High King Fremonth and Lynus did not return to Divine Opal City. Instead, they decided to visit a different city—the Great Marble City, the closest place to the capital. With two weeks remaining before the White Phoenix Festival celebration, the high king still had plenty of time to explore.
He asked many questions to learn more about Lynus. As he listened, a heavy sadness filled his heart when he discovered that the boy had been imprisoned and tortured since he was just five years old. Now only seven, Lynus had endured two years of relentless suffering.
Fremonth deduced that this was not mere cruelty but likely part of an experiment. Phoenixes are known for their longevity; they are considered immortal. The group that captured Lynus was probably researching ways to produce medicine or potions to extend life. Who wouldn't want to live longer? It was a lucrative business, after all.
Capturing a full-grown phoenix, even the weakest, was extremely difficult—so the group had been fortunate so far. But it seemed their luck was running out. Fremonth decided he would definitely visit them again in the future.
While walking through the city, Fremonth suddenly spotted the thunderbird from earlier. He shouted happily, "Hey, pal! Let me take a ride again!"
He grabbed Lynus and leapt with great force, landing gracefully on the back of the thunderbird.
"Wow! We're flying, Master!" Lynus exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement.
"Hahaha! To the Great Marble City!" Fremonth laughed, giving a commanding gesture.
The thunderbird, feeling dismayed and cursed with bad luck, still obeyed the high king.
"What's your name, mister?" Lynus asked the thunderbird.
The thunderbird was surprised—it could sense that the kid could actually communicate with him.
"Hahaha! The kid is a half-phoenix, so don't be surprised, pal!" Fremonth chuckled gleefully.
Startled, the thunderbird hesitated and didn't reply. He thought, Why are these people bothering me?
"Are you thinking we're just bothering you?" Fremonth asked curiously, smiling.
The thunderbird was caught off guard. But the high king knew exactly what he was thinking.
"Lynus, do you know what's more delicious than fried chicken?" Fremonth asked with a grin.
Lynus looked at him, understanding what his master was implying, and asked eagerly, "What is it, master?! Let's try it!"
The thunderbird, frightened, quickly said, "No, great master. It's actually my pleasure to serve you. Please don't think you're bothering me."
He continued, "My name is Redclaw, young phoenix."
"Nice to meet you, Redclaw," Lynus said happily.
"Hahaha! We're thankful then!" Fremonth replied with a laugh.
He gently tapped the thunderbird's head and added, "It's great to know you want to serve us. Nice to meet you."
"Of course, great master. I am thankful too," the thunderbird replied helplessly.
In just a few minutes, they reached the Great Marble City.
Fremonth jumped down first, helping Lynus off the thunderbird.
"Thanks, Redclaw! See you around!" Lynus called cheerfully.
Hastily, Redclaw left the area, praying they wouldn't meet again.
"We will meet him again," Fremonth said calmly, walking toward the city gates.
"That's great!" Lynus cheered and followed his master.
It was still midnight when they arrived at the city gate.
The two dozing guards hurriedly straightened up when they saw a young man and a boy approaching.
They were about to ask something when Fremonth suddenly tossed three gold coins to them.
"One for each of you, and one for the city. Good enough?" Fremonth said casually as he continued walking.
The guard who caught the coins looked at his partner and nodded. "Good enough, young sir."
Lynus was surprised. "Isn't that too much, master?"
Fremonth smiled and looked at Lynus. "It's… well, it's past curfew hours. No one is allowed to enter the city at this time."
"So you bribed them?" Lynus whispered.
"No, it's actually a business transaction," Fremonth explained with a smile. "We entered without trouble, and in the process, two citizens received gold coins each. That's good for their economy."
"You're only justifying it, master," Lynus said helplessly.
"The end justifies the means," Fremonth replied with a wink. "What I'm teaching you now is important. Before you learn how to fight, learn how to win without fighting."
Lynus looked puzzled but nodded. "I'll keep that in mind, master."
"Good," Fremonth said with a smile.
After a few minutes of walking, they came upon a lively tavern. The sounds of laughter, lively songs, and singing filled the air.
'It seems to be a tavern for adventurers,' Fremonth thought, smiling, and decided to go inside.
Despite it being midnight, the tavern was still bustling. They found an empty table and sat down.
A cheerful young waitress approached and asked, "New here? What would you like to order?"
"Serve all your bestsellers," Fremonth said with a smile, looking at her.
"All of them?" she asked happily.
"Indeed," Fremonth nodded.
The waitress was surprised but nodded quickly, placing two glasses of water on the table before rushing to the kitchen to inform the cook.
Soon, a large man with a formidable beard approached them, eyeing Fremonth with curiosity.
He was impressed by the aura of the high king.
'A powerful expert,' he thought.
He approached and asked, "Where are you from, young man?"
"A faraway kingdom. Just a tourist," Fremonth answered with a smile.
"Huh? A tourist? Do you know how to fight?" another patron, tall and holding a silver broad sword, asked, clearly wanting a confrontation.
"Not much," Fremonth replied calmly, as if using magic on his words.
Those words, though simple, carried the weight of two heavy boulders dropping on the man's head.
He felt the sensation and instinctively used his magic energy to counter it.
'Mind attack magic!' the man thought, stunned, and the other patrons gasped in awe.
After countering Fremonth's magic, the man swiftly drew his broad sword and attacked.
"Not fast enough," Fremonth said, calmly drinking his water.
Bang!
Smash!
The tall man was struck by a powerful force and flung across the room, smashing into a distant table.
Everyone stared at him in amazement.
The man, battered but not defeated, got up and bowed respectfully.
"Sorry," he said. "It wasn't our intention to disturb a master like you."
He explained, "This is an adventurer's tavern. When we see someone powerful and unfamiliar, we can't help but test them."
Fremonth nodded kindly. "I understand."
Lynus watched eagerly, proud of his master's display.
"Wow! You're so strong! I wouldn't stand a chance," the tall man said with admiration.
The patrons cheered and praised Fremonth.
"You're powerful!"
"Your magic is incredible!"
"You must be a renowned expert!"
Fremonth basked in the praise, eyes closed, a bright smile on his face.
He didn't notice the waitress approaching with food and drinks, smiling at them.
"Master… Hey, master," Lynus whispered timidly, trying to get his attention.
Fremonth cleared his throat, acknowledged the waitress, and invited the others to join them.
Everyone laughed and moved closer, the lively scene resuming.
The master and his student enjoyed the party, dancing, laughing, and sharing stories. It was a night to remember—a moment that showcased Fremonth's easygoing personality and his ability to live among the common folk.