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"What?! Hephaestus?" (In my mind) "So this is a Myth-level sponsor. I didn't expect the power gap to be this wide. A normal blacksmith shouldn't be able to forge even S-grade weapons, let alone SS. But this player... he can. If Hephaestus is his sponsor, that means..."
"Jay, isn't Hephaestus one of the twelve Olympian gods?"
"That's right, Bima. Hephaestus is the god of blacksmiths. In mythology, he's often depicted as the one who forges weapons and tools of war for the other Olympian gods. That makes him one of the powerful gods."
"I see. No wonder the weapons are of such high grade. Turns out the player's sponsor is a god."
"Hey, you're still awake? Yaaawn..." Loka yawned.
As Bima and I were chatting, Loka woke up because of our voices.
"Go to sleep, we're leaving tomorrow. Take care of your health."
"Alright, Loka. We're going to sleep now."
"Yeah, sis."
"Good night."
"Good night."
We all went to sleep to rest our bodies, so we wouldn't be exhausted tomorrow morning. We were heading to Yogya, a perfect place to relax and refresh.
The Next Morning...
"Yaaawn..." Bima woke up, still yawning.
"Come on, everyone. Wake up, wake up..." Loka was full of energy as she woke us up.
"You're so excited this morning, sis."
"Haha, of course! I can't wait to swim at the beach."
"We'll be there in about one or two hours. Why the rush?"
"That's why, hurry up! You were up late with Jay, and now you're still yawning. Get ready, Bima!"
"Alright, sis. Just give me a minute."
Once morning came, we got ready to leave for Roro's house in Parangtritis, Yogya. Before heading out, we had breakfast. With our destination getting closer, we took things a bit slow—although Loka clearly couldn't wait.
While everyone was eating, I noticed Arya sitting alone, staring at something. I became concerned since Arya hadn't talked much lately. I approached him, bringing some food and drink.
"Here, Arya. Take this. You haven't eaten since yesterday."
Arya took the bread and water I gave him.
"You haven't been talking much lately. Is there something bothering you?"
"Nothing, I'm just a bit tired."
"If something's wrong, you can tell me. Remember when we used to work together? You were a tough boss, but you always told us to speak up when something was wrong."
"...." Arya stayed silent and listened.
"You know, I've always been jealous of you. At such a young age, you became a manager at a big company, even though we're around the same age."
"Someone's luck can make others envious."
"Haha, true. Even now that you're no longer a manager, I'm still jealous. You're strong! Stronger than me and the others. You know that, right?"
"Maybe that's because I used to train in martial arts. That's why I'm pretty good at fighting."
"No wonder you're so skilled. Where did you get that black sword?"
"...." Arya went quiet again.
"Oi, Jay, Arya! Let's go!" Bima shouted loudly at us.
"Alright, we're coming!"
I was really curious about Arya's black sword. Maybe I also wanted to understand more about who Arya really was. If he was a player like us, his sacred weapon should disappear when not in use. But that black sword always stuck with him—he carried it everywhere. He even had it back when the first gate appeared, long before players were able to summon sacred weapons.
I could have used my Jayabaya Vision skill to see his full status. But due to the long cooldown, I hadn't used it yet. Still, I believe one day he'll tell us everything.
We continued our journey to Roro's house. The car was refueled and had no issues—for now, at least.
On the Way to Yogya...
"Get ready, guys. Up ahead is the city of Yogya," Bima informed us.
"Finally, we've arrived in Yogya."
After a long and tiring journey, we reached the city. But upon arrival, the city's condition wasn't good.
"Oh no. This city looks just like the ones we passed on the way."
"You're right, Bima. But what can we do? This disaster destroyed everything."
"I never imagined such a beautiful city would be in such ruins—just like Jakarta and the others."
"Indeed."
The city was just like the others—buildings ruined, vehicles destroyed, and everything covered in dust.
"Hey, Roro. Your house is near Parangtritis, right?"
"Yes, Bima."
"Alright, we're almost there. Just a little longer, guys!"
After passing through the city, we arrived at Parangtritis, where Roro's house was. We got out of the car and unloaded our stuff.
"Alright, everyone. We're here."
"Phew... Finally."
"Yeahh, we made it." Loka was thrilled.
"Everyone, get your stuff. I'll go park the car."
"This long trip is finally over. Time to relax!"
"Come in, everyone."
Once we arrived at Roro's house, she welcomed us in. We brought our belongings inside and took a break.
"It's different here than in the city. The damage isn't too bad. Your house still looks solid, Roro."
"You're right, Jay. I don't know what happened around here, but thankfully, my house isn't badly damaged. We can stay here. Let me clean it up a bit first."
"I'll help you, Roro."
"Thank you, Loka."
"I want to help too."
"I'll just rest here."
Roro, Loka, and Yusa cleaned the house. Meanwhile, Bima and I sat in the living room.
"No quests lately, huh? Maybe the monsters are on vacation too? Hahaha..."
"You're right, Bima. No new quests. At least we can relax here for now."
"I wanted to try my new powers and weapon. I'll smash those monsters! Hahaha..."
"You think you can take down a boss monster like Wandering on your own? You were beaten badly last time."
"Haha... If it's a boss, of course I'll need all of you. But still, we're stronger now. Maybe next time, I won't be hurt so bad."
As we chatted, Loka asked Bima to get the food she left in the car.
"By the way, Bima, where's Arya? Didn't he help us unload?"
"He's still outside, Jay. After unloading, he went back to the car. Said he forgot something."
"Bima, can you get the food I left in the car? I forgot it."
"Why didn't you bring it down earlier, sis?"
"I forgot, just go."
"Alright, I'll get it."
"Wait, Bima, I'll go."
"You sure, Jay?"
"No problem. I'll also ask Arya to come inside."
"Thanks, Jay."
Outside, I found Arya by the car. I grabbed the food and talked to him.
"You're not coming in, Arya?"
"No, thanks."
"Come on, everyone's waiting inside."
"I'm sure they don't mind if I stay here."
"Alright, up to you. Want this food?"
"No, I'm not hungry."
"Alright then."
I went back inside and gave the food to Loka.
"Hey, Loka. Where should I put this?"
"Just over there, Jay. Thanks."
"Alright, I'll put it here."
"You didn't get Arya to come in?"
"He doesn't want to, Bima. Let him be for now. He'll come in eventually."
"You sure he's okay?"
"From my time working with him, whenever he isolates himself like that, he's usually thinking deeply. He's cold, but he cares. Let him be."
"Alright, if you say so."
"Finally done."
"Thanks for your help, Loka, Yusa."
"You're welcome, Roro."
"Didn't you say you wanted to swim at the beach, sis?"
"Later, when it's cooler."
"Alright, Jay and I will go later. You coming too, Yusa?"
"Of course. But do you guys have any clean underwear?"
"..." Bima and I forgot.
"Oh no. I forgot about that!"
"Haha... Me too, Jay."
"Here, Loka. I'll put your clothes in my room for later."
"Thanks, Roro."
The atmosphere in this house is so warm and comfortable. It's been a while since we've felt something like this—free of burdens and pressure. It's good to rest and forget the horrors we've been through.
Later that afternoon...
"It's cooler now, and this breeze is really nice."
"Hey sis... Jay, Yusa, and I are going for a walk. Don't come looking for us."
"Alright, go ahead. Aren't you taking Arya?"
"We will. Okay, we're off. Bye!"
We planned to walk around to find some new clothes. We hadn't showered or changed in days. When we got to the beach, of course we took the chance to swim and wash off in the sea.
Before we left, we asked Arya to come too. He was still sitting near the car.
"Arya, come with us."
"Where?"
"Come on, Arya. Just come. We're getting you something," Bima pulled him along.
"Alright. But stop pulling me, Bima."
"Haha, okay."
"Where are we going, exactly?"
"We're looking for new clothes."
"You probably need some too. Come with us."
"Why not just buy from the Store? Isn't that easier?"
"Listen, Arya. Jay told me you used to be a manager, so you probably had a good salary, right? Maybe you don't understand the word 'saving'—and that's what we're doing right now."
"Bima's right. We're looking around here to save gold coins. Maybe we'll find an abandoned clothing store. We can take what we need for free. I call it Looting."
"Haha, exactly, Jay."
The four of us started walking, searching for a clothing store. Honestly, we didn't even know if there was one around. We also didn't tell Loka and Roro because, well… this was a guy thing.
To be continued...