**Inviting a hungry wolf into the pen**
The hours passed in a blur as Kris and Evelyn pored over the cartouche together. Evelyn was in her element, her fingers dancing over the symbols as she deciphered their meanings, her eyes sparkling with intellectual excitement. Kris couldn't help but admire her passion—it was rare to see someone so deeply immersed in their work.
"You see here," Evelyn said, pointing to one of the hieroglyphs, "this represents the journey of the sun god Ra. But this," she tapped another section, "it's not traditional. It's almost as if someone altered it to encode a specific message."
Kris nodded, maintaining his role as an intrigued layman. "I wouldn't have noticed that. It's amazing how much history can be hidden in a single piece."
As they worked, Kris's communicator buzzed faintly—a subtle signal from his team. He glanced at Evelyn discreetly, then excused himself under the pretense of needing to stretch his legs.
Stepping into a quiet corner of the library, he activated the device. Tengyi's voice came through first. "Zheng's group has booked a hotel. Looks like they're settling in for the night."
"Jonathan?" Kris asked.
"Still loitering in the city," Tengyi replied. "He hasn't met Rick or stolen the key yet."
Biscuit's voice chimed in next. "Rick's in his usual state—drunk and brooding. No sign of the prison sequence kicking off yet."
Kris exhaled, considering this information. "Good. Keep monitoring them. We'll need to adjust our timing to stay ahead."
"Understood," Tengyi said.
Kris returned to the desk where Evelyn was still engrossed in the cartouche. She didn't even notice him at first, too focused on a section she was transcribing into a notebook.
"Evelyn," Kris said, gently breaking her concentration.
She looked up, slightly startled, then smiled. "You're back. Did you find the library too dull already?"
"Not at all," Kris said with a chuckle. "But I just realized the sun's already setting, and I haven't eaten since this morning. I should grab dinner before I faint on your nice antique desk."
Evelyn blinked, surprised. "Oh, I hadn't noticed the time either. I've been so absorbed in this piece." She glanced at the cartouche wistfully. "Would you mind leaving this with me? I could keep working on it while you eat."
Kris shook his head, his tone firm but polite. "I'd prefer to keep it with me. It's not something I want to leave out of my sight."
Evelyn tilted her head, studying him curiously. "You're quite protective of it. Is there something more to it than you've told me?"
"Just sentimental value," Kris replied smoothly. "It's been in my family for so long—it's hard not to be cautious with it."
Evelyn seemed to accept this, though her curiosity clearly hadn't waned. "Well then," she said, brightening, "if you're going to insist on keeping it with you, why don't we dine at my apartment? There's a restaurant below, and they can bring the food up while I continue studying it. That way, we both get what we want."
Kris hesitated for a moment, weighing the offer. It was an ideal opportunity to keep Evelyn on their side, perhaps even gain her trust. "That sounds like a perfect compromise."
Evelyn grinned and began gathering her notes. "Wonderful. Let's go before the kitchen closes."
Together, they exited the museum and made their way to Evelyn's apartment. The city was bathed in the warm glow of sunset, the streets alive with the hum of evening activity. As they walked, Kris remained vigilant, scanning for any signs of Zheng's group.
Once inside Evelyn's cozy apartment, Kris felt a wave of relief. The space was as he expected—lined with bookshelves, maps, and artifacts scattered across every surface. Evelyn quickly called downstairs to order their dinner, then returned to the cartouche with eager enthusiasm.
As she worked, Kris settled into a chair, his senses always alert despite the casual atmosphere. Tonight was about building trust and laying the groundwork for what was to come.
---
**A small taste before the main course**
A knock at the door interrupted the soft scratching of Evelyn's pen against paper. She glanced up, blinking as if waking from a trance, then stood to answer it. The scent of roasted lamb and spiced rice wafted in as a waiter brought in their meal, along with a bottle of wine.
"Perfect timing," Kris said, standing to help set the table. Evelyn quickly cleared a space on the coffee table, brushing aside a stack of papers and books to make room for their dinner.
As the waiter departed, leaving behind their meal and wine, Evelyn poured two glasses. She raised hers in a tentative toast. "To the pursuit of knowledge... and to the unexpected allies we find along the way."
Kris clinked his glass gently against hers, offering a warm smile. "To knowledge and allies."
The two ate in companionable silence at first, their focus drifting naturally back to the cartouche lying on the table. Evelyn's fingers hovered over her notebook, brushing the edges of hastily scribbled translations as she discussed her theories. She leaned forward, her enthusiasm shining through her slightly flushed cheeks, either from the wine or excitement.
"These hieroglyphs here—they're atypical, not the usual formulas for cartouches. They suggest something older, a precursor language or perhaps a regional dialect…" She glanced up, realizing she might be rambling. "I'm sorry, am I boring you?"
Kris leaned back, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Not at all. Please, continue. I could listen to you talk about this all night."
Evelyn paused, her gaze softening as a smile tugged at her lips. "You're very kind. Most people—well, men, mostly—don't have the patience for this sort of thing."
Kris tilted his head, his tone light but pointed. "That's their loss, not yours. You're a rare gem, Evelyn. Smart, passionate, and incredibly dedicated."
She laughed softly, lowering her eyes. "You flatter me, Mr. Kris."
"Only when it's true," he replied with a playful grin.
As the meal went on and the wine bottle slowly emptied, their conversation shifted from hieroglyphs to Evelyn's career. The spark of excitement dimmed slightly as she recounted her struggles in academia.
"You know," she began, swirling the last of her wine, "I've always dreamed of being recognized as a scholar, contributing to the field, making discoveries that redefine history. But... it's not as simple as passion and hard work."
Kris leaned in, listening intently. "What's holding you back?"
She sighed, a mix of frustration and sadness crossing her face. "Men," she said plainly, her voice tinged with bitterness. "It doesn't matter how many degrees I earn or how many languages I master. To them, I'll always be just a woman. I've applied to Pembridge three times now. Each time, my application is rejected. The excuses vary, of course—'You don't have enough field experience,' or 'Your focus doesn't align with our priorities.' But it's always the same underlying reason. I'm not good enough for them."
Kris's expression darkened, a flicker of anger surfacing on her behalf. "That's infuriating. They don't see what they're missing. Your brilliance, your determination—it's their narrow-mindedness that's keeping them blind."
Evelyn looked up, her lips parting slightly in surprise. His words weren't just kind—they were genuine, spoken with an intensity that made her feel seen in a way she hadn't experienced before.
"You really think so?" she asked softly.
"Of course," Kris said without hesitation. "You're already doing what most people can't even dream of—piecing together the past, breathing life into forgotten civilizations. You don't need their approval to be great, Evelyn."
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, suddenly shy under his steady gaze. "I wish my father had seen things that way," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "He loved Egypt more than anything. This is where he met my mother, by the way. That's why Egyptology is so close to my heart. My father supported my dreams at first, but after so many tries... one day he said, 'My dear daughter, you might've been too spirited for academia.'"
Kris's brow furrowed. "Sounds to me like he underestimated you. And he's probably kicking himself in the afterlife for it."
Evelyn couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You're impossible."
"And yet, here I am," Kris replied with a soft grin.
By the time they finished eating, the sun had long since set, and the room was bathed in the warm glow of a single lamp. They moved to the sofa, their glasses refilled as they continued talking. Evelyn seemed looser now, her words flowing more freely, her laughter coming more easily. She spoke of her dreams and frustrations, of the countless barriers she'd faced and the victories she'd fought tooth and nail to achieve.
Kris listened with quiet attention, occasionally offering a thoughtful comment or an encouraging word. His calm demeanor and unwavering support drew Evelyn in, and she found herself opening up in ways she rarely did.
"Sometimes," she admitted, her voice hushed, "I wonder if I'll ever break through. If I'll ever be more than just the assistant librarian who dabbles in ancient languages."
Kris shook his head firmly. "You're already so much more than that, Evelyn. Don't let their ignorance define you. The world will catch up to you sooner or later."
Her heart swelled at his words, her chest tightening with a mix of gratitude and something deeper, something she couldn't quite name. She gazed at him, her thoughts hazy from the wine and the warmth of his presence.
"You really mean that, don't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I do," Kris said simply.
Evelyn's hand trembled slightly as she reached for her glass, her eyes flickering between his gaze and his lips. She felt a surge of boldness, fueled by the wine and the emotions coursing through her.
"Kris," she murmured, leaning closer.
Before she could second-guess herself, she pressed her lips to his. The kiss was hesitant at first, uncertain, but when she felt him respond, it deepened, becoming softer, more assured.
When they pulled apart, Evelyn's cheeks were flushed, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. "I... Thank you," she stammered, her words tumbling out in a nervous laugh.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Kris arched a brow, his lips curving into a teasing smile. "For what? The hieroglyph lesson or the wine?"
She laughed, swatting his chest lightly. "For being here. For listening."
Kris leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Only for you, Evelyn."
Evelyn rested her head on Kris's shoulder, her soft laugh still lingering in the air. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the room falling into a comfortable silence. The wine had left them both a little hazy, but Evelyn felt lighter than she had in weeks—months, even.
---
**The plot is starting**
Evelyn woke up with a start, the sunlight pouring through the curtains. Her hair was tousled, and the sheet clung loosely to her bare shoulders as she bolted upright. A glance at the clock on the bedside table sent a wave of panic through her.
"Oh no! I'm late!" she exclaimed, throwing off the sheets and hurriedly gathering her clothes.
Kris stirred beside her, his arm lazily reaching out to pull her back into bed. "Come on, five more minutes," he teased, a playful smirk on his lips. "The museum will still be there, and so will the artifacts."
But Evelyn was already up and slipping into her dress. "Five more minutes? Do you know what Dr. Bey will say if I show up late again?" She gave him an exasperated look as she pinned her hair back.
Kris sat up, the sheet pooling around his waist, his tousled hair and lopsided grin giving him an irresistible charm. "Let me guess: something pompous and insufferable? He sounds like someone who could use a lesson in patience."
Evelyn rolled her eyes, buttoning her blouse. "And you could use a lesson in punctuality."
Reluctantly, Kris swung his legs over the side of the bed and started dressing. "If you're going to run off in such a rush, I can't let you go alone. Who knows what trouble you'll get into without me to keep you out of it?"
As they stepped out into the bustling streets of Cairo, the city seemed alive with energy. Evelyn marched ahead, her bag clutched tightly, while Kris strolled casually beside her, hands in his pockets.
"Come on, Evie, slow down," he teased, catching up and lightly tugging at her bag. "You're walking like you're on a mission to save the world."
"I'm on a mission to save my job," she retorted, though her tone lacked bite.
Kris grinned. "Don't worry, I'll tell Dr. Bey that you were late because you were helping me uncover a lost pharaoh's treasure. That'll earn you points, right?"
She shot him a side glance, trying to suppress a smile. "You're incorrigible."
"And you're irresistible when you're flustered," Kris countered smoothly, his voice tinged with playfulness.
As they reached the museum's gates, their pace slowed. Evelyn sighed, her earlier panic giving way to mild embarrassment. "I must look ridiculous, rushing through the streets like this."
Kris chuckled and leaned in, his voice dropping to a warm murmur. "You look perfect, Evie. Always."
She rolled her eyes again, but her lips curved into a soft smile. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Kris held the door open for her, bowing theatrically. "And yet, you still tolerate me."
As they entered the Cairo Museum, their playful banter lingered in the air, drawing a few curious glances from the staff. Evelyn gave Kris a final look of mock exasperation before disappearing into the library, her heart unexpectedly lighter despite the hectic morning.
---
**Breakfast meeting**
After the sight of Evelyn's shapely—ahem, Evelyn, disappeared behind the oak doors of the library, Kris turned on his heel and headed for the café where the rest of his group was waiting.
The café, just a short walk from their hotel, was a cozy, bustling spot filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The group had claimed a corner booth, their faces reflecting a mix of anticipation and focus.
Tenyi was the first to speak as Kris slid into the seat beside him. "Last night, the ghost reported that Rick O'Connell was arrested after a bar fight escalated into an all-out brawl. Jonathan Carnahan was there too. Safe to say the plot's finally kicking off—Rick will meet the Carnahan siblings soon."
Kris nodded, steepling his fingers as he considered this development.
"That means everyone will be confined within a three-mile radius of Rick soon," Biscuit said, leaning forward. "What's the plan this time, Kris?"
"The plan is simple," Kris replied, taking a measured sip of his coffee. "We'll stick close to them until they reach Hamunaptra. Once there, I believe the system's limitations will be lifted."
"And how exactly are we supposed to pull that off?" Yanwei asked, arching a brow. "I thought we agreed not to interact with Zheng and the others?"
"That's where our disguises come in handy," Kris said, setting his mug down. "We'll craft new personas to integrate ourselves into the narrative without exposing who we really are. This way, we stay within the system's rules but remain close enough to influence events if necessary."
"I like it," Tenyi said with a chuckle. "They'll think we're some kind of divine deviation—extras created when God inserted us into the movie."
Biscuit smirked. "And it fits nicely with your plan to deal with Team India. Hiding in plain sight, blending in with the characters, and striking only when the opportunity arises."
"Exactly," Kris confirmed. "But I want Tenyi to have his ghost monitor everyone 24/7. I also want Bishop to head to Hamunaptra ahead of us to locate the Book of Amun-Ra."
"Wait," Yanwei said, frowning. "Won't Bishop get erased if he does that?"
"No, I don't think so," Kris replied. "The system's rules only apply to players. Bishop isn't classified as a player. Remember when Xuan died? Bishop stayed behind. I'm confident he'll be fine."
Yanwei turned to Bishop. "Are you okay with this? You don't have to do it if you're not comfortable."
Bishop inclined his head. "I trust Kris's reasoning. I'll do my part for this mission."
"Good," Kris said, his tone decisive. "This plan hinges on gathering key items: Imhotep's remains, the chest containing the canopic jars, the Book of the Dead, and the Book of Amun-Ra. Maybe some treasure while we're at it."
Tenyi let out a dry chuckle. "Let me guess—my first task after arriving at Hamunaptra will be digging all that up?"
The group exchanged amused looks, their expressions silently saying, Wasn't that the whole reason you're here?
Tenyi rolled his eyes but chuckled along with them.
Kris stood, dusting off his jacket. "All right, that's it for now. I'll be heading back to the museum. Remember to craft your personas carefully. The next time we meet in person, it'll be on the boat to Hamunaptra."
With that, Kris left the group, the café's door swinging shut behind him.
---
**Meeting the Brother-by-Law**
Kris arrived back at the museum carrying a picnic basket and a thermos of coffee, just in time to spot Evelyn and Jonathan poring over an old, tattered map.
Surely, this had to be the map to Hamunaptra. Without hesitation, Kris activated his subdermal implant, discreetly snapping a few photos and forwarding them to Bishop. With the map and the magic carpet, Bishop could beat them to Hamunaptra without breaking a sweat.
Kris took several shots, recalling how the museum curator in The Mummy—Dr. Terence Bey—had dismissed the map as a fake. It wasn't until the map was nearly destroyed by a stray candle that the truth came to light: the map was genuine, and Bey was secretly a Medjai. Kris smirked at the thought. No way was he letting this map get half-burned.
Turning his attention back to the siblings, Kris approached Evelyn with an easy smile, greeting her with a quick kiss on the cheek and presenting the picnic basket.
"Coffee for you," he said warmly, "and sandwiches, in case you've forgotten to eat again."
Evelyn smiled, clearly charmed. "I don't always forget," she teased, taking the thermos.
Jonathan, still squinting at the map, finally noticed Kris. "Oh, I didn't realize we had company. Who's this?"
Before Kris could answer, Evelyn interjected, a note of pride in her voice. "This is Christopher Reynolds. My boyfriend."
Jonathan's eyebrows shot up, and he eyed Kris with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Boyfriend, eh?" He shook Kris's hand with exaggerated vigor. "Jonathan Carnahan. I assume you've been warned about me?"
Kris chuckled. "Not in so many words."
Jonathan turned to Evelyn with a stage whisper. "Is he rich?"
Evelyn rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Jonathan!" she scolded. "And for your information, he donated a very generous sum to the museum just to meet me."
Jonathan's expression shifted in an instant. He threw an arm around Kris's shoulders, grinning like a cat with cream. "Why didn't you say so, old boy? Welcome to the family!"
Kris shot Evelyn an amused look. "I take it you've been fully vetted now?"
"Oh, he's thorough," Evelyn replied, shaking her head fondly.
"Thorough and loyal!" Jonathan added, already pulling Kris aside. "Now, tell me, do you golf? Play cards? Please say yes; I've been looking for a decent partner since forever."
As Jonathan launched into an enthusiastic monologue, Evelyn laughed quietly to herself. Her brother might be impossible, but at least Kris seemed to be taking it all in stride.