On the banks of the Nile River lie the ruins of an ancient city called Sebenytos, home to a vast number of Egyptian tombs. Today, a critical one was being excavated. This joint operation was an archaeological effort funded by Pioneer Technology and officially led by Egyptian authorities.
Of course, Pioneer Technology's involvement wasn't that simple. As a faction with roots in HYDRA, Pioneer Technology had access to all of HYDRA's information about mysterious objects buried underground. One of these objects was located in an ancient tomb near the Nile.
"Captain! The detector is picking up strange energy fluctuations below!"
"Alright, a pair of you keep an eye on the Egyptian officials. Make sure they don't disrupt our excavation plan!"
"Everyone else, attention!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Get your tools ready and dig deeper into the pyramid!"
"Copy that!"
These individuals, all wearing yellow uniforms with the Pioneer Technology logo, and a black HYDRA tattoo near their ears, had a clear objective: to unearth the legendary figure who once ruled Egypt in the age of myths, the Mutant Emperor, Apocalypse.
Apocalypse was no ordinary mutant. He was a monster born during Egypt's First Dynasty in the third millennium B.C., one of the world's longest-living and most powerful mutants. This ancient being had ruled the First Dynasty for thousands of years and had never truly died. In myths and legends, Apocalypse was spoken of as a living god.
The reason Pioneer Technology and other HYDRA factions agreed to this joint excavation was twofold.
First, they wanted to discover the secret of immortality from Apocalypse. Pioneer Technology was an organization founded by brilliant, monstrous minds. If they could gain Apocalypse's abilities, a significant part of their plan for world domination would be complete.
Second, Apocalypse was rumored to possess the ability of mind control, a power that, among the X-Men, only Charles Xavier had. If they could master this power and control the painter Aaron, they could gain access to his prophetic visions about the future. This would be the ultimate strategic advantage for ruling the world.
When Pioneer Technology and other HYDRA factions received this information, they immediately agreed to the operation.
"Found it!"
Finally, using their energy detectors, the Pioneer Technology and HYDRA team located a tomb at the bottom of the pyramid.
"Be careful! First, ensure there's enough oxygen down there!"
The team leader threw a torch down the shaft. After it landed and continued to burn, he confirmed that the tomb's depths were breathable.
"You two, stay outside and guard the entrance. Don't let anyone in!"
"The rest of you, come with me!"
Following the pyramid's burial passage, they entered a dark corridor. The first thing they saw was a sculpture of the Egyptian moon god Khonsu, with a bird's head and a human body, holding the energy of the night. A few more steps led them to a large number of coffins, and in the center was a sarcophagus carved in the image of the sun god, Ra, with a golden coffin inside.
"We found it!"
After confirming there were no immediate threats, the group prepared their tools to open the sarcophagus.
"One, two, three!"
"Open the coffin!"
BOOM!!!
The sarcophagus was thrown open. A foul stench of rot instantly filled the air.
"Aaaaaah!"
"What's happening?!"
A sudden scream startled the team. A faint, divine aura began to emanate from the sarcophagus.
Crackle... crackle...
There was movement inside the coffin. A living person standing nearby was suddenly pulled in and firmly attached to the sarcophagus. They watched in horror as the person's body rapidly transformed into a mummy, its flesh and blood absorbed by the ancient coffin.
"Go and check it out!" commanded George, the team leader. He sent two men to investigate up close.
"This... this is incredible!"
A strange phenomenon was happening. There was indeed a mummy inside the sarcophagus, but it was slowly recovering at a visible speed! Its shriveled corpse was becoming plump again after absorbing the fresh flesh and blood.
Then, the being in the coffin opened its eyes.
"Who dares to disturb my slumber?!"
As his muscles regenerated, the being spoke in a hoarse voice, uttering his ancient name: En Sabah Nur! The real, taboo name of Apocalypse!
"Esteemed Emperor Apocalypse! I, George John, on behalf of our leader, Mr. Mordok, welcome you back to this world!"
------------
New York City, Manhattan, Hell's Kitchen
Aaron, in his gallery, suddenly stopped painting. He looked up at the sky. The stars, which he could see from inside his studio, seemed to be watching him.
"What's going on?" Aaron asked, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. "The Heavenly Beast Star's soul has been suppressed, and now I have to go there in person for it to recover?"
(End of Chapter)
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