Rex Mason, an adventurer and mercenary, was contracted by businessman Simon Stagg to recover the ancient artifact known as the Orb of Ra from Egypt. During this period, he began a romantic relationship with Sapphire Stagg, Simon's daughter. While on his expedition, Mason successfully finds the Orb but is betrayed by Stagg's bodyguard, Java, who leaves him unconscious in an ancient pyramid. There, he is accidentally exposed to radiation from a mysterious meteorite that contributed to the creation of the Orb of Ra, granting him superpowers. Upon returning home, he discovers that Stagg can easily manipulate him due to the harmful effects the Orb has on his altered body. Stagg uses this control for his own purposes. Eventually, Mason manages to break free from Stagg's influence. After committing several regrettable acts while under Stagg's control, he realizes he must put a stop to Stagg's schemes.