Chapter 247: Egyptian Friends
"So, what you're saying is that after those few people went inside, that thing appeared out of nowhere within half a day, without any warning?" After hearing Bill's account, Evans rubbed his chin. "Not even any sound?"
"Right, no sound at all. At least we didn't hear anything even though we were nearby." Bill nodded. "Moreover, I've never seen the monsters inside that pyramid before, nor have I even heard of them."
They weren't living creatures, and they weren't created by Dark Magic either. Although they looked terrifying, they had no evil aura whatsoever.
Not just those monsters, but the entire pyramid, emanating a black mist, had no trace of a Dark Magic aura. Nor did they sense any pressure or fear from it.
One could say that, except for looking frightening and being attacked by monsters upon entry, it was like an ordinary wizard tomb.
However, any ancient Egyptian wizards important enough to be buried in pyramids were all renowned figures. Yet in the records he'd reviewed, none mentioned any famous wizards dying in this region, nor did any records reference such a pyramid.
No information, no history, yet capable of constructing such a massive pyramid.
A strange emotion flickered in Bill's eyes, but he didn't speak. Instead, he looked at Evans and waited for his senior to make a decision.
After pondering briefly, Evans spoke softly, "Standing here wondering isn't going to help. Let's go see the place first."
"All right." The group stood to head outside, but before Evans took a few steps, Charlie, beside him, reached out and grabbed him.
Turning around, he saw Charlie staring at him with obvious intent written all over his face.
Evans suddenly recalled his earlier promise to Charlie. He slapped his forehead and told the others, "You all head out first. I'll treat Charlie's leg."
"Treat his leg?" Confusion flashed in Bill's eyes. Then, as if suddenly understanding, "Calculating the time, Fawkes is due for rebirth?"
"Yes. Since I'm here, I might as well find a place to help it shed its last tail feather." Evans nodded. After the others left the tent, he tapped the suitcase in his hand.
Exiting the tent and looking at the sky, Bill spoke softly.
"Senior seems to have gotten much stronger."
Though ordinary wizards couldn't easily sense others' magical power, as a Curse-Breaker, Bill was particularly sensitive to magical strength.
When they'd parted two years ago, he'd felt that his senior's magical power far exceeded his own. But now—
"There's nothing surprising about him getting stronger." The bald, burly man, Jafari, crossed his arms. "When I first met him, I never thought he was human."
"A twenty-year-old fighting toe-to-toe with someone like me, who's been a bounty hunter for over a decade, not falling behind in magic or spirit. I've lived over a decade longer than him, yet can't gain any advantage!" Saying this, the bald man seemed to remember something and made a dissatisfied face.
"After all, he's the Egyptian Ministry's most terrifying nightmare. Just look at those Aurors' expressions." The woman gave a teasing laugh, glancing at the Aurors around them who occasionally shot fearful glances in their direction.
But the next second, a somewhat helpless voice sounded behind her.
"Talking about me again behind my back?"
Turning around, she saw Evans emerging from the tent carrying his suitcase, with Charlie behind him looking completely fine.
"Let's go. Let's check out that pyramid," Evans said.
At the Pyramid Site
Beside the surging river, a griffin's cry echoed through the sky. After the cry, several beast roars came from the ground, responding to the call.
"Roar!"
"Hisss~"
"Here comes the little brother?"
Wait, that roar sounded a bit odd?
As the griffin's wings stirred up dust from the ground, it slowly descended. Evans jumped from the griffin's back and looked at several giant beasts approaching from a distance.
In front was a creature that resembled a fire dragon, but it had the wings and head of a bird. The giant bird-head wore an excited expression, flapping its wings as it rapidly charged this way.
Behind the griffin came Lulu, a Snallygaster Evans had brought from America to Egypt. Although often mistaken for a small dragon, Snallygasters were actually part-reptile, part-bird creatures with naturally inquisitive temperaments. Lulu's fierce curiosity drove her to investigate and taste everything she encountered, a trait that had earned her kind their fearsome reputation as devourers.
Behind Lulu writhed a Runespoor, its three heads twisting sinuously through the air at high speed. Following the serpent came a Manticore, its human head perched atop a lion's muscular body, its scorpion tail curved and ready.
Watching those three figures charge over, Evans tapped the side of the suitcase, then opened it.
Three enormous Sphinx heads emerged from the suitcase one after another, slightly sniffing the surrounding air. Their expressions became somewhat intoxicated.
"Familiar scent!"
"Nile River air!"
"Smells wonderful!"
After the three Sphinxes had completely emerged, Lulu had already reached Evans, charging as if about to knock him flying.
However, Evans showed no fear and simply smiled as the giant beast charged toward him.
Just as the sharp beak was about to poke through Evans's chest, Luolu's form suddenly stopped. Seeing Evans's unchanged expression, it called out in dissatisfaction.
"Roar!"
"All right, all right, no more playing around." Evans stroked the giant bird head, exchanged greetings with the Runespoor behind it, and waved at the Manticore.
"Uncle Bede, long time no see. I'm guessing I'll need your help this time."
"Ah, what trouble? We're family!" The Manticore waved its giant claws, then looked up at the sky.
Several figures riding flying carpets were speeding this way. Given their speed, it would take them a while longer to arrive.
After greeting his friends, Evans raised his head to gaze at the distant pyramid, which was emanating a rolling black mist, rising high into the clouds.
This pyramid seemed considerably taller than Egypt's most famous Khufu Pyramid. The bricks it was made from looked golden. If not for the black mist surrounding it, this should have been an excellent tourist attraction.
Unfortunately, that black mist concealed the pyramid's brilliance, making the otherwise magnificent structure appear somewhat ominous.
Yet as Bill had said, Evans could sense not a trace of Dark Magic from this pyramid, nor any uncomfortable curse sensation.
But if it wasn't Dark Magic, why was there so much black smoke around this pyramid?
A special effect?
While Evans observed the pyramid, the flying carpets finally came to a landing. Besides Bill's group, several Aurors had followed.
After all, clarifying the matter of this pyramid was their purpose for coming.
However, looking at each Auror's expression of being ready to die, Evans still felt rather helpless.
Forget it. Once this matter is resolved, I'll find an opportunity to clear up those rumors.
He looked at Bill, who'd just descended from the carpet.
"Where should we start investigating?"