Before setting off for Egypt, I knew I'd need funds. Fortunately, Kronos had given me a list of potential sources, places where I could find valuable items with minimal impact on the timelines. Among them were hints of planets rich with rare minerals, worlds beyond Earth that contained treasures humans could only dream of.
Kronos had explained that some distant planets were made almost entirely of diamonds, but they were uninhabitable. Stepping onto one would be dangerous without the right preparation. Fortunately, Kronos had provided me with a protective artifact called the Aegis Stone. When activated, it surrounded me with a shimmering barrier, allowing me to survive in extreme environments, though only for a short while.
With the Aegis Stone in hand, I pinpointed a diamond-rich planet. The surface was harsh, the air unbreathable, and the gravity slightly stronger than Earth's. But the barrier held. I reached down, using a small tool Kronos had lent me, and collected a few glimmering diamonds. They sparkled under the alien sky, and I marveled at the idea that something so valuable lay scattered across a barren world. I pocketed the gems, knowing they'd fetch a high price back on Earth.
Back in the quiet dimension, I studied a map of the Egyptian city I planned to visit. Kronos had marked the marketplace and temples, pointing out areas where I could blend in. His guidance was like a compass, and I felt prepared as I focused on the time currents, feeling the pull of ancient Egypt as I stepped into the flow.
---
Isaac arrived on the outskirts of a bustling Egyptian city. The air was warm, thick with the scent of spices and the sound of people moving about. He found a quiet spot to observe, blending into the shadows as he surveyed the scene. In the distance, he could see the majestic pyramids, towering over the landscape.
Taking a moment to study the crowd, he watched the flow of people heading toward the marketplace. It was alive with energy, merchants calling out, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Isaac noticed the currency exchange, the bustling stalls, and the kinds of items that seemed most valuable. He observed the locals, noting how they dressed and moved, preparing to blend in.
Once he felt confident, Isaac joined the flow of people heading toward the market. He took out one of the diamonds, ready to trade, and approached a merchant who was inspecting pottery. The man's eyes widened as Isaac presented the gem, and they haggled back and forth in Egyptian. Isaac enjoyed the exchange, relishing the chance to test his skills.
He left the stall with a pouch of local currency, enough to fund his stay and purchase more items for his growing collection.
---
The marketplace was like a living tapestry, woven with color and sound. I moved from stall to stall, sampling foods I'd only read about, admiring the artistry in the textiles, and engaging in casual conversations. I watched craftsmen carve statues and metalsmiths mold jewelry, and for the first time, I felt completely immersed in a world that seemed both familiar and foreign.
My attention was drawn to a grand temple nearby, and I wandered over to watch the priests conducting a ritual. Curious, I slowed down time, observing the details of their movements and the symbols they used. But one of the priests saw me, his eyes widening as he caught a glimpse of me moving in a way no mortal could.
Unaware that I'd been seen, I left the temple, not knowing that I'd sparked a legend. The priests whispered tales of a god who walked between moments, and soon, stories of a mysterious figure began to spread.
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Isaac wandered through the city, blissfully unaware of the impact he had made. He explored the marketplace and observed daily life, feeling at home in this ancient world. He sampled food, bought a few artifacts for his library, and learned as much as he could about the era.
When he was satisfied, he returned to the quiet dimension, exhilarated by his adventure. He found Kronos waiting for him, a knowing smile on his face. Isaac recounted his journey, mentioning the temple encounter, and Kronos chuckled. "You may have left a lasting impression," he said. "The smallest actions can ripple through time in ways we never expect."
I grinned, imagining the stories that might grow around my visit. For the first time, I felt the thrill of being a Guardian—not just a protector of time but a traveler, an explorer, with the power to witness and shape history.
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**End of Chapter**