2023-02-09 06:26:11Gardi jumped up and swung his barbed iron rod horizontally from top to bottom. Ran held back with his katana. Then with all his might he swung his katana to the right causing Gardi to bounce and roll but he immediately stood up again.
"How did you know I was hiding here?" asked Gardi.
Ran replied, “Just guessing. Besides, I'm not comfortable being followed by your two men," while glancing at Gurdi's men who were hiding behind large rocks.
“Your instincts are sharp too. Suni and Darga who followed you didn't have to bother bringing you to the masi,” Gardi smiled broadly.
Ran put his katana back into the sheath. Then he ran and drew his katana again at Gruan. Garun calmly held back with his barbed iron rod. They then attacked each other and held back. Everything looks balanced.
"You're pretty good too," Ran said as he jumped back.
“No wonder Bedro lost badly. Your swordsmanship is way above him,” Gardi smiled then he got ready again.
After taking a deep breath, Ran took off his hat. Then he also prepared to attack or receive an attack. They both then ran. When they got close to each other, Ran drew his katana. But Gardi jumped and his foot stepped on the large stone wall on the left. He quickly swung his barbed iron rod. Ran jumps to the right so that Gardi's attack misses and hits the ground. Gardi spun around and attacked again. Ran held him back with his katana. Then he jumped up and threw a right-footed kick.
Gardi held back with his left but because Ran's attack was so strong he bounced and rolled on the ground.
"I didn't expect a swordsman to have such a powerful kick," Gardi said as he stood up and spat because his lips were bleeding.
"Besides the sword, I'm also trained to fight with bare hands," Ran replied.
Gardi just chuckled. He then swung his spiked iron sword. Sometimes he turns with his right hand. Then run and attack Ran by swinging his barbed iron rod vertically from right to left. Ran held back with his katana and quickly reversed the attack. Gardi lowered his head to avoid Ran's attack. He then swung his right leg towards Ran's feet. But Ran jumped back and put his katana back into its sheath.
Ran quickly ran back and drew his katanan. Gardi held him back with his barbed iron rod. They also competed for strength. Push each other. The squeaky sound of the combination of a katana and an iron rod was heard very loudly.
“They are balanced,” said Suni, a man with dark skin and curly hair.
"It seems so. They are still fighting for strength. Their weapons are still attached to each other,” said Darga, a thin man with a thin beard.
Gardi jumps behind. He stepped from small rocks to big rocks. Ran followed him while attacking. While Gardi resisted Ran's attack. When the two of them reached the top of the boulder, Ran launched a powerful attack. Gardi held him but he bounced off quickly and his body slammed into the medium sized rock until it shattered.
Suni and Darga who saw the incident were shocked to the point that their eyes bulged.
"The boss will die," Darga panicked.
"We help him," Suni stood up but Darga grabbed his hand.
"You want to die? Look at that Ran. He's way above our level, you idiot,” Darga hit Suni's head.
Ran jumped off the rock and put his katana into its sheath. Meanwhile Gardi tried to get up. On his face was a look of extreme anger towards Ran. His eyes were red, the veins on his face were all visible. He stared intently at Ran as he gasped for air.
"Only this time I'm overwhelmed against the enemy," said Gardi.
"Never underestimate any of your enemies," said Ran.
Gardi just laughed dismissively. They then prepared again to fight.
***
The police chief of the city of Sagard, received a report that a fight broke out between the notorious criminal Gardi and a foreign youth. Of course he was surprised. Because Gardi is indeed the most feared criminal in this city. The police couldn't catch him. Because, Gardi is quite slippery and very good at disguise. What's more, he has a pretty high martial arts skill. Bullets alone weren't enough to hold him back.
"Who is that young man?" asked the police chief to his men.
"We don't know, sir. It seems, he is a newcomer, "replied his men.
"Where are they fighting?"
"On the hill of Sirna."
"I will be there. You prepare some personnel."
"Immediately implemented, sir," his men said goodbye.
The police chief unwrapped his cigarette, slid it to his lips and lit it with a lighter. His face is calm, he is about forty years old, his skin is white, his hair is black, he is tall, and he wears a police uniform of Sagard. The uniform was dark beige. Because he was of a high rank, so he was wearing a police cloak. On his desk, his name was written, Fresa Gormon.
After sitting for a while and finishing his cigarette, Fresa stood up and took his robe and put it on. Walk out of his office. In the lobby, there were ten personnel who were already prepared. They are fully armed.
"Your horse has been prepared at the front, sir," said one of his men.
"Well. All personnel, come with me,” Fresa ordered.
"Yes, sir!" said all personnel.
They then walked out and rode their horses towards Sirna hill. The hooves of their horses colliding with the ground made the streets dusty.
***
Meanwhile Ran and Gardi are still fighting. It seems, Gardi has been overwhelmed. He even had his body injured from Ran's attack. But Ran was still calm like nothing happened. His robes were just a little dirty.
"Damn it. If this continues, I can lose," said Gardi in his heart.
"You'd better give it up," Ran said as he tucked his katana into its scabbard.
Gardi then stood up. He smirked and pressed his palms together, closing his eyes. Moments later, his muscles expanded. The veins are visible. Then he screamed and sprinted as fast as lightning while throwing punches. Ran, who was surprised that Gardi was suddenly in front of his, didn't have time to dodge or hold back. So Ran's punch hit his left cheek. This time Ran bounced and rolled on the ground.
When Ran was about to stand up, Gardi was already in front of his with a kick. Ran was blown away quickly and his body hit the rocks until it shattered.
"That's just our boss," said Suni and Darga simultaneously.
Gardi walked slowly towards Ran who was lying among the rubble of rocks.
“This is my true strength,” Gardi said.
Ran got up. Calmly he stood up and looked at Gardi.
"Let me finish this fight," said Ran.
Ran get ready. Right foot forward, left foot back. He said he was holding it in his left hand. While his right hand, ready to draw. Gardi who saw Ran preparing with his moves, made him smile.
“Am I going to bring out your true power too?” asked Gardi. But Ran didn't answer.
Gardi then sped off. When exactly three meters in front of Ran, Ran quickly drew his sword. Suni and Darga, who saw the incident, were again shocked. They didn't notice Ran's speed at all. Because immediately Ran was behind Gardi. Meanwhile, Gardi stood in a hitting position.
Ran put his katana into its scabbard. At that moment, Gardi's chest was slashed and bleeding profusely. Either from his chest, or his mouth. He then fell to the ground.
"I have to admit, you're really great," said Ran as he returned to wearing his hat made of straw.
Not long after, the sound of whistling and galloping of horses was heard approaching. It turned out that the police had arrived at the scene. Seeing Gardi lying covered in wounds, Fresa ordered all his personnel to handcuff Gardi.
“Cuff him and take him to court,” Fresa ordered.
Fresa then looked at Ran who was standing while cleaning his robe. He approached then got off his horse and approached Ran.
"Where do you come from?" asked Fresa.
Ran looked at Fresa then replied, “Cliff Village.
Fresa was surprised then said, “The royal village that collapsed ten years ago?”
Ran did not give any response.
"I'm Fresa Gormon. Sagard City Police Chief. We thank you for defeating Gardi,” Fresa bowed as a sign of respect.
"There are two of his men hiding," said Ran.
"We have arrested them," Fresa pointed to one of his personnel who had already arrested Suni and Darga.
After the dying Gardi is brought for trial, Fresa asks Ran to stay for a few days in the city of Sagard.
"This is a token of our gratitude. I think the mayor should also be grateful,” said Fresa with a faint smile.
"Thank you. I have to continue my journey," Ran refused.
"What are you looking for."
"Not what I was looking for. But who am I looking for?”
"Then who?"
"Garun. The one who has turned my village and kingdom into dust. I want revenge," Ran's gaze suddenly became sharp.
“The rebellion in your village is really heartbreaking. But I've read the records of the incident. At that time, I was thirty years old. The record is still there. The news spread everywhere. If you wish to stay, maybe you can get information from the records that are still stored in the city library,” explained Fresa.
Ran thought for a moment. He then agreed to Fresa's invitation. After all, so far the information about Garun is minimal. Perhaps by reading the note, he found a new clue.
“Here is one more horse. You follow me into town,” said Fresa.
The two of them then headed for the city with ride a horse.
To be continued...
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
A Wandering Ronin Repast
The sky was getting dark. They arrived at the Sagard city police headquarters. Ran was immediately entertained in a large room. The dining table is also large and luxurious. Ran was invited to sit by Fersa. He then took off his cap made of woven bamboo and his robe."I want to entertain you with dinner," said Fersa."I want to go to the city library immediately," Ran replied."Be patient. After all, the library is currently closed. You can rest in one of the police recruits' rooms over there.” Fersa pointed out the window where there was a multi-storey wooden building.Ran was silent but then he sat down and put his katana on the table. Immediately, Fersa noticed Ran's katana."That sword of yours, I've never seen anything like it," Fersa pointed at Ran's katana."Besides being a swordsman, my master is also an expert at making swords."“I watched you fight Gardi from afar. It seems you master a rare sword style.”"Maybe it's because my master never taught swordsmanship to just anyone
A Wandering Ronin Journey
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 hi
A Wandering Ronin Determination
"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
A Wandering Ronin Strongest Human
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
A Wandering Ronin The Old Book
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
A Wandering Ronin The Promise
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
A Wandering Ronin New Home
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
A Wandering Ronin A Gift
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
Latest Chapter
Before Practice
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?"
Black Hooded Man
"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
Inauguration
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
Rival
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
Shock Power
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
The Flow
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
Conversation
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
The Ace
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
The Nostalgic Night
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
