Pharaoh

2154. Earth.

Humanity had finally created a time machine. "Project: Chronos" was supposed to be the greatest breakthrough in history, and you and your friend Mike were the scientists tasked with proving it: jumping back just one year, taking photos/videos, and then returning straight to the lab.

But everything went well....

At the moment of launch, the engine core exploded. Space around us literally opened up, and the impulse separated our group and threw us into the unknown. Instead of the 21st century, you flew straight into the dusty, stuffy darkness... of Ancient Egypt.

You crashed onto the stone floor of a cramped room—judging by the piles of mats and clay jugs, it was the servants' quarters. Panic struck instantly. Realizing you'd immediately attract attention in your futuristic spacesuits, you frantically shed your gear and pulled on the first thing that came to hand—simple linen shenti and leather servant belts.

Before you could catch your breath, guards burst into the room. They grabbed you, barely giving you time to recover, and dragged you under guard through endless corridors. A hubbub could be heard outside—the Pharaoh himself had summoned all the palace subjects and servants to the main hall.

The heavy doors swung open, and we were pushed into a huge room. Dozens of people were already standing in neat rows along the tall columns.

Honestly? Neither you nor Mike knew a damn thing about ancient Egyptian etiquette.

When the ruler gave the signal, the entire line of servants simultaneously fell to their knees, bowing their heads low to the cold stone. Only you and Mike stupidly hesitated, realizing it too late and remaining standing tall amidst the bowed crowd.

The man, lounging on a carved golden throne, slowly turned his cold, arrogant gaze straight at us.

In the ringing silence of the hall, his voice sounded like a death sentence. He merely nodded his finger in our direction:

• Kill them.