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Because of these words, the two of them started walking on the streets, strolling through this ancient city called Alexandria.
The roads were surprisingly clean.
Incredibly, the dusty air that had been drifting all the way from the capital Cairo was exceptionally refreshing here.
If this were in Cairo, it would be simply a matter of overflowing heat.
The expressions on the faces of pedestrians walking on the road also convey a sense of security.
The signs and markings are not only in Egyptian, but also mostly in English, so there is no sense of isolation.
This is completely different from the situation in Cairo.
Perhaps it's because this city was once known as the city of the world's knots.
Alessandro.
The city was built by order of Alexander III, the king of the outside world, also known as King Iskandar, and was given its own name by him.
It was created by Iskandar during his conquest and later established as the capital of Egypt after his subordinate Ptolemy became pharaoh.
As they walked, the two reached the edge of the shore. The sea reflected the brilliant sunlight, and the waves gently lapped against the shore, sparkling as if sprinkled with gold dust.
Several yachts glided slowly across the water, leaving white ripples and creating a scene of leisurely vacation.
This was a place Medea insisted on coming to, so Matouchi had no choice but to go along with her wishes.
As he observed his surroundings, he felt an unprecedented sense of ease, though his heart was still in turmoil.
Along the coastal road, you can vaguely see a few small stalls scattered on the beach.
With no roof over their houses, the food is simply placed on the table, creating a simple yet unique flavor.
Some stalls are simply tables and chairs set up casually on the beach, as if any passerby could sit down, have a cup of coffee, or sip a refreshing drink.
Medea clearly enjoyed the ordinary yet unique atmosphere, and she would stop every now and then to pick out some snacks that looked fresh.
Matou Ike stood to the side, pondering matters concerning the Dead Apostles.
He's the kind of person who can't stop once he gets involved, which seems to contradict his wishes.
Medea noticed Matou Ike's state, but she didn't say anything.
She held the flatbread she had just bought, filled with an unknown ingredient, to Matou Ike's lips, her tone casual yet firm: "Eat it!"
"Ah, thank you very much." Matou Ike paused slightly, but still took the bread and took a small bite.
At that moment, a pungent taste instantly spread through his mouth, like a powerful shock. He couldn't help but frown. The taste hit the tip of his tongue, both sour and spicy, with a very unique sensation, like the taste of junk food, even somewhat chaotic.
However, as he chewed, he was surprised to find that the crispness of the fried onions, the softness of the rice, and the rich flavor of the tomato sauce intertwined to create a unique harmony.
It is a food that can make people feel happy.
"This is called Kusari. Although the recipe itself is very simple, even the same Kusari can have a unique flavor, making it a dish full of personality."
Such a sound came from the side.
But Matou Ike didn't pay any attention, just glanced up and continued chewing the food in her mouth.
A man's figure stood in the direction from which the sound came.
She is probably around forty years old.
His long brown hair completely covered his eyes, and he wore a gray suit over his thin body.
Although very faint, the wavelength of magic could indeed be felt around the man.
"Ignoring me? You're just as cold-blooded as the rumors say," the man said with amusement.
Matou Ike swallowed the last bite of Kusauri before speaking to the man who had suddenly interrupted:
"What brings you here, Monarch Meastia, the head of the Archaeology Department of the Clock Tower? Do you intend to clip El-Melloi's wings before the Grand Order decision?"
"Haha, I didn't expect you to say that."
The monarch, Meastia, coughed lightly a few times, a wry smile on his face.
"That being said, I am aware to some extent of your relationship with El-Melloi, and I know that I am no match for you in terms of force. I am only here to seek cooperation."
Chapter 399 Desert and Sea 4k
Karl Maglif Meastia Drucker.
Adhering to neutrality.
He is the monarch in the Clock Tower who "knows the most about the mysteries outside the Clock Tower".
Since he took over, the archaeology department has developed rapidly.
He was also the man who wanted to seize the "Minerals" from the El-Melloi family after the death of the former Lord Kenneth El-Melloi.
In the original timeline, he succeeded in doing so, becoming the only monarch in the Clock Tower to manage two disciplines.
In the politics of the Clock Tower, this man was undoubtedly considered an "enemy."
Especially during this period when the Grand Order decision is about to be held.
Matou Ike believed that he would not let go of the opportunity to continue "attacking" the El-Melloi family.
But some things need to be separated.
About ten minutes later, Matouchi and Medea were being led by Monarch Meastia along the coastline of Alexandria.
The coastline here extends gracefully into a huge arc, with the azure sea and golden sand reflecting each other, creating a picturesque scene.
The three strolled around the city's East Bay, naturally taking a walk along this scenic route. However, as they continued walking, the number of pedestrians around them gradually decreased from the middle onwards, clearly indicating that some force was at work.
Matou Ike's gaze swept around, and she keenly sensed the faint magical fluctuations floating in the air.
Although the fluctuation was faint, it permeated the surroundings, like an invisible barrier that silently kept ordinary people out of this path.
"A barrier to expel people?" he said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of understanding.
Karl Maglif answered without turning his head:
“That’s right. To avoid trouble, precautions were taken here a while ago. After all, keeping ordinary people away from magicians is a basic safety principle.”
Matou Ike nodded, his gaze casually sweeping over the buildings around him.
The houses here are noticeably older than the once bustling neighborhood, with mottled walls and half-open windows, as if they hadn't been maintained for a long time.
Something further away...
It appears to be a ruin.
The distant fortress stands silently, like a testament to the passage of time left on the coast.
“This is it.” Monarch Mayastia stopped and turned around to say.
"Is this the Great Lighthouse of Pharos?" Matou Ike looked up and asked in a low voice.
As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, and the Colossus of Rhodes have all been renowned throughout history. And the building before us is one of those in the prestigious list.
This idea was proposed in 225 BC, and even the name itself contains various symbolic elements.
However, it looks quite different from the lighthouse in legend.
Although the fortress itself was sturdy and majestic, it bore no resemblance whatsoever to a lighthouse.
If we're talking about something else, the sense of tension is even more pronounced in the city walls that seem to be stubbornly stretching out along the coastline, as if they've taken root there.
"Although it was already in a state of partial destruction, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century. After that, the Sultan at the time rebuilt it as a fortress using the remaining foundations and named it after himself, calling it Qatba Fortress."
Monarch Mayastia stopped and began to explain.
Matou Ike looked at the man beside her with some surprise. When talking about history and ancient things, he seemed to become a different person.
One can only say that he truly deserves to be called the monarch of the archaeology department.
As if she had thought of something, Matou Ike suddenly asked:
"If I remember correctly, this should be a naval museum by now, but I haven't seen any visitors, not even any staff members. I suppose this is your doing?"
"We've evacuated the people and are handling the situation from both a magical and legal perspective. Come on in."
"Monarch Mayastia answered as he led Matouchi and Medea through the main gate and into the interior of the Pharos Fortress.
A soaring ceiling came into view, and the narrow, stone corridor was cold, hard, and empty. Footsteps echoed clearly within, mingling with the sound of waves crashing against the fortress outside, creating a strange rhythm.
This is a quiet space, yet it subtly reveals the flow of some power that has not been completely concealed.
Medea silently observed the runes and decorations on the surrounding walls, while Matouchi focused more intently on what lay ahead.
As for why the two could so confidently follow a magician into this area, which was clearly already covered by a barrier, without any precautions, the reason is quite simple—
During the initial conversation, Monarch Mayastia had already assured them, in the form of a self-imposed written guarantee, that his actions would not pose any real threat to them.
And if I'm not mistaken, there might be an acquaintance waiting for them inside.
The distance was neither short nor long; in the blink of an eye, they had already passed through the fortress's corridor and arrived at the fortress's back door.
The three of them stopped at the beach behind the fortress.
Hidden in the shadow of the fortress, a strange object is floating on the sea.
Although only about 30% of it was above the water, it was still clear that it was a huge beetle-like shape.
If the portion submerged in water is included, it's about five meters high and eight meters long.
Matou Ike looked at the waves crashing against the surface like carapaces, frowned deeply, and asked:
"If I remember correctly, weapons are not allowed to be brought out. Isn't that a rule of the Atlas Academy?"
"By their standards, this level doesn't seem to qualify as a weapon; at most, it's just a convenient shared tool. Well, ultimately, for them, anything that can be compatible with the outside world's civilization doesn't seem to be considered a weapon at all."
"The monarch, Meastia, replied."
Matouike herself only had a superficial understanding of the rules set by the Atlas Institute, and thus accepted this phenomenon that deviated from common sense.
"You mentioned earlier the archaeological excavation group that was jointly established with the Atlas Institute. In other words, your target is the underwater ruins of Alexandria, right?" Matou Ike asked casually while observing the expression of Monarch Mayastia.
"That's right." The other person answered crisply and without any intention of hiding anything.
Matou Ike nodded, seemingly processing this information.
He didn't know much about the plans inside the Clock Tower, but he had gleaned some information from the El-Melloi family's connections.
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