The Day of the Strength Competition

Crowds of people formed outside the palace as they entered through the bridge, the sunny sky raining down heat. However, soldiers using massive fans cooled the people walking across. Kids chased each other in their own world, playing games of tag while vendors and families smiled as they walked with food and many other things to eat. One of the kids pointed at the door, saying, "Mother, I can't wait to see everyone fight! It's going to be so amazing! I want to see our General Setka win."

The palace was quite large, with a separate area open for public events. It had a desert field inside, surrounded by marble walls with slots for shops. Vendors looking for more sales would rent these shops for the day of the strength competition. The soldiers were giving out water for thirsty people, and there were many food stands selling soups, bread, fruits, and various Egyptian dishes.

Among the crowd of commoners, there were 2 other types of people.

1 The nobles made their way to the front, blocking their noses with their hands. One noble whispered to his wife, "Poverty stinks. Get us there a little faster, will you?" he said to his horse rider. The rider replied, "Sir, I'm trying, but it's way too crowded."

2 other Organizations

The Anubis

The Anubis wore a cloak over his head to avoid being seen, while Akhet and Nefru followed suit, all standing side by side. "Akhet, Nefru, split up and keep an eye out. Meet me at our assigned seats," said the Anubis

The Merchants Guild

Blackwood wasn't present with his organization. However, Commander Isabella Rossi, the first commander, was present. Her beauty was cloaked and hidden from prying eyes. With her was also Maximilian Weber, the second commander of the Merchants Guild (New Character). A man with a dark skin complexion, bald head, and muscles upon muscles, his eyes were sharp black, and his attitude was hard as a rock. Lastly, Tarek Amunet, one of the captains of the Merchants Guild, was also present. He was responsible for the killings of the two soldiers when Jack was on a mission with Setka. His power allows his body to produce poison. If a person drinks or consumes it, Amunet has influence over that person's emotions and can even kill them by spreading more poison through their body. His power is identified as an Evolved Power (Advanced abilities beyond the core).

Isabella Rossi created three extra clones of herself to spread out and gather more information about new people and their powers in the Royal armies of both kingdoms. Maximilian Weber spoke, "I'm going to get some fruits; you guys go ahead." To which Tarek Amunet replied, "We are in enemy territory. Are you sure you're going to be alright?" Weber gave Amunet a glance of seriousness and spoke, "I'll be fine."

The Vanguard

The Vanguard, a new emerging organization responsible for the attack on the Anubis's trade routes, was also present. Their leader didn't hide his face as no one was aware of who he was yet. Their leader, Renjiro Akihiko, had a nonchalant attitude but a calm demeanor. He had black short hair, and as he walked past, all the women turned their heads, looking at him with lust. He wore a headband, his eyes were blue, and his body was tall but muscular.

Their first commander, Azlan Koe, in his 40s, was a muscular but calm man, observant of his surroundings. He walked with his head down out of respect, always with a slight smile. His skin was brown, and his eyes were black with short brown hair. He always walked with his arms crossed in his cloak's sleeves.

Their second commander, Lloyd Freeks, was a man with pointy hair and green eyes. He wore fashionable clothing, aged about 32, with a white skin complexion. Lloyd wasn't from Egypt; he was more European.

With them were other captains of The Vanguard. First, Ru, a woman with striking blue hair and a light brown tanned skin tone, giving her a distinct appearance. She shouted, "I don't get it, why are all the girls dying over you, Renjiro?" as she slapped his back and Renjiro screamed.

Geno stood out with his imposing figure, possessing strong abilities and a nonchalant, almost indifferent demeanour. He had black hair, brown skin, and a somewhat aloof attitude.

Finally, the last core member of the Vanguard, Atom, a child aged 12 with black hair, wore silk black shirt and shorts. He smiled as he held Geno's hand and walked with the crew.

The crowds started to quiet down as the nobles arrived at the front. Soon, half of the desert field was cleared of people by the soldiers, and everyone was moved to one side. The sound of heavy drums rang through the air as Queen Nefetari arrived on an elephant. She wore gold and a red suit, with four of her servants following her, two at the front and two at the back, wielding massive fans.

She raised her hands to wave at the people of Thebes, who screamed and cheered for her. Beside her stood the man in the white robe, known as Old Man Jules (OMJ), her speaker. As the elephant came to a halt, OMJ opened his scroll.

Clearing his throat, he began, "This is a speech from our queen, Nefetari. Today is a festive day marking the beginning of our annual strength competition. This festive feeling will last for a few days and will be decided by each battle between the combatants. Today, soldiers, is the day you show your strengths and engrave yourself onto the podium of strength." The soldiers cheered. Old Man Jules continued, "I'm sure you have all heard of our recent alliance with the Nubia Kingdom. As a celebration, their army will also join this competition."

The metal doors in front of the audience opened, revealing an army of soldiers and eight distinct individuals on horses at the front.

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"Firstly, I introduce to you Pharaoh Taharqa of the Nubia Kingdom," OMJ announced. The crowd cheered. Pharaoh Taharqa, wearing a white thobe on his white horse with a simple golden crown, arrived next to Queen Nefetari. Her elephant lowered and sat down. Taharqa smiled at Nefetari and thanked her for the warm welcome. The girls in the crowd blushed at the Pharaoh's beauty.

"Next is their general, General Amon Khaldunnnnn!" Amon Khuldun rode his horse slowly, lifting his fist as the crowd cheered once again. The Anubis thought to himself, "So he is the general of the Nubia Kingdom. He looks formidable, just like the tales."

"Next is their first commander, Octavius Drexel. He will be the one to create our coliseum today."

"Next is the child prodigy of Nubia, Commander Kairo, a young man with strength so formidable that he became a commander at age 12." The crowd gasped at this revelation. Renjiro Akihiko asked Ru, "Is there anything you can decrypt from him, Ru?" Ru replied with a shocked face, "No, I can't. His whole presence is ominous."

Akhet, lost in thought, remarked, "He's the one who fought Nehru the Revengeful Flame and was his equal at this age."

Isabella Rosie muttered under her breath, her eyes filled with frustration, "He's strong. I can sense it. We missed out on a prodigy like him."

Weber gave Isabella's clenched fists his usual serious, unemotional glance.

Old Man Jules then introduced another man no one had seen before, "Royal Guard Thane Osiris, the strongest soldier after the commanders and general." Thane Osiris had a serious face as his horse slowly came to a halt next to Kairo's.

Nehru, the second commander of the Anubis, was shocked. "I've heard his power is very unique and strong. We are going to find out today."

Lastly, Old Man Jules introduced, "Captain Elio Maren and Captain Naya Imani of the Nubia Kingdom. With them is also the speaker and Lieutenant Eboke Adom." The trio was welcomed with applause as they arrived. Soon, the rest of the soldiers of the Nubia Kingdom finished their march.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Old Man Jules announced, "Let's welcome our soldiers of Thebes!"

The Royal Army soldiers emerged from the crowd, each one introduced by Jules.

"First, General Setka, fast as light!"

The crowd roared.

"Next, First Commander Menes, formidable in strength and known as the Dark King!"

The cheers grew louder.

"Second Commander Henu Safir, a man called the Human Hunter, ready to kill."

The audience’s excitement was palpable.

"Then we have Royal Guard Leader Yune, the strongest soldier of our kingdom other than the commanders and general, known for his beauty and strength."

The cheers reached a fever pitch.

Jules continued, "Next is Noya, the Second Royal Guard, born to a family of swordsmiths. He knows his swords. Third Royal Guard Memnon, 'The Memory Keeper,' the man who possesses the power to control one's memories. And then, Fourth Royal Guard and recent Chronotex user, Khonsu, son of Rahekhet from the Kingdom of Levant, the son of a true warrior."

The audience buzzed with anticipation.

"Next, it's Ramon, also known as the Black Knight due to his dark energy ability. And right after, Kamil, General Setka's upcoming right-hand man with his ability to create an invincible shield and his mastery in strategy."

The crowd’s anticipation grew.

Jules cleared his throat. "And finally, Thebes' most recent soldier, Jack Sterling."

The crowd mumbled, causing whispers to ripple through the stands.

Isabella Rosie sneered, "How can I forget him? He’s the reason why our biggest clients, the Royal Nebu, are destroyed. And what he did back then to my troops at the Valley of Wadi Hammamat."

Weber smirked. "Killing him sounds like the easiest thing."

The Anubis recalled the first time they met Jack. Akhet, out of respect, thought to himself, "You have grown quite a bit. It's a battle I will be ready to fight you once more."

The Anubis muttered, "I should have killed him when I had the chance."

Renjiro Akihiko smiled and asked Ru, "Do what you do best. Tell me, Ru."

Ru fell to the ground, trying to use her power on Jack. Geno picked her up, and Atom asked, "Are you okay?"

Ru replied, "Something looked back at me."

The nobles mumbled once again, "This filth has the title of a soldier? He should die. His strength was a pure fluke, and that stupid noble he exposed... we were about to exile him anyway. It was very easy to find dirt on him. He didn't hide his sins properly."

Menes, angered by the crowd's response, glanced at Setka, who gave a nod of approval. Henu Safir smiled, knowing what was going on.

"You want to gauge the strength of this man? Let's show it to you!" Menes shouted, referring to Jack as he used his dark energy to create a ball of darkness.

"Absolute attack!" Menes screamed, sending a devastating attack toward Jack. The wind rose around the ball of darkness.

This time, Jack wasn't hesitant or shaken. His face was serious, his hands in his coat pockets. "Chrono Arachnid," Jack spoke under his breath, spawning his ability. Claws, like those of a spider, emerged from his back, made of the crystal-like Chronotex. He gave his command, "Spear of Destruction."

The four claws deflected Menes' attack and sent it into the sky. The audience was shocked as the path of the attack was destroyed as if it had the force of many planets.

The audience gasped for air, racing to think about what had just happened.

Even Kairo of Nubia was surprised. "Back then, when we first met, he had no power, a fool with no strength. But now, he can deflect an attack from Menes. That being which manifests inside of him... I'm afraid this power is just the tip of the iceberg."

Isabella Rosie clenched her fists in anger. "I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. He's the one who went berserk when fighting me, killing my men as if it was nothing. If he wasn't there, that battle would have been ours."

Renjiro Akihiko marveled at Jack's strength. "That's a power I want."

Kamil commanded his ability, creating a shield to stop the deflected ball of darkness from escaping and destroying it by making it collide with his shield. It soon collided and dissipated into nothing.

Jack looked the nobles in the eyes, telling himself one thing, "I am here to win!"

Yune, with a look of seriousness, glanced at Royal Guard Thane Osiris of the Nubia Kingdom. "My rival is here. I will defeat him," while Thane had the same energy, thinking, "Victory will be mine."

Ramon had the same look, directed at Kairo, the commander of the Nubia Kingdom. "I'll beat some sense into that brat."

Old Man Jules shouted, marking the beginning of the strength competition, "Let the fighting BEGINNNNNNNNNN!"

On a hilltop overlooking the bustling crowds of the strength competition and the grand city of Thebes, two men stood, cloaked figures silhouetted against the bright sun. The first man, tall and imposing, exuded an aura of calm authority. The second man, hulking and gargantuan, seemed as if his entire being was sculpted from raw muscle.

The second man spoke from behind, his voice a deep rumble. "Master, do you want me to kill them all?"

The first man replied, his tone cold and measured. "No. We must stick to our plan. This world will soon be mine to control."

This was no ordinary man. He was the head of one of the most formidable organizations in Egypt, a name that had yet to reach Jack's ears. His story intertwined with the Nomads like a complex, unyielding knot, promising secrets and revelations that would only unravel with time. This man held knowledge of the Nomads' truths, of Jacks sterling's time travel.