Chapter 32: War Is About to Begin
This time, when Moses performed a miracle, both the scale and effect far surpassed the previous incident in the great hall with the snakes.
Last time, it had merely slapped the faces of the palace magicians, showing that he was not to be trifled with and preventing anyone from secretly using magic to harm him.
But this time, he struck the face of all the temples in Egypt.
Unlike the loosely organized magicians, temples had existed since the rise of Egyptian civilization. In terms of organization and heritage, they were unmatched by mere magicians.
The essence of the Egyptian kingdom was essentially a coalition of numerous temples, and the Pharaoh's basic role was to be the leader of the temple hierarchy, with his secular rulership being secondary.
When God repeatedly performed miracles in Egypt in the Bible, it wasn't truly to deal with the Egyptians; the target was the gods of Egypt. A god's power could only shine by crushing another god, with the Egyptians and Hebrews serving as pawns.
For seven entire days, all the water in Egypt turned to blood. For every temple in Egypt, this week was a period of darkness.
Even the most prominent Temple of Amun, despite all efforts from temples across the country, could not purify the waters. In front of Moses, they were utterly defeated.
The Hebrews cheered, and Moses' authority was once again solidified through this miracle. The elders were silent, no one dared oppose him.
Except for Ramesses, no one knew that Hachiman had not departed but was residing in the million-year temple that the Pharaoh was still constructing.
The main hall of the temple had not yet been completed, but the main chamber had been roofed. There was still no deity statue, so Hachiman boldly took occupancy.
He silently observed everything Horus did, analyzing the power inherent in the miracles.
When the seventh day ended, a colossal force surged from the temple, quickly occupying the skies over Egypt.
First, Ramesses' city, then Lower Egypt, and finally the entire country experienced a gentle rain.
The rainfall washed away the stinking blood, turning it back into clear water. Dead creatures in the Nile decomposed and vanished, and all pollution was cleansed.
Every professionally trained Egyptian priest felt this power; they had no doubt it was divine, for nothing else could explain the miracle.
Only the High Priest paled in fear. Standing at the front of the Temple of Amun, he watched the fine rain outside, eyes filled with dread.
As Egypt's foremost authority on divine matters, he discerned the nature of this power.
It was the unparalleled force of Set, the god of destruction, capable of annihilating all tangible and intangible existence. The evil power that had long shrouded Egypt had been utterly severed and shattered.
The High Priest would stake his years of integrity that the god-man who descended upon Egypt had not left; he was still in Ramesses' city.
Everyone knew this god-man was Set! The destructive power before them was proof!
There was no doubt: a divine war had begun.
The High Priest felt despondent. He wanted to move house…
In contrast, Ramesses appeared carefree. Seeing the Nile visibly purified, he danced with joy.
In his excitement, upon seeing a worried Nefertari approaching, he immediately embraced his wife and retreated to the bedchamber for a celebratory session.
"This is the power of life! Egypt is a land beloved by life. My love, give me another child!"
Afterward, he explained to his wife the reason for their union.
Nefertari, feeling pleased… well, since her husband said so, she naturally cooperated. She enjoyed it.
After Ramesses finished and collapsed, exhausted, Nefertari stretched gracefully and then suggested: "We should give thanks to the gods. Ramesses, our temple construction must accelerate."
Had she not mentioned it, it would have been fine. But once she did, Ramesses felt annoyed. The construction crew had recently gone on strike…
Indeed, throughout Egypt's history, some pharaohs had been ousted by foreign invaders or overwhelmed by temples, but rarely had slaves gone on strike.
If he were a weakling like Akhenaten, it would be understandable. But he wasn't. He had grown stronger.
These Hebrews were absurd! Even a powerful pharaoh like him, and they dared to oppose him?
The more Ramesses thought, the more frustrated he became.
Why, being this powerful, was he not receiving the respect a powerful man deserves?
This must be the truth behind Set coming to him. The world was sick and needed curing!
"Ramesses? What's wrong with you?" Nefertari nudged the Pharaoh after waiting for a while.
She was slightly dissatisfied; normally, he lasted at least five rounds.
"Ah? Oh, nothing." Ramesses returned from his bloody delusion, pulling his wife close. He first checked the door to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then whispered into her ear.
Nefertari's eyes widened.
"Do not speak," Ramesses said seriously. "My love, I cannot reveal anything yet. Everyone is watching me, but you are different. You may go to the temple under the pretext of checking progress."
Nefertari nodded gently. Her head had remained on Ramesses' chest, so he could not see her expression, only feeling her slight tremble.
He thought she was afraid.
"Do not fear," he said. "That is the true god protecting our family. We need only serve sincerely; the god is merciful."
"But will He protect you forever?" Nefertari asked softly.
"He will," Ramesses said confidently. "Under the walls of Kadesh, He granted me strength to defeat a formidable enemy. Now, He will protect Egypt from its foes. He is our family's guardian god."
Nefertari did not continue questioning.
Every Pharaoh was under divine protection, yet many still died unnaturally—some in palace conspiracies, some at the hands of enemies. Gods did not protect them for life. She knew this, but the proud Ramesses would never listen.
Thus, she would do what she could.
The war had only just begun…
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