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Maxed Out

  Amen slowly walks into the small room, torch lifted.

  In the middle of the four walls sits a small, old and primitive basket.

  The walls around the basket look like we are in the middle of the Nile, with drawings and paintings of sea monsters and crocodiles and hippos.

  With Amen's display analyzing the blue room, it looks like all is floating around him.

  Ziyad and Aziza watch from the entrance.

  "Is that it?" Ziyad says, breaking the silence.

  "It is," Amen says, his display dimming.

  "What was the outcast prince's name again?" Aziza asks, studying the room.

  "Moses. Drawn from the water," Amen responds quietly.

  "Well, where is the treasure?" Ziyad yawns.

  "This is it," Amen says.

  Aziza pulls Ziyad out of the room, sensing disappointment.

  "Sorry Amen," she says.

  Amen smiles.

  No disappointment.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  He looks into the basket. A small and worn and thin blanket lays in the basket.

  Suddenly, Amen's display explodes in information.

  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

  His points multiply, as he is maxed out in every area.

  Experience, honor, knowledge, fighting, health, wealth and stamina.

  MAXED OUT.

  Amen then falls back from a rush of colors and displays in his eyes.

  He now sees through the walls, and sees the outlines of Ziyad and Aziza behind him. He can see the outline of Cairo far away, and the rising sun coming.

  Amen sees chatter and information and rumors of all of Cairo all at once, and he can understand it.

  Then, in the corner of his display, is a small mirror image of himself, maxed out. His robes are golden and he is strong and fearless. He waves his arm and the display waves.

  His eyes glow blue from the radar and sensors and heat waves he seemingly can see. Amen clicks this display away to see himself as the world sees him.

  Just old Amen. But something is different. Stronger. Better. More mature.

  Amen then punches, kicks, and does a backflip, all in one movement.

  He is in perfect human shape. None are ahead of him in any way.

  Amen smiles and looks at the basket that seemingly unlocked all of this.

  "Now what?" Amen says to himself. "Where is the voice? The points? The glowing jar?"

  Oh well.

  Amen turns to walk out.

  He looks at the basket and river room one more time, then leaves.

  The basket just stares back.

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