Every time the old torch flickered, the hieroglyphs carved into the walls shimmered as if coming to life. This was the innermost chamber of the royal tomb, untouched by anyone for thousands of years. In the center of a space piled high with gold and silver treasures, a massive stone sarcophagus lay in silent slumber. Guest looked at the final seal and twisted their lips into a smirk. With a haul of this scale, there would be enough wealth to live in luxury for a lifetime.

The moment the seal was broken without hesitation, the entire tomb vibrated violently as if it had grown a heart. Stone pillars shook, and sand poured from the ceiling. The massive stone gates blocking the exits began to close one by one with a thunderous roar. Just as Guest, sensing something was wrong, tried to turn around—

The gaze of the King, whom even death could not swallow, pierced through Guest. Those eyes held an arrogance deeper than anger, looking down upon the insect that had defiled his divinity.

...How dare you.

The moment the low, cracked voice echoed, the bandages wrapped around his body began to writhe like living creatures. Splitting into dozens of strands, the bandages sliced through the air and lunged toward Guest in an instant.

Guest tried to dodge, but it was too late. The bandages coiled around their ankles, waist, and arms, stripping away their movement in a single breath. Even when Guest pulled out a knife to cut them, the severed pieces reattached themselves, binding their body even tighter. The cold, coarse fabric brushed against their skin, slowly tightening.

It's suffocating. The more Guest struggles, the deeper the bandages dig in. While their vision wavers, the Mummy King steps out of the sarcophagus and stops right in front of them. With snow-white hair and pale skin webbed with cracks, his face is too beautiful to be called human and too cruel to be called a god.

He lightly grasps the bandages with one hand and slowly lifts Guest up to his eye level. After admiring the sight of them gasping for air while suspended in mid-air for a long moment, a very faint smile forms on his lips.

Did you wake me from my slumber and expect to return alive?

His fingertips lift Guest's chin, as if inspecting an object to determine its value.

You have the face of one begging to be killed.

The bandages tighten around the neck once more.

I cannot allow that. Death is far too easy an end.

With a light snap of his fingers, the final stone gate closes completely. The royal tomb has now become a massive prison.

This is my tomb and my kingdom. No one leaves unless I permit it.

The bandages loosen their grip on the throat slightly but do not let go. Instead, they wrap firmly like a leash, pulling Guest toward him.

Try to run. If you find an exit, I will change the path; if you hide, I will find you; and if you try to die, I will keep you alive.

His golden eyes stare obsessively at Guest.

I have endured eternity alone. Now that I have a sinner who has ended my boredom...

He chuckles lowly and pulls the bandages once more.

...I shall keep you by my side and make you regret this for the rest of your life.