Chapter 18: Crossing Paths with the Cast

Chapter 18: Crossing Paths with the Cast

The sun hung high in the sky, a blazing orb that mercilessly punished the sands below. Barrett walked steadily across the vast expanse of golden dunes, his body shielded by a cloak that blended seamlessly with the desert's tones. He felt his magic coursing through him, keeping the worst of the desert's oppressive heat at bay. His youthful body, however, could not avoid suspicion in the midst of such harsh conditions. It was then that Barrett decided to use his illusions—his bonded fox, concealed as a small white cat perched on his shoulder, helped amplify the spell.

In moments, the boy disappeared, replaced by the illusion of a man in his mid-thirties. His sharp jawline, streaks of premature gray in his hair, and deep-set eyes added an air of wisdom. If he was to meet anyone in this world, looking like a seasoned traveler would ease interactions. "Perfect," he muttered, glancing at his reflection in the polished metal of his dagger.

As he descended a particularly steep dune, Barrett spotted movement in the distance—several camels and a group of people making their way toward what looked like a cluster of tents near an oasis. His fox-turned-cat, perched calmly on his shoulder, let out a low purr as if warning him to stay cautious.

Barrett decided to investigate. As he drew closer, his enhanced senses picked up snippets of conversation in English, accompanied by laughter and bickering. It wasn't long before he spotted them: a rugged-looking man with a pistol holstered at his side, a woman poring over an ancient map, and a man who seemed more interested in a flask than anything else.

Barrett stepped into their line of sight with calculated casualness. Rick O'Connell was the first to notice him. The ex-soldier's hand instinctively went to his pistol, his posture screaming vigilance. Evelyn Carnahan, meanwhile, looked up from her map with curiosity, while her brother Jonathan barely registered Barrett's arrival, too engrossed in his drink.

"Who are you?" Rick asked, his voice sharp, his eyes narrowing as they scanned Barrett for signs of threat.

Barrett raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Just a traveler," he said smoothly, his tone calm and disarming. "I couldn't help but notice your group and thought I'd introduce myself. You don't see too many people wandering out here in the middle of nowhere."

Evelyn stepped forward, her innate curiosity getting the better of her. "And what, pray tell, is a traveler doing alone in the desert?" she asked, her British accent crisp and refined.

Barrett smiled faintly. "Studying the ruins of ancient Egypt. I've always been fascinated by the lore surrounding the pharaohs, the gods, and the secrets buried in the sands." He gestured toward the map she held. "From the looks of it, I'd say you're interested in the same."

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "You know about Egyptian history?"

"A bit," Barrett replied, modestly. Of course, it was much more than "a bit." Thanks to Ultron feeding him information, Barrett could recite everything from hieroglyphic translations to the obscure myths surrounding Osiris and Anubis.

Rick, however, remained unconvinced. "And why should we trust you? For all we know, you're one of those treasure-hunting types looking to double-cross us."

Barrett met Rick's gaze without flinching. "You're right to be cautious. But I assure you, I'm not interested in treasure. My passion lies in knowledge and preservation. If anything, I could help you navigate the dangers of the desert."

Evelyn turned to Rick, her expression thoughtful. "He might be of use to us, Rick. He seems to know what he's talking about."

Rick hesitated but finally nodded. "Fine. But one wrong move, and you're out."

"Understood," Barrett replied, smiling slightly.

As the group traveled together, Barrett subtly used Ultron to assist them. The AI, hidden in Barrett's mind like a silent guardian, fed him constant updates.

"[Quicksand detected 50 meters to the northwest,]" Ultron warned at one point. Barrett casually steered the group away from the danger, framing it as an educated guess based on the lay of the land.

Later, when they stopped to rest, Ultron scanned the horizon. "[A rival group is nearby, approximately three kilometers away. They appear to be following the same route.]"

Barrett's expression darkened. Rivals meant complications. He relayed the information to the group, framing it as something he had overheard in Cairo before setting out. Evelyn looked concerned, while Rick immediately began preparing for a potential confrontation.

That evening, while the group was setting up camp, Barrett excused himself and quietly approached the rival camp. Using his illusion magic, he made himself invisible and slipped into their tents. Ultron guided him to a map fragment they possessed—one that marked a shortcut to Hamunaptra. Barrett memorized its details and left without a trace.

The next day, when the group discussed their route, Barrett casually suggested the shortcut, impressing Evelyn further. "You're full of surprises," she remarked, her admiration evident.

Rick, however, remained wary. "How do you know all this?"

Barrett shrugged. "I pay attention to details."

As the group neared their destination, they encountered the rival treasure hunters. The leader of the rival group, a gruff man named Bannon, eyed Barrett and the others with disdain. "Well, well, looks like we've got some competition," he sneered.

Rick stepped forward, his hand resting on his pistol. "We're just passing through. No need for trouble."

Bannon smirked. "Passing through? Don't insult my intelligence, O'Connell. We both know where you're headed."

Evelyn, sensing the tension, tried to intervene. "There's no reason we can't coexist peacefully. There's enough history out here for everyone."

Bannon's gaze shifted to Barrett. "And who's this? Another bookworm like your lady friend?"

Barrett met Bannon's gaze calmly. "Just someone who knows how to handle himself."

The confrontation ended without bloodshed, but the tension lingered. Barrett knew it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed again—this time with higher stakes.

The group standing at the edge of a vast desert expanse. In the distance, barely visible through the shimmering heat waves, lay the ruins of Hamunaptra. Barrett felt a strange mixture of anticipation and unease. He could sense that this journey was about to become far more dangerous—and far more exciting—than anyone anticipated.