Modern-day Lampung
Mount Tanggamus, Lampung
An old hut stood on the edge of the river.
A mysterious woman was standing there.
Her body carried the fragrant scent of jasmine flowers.
In front of her, a young man knelt on the ground. His face was battered beyond recognition, as if he had been hit by a train.
Three bumps rose on his forehead.
His left cheek was bruised blue.
His left eye was swollen, slightly sunken inward.
Blood flowed from his lips.
He coughed softly.
Mysterious Woman: "You're lucky to have met me, Tarno."
Tarno: "Indeed, Madam…"
Madam: "You're badly beaten."
Tarno: "I was defeated by Nagini in Chapter Two."
Madam: "Hmm… Nagini is indeed a formidable warrior."
Tarno: "Forgive me, Madam. I don't wish to explain how Nagini defeated me."
Madam: "Then?"
Tarno: "I want to talk about Eryjat's cunning, Madam."
Madam: "Hmm."
Tarno: "Eryjat didn't continue Nagini's story. He stopped at Chapter Forty-One."
Madam: "I've heard he's revising Nagini for Patreon."
Tarno: "That's the author's trickery, Madam."
Madam: "What do you mean?"
Tarno: "Eryjat intentionally finished the story on Patreon first instead of the platform."
The Madam flicked her long shawl.
The scent of jasmine spread through the air.
Madam: "Oh, really?"
Tarno grumbled, clearly annoyed.
Tarno: "Eryjat wants people to read on Patreon and pay."
Madam: "Did Eryjat force you to read on Patreon and pay?"
Tarno glanced around nervously.
Tarno: "No, Madam."
Madam: "Then why are you upset?"
Tarno grinned sheepishly.
Tarno: "I'm just disappointed and angry."
The Madam laughed at Tarno's childish behavior.
Madam: "Isn't Eryjat still going to finish Nagini on the platform?"
Tarno: "That's true, Madam. He has promised to finish Nagini on the platform."
Madam: "Then why are you still upset?"
Tarno rubbed his chest, still aching from Nagini's beating.
Tarno: "But Madam, Chapter Forty-Two will only come after Eryjat finishes it on Patreon."
The Madam laughed again.
Madam: "Do you object to paying, Tarno?"
Tarno grinned sheepishly once more.
His battered face looked even funnier as he forced that awkward grin.
Tarno: "That's not it, Madam…"
Madam: "Then what?"
Tarno: "If there's something free, why should I pay?"
The Madam laughed cheerfully.
Madam: "Tarno, you're like a kindergarten child. You can still read on the platform—until it's finished."
Tarno: "But Madam?"
Madam: "What is it, Tarno?"
Tarno: "To read on the platform, I have to wait for Eryjat to release it, right?"
Madam: "Yes. You must be patient, Tarno."
Tarno: "If I want to finish it quickly, I have to read Patreon, which ends earlier."
Madam: "Yes."
Tarno: "But that means paying, Madam…"
The mysterious woman, scented with jasmine, laughed softly.
Madam: "That's enough, Tarno. Don't dwell on Eryjat and his busyness."
Tarno nodded.
The Madam handed him two pills.
Madam: "Swallow these herbal pills quickly, so your wounds heal faster."
Tarno: "Yes, Madam."
Madam: "Once you've recovered, I'll teach you the Core Fire Technique, so others won't look down on you."
Tarno: "Thank you, Madam."
Author's note:
Lampung is one of the provinces located on the island of Sumatra, Indonesian.