Chapter 1

October,

1932,

Qimengdian,

British Hong Kong

Constantine, standing in front of a large blackboard which was already filled with notes and other drawings, drew the picture of a staff on it with the small piece of chalk he held in his hand. The staff he was drawing was like any other staff, save the elaborate headpiece which resembled that of a falcon's head with a sun disk resting on its top. Constantine, unlike many of his colleagues, preferred to actually write and draw on the blackboard with his own hands instead of using his magic to do so.

He turned around upon finishing his drawing of the staff to address his class. It was filled with many young familiar faces. Constantine was still surprised that so many of his students from his history class had decided to take his introductory class on Ancient Artefacts as one of their electives for their sixth year. He thought they dreaded his classes.

"The Staff of Ra," began Constantine in impeccable English, pointing to a drawing of the staff on the blackboard. "Is said to have been forged by the god Ra himself. According to hieroglyphic records, it is said that the staff bestows its wielder the power of Ra. The power to control fire as well as the sun. Hieroglyphic records indicate that-"

The school bell rang, its ringing sound filling the classroom.

"We'll stop here for today. Any questions?" said Constantine as soon as the bell stopped ringing.

One of his students, a bespectacled human Chinese girl, raised her hand to ask Constantine a question.

"Yes, Zoe," said Constantine, smiling.

"Where's the staff now?" asked the fifteen-year-old student.

"No one knows for sure," answered Constantine. "The staff and the temple where it was said to have been in has been buried beneath the sands of Egypt, lost to time. No one has been able to find it yet." Constantine looked to his students and smiled. "But perhaps one day in the future, one of you, will be able to find it. Any more questions?"

As there were no further questions, so Constantine dismissed the class for the day. As soon as the last of his students had left the classroom, Constantine began to pack up to leave as well. Just as he was about to erase the notes and drawings he had made earlier on the blackboard, he heard the sound of the old but sturdy wooden door to the classroom opening. Constantine turned his attention to the classroom's entrance. Standing at the entrance was an elderly bald man with a wrinkled kind face dressed in a bespoke dark grey suit stepping into the room. Following closely behind the elderly gentleman was a middle-aged man with combed-back curly dark brown hair who was also wearing a bespoke black suit along with a pair of black thick framed glasses.

"Is something the matter, Professor Xavier?" asked Constantine, looking at the headmaster of Qimengdian before briefly glancing over to the man who stood next to him. I wonder who that could be. He looks like someone from government.

Professor Ian Xavier smiled warmly, like how a grandfather would to his grandchild. "You have a visitor from Secret Intelligence Service, a Mr Chistopher Hart."

SIS? I wonder why would they need to see a lowly history and archaeology professor like me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Tan," said the SIS agent in respectable English. "I've heard a great deal of things about you."

"All good, I hope," chuckled Constantine.

"Of course," said Hart. "Your reputation as an adventurer and obtainer of rare antiquities and artefacts is quite well known, throughout SIS and our counterparts in other countries."

"So what can I do for you, Mister Hart?"

"Professor Tan, what I'm about to tell you is strictly confidential," began Hart. "Nothing goes beyond this four walls and the three of us. Is that understood?"

Constantine nodded. "I understand."

"Over the last year, there's been chatter going around that Hitler has been secretly trying to acquire various ancient artefacts from around the world. And two days ago, our agents in Egypt confirmed that chatter. They intercepted a series of messages addressed to Hitler himself. It indicates that one of his dig teams had managed to discover something in one of their dig sites outside of Cairo. Unfortunately, we can't make anything out of it. Maybe you can?" Christopher Hart reached into his suits inner pocket and took out a piece of paper which he unfolded immediately. "Abydos dig proceeding. Map room located. Unable to locate Library of Thoth. Seek Alastair Croft for next phase."

"They found Abydos," muttered Constantine under his breath. "They actually found it."

Constantine looked at Professor Xavier. The young professor and adventurer could see that like him, Professor Xavier too was surprised about the revelation. The city of Abydos, a city buried beneath the Egyptian sand for centuries, a city that has captured the imagination of so many adventurers and archaeologist have been rediscovered.

"What exactly is Abydos?" asked Hart.

"It's a holy city. A holy city the Ancient Egyptians built to worship their gods and goddesses and to honour their Pharaohs," answered Professor Xavier.

"And this Library of Thoth they mentioned in the message, why is it so important?" queried Agent Hart.

"It's important because it's the resting place for the Tome of Thoth," added Constantine who was pacing in circles. "The prize Hitler is most likely after."

"And what is the Tome of Thoth exactly?" asked Hart as he corrected his glasses.

"It's a book of spells. It is said to contain some of the most powerful and potent spells in all of Ancient Egypt. It was a source of power for many of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt," answered Professor Xavier.

And If Hitler gets a hand of the Tome, there's no telling what sort of chaos he could unleash. He could even take over the whole of Europe, not just Germany.

"Professor Tan-"

"Call me Constantine."

"Constantine, you were a student under Alastair Croft, right?"

Constantine nodded. "That's right."

"Do you know as to why Hitler's men would mention the professor in their communique?"

"Because he's an expert on Abydos," began Constantine. "He spent most of his life studying about the city and searching for it. For a lack of a better word, he obsessed over it. No one knows more about Abydos than he does. If anyone can find the Library in that ruined city, it would be him. And only him."

"Do you think Professor Croft would be inclined to help Hitler and the Dark Axis in finding this library?" asked Agent Hart.

"Alastair Croft? Helping the Dark Axis? Not in a million years," scoffed Professor Xavier.

"I have to agree with Professor Xavier," said Constantine, nodding. "Professor Croft would never help the Dark Axis."

"How can you be certain?"

"He has elvish blood running through his veins," answered Professor Xavier. "He had ancestors who were elvish."

"Plus his late wife was elvish," added Constantine. "He wouldn't betray her memory by working with anti meta-humans like the Dark Axis."

"I see. We need to find him then. Before Hitler's men do," said Hart. "Do you know where he is?"

"Last I heard, he was in Egypt," replied Constantine. "But that was about three years ago."

"Is it possible for you to find him?" asked Hart.

"I...could try asking a couple of old mutual friend in Cairo. They might know where he is. But I can't just up and leave like that, I have classes to teach."

"Don't worry about your classes, Constantine," said Professor Xavier, smiling. "I can take over them until you return from Egypt."

"A-Are you sure, sir?" asked Constantine.

"Of course I am," said Professor Xavier, still smiling. "It would be nice to teach again."

"So will you help us find Professor Croft and the Tome?" asked Hart again.

Constantine stroked his chin as he took a moment to mull over Mr Hart's request. "Will I be getting any support from SIS?"

Mr.Hart shook his head. "Unfortunately we cannot offer you any support."

"Why not?" asked Professor Xavier, a look of concern etched on his face.

"I cannot divulge much. But suffice to say, SIS has its hands full at the moment." Mr Hart looked to Constantine who was still mulling over SIS's request. "I hope you would still consider taking on this mission, even without our support. You're the only one who could possibly help us find the professor."

Constantine took in a deep breath and releasing it slowly. "I'll find the professor. And the Tome as well." I hope.

A small smile formed on Mr. Hart's face. "Excellent. I'll let my superiors know that you're on the case. And remember, the details of this mission is classified. It doesn't go beyond this room and the three of us."

Constantine just hoped that wherever Professor Croft is at right now, that he is safe, and that he will be able to find him before the members of the Dark Axis do.

#

The large circular office of Professor Horatio Mallard, the potions master of Qimengdian, was brightly lit, warm and inviting; a total opposite of the gloomy, dimly-lit, cold and uninviting dungeon it was located at. Professor Mallard's office has changed very little since the time Constantine was a student at Qimengdian. The walls of the office were still lined with shelves of glass jars both small and large that were filled with bits of animals and plants, floating in potions of varying colours. There was also still the large portrait of the famous 15th century alchemist, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, which hung above the roaring fireplace. In the corner, there was still the large oak cupboard which Professor Mallard kept his personal stash of Potions ingredients and Potions which he had brewed. The only noticeable difference Constantine could see was the picture frames that were placed on the professor's finely made desk.

"So where's your adventure taking you to this time?" asked Professor Mallard, smiling so broadly that his double chin became even more pronounced.

"Egypt, professor," replied Constantine who sat across from the professor.

"Now what did I tell you about calling me professor," said the hefty built man.

Constantine chuckled. "Not to do so anymore."

Professor Mallard smiled. "Exactly, my dear boy. We're colleagues now!"

Constantine chuckled. "I'm sorry, but it's not easy to stop calling you professor. After all, I've been calling you professor since they day I met you. It's kind of hard to shake eight years worth of conditioning."

Professor Mallard burst out laughing. His laughter echoed throughout his office, and quite possibly the entire dungeon. Constantine, unable to contain his own laughter, joined in as well.

"So, what takes you to Egypt this time?"

"I'm sorry. I can't tell you the exact details," apologised Constantine, shaking his head. "I've been sworn to secrecy by the SIS. But suffice to say-"

"You don't have to tell me, my dear boy," began Professor Mallard, adjusting his glasses. "I understand what it is like to be sworn to secrecy by the SIS

"You do?" Constantine said, arching his brow.

"But of course," replied Professor Mallard with a half-smile. "I had once or twice helped the SIS during my younger years. But that's a story for another day. So, the usual, my dear boy?"

Constantine nodded. "T-The usual." I can't believe Professor Mallard use to work for the SIS. This is news to me. Perhaps there's more to the professor than meets the eye.

Professor Mallard drew his wand from the inner pocket of his chequered tweed jacket. He pointed it at the oak cupboard where he kept the potions which he had brewed. The stout professor then gracefully drew a magical symbol in the air using his wand. The doors to the cupboard opened. Constantine could see that there were many potions of varying colours being stored in it. Four round glass bottles, two red and two green, levitated out of cupboard slowly and towards Professor Mallard's desk.

"There you go, my boy," said Professor Mallard as soon as the four round glass bottles gently landed on his desk. "Two healing potions and two antidote potions."

"Thank you," said Constantine before picking up the four round glass bottles one by one and placing them inside his leather sling bag.

"Don't mention it, my boy. It's a pleasure to help. Tell me, Constantine," began Professor Mallard before pausing for a moment. "On your adventures, do you often have to sneak in and out of places undetected?"

"Sometimes, but not all the time," replied Constantine. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I've something that might be of great use to you."

"What is it?" asked Constantine, curious to know what his former potions professor had.

"An invisibility cloak," replied Professor Mallard, smiling.

Professor Mallard opened one of the drawers of his large desk and proceeded to take out a fairly large wooden box which had intricately carved markings on it. He opened the wooden box upon placing it on his desk. In it was a silver cloak.

"Here you go, my dear boy," said Professor Mallard, taking out the silver cloak and handing it to Constantine. "It's a little old, but its still in perfect working order the last time I checked."

Constantine graciously took the cloak from his former professor. The cloak was large, and although it was old, it still felt soft and smooth in his hand, like finely woven silk. It also shimmered ever so slightly whenever the light from the fireplace hit it. "A-Are you sure you want to give away something so expensive?"

"What's an old potions professor such like myself going to use an invisibility cloak for?" began Professor Mallard. "I think it'll be better off with you instead. You'll have more use for it then I will ever do."

"Thank you, Horatio. I-I really appreciate it," said Constantine before putting the cloak into his sling bag. "I'll make sure to put it to good use."

Professor Mallard smiled. "I know you will, my dear boy."

"So, how's my brother doing in your class so far?" asked Constantine, shifting the topic of the conversation.

"Zachary is doing fine," answered Professor Mallard. "Doing most fine. He's a good student, Constantine. Hardworking, intelligent and meticulous. I tell you, Constantine, many first year students are not as careful and meticulous as your younger brother is."

"I think that little accident he had at the beginning of the term has a lot to do with him being so meticulous and careful. He doesn't want to create another accident and embarrass himself again."

"It's good your brother has taken the lesson taught to him by the accident to heart. As you are well aware, few students actually do."

The sound of the school bell ringing echoed throughout Professor Mallard's office.

"I should get going. I still have one more class to teach."

"As do I," said Professor Mallard, getting up from his chair. "Stay safe, Constantine. Comeback to us in one piece."

Constantine smiled. "I will. And thanks again for the potions and the invisibility cloak."

"Don't mention it, my dear boy," said a smiling Professor Mallard.

With that, Constantine exited his old potions master's office and headed off to teach his last class for the day.

#

"Why do you have to go to Egypt?" asked a young woman who spoke with a received pronunciation accent, the standard British accent which is spoken and heard across the United Kingdom and its Empire. The young lady who sat across from Constantine in Qimengdian's staff lounge was beautiful. Her oval shaped face was unblemished, her body was lithe, and she had long flowing brunette hair which curled ever so slightly at the tip.

"I'm sorry, Jane, but I can't tell you the exact details," said Constantine, replying Professor Jane Annabelle Granger, who was the botany professor of Qimengdian as well as his best friend. "I've been sworn to secrecy by the SIS. But suffice to say, I've been given an important mission by them."

  Qimengdian's staff lounge was a fairly large circular room which was brightly lit by a series of ornately crafted Chinese chandeliers which hung down majestically from the ceiling. The staff room was elegant, decorated with numerous traditional Chinese artwork and furniture from different periods of Chinese history. At the corner of the lounge was a table that was filled with plates containing many different types of cuisine, both from the West and the East. Besides Constantine and Jane, there were only two other souls in the staff lounge that night, Professor Cicero Locke, the curly dark blonde haired dwarven philosophy professor, and Qimengdian's elderly arithmetic professor, Professor Paul Xu. Both professors were playing a game of go in the corner, engaged in a battle of wits.  

"I see," Jane said leaning in closer to Constantine. "Must be important if they swore you to secrecy."

Constantine could smell the sweet smelling fragrance of Lily's self-brewed perfume which permeated the air become more prominent as she leant in closer to him. The smell was truly intoxicating, in a good way. He felt calm and at ease whenever he caught even a whiff of her perfume.

"So, when will you be back?" asked Jane.

Constantine shook his head. "I'm not sure," he answered. "But I hope to be back within a week."

"It's going to be a long, boring and lonely week for me then," sighed Jane.

"Don't say that," began Constantine. "You have your classes to teach and your plants to take care off. One week will come and go in a blink of an eye. Before you know it, I'll be back from Egypt. Plus, Newton is around. So you won't be that lonely." But that's if you can find him.

"That's if I can find him." Jane paused for a moment. "You better return from Egypt safe and in one piece, Constantine," began Jane, whose enormous soulful dark brown eyes reflected a sense of seriousness as well as vulnerability at the same time. "I don't want to go looking around for another best friend. The thought alone sends shudders down my spine."

Constantine wanted to take a jab at Jane on how she needed to get more friends besides him, Newton and her lovely plants. But he thought against it when he saw the concern in her dark brown eyes.

Constantine smiled assuringly. "Don't you worry, I will." Or so I hope I will.

The two young professors continued their conversation for another hour or so before finally deciding to call it a night. Before going their separate ways, back to their respective rooms, Jane wished Constantine a safe journey and mission before giving him a long and tight farewell hug.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi there, this is yizhongt. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you did, please leave a comment and a vote.