Chapter 1122 355: Eye of the Ra Fragment_2

Accompanied by the application of the Transformation Technique.

At this moment, Ian was wearing an Egyptian-style linen robe altered through the Transformation Technique, indistinguishable from the locals. Only his eyes, sparkling with a wise green light, revealed his extraordinary identity.

"Ancient clothing really isn't breathable~ but it has a unique charm."

Ian took a deep breath, his lips slightly curving.

"Speaking of charm, you need to eat and drink well to have the strength to work…"

He murmured softly.

"It's time to sample some ancient Egyptian cuisine." In ancient times, Ian always chose to visit taverns, and thus, prepared to treat his stomach after having not eaten for a long time.

He tidied his clothing, ensuring his Magic Wand was safely hidden in a specially designed pocket in his sleeve, then confidently headed for the tavern's front door.

The tavern was located at a corner on a main street, with wind chimes made of bronze hanging at the entrance, producing a crisp sound when the wind blew through.

There were several simply-dressed craftsmen and merchants standing at the door, chatting merrily while holding pottery wine cups. Ian pushed the door open and entered, finding the tavern was far more spacious inside than it appeared from outside. Low wooden tables and chairs were arranged around a central open kitchen, and various hunting tools and river fish specimens hung on the walls.

This was undeniably cleaner than most take-out shops from later eras.

Compared to outside, the interior of the tavern was slightly dim, with a few oil lamps hanging from the beams, casting swaying shadows, while the air was filled with the aroma of beer and roasted meat.

Most of the tables were already occupied—a mix of merchants, craftsmen, a few who appeared to be lower-level officials, and a few heavily made-up dancing girls amusing themselves with guests at certain seats.

This profession truly deserves its reputation as the oldest in human history—ironically, the walls were adorned with murals of Sun God Ra, and a small statue of Thoth was worshipped at the altar.

"As long as you pay, you can do such things under God's very nose, real and reasonable." Ian didn't bother with the women trying to latch onto him hoping to gain money from him.

His nostrils twitched.

Some cheap spices were being burned in the Incense Burner as Ian walked to the bar, noticing clerks in robes, weather-beaten caravan travelers, and priests engaged in hushed conversations. In a corner, a Minstrel was plucking at a harp, singing ancient ballads about Pharaohs and wars.

"Although this era doesn't have things like chicken essence or MSG, hunger is the best seasoning." Ian muttered to himself, rubbing his hollow stomach.

Ever since arriving in this era through the Time Converter, he hadn't had a proper meal. Ancient Egyptian cuisine was described as mouth-watering in his Magic History Class textbook.

Now he finally had the chance to experience it firsthand.

"Hello, I'd like to eat something."

Ian chose a corner seat close to the kitchen yet still within earshot of conversations in the hall. A voluptuous waitress immediately came over, sizing up the unfamiliar guest with an appraising gaze.

"Welcome to 'Eye of the Nile,' sir. What would you like to order?" Her voice was husky yet pleasant, her fingers absentmindedly fiddling with the Protective Talisman around her neck.

In a city like this, working in the service industry requires a keen eye; if not, one might need external means to help identify the identity of clients.

Like now, the woman's Protective Talisman was heating up.

Which meant this guest's identity was not to be trifled with.

Ian replied fluently in Ancient Egyptian.

"Please give me your best stew, some fresh bread, and a jug of Palm Wine. If there's any special roasted meat, I'd like a portion of that too." He deliberately added a touch of a Theban accent to explain the slight differences in his appearance compared to the locals. But it didn't actually matter much.

"Anything else required?"

The waitress knew she only needed to care about the other's needs, without prying further. Ian glanced at the menu and ordered a serving of "Kush Kush," an ancient Egyptian dessert made of wheat, honey, and nuts. He also ordered a plate of roasted fish and some food that appeared to be nuts.

Mainly because the table next to him was eating them, and it looked quite appetizing.

A famished Little Wizard acts this way, wanting to taste everything; after all, these are ancient culinary specialties, and once back in the future, he surely couldn't taste them again.

It wasn't considered a waste because Ian could finish it all.

"Alright, please wait a moment." The waitress nodded and left. Ian scanned the tavern's patrons, his ears picking up various snippets of conversation.

Two men who looked like merchants were intensely debating the tax issues of Nubian gold mines; a group of craftsmen were complaining about the recent overtime on temple construction, though silenced by a glare from the priests. In a corner, a one-eyed veteran was recounting thrilling tales of battles with the Hittites to a few young listeners.

The food arrived quickly; the main dish was a bowl of aromatic stewed lamb, with lentils, onions, and a variety of spices Ian couldn't name—the bread was crispy outside, soft inside, still warm from the oven. As for the Palm Wine, it was sweeter than expected but with a powerful aftertaste.

Who says there wasn't delicious food in ancient times?

It existed.

Which proves the notion of conquering ancient times with chicken essence and MSG was unfounded.

"Glug glug glug glug~"

While enjoying the food, Ian continued to gather intelligence. Suddenly, the conversation of three priests at the neighboring table caught his attention.