The incident in Egypt had left Klea burdened with a heavy heart, weighed down by both external troubles and internal contemplation.
The excessive involvement of Rome in her kingdom led her to harbor feelings of blame and resentment. However, she also acknowledged her own shortcomings in governing the kingdom since taking on the title of Pharaoh after her father's untimely demise.
Ever since she had inherited the title, Klea had found herself increasingly distant from the day-to-day governance of the kingdom. Instead of immersing herself in the responsibilities that came with ruling, she had been consumed by her personal pursuits.
Spent in the solitude of the Alexandria library, poring over ancient scrolls and seeking knowledge that surpassed the mundane affairs of state.
Alternatively, she embarked on solitary journeys to foreign lands, for months even years without much news. It was no wonder that her siblings, seeing her absence, harbored ambitions of seizing the throne from her.
The unexpected deaths of her brother Ptolemy VIII and her sister Arsinoe captivity had left her as the sole guardian of her youngest brother, Ptolemy IX, who was a mere nine years old. Realizing the weight of her responsibility, Klea decided to postpone her journey for a while and focus on managing her kingdom.
Among her trusted advisors, the high priest Imhotep proved to be the most capable and loyal. Though she knew his allegiance, Klea was wary of the corrupting influence of power. To ensure his unwavering loyalty, she created a formation seal that bound Imhotep to her. As long as the seal remained unbroken, he would be forever loyal and dedicated to her cause.
In addition to the seal, Klea entrusted Imhotep with an ambitious project - the construction of the grandest landmark Egypt had ever seen.
It was not just a colossal pyramid but a formidable fortress designed to withstand any assault. The fortress would be impregnable, capable of withstanding the might of tens of thousands of armies.
Moreover, it would have vast storage facilities capable of storing enough grain to feed millions.
As Imhotep laid his eyes upon the meticulously crafted schematics, his heart swelled with a mix of excitement and awe.
The fortress was to be located on the outskirts of Alexandria, overlooking the vast Mediterranean Sea. Its design incorporated elements from ancient Egyptian architecture, with towering walls adorned with intricate hieroglyphics that told the stories of Egypt's glorious past.
The high priest delved into the project, he assembled a team of skilled architects, and craftsmen from across Egypt. They worked tirelessly, pouring their expertise and dedication into bringing Klea's vision to life.
The construction site buzzed with activity, with workers carefully laying the foundation stones and meticulously carving the intricate details that adorned the fortress walls.
"My Pharaoh, are we preparing for war with Rome? This fortress is beyond anything the world has ever seen. No army could breach its defenses," Imhotep exclaimed, his voice tinged with curiosity and wonder.
Klea simply smiled in response, giving no further explanation. She instructed Imhotep to follow the detailed drawings, entrusting him with fifteen years to bring the project to fruition.
Recognizing the magnitude of the undertaking, she also left behind a collection of training manuals and basic methods to empower the Egyptian royal guards and the Medjadi warriors.
Her intention was to mold them into the most formidable and elite forces the kingdom had ever known. The training grounds, located adjacent to the fortress, echoed with the sounds of warriors honing their skills, their synchronized movements a testament to the discipline and dedication instilled in them.
"I hope that these resources will strengthen our kingdom in my absence,"
With her brother Ptolemy IX temporarily assuming the throne, Klea bid farewell to her homeland and embarked on her journey once again. Instead of heading north, as many would have expected, she veered eastward, her thunderbird companion carrying her across the vast desert until she reached the holy city of Gaya.
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Gaya was a sacred place, a sanctuary of serenity and spiritual devotion. As Klea stepped foot in the city, she was greeted by the harmonious chants of praying monks and the gentle resonance of bells.
The city was nestled amidst lush greenery, with ancient temples and pagodas dotting the landscape. The air was filled with a sense of tranquility and enlightenment, drawing in pilgrims from far and wide.
She weaved her way through the crowds, her heart seeking solace in the depths of the holy temple. The temple itself was a marvel of architecture, with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings adorning its walls. The scent of incense filled the air, adding to the ethereal ambiance of the place.
Within the temple's innermost sanctum, she found the venerable head Abbot, seated beside the ancient, writhing holy tree. Klea approached the Abbot, a sense of calm and peace radiating from her being.
"Senior, my return to you took longer than anticipated. There were significant developments unfolding in Egypt," Klea spoke, her voice carrying a blend of relief and concern as she shared the details of the recent events.
The Abbot, his face lined with wisdom and serenity, listened intently to Klea's words. He had dedicated his life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and exuded a profound sense of peace and wisdom.
"There is no need for modesty, Klea. You have become the first Earth Magus to emerge in over a thousand years. It is I who should address you as 'senior'," the Abbot responded, his voice gentle yet filled with respect.
A smile danced upon Klea's lips as she replied, "But Senior, it is your guidance that has allowed me to unlock my true potential"
The exchange between them was marked by a genuine camaraderie, forged through years of shared experiences and mutual respect. The Abbot had been Klea's mentor since she first arrived from the Magus Academy, guiding her through the complexities of magic and helping her unleash her true power.
However, hearing the word first magus,
She found herself pondering how someone else, one with seemingly limited talent had risen to become a figure of such greatness - a Magus capable of contending against multiple Magus elves simultaneously.
He was not just the first Magus mentioned but he was the greatest in her heart and mind.
During these three years, Klea's progress had extended beyond achieving a breakthrough into the Magus realm.
[Cleopatra]
[Magus Realm - Crescent Moon]
[Law of Lightning - 12%]
[Law of Ice - 7%]
[Law of Wind- 5%]
[Law of Water - 5%]
[Battle power: 198]
[Soul Force: 291]
She had not only mastered the Crescent Moon realm but also made significant advancements in various elemental laws.
Her achievement didn't just come from breaking through into the Magus realm but from successfully mastering the [Soul Tempering Meditation] book three.
This practice not only fortified her mental strength but also provided a means to calm her restless mind, diverting her thoughts from the individual who haunted her memories.
Months of meditation granted her control over her emotions and the acceptance that certain wounds required time to heal.
But now, as she will return to Britain, her heart trembles once again.
"Are you having second thought?" The Abbot ask knowing her thought well.
"No, Senior, i am ready for the task"
"Good"
Moment after, a young monk came approached, and with a calm nod and hand on his chest he said "Sister, i am ready, i will stay under your guidance"
Monk named Damo, a prodigious talent at the age of 14, approached them. As a rank 5 Earth realm practitioner, Damo possessed a remarkable affinity for four elements: Fire, Ice, Metal, and Plant His presence was crucial for the specific purpose that awaited them on Britannia Island.
With a calm nod and a hand placed on his chest, Damo expressed his commitment to remain under Klea's guidance. In the magus universe, his exceptional abilities would be considered nothing short of genius.
Klea embarked on this journey with Damo by her side, their destinies intertwined as they ventured into the unknown. The Abbot bid them farewell, offering his best wishes for their endeavors.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Klea and Damo set off, crossing the sea and land ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
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