Pages turn, a story unfolds, Secrets hidden, tales untold. Exploding minds, a journey starts, In every chapter, wisdom imparts.

THE BOOK

After returning to Thebes from their journey to the Nubian kingdom, the group gathered in General Setka's office. The room was adorned with weapons like spears, swords, and shields on the walls. The floor was made of bricks and featured a thick, high-quality rug in red and gold. A wooden table with cushioned chairs dominated the centre of the room, while a sofa accommodated Ramon, Jack, and Kamil. Two small single sofas hosted Kasib and Khonsu beside the main sofa.

Menes, holding the small book in his hand, sat next to Setka at the main table. He turned to Jack and the rest of the group and said, "Okay, so let's see what their research says."

Kamil added, "This may or may not shatter our view on the Chronotex."

"You're right. Let's see," Menes said as he opened the first page of the small book. The book wasn't very large, but every inch of it was filled with ink.

Menes cleared his throat and began to read...

The Chronotex is a material that has existed since the beginning of time. There is not enough evidence to suggest its existence before this point.

Its properties are intricately linked to time, space, and elements present in the natural world, such as earth and other elemental forces.

Chronotex can be categorized into three main types:

Core Powers (Classic abilities related to space, time, and elements): Core Powers are the oldest form of Chronotex abilities, tied to fundamental elements like space, time, and nature. They're incredibly powerful and remain consistent over time. Users with these abilities are often very formidable. For example, the Anubis wields the devastating power of Black Hole. This is just one example of the many potent abilities in this category.

Evolved Powers (Advanced abilities beyond the core): These abilities have the capacity to evolve over time due to the will of the Chronotex. It possesses a volition of its own, and based on this, the abilities may change. This category is one of the most common among Chronotex users. An example is Commander Drexel's power, which doesn't belong to the core elements of nature but rather the evolved category. These powers might not start off as the strongest, but they often provide advantages in unconventional ways to users.

Innovations (Cutting-edge and unique powers): These abilities are exceptionally rare, observed in only a few users. They stand apart from the core and evolved powers. While they can be formidable and even threatening, they often come with significant weaknesses. Specific evidence for these powers is limited, but their existence is certain.

Implementation of dark energy in Chronotex abilities is a crucial aspect. All Chronotex users can utilize dark energy, but only up to level 2. At this stage, users can craft their own abilities with dark energy, combining it with their Chronotex. Additionally, advanced users at level 2 can form protective Armor using dark energy, enhancing their combat capabilities.

Dark energy has a unique interaction with Chronotex. When used against an opponent's Chronotex, it weakens it significantly. This makes it a valuable tool in combat, especially for countering Chronotex-based opponents.

However, a critical point to note is that those aiming to reach Level 3 in dark energy must forego using the Chronotex entirely, as attempting both concurrently leads to fatal consequences, as evidenced by two unfortunate incidents during testing.

There exists a hybrid level, denoted as Level 2.5 in dark energy. This level represents the highest achievable before Level 3. Hybrids possess abilities that can sometimes surpass even the core Chronotex powers. This makes them formidable individuals in their own right (HYBRIDS CANNOT USE THE CHRONOTEX JUST LIKE ANY DARK ENERGY USERS).

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

Furthermore, it's important to note that a Chronotex is destroyed when its user passes away. The power dissipates and can no longer be accessed by anyone. However, there is an exception. Before their demise, a Chronotex user has the ability to will their power to another person. This is the sole method through which a Chronotex's power can be preserved and transferred.

Kamil, still processing the information, spoke with a hand covering his mouth. "I guess they've really done their research, haven't they, Commander?"

Menes nodded. "Yes, you're right. Although, we knew most of this information, especially the dark energy bit."

Setka chimed in, "However, I am surprised about the category thing. It does make sense."

"Oh, that's why old man Marcus still has his family's Chronotex. It's been passed down through generations," Jack exclaimed.

"You're absolutely right," Ramon added.

Menes then handed the book to Jack. "Here you go, Jack. Keep this with you. It'll be crucial for your Chronotex research."

Jack gratefully accepted it. "Thank you, Commander."

Kamil pondered aloud, "My Chronotex is part of the Evolved Powers category."

Setka, considering, added, "Then mine is part of the core."

Ramon, curious, turned to Kamil. "What category do you think Jack's power falls under?"

Kamil thought for a moment before replying, "I think his might be Evolved Powers or Innovations."

Menes then addressed Setka; his tone more serious. "Setka, we must increase the security around the city. I've told you about the Royal Nebu. They will be coming, and I just don't want to take any risks."

Setka assured him, "I have, don't worry. We've sent guards all around the city."

Ramon suggested, "Hey, let's go buy the materials for the car."

Kamil agreed, "Huh, nice idea. Let's go."

Setka smiled, "Well, you kids should actually go. I think it would be nice and refreshing for you."

Setka then turned to Khonsu and commanded, "Khonsu, look after them."

Khonsu replied, "Yes, Commander. But I have the Chronotex ceremony today."

Ramon, showing surprise, asked, "Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that."

"What's the Chronotex ceremony?" Jack asked, looking a bit puzzled.

Kamil explained, "You remember when we went to retrieve some Chronotex and brought back that big crystal?"

Jack nodded. "Yeah."

Kamil went on, "Well, our swordsmith carves it into a crystal shape precisely. There's a small chance that the Chronotex picks its user when touched by it. That's why the queen selects from the soldiers to be the next Chronotex user."

Jack summarized, "So what you're trying to say is that the deformed crystal is cut into precise shapes, and the soldiers are supposed to touch it, and there's a small chance that they get chosen if the Chronotex wills it."

"Yes. You'll find out more when we get there, Jack," Ramon said, moving the conversation along.

"Alright, let's get going then," Ramon said as he stood up.

Outside the Palace in the marketplace of Thebes

The marketplace in Thebes was a bustling hub of activity. Stalls lined the cobbled streets, each one adorned with a colourful array of goods from every corner of the world. The air was filled with a heady mix of scents - the rich aroma of exotic spices mingling with the earthy scent of clay statues.

Vendors called out, their voices carrying over the din of the crowd, extolling the virtues of their wares. Silk fabrics from distant lands billowed in the breeze, their vibrant hues catching the sunlight. Trinkets and jewellery sparkled in the stalls, reflecting glimmers of gold and silver.

People moved through the market in a lively dance, their footsteps creating a harmonious rhythm against the cobbled stones. Laughter and chatter intermingled with the distant sound of musicians, adding a cheerful backdrop to the vibrant scene.

"Hey Jack, we got all the resources you asked for, including copper wire, magnets like lodestone, and wooden components for the motor's frame," Kamil reported.

Jack, visibly tired, wiped sweat from his face and said, "Okay, that's good."

Ramon, busy loading the carriage with the goods, chimed in, "The wood we need is already back in the palace in the storage room. There's no need to buy it."

"Great, then let's head back," Khonsu, who was positioned in front of the carriage, suggested.

Kasib, scanning their surroundings, suddenly pointed towards the entrance of a shop. "Hey, look there."

"Huh?" The group turned their attention towards the shop's entrance.

"What's there?" Ramon asked.

"Don't you see? This man looks suspicious," Kasib responded.

"You're right," Jack said with a serious expression.

Given Jack's extensive training and experience as a spy, he had acquired the ability to decipher human emotions and actions. However, the implications of this were often far from pleasant.

"Kamil, quick!" Jack shouted as he started to move towards the entrance of the shop where the man stood.

Kamil, one of the most astute members of the group, understood Jack's urgency. He immediately yelled, "Everyone, run!"

The rest of the group swiftly caught on and picked up the gravity of the situation.

"Run!" they all shouted, urging the crowd to scatter.

The market square erupted into chaos. Apples tumbled from baskets, dust billowed in the air, and the thunderous sound of fleeing footsteps echoed through the area. The people outside the shop, sensing danger, joined the stampede.

The man, standing in front of the shop, had legs trembling with fear.

Time seemed to slow down as tears streamed down the man's face. In his final moments, he choked out, "I love you, Aya."

Jack rushed forward, desperately trying to stop him, but it was too late. There was nothing that could be done.

BOOOOOOOOOM!!!

A sudden explosion engulfed the space. Before Jack's eyes, the man's body shattered into pieces. Jack's outstretched hand fell limply by his side.

"Shield!" Kamil bellowed. Swiftly, he conjured a protective barrier in front and to the side of Jack, shielding him from the blast.

The shop's once-yellow bricks turned to a charred black, and the ashes of the man clung to the wall. As the dust settled, the shop's structure started to crumble, and fragments of brick fell to the ground.