Cipher debated in her mind's eye. She needed to feed Zane, but the weight of the decision pressed on her. Zane's voice sprang to life, sharp and unwavering. "If you're thinking about taking this quest—don't. Why haven't they done it themselves? It must be dangerous."
Cipher took a deep breath. "But you have to eat. We don't know what will happen if you don't." Zane ruffled his wings, irritation crackling through their connection. "I feel you, Cipher. But if you take this expedition, I need to eat the gemstone first. Otherwise, if something unexpected happens, I won't be able to help you—and we'll both die."
Cipher swallowed hard. His words made sense. And the last thing she wanted was to walk into danger alone and unprepared. "Cipher, we're waiting," Queen Drusilla interrupted impatiently, snapping her from her internal debate. "We don't have all day."
Cipher lifted her gaze. "Your Majesty," she started, keeping her tone composed. "As you saw earlier in battle, Zane protected me. If I am to take on this expedition, it's best he eats the gemstone now—to give him strength. Just like you. You wouldn't go into battle on an empty stomach, would you?" Queen Drusilla raised a brow, amused. "Things usually don't work that way," she countered. "You get paid after the work is done."
Cipher leaned forward, unbothered. "Risk jobs require an advance at least." Queen Drusilla narrowed her eyes. "How do we know you won't just vanish the moment you have the gemstone?"
"For that matter," Luscious Vance spoke for the first time since the meeting began, his voice low but firm, "how do we trust you at all? What's stopping you from swindling us outright?" Nova, who had remained indifferent until now, lifted her gaze—cold, calculating, and unreadable.
Cipher met Lucius's gaze, unwavering. "Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith." Lucius chuckled, shaking his head. "Faith? I believe in seeing, not hoping." Cipher sighed, the weight of negotiation pressing against her. "Then send someone with me. Two or more people if necessary."
Another sharp laugh echoed from Lucius. "No one in this Kingdom would embark on this insane quest," he scoffed, then paused thoughtfully, scratching his chin. "Maybe…" he mused. "That street rogue vampire hunter… what's his name?" He smirked. "Ah, yes—Asher Kade."
Lucius chuckled again, shaking his head. "Well, good luck convincing him." Cipher's thoughts raced. She wasn't sure which sounded harder—retrieving the tree or convincing a rogue vampire hunter to help her do it. She instinctively pressed on her Transparentor, and instantly, a hologram flickered to life.
Gasps rippled through the grand hall. "Wow!" Someone muttered in awe. Cipher swiftly scrolled, searching for the mission message she knew had to be there. Her fingers moved precisely, filtering through encrypted data. Then—she found it. Her gaze flickered to Queen Drusilla, whose expression tightened. She nearly sank into her throne, and the guards—already tense—visibly readied themselves, though none dared to move.
They had heard the rumors. The phoenix, Zane—his presence had traveled through the palace like wildfire. Cipher turned the hologram toward the Queen. "Read this aloud." Queen Drusilla hesitated, then complied, her voice steady.
"Cipher, you have been tasked with a mission to save and stabilize the Kingdom of Karian. You are to undertake this mission alone." Silence blanketed the room.
Cipher straightened, pressing her argument. "Your kingdom and I are tied together. Let's work together." Queen Drusilla exhaled sharply, contemplating. Then—finally—she relented. "Fine. I will give you the gemstone… if you convince Asher Kade to go with you."
Cipher arched a brow. "Where do I find Asher Kade?" A wave of uncertainty passed through the hall. The attendants exchanged hesitant glances, then slowly shook their heads—not one of them knew.
Cipher sighed. "Fine. I'll find him myself." Jaws dropped. Lucius chuckled, clearly amused. Cipher turned to the Queen. "Alright, could you get me to the city gate?" To her surprise, Nova Velasquez raised her hand. "I will."
Queen Drusilla shook her head slightly, as if trying—and failing—to predict Nova's motives this time. The oxcart rattled along the road as they rode toward the city gate.
Cipher could feel Nova's presence beside her—watching. Calculating. Then, without warning, Nova tilted her head slightly, reading Cipher's silence. "So, how old are you?" The question stung unexpectedly. Cipher blinked. All questions felt difficult—because of her fractured memory.
She sighed. "To be frank, I don't know." Nova didn't believe her. "Come on, at least give me a ballpark estimate." Cipher shook her head. "I remember little about myself." She exhaled, gathering her words carefully. "I was in an accident. Lost my permanent memory. I depend on short-term memories. I came on this mission… hoping my permanent memories might be triggered."
Nova's features softened, though curiosity remained in her gaze. "Can't imagine living in the present while forgetting the past." She leaned back slightly. "You're like a newborn baby." She paused. "But maybe… that's not entirely bad."Cipher turned toward her, confused. "Some of the hardships you went through—you don't remember them," Nova explained, her voice carrying an unexpected softness.
Cipher swallowed hard. "I don't know," she admitted. "All I remember is what I've done in the last twenty-four hours." Her voice was quieter now, weighted with something deeper—something unspoken.
"She seems nice all of a sudden," Zane spat, skepticism laced in his voice. He had already retreated into Cipher's mind, but his presence remained sharp. Cipher responded internally. "Yeah." Zane scoffed. "Human beings are complicated. They change like chameleons—sometimes for no reason at all." Cipher smirked. "Absolutely. But sometimes, fear, admiration, or jealousy can make people act differently." Zane hummed in thought. "Well, I still don't trust her."
Just then, Nova Velasquez glanced at Cipher, something unreadable flickering in her expression. "So, what's it like having Zane in your head? Do you actually feel him? Do you speak?" Cipher considered the question. "I don't 'feel' him—he's just… there. The way you have your thoughts in your head, that's how I experience him. And yes, we communicate." Nova nodded, clearly intrigued. "How did you two even meet?"
Cipher exhaled deeply. "Before coming here, my first-ever mission was to rescue him. Then the airship I was on exploded. I woke up back at the mission point, and I was rewarded for successfully completing it." She paused. "During the battle today, boom—he came out. And that's when we actually spoke." Nova blinked, processing. "Wait—you only learned of his existence today?" Cipher nodded. "You could say that. I barely recognized him until he reminded me." Nova frowned slightly. "That's strange. I assumed you two had known each other for years." Cipher shook her head. "No. But I've been piecing things together ever since."
While chatting, their oxcart rolled through the streets. They soon reached the city gate, where Cipher's target was unexpectedly close by. Cipher stepped out of the carriage just as a familiar voice boomed from above. "Hey, Cipher! I'm coming right at you!"
Cipher looked up. Ren stood on the city hall balcony, beaming as he waved enthusiastically.