"The ritual must be connected to three temples. The most important part is recreating the original ritual. Only then can this magic, which does not entirely belong to me, complete its 'ascension.'"
Nefertari raised her hand. Three ancient symbols glowed faintly on the walls in different parts of the Pyramid.
"Three temples, three anchor points. With my tomb at the center, they form the triangle that sustains my existence." Nefertari's voice echoed through the empty burial chamber. "The ritual requires more than a reconstruction of the mind. It needs physical anchors.
"These are the core materials I prepared long ago."
Nefertari gestured at the materials piled around them.
"There aren't many. You can't afford to fail too many times while setting this up."
The most important materials were scarce. Nefertari opened a chest in the corner. Inside lay a heap of shriveled, dead scarabs and a small jar of golden sand that looked like sunlight made solid.
"The scarabs represent rebirth and the power of the sun," Nefertari explained. "The sand comes from the place where I was crowned. It bears the mark of royal authority. I used some during my ascension, too, and it has since become something different, a symbol of my personal imprint. Both are vital. Given your experience with Ritual Studies, you should know how important a personal imprint is to a ritual."
Through Wizard Sight, both materials looked like magic condensed into physical form.
"Next, the anchor point of life and death." Nefertari pointed to another box, this one made of gold. "Be careful."
Will opened the box with great care.
Inside lay a withered blue lotus that had kept its shape, alongside a small black bottle. "I grew the lotus myself and nourished it with my body. The lotus has always symbolized eternal life,