Man of Archives

The flight was challenging, primarily because it was difficult to control my body, which was on the verge of orgasm. My hands gripped the broomstick until they ached, but eventually, I noticed the ground below and saw that dawn was breaking. The landscape quickly transformed into a large city. Hovering at a distance, I began scanning the shoreline, searching for any clues that might help me identify where I had ended up. For now, though, there were none.

 

Calming down a bit, I pulled out a map and quickly realized I was near the city of Damietta in Egypt. Not bad, not bad at all. Suddenly, a flying carpet appeared out of nowhere, carrying a tall man. His skin was light brown, likely from years of exposure to the sun. He wore a simple, light-colored tunic, with a multicolored scarf draped around his neck. A strange headpiece, reminiscent of a turban, adorned his head, matching the light tone of his tunic.

 

"Greetings, traveler," he spoke first in perfect English. "I am Asim, one of the guards."

 

"Timothy Jody," I responded. "A traveler."

 

"Welcome," he nodded slightly, and I did the same in return. "What brings you to the lands of Egypt?"

 

"I’m here to rest, explore the history and culture," I replied.

 

"And where are you flying from?" Asim asked curiously.

 

"From the island of Crete," I answered.

 

Asim's expression shifted, and I could sense a mix of sympathy and surprise mingling with his curiosity.

 

"Then you definitely need rest," he agreed. "But first, you must register with the Pharaonate."

 

"Alright," I nodded. "And where is the Pharaonate located?"

 

"In Cairo," the wizard replied calmly. "Follow me. I’ll take you to our office where you can register with the Pharaonate."

 

I flew closer as the wizard settled comfortably onto his carpet.

 

"Oh, and one more thing," he said, "In Egypt, flying on brooms is prohibited except in designated areas."

 

"And carpets?" I asked.

 

"Not recommended within city limits," Asim replied smoothly.

 

"Got it," I nodded.

 

We descended quickly, landing in the courtyard of an unremarkable, sand-colored building. It had small windows, wooden doors, and a few wizards sitting in the shade. The sun was rising, but it wasn't yet hot enough to force everyone into hiding, though they had already chosen to do so. Curious glances followed me, but no one made a move. That was a relief.

 

The interior of the building wasn't particularly impressive either. A few artifacts occasionally emitted strange sounds, but nothing more. Oh, except for the cat that caught my attention. It gazed at the world with an air of disdain, its ears pierced and adorned with what appeared to be diamonds, if my memory served me right. The cat glanced at me, lazily flicking its tail before returning to whatever it had been studying: a shadowed, empty corner. Alright then.

 

The room we entered was fairly large and windowless, with a few magical fireflies fluttering in the corners. It was cooler here than outside or in the first room.

 

"Here’s the fireplace," the wizard pointed. "The address for the Cairo Pharaonate."

 

"Thank you."

 

I took a pinch of Floo powder, threw it into the flames, and said, "Cairo Pharaonate."

 

In an instant, I was pulled into the familiar transition. Exits flashed by, none of which were mine. For a brief moment, I felt the spatial configuration shift. That could only mean one thing—the exit was near. And I was right.

 

My feet landed on the ash, kicking up a small cloud. I immediately stepped forward and to the side. Almost at once, I held my breath. The Cairo Pharaonate was massive on the inside. The air was cool and fresh. Exhaling slowly, I began to take in everything around me.

 

In the center stood a tall sculpture, gazing into the distance. On its head were strange hands reaching upward. Below the pedestal was a single word: "Heka." Surrounding it was a small pool of water, where white flowers floated gently.

 

The walls were not just walls but waterfalls, their gentle sound filling the hall. Ancient drawings on the stone surfaces exuded an aura of deep antiquity. Honestly, I could have spent much longer observing everything, but I was interrupted. A stout man with a well-groomed beard approached, speaking in clear English.

 

"How may we assist you?"

 

"Good day," I replied. "I’ve just arrived and would like to register."

 

"Then follow me," he indicated a small door near the travel fireplaces. "They will assist you there. You can also get information for travelers."

 

"Thank you."

 

Entering the room, I saw a man seated with two half-naked women. He was draped in gold, carefully reading a document. The women were fanning him with strange, ornate fans.

 

“***” he said something briefly, and the women stopped, stepping back to allow the man to focus on me.

 

"How can I help you?" he asked.

 

"I need to register," I answered calmly. "I was told you could assist with that."

 

"Of course," he replied. "I’ll help you."

 

He pulled out a large wooden board with a square sheet of paper. After a few flicks of his hand, text appeared on the paper.

 

"What is your name?" he asked.

 

"Timothy Jody."

 

"Any titles or ranks?"

 

"Master of Transfiguration," I responded.

 

His quill paused for a moment, then he wrote it down with a calm precision. His demeanor conveyed both respect and a genuine curiosity to know more about me. The women attending him also seemed interested, though they remained silent.

 

I displayed my ring as proof—it was the best evidence.

 

"How long do you plan to stay with us?"

 

"I’m not sure," I shrugged. "It’s hard to say."

 

"No problem," he nodded. "What’s the purpose of your visit?"

 

"Tourism," I replied. "Mainly resting and enjoying my time."

 

"Your wand, please."

 

He placed another artifact on the table. After laying my wand on it, I waited a few seconds before returning it to its holster.

 

"Perfect, thank you again," he said. The paper glowed gold and transformed into a small wooden card with gilded edges. "Here is your identification document for interactions with the guards and other wizards. I suggest keeping it visible so everyone knows you’re not a local."

 

"I understand," I nodded.

 

Naturally, I didn’t wear the card openly but tucked it into my pocket.

 

"I heard you can also get tourist information here?" I asked.

 

"Of course," the man nodded and pulled a small booklet, folded eight times, from his desk.

 

"Thank you. Is there anything else I need to do for registration?"

 

"No," he shook his head.

 

"Then goodbye."

 

After bidding farewell, I returned to the enormous hall and headed toward the exit, opening the tourist guide along the way. There is much in Egypt that can captivate an inexperienced traveler. I am one of them, although this isn’t the first country I’ve visited.

 

First, I need to decide where I want to stay. I could book a room in a hotel and think about where I want to go next—or if I want to go anywhere at all. There aren’t many hotels for wizard tourists, only three. They allow brewing potions, working with artifacts, and even training in a dueling hall. If none of that is necessary, a non-wizard hotel is also an option. The price for such hotels is lower, which is popular among younger travelers from the magical world. But there’s one catch. To stay in such a hotel, you need Muggle documents and must visit one of the offices where everything is arranged according to non-magical world laws.

 

I’m leaning toward staying among non-wizards. It’s cheaper, more interesting, and no one will try to talk to me or learn anything about me. I’ll be able to rest and get myself together. Too much has happened over the past few days.

 

I had my Muggle documents with me, so for a few Galleons, I received a stamp in my passport and was free to go.

 

The entrance to the Cairo Pharaonate is located in the Village of the Pharaohs. The hotel I plan to stay at, if there’s room, is in a place called the Necropolis of Giza. After exchanging money at the Pharaonate, I set out for the Muggle part of the city. Almost immediately, the heat hit me as soon as I stepped outside.

 

Direct buses run from the Village of the Pharaohs to the Necropolis of Giza, so I boarded one without much concern. After paying for the ticket, I settled in to wait for departure. Most of the bus passengers were tourists, and I could hear a variety of languages, from English to something Asian.

 

The streets of Cairo were crowded and filled with cars. Everyone was busy with their own affairs. At one of the stops, another group of tourists boarded, speaking in a familiar language. Frowning, I tried to understand what they were saying. Then, something clicked—they were speaking a Slavic language.

 

"No, it’s not him," one guy exhaled. "I’m sure."

 

"It is him," the second insisted confidently. "I’ll ask him later."

 

Their emotions were strong—interest, curiosity, and excitement. Their mental defenses were weak, suggesting they were wizards. Of course, I wasn’t going to attack them; that would be foolish and would definitely ruin my chance at a peaceful vacation.

 

I continued to pretend I didn’t understand them. The guys fell silent, but I could still feel their curious, slightly predatory gazes.

 

At the right stop, I got off the bus along with many other tourists. They quickly broke off into groups and went about their business. I spotted the hotel I was looking for. After taking just a few steps, one of the guys caught up with me.

 

"Excuse me, sir," he said loudly.

 

I turned calmly and smiled.

 

"How can I help you?"

 

"I feel like I know you from somewhere," he said. "Are you Timothy Jody?"

 

"Yes," I nodded. "And where do you know me from?"

 

"I’ve seen you in the papers," he said. "I’m Andrei Tagan, and these are my friends—Vasily, Dima, and Yaroslav."

 

"Nice to meet you, gentlemen," I nodded to them. "I see you’re here on vacation too?"

 

"Of course," Andrei nodded. "We’re on leave from work, so we’re taking advantage of it."

 

"That’s wonderful," I nodded. "Have you been here long?"

 

"We arrived a week ago," he said. "And you?"

 

"Oh, I just got here," I nodded. "I’m planning to check into the hotel now."

 

"Then we won’t keep you," Andrei said, turning to his friends.

 

"Yeah," one of them agreed.

 

"Of course."

 

"We understand."

 

Those were the replies from his friends.

 

"Thanks," I nodded. "It was nice meeting you."

 

"You too," Andrei nodded. "By the way, how about going to a bar or club tonight?"

 

"I’m not sure about that," I exhaled. "I need to rest and get used to the place."

 

"Alright," Andrei nodded and extended his hand.

 

I shook it in response. After that, the group left, and I headed into the hotel, carefully checking my clothes. I had a suspicion they weren’t as friendly as they seemed. The emotions of excitement, anticipation, and a certain eagerness made me tense.

 

And yes, I found a very small needle, the size of a hair, attached to my sleeve. It emanated subtle magical energy. If I hadn’t been so attentive, I would have missed it. It seemed I’d be seeing them again, and something told me that the next encounter wouldn’t be pleasant for one of us.

 

"Tsk... damn it," I muttered, feeling a flicker of anger. No day of peace.

 

The hotel greeted me with smiling staff. Since I didn’t have any luggage, they simply let me pass to the registration desk. Two girls with dusky skin worked behind it.

 

"How can Best Western help you?" one of the girls asked, quickly recognizing the language I spoke.

 

"I’d like to book a room," I told them.

 

"Alright," she nodded. "Did you make a reservation?"

 

"No," I shook my head.

 

"We have a few rooms available, but it depends on how long you plan to stay," she continued.

 

"Maybe a week," I said after some thought. Whether it would actually be a week, I wasn’t sure, but I hoped it would be. I had no desire to get caught up in anything, though I had a feeling that, no matter how much I wanted to avoid it, adventures were already waiting for me.

 

"Then we have a lovely mid-range room," she said. "With an all-inclusive package."

 

"And what does that package include?" I asked.

 

"Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and all the hotel’s entertainment," she quickly listed. "We have two pools with water activities, a gym, a bar, and a disco—all free with the all-inclusive package."

 

Hmm, that didn’t sound bad. I asked about the price, and it was affordable.

 

"Will I be able to extend my stay?" I asked.

 

"Probably not in the same room," she answered after thinking. "It depends on the reservations, but if we have a free room, we’ll offer it to you."

 

"Then I’ll take it for two weeks with the package," I said after a moment of reflection.

 

"Excellent choice!" she said and began working on a large, thick monitor. She worked slowly, but her emotions radiated pure joy and a kind of dreaminess. "May I see your identification?"

 

"Timothy Jody," I said, handing her my passport.

 

She slowly began entering the information. No one rushed her—not her colleague, not me, and not any other clients, of which there were none at the moment.

 

"Done!" she nodded happily. "You’re in our system. Your room is number 232."

 

Handing me a key with a large wooden keychain, I paid for the two-week stay at the hotel.

 

Waving to the staff, I headed to my room. As soon as I reached it, I went straight to the shower. Afterward, I had a quick lunch at the local restaurant, followed by sleep.

 

A deep, 12-hour sleep. What could be better? Only the knowledge that no one is trying to cause you trouble. But I don’t have that luxury. What can you do—such is life.

 

When I woke up the next day, I washed up again, had a bite to eat, and returned to the room to finally figure out what evolution had occurred within me after absorbing that Arcad. A completely unexpected and unplanned event, to be honest. But the gifts of fate must be accepted.

 

The first thing I noticed was that I could now load and analyze two books at once. Moreover, both the speed of analysis and loading had increased, allowing me to look to the future with more confidence. Additionally, I gained a new feature called "Super Analysis." I’m not sure yet how useful it is or what it’s for, but I suspect it’s related to my Analysis ability.

 

Returning to the real world, I allowed myself a satisfied smirk. Things would go faster now. I didn’t gain any knowledge from Arcad, though. Interesting—why? Maybe because he wasn’t human? An intriguing theory... but one I certainly don’t want to test.

 

After casting a few spells, I ensured I could apparate back to this room. Of course, I’ll need to create a few more such points, but I’ll leave that for later. I’ll need to head into the desert or somewhere else to train and test my abilities. But first, I need to deal with those "tourists" and figure out what they want from me.

 

Since I’m already here, it would be a shame not to see something new. Egypt holds a significant place in magical history, as it was here, among the pyramids, that some of the first schools—similar to modern magical schools—emerged. Overall, the history here is rich.

 

After a swim in the pool, I returned to my room for more rest. For the next few days, I did nothing but sleep, eat, swim, and analyze the books I had already loaded. With the ability to analyze two books at once, my speed had doubled, at the very least.

 

When I finally felt somewhat rested, I decided it was time to explore the local sights. Cairo and its surroundings are full of them. As a wizard, I could book a tour of magical landmarks or non-magical ones. The difference is that the wait for a tour of magical sites is much longer, as local guides need at least seven people. Gathering seven wizards isn’t always easy, especially for something as niche as tourist tours of landmarks, which aren’t exactly cheap.

 

But before I explore, I need to figure out what gift I received from Zeus as an additional reward. And I need to cash that check. The second task is simple—just inspect the envelope for any "jokes," and then, voila—money in my account. The first task requires more active spellwork, as I don’t want to deal with any complications.

 

Besides, I also need to resume my study of the Philosopher's Stone. But for that, I’ll need to go somewhere remote. I don’t want to draw the attention of other wizards. But first, let’s focus on exploring the local attractions.

 

First on my list: the pyramids.

 

The Pyramid of Menkaure, also known as the Pyramid of Mykerinos, rises above the endless sands of the Egyptian desert. Built in ancient times, it’s the smallest of the three pyramids of Giza, but its grandeur and significance in magical history cannot be underestimated.

 

Constructed from limestone, granite, and other magical materials, the pyramid gleams under the bright sun, its smooth surface a testament to the skill and precision of the ancient builders. The three levels of the pyramid rise about 66 feet, with each layer slightly smaller than the one below, creating a sense of visual harmony.

 

As I approached the pyramid, its sheer size became overwhelming. Ancient hieroglyphs filled with magical meanings and intricate carvings adorned the entrance, telling the story of Pharaoh Menkaure, his court magicians, and the most important events of his reign. A long, narrow corridor leading to the inner tomb felt like a journey back in time, with walls covered in intricate carvings depicting the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife. Even here, a sharp eye could detect traces of magic, such as moving images.

 

Along the way, there were several checkpoints issuing warnings to tourists about what could and couldn’t be done. Wizards received especially detailed pamphlets, as the tomb wasn’t the safest place on earth. One of the rules was not to touch anything—neither with hands, wands, nor other artifacts.

 

Entering the pyramid, the air was thick with the weight of history and ancient magic. The rooms inside were dimly lit, with only faint beams of light seeping through narrow openings, casting an otherworldly glow. In the presence of such an ancient and mysterious structure, I felt small.

 

At times, the walls lit up with an eerie glow that illuminated the intricate carvings and hieroglyphs. Magical flashes made you wonder if it was wise to proceed further. The mental pressure was subtle but undeniable.

 

In the first chamber, the ceiling soared high above. The stone blocks forming the walls were rough to the touch, their surfaces tingling with magical properties. The room was empty, save for a few shards of clay pots and debris that had accumulated over the millennia. The silence was deafening, broken only by the echo of my steps on the stone floor.

 

The second chamber was smaller, with a lower ceiling and more elaborate carvings on the walls depicting the pharaoh and his wife. The hieroglyphs, as the plaque beneath them explained, told the story of their reign, love, and loyalty. Occasionally, the figures moved, acting out scenes of conversation, arguments, passion, and more.

 

The final chamber was the most interesting. In the center stood Pharaoh Menkaure’s sarcophagus, its lid missing because wizards who had discovered the pyramid had been too curious. The pharaoh had become an undead being, persisting through the ages. As I had learned in Magical History, they had to call in a small team of battle mages to finally lay him to rest, scattering his ashes over the sea.

 

"Fascinating," came a female voice from behind me. Turning, I saw a short, dark-haired woman dressed entirely in Muggle clothing. "So much time has passed, and yet we can still connect with a time that was already ancient during the Roman Empire."

 

"No kidding," I nodded in agreement.

 

"Indiana Smith," she introduced herself. "New York University."

 

To be honest, I hadn’t expected a woman to approach me and try to strike up a conversation so quickly.

 

"Timothy Jody," I replied. I could tell right away that she wasn’t connected to the magical world. Her mind was like an open book, her thoughts and desires clearly written. Even after a quick and careful scan, I was certain I had piqued her interest.

 

Indiana had received a grant to search for an artifact known as the Eye of Horus, or Wadjet. If she found it, she was supposed to bring it back for study. In magical history, the Eye of Horus is also well known as the prototype for some spells in later times, as well as for other, lesser artifacts. I didn’t know where it was, but I knew the artifact did indeed exist.

 

"Honestly, I didn’t expect to meet anyone else at this time of day," Indiana said. "Are you from some English university?"

 

"No," I shook my head, surprised by her assumption that I might be her competition in the hunt for the artifact. "I’m just a traveler. A tourist, you might say."

 

"Ahh," she drawled, but there wasn’t a shred of belief in her thoughts. Not just a shred—there was none at all.

 

I honestly didn’t know what to say in this situation. I had no desire to use magic on her, as she hadn’t learned anything about it. I decided to simply ignore her suspicions.

 

"Mr. Jody, what are your future plans?"

 

"Maybe I’ll go see some other interesting places in Egypt," I replied. "I haven’t decided yet."

 

"Yes, it’s a tough decision," she agreed. "And when are you planning to return home?"

 

"I haven’t decided," I shrugged. "I have a room booked for a little over a week."

 

"Cool, cool."

 

"Indiana, are you in here?" a male voice called, and a tall, almost giant black man entered the room, immediately eyeing me warily.

 

"Who’s this?"

 

"Timothy Jody," Indiana answered. "He claims to be a tourist."

 

"Hmm," his suspicions deepened, and not-so-nice thoughts began to form in his mind, like It wouldn’t be bad if he... disappeared somewhere. He looked civilized, but inside, he was a piece of work.

 

"Jackson Stubb," he introduced himself.

 

"Nice to meet you," I nodded. He tried to win a staring contest with me, but that was doomed from the start. In this game, no one can beat a wizard with a bit of Legilimency skill. And what should I do with this unfriendly guy? Alright, I’ll leave him be for now. Let them enjoy their search for the artifact.

 

"I’d love to spend more time with you, but I need to get going."

 

"Of course, of course," Indiana said. "Before you leave, would you like to join my research mission?"

 

"I think I’ll pass," I exhaled, feigning sadness.

 

"I didn’t really expect you to," she waved her hand. "Then I’ll just wish you a pleasant vacation."

 

"And I wish you luck in your search."

 

With that, I left the pyramid and found myself once again under the scorching Egyptian sun.

 

Meanwhile, I was preparing for the possibility that they might attack me. I still remembered the needle with the tracking charm left on me. Of course, there could be many reasons why Andrei did what he did.

 

Returning to the hotel, I began to think about where I would go next. There were plenty of options, but I needed to choose one that was both interesting and worthwhile. I think the Great Sphinx could be fascinating. There are legends that, if you’re lucky, it will reveal the path to great and necessary treasures. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know, but why not check it out? At the very least, it should be interesting.

 

After dinner and some relaxation by the pool, I returned to my room and got back to analyzing books. Two at once—what a fantastic boost.

 

Early the next morning, I noticed I was being followed. First came the realization that it was the same guys I’d met earlier. Even spotting them was easy, but there was one problem: they didn’t look like the people I had met before. It seemed they were using a potion to blend in with the local crowd. One of them was disguised as an Egyptian, while the others looked like tourists. Their disguises were perfect, and without my Legilimency skills, things would have been much more difficult.

 

"Mister," an older man addressed me. "Would you like to join us for a little trip?"

 

"Yes," another chimed in. "We’re just one person short for the tour."

 

"And what kind of tour is it?" I asked.

 

"We’re going to visit the Pyramid of Djoser," the third man said. The Egyptian who had suggested the "tour" didn’t stay silent either.

 

"If you join us, I’ll be able to conduct the tour for all of you," he said. "Because then we’ll have the minimum number of people. And believe me, the Pyramid of Djoser is a very interesting place. Everyone should see it."

 

"Hmm," I muttered.

 

"I’ll even pay for you," another person offered.

 

"How long will this tour take?" I asked.

 

"We’ll be back by evening," the Egyptian quickly replied.

 

Honestly, I wasn’t afraid of them, so why not? I wasn’t opposed to getting rid of this problem quickly.

 

"Alright then!" I nodded. "If you’re so eager, I don’t mind. When do we leave?"

 

"My car’s already cool," the Egyptian said.

 

The car turned out to be a small jeep with wide tires. There was a spare tire on the back door and another on the roof. One thing that caught my eye was a strange tree-shaped ornament hanging from the rearview mirror. Overall, everything looked a bit odd.

 

"Great," I nodded with a smile. "But first, I need to visit the royal throne. I’ll be right back."

 

"Royal throne?" one of the guys asked, confused.

 

"You know, ride the white horse," I answered.

 

"I’ve never seen white horses in Egypt," the fake Egyptian muttered.

 

"You know, drop the ballast," I decided to give an even more obvious hint.

 

"Ohh," one of them finally caught on.

 

Like giraffes, it takes them a while to get it.

 

But the truth is, I didn’t need to go to the bathroom at all. Locking myself in the stall, I quickly began preparing for what might happen. I cast spells to protect my clothes from various types of attacks—especially in case they tried to stab me. Then, I enchanted my shoes, giving them some additional features. If there was a fight, I’d need to change my outfit anyway.

 

Only when I felt fully prepared did I leave the stall. With the friendliest smile on my face, I approached them and got into the car. The jeep sped off, moving cautiously but fast enough not to draw extra attention. Sitting in the middle of the backseat, I didn’t feel particularly comfortable.

 

After about ten minutes, we left the city and hit a main road. The jeep picked up speed, but still, nothing happened. Outside the city, the road narrowed, and there were stretches where we didn’t see any other cars coming toward us.

 

"We need to stop," the driver said. "Take a break and admire the desert."

 

"Yeah," they all quickly agreed.

 

"I know a great dune with a fantastic view not far from here," he said. "We’ll stop there."

 

We turned off the main road onto a smaller one, which eventually turned into sand. After driving for another ten minutes, the jeep pulled over.

 

"Well, take your break," the driver said.

 

We all got out of the car. The guys’ emotions made it clear that things were about to start right now. How they would attack... well, I was curious. Magic or cold steel? Or maybe something Muggle-like?

In an instant, someone grabbed my shoulder, and I felt a blow to my back. But there was no pain. A flash of surprise came from them, and I lunged forward, rolling across the sand. My wand was already in my hand. Acting purely on reflex, I cast a spell I’d grown quite fond of during my training in Malta.

 

The guy with the knife didn’t have time to react—his body was instantly fragmented into several bloody pieces. The Polyjuice Potion he had taken wore off, revealing the familiar face of one of the guys. Next, I blocked a weak magical attack from Andrei, who had disguised himself as the Egyptian.

 

But as much as they frightened me, they were no match for me. I caught the spell on my shield, then raised a small wave of sand, obscuring myself before launching a finishing strike. And just like that, two more of his helpers were dead, leaving only Andrei and me, one-on-one.

 

"Tsk-tsk-tsk," I shook my head. "What’s all this for?"

 

"Die!" Andrei screamed, launching a downpour of spells at me. But… it wasn’t nearly enough to challenge me. The Prior of the Order would spit on my grave if I lost here.

 

With a flick of my wand, Andrei’s wand flew out of his hand. Another spell, and his legs were gone—cut off. Pain flooded his eyes, but I wasn’t stopping. One more spell, and another body hit the ground. Absorbing them was easy and brought a certain satisfaction. Plus, I now had four more memory strands with their knowledge. I’m sure this will come in handy.

 

A wave of my wand turned the corpses to dust. And that was the end of their saga. I didn’t even feel any pressure or danger. Sure, the knife attack had been unexpected, but I had prepared. Their first and most surprising blow failed. After that, I dominated them.

 

Now, the question is—what next? Getting rid of the evidence was easy. Now I just need to get back.

 

***

 

Andrei Bolshakov sat in his chair completely naked, staring at the clock. But this wasn’t just any clock—it didn’t show time; it displayed the status of his family members. Or more accurately, his clan. He had been severely punished for what had happened during the Olympiad. And he deserved it, for failing to prevent his protégé from dueling.

 

Sipping a light green liquid from his glass, he watched as the names of Andrei, Vasily, Dima, and Yaroslav hovered in the "danger" zone. When he received the message from Andrei that they had encountered the Olympiad winner in Egypt, alone, he was momentarily stunned. The information seemed too good to be true. He instructed them to verify that Timothy wasn’t bait. But no, he wasn’t.

 

A Master of Transfiguration, traveling without a retinue or protection—it was like a ripe fruit begging to be plucked. It would be foolish not to. After all, revenge is a sweet fruit, impossible to resist.

 

He gave the order to kill with anticipation. This group had never let him down—they were the children of his cousins. Excellent wizards and even better duelists, ready to do the dirty work. Somewhere right now, events were unfolding, and the clock would tell him exactly what had happened.

 

In a single moment, Dima’s hand dropped to "dead." A coldness spread inside Andrei. In the next second, Yaroslav’s and Vasily’s hands fell into the "dead" zone too. The realization that his task had failed hit him like a dragon’s claw. And then, Andrei’s hand fell into the "dead" zone as well.

 

Bolshakov took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. But nothing worked, and in his fury, he hurled his glass against the wall. He wanted to destroy everything around him, then hide away somewhere in a cellar to escape the rage and hatred of his cousins.