of course for such a long flight.

I caught some people sneaking some glances at me. Couldn’t really blame them, though. I wore a cap to cover up my hair—for obvious reasons.

It’s such a hassle to have to answer anyone who walks up to me and asks, “Woah! Did you dye your hair?”

“No, I didn’t! It’s natural!” I’d want to tell them, but…

Eventually I would remember that my hair color couldn’t exactly be considered “natural” by any human standards. I wonder how Shizuka copes…

Anyway, my hair’s covered. So, why am I still getting stares? It’s simple. The shadow made by the bill of my cap somehow made my eyes look even more menacing.

Yup. I’m sure they’re all dying to know what kind of contacts I’m wearing.

Besides the cap, I wore a simple t-shirt over shorts and sneakers. I hear it gets pretty hot over there.

Ignoring the several eyes settling on me, I turned my attention—and my camera—back out the window to enjoy the breath taking view.

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After a three hour layover in Dubai, the flight continued to its final destination:

Cairo!

Man, they weren’t exaggerating about the heat. It felt like warm air slammed right into my face, accompanied by loads of dust.

But the change of pace wasn’t bad at all. In fact, it was very much welcome. After spending nearly fourteen hours over the course of this trip, this atmosphere was somewhat refreshing.

Oh my! Better find a way to the hotel.

The sun was beginning to set, dyeing the sky a wondrous orange that stretched out to the horizon. Checking the time on my phone, it was currently 6:30PM, EET.

It’s getting late. No time for dillydallying. Immediately, I booked an OOber to take me straight to the Seramis InterCo. Hotel.

While searching up places to stay, it came up with a lot of positive reviews.

The pickup time is fifteen minutes… I looked around. Better find something to snack on while I wait.

I found a small kiosk, about to head toward it—oh, right! I’m still running on yen!

I could only imagine how awkward it would’ve been if I handed the owner a fist full of a foreign currency.

An ATM…? There’s one over there.

Now that I’d used my card to withdraw some Egyptian Pounds, I sauntered over to the kiosk producing a tantalizing aroma. Smells like meat.

I pointed to this wrapped up looking thing.

The man behind the kiosk smiled and responded kindly to my gesture. But I was taken for spin. I could make out what he’d just said!!!

Let me pause for a moment.

I’ve never learnt any foreign language before, other than some English I managed to pick up during high school.

I only did very specific research on the overall culture of this place, so not too much attention on the local dialect.

Yet, just now, I could vaguely pick up on his reply to me. He called the dish a “shawarma.” Funny name, though.

It was as if rather than getting the language, I directly understood the intent behind his words.

Wait, is this another Occultist type of thing?!

Oh! Now the man is holding some fingers up. I believe he’s trying to tell me the cost.

“That would be forty Egyptian Pounds please,” I think he said.

Well, moving on…

A scant fifteen minutes later, my OOber ride picked me up. We were driving through the evening streets of Cairo, and boy what a view.

Despite it getting dark, everywhere looked as busy as ever. Many bright shopfronts lined the roads. More kiosks having grilled meat skewers were scattered all over the place.

It was rowdy and, at the same time, charming.

Eventually I started to see a body of water, illuminated by streetlights. It’s so sparkly and serene! I remember reading about it—the Nile Corniche.

I’d asked for the windows of the car to be down, so the air flowing in from outside was cool. Probably because we were close to the river.

Haaaa…

Huh. So those are floating restaurants? Looks neat. They were drifting across the water slowly, and on the railings, I could see couples doing couple things together.

Ahh… I’m still single.

I sniffed the air, nearly sticking my head out of the car window.

There was a sweet smelling smoke. I couldn’t quite place my finger on it. A smell unlike anything I’ve ever smelt. Fascinating.

Flashy lights coming from what were clearly police checkpoints flashed in my peripheral vision.

Continue keeping the peace, I thought to myself and chuckled.

Traffic was starting to slow, and the streets grew narrow. Something was clearly changing within the landscape. Security also seemed to buff up a bit.

The buildings became more elegant, having older European-style facades with balconies and tall shutters.

Then, in the distance, I saw my destination rising grandly along the horizon. It had a large curved façade, super bright lights pouring out from the lobby, and…

Valet attendants dressed all spiffy.

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As expected of such an establishment. The room I’ll be occupying for the duration of my stay here is super comfy.

The overall tone of color was a neutral cream. Thick curtains hung from the walls. A large bed that seemed to ooze comfort itself. And the floors were carpeted, too!

Well, all of this was expected from the moment I stepped foot inside this establishment. All the noise from the outside went away as if it vanished the moment the doors closed behind me.

Soft lighting illuminated the lobby where people engaged in subtle conversation.

In the background, I could hear some piano music.

So chic!

It’s making me feel all sophisticated and enlightened. Haha! But that’s enough of admiring the hotel. Getting that eye still remains my main objective—even though I have no idea why I’m so enthralled with it in the first place.

Fine… I know it has something to do with my weird ancestral lineage or whatever. But is that a strong enough reason for me to fly all the way to a foreign land to search for some mystical artifact?

Maybe.

The notebook. Rummaging in my pockets, I pull it out to review the tomb where the Eye of Horus is supposedly enshrined.

There’s a scribble that seems to indicate coordinates. And it mentions a place called Saqqara, which I’ve already looked up on the net.

It’s said to be packed with a lot of archaeological grounds. Hmm… If my memory and common sense serve me correctly, wouldn’t an area like that be a popular tourist attraction?

If I go there casually, I’ll stick out like a sore thumb. I’ve got to do something to conceal my over-the-top appearance.

But before that, it’d be nice to stop by the other spots. A tour around the usual attractions should give me some time to unwind while prepping for the… Heist? Journey?

Meh. I’ll just stick to “Quest”. Sounds decent.

Some sweat had gathered on my skin, making it feel sticky. Time to hit the showers—where is the bathroom…?

Of course! Behind this ornate looking door.

They really went to town with the décor, huh?

Off I go to wash myself, so I can feel like a new man!

Then after that, exploring the rest of the hotel will be next.