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*****
In the end, Daniel forced the Medjai into cooperating â not through diplomacy, but through pure, relentless annoyance.
He talked like some desert-market scammer who wouldn't let you walk away from a stall. Every time Ardeth tried to refuse, Daniel would pop up with another "logical" reason that sounded less like negotiation and more like a threat wrapped in a smile.
The Medjai could clearly tell he was being an asshole.
But he wasn't wrong.
Without the golden book, fighting the resurrected priest was suicide. With it, they at least had a chance. And Daniel made sure to repeat that point in fifteen different ways until Ardeth finally realized he had no other choice.
By the time the discussion was over, the legendary warriors of the desert looked less like noble protectors and more like men who'd been verbally beaten into submission.
Evelyn was impressed â and a little worried.
Impressed by how easily Daniel persuaded them, and worried for the other parties' health.
But heyâcooperation was cooperation. Daniel had gotten what he wanted. The Medjai would work with them.
And judging by Ardeth Bay's expression, he already regretted every second of it.
So with that temporary alliances was formed, and divided into two groups.
One group job is to escort Burns and Dr. Allen out of here.
The Medjai didn't want the cursed ones anywhere near Hamunaptra, not with Mummy awake. So Burns and Dr. Allen were quickly escorted out â half for their safety, and half to prevent the Mummy from draining them and growing stronger.
While everyone was distracted preparing to send them away, Daniel casually walked up to Dr. Allen.
The man clutched the Book of the Dead like it was a life raft.
Unfortunately for him, Daniel wanted it more.
"You know," Daniel said, wearing a crooked smile that definitely didn't help his image, "those Medjai guys? They think you're the reason the Mummy woke up."
Dr. Allen stiffened. "âŠSo?"
Daniel leaned closer. "So if you don't hand me the book, I'll just mention something interesting."
His smile sharpened. "Dead bodies can't be drained. Kind of⊠convenient, right?"
The meaning hit instantly.
Dr. Allen's face drained of color faster than water sinking into desert sand. He looked at Daniel, then at the Medjai a few steps away â Yes if killing him can stop the Mummy from gaining power these guys might kill him.
Suddenly, the Book didn't seem worth dying for.
"You⊠you don't want to kill me, right?" he asked, trembling.
Daniel shrugged innocently. "Not really. But they might. So⊠do you want to die?"
That sealed it.
The Book of the Dead was shoved into Daniel's hands so fast it almost left a burn.
Thus, through what he proudly considered "strategic negotiation," and what everyone else would call "blackmail," Daniel obtained the book.
For anyone wondering â yes, this was still the main character.
And no, he wasn't a villain.
He just⊠looked like one
A lot.
***
Present,
Now another group was heading deeper into the ruins â the team that would have to face the Mummy head-on.
Daniel, Evelyn, O'Connell, Jonathan, Ardeth Bay, and two of Ardeth's best warriors moved through the narrow stone passage, torches in hand.
"Evy, can't you just read the spell here and kill that Mummy?" Jonathan whispered, voice trembling just a little.
Evelyn shook her head. "No. For the spell to work, I have to recite it in front of him. Otherwise it won't activate."
Jonathan groaned. "Great. Absolutely wonderful."
"Man up, Jonathan," Daniel said, clapping him on the shoulder.
"It's not like I'm going to see a beautiful woman " Jonathan muttered, voice cracking slightly. "I'm going to face a nasty mummy."
Evelyn shot him a flat look.
Daniel snorted.
And Ardeth Bay â without even turning â simply raised a hand.
"Quiet," he whispered. "Something is ahead."