Ran walked for three days to the west. Fortunately, the path he took was mostly forest and grassland. So to find food is very easy. When it was dark, Ran looked for the nearest river. After arriving, he began to rest by lying on the tree beside the river. He closed his eyes and woke up at dawn.
Before continuing the journey, Ran cleaned his body first by soaking in the river. Until it felt clean, Ran put his clothes back on and went back on foot. In the middle of the day, Ran arrived at a fairly dense forest. It was so dense, the road he was on was very dark. Like night.
"It's so dark," said Ran as he continued to walk quietly.
He walked with his eyes lowered. Not long after, there was the sound of an animal growling. Ran stopped and looked to the left in the direction of the growling voice. The sound of rustling bushes was heard. Ran then prepared to draw his katana. But then the voice was heard no more.
"It seems that there are a lot of wild animals in this forest."
Ran quickened his pace. The deeper you go, the darker it gets. However, it was still not night. He now thought instead that he was lost. Because, it has been three hours of walking he still hasn't come out of this forest.
“But the path I went on was not the same. There are no trees, rocks, or grass like the ones I walked through. That means I don't go around in circles and just keep going," Ran thought.
Until an hour later, he managed to get out of the forest. Far ahead, he saw a small village whose houses were made of woven bamboo. The village was only surrounded by a three meter high wooden wall. When Ran reached the gate, he looked up. There was seen a thin man, curly hair, shabby clothes, and big eyes monitoring the surroundings. He put his hand over his eyebrows like a tip. Then slowly he shuffled left and right. When he looked down and saw a man in a brown cape, he was immediately taken aback.
"Hey, what are you doing there?" the man asked.
“I just happened to be passing by,” Ran replied.
He immediately jumped and landed right in front of Ran.
"Listen," he put his arm around Ran's shoulder then continued, "Out there, there are beasts ready to prey. If you walk alone, you can be eaten.”
Ran was silent. Meanwhile the man watched Ran. When he found out that Ran's brown cape had a katana under his brown capes, he was surprised again.
"Are you a samurai?" the man jumped back in surprise.
Ran just nodded.
“That means you can fight?”
Once again Ran nodded.
“VILLAGE HEAD!” the man shouted.
Not long after, an old man with a fat body, round face, a bulge on the left cheek, and gray hair emerged from the top of the wooden wall.
"What's wrong Sehar?" asked the village head.
"Pak Pak Village Head, we found a samurai," Sehar smiled broadly.
Quickly the door was opened and Ran was forced to enter and the door was closed tightly again.
“Welcome to Toroto village. What's your name?" greet the village head with a smile so wide that its toothless teeth are visible.
"Ran."
Several residents whose clothes were already shabby gathered and looked at Ran as if they was seeing an angel.
"Why all of you?" Ran asked.
"We are waiting for help to arrive," answered one female resident.
"Help?" Ran was confused.
"For the past three months our village has been haunted by wild animals," he explained to the village.
Ran just silently listened.
"That's why we built this wooden wall. Because these animals sometimes prey on livestock and at least three people died because they were attacked by wild animals,” explained the village head.
"I just came out of a very dark forest and had time to hear the growling of animals," said Ran.
Instantly everyone was shocked.
"Really?!" asked all the residents with a little shout.
Ran nodded slowly.
Everyone was getting shocked.
Sehar then approached Ran and watched from head to toe.
"You're still alive, right? You're not a ghost, are you?” Sehar narrowed his eyes.
"What happened?" asked the village head.
"I was just passing through. But the forest looked strange because it was so dark. And then I heard a growl behind the tall bushes. But I guess it's a criminal who wants to rob. So I prepared to draw my katana. But then the voice was not heard again," Ran explained.
"I see," the village headman held his chin with his right hand.
"In a few hours the sky will be dark. It's better if Ran rests first before tomorrow helps us kill the beast," suggested Sehar.
“Since when did I agree to help?” Ran is confused.
"Come on, help us. Later you will give you money and supplies," asked the village head.
Ran then reached into his trouser pocket under his brown cape. He had little money and he didn't even have any supplies. And finally, his little heart said he had to help these Toroto villagers.
"Okay, I'll help," said Ran.
Instantly all the residents shouted with joy.
"Well, then, you rest at my house," Sehar immediately grabbed Ran's hand and took her to his house.
Sehar's house is very simple. Like other residents' houses. Made of wood and the walls are made of woven bamboo. the floor is also soil which is sometimes damp when it rains. Sahar opened the door and saw an empty room where in the middle there was a dining table and four chairs. He then invited Ran to his simple room.
"You can sleep with me in my room," said Sehar while cleaning his shabby bed.
Ran was silent. He remembered his hometown in Tebing Village. His house is still much more decent than Sehar's house.
When night falls, Sehar cooks rice and vegetable soup such as cabbage, carrots, and mustard mixed with white tofu. The two of them sat at the dining table facing each other and were accompanied by candle lights.
"No electricity here?" Ran asked.
“Since the beast's attack, we have not been able to generate hydroelectric power in the west river. We don't dare to go out," Sehar replied as he poured rice into a plate and gave it to Ran.
"Then your parents?"
Sehar was silent for a moment then he replied, “My father migrated to the Mondu Kingdom. The latest news, he worked as a carpenter there. Then my mother..." Sehar was silent.
"What about your mother?" Ran's face was serious but also curious.
"He was attacked by the beast."
"So the three people that the village head is referring to, one of them is your mother?"
Shar nodded. But then he smiled broadly and ate his food.
"Hey, better tell me where you're from," Sehar tried to change the subject.
Of course Ran knew that Sehar was diverting the conversation. He doesn't want to make Sehar remember the bad things that happened to his mother. So Ran followed Sehar's will.
“I am a ronin from Cliff Village,” said Ran. He also ate the food.
"So you're a samurai or a ronin?"
“I am a samurai. But since my kingdom is now collapsing, I have no master. So I am now a masterless samurai aka a ronin.”
"Then where do you want to go?"
“I want to find a person named Garun.”
"Who's he?"
“The person who led the rebellion in the Cliff Village Kingdom.”
"I've never heard of anyone called Garun."
"Everyone I've asked has answered that."
"Then where do you want to go?"
“I want to go to Ramil.”
"Through the border?"
Ran nodded.
“I heard, the border between Ramil and Mondu Kingdom is dangerous. The area is very hot.”
"I'll try to get past it."
"You'd better bring enough supplies."
It didn't feel like they were chatting and finishing their food. An hour later, they both fell asleep and woke up when the morning sun was already lighting up Toroto Village. Pak Pak Village Head came to visit to give Ran a packet of cakes made of coconut.
"Accept it," said the village head, handing him a lunch box wrapped in a red cloth.
Ran accepted it then opened the lunch box and tried the cake. Instantly he was surprised because it was sweet and delicious.
"How?" asked the village head.
"It's delicious," Ran replied as her mouth continued to chew.
"Thank God," the village head smiled.
When it was noon, Ran, who was assisted by five men, planned to enter the dark forest. They had gathered at the gate. At first, Ran asked that no one come along. But the five men still wanted to come.
"Let them come," said the village head.
"I'm coming too!" shouted Sehar who was now wearing hunting clothes and a sharp knife tucked into his waist. And also the bow and arrows in the quiver.
"Sehar, you should stay here," the village head tried to stop Sehar.
"But, I want to avenge my mother," Sehar's eyes suddenly became sharp.
Ran immediately saw Sehar like he was full of grudges.
"Let him come along. But I asked the other five men not to come. This will be very dangerous," Ran pleaded.
"But if he goes it will be dangerous too," said one of the five men.
"I will take care of it at the risk of my life," Ran replied with a sharp look.
Everyone was silent.
"Okay, if that's what you want," the village head nodded, closing his eyes.
"Horrayy!" Sehar looks happy.
"Be careful when traveling," the village head patted Ran's shoulder.
Ran then smiled and nodded.
The gate then opened. Ran and Sehar stepped into the dark forest and defeated the mysterious beast.
To be continued...
"Sehar, what weapons do you carry?" Ran asked as they were on their way to the dark forest."I brought a knife and a bow," replied Sehar.“Are you good at using both?”"I've never used a knife. But my arrows are quite proficient because I often hunt with my father.”It didn't take long for them to arrive. Before entering Sehar had some doubts. Sweat began to flow from his forehead to his neck. And then he swallowed hard because in front of him, there were big, tall trees and a path into a dark and dangerous forest."Are you in doubt?" Ran glanced at Sehar.Sehar did not answer. He even wiped the sweat off his forehead."If you are in doubt, you better go home and let me go alone into this forest," Ran immediately stepped out."W...wait," Sehar followed Ran from behind.The deeper you go in, the darker it gets. Sehar continued to follow Ran from behind. He drew his knife and held it with both hands just in case. Meanwhile Ran just kept quiet while watching Sehar secretly.“Sehar, have
Ran drew his katana. Then he turned it around and held it with both hands. The werewolf growled then howled and ran as fast as lightning. So fast, Ran did not realize that less than a second, the werewolf was already in front of him while attacking with his right paw. Ran quickly restrained with his katana. But because the werewolf's attack was too strong, Ran was bounced so hard that it hit a big tree. Even the tree was hollow and Ran rolled on the ground."RAN!" shouted Sehar as he ran to Ran who was lying on the ground."Sehar, you hide," said Ran as he stood up.“B…but.”“If I give you the signal, you should be ready to attack, won't you?” Ran looked at Sehar.Sehar then nodded and ran to hide in a safe place. Then Ran walked slowly while taking off his brown robe. He stuffed his katana into the scabbard then closed his eyes as he continued walking. Meanwhile the werewolf smirked."This is the first time I've fought a strong human," said the werewolf.Ran was not surprised that th
Whenever Berna is asked to shop for groceries at the village market, he is always excited. Because he is smart, when he walks to the market, Berna calculates the money given by her nanny and what groceries to buy written on a piece of paper."If I'm good at bargaining, I have leftovers to buy a book," said Berna as she walked away and looked at the list of foods to buy on a piece of paper.Arriving at the market, Berna made a bargain. Almost every groceries he bought, he bargained as low as possible. He even studied the movements and habits of the women who bid in this market. After everything was bought, Berna got the rest of the money. He immediately rushed to the bookstore and chose a book that appealed to him.The bookstore looks very old and a bit run down. Just like the owner who has entered old age. The owner smiled sweetly when Berna opened the door and saw a lot of books on display."It's rare for a child to come to an old bookstore," said the shop owner, whose skin was alrea
The fire continued to gush so as to make a beautiful light. Several people who happened to pass by suddenly turned and approached out of curiosity. Berna felt happy when the people gathered praised her as a magician."You're great," said one man."Yes he is great," said a mother who was holding her child.After Berna showed some tricks, the gathered people dispersed as it was getting dark."Great!" Ellie smiled and gave a thumbs up after everyone left.Berna smiled shyly."Let's go home, Ellie," said Zaru as he grabbed Ellie's hand."So, I can be your friend?" asked Berna.Zaru didn't answer. He kept walking while pulling Ellie's hand followed by Weda and Nandi. But Berna was not sad. He was very happy today because people finally acknowledged his existence. But also he was sad that he was alone again. Berna returned to the orphanage and was immediately treated to household chores such as sweeping, mopping, and cleaning the bathroom.Until the next week, Berna could not leave the orph
After dawn Berna was ready to wear a suit and tie. He also put all his clothes and belongings in the suitcase. He did not forget to bring an old book with "Ethias" written on it. Exactly eight o'clock in the morning, the sound of horse hooves was heard. Marudi and Merna were immediately greeted by Erma."You are very handsome," said Merna when she saw that Berna was already tidy."Soon you will have a new room," said Marudi."Come on please sit down. I have prepared the adoption agreement documents to be signed,” said Erma while preparing a chair. He then opened a large envelope and took out several documents.Marudi and Merna carefully read the contents of the agreement file. Then they nodded and Marudi pulled a pen from his coat pocket. He quickly signed the files."Thank you, Erma," said Marudi.Erma just nodded then she put the files back in the envelope. Then she called Berna."Now, you are part of the Rombepayung family," said Erma with a smile. Of course the smile is fake.Bern
Saturday morning, Berna was invited to the backyard which is quite spacious. In this backyard planted a lot of vegetables and fruits. And there is also a farm shed for raising livestock. There were several men who worked watering the plants. And a few more men work taking care of the livestock. Including the horse-drawn carriage."Would you like to go around, sir?" asked Remin.Berna nodded. Remin then asked Berna to follow him. While walking around the backyard, Remin explained that the Rombepayung family had always enjoyed farming and raising livestock. They prefer to grow their own for their kitchen needs rather than having to buy them. When he reached the orange tree, Remin picked one fruit and gave it to Berna.“Try it, sir,” said Remin.Berna happily took the orange then peeled it and ate it. Nothing special but Berna admitted it was really sweet and fresh."Let me show you the livestock belonging to the Rombepayung family." Remin walked to the farm barn with double doors m
That night, Berna could not sleep. Not because he had insomnia. But it was because his heart was producing so much happiness that his brain was imagining his meeting with Ellie tomorrow. But he was trying to sleep. Although he did not sleep well so he woke up after dawn when the sun had not yet risen. Berna rushed to take a shower and put on her normal clothes. When they came down for breakfast, Marudi and Merna were surprised that their adopted son was not wearing the clothes that Jonan had provided. “Honey, why are you wearing normal clothes?” asked Merna while putting her arm around Berna's shoulder. “Mother, I don't want any distinction between me and Ellie,” Berna replied. "Smart boy," said Marudi. “Before leaving, you have breakfast first, okay? There is bread and chocolate jam,” said Merna. Berna nodded and ate his breakfast with his adoptive parents. Not long after, a female servant came with her provisions placed in a large wooden box and wrapped in a dark red cloth.
In a fairly busy shop, Remin was sitting enjoying bitter coffee and a piece of cake. He sat casually reading the newspaper near the shop window. So seriously he read the news that was happening recently. Every now and then he took a sip of coffee and ate the cake with a spoon. Not long after, Berna came. Remin was surprised because Berna had met her during lunch time. Berna looked a bit gloomy as she sat in front of Remin."Why does your face look so gloomy?” Remin asked, folding the newspaper.“It's all right, Remin,” Berna replied."Did the meeting go well?"Berna just nodded."It's lunch time. Would you like some more,Young Master?”"I'm full. You just eat. You've been waiting for me here all day.""If I eat and you don't, it's unethical.""Then let's go home.""In that case, okay."Remin stood up and paid for his coffee and cake. After that he took Berna's bag and walked out, opened the carriage door for Berna and started driving the carriage towards the house.***One scorching h
Shukar is still asleep but Ran is awake and ready. He even cleaned his body by taking a bath. Although this is only a dorm room for candidates or young police officers who want to learn self-defense, the facilities are quite complete. So Ran can clean herself up before he goes back to training."I need to quickly master the shock attack power technique," Ran muttered to himself.Not long after, there was a knock on the door. After Ran opened, it was apparently an old man with a tray filled with food and drinks for breakfast."I guess Herlos," said Ran as he looked at the old man."Sorry, I was assigned by Herlos to deliver this breakfast," said the old man."Thank you," Ran accepted the breakfast.The old man then said goodbye and left. Ran brought the breakfast and put it on the small table near the bench. The smell of porridge sprinkled with pickles and sliced fruit makes it difficult to move the nose. He even raised his head when he was prone on the bed."What's this sweet smell?"
"I have to admit your reasons are quite reasonable," said Gero.Goto laughed then he poured the ginger drink into his cup and Gero's."Let's have another drink," said Goto as he lifted the cup and took a sip.Gero also took his cup and took a sip."I still want to surpass Ran ," said Gero after taking a sip of the ginger drink."That's up to you. It's your life choice. Whatever the outcome, the risk will be borne by you," replied Goto .Gero just smiled then he got up and walked out by opening the door without permission. On the way home, Gero was intercepted by a man wearing a black hooded cape that covered his entire body. The man's face could not be seen because of the dark conditions of the night. Because he was a royal samurai, when there was a threat Gero immediately prepared to draw his sword. But the black hooded man raised his hands."Calm. I won't attack you," said the black hooded man."Who are you? Are you an intruder?” asked Gero whose right hand was already holding the h
Gero rushed to Goto when he heard that Ran had been promoted to the King's bodyguard. A very prestigious position and full of pride. Whoever gets this position, will not be underestimated again. Goto was not surprised in the slightest by Gero's arrival. He had already predicted that Gero would meet him."Master, why does Ran always stand out?" asked Gero.Goto who was making a clay bowl didn't answer. He put the bowls on a tray neatly then he put them in the furnace. After that he looked at Gero with a smile."Don't you stand out too?" Goto asked back."What do you mean?" Gero was confused.“Just think about it, ever since you became an eternal rival with Ran, you always stood out among your other friends. You have passed Kaju and Taka too. After graduating they both just became farmers. While you are already a royal samurai.”"But still I can't surpass Ran.""You're so focused on going beyond one person that you forget you've surpassed many."Gero then fell silent. Goto smiled broadl
The four-wheeled wagon that Gema was riding in continued to slide down the hillside. He had screamed when the wagon hit the rocks causing him to almost let go of his hand that was holding on to the side of the cart. The wagon grew louder and louder that Gema had to squint his eyes as the wind hit his face.“When do I get to the bottom?!” shouted Gema as he continued to hold on.Another ten meters or so to the bottom, Gema sighed as he shifted from descending to gently sloping. The wagon was still sliding twenty meters on the sand until Echo pulled the brake lever and the wagon came to a stop.With trembling legs Echo got off the wagon and plopped down on the sandbag."I will never again want to go down hill in a wagon!" he said, gasping for air.After his breathing returned to normal, Gema stood up and cleaned his clothes from the sand and walked towards the attack point in the northwest of Ramil city . The journey took more than an hour until the sun had turned orange and the sky was
In the late afternoon, Gema arrived at the attack point southwest of the city of Ramil, Gema arrived and immediately coordinated with the foreman at that place. The progress of the development process in this place is also still ongoing. It was on top of a sand dune nearly five hundred meters high. At the top there is a sloping land overgrown with various types of desert trees. Like; dates, cacti, and also spinifex grass.Echo had a bit of trouble when he had to climb this hill. The reason is, the hill which is often called Hara hill is higher than Rama hill where his family is hiding."It's better if this evidence turns into a mountain because this is the highest plateau around the Ramil city area," Gema grumbled as he continued to climb this hill.In the middle of the trip, the sandals he was wearing almost broke due to slipping. But thankfully nothing happened to his sandals. Arriving at the top, just like in the previous two attack points, the faction members were busy building a
Having finished coordinating the attack point in the east, Gema rushed back to Bona's hideout to report. Bona smiled when he heard the report from Echo that everything went smoothly without any disturbance."Good. Everything went according to plan,” Bona nodded."But, there is one thing that bothers me," said Gema."Is there something you want to say?" ask Bona"Not words. It's just a question," said Gema."Then what is it?"“At the northwestern and northern attack points, there is always an empty space formed in a circle. Every time I ask the foreman in each of these places, they also don't know. What exactly is that? What are you going to put in that place?” Echo asked at length.Bona smiled at the question from Gema. He then chuckled because he knew that Echo would ask such a question."I knew you would ask that," said Bona."Then what is your answer?""You'll find out for yourself when our covert operation begins. Well, even though it can't be called a secret because I'm sure the
Dessert arrived. Shukar felt full since he finished the main meal. Although he was no longer able to eat, but seeing the devil's fresh fruits in him seemed to tell him to be greedy and eat the dessert as he pleased. Shukar tried to eat two red grape seeds and his stomach felt like it was going to explode."I can't take it anymore," Shukar muttered to himself as he leaned back against the back of the chair.Meanwhile Watib continued the conversation. He was intrigued by Ran's suggestion about tightening security at night."As I said before, I agree with Ran's suggestion," Watib said while chewing an apple."Starting tonight, I will tighten security in every corner of the city," said Qarni.“Soon the alert level will become alert one. And don't look flashy so that people remain calm," Watib told Qarni."Was the public informed about this?" Qarni asked.Watib replied, "Don't. Any information regarding this, do not let it leak in the community. We must not make people panic. Our successfu
Before sunrise, Qarni had come knocking on the hotel door. Fresa , who had just finished changing, rushed to open the door and ushered in Qarni . Ran was already ready with a brown robe and a katana tucked into his left waist under the cloak."Are you guys ready?" Qarni asked ."Of course we are ready. Only one person is still asleep,” Fresa pointed at Shukar who was still sleeping supine on the bed."How many will come along?" Ran said as he straightened his brown robe.“Looks like it's just the three of us. After I conferred with the Mayor last night, we reached an agreement not to bring too many people so as not to attract the attention of the enemy," replied Qarni .Suddenly Shukar woke up and got up from his bed. Staggering and half-closed eyes, he walked to the bathroom and opened the door. Upon entering, Shukar closes the door and it is heard that he is starting to take a bath and wash himself."I'm going to be the four of them there!" Shukar shouted from inside the bathroom.I
It was past midnight. But Ran stays awake. He was having a conversation with Fresa. Tells all what he has been through when he first separated. Fresa was impressed. Especially when Ran fought against Berna and Gordon. It was as if he couldn't believe that the person in front of him was the most powerful human he had ever met."You are indeed strong," said Fresa."Not. There are still many who are stronger than me. The proof is Zero. He can beat me easily," said Ran.“You mean the one who fought with you and Ran in the abandoned territory in the eastern part of Rami city?”Ran nodded then said, “Tomorrow when we go there, you will see how hard it is for me to fight Zero.”"If I assume you are strong and you were defeated by Zero, then Zero is really strong," Fresa shook his head."Hey, can we sleep in peace?" said Shukar who was curled up under the blanket and on the soft mattress.“Sorry to disturb your sleep,” Frea pressed his hands together.Shukar immediately covered his entire bod