355: Shards of the Eye of Ra

The Nile wound through the golden desert like a ribbon of emerald silk, nourishing the fertile black earth along its banks. Upon this god-given soil stood ancient Egypt's most magnificent jewel—Memphis.

Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt, located at the modern-day village of Mit Rahina, south of the Nile Delta, where Upper and Lower Egypt met. Its name originated from the pyramid called Men-nefer, built by Pepi I of the Sixth Dynasty. The Greeks mispronounced it as Memphis, and the name was subsequently adopted by later generations.

This was a city that would one day boast a history of more than 4,700 years. Memphis had its famous stepped pyramid, the first pyramid of ancient Egypt, as well as the enormous granite statue of Ramesses II and other historic relics. It was easy to see just how prosperous this city had been in ancient times.

"Sure enough, the city chosen for the temple of Ra, the chief god and sun god, is also the most prosperous city."

In the form of a raven, Ian looked down upon the magnificent city from high above. He had traveled through countless times and places, yet Memphis's prosperity still left him awestruck. As the first capital after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, Memphis displayed the pinnacle of this ancient civilization to the world with unparalleled prosperity and splendor.

When the first ray of sunlight pierced the mist above the Nile, the raven Ian had become was already circling over Memphis. Under the morning sun, this oldest capital of ancient Egypt resembled a piece of gold set into lush green riverbanks. From above, the entire city displayed a perfect geometric layout.

"Fresh camel milk!"

"Oh, sir soldier, I'm entering the city to sell some crops."

"I'm here to buy some seeds to take