Ren arrived within two minutes, his smile wide and full of energy. "So, how was the grand palace?" he asked, still riding his vibrant mood. Cipher faked a smile, her tone neutral. "Not bad." Ren raised a brow. "Not bad?" He wasn't convinced. "You mean to say you weren't impressed?" Cipher sighed internally. Grown-ups always want full explanations. "It's not like that," she said, brushing off the need for further discussion. "I'll tell you on the way. Right now, I need to find Asher Kade."
Ren's brows lifted in surprise. "What do you need him for?" Cipher cleared her throat, coughing lightly. "The Queen wants to send me on a quest—to retrieve a certain plant. Didn't even ask its name. I'll find out when I return to the palace before my departure." Ren crossed his arms thoughtfully. "He's a hard man to find—but I can track him. Though…" he hesitated. "Certain places we might pass through might not suit you." Cipher frowned. "I don't care. I just have to find him. Where do we start?"
Before Ren could answer, Nova Velasquez stepped out of the carriage, her presence undeniable. "I'm coming along." Cipher and Ren stiffened, both taken aback. "Oh no, I don't think that's wise," Ren said immediately, shaking his head. Nova's expression hardened. "Why not?" Ren struggled for an answer. "Because… you are you." Nova narrowed her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Ren sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're from the grand palace—that's the first reason. Second, I can't protect two people if something unplanned happens. And lastly… you're beautiful, and you'll attract more attention to us. He paused briefly. "No offense, Cipher—you're extremely beautiful too. But Nova is also a public figure." He spoke so fast, Cipher almost had to rewind the conversation in her head to catch every word.
Nova huffed, crossing her arms. "For starters, I can take care of myself. You just have to worry about your girlfriend." Cipher stiffened slightly, and Ren immediately scowled. "And being a public figure? I can disguise myself. Does that help?" Nova pressed further, her tone sharp. Ren sighed, defeated. "Fine. But never—ever—call her my girlfriend." Nova's lips curled slightly, amused. "Fine. It's a deal." Ren hesitated, then muttered, "Yeah, deal."
"Alright, let's get started," Cipher said firmly, pushing forward. She needed to get this done as soon as possible. Zane hummed approvingly in her mind. "You have leadership qualities. I have a feeling we'll do just fine." Cipher hesitated. "Really? You think so?" "Hell yes." Zane's confidence was unwavering. Cipher exhaled. "Thanks. Though… everything in my life feels like it's moving too fast. New changes, constant adaptation—it's overwhelming." Zane's tone shifted, full of wisdom. "You're right. Life is like that sometimes—especially when you're called for a greater purpose." Cipher frowned slightly. "You think I'm meant for something bigger?"
"Absolutely. I wouldn't have chosen you if not for that. I'm drawn to richer life."
Cipher absorbed his words. A greater purpose. She didn't fully understand it—yet. Nova Velasquez, having noticed Cipher's momentary silence, suddenly spoke up. "Are you talking to Zane?" Cipher's gaze flickered to her. "Yes." Ren's curiosity sparked. "Who's Zane?" Cipher hesitated, weighing her words carefully—she didn't want to offend Zane. "The one who saved me during battle." Ren thought hard before realization clicked. "Oh… the phoenix." Cipher simply nodded.
The sky dimmed, streaked with fading colors of twilight. Time should be around eight hours. Nova shifted slightly, her tone laced with curiosity. "So, where are we heading?" Ren's expression remained steady. "Derensia State." Nova's eyes widened. "Wow." Cipher caught her reaction—there was something off about it. Ren grinned knowingly. "That's why I wanted you to stay behind." Nova blinked sharply. "Not a chance." She wasn't the type to back down from a challenge.
Cipher took note. "Is Derensia really that dangerous?" Ren nodded. "Yeah. But don't worry—I have a reputation there." Nova scoffed slightly. "They confiscate anything of value if they don't know you. The city is tight-knit—everyone recognizes each other instantly, and strangers stand out." Her voice grew heavier. "Brutes are everywhere. They sell drugs openly. You can find drunk men stumbling through the streets at any time of day. The whole place is… barbaric." Cipher absorbed every detail. She didn't know whether to worry or not. She had never lived that kind of life—or maybe she had, but of course, the memory loss problem.
Back at the Castle—Dining Hall, the golden chandeliers flickered overhead as Queen Drusilla feasted with Lucius Vance, Dr. Marcellus Thorn, and the highest-ranking officials of the Karian Kingdom.
Amid the sounds of clinking goblets and quiet murmurs, Dr. Thorn broke the steady hum of conversation. "Your Majesty," he started, tone measured, "Do you think Cipher will succeed?" Queen Drusilla narrowed her eyes, contemplating. "Maybe yes, maybe no," she admitted. "But if she does, we are fortunate to have her on our side." A slow, calculated smile spread across Lucius Vance's lips—dark, almost mocking. Both the Queen and Dr. Thorn noticed. Queen Drusilla's gaze sharpened. "Lucius, do you know something we don't?" The grin remained, unwavering. "Not really, Your Majesty," Lucius mused, voice dripping with scorn. "It's just… you're holding that kid in high regard."
He leaned back slightly, chuckling. "The task of finding Asher Kade? Too much for her, if you ask me." Queen Drusilla tried to read between his words, but she didn't respond. Lucius tilted his head, eyes gleaming with something unspoken. "The last time I heard, Asher Kade was in Derensia State." Queen Drusilla and Dr. Thorn stiffened, exchanging alarmed looks. "Are you serious?" Queen Drusilla pressed, voice carrying a new edge.
Lucius's lips curled once more—a silly beam, deliberate, teasing. "I said 'last time,' he added smoothly. "I'm not sure if he's still there." It was a deflection. Queen Drusilla wasn't fooled—Lucius Vance knew every corner of every state. If he mentioned Derensia, it wasn't random. Something was unfolding—and he knew far more than he let on. Queen Drusilla exhaled sharply. "Nova hasn't returned from escorting Cipher to the city gate, has she?" Silence stretched briefly. She considered the possibility that Nova had gone with Cipher. That was not good.
Back in the Carriage—Approaching Derensia. Laughter filled the carriage, the conversation light—until suddenly, the horses screeched. The carriage lurched, coming to a hard stop. Cipher instinctively gripped the side of the wooden frame, her heartbeat skipping. Nova sat up straighter, eyes flicking toward the road ahead. Ren tensed, his hand instinctively hovering near his weapon.