ã€ŠEmperor of Time : The Battle of The Godsã€‹


 Chapter 1: Nightmares

    Tik¡­tok¡­tik¡­tok¡­

    The clock¡¯s ticks echoed through the darkness. It was a darkness with an endless void¡ªno edges, no corners, no escape.

    Ryan stiffened with fear. He knew from experience that any movement during the clock''s ominous chime would mean doom for him. His limbs would dissolve, beginning with his fingers, then his hands, and eventually his entire self.

    Ryan froze and felt his breath catch in his throat.

    The clock''s beat accelerated, heightening his fear. Sweat trickled down his spine as he tried to listen. Each tick seemed like a death knell.

    ''Shit! Not this dream again,'' he cursed inwardly.

    The same nightmare had haunted him since childhood. He couldn''t recall the first time it happened, but always the same scenes.

    Each time he would wake up exhausted and shaken.

    Tik¡­tok¡­tik¡­tok¡­

    His tension raised when he heard the clock¡¯s sound gradually fade.

    ''Here we go,'' he murmured to himself, ready for what would happen next.

    Then came the footsteps¡ªtap¡­tap¡­tap¡­tap¡­

    They echoed through the darkness and became louder as if someone was nearby.

    Ryan focused on the sounds. His heart pounded. Sweat continued to stream down his spine.

    Suddenly, the footsteps quickened like someone was doing a frantic sprint toward him. The clock''s ticking still echoed, and Ryan did not dare to move.

    ''Damn it! Hurry up!'' he panicked.

    The footsteps were closing in but he could not see anyone nearby. Strangely, he could see his own body, but nothing else. It was so dark.

    Tap¡­tap¡­tap¡­tap¡­

    Finally, he could not hear the clock sound anymore, only the footsteps remained.

    Ryan bolted, running as fast as he could. He didn''t care about direction¡ªhe just needed to escape.

    But the footsteps were matching his speed.

    ''Arrghh¡­.damn it! Why can''t I just wake up?'' he cursed with haggard breath.

    Ryan sprinted like a wild person driven by his survival instinct. But the footsteps stayed beside him.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ''Damn it! Damn it!'' he gasped.

    His lungs burned. He kept running into the endless darkness without knowing how long he had been running.

    Then, he heard a thunderous growl in front of him.

    Massive fangs erupted from the shadows with glistening sharp tips. They were enormous¡ªlonger than his arm and thicker than his thighs. Its color was soft-white and glowed, contrasted sharply with the surrounding darkness.

    It was the open maw of a gigantic beast. The growl deepened.

    Ryan gazed at the gleaming teeth with terror while kept running.

    He screamed through the top of his lungs and changed his running direction. But it was too late. The beast¡¯s fangs snapped shut around him. The hot and decaying scent enveloped him, making him could not breathe.

    He squeezed his eyes shut and wished the nightmare to end badly.

    ***

    Ryan jolted awake and gasped for breath. His heart raced wildly.

    With desperation, he buried his face in his palms and whispered, "Why won''t these nightmares leave me?"

    He rubbed his temples.

    Gradually he heard the soothing sound of waves crashing against the ship. It calmed him and reminded him that he was on the ship sailing to Egypt.

    He peeked out his cabin window. It was 5 a.m. in Egypt and the sky was still dark

    He rose and poured a glass of water from the desk pitcher. He drained it empty and peeled off his damp shirt. He stood by his desk and glanced at the surroundings. His cabin had a single bed, a desk, and a compact cabinet. Papers were stacked neatly at his desk¡ªall were documents and journals for his next excavation.

    He lingered for a moment and closed his eyes. Those nightmares haunted him since his childhood when his parents passed away, and he was eight at that time. Two or three times a week, he would have the dream, and it was always the same. The darkness, the ticking clock sound, the footsteps, the jaw¡ªall the same.

    And every time he woke up, he would feel so tired, and exhausted. The dreams were so vivid, that their unnerving realism lingered long after he awakened.

    He didn¡¯t bother to put on himself a new shirt.

    "It does feel very hot," he murmured. ¡°It wasn¡¯t this hot last time I came here.¡±

    Shrugging off the thoughts, he sat at his chair and began to peruse the documents, drowning himself in his work. He could not sleep anymore, trying to erase the nagging feelings from his nightmares.

    At 23, Ryan had rugged features shaped by years of digging through ancient sites. His face was angular, and he was a handsome young man with blue eyes and dark hair.

    His father was an archaeologist and obsessed with finding great artifacts. Ryan remembered when he was following his father to some excavation sites, or sitting in dusty libraries. His father would speak about the mysteries of some artifacts, the ancient civilizations as if those people in his stories were alive and breathing. Those stories ignited Ryan¡¯s fascination with archaeology. The more he studied, the more he felt his connection to ancient civilizations.

    However, after his parents died when he was eight and he started to have nightmares, he felt a deeper connection to those ancient civilizations. Whether it was from Egypt, Greek, Norse, Chinese, Hindu, even to Aztec, he felt all of the people in the past had something in common. He just didn¡¯t know what it was.

    Why did these dreams haunt him? Did something in the past curse him? Was it some kind of ancient spell?

    Maybe, just maybe, archaeology would put the nightmares to rest and he would finally be free from it.

    He grabbed his jacket and stepped outside his cabin. The cool breeze enveloped him, contrasting with the heat of his cabin.

    He stood by the ship''s deck railing and leaned on it. Watching the waves stretch far to the horizon. Seagulls echoed in the distance.

    He exhaled deeply.

    Everything should have an answer, and you just need to look in the right direction. He believed he would find out why he had those same nightmares over and over for years.

 Chapter 2: The Valley of The Kings

    Alexandria Port, Egypt 7 A.M.

    A sturdy, medium-sized ship sat anchored in Alexandria Port. The ship was called Tutela, which meant "protection" or "guardianship."

    Ryan stood on the dock with his belongings besides his feet. He surveyed the scene around him. The harbor was bustling with the activity of workers hurriedly unloading and loading cargo onto and off the docked ships. Their shouts and laughter were loud, mixed with the occasional sound of seagulls.

    Ryan turned to find Dr. Hassan, the leader of the expedition that Ryan joined this time, greeting him with a big smile. The doctor''s bald head glistened in the morning sunlight. His neatly trimmed beard and brown eyes looked warm. He was wearing a dark gray suit that didn''t really suit the current hot weather.

    "Good morning, Doctor," Ryan replied with a respectful smile. He took Dr. Hassan''s hand and shook it.

    Dr. Hasan''s eyes lit up as he surveyed the bustling harbor around them. He spotted some of his expedition staff and waved to them. Then he asked Ryan with a mischievous smile on his face, "Ready for The Valley of The Kings?"

    "Of course," Ryan said enthusiastically. "The equipment is being unloaded from the ship. We''ll be ready to go in an hour."

    Dr. Hasan''s face lit up at Ryan''s words. "That''s great! Let''s recharge with some local cuisine," he said with a mischievous smile still on his face.

    Ryan chuckled. He knew that Dr. Hassan had a hearty appetite, in contrast to his small and slender frame.

    "Of course. We can ask Beatrice to bring us our original travel documents and excavation permits while we eat," Ryan added.

    Dr. Hassan nodded enthusiastically. "That''s great! I can''t wait to eat the local food. It''s been a long time since I''ve had shawarma," he said, rubbing his hands together in front of his chest.

    They then walked along the chaotic docks of Alexandria Port. Porters and merchants rushed to them, shouting offers of luggage or offering their wares. The two politely declined, and nimbly navigated the crowded, labyrinthine alleys. They had already decided where they would have breakfast and had a clear idea of ??where they should go.

    They finally arrived at a small, relaxed cafe with few people eating. The sound of light jazz music filled the cafe, and a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.

    They ordered shawarma (a delicious lamb sandwich), and umm ali (a sweet pastry). They also ordered ahwa (a strong Egyptian coffee).

    Beatrice arrived shortly after. Wearing a white floral dress and her blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, she greeted Dr. Hassan and Ryan with a big smile.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Good morning, everyone. How are you all?"

    Dr. Hassan motioned for Beatrice to sit down in one of the empty chairs at their table. "Please sit down. We''re discussing logistics today."

    Beatrice sat down and took a sip of her ahwa coffee. "Can we finish the paperwork handover now?" she asked.

    Ryan nodded and said, "Equipment check, transportation¡ª"

    "And confirming KV5 security clearance," Dr. Hassan added solemnly.

    Beatrice nodded as she took notes. "The equipment has been packed and is available at the villa. All transportation arrangements have been made. Security clearance has also been granted. Anything else?"

    Dr. Hassan smiled in satisfaction and leaned back in his chair, he said. "That''s it. Thank you, Beatrice."

    Beatrice, still smiling, stood up. "Everything is ready. We will meet at the location in a few days. May you have a safe journey today!"

    Ryan and Dr. Hassan smiled. "See you later."

    Then Beatrice left the two of them to finish their breakfast. People had started to arrive at the cafe for breakfast. The cafe was starting to get crowded.

    Dr. Hassan and Ryan exchanged glances after Beatrice left. They both knew and realized that without Beatrice, the entire team would be in disarray. Her efficiency was crucial for their excavation to run smoothly.

    ***

    An hour and a half later they set off in a convoy of five vans and two double-cab trucks. The journey would take eight to ten hours south, 674 kilometers from the Port of Alexandria.

    They cruised along the Desert Road, an alternative route from Alexandria Port to The Valley of The Kings.

    Golden sunlight shone on the dunes stretching along the way, creating shadows under the slightly cloudy sky.

    Ryan gazed at the scenery along the road with nostalgia. He had traveled this route three years ago as a volunteer member of the archive team, studying ancient tombs in The Valley of The Kings. He remembered documenting the hieroglyphs in the magnificent tomb of Tutankhamun. And the thrill when his team managed to uncover a secret chamber in the burial site of Pharaoh Horemheb.

    He began to feel sleepy after two hours of the journey and fell asleep.

    ***

    Luxor city

    Night had begun to fall when they arrived at the private villas at Luxor city, that were specifically rented for the team''s accommodation. This location was chosen because it was not too far from KV5, which the team would be excavating. Vehicles rotated between the rented villas, dropping off the team members and their equipment.

    Ryan entered his room. The room was not large, with a single bed, a set of tables and chairs, and a wardrobe. There was also a private bathroom inside.

    He then unpacked his belongings which were not that many, mostly research papers, especially hieroglyph translations because Ryan was now working as a translator. Not long after, his belongings were neatly arranged.

    He opened the layout of KV5 on his bed and memorized every detail, then sat down beside the bed.

    Looking out his bedroom window, he saw dark clouds gathering around KV5. The presence of these clouds was unusual for winter and made him worried. Winter in Egypt is around 10¡ãC to 20¡ãC. But now the air felt very humid, contrary to the weather forecast.

    Ryan then ignored his worries and walked out of the room to the dining room. The room was already filled with team members and the delicious aroma of Merir''s cooking wafted throughout the room.

    He greeted his colleagues and shook hands.

    When the dinner was over, the team members began to disperse. Ryan felt satisfied. He returned to his room, where he carefully sorted his notes and diagrams before checking messages from his hangout buddies.

    Once everything was done, he immersed himself in "Ancient Egyptian History." As the clock struck 11 p.m., Ryan marked his page and closed the book. He turned off the lights, letting the soft moonlight illuminate the room.

    With a contented sigh, Ryan fell asleep peacefully.

 Chapter 3: KV5

    The next day Ryan and his team were ready to set off for the KV5 excavation site.

    KV5 is a tomb believed to belong to the sons of Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, who ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE.

    Before setting off, Dr. Hassan gave a breakfast briefing. He spoke about the vast corridors and unexplored chambers of KV5.

    "Today''s focus is clear," he said in a serious tone. "Safety is our priority. Follow protocol and remember the excavation strategy."

    "KV5 can tell us a lot," he continued, his eyes sparkling. "But we must always tread carefully. Every stone we move, every piece of dirt we dig, could change the balance of what we know about this era of Ramses II."

    With the briefing complete, they set off, their faces beaming with excitement and anticipation. Who knows what they might find?

    They soon reached a campsite close to KV5. The team quickly set up camp and unloaded their equipment. But then, a frustrated scream broke the silence.

    "Arrrgh! My shovel is broken! Does anyone have a spare?" Dr. Matt shouted.

    Ryan quickly helped, starting to search through his toolbox. "I have a multi-tool. Will that work?"

    ... "This might work¡­" Dr. Matt said as he focused on trying out the tool Ryan had given him.

    Ryan carefully arranged all the documents and images of the site neatly, along with the artifacts found that day.

    One of the team members who specializes in artifact archaeology, Dr. Maria approached him holding a small, smooth ceramic shard. "I found another valuable item," she said with a happy smile.

    She handed the shard to Ryan with great care. "Let''s document this. Note the dimensions, the material, and the date," she instructed.

    Ryan''s eyes widened as he accepted the fragile shard. "What kind of ceramic is this, Dr. Maria?"

    "This appears to be New Kingdom pottery," she replied. "Notice the red and black patterns, the intricate hieroglyphics, and the stylized motifs. This piece likely dates from the 16th to 11th centuries BCE, during the golden age of ancient Egypt under pharaohs such as Hatshepsut and Ramses II."

    Ryan examined the shard carefully. The texture of the felt is smooth, yet fragile. The colors are striking, almost vivid. "What''s the catalog number?" he asked, jotting down notes.

    "KV5-0123," Dr. Maria replied, flipping through her notes. "And be sure to photograph it from multiple angles. We need clear images for our database."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Ryan nodded, and carefully positioned the ceramic fragment on the photography stand. "What angles would you like, Dr. Maria?"

    "Standard views: top, bottom, left, right, and 45-degree angles," he instructed. "And don''t forget the scale reference. That''s key for context."

    At that moment, Dr. Hassan walked by. He joined the ceramic fragment with a twinkle in his eye. "It looks like part of a ceremonial vessel. What a find!"

    Ryan felt proud. He knew that every find tells a story, and this ceramic fragment could reveal a lot about the rituals of the time. "What does that mean for our understanding of their culture?" he asked.

    Dr. Maria considered this. "Ceremonial tools were often used in important rituals. They may have been used to hold offerings or were part of funeral practices. Every detail can provide insight into their beliefs and daily lives." Ryan nodded in agreement.

    During dinner, the entire team gathered in the dining room. They looked tired but excited about the results of their excavation that day. Dr. Hassan helped the kitchen staff pour tea for the entire team and Dr. Maria distributed plates of fragrant koshari. The team members laughed and cheered happily.

    Holding his teacup and leaning back, Dr. Matt spoke to the core team members. "Today''s progress is incredible. We managed to open almost twenty meters of corridors from the tomb. At this rate, I''m sure we can open tours for tourists next week."

    Ryan chuckled at Dr. Matt''s rambling. He replied while spooning rice onto his plate. "And Dr. Maria''s ceramic discovery might rewrite the history books."

    "Let''s not forget about the possible ceremonial vessels that Dr. Hassan identified. I mean, we''re talking about a discovery that could make headlines." Dr. Rose joined in while glancing at Dr. Hassan.

    Every archaeologist dreams of having their discovery recorded in history.

    "We''re going to uncover what''s hidden inside KV5, bit by bit. But at this rate, maybe one day we will find Ramses'' missing sock," Dr. Hassan chuckled.

    The whole team laughed. The atmosphere was warm and joyful.

    ***

    After Ryan finished eating, he did not go back to his room immediately. He went out into the backyard and stared at the cloudy Egyptian sky.

    ''Is there really going to be a storm?'' he thought.

    He walked slowly along the Mediterranean Cypress trees that lined the path leading to the front yard of the villa.

    His mind began to wander to the strange symbols he had found somewhere on the walls of the tomb corridor.

    He opened his notebook and observed the sketches of the symbols. He could not interpret the symbols yet and wondered why.

    Unable to contain his bubbling curiosity, he returned to the dining room and asked Dr. Maria who was still joking with the others.

    "Dr. Maria, what do you think about those symbols? Hieroglyphics? Or a child''s scribbles?"

    Dr. Maria studied the sketch while tilting her head to one side. "Maybe hieroglyphics. Or an unknown writing. We need further analysis. But if it''s just a child''s scribbles, I might need to rethink my career."

    Dr. Matt who was observing the two, crossed his arms on his chest while frowning.

    "We have to speed up our work. We don''t know if the burial team in other places has found anything. This is like a running race but I don''t even have my running shoes."

    "Ahem, guys." Dr. Hassan suddenly cleared his throat. "The weather forecast says that a storm is expected tomorrow. We have to secure the site. I''d rather not have to chase after artifacts or documents that are flying in the storm."

    All the team members nodded wryly at the news. They had expected that on the second day, they would find something very valuable.

    Then one by one the team members left the dining room. Ryan was still sitting quietly in his chair and lost in thought. What secret symbol was that like hieroglyphics but why when translated the result was confusing?

    Giving up, he then returned to his room and rested.

    Meanwhile, the thick clouds in the sky began to shine because of the lightning that flashed in the clouds.

 Chapter 4: The Accident

    In the dim morning light, the KV5 excavation team had gathered at the excavation site. The dark clouds rolling over the site gave the team members a sense of insecurity. But they tried to stay calm and work as usual.

    Dr. Hassan stood on the nearest dune from the excavation tent and looked at all his team members. He then shouted. "Remember, safety comes first! Storms can be deadly. Stay alert!"

    Ryan nodded at Dr. Hassan''s advice and then shouldered his backpack. All of the team members received radios and headphones from Dr. Maria.

    "Keep in touch, team. We''ll keep monitoring the weather." Dr. Hassan urged.

    Dr. Matt squinted, staring at the sky. "Those clouds look bad," he asked Dr. Hassan. "Should we postpone our excavation today?"

    After hesitating for a moment, Dr. Hassan said. "We will proceed with caution." However, be ready to evacuate at the right moment.

    Ryan adjusted his safety helmet and prepared to face the uncertainty in this excavation.

    "Let''s move quickly, team." We don''t have much time," shouted Dr. Hassan.

    Suddenly, a very strong wind blew at the excavation site just as they entered the tomb, making the scaffolding wood creak with a frightening sound.

    Then it happened, a loud crack echoed inside the tomb and made everyone''s heart skip a beat. The wooden beams supporting the tomb''s walls broke and the scaffolding collapsed.

    And Dr. Rose who was close to the scaffolding screamed loudly. She lost her balance and then fell into the excavation hole and landed on her back, right on top of the debris of the collapsed scaffolding.

    Ryan felt his heart drop. But he quickly ran to Dr. Rose and climbed into the hole, fear gripping him.

    "Call for medical help!" Dr. Hassan shouted as he rushed into the hole. "Someone get a first aid kit!"

    Dr. Maria ran out of the tomb and tried to contact the medical team through the communication station in the excavation tent. "We need an ambulance, now!"

    The rest of the team froze but then moved quickly. Some climbed into the hole with him, others grabbed emergency medical supplies.

    Ryan approached Dr. Rose cautiously. "Don''t move, Doctor." "You will be fine," he whispered, trying to keep his voice calm.

    Dr. Rose groaned in pain. "My back... I can''t feel my legs either."

    Ryan panicked. Dr. Hassan, who was also squatting next to Ryan, said. "We need to stabilize his back," he said. "Make his neck and body stable, not moving."

    Ryan nodded and then took the first aid kit from another team member who had just arrived with the kit. He then carefully placed the collar around Dr. Rose''s neck.

    Then Dr. Maria returned and spoke from above the dugout. "The ambulance is on its way. But they''re going to be a little slow getting here. The storm is getting stronger."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    Ryan held Dr. Rose''s hand and tried to calm her down. "Help is coming, Doctor. Hang in there."

    Dr. Rose''s eyes slowly closed, her face very pale.

    Moments later, Dr. Hassan, who had been listening to the reports from the other team members, shouted. "We have to evacuate¡ªnow! The storm is getting worse!"

    The entire team moved quickly. Ryan, Dr. Matt, and Brandon carefully lifted Dr. Rose onto the stretcher. "Keep his back straight!" Dr. Hassan warned.

    Then they struggled against the strong wind after leaving the grave. Ryan positioned his body so that his upper body shielded Dr. Rose from the heavy rain. Heavy raindrops hit Ryan''s face, and he felt pain and his vision blurred. "Hold on a little longer, Doctor!" he urged Dr. Rose with a hint of desperation.

    Fortunately, the ambulance arrived shortly after. Its lights shone into the darkened yard due to the storm. Dr. Hassan opened the back door roughly. "Slow down, now!" he ordered.

    The team member guiding the stretcher then moved the stretcher into the ambulance. The nurse who was waiting inside gave Dr. Rose oxygen. Dr. Maria jumped up and sat next to Dr. Rose.

    Dr. Hassan told the nurse in the ambulance. "Notify the hospital! Spinal cord injury, possible paralysis! We will follow to the hospital immediately." The nurse nodded and Dr. Hassan closed the back door of the ambulance.

    ***

    Almost all of the KV5 team were at the hospital and crowded the waiting room, their expressions all worried. They paced back and forth, exchanging glances without anyone speaking out loud.

    Ryan''s mind replayed the chaos of the accident without him wanting to.

    The neurosurgeon at the hospital, Dr. Shina, came out of the emergency room. Her face was grim. "Dr. Rose has a severe spinal injury: C5-C6 fracture and potential spinal cord damage. Surgery is required immediately," she explained.

    The team''s guilty silence. They exchanged another worried glance.

    Ryan bowed his head, guilt overwhelming him. "This should have been prevented," he whispered to Dr. Maria, who was standing next to him.

    Dr. Maria placed her hand on Ryan''s shoulder. "Accidents can happen at any time, Ryan."

    Dr. Hassan''s expression darkened. "First, we must provide the best care for Dr. Rose. Then, we will review our safety protocols. This accident has provided us with a very valuable lesson."

    Dr. Maria nodded. "We need to review and improve our standard operating procedures."

    Dr. Matt also placed his hand on Ryan''s back. "We''re in this together. We will help and support Dr. Rose''s recovery together."

    All the team members nodded at Dr. Matt''s words, but everyone was still a bit scared.

    As Dr. Rose went into surgery, the team waited.

    ***

    Dr. Shina emerged from the operating room. "The surgery was a success. The damage to Dr. Rose''s spinal cord was minimal."

    A deep sigh filled the room, but the tension was still palpable.

    "She will need extensive rehabilitation, but we are optimistic she will be able to make a full recovery." We will take turns watching over her closely for the next 24-48 hours." continued Dr. Shina.

    Both of Ryan''s eyes looked relieved as he hugged Dr. Maria. "Thank God!"

    Dr. Hassan still looked gloomy. He said. "We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Shina and her hospital."

    Dr. Shina led them to the ICU. Dr. Rose lay motionless and unconscious, surrounded by beeping monitors.

    "You''re going to be okay, Doctor." Ryan gently squeezed her hand.

    "At that time, worse things could have happened," whispered Dr. Maria. "We really need to improve our standard operating procedures."

    Dr. Matt nodded without saying anything.

    Dr. Shina assured them that Dr. Rose would receive the best care they could provide. "You all better focus on getting through this."

    She then left to attend to another patient.

    ***

    The KV5 team members walked tiredly from the villa parking lot to their villa in Luxor.

    Ryan collapsed on the living room couch, his mind replaying the events of the accident that morning. Dr. Rose''s terrified screams echoed in his ears. The crack of the scaffolding breaking, and his own fear when trying to save her.

    He rubbed his tired eyes, despair creeping up on him.

    Dr. Maria sat beside him with a worried expression on her face. "Ryan, are you okay?"

    Ryan clasped his hands together and spoke softly. "I keep thinking about what just happened... and I keep wondering if only I could stop time."

    Dr. Maria is silent. Then she said. "Let''s take a break." Tomorrow we need to gather and review our standard operating procedures.

    Ryan nodded and went to his room.

    Tomorrow there has to be a change. It has to be.

 Chapter 5: Superstition

    That night, after dinner, Ryan stepped into the villa yard. His mind was still in disarray because of the accident that morning. He still felt guilty for not being able to prevent the accident from happening.

    When he arrived at the sideyard, he accidentally heard whispers from the team members. They were gathered at the side of the villa, unaware that Ryan was watching them.

    A local member hired by the team, Amr, leaned over to the other members and said in a voice that was almost a whisper. ¡°I¡¯m sure Dr. Rose¡¯s accident was no ordinary accident. Strange things have been happening in KV5 for a long time.¡±

    Fatma, the cook, nodded with a gloomy expression. ¡°You know, my cousin used to work with the first team that opened the tomb. He swore that he saw ghosts near the entrance of the tomb.¡±

    The other members were silent for a moment.

    Not long after, Khalid, another local team member added, ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ve heard many strange things happen to the first team. The equipment went missing. Security also heard strange noises at night. Many say the spirit of Pharaoh Ramesses II guards the graves of his children.¡±

    Ryan was stunned. Although he didn¡¯t believe in supernatural things, what the team members said made him doubt his common sense.

    Fatma¡¯s eyes narrowed and then she crossed her arms. ¡°Isn¡¯t that true? My cousin wouldn¡¯t lie. He was scared when he came home from the tomb.¡±

    Curious, Ryan approached the gossiping team members. ¡°Is that true?¡± he asked.

    They were surprised to see Ryan, and then Amr whispered to Ryan. ¡°KV5 is haunted, Mr. Ryan. We¡¯re sure. We¡¯re risking our lives by excavating KV5 again.¡± He looked around nervously as if an invisible shadow had heard him.

    The atmosphere felt tense among the team members.

    Fatma, with a frightened expression, said in a low voice, "There is an ancient curse. Disturbing the pharaoh''s son''s rest anger the gods."

    Ryan''s rational mind tried to fight the team members'' waves of superstitious whispers. He smiled, trying to reassure them, "Thank you for sharing your concerns. We will be more careful."

    He turned away from the team members who were still whispering anxiously.

    Ryan felt something was wrong and a little anxious, but he couldn''t explain what it was.

    ***

    The villa in Luxor before bedtime, was quiet unlike the usual cheerful, and sometimes the sound of the team members'' laughter could be heard. Soft music drifted out of Dr. Hassan''s bedroom window. On the terrace, Dr. Matt and Ahmed were chatting softly.

    Ryan then sat in the front yard, hands clasped in his lap, staring blankly ahead. The accident was always looming in his mind.

    Someone approached Ryan and gently touched Ryan''s shoulder. Ryan looked up and found Dr. Maria smiling softly. "What''s wrong?" she asked.

    Ryan wrestled with his thoughts, then opened his mouth hesitantly. "Do you believe that KV5 is cursed?"

    Dr. Maria''s eyebrows furrowed and then she sat down next to Ryan. She answered in a low, almost inaudible voice. "I do feel something there. Something disturbing."

    Ryan sighed, then stood up and stretched his arms above his head. He tried to ignore the superstitions he had heard. "Let''s go in and sleep, Dr. Maria. We have to wake up early tomorrow."

    Dr. Maria looked at Ryan with a sympathetic look and also got up from her seat. They went into their respective rooms.

    ***

    The next morning, Ryan stepped into the first room in KV5, namely Chamber A. The room felt calm and peaceful, lit by the light from the lamps that were installed by the other team members.

    Ryan walked along the walls of the tomb while observing each hieroglyphic symbol carved on the tomb wall. His mind was still haunted by the incident and also the conversation of the team members yesterday.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Slowly his mind began to clear and he was able to focus on the hieroglyphic symbols.

    He took a deep breath. The scent of sandalwood and myrrh was felt, slightly refreshing his mind.

    Several symbols caught his attention.

    A house symbol ¨D with an enlarged "A" , followed by a stylized heart , then a crescent moon shape . Next, a simplified walking figure , a seated man with arms around his knees , and a hand holding a staff . Ending with a scribe''s palette and phonetic symbols: a mouth , reed leaf , crescent moon , head , foot , loaf , basket , and vertical strokes .

    Deftly, he drew the symbols on his notebook while muttering. ¡°The heart of the Pharaoh beats inside¡­¡±

    He sat on a mound of earth near the wall and began to work on deciphering the meaning of the symbols.

    Time passed and no one was in Chamber A, except Ryan who was focused on translating.

    Unbeknownst to Ryan, the eyes of the statues of Anubis and Ibis that stood on each side of the end of the corridor, lit up with a blue color.

    Suddenly the tranquility was shattered by the sound of footsteps entering the corridor area. And the eyes of the statues of the gods that had previously shone, returned to their original form of stone carvings.

    Dr. Maria and Dr. Hassan approached Ryan who was still ignoring his surroundings.

    ¡°Ryan, any progress? How far have you gone in translating these hieroglyphs?¡± Dr. Hassan¡¯s voice echoed in the room.

    Ryan looked up and happily showed his notebook to Dr. Hassan and Dr. Maria. ¡°I have made significant progress, Doctor. The hieroglyphs reveal an interesting connection to the reign of Ramses II.¡± He pointed to the symbols depicted on the tomb wall.

    Dr. Maria¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic! Let¡¯s take a look.¡± She moved closer, examining the hieroglyphs with interest.

    The room, once silent, was now abuzz with their discussion. They gathered around the table, exchanging thoughts and ideas.

    Dr. Hassan rubbed his hands together. ¡°This could be a breakthrough! Ryan, your ability to decipher words is incredible.¡±

    ¡°This could change our understanding of Ramses II¡¯s reign.¡± Dr. Maria agreed.

    Ryan chuckled.

    Despite the shadow of yesterday¡¯s incident, the three found light in their shared passion. Their voices filled the room with excitement.

    ***

    The team ventured deeper into the chambers of KV5. Ryan¡¯s accomplishments had re-energized the team.

    Dr. Maria moved carefully along the walls, tracing her fingers over the ancient carvings. She stopped, her eyes widening. ¡°Look at these symbols! I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll complete Ryan¡¯s findings!¡±

    Dr. Hassan also focused on the ceiling of the tomb, his brow furrowed in concentration. "These inscriptions tell of Ramses II''s military campaign... The Battle of Kadesh!"

    Ryan just laughed at his co-workers'' enthusiasm.

    ***

    After lunch, Ryan explored deeper into the tomb. It was a large tomb, with over 120 chambers, many more yet to be discovered.

    Ramses II had over 100 sons, estimated to be around 150-200. He had 4-6 sons by Nefertari, 2-4 sons by Isetnofret, 2 sons by Bintanath, and of the over 200 wives and concubines, it is estimated that he had 100+ additional sons.

    ''It''s like a children''s farm...'' Ryan thought.

    Ryan stepped into Chamber KV5-14, believed to be the antechamber to the sanctuary of Pharaoh Ramses II, his footsteps echoing.

    The air felt heavy and thick. More intricate hieroglyphs adorned the walls. He approached the symbols, feeling a wave of awe. Gently, he brushed the thick layer of dust off the wall. ¡°Incredible!¡± he whispered.

    But then a wave of confusion washed over him. The unfamiliar symbols baffled him. ¡°This dialect is unlike anything I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± he muttered.

    He tried to decipher the symbols, but he couldn¡¯t.

    Just then, Dr. Maria burst into the room. ¡°Ryan, we¡¯ve found a transcription of the Hymn to Ra! Can you take a look at it first, to see what it means?¡±

    She handed him a weathered parchment. The words on it were:

    ¡°Ra, King of the Gods, Lord of Eternity,

    Whose heart beats within the sun¡¯s disk,

    Give wisdom to your servant Ramses.¡±

    Ryan¡¯s mind raced. He also tried to connect the transcription to the hieroglyphs on the wall that he had not yet been able to translate.

    And then he exclaimed. ¡°This could be the key!¡±

 Chapter 6: The Power of Time

    The night began to fall on The Valley of the Kings. All team members, including Ryan, returned to rest at the villa.

    After dinner, Ryan locked himself in his room and tried to examine the hieroglyphs he had obtained from Chamber KV5-14, and he carefully tried to compare them with the Ra parchment he had obtained from Dr. Maria.

    It was almost midnight, but he was still trying to translate the hieroglyphs. He read the hieroglyphic notes from Chamber KV5-14:

    <ol style="text-align: justify">

    <li> Celestial bodies aligned</li>

    <li> Anubis guarding sacred gates</li>

    <li> Isis'' wings spread wide</li>

    </ol>

    Then, he turned his attention to Ra''s parchment and read it:

    <ol style="text-align: justify">

    <li> "Ra, King of Gods, Lord of Eternity"</li>

    <li> "Whose heart beats within the solar disk"</li>

    <li> "Grant wisdom to thy servant, Ramses"</li>

    </ol>

    Shortly he yawned and muttered, "Coffee... need coffee..."

    Then he stepped out of his room to the kitchen, and made himself a cup of coffee. There was no one hanging around in the kitchen or living room, everyone had gone to their respective rooms to rest.

    Ryan returned to his room, and sat back down while sipping his coffee. He tried to concentrate again. Suddenly a symbol on Ra''s parchment caught his attention¡ªa solar disk.

    He tilted his head slightly to the side, and his eyes widened. "Ah... I see. The sun disk isn¡¯t just about celestial alignment¡­ it could open the pharaoh¡¯s heart!¡±

    He dug deeper into his records and searched the internet. And everything confirmed his theory.

    The sun disk reflected the cyclical nature of time. The pharaoh¡¯s heart, a representation of Ramses II¡¯s divine wisdom, hinted at a greater plan.

    The ancient Egyptians saw time as a living force. They understood its patterns¡ªthe flooding of the Nile, the changing of the seasons¡ªand wove these cycles into their spiritual practices.

    Their philosophy reflected the Eternal Cycle. Life, death, and rebirth weren¡¯t just concepts; they were cosmic truths. The pharaohs believed their souls would reincarnate, ensuring their rule for eternity.

    Ryan felt a thrill. ¡°Could Chamber KV5-14 hold the ancient secret of rebirth? Or the power of time?¡±

    His heart raced at the thought of discovering something profound.

    ***

    The next day, Ryan returned to the excavation.

    One by one, his colleagues entered the tomb and worked in different locations inside the tomb, their excited voices could be heard from the arrival.

    Ryan was preparing his notes and sipping coffee, when Dr. Hassan with a cup of hot coffee in his hand approached him. ¡°Good morning, Ryan. You are very energetic this morning.¡±

    Before Ryan could reply to Dr. Hassan¡¯s greeting, suddenly Dr. Maria, with her black hair neatly tied up, greeted them. ¡°Good morning, team! Any new breakthroughs?¡± she asked with her signature smile.

    Ryan took a sip of his coffee, and with a mischievous smile, he teased Dr. Maria. ¡°Just a breakthrough in caffeine consumption.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Dr. Maria laughed. ¡°Well, a mind filled with caffeine is a mind that is sharper than one that is not filled at all.¡±

    Dr. Matt who had been following Dr. Maria from behind, leaned over to Ryan, ¡°Ryan, I heard you are translating the Ra parchment that Dr. Maria found yesterday?¡±

    Ryan nodded as he carefully lifted the parchment and showed it to Dr. Matt. "That''s right. I think I''ve managed to translate it. I''ll try to match it to the hieroglyphs in Chamber KV5-14."

    ***

    Ryan went back into the tomb and headed straight to Chamber KV5-14. The rest of the team didn''t bother him.

    He then tried to match what he found last night. The Parchment of Ra with the strange symbols he found on the walls of Chamber KV5-14.

    As he muttered the words from the Parchment of Ra,

    R? nb n?rw, nb ?t

    jb.f ?rt ?tp wsr ??i

    ??i ?prw ?sj r?, R?-ms-sw

    Suddenly the hieroglyph symbols in front of him emitted a golden and dazzling light. Ryan was shocked and reflexively closed his eyes.

    When he managed to open his eyes, he saw and felt that all the statues of the gods in KV5 seemed alive. Their eyes glowed red. Ryan was frozen in fear.

    Suddenly the interior of Chamber KV5-14 changed. The chamber turned into a large hall with a night sky full of stars as its ceiling. The walls of the room glittered golden and decorated with colorful hieroglyphs. Giant golden pillars towered to the ceiling.

    He found himself standing on a circle of transparent discs that glowed blue. Ancient letters were engraved on the disc. Ryan recognized some of the ancient writings, hieroglyphs, cuneiform, syllabary, devanagari, linear a, linear b, cypriot syllabary, phoenician, aztec, etruscan, ogham, runes, nubian,¡­

    Before Ryan could read all the symbols, suddenly giant figures of ancient gods and goddesses appeared. And they were not only gods and goddesses from Ancient Egypt. There were Anubis, Seth, Athena, Ares, Venus, Thor, Susanoo, Er Lang, Obatala, Coyolxauhqui, and many more.

    Ryan''s throat felt tight. His legs were shaking and his body felt stiff.

    Then from the front, suddenly there was a circle of light three meters in diameter with dark blue color mixed with white and light blue. The lights rotated like a spiral. Ryan smelled a scent that he could not describe, a strong scent but very calming.

    When the circle appeared, the giant gods and goddesses around Ryan muttered words in ancient languages ??from their respective regions. The words seemed to vibrate in rhythm with the vortex in the circle in front of Ryan.

    From the circle, several figures of gods came out that Ryan knew were the Supreme Gods. Zeus, Brahma, Ra, Yu Huang, Odin, Ahura Mazda, Anu, Vishnu, Amaterasu, and lastly, Chronos.

    Chronos calmly approached Ryan who was still standing still. He wore a black robe and cape embroidered with a golden spiral motif, and a golden laurel wreath on his head. His body was sturdy but his skin was pale and shone ethereal. His hair and beard were long and white, his eyes were bright blue. He held a golden scythe.

    "Ryan," Chronos said. "From now on you must bring peace to the entire universe."

    Ryan couldn''t say anything, let alone move. He could only stare at Chronos. His mind was blank, unable to think of anything else except what was in front of him.

    Then from Chronos'' hand, a blue energy ball appeared that was spinning. The ball moved towards Ryan and entered his body.

    Ryan''s eyes widened.

    "And your nightmare is over," Chronos said with a smile. "We will meet again, my child."

    Chronos turned his body and together with the other supreme gods re-entered the blue circle. The circle disappeared when all the gods had entered.

    Then the gods surrounding Ryan disappeared one by one.

    Ryan then felt like he was falling from a high place, and found himself back in Chamber KV5-14. Everything returned to normal, the brownish walls of the tomb and the musty underground air mixed with the scent of sandalwood and myrrh.

 Chapter 7: First Time Travel

    Unable to hold back the trembling in his knees, Ryan fell with his head tilted back, staring at the hieroglyphs on the wall before him. The symbols were not moving and none of them were shining.

    ¡°What happened¡­?¡± Ryan muttered softly. His voice was hoarse, his head felt heavy as if a punching bag had hit it.

    He raised his hand and stared at it blankly. Then, suddenly, he unbuttoned his shirt and noticed where the blue sphere from Chronos entered his chest and then disappeared.

    He found nothing on his chest. He was still slim but muscular. His skin was clean, with no spots or anything.

    He then came out of Chamber KV5-14 and saw the other team members working diligently. None of them was aware of what had happened in Chamber KV5-14.

    Ryan held his forehead and whispered to himself. "I must have fallen asleep..."

    He returned to the hieroglyphs he was trying to translate and repeated the words from Ra''s parchment in front of the hieroglyphs. Nothing happened.

    Finally, Ryan gave up trying to find out and assumed that his meeting with the gods was just a dream.

    ***

    After a late dinner due to having to report the results of his translation of the Ra parchment to Dr. Hassan and the other core team members, where the results of his translation were by the initial hypothesis that Ramses II did ask for a prayer to the god Ra to be able to reverse the cycle of life so that his son (they did not know which son) could come back to life, Ryan returned to his room exhausted. The sand dust felt sticky on his body. He went to take a shower.

    Still wearing a towel to wipe his wet hair, Ryan put on his sleep-training pants. Then he looked in the mirror and looked at his bare chest again. Still, nothing changed. Only the water spots that were missed when he used the towel looked different.

    He also toweled his wet hair. His blue eyes looked contrasting with his alabaster skin color. He stared at his reflection in the mirror for a while.

    Suddenly ancient letters appeared on his chest and a clock with Roman numerals appeared. Ryan''s eyes widened.

    "What the ..."

    The letters and the clock image, originally black, began to glow blue. Ryan was stunned, and the blue light began to cover his entire body.

    When the blue light disappeared, Ryan was no longer in his place.

    ***

    When Ryan''s vision returned after being dazzled by the blue light, he found himself inside a tomb, around which ancient Egyptian priests were hurriedly walking in and out of the chambers of the tomb.

    He looked around, trying to figure out where he was. The tomb looked like it had been recently built. The detailed carvings of hieroglyphs, pottery, sarcophagi, and so on were still fresh. But he recognized the shape of the tomb as KV5.

    Dozens of slaves in loincloths worked lifting sarcophagi, and other grave goods. The golden light from torches and oil lamps mounted on the walls of the tomb illuminated the polished granite pillars that supported the tomb.

    Colorful wall carvings of Anubis, Isis, and Osiris towered over sarcophagi that were smaller than the size of an adult sarcophagus. The sarcophagi appeared to be plated with gold and decorated with precious stones.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Ryan was amazed and also confused as to why he was there. What was even more confusing was that no one saw him. He was standing in the middle of Chamber A, but the priests and slaves just passed by him, even through his body.

    ¡°What is this¡­¡± Ryan whispered when a slave passed through his body.

    In his confusion, he turned around and saw the priests performing a ritual in Chamber A. But still, no one realized that he, a stranger, was there.

    Ryan''s gaze then fell on the statue of Anubis that the priests were worshiping. He approached the statue, passing the priests and the altar. Then stood beside the statue and asked in an anxious voice, ¡°Why am I here? How can I get out of here?¡±

    The statue was still, motionless. Its jackal face stared straight ahead indifferently.

    ¡°Can you hear me? Help me understand!¡± Ryan shouted desperately.

    Silence.

    Disappointment hit him. The silence of the statue mocked him, making Ryan feel frustrated and isolated.

    Finally, he tried to step out of the tomb.

    The hot midday sun felt like it was burning his bare skin. The hot sand seemed to burn his bare feet. Ryan tried to ignore the pain on his skin and walked aimlessly.

    Soon, he found a temple. As far as Ryan could remember, it was the Medinet Habu Temple, which was built not far from KV5. Intricate wall and pillar carvings adorned the temple building.

    Ryan entered, and then he found the temple library.

    The library was not very large, but polished cedar shelves towered to the arched ceiling. Scrolls filled each shelf. Ryan estimated that there were around 10,000 scrolls filling the library.

    Brazier torches were mounted on the walls and lit in every dark corner. Paintings adorned the cold walls of the library, depicting ancient Egyptian gods, pharaohs, and other mystical events. Polished granite pillars glistened, carved with intricate hieroglyphs. The floor was made of gleaming limestone.

    Rows of scrolls lined the shelves. Ryan glanced at the open scrolls, which revealed texts on astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and literature. Papyrus manuscripts bound in linen contained detailed accounts of history and mythology. Clay tablets bearing cuneiform inscriptions from faraway lands were stored on separate shelves.

    The air in the library was filled with the scent of ink and papyrus. Scribes bent over wooden tables, meticulously copying texts. Priests studied sacred writings, and scholars engaged in spirited debate, exchanging ideas.

    Ryan wandered the narrow aisles of shelves, his fingers running over dusty scrolls. A secluded section of the shelf, hidden behind a tapestry, caught his eye. The air was stale here, the scrolls scattered as if abandoned.

    Ryan tried to read the texts within the scattered scrolls. His heart pounded. He found texts that referred to time and its guardians. The fragment of "Chrono Theos" speaks of divine timekeepers, while whispers of "Kairos" hint at temporal balance and celestial harmony. "Aion" alludes to eternity and cosmic order.

    Ryan''s curiosity is piqued.

    He opens one of the worn scrolls and reads: "...The Timekeeper, chosen by Chronos...will maintain balance...prevent temporal chaos..."

    Another scroll reads: "...The essence of Kairos...reverberates through eternity...resonating harmony..."

    A fragmented clay tablet states: "The cycle of Aion...birth, growth, decay...eternal renewal..."

    Ryan''s frustration grew. Sometimes he hated the missing parts of the writing or the faint writing that was not very legible.

    While he was deep in his efforts to read the ancient writings, he felt someone staring at him.

    Not far from where Ryan was standing looking at the broken scroll, a priest who was holding scrolls was looking at him. The priest was looking at Ryan! His eyes narrowed slightly.

    Ryan held his breath. He wasn''t sure if the priest could see him but he didn''t want to take any chances.

    After a few tense moments, the priest smiled and nodded his head at Ryan.

    Ryan''s heart was pounding.

    Then Ryan''s vision became blurry. The library room gradually became blurry. When he blinked, he found himself back in his bedroom, still standing in front of the mirror.

 Chapter 8: Time Pause

    The morning sun was already shining on the desert sands of The Valley of The Kings, dominated by dunes and boulders. Near KV5, there was the temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

    When Ryan arrived at the KV5 excavation site, his colleagues were already busy bustling about with their respective tasks. Dr. Maria, wearing a khaki jacket and a sun hat, approached Ryan. Her bright green eyes sparkled under the sunlight. But suddenly she stopped when she saw Ryan''s blank expression.

    "Ryan, is there a problem?" she asked. "You seem to be lost in the sands of time?"

    Ryan smiled weakly.

    Dr. Hassan, who was standing not far from them, joined in the questioning. "Is something happening to you, Ryan?" He asked with a slightly worried tone.

    Furrowing his brow, Ryan hesitated to share his experience. In the end, he decided to share just a little of what he had experienced.

    "I saw¡­" he said, massaging his temples. "A priest here at KV5, before we got off work yesterday. He was writing on the tomb wall, then he turned, and our eyes met. He saw me, I''m sure." Ryan''s voice dropped to a whisper. "The priest wrote ''Akhet'' (the horizon where the sun rises) and ''Kephri'' (the scarab god). Then he disappeared. Gone."

    Dr. Maria''s expression turned curious. "Interesting. Maybe because your mind is processing the hieroglyphs we found yesterday?"

    Ryan shook his head.

    "Seeing ghosts now, Ryan?" teased Dr. Matt with a small laugh. It turns out he had been standing behind Ryan the whole time during the conversation.

    Ryan pouted again. "Not... not just that. The hieroglyphs, the atmosphere... everything felt like it was really happening."

    The colleagues exchanged glances.

    "Maybe because of exhaustion? We have been working too hard. Or maybe because you are still shaken by what happened to Dr. Rose?" said Dr. Hassan.

    "No," said Ryan, shaking his head. "Everything felt... real. Like the priest was really there."

    Dr. Maria then placed her hand on Ryan''s shoulder to calm him down. "We''re all here for you, buddy. Take your time."

    Dr. Hassan also nodded with sympathy. "All this excavation work can be very exhausting."

    Ryan nodded, but in his heart, he felt disappointed. They all won''t believe him.

    ''They won''t understand,'' he said to himself. ''Good thing I didn''t tell them everything I went through...''

    He let out a slow sigh.

    ***

    The rooms inside the KV5 tomb are silent, occasionally interrupted by the soft conversations of the team members and the faint clinking of tools as they dig.

    Ryan was sitting on the ground inside the tomb, cataloging some artifacts they had found that day, but his mind kept drifting back to the event where the gods surrounded him and the moment he suddenly found himself in ancient Egypt.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Because he daydreamed, what Ryan wrote in his notebook became an incomprehensible scribble.

    Dr. Matt, who was standing behind Ryan, saw what Ryan was doing. He frowned and whispered, "Ryan? Is everything okay?" as he brushed a small clay animal figurine with a brush. The figurine was a children''s toy in ancient Egypt, often made in the shape of a cat or dog, and carved by hand.

    Ryan looked up then glanced at his indistinct scribble, and then sighed.

    Then he replied, "Yeah, I''m fine." Just... a little lost in my own thoughts."

    Haha, I''m sure you need a cup of coffee to help you focus. Here, take one." Dr. Matt handed over a cup of coffee, which he had taken from a coffee maker not far from where they were.

    Before the cup was fully in Ryan''s grasp, it slipped. The hot liquid almost splashed the artifacts lying in front of Ryan.

    Ryan gasped and hoped that the coffee would stop for a moment so as not to damage the artifacts.

    Suddenly, Dr. Matt''s hand that was outstretched to hand him the coffee and his mouth opened and had time to shout "Watch out!", and all the team members and whatever they were doing stopped. Even the dust particles that were seen hovering under the sunlight froze.

    Ryan was confused and got up from his seat in panic. But he was the only one who could move, everything around him was not moving.

    ''What happened...?'' Ryan wondered inwardly.

    Hesitantly, he reached for the floating cup. His fingers curled around the outside of the cup and scooped up the coffee that had nearly splashed onto the artifacts.

    And suddenly, everything around Ryan returned to normal. Dr. Matt''s mouth moved again and he shouted, "Ryan! Catch¡ª" He stopped when he saw the coffee cup safely in Ryan''s grip. "What... How is that possible?"

    "You almost spilled it," Ryan said, trying to keep his voice sounding casual.

    Dr. Matt''s eyes narrowed slightly. "I could have sworn¡­"

    He looked down at the coffee cup again and was surprised to see Ryan standing up instead of sitting down, but then shook his head. "Never mind. Get back to work."

    Ryan took a sip of his coffee, pretending nothing was wrong. But confusion was gnawing at him.

    ''What happened¡­ How could time stop like that¡­?''

    As he scanned the room, he saw Dr. Maria examining a piece of ceramic. Ryan paused for a moment, thinking about trying to tell Dr. Maria who was usually so considerate of him. But he decided not to tell anyone about his experience.

    ''There''s no point in telling them. They''ll blame the heat of the desert sun¡­''

    His hands moved deftly as he examined, photographed, and documented all the artifacts that the other team members kept handing him in batches, but his mind was elsewhere.

    This was the third strange incident in just a few days.

    ***

    When the entire team was preparing for dinner in the dining room, Dr. Hassan suddenly spoke loudly with a grim expression. "Team, I received news that another excavation team will be excavating KV7, which is not too far from our location. They will arrive in a few days."

    All team members nodded casually and didn''t pay much attention to the news.

    "Who is leading the excavation team for KV7?" Dr. Maria asked casually.

    "Professor James will lead the team," Dr. Hassan replied with a frown.

    Suddenly, the dining room fell silent. All the team members exchanged glances.

    Dr. Maria squinted when she asked, "James? Isn''t he¡ª"

    "Who is the titleholder he made up himself, ''King of the Nile'', who is famous in the media?" Dr. Matt interrupted with full sarcasm.

    Ryan''s eyes widened, and he said, "Isn''t he the one who stole your discovery, Dr. Hassan?"

    Dr. Hassan nodded. "That''s right, Ryan. Actually, yes. We just don''t have the evidence."

    Dr. Matt, who previously also worked under Dr. Hassan, continued with a tone that felt truly uncomfortable. "How could James be in the same area and at the same time as us?"

    Dr. Maria carefully asked Dr. Hassan, "Who else is on his team?"

    "James''s cousin, Sophia Hill," replied Dr. Hassan.

    "Sof¨ªa?"

    The dining room grew even quieter when Sophia''s name was mentioned. The woman was known for her cunningness and her presence with Professor James would only add to the problems.

 Chapter 9: Paser

    Ryan returned to his room, his mind in disarray. He turned off the lights, then lay down with his hands over his eyes, he didn''t want to do anything that night.

    "I haven''t been able to overcome my nightmares, then there was the vision of the gods in KV5-14, the time stopping in the coffee incident, and now of all times, Professor James..."

    Frustration bubbled up inside him. This chaos felt suffocating to him.

    He remembered the beginning of his life turning very bad at the age of eight, when his parents died in a bus accident, and then he was put in an orphanage by the government. And then haunted by nightmares two to three times a week, starting from the night after his parents'' funeral.

    "It''s all a joke..." he sighed again.

    Then he sat up, and lifted his shirt. Under the dim moonlight that came through the window, he checked his chest for a symbol or picture of a clock. Nothing. No signs of anything.

    "Is that also a new form of nightmare...?" he whispered to himself.

    He was silent for a moment, then whispered again. "But today, the coffee stopped in the air when other people were around me..."

    Then he lay down again, stared at the ceiling of his room blankly, and fell asleep.

    Soon after, his chest glowed softly with a soft blue light under his shirt.

    ***

    Ryan now stood in a room filled with scrolls, parchments, and hieroglyphics. The air felt dusty and heavy with a familiar scent of ink.

    ¡®Is this¡­ the same library room from what I saw the other day?¡¯ he thought as he looked around.

    It was indeed the same place and he was now standing in the same spot he had left it. But this time, it was nighttime. The dim light from a few brazier torches barely lit up the entire room.

    The priest who had been staring at him was gone. Silence enveloped the library, broken only by the quiet scribbles of the priests working under oil lamps not far from where he stood.

    ¡®I guess they know the meaning of working overtime too,¡¯ he thought.

    Feeling the scrolls he had touched the last time he was there, he flinched and left the place.

    ¡®It¡¯s too dark for me to read. Bringing the scrolls under the lamp might cause a commotion since they can¡¯t see me. Not to mention bringing torches, haha... there will be a commotion if someone sees a burning torch, floating in the air.¡¯

    With a chuckle because he imagined the flying torch, Ryan walked southwest, towards the treasury. He remembered the layout of the Medinet Habu Temple Library. The treasury was located southwest of the entrance, while the scriptorium was to the northeast.

    He arrived at the treasury room. Two guards stood on either side, their eyes scanning the corridor that was only lit by torchlight.

    He then approached the double doors of cedar, locked tightly with a large bronze lock.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡®I guess the records I read were true... The place really does have security measures as stated in the records.¡¯ Ryan thought.

    There would probably be a spell guarding the treasury room¡¯s lock as well, so he simply studied the mythological carvings on the door leaf.

    ¡®Isis and Nephthys with wings... Anubis and Horus...¡¯

    ¡®Goddesses and Gods guard the treasury...¡¯

    He let out a soft sigh and left the treasury in disappointment. He longed to see the artifacts and jewels that according to old documents, were kept in the treasury.

    "Never mind," he muttered to himself. "I''ve seen most of them on records anyway..."

    As he walked down the dimly lit corridor toward the entrance, a voice suddenly echoed behind him.

    "Ha-khah we-kh Her-khet-ep Dje-ba-a Khnu?"

    Ryan let out a muffled gasp. He turned his body around to find the priest, the same man who had stared at him the other time, standing before him.

    He spoke ancient Egyptian!

    It meant, ''Are you the newly appointed Time Guardian?''

    Confusion gripped him. ''How could he see me when no one else could? And what did he mean by "Time Guardian"?''

    ''"Ha-khah Mu Het-ep, Ha-khah Khah-w puh Ha-khah."

    (Excuse me, are you talking to me?)

    Ryan swallowed, ''Luckily I can speak this language.''

    "Ha-khah Khes," the priest replied.

    (Yes.)

    "Khenti Dje-ba. Heh."

    (Time Guardian. You.)

    "..."

    The words made Ryan pause for a moment.

    ¡°What are you talking about¡­¡± Ryan muttered, disbelief etched on his face.

    ¡°You are a Time Guardian.¡± the priest insisted in a steady voice.

    Ryan¡¯s jaw dropped.

    ¡°You speak English?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Because I am a Time Guardian too.¡±

    A faint glimmer of understanding flooded Ryan. It explained why the priest could see him when no one else could.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± the priest urged. ¡°We can talk freely in my room.¡±

    Ryan hesitated.

    ¡®Time Guardian?¡¯ he felt like he had read those words somewhere.

    ¡®What does that mean? What does that have to do with me?¡¯

    The priest motioned to follow him, leading Ryan deeper into the shadows of the corridor.

    ***

    The young priest led Ryan out of the Library and into the corridors of the Medinet Habu Temple. They approached the priest¡¯s quarters, or rather, the priests¡¯ dormitories.

    He opened the door of one of the rooms and the wood creaked softly. With a gentle gesture, he invited Ryan inside.

    The room was simple¡ªabout 3 to 4 meters long and 2 to 3 meters wide. The limestone floor felt cool beneath Ryan¡¯s bare feet. The walls were made of thick mud bricks.

    In the center of the room stood a stone pedestal, worn but sturdy. A niche for images of the god Ra towered on one wall. Benches lined the sides of the stone pedestal.Then there was a small altar, storage compartments, and an oil lamp that gave off a light that was bright enough for such a large room. The room also had a small hole for ventilation.

    ¡°Sit,¡± the priest said, pointing to a bench. Ryan did so, feeling the rough texture of the bench. The young priest sat on the opposite side.

    Without further ado, he introduced himself.

    "My name is Paser. I was born and lived in this era, here in Egypt. I can speak English fluently because I lived in England during the Napoleonic Wars in 1804."

    "Wh-what..?" Ryan gaped once more.

    Paser continued, "You may not believe everything, but you have to believe this: we can travel through time and dimensions."

    "What are you talking about...?" Ryan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Ah, I know, I''m dreaming. I must be sleeping while..."

    Paser shook his head, "No, you''re not."

    Ryan blinked.

    Once.

    Twice.

    Three times.

    Paser remained silent.

    Ryan sighed.

    "Okay... What''s a Time Guardian?" Ryan finally gave up.

 Chapter 10: Beelzebub

    It was already nine o¡¯clock at night, time for dinner in Egypt. The streets of Al-Qusayr were quiet. With around 10,000 inhabitants, the city is small, its port even smaller¡ªa hub for local fishing and trade. Tourists rarely come here. The Red Sea¡¯s edge keeps it isolated.

    Owls perched silently while watching rats scurrying below. The rats squeaked and fought over fish scraps near the port. A few people lingered nearby. Some walked along the water¡¯s edge with soft footsteps. Others were playing cards with loud voices in front of the port warehouses. The fishermen had left hours ago.

    Then, something changed.

    About a kilometer from the port, a black dot appeared in the sky. It floated two kilometers up, motionless at first. Slowly, it grew. The dot became a circle and swirled with shades of black and gray. It expanded steadily.

    The animals noticed first. The rats froze, then scattered. The owls took flight in fright. No creature dared stay near the port.

    The people, though, were unaware. They laughed, talked, played cards. The circle grew wider, now a kilometer across, its edges rippling like smoke.

    Then, one man looked up.

    His cards slipped from his hands. He pointed at the sky and shouted. ¡°Look! Look! What is that?¡±

    His friends and passersby stopped in their tracks, their eyes drawn to the card player who was pointing at something in the distance. They turned, curious, and froze. A massive circle loomed in the sky.

    The circle rapidly grew larger. In just moments, it reached a kilometer in width. The surface of the circle buzzed with a low, eerie hum. It wasn''t just a sound, but a vibrating sensation that made the air tremble. The hum grew louder and sharper, resembling the chaotic buzz of countless wings.

    Dark shapes rose from the circle, standing out against the sky. They moved smoothly, but strangely, becoming clearer as they came down. They were huge bugs. Flies whose wings shone like metal. Praying mantises with arms like curved blades. Even from far away, you could tell exactly what they were.

    The crowd stood paralyzed, their breaths caught in their throats. No one moved. No one spoke.

    Then, from the harbor, came the scraping of chitin against stone. Giant scarab beetles, their shells glistening wetly, crawled up from the water. Their legs clicked against the ground eerily.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    That¡¯s when the panic hit.

    ¡°Help!¡±

    ¡°Monster! Monster!¡±

    ¡°Run!!!¡±

    The giant beetles surged across the ground, their armored bodies moving with terrifying speed. Flies and mantises swarmed the air, their wings buzzing like a storm as they descended toward the city.

    One scarab beetle closed in on a man struggling to run, his limp slowing him down. The beetle¡¯s front legs stabbed into his back, piercing his chest. The man gasped, blood bubbling in his throat.

    ¡°Aaarghhh! H-Help me!¡±

    His voice choked. The beetle¡¯s jaws clamped down, severing his head in one brutal motion. The head rolled across the pavement, leaving a trail of crimson. The metallic tang of blood filled the air.

    People nearby froze for a split second, then erupted into chaos. Some screamed, others ran blindly. Those inside buildings slammed doors and windows shut, their faces pale as they peered through cracks.

    Outside, the streets became a frenzy. Cars revved, only to be blocked by the flood of bodies. Drivers abandoned their vehicles, joining the stampede.

    The beetles advanced, their massive bodies crushing everything in their path. Buildings crumbled. Streetlights snapped like twigs. Parked trucks were tossed aside like toys. Those too slow to escape were caught, and their screams were cut short. Debris and broken bodies littered the streets.

    The air grew thick with the stench of blood and rotting fish from a nearby market. The mantises snatched people mid-run, their spiked forelegs impaling their prey. They feasted without pause.

    Then, the sound of sirens cut through the chaos. The police cars arrived in a rush and screeching to a halt. Officers jumped out with their guns drawn. They moved fast, shouting orders to each other. Their faces were tight with fear.

    Bullets tore through the flies and mantises, sending their bodies crashing to the ground. The officers fired again and again.

    But the scarab beetles were unstoppable. Their hard shells deflected every shot. The officers¡¯ guns clicked empty.

    Outmatched, they turned and ran, but it was too late. The beetles were faster, and the officers became prey, just like the others.

    In less than half an hour, the city of Al-Qusayr was gone. The giant insects swarmed in like a storm, tearing through everything in their path. Buildings crumbled. Streets turned to dust. Almost everyone died. The air was thick with screams, but they didn¡¯t last long. The insects moved fast. Too fast.

    When the destruction was complete, the insects stopped. As if on command, they turned¡ªall at once. Their massive bodies shifted in unison with a terrifying display of precision. They moved back toward the sea, where a large circle still hung in the sky. It glowed faintly, and below it, a giant fly floated. It was four times bigger than the others, and its wings buzzed faintly.

    This was their leader¡ªthe one who called them back.

    The insects obeyed without hesitation. They flew into the circle, one after another. The scarab beetles didn¡¯t hesitate either. They dove straight into the sea and disappear beneath the dark waves. The circle began to shrink. Slowly at first, then faster. Until only the giant fly remained, it hovered there, watching. Waiting.

    Then, the giant fly changed. Its body twisted and shifted, its wings retracted, and its legs shrank. In moments, it was no longer a fly¡ªit was a human.

    Then the human figure which was floating in the air, wrapped in black smoke. And then, just like that, it was gone. Vanished.

    Silence fell. The kind of silence that makes your ears ring and feels like it will last forever. But it didn¡¯t. A sound broke through. Faint at first, then louder. A baby crying. Somewhere in the ruins.

 Chapter 11: Anubis and Fenrir

    "Okay. What''s a Time Guardian..?

    Paser looked at Ryan and grinned.

    "Did you know that all the gods in this world have something in common?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

    Ryan''s brow furrowed.

    "Yes. But how does that relate to my current situation?" Ryan answered hesitantly.

    "They control the same attributes, just under different names," Paser replied, leaning back as if he had just dropped a bomb.

    Ryan nodded slowly. He could feel the gears turning.

    "For time, life, and destiny, the Egyptians had Ra, Khepri, and Thoth. The Greeks had Chronos, Zeus, and the Moirai. The Norse? Heimdall and Frigg. The Hindus? Kala, Mahakala, and Kali. The Romans stuck with Saturn and Janus. The Celts? Crom Cruach and Brigid. In Mesopotamia, there was Enlil and Shamash. The Aztecs worshipped Tonatiuh and Quetzalcoatl. And in China, there¡¯s Zhong Kui and Xiwangmu¡­¡±

    Ryan interrupted, impatience creeping into his voice. ¡°Babylonians have Zervan. Persians have Zurvan. Slavs have Veles¡­¡±

    Paser chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re quite the scholar, I see.¡±

    Ryan frowned.

    ¡°I¡¯m just an archaeologist.¡±

    ¡°Oho, that¡¯s good. So, do you remember the hierarchy of the gods?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­of course. There are the Supreme Gods like Zervan, Kala, Chronos, and Zhong Kui. Then there are the Primary Time Gods like Ra, Tonatiuh, Saturnus¡­wait a minute.¡±

    Ryan paused, his brow furrowed. ¡°Two days ago, I had a vision. The gods surrounded me, and Chronos, he¡­ there was a blue sphere from his hand, it went into my chest¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s when you awakened,¡± Paser said, a knowing smile on his face.

    Ryan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Awakened¡­?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s when the gods gave you the power of time.¡±

    ¡°The power of time? So, you¡¯re saying Chronos gave the power of time to me?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    "Damn it, can you explain in more detail?" Ryan grumbled, frustration bubbling.

    Paser chuckled, "You seem like an impatient person."

    "I''m indeed impatient if you explain like a kindergarten teacher..."

    Paser chuckled.

    Ryan frowned, feeling like a toy in Paser''s hands. ''This guy... I just met him and he already thinks of me as a toy or something...''

    "See, the Supreme God, in this case, the Lord of Time, Chronos, has a group... you can call it a small army... people who are chosen to be the Guardians. We are often called the Guardians of Time."

    "The Guardians of Time must guard and maintain everything in the universe with its original destiny. Not only in this world, I mean this earth, we also have to maintain the balance of every dimension."

    "So all Time Guardians have powers over time... a small part of Chronos'' power... such as moving to other times, dimensions, or spaces, stopping time, and a few others. However, we have to fight humans or other beings who have the same abilities or those who are greater than us. Therefore we will get training in skills based on our preferences, such as elemental magic, swordsmanship, archery, and so on. We will work together with other gods and goddesses as well."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Ryan blinked. "Time Guardians? So, I''m one of them now?"

    "Yeah! You''re part of this special group, chosen to regulate time and maintain order. But from what I''ve heard, you were specifically chosen to be the Time Emperor."

    "T-what time? B-but why me?"

    "You''ll find out soon enough." Paser interrupted.

    Ryan shook his head, half amused, half annoyed. "So, I''m supposed to be the Time Emperor? What''s next? Do I have to wear a robe like I see in the movies?"

    Paser snorted. "Not a robe, but maybe a cool watch. You''ll need it."

    This was way beyond his wildest imagination. What dragged him into..?

    "Ryan?"

    "Ah... yes?"

    "Any more questions?"

    "Why me?" Ryan asked quickly, his voice filled with a hint of panic. He didn''t want to be cut off again, sent back to the present suddenly, like last time.

    "You''ve had a time stamp since you were a baby."

    Ryan''s eyebrows rose. "Since I was a baby? Really?"

    "Yes. The timestamp will take effect, like the same dream until you wake up. After you awaken, you will never have that dream again. The dreams would be in random forms, nightmares, good dreams, you name it."

    Ryan''s heart sank. "So my nightmares..."

    "Oho... you are very unlucky to have nightmares." Paser chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos of Ryan''s situation.

    Ryan frowned, silently cursing the gods in his mind.

    "Great. Dream lottery," Ryan muttered sarcastically. He felt a wave of relief. His nightmare problem was finally solved. However, a deeper problem loomed ahead.

    "I''m a Time Keeper...? Do I have to fight? But I don''t know any martial arts." Panic gripped him.

    Suddenly, Paser stood up with a calm demeanor. "I think your time here is up. I''ll return you to your current era."

    "What? You haven''t finished your..."

    "The god Anubis will come to see you. He will bring your mentor to you."

    With a wave, Paser added, "Goodbye. I''ll see you again another time."

    Ryan could only stare at Paser and his room which were starting to fade.

    ***

    Ryan''s body turned into a blur, and in the blink of an eye, he found himself back in his room in the Luxor villa. He blinked a few times, confused, then sat up in bed.

    He reached for his smartphone and checked the time.

    ''11:25 PM. So, it only takes about thirty minutes for 4 hours in Paser time?''

    His dinner was around 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and he fell asleep around 10:45 PM.

    Sitting on the edge of his bed, he felt a mixture of confusion and exhaustion. He got up and drank a glass of water, the cool liquid refreshing his parched throat. He put the glass on his desk and sat down in his chair, staring blankly at his papers.

    ''Hmm¡­''

    He took out some blank paper and a pen and then began to write down his thoughts.

    ''Let''s see¡­''

    - Paser

    - Guardians of Time

    - Supreme God

    - Emperor of Time

    - Power of Time

    - Dreams

    Ryan massaged his temples, trying to relieve the drowsiness. He stood up and walked to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. The clock read 11:46 p.m. The villa was silent; no one else was around.

    He returned to his desk, coffee in hand, and continued his scribbling. His mind danced around the concept of Paser, the Time Guardian.

    >Paser - the Time Guardian - lived in England in 1804.

    Ever lived?

    He paused, questioning Paser''s existence.

    >Guardians of Time

    What did that mean? What kind of creatures there in Guardians of Time?

    >Supreme God - Paser said Chronos chose the Guardians of Time.

    Chronos (¦Ö¦Ñ?¦Í¦Ï?) : Titan god of time, who rules over the cycles and seasons of the universe. Often depicted as a bearded wise man carrying a sickle or scythe.

    >Time Emperor

    What is the power of time? Time travel?

    >Dreams - Paser mentioned that all Time Guardians are chosen from babies.

    Ryan''s heart was pounding. His nightmares - were they really the signs of the chosen one?

    He took a sip of his coffee, letting the warmth spread throughout his body. He played with his pen as he read his notes over and over.

    ***

    Unbeknownst to him, the shadows in his room moved. A jackal-headed human figure emerged from the shadows.

    "Ryan," he called, his voice deep and rough.

    Ryan''s heart was pounding as he crawled backward, his eyes glued to the figure''s canine face.

    "A-A-Anubis?" he stuttered.

    "Lord Anubis." The figure said.

    "Oh, I-I apologize, Lord Anubis. W-what brings you here?"

    Anubis'' deep voice echoed like thunder. "Since you have awakened your power, we will show you how to harness it, and make you stronger. Paser has told you, hasn''t he?"

    Ryan swallowed. ?"Y-yes..."

    Anubis raised his right hand. Suddenly, another figure emerged from the shadows.

    "A dog? ...Wait, that''s a big wolf!" Ryan''s eyes widened.

    "Fenrir to be exact. He''ll be your mentor." Anubis explained.

    Ryan blinked in disbelief. "Fenrir? B-but he''s so big..."

    "Don''t worry. He can hide in your shadow. Prepare yourself well, Ryan. You must become strong to fulfill your destiny."

    With that, Anubis disappeared into the shadows, leaving Ryan shaken and confused.

    Ryan took a deep breath.

    He glanced at the big wolf, who seemed to be observing him.

    Ryan took a deep breath.

    This was going to be a strange adventure.

 Chapter 12: Fen the Fenrir

    Ryan''s room fell into silence after Lord Anubis left. The only sounds that could be heard now were the breathing of one human and one creature.

    However, this was no ordinary creature. It was Fenrir in human size. A wolf that stood about 195.58 cm tall from the shoulder, stretching from head to heel to 304.8 cm long. Its fur was dark gray with a few shades of black. Its yellow eyes with vertical pupils glowed.

    And Ryan knew Fenrir in mythology records sized much more bigger.

    "H-hello..." Ryan broke the silence, his voice trembling.

    Fenrir looked at him, then sat down with an expression that could only be described as indifferent.

    "Ah... I guess you can''t speak human?" Ryan ventured.

    Fenrir nodded slowly.

    "Uh..." Ryan smiled awkwardly. "What do you want to be called? Wolfie?"

    "Grrr..." Fenrir let out a low growl that sounded like a warning.

    "Okay, not that one," Ryan said, half laughing. "Let me see... how about Fen? It''s simple... but..."

    Fenrir nodded, this time with a little more enthusiasm.

    Ryan''s smile widened. "Nice to meet you, Fen."

    Fen snorted unimpressedly, then hopped onto Ryan''s bed, laying down like he owned the place. His large body took up the entire space.

    "E-uh... that''s my bed..." Ryan exclaimed, jolting up from his chair.

    Fen only glanced at him briefly before closing his eyes, clearly unbothered by Ryan''s protests.

    Ryan scratched the back of his head, caught between confusion and amusement.

    "Damn it... Is this how pet ownership works? I thought I''d at least get a say in the bed situation!"

    He sighed, realizing that he had an ominous creature as his new roommate. A wolf destined to kill Odin, the father of the gods. But maybe this wasn''t so bad. After all, if Fen was going to take over his bed, he might as well get used to it.

    Ryan stepped out, on a mission to find a sleeping bag or maybe a mattress. He figured he''d need something to crash on for the night. But deep down, he had a nagging feeling it wouldn''t just be a one-night affair. This excavation project could turn into a long sleepover on the floor.

    With a sigh, he returned to her room. He managed to find a mattress and a sleeping bag. Luckily, the team had kept them for emergencies. Who knew a little digging could lead to a camping trip in a room?

    He flopped down on the mattress. ¡°Good night¡­¡± he mumbled, followed by an inner voice that added, ¡°Doggie.¡±

    Fen lifted one eye and looked at Ryan who was lying on the floor with his back to him, and closed his eyes again.

    ***

    "Ryan! Ryan! WAKE UP!"

    A man''s voice boomed in Ryan''s mind, jolting him awake. He blinked into the darkness, confusion swirling in his mind.

    What time is it? He reached for his smartphone. 5 AM.

    "Who the hell..." he wanted to curse but his words died in his throat as Fen''s nose and jaw filled his vision.

    Ryan held his breath, staring into Fen''s glowing yellow eyes.

    "You need to get up and train your body. You''re so weak." The voice echoed in his head again.

    Ryan''s left eyebrow twitched. "Did you just talk?"You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    "Yes."

    "But your mouth didn''t open..."

    "That was telepathy."

    "Wow..."

    "Wake up."

    Ryan''s eyelids drooped, heavy with sleep. "Fen, it''s still dark..."

    "No, you need to get up now and train your body."

    "I''m still sleepy..."

    "Grrrrr!"

    Ryan shot up from the mattress. "Okay! Okay!"

    Fen nudged Ryan''s arm, leading him to the bathroom. "Get ready. We''re going for a morning jog in a few minutes."

    Frowning, Ryan walked to the bathroom, grumbling under his breath.

    "Damn it! What an ass..." He stopped mid-brush as Fen''s voice rang out inside his head.

    "I can hear you."

    Ryan nearly choked and squirted toothpaste everywhere.

    ''Never keep a pet with the power of the Gods...'' he muttered to himself inwardly.

    And from that moment on, Ryan knew. This was going to be a wild morning.

    ***

    Ryan stepped out of his room and walked into the kitchen. There, he found Fatma, the cook, busy with her work.

    "Good morning, Fatma."

    "Good morning, Mr. Ryan. You''re up really early today!"

    "Yeah, planning to jog."

    "Wow, that''s impressive! Let me finish cooking breakfast, and we can catch up, okay?"

    "Sure. See you in a bit."

    As he walked away, a thought occurred to him. Where was Fen?

    He scanned the kitchen, looking for the great being who had become his mentor.

    "After all," he mused, "Anubis himself brought Fen to me. Hopefully, he hasn''t disappeared."

    "Fen..? Where are you?"

    "I''m here, inside your shadow, you idiot," Fen''s voice came out, full of sarcasm.

    "Ah.." Ryan chuckled. He had almost forgotten Fen''s strange ability to hide behind his shadow.

    "Once you''re outside, jog a hundred laps," Fen ordered.

    "A-a hundred? Are you crazy?" Ryan protested.

    "Pathetic. You''re so weak. You never do any physical training, I can see it." Fen''s voice echoed in Ryan''s head.

    "But I lift artifacts and sarcophagi all day long!"

    "That''s not training!" Fen roared.

    Ryan frowned. "This annoying dog..."

    Still, he felt a little scared. Fen had a way of increasing his fear. With a resigned sigh, he started running around the villa.

    He ran at full speed, knowing that if he slowed down, Fen would let out a tirade that could wake the dead.

    "After the lap," Fen continued, "you must do a hundred sit-ups and push-ups!"

    "Aaaaarghh!!" Ryan couldn''t help but scream.

    He felt like he was in military training.

    ***

    "Damn it. Damn it!" Ryan cursed under his breath as he finished the day''s training.

    "Good. All done. You have to do that every day. Do you understand?" his instructor said.

    "Oh my God¡­" Ryan sighed. The daily training load felt heavier than a sumo wrestler after a buffet.

    "Good, pray as much as you can. The gods will be pleased to hear it," the instructor added, a smirk creeping onto his face, mentally.

    "...."

    ***

    "Good morning, Ryan. Why are you looking so gloomy?" Dr. Maria asked as Ryan sat down next to her for breakfast.

    Ryan peeked at his shadow and said, "Good morning, Dr. Maria. No, no, I''m fine. Just a bad dream that I want to get rid of."

    Dr. Matt, who was sitting across from them, couldn''t help but chime in. "Haha¡­ Two days ago you had a vision, and last night you had a nightmare. If you keep this up, we should start charging you for entertainment. What''s next? A horror movie marathon while you sleep?"

    Dr. Maria laughed too. "The ancient gods have some evil plans for you."

    "Right, huh? I can''t wait to hear what weird shit happens next," Dr. Matt teased, clearly enjoying it.

    Ryan forced a smile, stabbing his waffle with his fork and knife, trying to pretend everything was okay.

    "Well, I think you might be right," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I really will have more of weird shits."

 Chapter 13: Time Weaver

    "Fen?" Ryan called Fen telepathically.

    "Yes?"

    "What do you eat? I mean mostly dogs... I mean carnivores eat meat..." he asked.

    Fen laughed. "I eat humans."

    Ryan replied." Are you kidding me? How can I feed you with humans?" A little anger hinted at Ryan''s words.

    Fen chuckled again, echoing with a threatening tone.

    Ryan gritted his teeth, glancing around the dining room. In the dining room, there were many humans. Great. Just great.

    "Can you just eat beef or chicken??"

    "Maybe, hahaha."

    ''But what if he eats human flesh like in the myth...?'' Ryan thought.

    Fen''s laughter grew louder and echoed in Ryan''s head. He covered his ears with both hands but it didn''t help.

    "Ryan? Are you okay?" Dr. Maria touched his shoulder gently.

    "I''m fine. It''s just... my ears are ringing," Ryan lied and forced a smile.

    At that moment, several other team members burst into the dining room. Their faces were horrified.

    ¡°Guys, look at the news! There was a massacre last night in Al-Qusayr!¡± Brandon shouted.

    Dr. Matt, who was about to tease Ryan, turned his attention to the team members who asked them to watch the news.

    ¡°What massacre? Fish?¡± he asked half-heartedly.

    ¡°No, Dr. Matt. Al-Qusayr was destroyed. Almost all of its residents died, except for those who went to sea.¡±

    Dr. Matt, Dr. Maria, and Ryan¡¯s brows furrowed.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the news?¡± Dr. Matt asked Brandon.

    Brandon shared the video link of the news in the team group.

    When they saw the news, their faces turned pale. The condition of the city of Al-Qusayr was destroyed and only ruins remained, as if there had been a war in the city. Some of the survivors said that hundreds of giant mantises, flies, and scarab beetles were rampaging in Al-Qusayr, and after they were done, they all left the city.

    Ryan also watched the video news. Especially when he saw several bodies of giant flies and mantises that were killed by the police before they lost their lives. He felt bad about the way he imagined Fenrir went rampage and killed people to eat them.

    All the team members who were gathered in the dining room looked at each other anxiously. Dr. Maria covered his mouth with a frightened look. Dr. Matt was stunned and speechless.

    "Hopefully there will be no more of those giant insect attacks anywhere anymore," Fatma said softly and prayed. The other team members also prayed. Ryan also prayed in his heart, anxious.

    Today and tomorrow were holidays so all the team members left the dining room to do each own free time, and Ryan went back to his room.

    After he closed his room door, Fen''s voice suddenly sounded in Ryan''s head. "Hmm. It seems that the Time Weaver has started to move."

    Fen''s words made Ryan startled. "Time Weaver?" Ryan asked.

    "Hmm."

    "What is Time Weaver?" Ryan asked again, sitting on the edge of the bed.

    ¡°They¡¯re the reason Chronos and the other gods started moving again after thousands of years. You could say, Time Weaver is on the side of the evil gods.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you have to finish your training quickly. Before the world is destroyed.¡± Fen snapped.

    Ryan stuttered. ¡°B-But¡­ training takes a long time, the world would be long destroyed before I finished.¡±

    Fen came out of Ryan¡¯s shadow. He looked at Ryan who was sitting and looked down on him like a big boss. ¡°You forgot, the power of time can speed up your training.¡± He said.

    Ryan looked up at Fen with a confused face.

    ¡°For example, you are now going to train with the Shaolin monks for ten years in Mount Kunlun, China, when you come back here again, it will only be one day at most,¡± Fen explained.

    Ryan was stunned. Was that the Power of Time? What an incredible power.

    ¡°Sit down on the floor,¡± Fen ordered.

    Ryan moved without asking or complaining, then sat on his mattress on the floor, while Fen lay comfortably on Ryan¡¯s bed, his front legs dangling over the edge.

    ¡°Lord Anubis said you are my mentor. So, will you answer my question?¡± Ryan asked carefully.

    ¡°Of course. What do you want to know?¡± Fen replied, his tone relaxed and calm. ¡°I¡¯m in a good mood, so I¡¯ll answer your question.¡±

    Ryan put on a serious face. ¡°So, you won¡¯t answer me if you don¡¯t feel like it?¡±

    Fen chuckled, ¡°Maybe.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    Ryan sighed. What did he expect from a divine being like Fenrir?

    Fen smiled and looked down at Ryan who was beneath him gracefully.

    ¡°What is a Guardians of Time? Why did Chronos choose me? What kind of battle will I be involved in? What does this have to do with the massacre of the giant insects in Al-Qusayr? What¡­¡±

    ¡°Wo-wo-wo, wait a minute. One by one, okay?¡± Fen chuckled.

    Taking a deep breath, Ryan decided to get straight to the point. ¡®I should ask the most important questions first¡­¡¯

    ¡°What is a Guardians of Time?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Fen nodded, his demeanor shifting to something more serious. ¡°Guardians of Time protect the flow of time, making sure events happen as they should. Chosen by the gods, these keepers control the flow of time, correcting mistakes, and stopping those who abuse their temporal powers.¡±

    Ryan¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Okay, but how many of us are there?¡±

    ¡°There are about 100,000 Guardians on this earth alone. And they¡¯re spread across many countries, like a global treasure hunt.¡±

    ¡°A hundred thousand? People like me?¡± Ryan¡¯s eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

    "Yes. But not all of them are given full-time powers or given superior beings like me. Most of them are soldiers. Now, Ryan, you have been chosen to be the Time Emperor. And, here''s the thing: the other Guardians can challenge you. They can defeat you. They can even kill you to take your place. Assuming they become strong enough before you."

    Ryan buried his face in his palms. "I just want to live in peace..."

    "Hahaha... unfortunately, peace is not on your agenda. That''s why the Gods sent me to you. I''m here to guide you and keep you safe."

    "This is crazy... By the way, Paser told me that it was Chronos who gave me my powers. But why would he, a Greek God, send the Egyptian God Anubis to me, along with you¡ªa mythological creature from Norse mythology, Fenrir?"

    "Because they can. And they enjoy hanging out with gods from different realms."

    Ryan wondered in his mind, ''Do these gods have a messaging app like we have now with our smartphones?''

    Fen laughed. Ryan frowned. "Good. How can I hide my thoughts from you? Everyone deserves a little privacy¡­"

    "You can work on that later. First, you need to train. Master some skills. After that, maybe you can keep your thoughts to yourself."

    Ryan nodded helplessly. He felt a mixture of misery and exhaustion. Just a few days ago, he was living a normal life. Now? Everything had turned upside down. "Then, what should I train¡­"

    "First, you have to train to handle Divine Power. You have to gather Divine Essence in your body," Fen answered confidently.

    Ryan interrupted with a hint of skepticism in his voice. "What exactly are Divine Power and Divine Essence? Is it like handling Mana? I mean¡­ all these terms come from mythological records, but they''re just myths, you know¡­ right?"

    Fen glanced at Ryan, a mix of sympathy and impatience flashing in his eyes. He understood. Modern humans thought they had transcended the old ways. They trusted logic and relied on technology. But ancient humans were in tune with the world around them, with nature.

    "Ryan," Fen began, "there are two types of energy: Divine Power and Mana. Divine Power comes from the gods. It''s like a cheat code to the universe¡ªa limitless ability that makes you feel invincible. Think of it as a VIP pass to cosmic knowledge."

    Ryan raised an eyebrow. "And Mana? Just a mythological party favor?"

    Fen grinned. "Not really. Mana is your internal energy source. It fuels magic, spiritual growth, and all the cool supernatural tricks you dream up. It''s your life force, tied to nature and the spiritual realm. So, yeah, it''s a little more down to earth than Divine Power."

    He leaned in, his gaze sharpening. ¡°To use Divine Power, you need to connect with the divine realm. It involves devotion, ritual, and sacred symbols. Don¡¯t forget¡ªthis energy demands respect. Discipline. Selflessness. There are no shortcuts here.¡±

    Ryan nodded, trying to absorb Fen¡¯s words.

    ¡°Now, Mana,¡± Fen continued, ¡°it comes down to your inner balance, focus, and determination. Harnessing it isn¡¯t just about waving your hands and hoping for the best. You need to understand your emotions and spiritual resonance. It¡¯s like tuning a musical instrument. Get it right, and you¡¯ll make magic happen.¡±

    ¡°Divine Essence,¡± Fen explained in a tone that suggested he had said this a thousand times before, ¡°is the sacred vitality within Divine Power. It fuels healing, protection, and spiritual growth. To access it, you must cultivate spiritual purity, compassion, and harmony with the divine.¡±

    Ryan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds easy enough. What¡¯s next? A wand?¡±

    Fen chuckled softly but continued. ¡°The Divine Core,¡± he continued, ¡°is the vessel within you that holds the Divine Essence. It¡¯s like a spiritual battery. You charge it through meditation, prayer, and, frankly, doing good deeds.¡±

    Ryan nodded, though the idea of ??¡°doing good¡± felt a little vague.

    ¡°Your Mana Core,¡± Fen said, ¡°is where your internal energy gathers. It governs your magical abilities, elemental control, and spiritual growth. You¡¯ll need to strengthen your Mana Core if you want to master magic. This requires balance, self-awareness, and a strong connection to nature.¡±

    Ryan frowned. ¡°That sounds like a lot of work.¡±

    Fen¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. Listen carefully. Divine Power and Mana come with risks. Misuse of Divine Power? Disastrous consequences on your hands. Mess with Mana? You could end up with magical exhaustion or worse.¡±

    Ryan¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I could blow myself up or just get really, really tired?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Fen said, his lips curling into a smirk. ¡°Mastering both requires balance. Balance your inner world with the divine, and harmony will follow.¡±

    Ryan scratched his head, trying to make sense of it. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that to handle Divine Power, I need to handle Mana first?¡±

    Fen nodded slowly. ¡°Normally, yes. Handling Divine Power requires a stable Mana Core and inner balance. Mastering Mana builds self-awareness, emotional control, and spiritual resonance. Just think of it as the foundation for using Divine Power."

    Ryan''s face changed. "I want to learn all of that..." But inside, he was screaming, ''Why is there so much to do? Can''t I just wave a magic wand and call it a day?''

    Fen chuckled at Ryan''s thoughts. "Time to teach you how to create a Mana core. Close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose. Breathe out through your mouth."

    Ryan followed the instructions, feeling a wave of calm wash over him.

    "Good," Fen said. "Now imagine a purifying light cleansing your body, mind, and soul. Think of it as a spiritual shower. You know, the kind that really works."

    As Ryan imagined the light, he felt lighter. His mind cleared. Warmth spread through him, like he was basking in the sun.

    "Now imagine a brilliant, pulsing light at the base of your spine," Fen instructed. "Imagine this energy flowing through your body."

    Ryan focused hard. "Concentrate on your heart center. Imagine the gathered light condensing into a shining core in your heart,¡± Fen continued.

    A small ball of light formed this time. It was small, like a pebble, but brilliant. ¡°Very good. As expected of the chosen one.¡± Fen nodded in agreement.

    Ryan was stunned. Everything he had read in mythological records and novels suddenly felt real.

    He kept imagining the ball in his heart. Light swirled, specks of luminous dust circling the core. It was mesmerizing, like seeing a galaxy in miniature.

    ¡°Alright, you¡¯re ready. That¡¯s all for today. Remember to practice forming your mana core whenever you get a chance.¡± Fen sat back down, his head resting on his legs as he closed his eyes.

    ¡°Go to sleep. Tomorrow, early in the morning, you¡¯ll do your physical training.¡±

    Ryan opened his eyes. He felt refreshed as if he had just gotten out of a sauna. The fatigue that had been clinging to him for the past few days had disappeared.

 Chapter 14: The Hunting

    The next morning, Ryan¡¯s physical training began with the usual grueling routine.

    After five laps, Fen chimed in with a tone a mix of seriousness and a hint of sarcasm. "Harness your Mana Core''s power. Channel energy into your movements. Because, you know, running five laps isn''t hard enough."

    Ryan blinked, confusion etched on his face. ¡°What?¡±

    Fen sighed, clearly amused. "Visualize energy flowing from your core to your muscles."

    ¡°Oh¡­ O-Okay¡­¡± Ryan stuttered.

    He tried it, trying to channel energy from his core to his body, focusing on his legs. After all, his legs did most of the work when running.

    To his surprise, as he concentrated, his legs felt lighter¡ªas if they were suddenly made of air. It was the same sensation he had experienced during sit-ups and push-ups, but this time, it was different. With this new energy flowing, he felt his agility increase.

    ¡°Very good,¡± Fen complimented. "Do this for your everyday movements. Soon, you''ll do it instinctively. Like breathing. Or forgetting your keys."

    Ryan nodded eagerly.

    "By the way, Ryan. I overheard your little chat with your colleagues yesterday. You''re off today too, right?" Fen asked as they walked back to Ryan''s room.

    Ryan furrowed his brows.

    "Yeah."

    "Aha, then let''s go hunting today."

    "Hunting?"

    "Yeah. I need to eat, remember?" Fen replied as if it was the most relaxing thing in the world.

    Ryan stumbled. Hunting? The thought twisted in his mind. He imagined Fen stalking humans in Luxor, The City of The Gods. The image was unsettling.

    Fen laughed, "No, no. I was only teasing you. I can eat wild animals."

    Ryan let out a sigh of relief. However, the thought of hunting made him uneasy. "Where are we going to hunt?"

    "I''ll take you somewhere. Just wear your light clothes."

    "...Okay."

    Ryan''s stomach churned. ?He wasn¡¯t sure what ¡°light clothing¡± meant in this context. Were they going to be running through dense forests? Or worse, climbing a rock cliff?

    ¡°Is this a good idea?¡± he asked. ¡°What kind of wild animal are we talking about here? A rabbit? Or something that might eat me first?¡±

    Fen grinned in his mind. ¡°Trust me. It¡¯ll be fun.¡±

    ¡°Fun? Right. Because there¡¯s nothing more fun than being chased by a bear.¡±

    Fen shrugged. ¡°If you¡¯re lucky, it¡¯ll just be a deer. I promise they don¡¯t bite.¡±

    "Great. Now I''m supposed to worry about dodging wildlife too?"

    "Relax. I''ve got this covered."

    Ryan felt the tension rising again. What if Fen wasn¡¯t as confident as he seemed? The thrill of the hunt could quickly turn dangerous.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope your idea of ??a wild animal doesn¡¯t include anything with sharp teeth,¡± Ryan muttered.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll protect you. I promise you''ll walk away with all your limbs intact."

    Ryan snorted. "Thanks. That''s reassuring."

    He took a deep breath.

    It was going to be an unusual day.

    ***

    After an hour, Ryan had showered and finished his breakfast. He exchanged pleasantries with his team members. Then, he returned to his room, saying that he needed to continue deciphering.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    As he closed and locked the door, Fen¡¯s voice boomed from the other side. ¡°Ryan, choose your weapon.¡±

    ¡°What weapon¡­?¡± Ryan asked, a mix of confusion and curiosity in his tone.

    ¡°You need a weapon for hunting, right?¡± Fen replied, clearly unimpressed.

    Ryan frowned. ¡°I thought you were the one hunting¡­¡±

    Fen roared, ¡°You should hunt too!¡±

    Ryan stiffened.

    ¡°Choose.¡±

    He hesitated for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. ¡°I-I choose¡­ Automatic pistol¡­¡±

    ¡°No. That won¡¯t develop your skills any further.¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    A silence hung in the air. Ryan felt the pressure building. He was afraid of Fenrir for sure.

    ¡°Listen. Time Lords use scythes. Most Guardians? They use swords, bows, and spears. Pretty standard weapons.¡±

    Ryan frowned. "But guns¡ªwhy not just use them? They''re faster and more accurate."

    Fen shook his head. "Guns are secondary. You should master at least one of the weapons I mentioned."

    "Why?" Ryan''s confusion was evident.

    "Because you''ll be traveling back to ancient times as well. Do you think they had guns back then? Good luck trying to pull one out in a medieval battle."

    A hint of understanding crossed Ryan''s face.

    He sighed. "Okay then. I guess I''ll use a sword. Maybe something like the B*st*rd Sword."

    Fen chuckled. "Finally. You''re starting to get it."

    Ryan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I''ll keep my sword. Hopefully, that''ll be enough."

    ¡°Now we¡¯re ready to go,¡± Fen replied, shaking his head in amusement. "We will teleport now."

    Then, shadow particles erupted around Fen and Ryan. Dark, wispy shards swirled chaotically, like living darkness. The particles coalesced into tendrils, wrapping around Fenrir¡¯s body, momentarily obscuring his face. The shadows then disappeared, leaving behind a fleeting, eerie afterimage.

    ***

    Ryan stumbled forward, his stomach churning like a blender in overdrive. Dizziness swirled in his head. It was like riding an elevator up and down, at the speed of a speed train.

    He closed his eyes, massaging his temples. When he opened them, the vast expanse of a desert stretched out before him.

    ¡°Where are we¡­?¡±

    ¡°You humans call this place the Savanna desert.¡± Fen walked around, sniffing the grass beneath his feet.

    Ryan¡¯s eyes widened. The Savanna was home to a parade of animals. Elephants, zebras, gazelles, baboons, ostriches. But the real stars of the show were: cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and lions.

    He looked around nervously, half expecting a lion to break from its slumber and eye him like a snack. Luckily, the predators were nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°Ryan,¡± Fen called, pulling him from his thoughts.

    Ryan turned to Fen and saw the sword in his jaws.

    Frowning, Ryan took the sword from Fen¡¯s mouth and drew it.

    It was a beautiful, solid b*st*rd sword, gleaming in the fading light. The blade was 110 centimeters long, sharpened to a sharp point, and balanced perfectly in his hand. Its intricately patterned hilt, adorned with vines and Celtic knots, glinted, while the worn leather grip fit snugly in his palm.

    "I''ve never used a sword before, Fen¡­"

    Fen chuckled. "It''s simple, Ryan. Just focus on building up the mana in your muscles. Then swing or stab. You''ll see what happens."

    Ryan hesitated. "Why don''t you hunt by yourself? I could just follow you."

    Fen laughed, his voice echoing through the tall grass. "That was the plan all along. How could a puny human like you possibly win against a wild beast? Hahaha."

    "This jerk¡­"

    With a frown, Ryan followed Fen through the tall grass, sword poised.

    ***

    Fen darted with astonishing agility, his imposing body belied by his swift, menacing movements. His dark gray fur blended into the tall grass, making him nearly invisible.

    Ryan pushed himself harder, his breath coming out in ragged gasps. His legs felt numb, even as he channeled mana into them. ¡®Damn, he¡¯s too fast¡­¡¯

    Without hesitation, Fen closed the distance. In an instant, he lunged forward. Only a dozen meters separated him from his prey. In a blur of fur and fangs, Fen caught the largest of the wildebeests, his jaws closing around its struggling body.

    The remaining wildebeests charged, terror driving them to flee. They narrowly missed Ryan, who was only a few meters behind. Panic surged. He dodged wildly, weaving through the chaos, his heart pounding. The thundering of hooves echoed in his ears. Dust clouded the air, creating a suffocating haze. Then, silence.

    The dust settled, leaving an unsettling silence. The faint cry of a wild deer echoed through the silence.

    Ryan fell to his knees, panting and stunned.

    Then, Fen¡¯s jaws snapped shut with deadly precision on the wildebeest¡¯s neck, and a quick popping sound rang out, signaling the end of the wild deer¡¯s struggle. The brutality of nature was evident. Fen began to devour him, his teeth tearing into flesh.

    Ryan watched, his stomach churning. Blood and flesh splattered all around them, each drop increasing his disgust. The sight was overwhelming. He felt a wave of nausea rise inside him. He turned away, but it was too late. His stomach lurched. The urge to vomit overwhelmed him and he did.

    Ryan stood, still shaken. The bloody scene still played in his mind, a haunting image he couldn¡¯t shake. He walked away, desperate to escape the pungent smell that hung in the air.

    Fen glanced at Ryan as he left, but he continued to eat, his eyes fixed on his prey.

 Chapter 15: I almost die!

    Ryan sat under a tree about 30 meters from Fen. There were no wild animals around. Only tall golden grass around the tree where Ryan was sitting.

    ''It seems that all animals are afraid of Fen,'' he thought.

    Then he tried to meditate to calm himself. He put the sword on his lap.

    About twenty minutes later, a low growl sounded right next to him. Ryan froze and slowly held the hilt of his sword. He didn''t dare to move much.

    The grass on his right slowly parted, and Ryan glanced carefully. A male lion was creeping towards him. It seemed that the lion was very hungry and smelled the fresh blood of the wildebeest that Fen was eating, so he didn''t care that Fen was more dangerous than any creature on Earth.

    The lion growled and bared its sharp fangs. Ryan asked Fen for help through telepathy, but Fen didn''t answer and just watched them while licking his lips.

    "Fen...! H-help!" Ryan shouted. Panic hit him. But Fen remained unmoved.

    The lion pounced on him. Ryan threw himself to the ground and reflexively stabbed his sword at the lion. He closed his eyes in fear.

    He felt the tip of the sword clash with a hard object and then seemed to penetrate something soft. Ryan peeked through his eyelids, he managed to stab the lion''s head until it went through the back of its head. Instantly the lion died and fell on Ryan''s body which was lying on the ground.

    The blood from the lion spilled onto Ryan''s trembling body, he was still silent and stared at the sky with a blank stare, too shaken to push the lion''s body off his body.

    Suddenly he saw Fen''s canines above his head, grinning and his voice sounded in Ryan''s head, "Thank you for the main course. You managed to handle it well."

    Then the weight of the lion''s body on Ryan''s body disappeared.

    Ryan struggled to sit up his body shaking with shock and anger.

    "You just watched?!" he exclaimed. "I almost died!"

    Fen shrugged as he tore the lion''s flesh. "But you didn''t die," he replied, calm as usual.

    Ryan paused, then said, "Why protect me if you''re not going to help?"

    Fen chewed slowly, "You need the experience. This is a test of your survival skills. The vomiting showed you''re not ready for battle."

    Ryan felt the knot in his stomach tighten. "So this is your plan? Letting me face the lions alone?"

    "Yes. You need to learn what it means to fight for your life. Not every challenge will have a safety measure."

    Ryan looked away from Fen in frustration.

    "Next time, you might not be so lucky," Fen added, his tone serious. "Survival is brutal. Just accept it."

    ***

    As the sun began to set and his hunger was finally satisfied, Fen bit Ryan''s hand lightly, and they teleported back to Ryan''s room.

    Ryan stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water wash over his body. He scrubbed his whole body vigorously, trying to wash away the lingering scent of blood.

    Ryan held back his anger, knowing Fen could hear his thoughts.

    Instead, Ryan turned his focus to the confusing hieroglyphics on his desk, pouring out his frustration to unravel the mystery.

    When he stepped out of the bathroom, Fen stood waiting. "I have to go somewhere," he said. "Urgent matter."

    "Okay, be careful," Ryan replied with relief.

    Fen narrowed his eyes, catching a glimpse of Ryan''s relief before disappearing into the shadows. His blurry figure disappeared in an instant, leaving Ryan alone.

    Ryan watched Fen disappear into the darkness and sighed.

    "Finally, some time to myself," he whispered.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    He ate his dinner quickly and returned to his room, eager to continue his work though the exhaustion of what had happened earlier in the day was gnawing at him.

    He couldn''t focus. He glanced at the sword hidden under the bed. The gaze of the lion that had pounced on him earlier was still clear in his eyes.

    "What if I die today?" The thought made him shiver.

    Fen''s actions, though calculated, felt heartless.

    He continued to think about the hunt without realizing his surroundings.

    ***

    In a dark corner, a figure loomed behind him, the dim light outlining its human-like shape.

    Ryan remained oblivious to the presence hovering very near to him.

    The figure was watching him.

    After a few minutes, it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving no sign of its brief presence.

    ***

    The next morning at the excavation site, the team was startled by the sound of car horns and the roar of engines. Vans and trucks rolled into the campsite, kicking up clouds of dust.

    One van came to a screeching halt, its side door opening with a metallic clang. A man, about 45 years old, wearing a tropical shirt and shorts, waved enthusiastically toward the campsite. A smug glint was in his eyes, and his chin was jutted upward. His smug smile and cocked chin conveyed a sense of entitlement as if he expected everyone to know him.

    Dr. Hassan and the others glared, clearly annoyed by the chaos.

    ¡°What is this mess?¡± Brandon muttered, squinting against the sunlight.

    ¡°Tourists? Here?¡± Amr said with disbelief etched on his face. ¡°KV5 is closed for tourists.¡±

    Dr. Maria shook her head. ¡°Not now, of all times¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s James,¡± Dr. Hassan replied, his voice calm, though the wrinkles in his beard were furrowed.

    ¡°Son of a b*tch!¡± Dr. Matt cursed, his anger bubbling beneath the surface.

    The convoy continued past the KV5 excavation site, eventually arriving at Professor James¡¯ camp at KV7.

    In the past, Professor James¡¯ team had stolen artifacts found at Dr. Hassan¡¯s excavation site. It was unclear how it happened.

    Dr. Hassan reported the theft, but there was insufficient evidence, and the case remained unsolved. Since most of Dr. Hasan¡¯s team was loyal to Dr. Hassan, they also held a deep grudge against Professor James.

    Ryan just sighed and went back to his hieroglyphics. He was a little worried about what Professor James would do, but now his mind was more preoccupied with the mysterious power of time within him.

    ***

    Fen returned to Ryan¡¯s room at night. His eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Ryan turned around after locking his room door when he suddenly saw Fen appear out of thin air.

    Startled, Ryan cursed under his breath and turned on the light. ¡°Damn it, Fen! You scared me half to death!¡±

    ¡°Coward,¡± Fen retorted, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°I thought archaeologists weren¡¯t easily frightened.¡±

    Ryan rolled his eyes with annoyance. ¡°Are you enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°You should see your face!¡± Fen laughed.

    Ryan frowned. Fen was lying lazily on Ryan¡¯s bed.

    ¡°Fen¡­¡± Ryan began, unsure of how to voice his thoughts.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Fen replied, propping himself up on his elbows. ¡°When I was with Paser, I was there for three to four hours, but in real-time, it was only thirty minutes. However, when I was with you yesterday, the time felt the same. How is that possible?¡± Ryan¡¯s voice was calm but laced with confusion.

    Fen was silent for a moment. "Hmm... Your experiences are different because of the different mechanisms of time travel. Teleportation within the time stream does not disrupt the flow of time," he explained, his tone serious.

    "What do you mean? Are you saying Paser pulled me into his time?" Ryan asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    "I''m not entirely sure, but yes," Fen continued. "That method creates a localized pocket of time. His presence bends time, allowing for brief interactions."

    "Who is he?" Ryan pressed, his curiosity piqued. "I mean... Paser can use such powers. He''s not just an ordinary Guardian, is he?"

    Fen''s expression changed. "He''s part of the Elite Circle, second only to the Council of Twelve."

    "As a member of the Elite Circle, Paser uses advanced temporal manipulation," Fen explained. "He can create temporary shields in time, protecting sensitive events. He can also ''echo'' himself across timelines, monitoring various scenarios."

    Ryan''s eyes widened. "That''s incredible." Fen nodded, his expression serious. "Paser''s actions are by the Lord of Time''s instructions. Every member of the Guardians of Time must strictly adhere to these rules. If they act outside the Lord''s permission regarding time and its manipulation, the consequences can be severe."

    Ryan''s brow furrowed. "What happens if the Lord''s instructions conflict with moral justice?"

    "Not everyone agrees with the Lord''s methods," Fen said, his tone hinting at a deeper truth. "But that''s not your concern right now. Your focus is on studying and training."

    With that, Fen stood up, straightened his back, and lay down again. Ryan''s mind was filled with questions, but Fen''s calm demeanor offered no more answers.

    "Train your mana core," Fen instructed. "You must expand it to the size of your fist." Fen closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep, leaving Ryan to his thoughts.

    Ryan shook his head and chuckled softly. "Easy for him to say."

 Chapter 16: The Offer

    Ryan closed his eyes and focused inward. He imagined his mana core¡ªa glowing ember nestled in his chest. With each deliberate breath, he drew energy from the air around him, channeling it into the core. The ember began to pulse, its light growing stronger.

    As he concentrated, sweat dripped down his spine. Time lost meaning. Hours passed, leaving only the hum of mana coursing through his veins.

    The core swelled, warmth radiating through his body. Ryan felt his consciousness merge with the energy. It was as if he were one with it. The room around him faded, replaced by a sea of ??pure, shimmering light.

    Suddenly, Fen woke with a low, menacing growl, his gaze locked on the corner of the room.

    Ryan jerked upright, his heart pounding. He turned toward the source of Fen¡¯s unease. A glowing silhouette flickered, hovering in the air to catch his breath, before dissolving into darkness.

    Ryan¡¯s breath caught in his throat.

    ¡°What is that?¡± he whispered, his eyes scanning the shadows. Fen¡¯s growl died down, turning into a wary alertness.

    "I think it''s one of the Time Weavers," Fen said.

    "That glowing figure. Is that a Time Weaver?" Ryan asked, shock washing over him. He had never expected to face an enemy so soon.

    Fen nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Their members rarely show themselves openly."

    Ryan''s mind raced. "What do they want?"

    "You, of course," Fen answered bluntly.

    Ryan felt a chill run down his spine. Fen''s gaze was fixed on him. "You''re a key player in the timeline. They won''t hesitate to exploit you."

    Ryan''s heart sank. "What can they do to me?"

    Fen''s expression hardened. "They''ll kill you to keep their plans going."

    The weight of Fen''s words hung in the air like a death sentence. Ryan''s breath hitched. "We can''t let that happen," he said.

    Fen nodded firmly. "Our only option is to speed up your training."

    Ryan swallowed. "O-okay..."

    "You should resign immediately," Fen said.

    "Why?"

    "You should leave for the Himalayas immediately. Your training is hampered by your work here, and you''ll be safer there." Fen replied.

    "But how will I eat? How will I support myself?" Ryan replied anxiously.

    Fen chuckled. "The Guardians of Time ¨C they have many sponsors. You won''t be short of anything. Have you forgotten that we gods always receive offerings?"

    "But what about my work at KV5?" Ryan asked, frustration bubbling beneath his calm demeanor.

    Fen''s voice turned stern. "You must resign immediately. You have been chosen as Time Emperor. If you don''t strengthen yourself soon, you will die."

    Ryan''s resolve wavered. "Chosen?" The weight of Fen''s words hung in the air. "You mean I have no choice?" Ryan''s voice trembled.

    Fen was silent for a long moment.

    Ryan felt trapped. A leader in a fight he never wanted to be a part of. The thought gnawed at him. "If only I could change fate..."

    Despair crept into him.

    ***If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Under Fen¡¯s pressure, Ryan reluctantly handed in his resignation letter.

    The few peaceful days at KV5 were shattered by Ryan¡¯s sudden resignation request. The resignation process took several days. The team led by Dr. Hassan felt the weight of Ryan¡¯s sudden choice.

    ¡°Ryan, if you need financial assistance, we are here to help,¡± Dr. Hassan said, worry etched on his face.

    Ryan shook his head firmly. ¡°No, Dr. Hassan, this is a personal emergency.¡±

    Dr. Matt, curious, raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re an orphan. Who died?¡±

    The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken worry.

    Ryan¡¯s voice was steady but tense as he answered, ¡°It¡¯s not related to a funeral. It¡¯s a distant relative in Nepal. I have to settle their estate.¡±

    Dr. Matt paused, realizing this was more than just a job. It was about family, a relationship Ryan had to maintain.

    On the day of Ryan¡¯s departure, the air was filled with unspoken words. All the team members gathered to say goodbye, their faces a mix of support and sadness.

    "Good luck, Ryan."

    "Stay safe."

    "Good luck."

    "Don''t forget to get married soon!" Dr. Matt joked, trying to lighten the mood.

    But his humor was dry. Ryan''s heart ached. He had poured himself into his work at the Luxor villa and KV5. This team was his home.

    As he turned to leave, he realized that his decision was final. He wasn''t just leaving his job; he was leaving a part of himself behind.

    Ryan took a deep breath. He loved archaeology, but now he was facing a different battle. A battle he didn''t want to be a part of.

    ***

    That night, in a hotel near Cairo International Airport, Ryan waited for his flight. He had booked an 8 a.m. departure for the next morning.

    As he surfed the internet, he found myths about gods and demons related to time and immersed with his readings.

    Fen lay on the bed next to him. With two beds now, Ryan finally had room to stretch out.

    Suddenly, Fen sat up, growling low and deep. He seemed to sense something.

    Fen had planned this. He was sure that as soon as they left Luxor and the Valley of the Kings area, Beelzebub would start his plan to kill Ryan.

    ***

    Outside the hotel, a human figure floated in the air, in front of the window of the hotel room where Ryan was staying. His slender, pitch-black body was wrapped only by a piece of black cloth. He tilted his head as he watched Ryan''s window.

    He didn''t feel Fenrir''s presence in the room, he only felt that there was only one human in the room. His lips lifted into a sinister grin.

    Then he floated towards the window of the room. Then a black smoke enveloped him and he disappeared.

    ***

    Ryan stood in the space between his bed and the wall of his room with his sword drawn. His hand held his sword tremblingly, towards the edge of the bed.

    Suddenly black smoke appeared from the edge of the bed, gradually growing larger to the size of a human body. A silhouette emerged from within the smoke, a human body that was pitch black and only wrapped in black cloth.

    Its face grinned widely and greeted Ryan. ¡°Hi, human.¡±

    Ryan hissed, ¡°Beezlebub.¡±

    The creature¡¯s grin grew wider and its eyes widened, and it dramatically exclaimed. ¡°Wow, you know who I am! I guess that son of a b*tch Fenrir must have told you!¡±

    Ryan was silent, his lips pressed tightly together.

    Beezlebub tilted his head towards Ryan and asked. ¡°Why isn¡¯t he here now? Are you alone?¡±

    Ryan remained silent but his body was very tense.

    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s tired of you, huh? Hahahahaha!¡± Beezlebub laughed with both of his hands raised to his sides dramatically.

    ¡°I want to offer you something. Why don¡¯t you try joining us? Time Weaver is stronger than the Guardians. Oh, you know what Time Weaver is?¡±

    Ryan remained silent and pointed his sword left and right at Beezlebub who was moving as if he was acting a drama.

    ¡°Time Weaver led by the former Time Emperor before you, you know, he grew stronger over time. And Chronos is just a fingernail away from his power!¡± Beezlebub laughed again dramatically. His head was raised and both hands were placed on his waist.

    Ryan¡¯s eyes widened. This information was completely unexpected to him.

    Beezlebub leaned his body towards Ryan and slowly approached him, he continued. ¡°If you join us, you don¡¯t have to bother to become strong. You can just relax. Our master is very kind, you know.¡± He grinned.

    Suddenly Beezlebub stepped back and shouted angrily. ¡°You damned bastards!¡±

    Fenrir suddenly appeared from Ryan¡¯s shadow, and he swiftly caught Beelzebub¡¯s wrist with his jaw. Then they all teleported away, leaving the hotel room empty.

 Chapter 17: Battle of Divine Beasts (1)

    Bayanzag Flaming Cliff, Gobi Desert.

    The moon and the stars lit up the night sky at Bayanzag Flaming Cliff in the Gobi Desert. The air was cold with a temperature of around 2¡ã-5¡ã Celsius. Nocturnal animals roamed around quietly, looking for food near the cliff. But suddenly they ran away from a location on the cliff. Something has scared them.

    Three shadows emerged from the cliff''s shadow. Two were human-shaped, and the third was a large wolf-shaped shadow.

    One of the human-shaped shadows began to take on a human form again, its skin was pitch-black. It jerked its hand away from the bite of the large wolf''s mouth. Green blood dripped from the wound.

    Beelzebub licked his wound while staring at Fenrir repeating it. "You damn dog!" He hissed. The wound healed at an unreasonable speed.

    Fenrir just let out a growl and spat on the ground as if the green blood was bitter. He then sat and raised his head facing Beelzebub in silence.

    "Ryan, hide far away on one of the cliffs," Fenrir ordered Ryan through telepathy.

    Without waiting for the second order, Ryan immediately ran to find a hiding place. His heart was pounding.

    "Oh, no, you don''t," Beelzebub said while floating in the air. He raised both of his hands. Black smoke poured out from both of his palms, and it was seeping into the desert ground.

    In a few seconds, rumbling sounds were heard from the ground, and skulls and bones began to emerge from the ground. Fenrir stayed calm.

    Ryan was frozen and watching what was happening around him, and he began to recognize the bones that beginning to take shape. There were Velociraptors, Oviraptors, and even Tarobosaurus. Flaming Cliff was indeed famous for its fossil findings, and Beelzebub was able to wake them up. ''Is it a necromancy?'' he thought.

    "Fen... What should we do...?" he asked Fenrir, tense and scared.

    "What else? We have to fight them." Fenrir said casually. Ryan glanced at Fenrir, who was winking at him.

    The smaller bone shapes surrounded Ryan, and he couldn''t run anymore. One of the oviraptor bones attacked Ryan, and Ryan tried to swing his sword at it. The oviraptor bones fell and its bones scattered on the ground. Then more came attacking him.

    Meanwhile, Fenrir was still focused on staring at Beelzebub and only slapped his hand if any of the bone-creature approached him. The fossils flew far away by his slap and landed with scattered bones.

    Then Fenrir''s eyes locked onto the Tarbosaurus bones-shaped which was charging at him. Without hesitation, he immediately pounced on the Tarbosaurus. The Tarbosaurus bone-shaped fought back but he couldn''t hold back Fenrir''s godlike strength. As a result, his bones soon scattered on the ground.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Beelzebub who saw Fenrir''s power, began to float backward and was about to run away. But suddenly Fenrir was beside him and hit Beelzebub with his claws. A swift strike of Fenrir''s claws tore through Beelzebub''s chest and green blood oozed from the deep gashes. All the bone-shaped fossils that he summoned suddenly fell.

    Beelzebub roared, and his body began to change shape and grow into a giant fly. His body length reached twenty meters. His wings flapped and made the sand storm everywhere.

    "Run, Ryan, now!" Fenrir shouted in Ryan''s head. His wolf body grew bigger and taller than Beelzebub''s. Ryan, who understood Fenrir''s intentions when he saw the two divine beasts turn big, ran with all his might to find a hiding place. He knew this fight would go far beyond human might.

    All the bones scattered on the ground began to rise again and, with incredible speed, formed into one gigantic bone-beast. It has two legs and four arms, but no head. No one could tell what creature Beelzebub created.

    The ground shook as the bone-beast took its first step, but Fenrir remained motionless. He only stared at the bone-beast and Beelzebub. He waited.

    When Fenrir felt that Ryan was far enough, he howled loudly. Then he leaped towards the creature and tried to knock him down with his jaws and claws. The bone beast swung its arms, trying to crush him. Their struggle caused the cliffs of the Flaming Cliff to break and pieces of rock crashing to the ground.

    Beelzebub didn''t just watch. He also shot Fenrir with big black balls from his black magic. Fenrir roared and dodged the balls while continuing to attack the bone creature.

    Fenrir managed to tear two of the creature''s hands from its skeletal body, and one of its legs was limping because the knee was gone. But Fenrir, on the other hand, was not doing well; Beelzebub''s black magic balls had left deep wounds across his body. Luckily Fenrir''s healing power worked fast, so the wounds healed quickly too.

    ***

    Far from the battle, Ryan crouched behind jagged rocks. Every roar, every explosion, made him flinch.

    "Calm down," he whispered, fists clenched. "Fenrir can handle it."

    Sweat rolled down his face. He peeked out and watched the chaos. The ground trembled, and dust filled the air.

    Ryan''s chest tightened. He clenched his jaw and felt completely helpless. But he couldn''t look away.

    ***

    Fenrir roared with a loud voice and lunged towards the bone-beast again. It fell and Fenrir hit the skull''s body with his claws over and over. He didn''t care about the black balls that hit his body. He kept hitting.

    Finally, the skull''s body was destroyed. Fenrir roared angrily when one of Beelzebub''s balls struck his body. Although his wounds healed quickly, the pain still hit him.

    Then Fenrir dashed in one direction fast, and Beelzebub chased him and fired more black balls. Fenrir reached the Tarbosaurus'' head that was lying on the ground, bit it, and in a quick move, threw it towards Beelzebub.

    Beelzebub who didn''t expect it, didn''t have time to dodge. The skull slammed Beelzebub''s body and he fell hard to the ground and made a loud boom.

    "YOU SON OF A B*TCH!!" Beelzebub screamed. He stood up, his body torn on its side with a gaping wound and his wings ripped. His green blood splattered on the sandy ground.

    Fenrir let out a low mocking sound. He charged at Beelzebub, and they wrestled in the sand.

    Then suddenly Beelzebub turned into black smoke and vanished into the ground.

    Fenrir jumped back. His eyes locked on the spot where Beelzebub had disappeared.

 Chapter 18: Battle of Divine Beasts (2)

    Beelzebub still didn''t appear. Fenrir knew that Beelzebub couldn''t teleport without turning into black smoke. So he kept waiting.

    But after a while, Fenrir felt something was off. His thoughts and reactions became sluggish. He tried to shake his head to get rid of it. The haziness still lingered.

    Then the ground shifted and black smoke seeped out of the sandy ground. It swirled until it formed into Beelzebub in his half human giant and half giant fly. He laughed mockingly.

    "Hahahahaha! You think you¡¯re the most powerful creature in the universe?! You are too arrogant. You are still vulnerable to mind hex."

    Fenrir stayed silent and tried to free himself from Beelzebub''s mind-control attack.

    But his effort was still too slow. Because now from inside Beelzebub''s body shot out many tendrils of black smoke. They twisted and took the shape of large black swords without the hilt. The swords hovered and pointed straight at Fenrir.

    "Hahahaha! Today you will die!" Beelzebub grinned widely and the swords lunged at incredible speed towards Fenrir.

    Fenrir tried to dodge, but his movements were too slow. The swords struck his body. One, then another. Then another. Fenrir roared furiously.

    Beelzebub watched Fenrir''s misery and laughed loudly.

    ***

    Ryan who was watching the whole scene, wanted to rush out from his hiding spot. He couldn¡¯t bear to watch Fenrir being tortured like that.

    But at that moment, Fenrir¡¯s voice rang in his mind. ¡°Stay where you are! Don¡¯t ever come out from there!¡±

    Ryan¡¯s body froze. His expression turned to desperation and he started to pray.

    ***

    The prayer reached Fenrir''s mind. He grinned. He was glad Ryan was worried about him.

    He had broken free from the mind control when Ryan was about to come out of his hiding place. Now it was time to finish everything. He slapped the incoming swords¡¯ smoke and they vanished in an instant.

    Beelzebub frowned, realizing his attacks were not working anymore. ''How did he able to break free so quickly?''

    He changed tactics. He summoned fire elements from around him and trapped Fenrir in flames. The fire grew higher and thicker.

    ¡°I know you are weak to fire, Fenrir! Taste that!¡± Beezelbub laughed.

    The trapped Fenrir gave another thought before attacking Beelzebub. He stood still, his mind calculating. Fenrir¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could feel the heat, but it didn¡¯t burn him. It took hell flames to burn him.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    He shifted his body to his front legs slowly, focusing on Beelzebub in front of him.

    Beelzebub panicked and raised his hands, summoning more fire. The air became hotter, but Fenrir kept walking slowly toward him.

    Beelzebub hovered backward. His wide grin disappeared. ¡°You can¡¯t¡­¡±

    But Fenrir already lunged at him. The flames around Fenrir exploded outward. The demon barely had time to react. He raised his arms, but it was too late. Fenrir now stood upon his body.

    Fenrir¡¯s jaw then clutched onto his left shoulder, his fangs tore deep within this flesh. With a sharp jerk of his head, Fenrir ripped free a large chunk of Beelzebub¡¯s flesh, bone pieces, and one part of his wing.

    Beelzebub cried out. He struggled with all his strength and turned his body to black smoke. The smoke flew away as fast as it could.

    Fenrir stood tall and watched the black smoke disappearing into the distance south. He didn¡¯t want to chase after Beelzebub. He was injured. And his wounds did not heal as fast as before he got the mind attack.

    All the fire around him died down, replaced by the cold wind of winter in the Flaming Cliff of Gobi desert.

    ***

    ¡°You can come out now.¡± Ryan heard Fenrir¡¯s voice in his mind.

    Slowly, he got out of his hideout. Then he saw Fenrir¡¯s wounds as he was still in his massive size. He quickly ran to Fenrir.

    ¡°Your wounds¡­¡± He said while touching Fenrir''s massive front leg.

    ¡°It will heal soon.¡± Fenrir said in Ryan''s mind. He looked at Ryan with a soft gaze. Then he shrunk to his usual size.

    ¡°I am sorry. It''s all because of me¡­¡± Ryan exhaled deeply. His voice trembled slightly.

    Fenrir chuckled. ¡°Then you should get strong soon to be able to fight on your own.¡±

    Ryan lifted his eyes from Fenrir''s wounds which were healing at a visible rate. They both were glancing at each other and didn''t say a word for a few moments.

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Ryan said while clenching his fists. ¡°I will.¡±

    Fenrir nodded. ¡°Let''s go back to the hotel first. You need to rest and catch your plane tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay. You too need to heal your wounds.¡±

    ¡°Haha. I told you I will be fine soon. I am a god after all.¡±

    Ryan snorted but agreed with him inwardly.

    With that, they both dove into the shadow, leaving the Bayanzag Flaming Cliff back to its empty and silent state, except the destroyed and shattered rocks. And broken fossil bones.

    ****

    Cairo, Egypt.

    Fenrir and Ryan arrived at the hotel room soon after, both exhausted. They both cleaned up pretty fast, and were ready to go to bed. It was almost midnight.

    Ryan glanced at Fenrir''s wounds, it had healed significantly.

    ¡°Get some rest,¡± Fenrir said while laying down on his own bed. ¡°Your flight leaves early.¡±

    Ryan nodded, and laid down. His mind fueled with his determination to get strong.

    Fenrir smiled while looking at Ryan''s back.

    Soon, they both fell asleep.

    ***

    Yolyn Am Cave, 37 miles south from Bayanzag Flaming Cliff.

    Beezelbub in his human form, was breathing heavily. His shoulder wasn''t completely healed and he lost one of his wings. His shoulder still ripped, the hollow spot was horrifying to see. He walked deeper into the cave.

    His torn shoulder throbbed with tremendous pain. Each movement sent sharp waves of agony through his body.

    ¡°I will kill you someday, Fenrir!¡± he cursed between his haggard breaths. ¡°Just wait and see.¡±

    He sat down and leaned on the cave wall, and closed his eyes. The wall was rough against his back. ¡°I will kill you. I will definitely kill you,¡± he murmured before falling asleep.

    The cave was silent. The only sound was his shallow breathing.

 Chapter 19: The Arena of The Elements (1)

    The flight from Cairo International Airport in Egypt to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, took about seven hours. Ryan could have accepted Fenrir''s offer to teleport directly to The Arena but opted to take the plane. He thought it would be the best way to avoid drawing attention to himself as a foreigner in Egypt.

    ''It would be strange for a foreigner in a country to suddenly disappear without a trace.''

    During the flight, he engaged in a long conversation with Fenrir. The flight was packed with passengers, and he was more comfortable using telepathy.

    "Fen, can you tell me some details about the Guardians of Time?" Ryan asked.

    "Sure," Fen replied. "Where would you like me to start?"

    "What about their hierarchy?" Ryan suggested.

    "Okay. The Guardians of Time have a structured hierarchy. At the basic level, we have the rank of Initiates. They are newly recruited Guardians who are undergoing training." Fenrir explained.

    "The next level is the Guardians. These members are active and serve various roles. They are the backbone of our operations."

    "Finally, the last rank is the Veterans. They are experienced Guardians. They have extensive experience and have achieved significant achievements. Then the Guardians and Veterans are divided into two main categories: Regional Divisions and Special Units. In Regional Divisions, we have the Timekeepers, Shadow Walkers, and Chrono-Guardians. The Special Units have the Phoenix Squad and the Temporal Integrity Commission. Each group plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of time."

    Ryan nodded as he memorized the information.

    "Now, let''s break down the highest hierarchy.

    First, we have the Elite Circle. This is the secondary leadership level. They report to the Council of Twelve. Their main duties are to carry out the council''s decisions, manage the regional divisions, and oversee tactical missions.

    Next, the Council of Twelve. This is the highest governing body. It consists of twelve powerful Gods and Goddesses. Their role is important. They oversee global operations, set strategic priorities, and make important decisions. Do you understand?" Fenrir asked Ryan.

    "Yes... What are the Timekeepers, Shadow Walkers, and Chrono-Guardians?" Ryan asked back.

    Fenrir smiled. "Timekeepers monitor temporal anomalies. They prevent disruptions in time. Shadow Walkers conduct covert operations and gather intelligence. As for the Chrono-Guardians, they protect historical events and important figures in history."

    "Hmmm..." Ryan rubbed his clean-shaven chin. "What will my role be? Will I be a member of the Council of Twelve?"

    "Not really." Fenrir shook his head telepathically. "You will be the Emperor of Time. You will act directly under Chronos and lead the Council of Twelve."

    Ryan fell silent and tried to absorb what Fenrir had explained earlier. He would be in charge of the Gods and Goddesses, positioned above the Council of Twelve and directly below Chronos. He had seen Paser in action as a member of the Elite Circle, it was truly astonishing.

    Imagine bending time at will. The benefits would be enormous. You could avoid every misfortune. You could even change the winning lottery numbers to your own. Who wouldn''t want that?The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    But with such power came questions. Was he worthy of such a high responsibility? Being directly under the Supreme God felt like a heavy crown. It meant he was expected to act like a god himself.

    How long would he need to train for that? Years? Decades?

    Fenrir, who could read his mind, chuckled.

    Ryan put on a serious face, "Why are you laughing?"

    "You''re funny," Fen replied, still giggling. "Most people would scream joyfully at the thought of becoming a god."

    Ryan frowned. "Why should I be happy? It''s just a heavy burden waiting to crush me."

    Fenrir couldn''t help but laugh. "Oh, and don''t forget! We can bend time! You can pack a hundred years of training into just a few days."

    Ryan''s eyes widened. "That''s amazing!" A smile spread across his face.

    Just imagine: no worries about aging, no ticking clock. Play games for hours, stretch time, and still live your life. Or better yet, manipulate time to win the lottery repeatedly. You could be richer than Elon Musk!

    Fenrir shook his head. "Is that really what you think of the power of time?"

    Ryan tried hard to contain his excitement. The passenger next to him glanced over curiously, eyebrows raised at the sight of him laughing to himself.

    "No, I think it would be cool to have powers like that," Ryan said, covering his mouth with both hands to suppress his wide grin.

    "If you try that, I''ll have my uncle Thor zap you with lightning," Fenrir warned, grinning as if he had just told the best joke ever.

    "What the...?" Ryan''s face froze. He suddenly remembered that Fenrir was Loki''s son, making Thor his uncle.

    "Haha!" Fenrir laughed out loud.

    "Right," Ryan thought and rolled his eyes.

    "So, where is the Guardians'' headquarters? Does Chronos reside there?" Ryan asked, changing the subject.

    "The Guardians'' headquarters is based at a metaphysical dimension called The Timestream. And yes, Lord Chronos is the big boss there."

    "When are you taking me to The Timestream?" Ryan asked excitedly.

    "In time," Fenrir replied with a smirk. "But if you jump into The Timestream now? There''s no guarantee you''ll survive there. You''ll probably turn into cosmic dust."

    Ryan frowned. "So, after I finish my training in The Arena of Elements, I can go to The Timestream? I don''t have a backup plan, remember? I don''t have much savings to spend on a multi-year journey."

    Fenrir chuckled. "Oh, are you assuming you''ll only get one training? It''s not enough to become the Emperor of Time. You have to master at least three types of weapons. And firearms, you''ll learn them later."

    Ryan''s frown deepened. This wasn''t just training; this was a recipe for misery. If one training took two years, then six years of hell were ahead of him.

    "And in The Arena of Elements? You''ll go through five different types of training," Fenrir added and laughed.

    "Damn it..." Ryan muttered under his breath and closed his eyes in despair until the plane landed at Tribhuvan International Airport.

    ***

    The winter weather in Kathmandu was mild, hovering around 11¡ãC. The clouds hung low, but it was not raining that day. Ryan finished the arrival process and left the airport, prepared to hail a cab.

    As he walked down the corridor, a male voice called out to him, "Mr. Ryan Lane?"

    Ryan turned to see a young man wearing black trousers and a crisp white shirt. He looked handsome enough with a big smile, but his short hair was messy. It seemed like no comb could tame his hair.

    "Yes¡­? How can I help you?" Ryan replied politely.

    "Ah¡­ I''m here to pick you up," the young man said. "My name is Ayush. Would you like to go straight to the Arena, or would you like to try some of the local delicacies first?" His English was fluent.

    Ryan''s brow furrowed, "How did you know I was coming and know my name? Forget it. Could you join me for lunch?"

    "Sure, sure!" Ayush replied eagerly.

    They set off for a local restaurant in a Japanese-made Land Cruiser. The place they were headed to was famous for its momos and was one of the most expensive restaurants in Kathmandu.

    The young man deftly navigated the busy Ring Road. He turned left onto Durbar Marg, where the sights and sounds of the city were booming. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the restaurant. The restaurant stood out from the surrounding buildings, built with intricate Nepali carvings.

 Chapter 20: The Arena of Elements (2)

    They left the restaurant at around 4 p.m. They headed east, leaving the busy streets of Kathmandu behind, following the winding Araniko Highway. They passed hills, villages, and forests quickly, then passed Nagarkot. The highway merged with the B.P. Highway, passing the ancient temples of Dhulikhel. Ayush then took an unmarked road that led to the Hidden Valley Trail, leading to waterfalls, forests, and remote villages.

    Ayush parked the Land Cruiser at a village house that surprisingly had a hidden underground parking area. Who knew villages had secret parking?

    They started climbing the Hidden Valley Trailhead at 2,200 meters. Ryan followed Ayush without any luggage. Fenrir had given him a dimension ring before boarding the plane, so all of Ryan¡¯s belongings, including the sword, were in the ring.

    The climb lasted for five hours, and he kept cursing Fenrir for laughing at him every time he slipped on the steep path.

    It was cold. The temperature ranged from -8 to -12 degrees. Ryan was wearing a thick, insulated jacket, thick snow pants, a balaclava covering his face, insulated gloves, and waterproof hiking boots. Meanwhile, Ayush was wearing only snow pants, a parka with a furry hood, and an insulated beanie.

    He gritted his teeth because of the cold and tried to circulate mana throughout his body. It helped a little. However, he felt stupid. Why didn''t he think of it earlier? Now, he was staggering around in layers of clothing while Ayush looked like he was taking a stroll.

    At an altitude of 3,500 meters, they arrived at Langtang Base Camp. The colorful tents of the climbers dotted the landscape, a stark contrast to the white blanket of Himalayan snow.

    Ayush walked easily through ice flows, rugged terrain, and howling winds. Finally, they reached a remote area, surrounded by thick fog.

    He stopped between two boulders and stood still. A faint blue ball of light appeared in his palm. It spun around like a mini tornado before Ayush threw it to the ground.

    When it comes into contact with the ground, the light expands. A gate 15 feet tall, made of bluish-black wood with intricate carvings of elemental symbols¡ªair, earth, fire, air, and aether. The door knocker was dragon-shaped and made of dark bronze.

    Ayush''s hand released a blue light again and the blue light seeped into the dragon''s body. Not long after, the gate opened.

    They entered, and Ryan gaped at the sight inside.

    The Arena of Elements consisted of five towering towers, each representing each element, with the largest tower, the Tower of Aether, in the center. There were buildings surrounding the towers, that housed some facilities such as dorms, dining halls, and a few others.

    In the center was an empty area used for sparring. A small river separated the empty area from the buildings and towers, and there were paths connecting them.

    The students wore simple uniforms, trousers, and tunics¡ªwith fur collars. The fire students wore red. The water students wore aquamarine. The earth students wore brown. The air students wore sky blue. The Aether students shimmered in white.

    Ayush''s voice was barely audible amidst Ryan''s waves of astonishment. "... housing around 1,000 students, aged 15-25, with an even gender distribution."

    They walked toward the Tower of Aether, passing by students engrossed in their activities. Some read thick books, others floated above the ground, while a few threw fireballs with glee. Black-clad instructors moved among them, guiding and observing.

    The air was filled with laughter. Giggling female students filled the atmosphere with life. It was a stark contrast to Ryan¡¯s expectations. He had imagined a solemn place filled with older, serious students.

    Amidst the bustling students, several mystical beasts soared through the sky. A dragon, made of living fire, danced among the towers. Nearby, a winged serpent made of water hovered among the students.

    On the ground, students interacted with their elemental peers. They exchanged gentle pats and words of affection. A group of freshmen watched in awe as a small, glowing earth elemental fashioned miniature statues out of gravel and dust. Nearby, an instructor watched a student try to tame a restless air fairy.

    To Ryan, this was unreal. It felt like he had stepped into another world, another dimension. His mind struggled to absorb the magical sight.

    ¡®I¡¯ve only seen this in fantasy movies¡­¡¯

    Fenrir stepped out of Ryan¡¯s shadow. Ayush bowed and greeted him. "Greetings, Lord Fenrir."This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    "Thank you, Ayush," Fenrir replied, returning the greeting telepathically. "Well done for bringing us here. When shall we meet Eryndor?"

    "He is awaiting my Lord within the Aether Tower. Allow me to guide you there."

    "Very well." Fenrir nodded.

    As they made their way to the Aether Tower, the students glanced at them and whispered amongst themselves. Their gazes lingered for a moment upon seeing Fenrir before they went back to their activities.

    Ryan felt a tinge of nervousness. It felt like going to school for the first time all over again.

    ***

    They entered the simple Aether Tower. White wooden doors and white walls give a regal impression.

    They went up to the second floor, and there were two doors. Ryan glanced inside one of the doors and he saw wooden shelves filled with books and simple tables. ¡®Ah, the library.¡¯

    Ayush then knocked on one of the doors and a deep voice said ¡°Come in.¡±

    With a polite attitude, Ayush took Ryan and Fenrir into Eryndor''s office and then slipped into the corridor.

    Headmaster Eryndor Thorne sat at his desk, writing something on a piece of paper. He raised his head and immediately got up from his seat when Fenrir and Ryan entered. Eryndor stands tall at six feet two inches, probably in his early fifties, and had sharp facial features and blue-grey eyes. His beard was trimmed short. He wore a black robe decorated with silver embroidery of The Arena''s emblem.

    "Greetings, Lord Fenrir. Nice to meet you," Eryndor said respectfully.

    Fenrir replied telepathically, "It is a pleasure to meet you too, Eryndor. Is everything ready?"

    "Yes, my lord. I may trouble you with some papers to sign. Do you mind?"

    "No problem. Let''s get this over with. Oh, and this is Ryan Lane."

    "Nice to meet you," Eryndor said, extending his hand.

    Ryan shook his hand. "Nice to meet you."

    Eryndor said, "Ryan, your elemental sword training begins now. We''ll start with Earth. And we have special instructors for your all elemental mastery."

    "Earth? Why not Fire or Wind?"

    "Earth represents stability and foundation," Eryndor explained calmly. "Mastering Earth techniques builds physical strength, endurance, and control. Your swordsmanship will flourish from this solid foundation. Prepare for at least six months of intensive training in the basics,¡± Eryndor advised. ¡°Your training will begin tomorrow. Train hard, Ryan!¡±

    Ryan nodded. ¡°I understand, sir. I am committed to mastering all elements of swordsmanship. Thank you for your guidance, Master Eryndor."

    After signing the document with his claw print, Fenrir said, "May I stay here as well? Lord Chronos has personally entrusted the care of this young man to me."

    Eryndor''s smile widened. "Please stay as long as you wish. "

    "Thank you," Fenrir replied. "May we proceed to our quarters?"

    Eryndor turned to one of his servants. "Please escort our guests to their quarters. And Prabin, make sure Ryan receives the complete texts of the Elemental Swordsmanship." Earth and the ancient book, ''Foundation of Elemental Balance,'' in his residence."

    Prabin stepped forward, and with a light bow, he said. "Follow me, gentlemen." He led Fenrir and Ryan through the corridors to the dormitory.

    Prabin opened the door of one of the dorms, and it creaked open. "Your residence is The Arena. Rest well," he said. With a polite smile, he left.

    Ryan''s room was comfortable and practical. Two beds lined up against opposite walls, each covered with a warm blanket. A wooden table sat near the window that overlooked a small fountain. A fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm glow across the room.

    "This is perfect," he cooed, flopping onto the nearest bed. Fenrir smiled, lying on the opposite bed.

    Ryan began to unpack, arranging his belongings in the closet. that had been prepared. He put away his hiking gear, changed into warm wool clothes, and put on soft, cushioned boots. A warm shower refreshed him, chasing away the chill of the Himalayan winter. With renewed vigor, Ryan sat by the fire, staring at the flames dancing.

    "So peaceful," he sighed.

    A knock on the door broke the silence.

    "Come in!" Ryan called.

    Prabin entered with a polite bow. "Your subject, Ryan. Master Eryndor''s choice for your Earth element swordsmanship training." He placed a stack of leather-bound books on the wooden table.

    "Thank you, Prabin."

    As Prabin left, Ryan eagerly opened the first book, "Terra Veritas." Ryan traced the diagrams on the yellowed paper with his finger. Then, he opened "Elementia," marveling at the intricate theories of elemental balance. He whispered excitedly, "Learning what others thought was impossible..."

    Fenrir suddenly spoke up. "Your core energy is now half the size of your fist, Ryan."

    Ryan looked up from his book. "Is that it?"

    Fenrir nodded. "Your focus has accelerated your growth. You are gifted, as Lord Chronos said."

    ¡°Oh? Did Lord Chronos say I¡¯m talented?¡± Ryan hopped over to Fenrir, who was relaxing on his bed.

    Fenrir raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. ¡°Oh, calm down, young man. Yes, Lord Chronos did say that. If it weren¡¯t true, you¡¯d have a really hard time training to become the Emperor of Time. It¡¯s not an easy thing.¡±

    Ryan nodded happily.

    ¡®Come to think of it, the title of Emperor of Time is cool.¡¯

    Ryan sat down at his desk and turned his attention to the materials Prabin had given him. The materials contained important things about earth element magic and earth element swordsmanship. Ryan dove into the texts, marking important points and highlighting important pages.

 Chapter 21: The Guardians

    Tokyo, Japan. 7 P.M

    Shibuya Crossing at night remained bustling with pedestrians, whether they were out hanging out or returned from work and other errands.

    The large TV screens on the surrounding buildings displayed brightly lit advertisements, making Shibuya Crossing appeared bright even at night.

    A child was standing with his mother at the intersection and was watching an advertisement on one of the buildings, pointed his little finger at the sky but did not making any sound.

    The child saw a small black circle that was gradually getting bigger. Inside it, there was a swirl of black and gray moving in circles, forming a spiral and continuously spinning.

    The pedestrians were busy walking without paying attention to their surroundings, let alone noticing the black circle above them.

    When they realized the presence of the black circle, it had already a diameter of five hundred meters, and from within it emerged human-shaped creatures, with long tails and wings like bats.

    People who saw it immediately screamed, causing everyone to turn towards the circle and join in the screaming. But none of them ran away. Some even took pictures of the circle or recorded videos of it with their smartphones.

    Those creatures descended slowly, gradually increasing in number. They hovered above the pedestrians.

    The pedestrians only then noticed that the skin of those creatures was all dark red and they had two horns on their heads.

    "De-Demon!" one of the pedestrians shouted. Instantly, all the pedestrians screamed for help and ran away from the place.

    Amid the panic, there was a child who got separated from their parents and fell almost directly under the circle. Some of the demons looked at the child with predatory gazes.

    Suddenly, a shadow darted and took the child away. The demons growled and began attacking the pedestrians.

    Some of the demons managed to catch and stab the pedestrians with their spears, causing them to fall. Some died on the spot.

    At that moment, around twenty shadowy figures floated down from the surrounding buildings and fired blue and golden light balls at the demons.

    The demons flew in all directions in a panic. Those hit by the golden light ball fell with their bodies charred black and then turned to ash. Those hit by the blue would fall with their body parts scattered.

    The demons that had just emerged from the circle then attacked the people who were shooting blue and golden lights. The blue people then drew their respective weapons. Swords, spears, shields, and so on, and jumped towards the demons attacking them.

    Among the crowd of pedestrians running in panic, some people were seen approaching the demons instead. About thirty people in light blue coats, the same as those who had previously descended from the rooftops, drew their weapons.

    They immediately attacked the demons. A battle took place on land and in the air.

    The flashing of their weapons could not be followed by the naked eye. The flashes of blue and red alternated, and the sound of clashing weapons was deafening.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    The people who were running in panic earlier are now standing on the roadside and watching all the fights. Several dozen young women in blue coats guarded all the pedestrians in a circle. They held all their weapons in their hands.

    Some pedestrians recorded everything that happened with their smartphones. Although scared, they know that the people in blue are watching over and protecting them.

    Blood, dark reddish in color, began to soak the asphalt floor. And not long after, the demons flew back into the black circle in the sky. Then, the circle closed.

    All the pedestrians and people inside the building clapped loudly. They were happy and rejoiced at having escaped the threat of the demons. Some approached the people in blue and thanked them.

    People in blue coats were all bowing in unison towards the pedestrian. And suddenly from the middle of the intersection, someone in a blue outfit emitted a bright blue light. The light spread in all directions for several kilometers.

    After the blue light disappeared, the pedestrians and everyone at Shibuya Crossing seemed to wake up from a dream. They saw people lying in the middle of the intersection, but they didn''t remember what had happened. And those people in blue coats were nowhere to be seen.

    ***

    The Arena of The Elements, 4 P.M.

    Fenrir suddenly straightened his body from his sleeping position. His ears were twitching.

    Ryan, who was sitting on his bed reading a book about Mana, glanced at him. Frowning, he asked Fenrir, "What''s wrong?"

    Fenrir replied, "There was another attack like the one in Al-Qusayr. But this time the attackers are demons."

    Ryan''s throat felt choked. "In Egypt again...?" he asked worriedly.

    "No." answered Fenrir.

    Ryan breathed a sigh of relief. He was somewhat worried about his former colleague in Egypt.

    "This time they attacked Tokyo. But The Guardians managed to defeat them and the demons fled," Fenrir continued.

    Ryan let out a sigh of relief again. And suddenly he remembered something he had wanted to ask Fenrir for a long time but had forgotten because of the Beelzebub incident.

    "Fen, until now there has been no historical record of the existence of The Guardians. If an event like the one that happened in Tokyo occurred, there would surely be many people who saw The Guardians. But why is there still no evidence?" asked Ryan.

    "Not that there aren''t any. All The Guardians last came out tens of thousands of years ago. After that, they all worked in secrecy. But I''m sure, the incident in Tokyo will leave a mark," replied Fenrir.

    "Really? What kind of trace?" Ryan asked curiously.

    "Just watch. Now try browsing news about Tokyo," challenged Fenrir.

    With great curiosity, Ryan took his smartphone and tried to find news about Tokyo. Not long after, he found news about what was happening in Tokyo. Some images from eyewitnesses adorned the news and social media. There are even videos of it.

    Ryan watched the videos with his mouth agape. The demons fighting with the people in blue, who must be The Guardians. After the demons ran back into the circle, suddenly there was a blinding blue light, and at that moment, the video stopped.

    Ryan lifted his head and stared at Fenrir. "The pictures and videos are everywhere on the internet," he said.

    "Of course. The present time is far more advanced than tens of thousands of years ago." Fenrir replied lightly.

    "Is it okay if many people know about The Guardians? And that blue light spreading everywhere, what is it?" asked Ryan.

    "Hmm. Actually, we gods don''t mind if many people know about The Guardians. In fact, we are pleased if many people will remember us again." Fenrir grinned mischievously.

    Ryan stroked his chin, "That''s true. Many will remember you again."

    "And that blue light is actually meant to erase the memories of everyone who sees The Guardians. But it turns out they forgot that people nowadays have smartphones. Hahaahaha..." Fenrir laughed.

    "Erasing memories? You mean like in that movie?" Ryan was stunned.

    "Movie? What movie?" Fenrir was confused.

    "Ah... Forget it." Ryan scratched his head, which wasn''t itchy.

    But The Guardians he saw in the video earlier were really cool. Even many of them can fly.

    "They look very strong... Can I be like them?" Ryan asked himself.

 Chapter 22: Terra

    The next morning, Ryan practiced jogging, sit-ups, and push-ups as usual. Now all those exercises have become a habit for him. After physical training, he will take a shower and then meditate to strengthen his mana core, and only after that will he have breakfast.

    Fenrir had already left while Ryan was meditating. He was hungry, he said.

    After breakfast in his room, Prabin immediately came to pick him up and took him to the special training ground. Ryan didn''t know exactly what the special training ground was for or who it was for.

    "Prabin, can I have lunch or dinner with the other students later?" Ryan asked Prabin.

    "Of course, but for you, I will deliver lunch every day so it won''t disturb your training, and also lunch for your instructor," Prabin replied while walking lightly. His footsteps were completely silent.

    Ryan nodded.

    "Do you know who the earth element instructor is for me?" Ryan asked again.

    "Yes. Lady Terra will be the instructor for the earth element," Prabin replied.

    "Hmm... Terra? Seems like I''ve heard that name before," Ryan muttered while stroking his chin.

    "She is a goddess. Earth goddess," Prabin explained with a smile.

    Ryan was surprised. "Are you sure?" he asked.

    "We have arrived. Please check for yourself," he replied again and immediately walked back in the direction they had just come from.

    Ryan stared at the very large and seemingly heavy door in front of him. He was somewhat puzzled, ''How can I open the door?''

    He tried to knock on the door loudly. Suddenly, the door opened and Ryan looked inside with amazement.

    There is a meadow as far as the eye can see. He then entered and saw even some large trees and the sound of a babbling river, not far from where he was now.

    ''Huh... How could such a vast place be inside a room?'' Ryan was astonished.

    He looked around in confusion and walked further away from the door.

    ''Is it a dimensional space? Or the door itself a portal?''

    When he approached the riverbank, he saw a woman in her thirties with brownish-green hair and light brown skin, wearing a white tunic, dipping her hands into the river. The fish gathered around her hands as if they all wanted to be caressed.

    "You arrived on time," the woman said without turning to Ryan.

    Ryan hesitated for a moment and then approached the woman. After getting a bit closer, he asked, "Excuse me. Are you Terra... ah sorry, Lady Terra?"

    "Of course. Who else?" the woman replied casually.

    Ryan was just staring at the woman who was still playing with the fish. Is she really Terra? Earth Goddess from Ancient Rome?

    "Sit here," said Terra, raising her hand from the river and pointing to a spot beside her.

    Ryan sat next to her without saying much, even though he actually had many questions. His experience with Anubis left him a bit traumatized.

    "What do you feel with the ground you are sitting on right now?" asked Terra.

    Ryan frowned and, confused, tried to feel the ground he was sitting on. "It doesn''t feel that hard, a bit wet," Ryan replied hesitantly.

    "Close your eyes and feel it again," said Terra with a slight smile. Her bright green eyes observed Ryan. Ryan felt a bit nervous being watched by a goddess.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    He immediately closed his eyes and tried to focus and calm his mind. He began to feel a sense of calm flowing into his body through the ground he was sitting on.

    Ryan slightly tilted his head. The ground beneath him felt different from what he usually experienced. Previously, he always thought that the ground he walked on was an inanimate object.

    "The land... feels alive..." Ryan murmured as he opened his eyes.

    Terra smiled broadly. "Very good. Now try to imagine that you take energy from the ground and put it into your body."

    Ryan nodded and closed his eyes again. He visualized that there was a flow of energy from the ground entering his body. After a while, he truly felt a foreign energy entering his body. He flinched slightly but did not open his eyes. He tried to absorb the energy.

    "Very good," said Terra, clapping her hands together in front of her chest. "Now open your eyes and place your palms on the ground."

    Ryan opened his eyes and did what Terra asked.

    "No, not really on the ground. Raise it a little. About three handbreadths from the ground." Terra demonstrated.

    Ryan did it.

    "Try to visualize you taking energy from the ground through your hands," said Terra.

    Ryan tried it, once or twice without success. On the third attempt, he succeeded in drawing energy from the ground through his hands.

    Terra laughed and said, "It turns out you''re not only very handsome, but you''re also talented."

    Ryan choked on his own saliva. Terra laughed even more and teased Ryan again, "You''re so cute!"

    Ryan''s ears turned red, but he didn''t dare say anything.

    ''Damn. The gods and goddesses have a habit of teasing me,'' he thought to himself.

    Fortunately, Terra didn''t read Ryan''s mind, even though she surely could have. Terra immediately continued with what she was trying to teach, "Now imagine you are pulling the earth into a round shape, into your hands."

    Ryan tried to do it. He immediately succeeded in pulling the soil, but its shape was all over the place. A few times he tried, the shape of the soil he took from that position was always not round.

    Terra asked Ryan to keep trying until he could catch it in a round shape, and patiently, she waited for Ryan while playing with the plants and animals in the meadow.

    ***

    Ryan walked into the dining hall. Along the way, many students smiled at him, both boys and girls. The Arena of The Elements is one of the places where the candidates for The Guardians of Time receive their education before becoming The Guardians, or these students can be referred to as Initiates.

    Ryan responded to their smiles and greetings politely. However, until he finished eating, none of the students dared to talk to him. He sat alone.

    While eating, he listened to the students'' conversation. They were discussing the events in Al-Qusayr and also in Tokyo. They enthusiastically recounted every Guardian they knew while watching the videos of the events in Tokyo.

    "Themes was there too! He looks really cool with his sword."

    "Reny was also there, she really looked elegant with her bow."

    "How much longer can we be like them? I can''t wait to wear that cool blue robes."

    "And the beams of light they shot, especially the golden ones, were really cool. The demons immediately turned to ash."

    "We haven''t reached the point of learning to unleash that golden divine power yet, have we? When will we be able to?"

    The students were really excited to talk about the Guardians. They laughed together while reading the netizens'' comments on those videos.

    "Look, someone commented, ''Miss beautiful in a blue dress, my heart is instantly captivated by you. May I ask you to marry me?''"

    The other students laughed.

    Ryan smiled along with the cheerful chatter of the students. But in his heart, it felt bitter. If they face enemies as strong as Beelzebub, will they still be able to survive?

    When his dinner was halfway done, a male student around twenty years old approached him. Behind him, several male students followed. The male student has red hair and a slim yet muscular build.

    The other students eating around the table where Ryan was sitting saw the red-haired boy approaching Ryan and started whispering. Ryan, who had experienced school life before, quickly understood that the boy approaching him was a thug.

    "Hi, how are you? Your name is Ryan, right? My name is Rohan." The male student greeted Ryan. "They who are behind me are my subordinates."

    Ryan looked at Rohan and replied to his greeting. "Hi, Rohan. Nice to meet you."

    Rohan grinned and sat in the chair in front of Ryan.

    "I will get straight to business. Would you like to join me?" asked Rohan.

    "Joining you in what?" Ryan asked somewhat confusedly.

    "Of course, become my subordinate," said Rohan while laughing and hitting the table quite hard. His subordinates behind him also laughed.

    Ryan looked at Rohan calmly and replied, "Sorry, but I can''t."

    Rohan, upon hearing that, immediately slammed the table again, this time harder. "Why? You think you''re a tough guy? You think that because you are The Chosen One, you don''t want to join us?"

    Ryan shook his head. "I just can''t."

    Rohan got up from his seat in anger, the chair he had just been sitting on almost thrown from its place.

    "You will know the consequences for rejecting my offer!" Rohan shouted as he left the dining hall, followed by his subordinates.

    Ryan sighed. He can''t just make friends. He was more afraid that his friends would also be targeted by the Time Weaver and got hurt.