I am standing in front of the measuring stone that will evaluate my physical potential. They say this stone neutralizes all types of qi, revealing your true physical potential.
This is my chance. I will loudly proclaim to the world that I will become a legend, beginning with this first step.
When I took my stance, I remembered when I lost control. This feeling. It's familiar, yet I don't know what it is.
Until now, I've only felt constant pain flowing through my body. This time, every inch of my body feels fresh. It's a sensation like drinking water when you're thirsty.
This mysterious sensation guides my body to move with a certain flow.
"That...that is..." Elder Hartono muttered, his eyes wide.
BHAAMMM!
My fist hit the cube. The shockwave was strong enough to make the tree branches around the field shake. Dust covered the testing area, leaving everyone wondering what had happened.
Sect Leader Budi Suharjo waved his hand. Immediately, a wind swept in and blew all the dust away, revealing the entire testing field.
I never thought I could do something like that. But my body instantly became weak, as if all my strength had been drained by that one punch.
It was time for the assessment. Everyone waited for the judge to announce the results.
"Karman! He left no mark on the stone. He is declared failed."
The initially tense atmosphere became more relaxed. Once again, I was mocked and made fun of by all the participants. Some even laughed out loud.
Tak, tak, tak.
The sound of footsteps approached. No one noticed until someone had already entered the testing field.
"Salute, Elder Hartono," said the judge.
"Do not disqualify this child, and..." Elder Hartono touched the surface of the stone cube, injecting a little qi.
Bruukkkkkk!
"Look at what this child has done! He turned an indestructible stone into an ordinary one."
The judge stared, his mouth hanging open.
"Forgive my negligence, Elder Hartono."
Then, Elder Hartono turned to the Sect Leader.
"Hartono asks for the Sect Leader's permission."
"Just say it."
Allow me to take this child as my disciple."
The Sect Leader smiled widely, as if he wanted to laugh with satisfaction, but he maintained his dignity.
"Are you sure?"
"I am very sure. I will take responsibility for my decision."
"HAHAHAHA! Finally, your heart is open to accepting a disciple."
All the elders looked happy, too. Except for Elder Bejo Bejan. He looked unhappy.
"I hope your decision is sincere and not just a desire," he murmured.
"Here, boy. You don't need to take any other tests. Come to Bromo Peak tomorrow," said Elder Hartono, tossing a plaque.
"This... I mean, my respects to Master!"
"Not yet. You are not officially my disciple. Remember, if you are late by even one second, I will expel you from this sect myself."
"I understand!"
Some kids were jealous. Some looked at me with hatred. Some respected me. But I didn't care. I had already shown my determination. This time, I will live for myself, not for others. Not for others.
---
—Elder Hartono, 20 years ago The Demonic War.
"Hurry! Don't leave anyone behind. Hold the formation!" Bejo Bejan ordered all squad members, including Hartono.
At that time, their squad was still complete with ten people. Including Hartono.
"Hartono! Control the pace! Don't be too hasty!"
"I have to hurry. Maybe my master is in danger!"
"What do you mean? You should worry more about yourself! Your master is the Fist King! He's the third strongest person in Murim. Maybe he has wiped out all the enemies."
Despite what Bejo Bejan said, Hartono had a different feeling. Too many strange things were happening in this war. The pattern was random yet organized.
Unlike previous wars. During the all-out war with the Demonic Cult, the fighting only happened in one place. This time, however, the attacks were scattered and not simultaneous. It was as if they were deliberately baiting the Murim forces to scatter.
Even though we had the same premonition, we could not refuse or argue. We were just a squad given a mission.
When we arrived at Wlingi Village, — a remote village where Fist King Supardi lived — The village had already been destroyed. The houses were charred, and some were still burning. The pungent smell of the dead villagers filled the air.
"Damn demonic scoundrels! This time, I will not forgive you!" Hartono said angrily.
Something still bothered him. He had not seen his master earlier.
Boom!
A loud sound echoed through the forest, accompanied by the ground shaking slightly.
"Oh no! My master!" Hartono exclaimed, then ran at full speed toward the source of the sound.
"Hartono, no! Maybe it's a trap!" Bejo Bejan called out. But Hartono was already far away. There was no other choice. "Cover Hartono. Don't let us lose a single member."
They chased Hartono at full speed. However, Hartono could not be caught due to the difference in ability. In the Red Eagle Squad, only Bejo Bejan could match him.
They finally arrived at the location where they had last seen Hartono.
"Hey, you! Don't be reckless!" Bejo Bejan said.
"But..."
Slap!
Bejo slapped Hartono.
"Do you think we don't know how you feel? Imagine if you got killed because of your carelessness. Would your master be happy?"
Hartono was silent.
Boooommm!
Another sound followed. This time, it was louder.
"Remember! Hold your position. We will advance."
When they arrived at the source of the sound, the area resembled a meteor impact site. In the middle of the crater was the Fist King, kneeling in front of a man who was emitting a terrifying aura.
"You were quite entertaining. It's been a long time since I've felt a battle this intense," the man said. He pointed his hand to the side. With telekinesis, he pulled a demonic leader into his hand.
"I have given you everything, Including power. But you still failed," said the mysterious man, crushing the demonic leader's head until it burst.
The sight was terrifying. No one could speak in the presence of an aura they had never encountered before.
"Release my master!"
Suddenly, Hartono shouted and charged at the man.
"Hah! A mere insect dares to face me," the man said.
"Chaos Dragon Fist!"
Bam! A solid punch hit the man, sending him flying.
"Master, get up! Let's get out of here!"
"H... Hartono, uhuk uhuk... Why are you here? This is no place to play! Run away!"
"No, I'm taking my master with me."
Tak tak tak.
The man clapped his hands as he walked toward them.
"What a touching master-disciple relationship."
"Don't touch my disciple! He has nothing to do with our fight."
Using his last bit of strength, the Fist King activated a technique that could only be used once in a lifetime.
"Hartono. After this, live peacefully and forget about revenge. No matter how strong you are, there will always be someone stronger."
"M... Master!" Hartono screamed, tears streaming down his face.
The Fist King's body glowed golden.
"Haha... I will honor you, old man. When you reach the afterlife, take pride in knowing that you are one of the few who could compel me to use 20% of my power."
The qi was very heavy and oppressive. It was difficult to breathe.
"Master..."
—
"Master!"
Hartono woke from the nightmare that haunted him day and night. He remembered when he was taken in by the Fist King and traveled with him as a homeless person.
Hartono's tears fell again.