Deep within the Eternal Temple lay Firmament Hall.
Its walls were cast entirely from black alloy, with countless energy circuits running throughout the hall. The dome above was not solid, but an "artificial starry sky" projected by holographic technology.
There was no sun or moon in that deep sky. Only a brilliant river of countless points of light flowed slowly overhead—the Time Stream made visible. It seemed close enough to touch the pulse of past and future.
This was one of the Eternal Temple's most important areas, where Pharaoh Rama-Tut met with his advisers.
"Thank you for your efforts, Rogues."
Seated high on his throne, Rama-Tut gave the captain of his guard a slight nod. "It's good that Nurr returned on his own."
His tone was flat, as though he were commenting on a tool returning to its proper place.
"As the pharaoh's warrior, that's what he should do." Rogues knelt on one knee, his voice ringing out. "I believe he will win the War Festival. He is the strongest warrior!"
"But great power often carries the risk of slipping out of control..."
A short old man beside the pharaoh spoke quietly. "En Sabah Nur, the monster from the Valley of the Kings. His power grows more dangerous by the day. We should be more wary of him!"
"It's precisely because he's powerful that he's worthy of serving the pharaoh." Rogues turned to the old man, his voice cold. "I know what you're thinking, Ozymandias. You want him dead!"
"I've already killed him once," Ozymandias said coolly. "But he didn't die!"
"There's a saying in the desert: 'Never give your enemy a second chance.' I failed to kill Nurr. Perhaps one day, he'll come to kill me..."
"You are my general, Ozymandias."
Rama-Tut spoke from the throne. His voice was