"Wait, Grandpa. I still really don't understand. What can Nilas do to help those in need? What kind of difference can they bring to the world?” Hosh asked still not understanding.
“The Nilas are smart and wise. They are also intelligent and master all kinds of knowledge. Most importantly, they are given such a great conscience. If these four clans unite and are only led by one Nilas, then a balance will occur. Not only for the rich, but also the poor. They will definitely work on it.”
“Why is Grandpa so sure? Could Nilas have his own obsession to rule the world in his hands? I mean anyone can change after seeing money and power.” Hosh seemed so skeptical.
"They are indeed different. That's why Nilas has another name, the son of God. Because they are almost perfect as a human being."
"But how come I never saw them?"
"The Nilas continue to be hunted by the Earl clan and handed over to the Lazarus clan on the orders of the Zenith clan. They were constantly being used as experimental materials to suppress growth and even kill them slowly.”
"What? I've never heard of this before.”
“Why do you think researchers have stopped looking for cures for this and other ailments? That's why they were too busy with their new target. They were too afraid of the presence of Nilas. They were afraid that their position would be eliminated. They worry that in the end everyone will have the same right to a better life.”
"Yes alright. This quite surprised me. So what does that have to do with me, Grandpa? I don't mind at all if they stop looking for a cure for my leprosy. And yes, I know our life is sad, but we can live happily with what we have."
“There is a connection because our ancestors, even your parents are Nilas. Those who have been struggling as Nilas. Are you then going to just stop and not continue the struggle of your parents?" Grandpa asked with a serious face.
"What?" Hosh had to scream a little in surprise.
Grandfather with his eye gestures asked his grandmother to bring him a wooden box left by Hosh's parents which had been kept neatly in their room. Hosh, who was still frozen at the dining table, could only stare intently at the wooden box that was now proffered in front of him. Grandfather Idris with a nod of his head asked his grandson to open the wooden box.
Hosh took out one by one the contents in it. A scroll of paper that is quite shabby and in fact is a map. The man noticed something else. There is a golden key, he don't know what key it is. There is also a letter that looks very much like it was written by his parents. Contains both confessions about Nilas.
“Most likely, you are a Nilas. Like your parents and also like your grandmother. She is a Nilas, too.”
"Grandmother?" asked Hosh immediately looking at Jenaya.
“Being a Nilas is both a blessing and a disaster. As Nilas, I also really want to help, but for the sake of safety, I was forced to hide and marry your grandfather. Until finally I gave birth to your father who was also a Nilas. He found his soul mate, your mother who turns out to be Nilas. We have never checked whether you are Nilas, but you must be one.”
“Are you sure? How are we supposed to know for sure?” Hosh asked curiously.
"There's only one way to be sure. That you will go following the map. If you manage to find it and somehow it affects you, then you must be Nilas.”
This time Hosh's eyes shifted to the map in front of him. He tried to unroll it and saw exactly what he was looking for at that moment. It was a map of the Gray Forest. A forest located between the Lazarus clan and the Crosby clan. One of the four forests in the entire clan that also has its own uniqueness.
The Gray Forest is the same forest as the forest where Princess Wilona disappeared. Gray Forest is one dangerous forest. In contrast to the dangerous Black Forest because in it there are many wild animals and deadly plants. Then the Gray Forest is a manipulative forest. He will make the good look bad and the bad look good. Precisely that makes someone difficult to overcome it.
Apart from that, there is the White Forest which is always covered in snow and the extreme temperature makes everyone reluctant to go in there. Lastly is the Green Forest which is located between the Crosby clan and the Earl clan. Where it is usually used both to look for food and practice dexterity.
“So… I have to enter the Gray Forest? But, Grandma, even Princess Wilona has not been found until now. Those who attempted to enter there either came back under strange circumstances or even died. Look at me, even to walk I have to rely on these sticks.” Hosh touched two sticks that were indeed on the side of his chair.
“Hosh, the most important thing is not strength or physical perfection, but faith and determination. You can think about it first. We won't force you."
Hosh was actually so skeptical with all the explanations from his grandparents. It's just that because of bad feelings, he wants to prove that Nilas is just a fairy tale. Or at least if it did exist, then he definitely wasn't one of them. Who would want to be led by a disabled human like him.
Hosh reconsidered all the worst that could possibly happen when he was in the forest. It could be that he came back and went crazy. At least it's better because he doesn't have to remember all the pain and shame that continues to hit him. It was even better if he returned dead so as not to bother his grandparents anymore.
Hosh has decided. Moreover, grandparents seemed so enthusiastic about the fact that maybe he would be cured if he followed the map. Even though he wasn't really interested in his parents either. Maybe it's just a passionate story. Hosh knows his parents died of illness and has nothing to do with being Nilas.
"All right, Guys. I'm going to the Gray Forest. I'll try to find out what's actually in there. I'll be getting ready to leave tomorrow."
Hosh didn't ask much more about the death of his parents or about Nilas. He chose to rest. Using a cane to walk he headed towards the room. It didn't take long, Hosh fell asleep, where he started having very strange dreams about a big war between the four clans.
For more than 6 years, Hosh has used a cane to help him walk. He was also still able to ride a horse until he arrived at the Gray Forest. For him there are absolutely no obstacles on his way. Until he had to tie his horse and enter the forest alone. With minimal supplies, Hosh took the time to stare into the deep Gray Forest.Gray Forest has distinctive trees. The trunk of the tree is jet black while the leaves are silver. Besides that, there are also lots of colorful plants like a rainbow. That said, every plant has its own effect if we treat it wrong. It is also the cause of many humans who end up strange and even crazy.Slowly, Hosh began to walk into the forest. Occasionally glanced at the map and compass to make sure the direction he was heading was correct. The point he was aiming for was a large tree deep in the forest and right by the river. The location was easy, but Hosh wasn't even sure if he could make it there.Hosh started to walk in confidently and he just ignored every
Hosh and Wilona walked carefully through the Gray Forest. The man had previously given a sign with a blue rope so he could easily find his way back. Sure enough, even if it only took an hour, they could already see a bright light that was the Crosby clan.Wilona looked even more excited and started to jog out of the forest. Wilo stopped when she saw that there were several tents in a clearing which judging by the flags were clearly from the Zenith clan. Some of the soldiers started to see her and even some people were seen running into the biggest tent in the middle.Wilona was so happy to see her father, King Alaric who came out of the tent and welcomed the princess with joy. King Alaric expressed his relief after five days in total they had been waiting there and trying to find Wilona. The king said that many soldiers had entered, but not many had returned.“My daughter, I almost gave up. Father had prepared to enter the forest alone, but father couldn't just do it because there wer
Jenaya gave Hosh a wooden box which was still neatly tucked away in Hosh's wardrobe. Since marrying Wilona, this man has not discussed Nilas and his true identity for a long time. This time, he wanted to get hold of whatever was actually stored within the Gray Forest.“This time I was determined. I have to find whatever my parents left me. I have to know, can I really be better after becoming Nilas completely. I have to show everyone who I really am and what I can do."The next day, Hosh told his grandparents to go into the Gray Forest. They are happy, but more worried. The condition of the man's body has changed a lot. His bodily functions also continued to decline. That was why Hosh's grandparents could only stare at each other.“Hosh, you know your current condition is very unlikely. You can't go in there alone."“Grandpa, I know you will be worried. That's why I prepared a walking aid. I've had it from the start. I just need you guys to support and give me encouragement.""Walki
Hosh, who initially felt inferior, started to get up again. After getting the blessing of their grandparents, they all headed towards the Zenith clan. In two days the wedding will take place. The royal entourage, deliberately prepared to pick them all up. Using a car accompanied by horsemen, grandfather, grandmother and Hosh left their clan.The five hour journey was tensely traveled by Hosh. He couldn't even close his eyes let alone fall asleep. He was so worried how everyone would welcome him there. Hosh heard that important guests from the other two clans would also be leaving tonight. The king wanted to formally introduce himself as a future son-in-law before he actually married.No matter how hard Hosh tried, he still couldn't cover up the rashes on his body and face. He also couldn't hide the disfigurement on his hands and feet. He felt very insecure and wanted to just die. Especially after their entourage began to enter the palace area of the Zenith clan which was very, very
Hosh, who heard all these words from Wilona's lips, felt so sad and immediately his guts sank. Again, he couldn't blame the princess because he believed that even a ordinary woman would refuse to marry him. How is it possible that Wilona, a beautiful and honorable princess, will accept it gracefully.Hosh stared into the distance where the beautiful scenery of the night indeed conjured his eyes quickly. Zenith clan is the richest clan among others. The houses he could see were all luxurious and had bright lights. It consists of tall buildings where Hosh can see lots of vehicles passing by. Very different from the Crosby clan.Being away from home made Hosh miss his home a little. The house is simple but warm. Activities that are boring but also fun. In two days, he will be married and his life will probably be better. It's just that, he had to leave the two people he cared about the most at this time. Grandfather and grandmother.Hosh actually wanted to just go back inside, but was
The next day, Hosh was taking a walk to see the condition of the Zenith clan palace. He realized that the palace had a very large area and was closely adjoined by a river. At the front is the main building which consists of the king's throne as well as several large halls for important events. Behind it is a kitchen and several rooms for servants. Where the main building will be empty at night.The concubine's house was divided on the right side separated by a garden. Serially numbered according to the concubine that the king proposed to first. Likewise the children of each concubine also lived there. The king, of course, having a room in each concubine's house that is no less magnificent.The palace's backyard, right next to the river, was the practice area. A large field used for fighting, equestrian, and even sports training. Hosh was there where unluckily he saw Emilio who was having a duel with Lionel. Using a wooden stick they attack and beat each other.D
The Zenith clan palace was starting to get busier with all kinds of party preparations. Since the night of the party, Wilona, Hosh has not seen her at all. Indeed, there is a culture for the bride to be in her room two nights before the wedding ceremony takes place. Shenna also confirmed the existence of the princess to him. The difference that was felt at the party this time was, previously the party would have been open to the general public, where everyone could come without exception, it was different from this time. Hosh and Wilona's wedding party was held privately and only a few people attended who also attended the small party the previous two nights. This small party was the request of Princess Wilona, who, predictably, unwilling to bear the shame that was growing within her. She couldn't bear to listen to all the gossip from the guests who came about her prospective groom. Hosh didn't mind at all. Actually he also agreed. He also did not want this marriage to be the cen
Hosh was awakened by the sound of something falling not far from his resting place in the Gray Forest. He was still on his way to the big tree left by his parents. The man let out a long sigh after being startled by a fruit the size of an adult's head falling from the tree above him.Hosh started his journey again. He tried to go deeper into the forest. Staring at plants that had never been seen before. Trying to find the sound of gurgling water from the river that divides the Gray Forest. Still having so much trouble and constantly trying to get used to the walker he uses. Until finally after an hour, he began to hear the flow of water. Hosh breathed a sigh of relief. With a stick in his hand he tried to remove some of the plants and yes he could see a river flowing. The river is so clear with a tropical scent that is so refreshing. The water in the Gray Forest was indeed different from most of the water in the entire clan. Everything in the forest is unique and different. Hosh tri