A few days after the Hamunaptra expedition returned to Cairo, Kris convened his team—Tenyi, Yanwei, Biscuit, and Bishop—at a secluded estate on the outskirts of the city. The estate, shrouded in the shade of date palms and high walls, offered them the privacy they needed for an important discussion.
Seated around a modest table in the courtyard, Kris began, his tone calm but commanding. "Thank you all for coming. First and foremost, let me say—well done. You've all handled this mission flawlessly, and for that, I'm grateful." He leaned back slightly, scanning the group. "I trust there haven't been any major issues along the way?"
Everyone exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
Kris smiled faintly. "That's what I thought. And it confirms my suspicions about the nature of the system—or 'god,' as we call it. It's not a sentient force. It's a program with rules and limitations. And we've done the impossible: we've bypassed its directives and effectively stalled the mission."
Yanwei raised a brow. "Stalled? How long do you think we have before it catches up?"
"Do you remember the final condition for the team battle?" Kris said, his tone calm but firm as he folded his hands in front of him. "After Imhotep is resurrected, Team India will enter this world." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.
"The mission will resume the moment someone reads from the Black Book," he explained, his gaze sweeping across his team. "But here's the catch—I suspect that the so-called 'god' will try to trick us. It's not just the Black Book we need to worry about. There's a good chance the Golden Book could trigger Imhotep's resurrection too. Either book could set the events in motion."
Kris straightened, his voice growing more resolute. "Which is why, from this moment on, those books are strictly off-limits. No one touches them. No one even thinks about holding them.
Tenyi frowned slightly. "You think "god" might find a way around that?"
"They'll need to find the books first," Kris said, his voice calm and measured. "The Portable Hole exists in its own separate dimension, and I believe it will take 'god' some time to locate the plot items hidden within it."
He paused briefly, then continued, "That's exactly why I asked Bishop to stash the artifacts—and the Portable Hole itself—somewhere far and secret. A place so secure that even I don't know its location."
Kris leaned back, his tone resolute. "Yes, we've lost access to the dimensional storage for now, but it's a small price to pay. In exchange, we've bought ourselves something far more valuable: time."
"Time for what?" Yanwei asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Time to train. Time to learn. Time to live in this world," Kris said, his tone growing more serious. "This is our opportunity to step away from the main plot, away from the chaos, and focus on building ourselves up. That's what I want to discuss with you all today."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly. "Starting now, we'll be going our separate ways. We're leaving Egypt and avoiding the Mummy plot—for now."
Yanwei blinked. "Separate ways? That's… unexpected."
"It's necessary," Kris said firmly. "When I sent Bishop away with the portable hole, I also tasked him with filling it with as much treasure as he could. Biscuit and I have already set up secure bank accounts for everyone. The loot has been divided, and you'll have more than enough to start fresh wherever you choose to go."
Biscuit grinned. "Consider it a retirement fund. Or an adventure fund, depending on your mood."
Kris smiled at her comment before continuing. "We'll keep in touch, of course. If anyone needs help, you know where to find me. But for now, we lay low. We train. We grow. And when the time comes—when we're ready—we'll pick up the plot, take down Imhotep, and crush Team India."
"But before then, protect you identities, cover your tracks, and avoid the others, especially Jie."
He stood, his tone softening. "It's been an honor and a privilege working with all of you. I mean that. This isn't goodbye—just a short farewell."
Kris looked around the group, his expression warm. "Take care of yourselves, and I'll see you on the flip side."
With that, Kris departed, leaving his team to prepare for their respective journeys. Bishop and Biscuit stayed behind to assist with final arrangements, ensuring everyone was equipped for the road ahead. Though their paths would diverge, the camaraderie among them remained unshaken.
---
Off to Jolly Old London
With all the pieces they'd unearthed—clues about Amun-Ra, enough to fill an entire book—Evelyn was practically vibrating with excitement. The long days spent combing through the ruins, painstakingly piecing together the lost history of the Pharaohs, had finally paid off. She could barely contain herself as she thought about the research waiting for her back in London.
"This is it, Jonathan!" Evelyn exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with triumph as she sifted through the stack of notes and artifacts. "We've uncovered more than anyone ever expected. The Book of Amun-Ra—it exists, it has to—and with everything we've gathered, I could write an entire book about it!"
Jonathan, now a man of considerable wealth thanks to the treasure they'd unearthed in the ruins, leaned back with a satisfied grin, enjoying the moment.
His hands instinctively moved to the satchel of riches at his side, but his thoughts were already drifting toward London. "Couldn't agree more, Evy. London's the perfect place to get to work on this. And I—" He paused, winking at her. "—might even buy myself a mansion to celebrate, eh? A proper one, with a pool. And a room just for my treasures."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, giving him a playful look. "A mansion? Jonathan, with all that gold you've hoarded, I wouldn't be surprised if you bought half of London."
Jonathan laughed, shaking his head. "Well, someone has to live well after all the adventuring."
Evelyn chuckled, rolling her eyes as she organized her findings. "You certainly earned it."
From across the room, Kris, who had been listening to their exchange with a bemused smile, stepped forward.
His voice, as always, was smooth and sure. "Well, since I've so thoroughly woven myself into the fabric of your little adventure," he said with an almost theatrical flourish, "I might as well accompany you both to London."
Evelyn gave him a knowing look, her eyebrow arched in that familiar way that suggested she wasn't all that surprised by his statement. "Of course you'd come with us," she said, her voice light with a teasing edge. "You wouldn't just let me go to London alone, would you?"
Kris met her gaze, the smile on his lips softening into something warmer. "I wouldn't dream of it," he replied, his tone carrying a slight undercurrent of amusement.
Jonathan, sensing the undercurrent of tension between them, raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Guess we're all headed to London, then, eh?"
Evelyn looked at him, rolling her eyes with a smirk. "Looks like it." Her gaze flicked back to Kris, and for a brief moment, the teasing spark faded into something more thoughtful. "Wouldn't be the same without you."
Kris returned her gaze, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I do try to keep things interesting," he said, his voice warm, though there was something more beneath the surface—a knowing tone that hinted at deeper thoughts.
As they made their way toward the docks, the hustle and bustle of Egypt fading behind them, Evelyn felt a quiet sense of anticipation settle in. The discoveries they'd made were monumental, but it was the presence of Kris, unspoken yet constant, that made her wonder if this new chapter would turn out to be far more complicated than she'd originally imagined.
"So, what's next?" she asked as they boarded the ship.
Jonathan grinned, patting his satchel. "We've got all the riches we could ask for, Ev. Time to enjoy the finer things in life."
Kris, ever the strategist, glanced at the horizon. "There's more to London than luxury, Jonathan. But yes, for now, let's just see what this new chapter holds. The city has a way of surprising you."
Evelyn smiled softly as she looked between her two companions. She was eager to start writing, eager to dive into her research and finish what she'd started—but there was something more, something unspoken, in the air between her and Kris. She had come to rely on his presence, to trust him in ways she hadn't anticipated.
"London's waiting," she said, her voice light with excitement. "Let's make sure we do this right."
Jonathan chuckled, already mentally planning his next big purchase. "Oh, we'll do it right, Ev. This next chapter's going to be brilliant, I can feel it."
Kris shot a final glance toward Evelyn, his eyes unreadable for a moment, then he smiled again—reassuring, warm. "Then let's make sure we don't waste any time."
As the ship began to pull away from the dock, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over her. No matter what the future held, she knew one thing for certain—they weren't facing it alone.
New Beginnings
The dusty winds of Egypt soon faded behind them as Kris, Evelyn, Jonathan, and Biscuit sailed toward London.
The long voyage felt like a transition, a shift from the chaos of Hamunaptra to the familiar, orderly streets of London. Though they were leaving behind the tombs and ancient mysteries, they carried with them the excitement of their discoveries and the promise of new adventures.
As the ship docked on the Thames, Evelyn's excitement was impossible to contain. "I can't wait to get back to my desk," she said, her voice practically buzzing with anticipation. "The things we've uncovered about Amun-Ra—they're going to shake the academic world. The Pembridge scholars won't be able to dismiss me anymore. This is it, Jonathan, this is what I've been working toward." She looked at her brother with a gleam in her eye. Jonathan, standing next to her with a grin that almost split his face in two, was just as eager—but for different reasons. "I'll believe it when I see it," he said with a wink, then gestured grandly at the city skyline. "London! Back to civilization—and wealth! Not a bad trade-off, if you ask me."
He laughed, the sound of it almost too carefree considering their recent experiences. "I'll buy us a mansion, Ev. I'll even let you fill it with all your books and maps. You'll finally get the recognition you deserve, and I'll get a life of luxury. Win-win, eh?"
Evelyn shook her head, smiling but rolling her eyes at the same time. "If you think I'm going to let you buy me off with a mansion full of luxury, Jonathan, you've got another thing coming."
Meanwhile, Kris had been quietly observing, his usual calm presence a steady anchor amidst the bustle of London's streets. He smiled at their banter but didn't join in immediately. Instead, he looked out toward the horizon, a rare thoughtfulness on his face. When the carriage lurched forward, he broke the silence.
"You're both right," Kris said, his voice steady and confident. "London will be a good place to regroup. But Evelyn, your work is far from over. The real journey begins now, doesn't it?"
Evelyn looked at him, her excitement tempered by the reality of what lay ahead. "You're right. I've spent so long chasing answers, but now the real work starts. Research, writing... presenting it to the world."
"Exactly," Kris replied, with a soft chuckle. "You can only go so far before you're forced to face your biggest challenge: putting it all together in a way that others can understand."
Jonathan snorted. "And Ev's biggest challenge will be getting those academics to actually read it! They'll probably dismiss her findings until someone else says it's important."
"Not this time," Evelyn said firmly, her eyes narrowing with determination. "This time, they won't be able to ignore it. Not after what we found."
As they arrived at their new lodgings, the weight of their accomplishments—and their newfound wealth—settled on each of them. Biscuit, always practical, had already begun the task of organizing their finances. "We're set for life, but don't get complacent," she said, glancing at Jonathan as he seemed lost in thoughts of gold and opulence. "We'll need to manage this money carefully if we're to enjoy it properly."
Jonathan waved her off with a smile. "Don't worry, Biscuit. I'll handle it. A man of wealth knows how to invest his fortune, after all."
"Oh, I'm sure you will," Biscuit said with a smirk, her tone cool but her eyes twinkling. "Just remember, Jonathan, that you can't buy everything with money. Especially not my approval of your investment choices."
Evelyn caught the look shared between Biscuit and Jonathan and chuckled. "Don't worry, Jonathan. Biscuit's right. We need to be smart about this."
Kris, meanwhile, had taken care of all the necessary arrangements. His estate was ready, waiting for them in the quieter part of London. "I've already secured a place for us," he said, his tone reassuring. "It's a comfortable spot—quiet, safe. We can settle in, regroup, and take stock of where we are."
Evelyn looked at him, grateful for his unspoken support. "You really have thought of everything, haven't you?" she said softly, her gaze lingering on him a little longer than usual.
Kris gave her a small, knowing smile. "I try my best."
As they entered
their new life in London, each of them felt the weight of what they had experienced—but also the potential for what lay ahead. For Evelyn, it was a chance to prove herself as a scholar of the highest caliber. For Jonathan, it was a chance to enjoy the fruits of his treasure hunt. And for Kris, it was an opportunity to shape the future, steering them toward the next chapter.
No matter what happened next, they were in it together.
---
The Start of the Investigation
The streets of Cairo felt oppressive to Zheng. It wasn't the heat that bothered him—it was the suffocating weight of frustration clouding his thoughts. The mission they had been preparing for days had evaporated, taking with it the certainty they had always relied upon. The certainty that they just needed to follow the plot.
He stood near the window of their modest inn, staring out at the bustling city below. His team moved restlessly about the room, their nerves fraying. They'd returned to Cairo with no answers, no progress, and no mission. Disappointment hung in the air like a thick, unshakable fog.
"Where are you, Kris?" Zheng muttered, his voice low and bitter. His hand gripped the windowsill tightly, the words tasting hollow even to himself.
Jie's sharp voice broke the tense silence. "We didn't even know where they were in the first place!" He turned, his fists clenched, frustration radiating off him. "Why the hell did we ignore their disappearance this whole time? What were we thinking?"
Zheng's gaze hardened, his voice cutting through the room. "We were too busy. Hunting for the Book of the Dead. Watching out for Imhotep. Protecting the movie characters. Preparing for a strategy to take down Team India. I don't know—take your pick. We let them fade into the background, just like we did back in The Grudge."
Jie's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "But we didn't know they were going to hijack the plot! How could we have guessed? They've always had the same goals as us—at least until now."
Zero finally spoke, his tone measured but bitter. "We didn't think about them because we didn't have to. We even assumed they'd meet us back at Hamunaptra—they've always stuck close to the plot before. Besides, the limitations tied us to O'Connell. It made sense to assume they were tied to him too."
Zheng nodded slowly, the pieces clicking into place in his mind. "Exactly. They weren't on our radar. They never showed up at Hamunaptra, and we didn't think to look for them. We thought they didn't matter. While we focused on what we thought was our mission, they stayed in the background, doing whatever they wanted. And now…" His voice faltered for a moment. "Now we're stuck here, with nothing to show for it."
Yingkong, who had been silently pacing, finally stopped and turned toward the group. Her voice was calm but determined. "So now what? We never looked for them because we didn't suspect anything was wrong. But with the mission gone, we can't afford to sit around. We have to figure out where they went."
Zheng let out a slow, measured breath. "And where do we even begin? We have no clues, no leads. The only thing we know for certain is that they weren't at Ramses Station with us."
Jie's lips curved into a faint, almost smug smile. "Then that's a start."
Zheng shot him a sharp look. "You think we can trace them from Ramses Station?"
Jie shrugged lightly, his tone calm and pragmatic. "It's all we've got. Better to chase a faint trail than sit here stewing in frustration."
For a moment, silence fell over the room. Each of them mulled over their next move, the tension palpable. Finally, Kampa broke the stillness, his voice a low growl. "So we head back to Ramses Station. Maybe they left something behind. A trace. Anything. Otherwise, we're just wasting time."
Zheng's fists tightened, his jaw setting with renewed resolve. "We find them. We find Kris. And we find out what the hell happened. No excuses. We start at Ramses Station and follow the trail—wherever it takes us."
The team nodded in agreement, a shared determination settling over them. They might not know where to start or what they would find, but they were certain of one thing—they couldn't afford to remain in the dark. The mystery of Kris and his team was all they had left to pursue, and their answers lay somewhere in the unknown.