Chapter 5 => Scouting

The bus was blazing through desert sands, leaving behind a trail of dust in its wake. Awe-struck passengers smiled as they snapped several photos of the landscape.

And seated in the back of the bus, wondering if my getup was appropriate, was of course, me!

It was quite a stroke of luck that the hotel was hosting a sort of tour program where their patrons or paying external guests would get a chance to see some of the archeological sites in Egypt.

Earlier, I mentioned worrying about my getup. I had purchased a pale blue jellabiya along with a turban and a pair of sunglasses.

Yup. That’s what I’m wearing in an attempt to blend in. So far, I haven’t been looked at suspiciously, even with the sunglasses.

I’d also made sure to tuck in all the strands of my hair neatly under the turban.

Man, the sound of camera shutters went up a notch. It looks like we’re nearing some of the major attractions.

The tour guide is a young man who’s well versed in several languages, occasionally mixing in some English, Dutch, and French in his narrations.

The European-looking tourists kept letting out “oohs” and “aahs” whenever he spoke. Right now, he was talking about the Pyramid of Djoser—built around 2670 BCE.

He added that it’s considered the world’s first large stone structure, and was designed by Imhotep. This may be out of pocket, but sometimes I wonder if aliens really did aid in building the pyramids. Haha!

Quickly stopping my divergent thoughts, I whipped out my camera to take some nice photos. Mom would definitely be ecstatic when she sees these.

Next on our tour was the Serapeum of Saqqara. There were underground tunnels, dimly lit corridors, and massive granite sarcophagi. Dope!

After that was the Tomb of Mereruka, the Pyramid of Unas, the—hold on a dang minute!

I’m losing track of my goal here. Checking out the spot housing the Eye of Horus should be my top priority.

Then, my cue to check it came from over the speakers.

“You all can take thirty minutes to explore for a while and take photos. Please, gather here immediately after,” announced the tour guide with a smile.

Alright!

I promptly peeled away from the bus’s location, advancing further and further into the blowing sand. Around me, positioned in strategic locations, were a few guards guarding monuments.

So I intentionally wandered like a clueless tourist, all the while following the coordinates that dad had left me.

When I had arrived by the spot, I’d run into a small bump.

All I could see was sand stretching far into the desert horizon. No excavation, no fences, and absolutely zero security.

But despite that, it still felt isolated somehow.

According to dad’s notes, some bigwigs had their eyes on the “Eye”—pun intended. So they talked with some authorities, striking a deal to leave this place untouched.

What appeared to be an endless stretch of sand was, in fact, nothing but an illusion. This would be my second or third encounter with something like this.

After craning my head around one last time, I stuck it forward—and there it was.

Beyond the deceptive veil of emptiness, a few kilometers in, stood the entrance to crumbly looking tomb. And stationed in front of it, two guards armed with rifles who quite frankly looked bored.

Oh crap! The tour!

Remembering the amount of time remaining I pulled my head out of the illusion, and hurriedly made my way back to designated meeting spot.

At least, I’ve finally confirmed my target. All that’s left is to infiltrate it, and snag that eye.

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I was back in my hotel room, going over dad’s notes while seated on the bed. The tour had taken eight hours out of my Saturday. Time spent aside, it was enjoyable.

Fortunately I had made it back just in time to resume the tour, so no suspicions were aroused. But that leaves me with what to do with the rest of the day.

Hmm… I’m feeling kind of peckish, so I guess I’ll head over for some fine dining while I finalize the rest of my plans. Thinking on an empty stomach may not fly this time around.

Hence, I began my casual stroll through the hotel’s halls. It didn’t take too long before I found the main dining area. It’s a good thing I purchased two outfits. All the patrons were dressed dignifiedly. The class in the air was palpable.

The only thing I regretted was having to wear sunglasses indoors all for the sake of my eyes…

Sigh…

As for the décor, it was simply elegant. The white table cloths, balanced lighting—it’s all so classy that a part of me felt a little out of place.

Forgetting whether or not I fitted in, my legs carried me forward to what was certainly an international buffet!

Now we’re talking.

My pristine plates were at last filled with all sorts of luxurious grub. I had a cold salad, some grilled chicken and rice, and some seasonal vegetables.

At the side was a bowl containing fresh fruit, including mangoes, oranges and melons. Time to dig in!

Throwing all table manners to the wind, I started stuffing my face with the food. I could sense the lingering gazes of several patrons fixed on me and my lack of tact.

But who cares?

Definitely not me, that’s for sure.

⨷⨷⨷⨷⨷

Many minutes had passed and I was almost done with my meal. Looking out the panoramic windows facing the Nile, I drowned myself in thought.

I had to pick a day to go back there. There was tomorrow—Sunday. But it felt way too close. Who knows what I’d run into in that unexplored tomb…

Better use tomorrow to lounge around and enjoy this high class life for just a little longer. Now that tomorrow’s off the table, I have ample time—

No, I don’t. There’s no telling when the bigwigs will make headway retrieving the Eye. In fact, the only reason why they haven’t done so is because they haven’t seen anyone willing to plunge headfirst into that tomb.

Well…anyone who wouldn’t want to keep the Eye for themselves if they found it, though. Dad mentioned that they’d sooner or later reach out to other Occultists, like us. But the chances of seeing one who’d pick whatever sum of cash they offered over the artifact itself is near zero.

They may even steal it right from under their noses. So they may keep that option as a last resort.

I needed something sweet. The mango should do. While chewing away at the juicy fruit, I’d made up my mind.

Monday it is, then…

With that settled I wrapped up the rest of my meal. What wonderful service. Stares aside, this probably has every other place I’ve ever eaten at beat. Apart from back home, of course.

No amount of fanciness can top the feeling of sharing a meal right in the comfort of your own house surrounded not by strangers, but your own family.

I’m starting to miss them a little.

Oh Shizuka…

I’ll return soon! And I’ll bring you back the best souvenir ever!

Slowly counting my steps on the floor, I returned to my room where a simple nap of mine led to me drifting off into a deep sleep.

And during this period, memories from that day kept flooding my dreams.

The panicked looks of my classmates. The strange people taking them hostage. The feeling of bones breaking. My first experience of a life threatening battle fought using that weird relic-like thing…

Just like it always did, the dream ended in a colorful burst of light, and “her” running towards me as my vision faded…