What was a genius most afraid of seeing?
Perhaps another genius so strange that he defied understanding.
Khafre—or rather, Neferneferuaten Nefertiti, Nefertari for short—was better known to most as Ramesses II.
Right now, he was baffled.
As a renowned genius Wizard, his magical talent was extraordinary. Nefertari had ventured further down the path of Magic than most, and as the ruler of a powerful kingdom, he had ample resources to study and spend as he pleased.
Over his long life, he had seen plenty of geniuses: Grand Wizards who danced with nature spirits and wielded vast, untamed Magic; Wizards driven mad by their study of Dark Magic, evil souls who twisted themselves in pursuit of power; children who mastered countless spells at an early age; and researchers of astonishing brilliance.
But this young Wizard he was watching through the Wizards' Council...
He had not been surprised when Will completed the Sanctuary Ritual. That was normal. The Ritual was not particularly difficult, and Nefertari had nearly lost interest in him.
Then Will did something that made the veteran Grand Wizard's eyes widen.
Will flouted every principle of Ritual Studies. He even completed a Ritual by cutting corners. When Nefertari watched him smash one Moonstone into pieces to stand in for seven, then mix sand with powdered Scarab shells to draw the Ritual pattern, he could only stare in confusion.
That works? What is he thinking? Does the kid really expect to complete a Ritual by cutting corners?
Ritual Studies demanded precision. The slightest error could determine whether a Ritual succeeded or failed.
That can't possibly work. If it does, I'll eat my Pyramid right here.
Then Will's second Sanctuary Ritual succeeded. Several swaying trees spread their leaves and slowly hid him from view.
Nefertari rubbed his eyes. Had he made