Let’s find the pattern.
Step 1: Observe the first pair
JILT → AZCK
Alphabet positions:
J = 10
I = 9
L = 12
T = 20
AZCK positions:
A = 1
Z = 26
C = 3
K = 11
Now check the pattern:
10 + 1 = 11
9 + 26 = 35
12 + 3 = 15
20 + 11 = 31
Each pair adds up to 11, 35, 15, 31 — not consistent.
Instead, check reverse alphabet rule (Atbash cipher):
Reverse position = 27 − letter position
Example:
J (10) → 27 − 10 = 17 (Q) ❌ (not A)
So not simple reverse.
Step 2: Look carefully at transformation
J → A (10 → 1 = −9)
I → Z (9 → 26 = +17)
L → C (12 → 3 = −9)
T → K (20 → 11 = −9)
Notice pattern:
Odd positions (1st, 3rd, 4th?) mostly −9
Second letter is +17
But observe:
−9 mod 26 = +17
So effectively each letter is shifted −9 (cyclically).
Check:
J (10 − 9 = 1) → A ✅
I (9 − 9 = 0 → 26) → Z ✅
L (12 − 9 = 3) → C ✅
T (20 − 9 = 11) → K ✅
Rule: Each letter is shifted 9 positions backward.
Step 3: Verify second pair
ZYBJ → QPSA
Z (26 − 9 = 17) → Q ✅
Y (25 − 9 = 16) → P ✅
B (2 − 9 = −7 → 19) → S ✅
J (10 − 9 = 1) → A ✅
Rule confirmed.
Step 4: Apply to YXAI
Y (25 − 9 = 16) → P
X (24 − 9 = 15) → O
A (1 − 9 = −8 → 18) → R
I (9 − 9 = 0 → 26) → Z
So,
YXAI → PORZ
✅ Final Answer: PORZ