Chapter 45 - The City of Eternal Flame
Three days later...
The towering walls of the Phoenix Empire finally appeared on the horizon.
Unlike Astravia's silver towers, the empire was built into the side of a massive volcanic mountain.
Rivers of glowing lava flowed through carefully carved stone channels, providing both heat and light to the sprawling capital.
Gigantic statues of phoenixes stood guard over the city gates, their wings spread proudly toward the sky.
Kai stopped to admire the view.
"It's incredible..."
Selene nodded.
"The Phoenix Empire has stood for over five thousand years."
"They say its Sacred Flame has never gone out."
Ignis's expression darkened.
"Until now."
---
As the group approached the gate, they noticed something unusual.
Thousands of refugees had gathered outside the city walls.
Merchants.
Farmers.
Beast Tamers.
Families with frightened children.
Imperial soldiers handed out food and water, but the atmosphere was filled with fear.
Kai approached an elderly man.
"What happened?"
The old man sighed.
"The volcano has become unstable."
"Strange beasts are attacking villages."
"And every night..."
He lowered his voice.
"We hear the cry of the Imperial Phoenix."
"But no one has seen it."
---
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared.
Regional Status
Phoenix Empire
Threat Level: High
Public Morale: Declining
Sacred Flame: Extinguished
Corruption Spread: 21%
Warning:
Unknown force is absorbing Fire Attribute Energy.
---
Before Kai could speak again, the city gates slowly opened.
A squad of elite soldiers marched out.
Their crimson armour gleamed like molten steel.
At their head rode a young man with short crimson hair and amber eyes.
A magnificent Crimson Gryphon walked beside him.
The officer stopped before Kai.
"You are Kai Dragonbane?"
Kai nodded.
"I am."
The officer immediately dismounted and bowed.
"I am Commander Darius of the Imperial Flame Guard."
"Her Majesty has been expecting you."
Selene exchanged a surprised glance with Kai.
"They already know?"
Darius smiled.
"When the Moon Crystal was purified..."
"The Sacred Altar sensed it."
"Our Empress believes only the Beast Sovereign can save the Phoenix."
---
As they entered the city, Kai noticed that despite its beauty, something felt wrong.
The streets were unusually quiet.
Many shops were closed.
Temple bells rang constantly in the distance.
Every citizen looked anxiously toward the volcano.
Even the beasts appeared restless.
The Crimson Flame Fox whispered,
"The fire here feels... sick."
Ignis nodded.
"It isn't dying."
"It's being drained."
---
The group reached the Imperial Palace by sunset.
It was a breathtaking structure carved directly into black volcanic stone, with rivers of molten lava flowing beneath crystal bridges.
Waiting at the top of the grand staircase stood a regal woman wearing crimson robes embroidered with golden phoenix feathers.
Her long red hair flowed in the warm wind.
A radiant phoenix-shaped crown rested upon her head.
The Book reacted instantly.
Character Identified
Empress Aurelia Solaris
Ruler of the Phoenix Empire
Beast Partner:
Solar Phoenix
Rank: Divine (Injured)
Threat Assessment:
Ally
---
Empress Aurelia descended the stairs herself instead of waiting for Kai to approach.
She looked at him for several moments.
"So..."
"The Book has chosen well."
Kai bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
She gently shook her head.
"There is no need for titles today."
"I ask only as a mother."
Her voice trembled for the first time.
"Please..."
"Save my daughter."
Kai frowned.
"I thought the Imperial Phoenix was missing."
Aurelia closed her eyes.
"It is."
"But my daughter disappeared while trying to find it."
The Book flashed urgently.
Main Quest Updated
The Phoenix Heir
Objectives:
- Find Crown Princess Elena Solaris.
- Locate the Imperial Phoenix.
- Recover the Second Star Fragment.
Estimated Difficulty:
★★★★☆
Reward:
- Star Fragment II
- New Divine Contract Opportunity
- Hidden Bloodline Evolution
Before Kai could answer, a palace guard rushed into the hall.
"Your Majesty!"
"The eastern lava mines have collapsed!"
"Survivors claim they saw..."
He swallowed nervously.
"...a phoenix with black flames."
The entire throne room fell silent.
Ignis whispered,
"That's impossible..."
"No true phoenix should possess black fire."
Far beneath the volcano, hidden in a forgotten chamber, a young woman with crimson hair slowly opened her eyes.
Heavy chains bound her wrists.
Across from her stood the mysterious figure in the obsidian crown.
He smiled as the chamber filled with black flames.
"Welcome, Princess Elena."
"Your sacrifice..."
"...will awaken the Ashen Phoenix."