In the bustling city of Thebes, long ago in ancient Egypt, lived a young boy named Khem. Khem was the son of a skilled stone carver, and he often watched his father craft intricate statues and towering obelisks from blocks of limestone and granite. Although he loved listening to stories about the gods and pharaohs, Khem’s greatest fascination was with the mysterious world beneath the sands—hidden tombs, secret chambers, and long-lost treasures. One day, as Khem wandered near the Nile River, he heard about a legend—that beneath the sands near the Valley of the Kings lay a forgotten tomb filled with unimaginable riches. The story told of a young princess named Aset, who had been buried with her most treasured possessions to preserve her memory for eternity. Many explorers and tomb robbers had tried to find her resting place, but none had succeeded, as the tomb was protected by complex traps and riddles designed to keep intruders away. Khem’s curiosity grew stronger with each passing day. He dreamed of discovering the tomb and learning its secrets. But he knew that such a quest was dangerous and that only the most clever and brave could succeed. Still, he couldn’t resist the pull of adventure. One evening, as the sun dipped behind the desert hills, Khem packed a small bag with bread, dates, a flint for fire, and a simple tool for digging. Quietly, he slipped out of his house and headed toward the valley. The desert was hot and silent, with only the whisper of the wind and the distant call of a jackal. Khem’s heart pounded with excitement and fear. He had heard stories of how the sands could shift and swallow a person whole if they weren’t careful. As he reached the edge of the valley, he looked for a good spot to begin his search. He knew he needed to be cautious and respectful of the sacred land. After hours of digging with his simple tool, Khem’s efforts finally revealed a stone doorway covered in hieroglyphs. The symbols told of protection and warning, but Khem remembered the stories his father had told him about the importance of patience and respect for the gods. Carefully, he examined the hieroglyphs and realized they were clues—puzzles that, if solved correctly, would open the way to the tomb. Khem spent the night deciphering the symbols, and by dawn, he had uncovered the secret mechanism that unlocked the doorway. With a deep breath, he pushed open the heavy stone door and stepped inside. The air was cool and filled with the scent of ancient stone and dust. Inside, he saw a chamber decorated with painted walls and statues of gods and goddesses. In the center, on a carved stone slab, lay the coffin of Princess Aset. Khem’s eyes widened in awe. As he carefully examined the tomb, he found small objects—jewels, amulets, and carved figurines—that had been placed to protect her in the afterlife. He realized that the true treasure was not just wealth, but the stories and beliefs of a civilization that valued life, death, and the journey of the soul. Before leaving, Khem made a promise to himself—to respect the sacred history and to share the story of Princess Aset’s tomb with others so that the secrets of ancient Egypt would never be forgotten. He knew that his discovery was just a small part of a vast world of history, mystery, and wonder that would inspire generations to come. As he made his way back to Thebes, Khem felt proud, knowing he had uncovered a piece of Egypt’s ancient past, and he dreamed of the many adventures still waiting beneath the sands.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.