Chapter 10: The Phoenix Who Can’t Match the Code

Chapter 10: The Phoenix Who Can’t Match the Code

“By the way, Lord Gaia, since these two are the companions you were looking for, should we continue with the code recruitment, or just wrap it up now?”

Since Aierjisi and Yake had successfully navigated this activity to reach the Royal Palace, Ouxs believed it was best to call the activity off early.

“Well, that makes sense. Now that we’ve found the right people, it seems pointless to continue. Miss Aierjisi, Mr. Yake, what do you two think? Should we just end this now?”

Gaia didn’t want to waste more time and energy on this activity anyway. After all, he’d found the companions he sought and completed the task of the event.

“I don’t mind; after all, no one else could match the code besides us.”

If it weren’t for her previous curiosity about that gambling verse, Aierjisi would likely have been just as lost. Even she, a person from Earth, almost couldn’t decipher the code, let alone the natives of this strange world.

“If Aier hadn’t told me the answer, I really wouldn’t have known how to match those codes.”

Upon seeing the codes for the first time, Yake had been a bit bewildered. Thankfully, Aierjisi was able to convey the correct answers to him through their contract, allowing him to pass the recruitment.

“In that case, let’s just end this event. Is that alright?”

Before Gaia officially called it off, he checked with the two of them one last time to see if there were any issues.

“No problem; let’s end it. Hmm? Wait a second. Before we got here, wasn’t there anyone else who matched the code?”

Aierjisi suddenly remembered that besides herself, there should be another Phoenix. She must have received Gabriel’s message to come to this kingdom too.

“Nope. The event just started four days ago, and before you two, not a single person matched the code to enter this Royal Palace.”

Gaia informed Aierjisi about the situation over those days. He had been lying in bed waiting and hoping for stars and moonlight until they finally showed up.

“That shouldn’t be. Could it be that Phoenix ran into some trouble on the way?”

Aierjisi furrowed her brows, sensing that something wasn’t quite right. She had to delay her arrival here because she needed to repay the City Lord’s favor in Pield, but what could have happened to Phoenix? She should have gotten here before her.

“What’s wrong? Is there someone else besides you two?”

“Yes, there should be another Fire Phoenix. Her name is Weirafiya, and if she hasn’t arrived here yet, she might have encountered some trouble on the road. Can we delay the activity for a few more days? Just three more days would suffice.”

Aierjisi requested to postpone the event a few days longer. If the event ended and Phoenix couldn’t join, that would be a big problem. With the current situation, having an extra fighter would be beneficial.

“Alright, I understand. We will extend the activity for three more days. If by then that Phoenix still hasn’t arrived…”

“Then just close down the activity then.”

Aierjisi understood; if after three days the Phoenix still hadn’t come, she probably encountered something unfortunate and wouldn’t make it after all. At that point, she would likely be fighting alone.

“Okay. Then it’s decided. Ouxs, extend the activity for three days. If no one else can match the code within that time, we’ll call it off.”

“Understood, my lord.”

Although he didn’t know the current situation of that Phoenix, securing three more days for her was already a noble gesture.

“Now that preparations are in place, let’s discuss the rescue plan for Princess Ailin. Grr!”

Just as little Aierjisi finished speaking, her stomach made a loud rumble in the otherwise quiet palace, drawing the attention of the other three.

“Ah… don’t look at me! It’s not like I wanted my stomach to growl right now!”

Feeling the eyes of Yake and the others on her, Aierjisi covered her face with her hands, trying to hide her blushing cheeks.

“Sorry, our little princess only had breakfast this morning and hasn’t eaten since.”

Yake explained Aierjisi’s rumbling belly to the group.

“No worries, I’m feeling a bit hungry too. Ouxs, please have the kitchen prepare something to eat—preferably quickly. Even if it’s simple, that’s fine.”

“Yes, I’ll take care of it now.”

Ouxs adjusted his glasses and turned to leave.

“Then let’s eat while we talk. Discussing matters on an empty stomach isn’t very effective. Come, the dining area is this way. I’ll show you.”

“Oh, thank you! Actually, both of us are getting pretty close to the brink of starvation here.”

Yake cheerfully thanked her, following closely behind Aierjisi.

Elsewhere, in a bar somewhere in Panimir.

“I’m so furious, so furious! What’s wrong with that ridiculous king? Did he get kicked in the head by a donkey? How can he come up with such a code? It made it impossible for me to get in!”

Downing an entire ice-cold beer, Weirafiya slammed her glass onto the table in frustration.

That damned king must be out of his mind! She had expected at most something like, what, “Five years of exams, three years of simulations”? But no, it was a gambling verse! Something like that is impossible for her to remember! And here she was, unable to pass the test and getting eliminated. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

“Alright, alright, Miss! Don’t be so upset, or those lovely little wrinkles will start showing on your beautiful face.”

Just as she was fuming, a blonde man beside her reminded her not to get too worked up.

“Yaser, how many times do I have to tell you? I’m a Fire Phoenix! Even when I’m angry, I won’t be getting wrinkles like a human! Boss, bring me another drink!”

Hearing Yaser’s words only fanned Weirafiya’s ire more. Right now, the only thing that could soothe her anger was another ice-cold beer.

“Miss, don’t you think you’re drinking a bit too much? What if it affects your fighting abilities?”

“Don’t worry, it’s just a little beer. It has no effect on me.”

Saying that, Weirafiya chugged down the fresh beer in one go.