Resurrection(Part 2)

The Auction
(From “The Resurrection” Series)
Nefertiti—immortalized as the epitome of beauty in 1300 BC—had risen from the silence of her tomb into today's world.
Paul, a fifty-year-old retired archaeologist turned government custodian of Egypt’s pyramids, had become her reluctant guide to this new age. Nefertiti sought his help to understand the modern world and persuaded him to accompany her on her new quests.
Nefertiti and Paul rushed toward the iron gate, only to find a signboard that read:
“All Auctions are Closed Off.”
Both stood disappointed.
“Madam, are you sure you have the correct address?” Paul asked cautiously.
“Yes,” Nefertiti replied firmly. “The location was downloaded from the auction app itself, and I still have it on my phone. But doesn’t this seem strange? Paul, do you see that other signboard—behind it? The arrow suggests we should go inside.”
Paul hesitated.
“That would mean serious trespassing. Moreover, hardly anything is visible inside, and it’s quite late now. Madam, let me check the GPS once again.”
But before he could finish, Nefertiti had already pushed the heavy gate slightly open, slipped through, and begun walking down the dark, misty pathway lined with bushes on both sides.
“Madam!” Paul exclaimed, quickly following her.
They approached a building. The moment they stepped inside, a welcome message popped up on Nefertiti’s phone, along with a route map.
Following the directions, they navigated through confusing turns and long passageways until they finally reached the auction room.
They had expected a crowd.
Instead, the majestic hall stood completely empty.
Gorgeous tapestries and paintings adorned the walls. A gigantic chandelier illuminated the room. At the center stood several translucent, glass capsule-like structures—almost like miniature spaceships.
As they entered, drones served them welcome drinks and handed them a token.
Paul’s voice trembled.
“I think we are trapped. This place isn’t safe. Everything looks suspicious—we should leave immediately.”
But Nefertiti, unfazed, walked ahead until she found a capsule labeled Token 13. The doors slid open.
She smiled.
“Paul, I think this is our seat.”
“Please listen to me,” Paul insisted. “Let’s not stay here. This could all be a hoax.”
Nefertiti gently replied,
“Don’t you think this is a fascinating arrangement for an auction? Let’s not leave just yet. Let’s see what happens.”
A sudden announcement echoed:
“All participants are requested to occupy their seats.”
As soon as they sat inside, the capsule doors shut. A screen appeared on the desk in front of them, displaying instructions:
“Welcome to the prestigious auction show.
Participants must remember that no item can be purchased with money.
To acquire any valuable, you must immolate something precious to you.
Only one option may be selected per participant. Once selected, it will be unavailable to others.
You may revert your choice once within 24 hours by uninstalling the app—but you will be barred from future auctions.
You have 30 minutes to decide. Failure to do so will result in a random selection.”
A confirmation screen flashed.
Seeing the intensity in Nefertiti’s eyes, Paul hesitated—but then pressed “Confirm.”
The auction began.
A long list of offerings appeared—over fifty strange and unsettling options, each requiring a sacrifice.
They scrolled in silence, baffled. Neither could fully comprehend the consequences.
Time slipped away.
Almost in a blink, 30 minutes passed. One by one, options turned grey—claimed by unseen participants.
Finally, with no time left, they made a choice:
“Happiness for Time.”
They confirmed.
Within moments, the capsule began to vibrate.
Then it trembled violently.
Nefertiti shut her eyes.
After what felt like an eternity—but was barely a minute—the shaking stopped.
Silence.
The screen lit up:
“Congratulations. Your bid has been accepted.”
The doors opened.
Paul whispered nervously,
“Madam… do you think it’s safe to step out?”
Nefertiti stood up. As she moved forward, her phone slipped from her hand and fell to the ground—dead.
Outside, the hall was still empty.
Without wasting another moment, they hurried out, retracing their steps through the passageways, out of the gate, and back toward home.
On the way, Paul checked his phone.
Once.
Twice.
Again.
But for some unknown reason—
it no longer showed time.
To be continued…