Ari was busy taking care of one of his beloved livestock, three Woolcows, which are among the most popular livestock in his village because Woolcows are known as unique and beneficial animals.
They have a very large body, measuring approximately three to five meters in length for adults. Woolcows have distinctive physical characteristics, with very thick fur, large muscular bodies, and colors that vary depending on their diet. Woolcow fur is ideal for making warm clothing, and their highly nutritious milk is suitable for both children and adults.
Alone, Ari was busy bathing his three Woolcows. Since both of his parents passed away several years ago due to illness from Mana Particles Poisoning and his younger brother died a year ago due to village disputes, Ari, who lived alone, decided to continue as a farmer and has succeeded in becoming quite a successful one.
On that peaceful afternoon, someone called out to Ari from the fence separating his house from his neighbor's.
"Ari, could you help me carry some sacks of chicken feed to the warehouse?"
"Sure, Grandpa Jon. I will bring the chicken feed after taking care of Woolcow."
Ari referred to the man as Grandpa Jon. An elderly man over 80 years old who was still very active in farming and gardening. Grandpa Jon had a thin but agile body, although not very strong. He had around two dozen chickens and a large plot of land full of vegetables that served as a primary source of food in the village.
According to rumors, someone Grandpa Jon's age should only be lying in bed every day and unable to do anything. spending time in weakness while waiting for death's embrace. meanwhile, Grandpa Jon seemed to be one of the few exceptions in this world.
That afternoon, after Ari finished bathing and taking care of his three Woolcows and letting them graze in his pasture, he hurried over to Grandpa Jon's house to fulfill his promise.
Ari found three sacks of chicken feed neatly placed in front of Grandpa Jon's house, seemingly left there by the animal feed merchant as a sign of his professionalism. But Ari also knew that the feed merchant did not like Grandpa Jon and deliberately placed the chicken feed in front of his house to make things difficult for him.
Sometimes Ari can still feel a great deal of astonishment towards the people in his village. They often intentionally make things difficult for others just out of trivial dislikes.
Ari decided to carry all three sacks of chicken feed at once by stacking them on one of his shoulders. Each sack weighs around ten kilograms, but for Ari, this livestock feed is still considered very light.
Ari easily hoisted the three sacks of chicken feed and promptly carried them to the warehouse through the path beside Grandpa Jon's house. Ari was unaware that a wooden beam accidentally detached from Grandpa Jon's house wall and was now hanging horizontally in front of his head.
Ari, accustomed to lowering his head, a bad habit he acquired from his troubled youth, accidentally bumped his head into the horizontally hanging beam.
Thud!
Ari's head hit the wooden beam quite hard, but not hard enough to injure him. However, the physical wound was just a minor part of the recent event he experienced.
Inside Ari's mind, a sudden image appeared very vividly. This image, more precisely described as a memory, was something Ari himself couldn't understand why it surfaced in his mind.
The memory showed a box-shaped object called television with moving images inside. Ari could sense a feeling, a glimpse of emotion from the person owning this memory as he watched the figure inside the television move according to his desires. The person inside the memory was currently playing a video game!
Inside the box was a character named Mike the Hero, who, along with his three friends, was battling inside a floating castle against a massive figure clad in dark war armor.
The intense and gripping battle between Mike and his friends against the black-armored knight raged on. Mike found himself defeated by the formidable strength of the black-armored knight multiple times, only to be revived by his friends.
The knight's massive sword and thick shield served as their primary weapons against Mike and his companions. Each swing of the sword could knock down Mike and his friends, while the sturdy shield easily deflected various attacks and served as a deadly alternative weapon.
The game concluded with the defeat of the black-armored knight, yet Mike the Hero had to exert all his abilities and even sacrifice his friends.
Meanwhile, the memory owner displayed feelings of admiration and pride. The black-armored knight was their favorite character, and despite having to defeat the knight, the memory owner intentionally ensured that the character they controlled was on the brink of defeat just to witness the knight's honorable loss.
"I aspire to be the black-armored knight!
He is strong, brutal, and immortal!
His defeat against the hero is merely dictated by the game's storyline!"
The memory faded, leaving Ari bewildered and excited as they knelt down. Confused by the sudden memory and yet filled with enthusiasm. The memory felt vivid and the emotions it evoked were incredibly strong. Strong enough for Ari to sense a shift in their thought patterns and priorities.
Ari was also incredibly excited. Tremendously excited because after the memory faded and Ari returned to themselves, they realized that the desires of the person in the memory could be achieved in their own land today.
Feeling a new and strange but exhilarating urge, Ari hurriedly placed Grandpa Jon's chicken feed in the warehouse and headed towards the village center. Ari's destination was the only shop and inn in the village.
Ari ran with great haste. Each step of his bare feet sinking slightly into the soft dirt road, a result of the rain a few days ago and the sun that had yet to shine brightly due to the clouds covering the sky.
After running for twenty minutes, Ari finally arrived at the village center. His chest tight, gasping for breath, he struggled to take in as much air as possible for his lungs. But Ari's spirit did not diminish at all!
Ari rushed into the shop and barged in. Inside the shop, Ari was greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the villagers who were busy singing and dancing while enjoying lunch and snacks. In the middle of the shop, there were four musicians and a female singer giving a performance. They seemed to be traveling performers.
The female singer sang with her melodious and sweet voice, delighting the villagers' ears with poetic lyrics accompanied by lively and spirited music. The beautiful singer's performance also boosted the spirits of the male villagers, while the female villagers seemed less interested in the aspect of beauty, although they still enjoyed the songs being performed.
Listen to the Tale of sunset
About a lady and a knight
in a village they united
Separated by a harsh fact
Listen to the tale of the knight
Training and fighting for power and might
Until he finds the love of his life
Who he can never have
Listen to the tale of a lady
Living in a village, feeling captive
Encountering a brave knight briefly
Yet destined never to be
Listen to the Tale of sunset
Where humans meet but not forever
Each returning to path they set
Dark and full of sorrow together
Ari's gaze swept across the entire shop, searching for a figure that could unlock his new dreams and hopes. Unfortunately, that figure was not present in the shop, leaving Ari disappointed and contemplating giving up.
However, the shop door suddenly opened again, and the person Ari was looking for appeared before him. The person was an adventurer named Thomas, who happened to be known as Warrior Thomas. He had undergone training at the knight academy, although he had to accept the fact that he was not good enough and was expelled from the academy at the end of his first year.
Ari quickly approached Thomas and dragged him to a dimly lit corner, leaving Thomas puzzled by Ari's behavior, as Ari was more often known as "The Big Friendly One."
"What's up, Ari? Why did you suddenly drag me here?"
"Thomas, I want to ask you something. How can I apply to the knight academy?"
"The knight academy? Why do you suddenly want to apply to the knight academy? I thought your ambition was to be a successful Woolcow farmer and trader."
"My reasons are my own. The important thing is you have to tell me how to apply to the knight academy!"
"Hey, buddy, calm down! Don't push me like that! You're not usually this rough with people around you. What's going on with you?"
"Tell me quickly, Thomas!"
"Alright, alright!"
Enrolling in the knight academy is easy. You simply need to go to the nearest town and visit the knight's barracks. There, you can pick up a form and fill in your personal information.
The challenge lies in the costs, time, and training. To enroll, you must pay ten gold coins upfront, a considerable amount for villagers like us. the next issue is the timing of the entrance exam will be notified to you on a different day after your registration. It could start the next day or several years later, no one knows for sure.
Following that, there is the issue of training. The knight academy's training is extremely rigorous, bordering on deadly. If you manage to complete all training processes successfully, you will undoubtedly become a strong knight, attracting the interest of many castles and nobles to recruit you.
However, if you fail during training, you will only have two options: be expelled from the academy or lead a tough life as an outcast knight. Without a master and dignity, the only proof of your graduation is a specially designed identification mark indicating that you are a failure."
Ari was stunned and appeared hesitant. The newfound urge within him told him that there was no reason that could stop him from becoming a knight. Even being an outcast knight was better than not becoming one at all. On the other hand, as a common village resident, Ari felt that the risk of becoming a knight was too significant. Extremely significant.
"I suggest that you refrain from attempting to become a knight, Ari.
If you truly desire to engage in combat, you can try becoming an adventurer like me."
Ari gazed at Thomas's face, his blond hair and angular features conveying an expression of kindness and care. Thomas had always been his favorite customer and also one of Ari's closest friends. Thomas was one of the widest windows for Ari to learn about the vast outside world.
Ari's gaze gradually changed. His doubts seemed to disappear, replaced by a confident expression. He told himself that he did not want to continue being a Woolcow farmer. Not because it wasn't profitable, but because he knew being a farmer would not fulfill his new dream of becoming a knight.
Drawing his sword, striking his shield, all done in the sturdy armor that protected him from physical and magical attacks. All of this was still vivid in Ari's memory and served as a new fuel to ignite the flames of passion within him.
"Tell me where it is, Thomas. I want to become a knight!"
Ari ran back to his house with enthusiasm. Thomas had already informed him of the exact location where he could register as a knight. All that remained now was to sell his farm and get enough money to go to the city.
As soon as Ari arrived home, he meticulously cleaned every corner of his house. One thing he knew about buying and selling houses was that no one wanted a messy house.
With all his abilities, Ari spent a week tidying up his house. He patched up the hole-ridden walls as best as he could with mud and stones, repaired and replaced the damaged wooden pillars with new ones he obtained from the forest. Ari even fixed the roof, which was starting to decay and mossy, working very carefully to ensure his large body did not hinder his efforts to clean the house.
After a full week of hard work, Ari finally managed to make his house look much better. It wasn't perfect, but it was far better than he could have hoped for. While admiring his own work, Grandpa Jon approached Ari and greeted him.
"Hey Ari, what happened that made you fix up your entire house?"
"Hello, Grandpa Jon, I'm planning to sell my house and farm."
"Sell? Why do you want to sell them?"
"I plan to enroll in the knight academy, and I need money to register. By selling this house and farm, I can get enough money to go to the city and enroll in the knight academy."
"hmmm."
"No need to think with your hand on your chin like that, Grandpa Jon. That's not like you at all. Hahaha."
"Ohh... Hahaha. I guess I do look too serious, don't I?
How about this, I'll buy your farm and house along with all three of your Woolcows. I will also provide enough supplies and equipment for your journey to the city.
But with one condition."
"What are the conditions, Grandpa Jon?"
"I want you to defeat me in a fight and make me kneel on the ground."
"What? Kneel on the ground? But you are already old, Grandpa Jon! It's even very difficult for you to walk for a long time. How could I possibly challenge you to a fight?"
"Ah... Young and naive Ari...
You still don't know anything about the world out there, young one.
Before you speak about my age and condition, prove first that you can do better than me.
Meet me in my feed shed after you finish your lunch."
Grandpa Jon then left Ari looking confused. Ari could see Grandpa Jon taking small, shaky steps, as if each step taken could be his last in this world. But Ari also had to admit that Grandpa Jon was a nimble and agile old man. More than once, Grandpa Jon could approach Ari without Ari knowing when he started walking or when he arrived.
*****
Ari arrived at Grandpa Jon's feed shed after finishing a simple lunch. In the shed, Grandpa Jon was already waiting for Ari. Grandpa Jon's standing posture looked different than usual, and the atmosphere created by Grandpa Jon made Ari slightly hesitant about what he would do in this shed.
"Welcome, Ari.
Are you ready?"
"I'm ready, Grandpa Jon.
I will do anything to become a knight!"
"Great spirit.
But prove your spirit with actions first!
Make me kneel, and I will allow you to leave. If not, you must stay in this village and continue to be a Woolcow farmer. Do you understand?"
"I understand!"
"Now, go ahead!"
Ari is not a fighter. He is just a big-bodied village boy with greater physical strength than others his age. When Grandpa Jon signaled the start of their fight, Ari's first move was to steel himself and rush at Grandpa Jon with a ready right punch. Ari threw his punch, making sure it wasn't too fast or strong to avoid hurting Grandpa Jon, only to find himself suddenly falling among a pile of chicken feed sacks.
Struggling to stand up, Ari was a bit confused and dizzy, but he continued his attack once more. Strangely, just like before, Ari found himself falling face-first onto the ground in front of the warehouse door.
"What's happening?"
"Still want to continue, Ari?"
"Of course! I will keep trying until I can defeat you, Grandpa Jon!"
"Hehehe, that's the spirit."
Ari kept charging and trying to punch Grandpa Jon. In each attempt, Ari always ended up falling in strange and awkward positions. Once Ari fell sitting facing the chicken feed sacks, next time he fell sideways facing the warehouse door. The most puzzling moment for Ari was when he suddenly realized he was sitting on top of the warehouse door, looking bewildered for a moment.
Ari kept trying until the day neared evening, and Grandpa Jon decided to postpone their fight until tomorrow. Ari insisted on trying again, despite his body being covered in sweat, dust, and scrapes. Unfortunately, Grandpa Jon firmly refused Ari's request and sent him home. Ari could only walk back home with defeated steps. Ari never imagined that Grandpa Jon was completely untouchable. Ari couldn't even comprehend how Grandpa Jon managed to evade and bring him down.
Ari had an intriguing and challenging encounter with Grandpa Jon. Despite Ari's determination, Grandpa Jon's skills surpassed expectations. It's important for Ari to learn from this experience and consider different approaches to future challenges. A lesson in humility and perseverance.
*****
Ari opened his eyes and found himself in a room with white walls. Beneath his feet was a marble floor with a plush carpet named Carpet that felt very comfortable. Ari's gaze focused on a screen, a box object displaying various moving images, showing a knight in black armor facing his opponents. The knight bravely defeated his enemies, either cutting them into pieces with his sword or crushing their bodies with his shield.
Ari could feel an incredible spirit every time the knight in black armor brutally eliminated his foes. Ari even shouted enthusiastically several times as he watched the opponents of the black-armored knight being vanquished in a brutal manner.
"The knight in black armor is truly amazing!"
*****
Ari woke up as the sun was just showing its light. After splashing his face to feel fresher, Ari made breakfast for himself and immediately went to take care of his Woolcow.
After cleaning the barn and letting the three of them graze, Ari returned to Grandpa Jon's warehouse and found Grandpa Jon already waiting inside.
"Are you ready, Ari?"
"I'm ready! I will definitely succeed today!"
Once again, Ari tried to land his fist on Grandpa Jon's face. As before, Ari always failed in every attempt. He had failed so many times that he had forgotten his initial goal of punching Grandpa Jon. All that occupied Ari's mind was that his fist had to reach Grandpa Jon no matter what.
"The first lesson, Ari, is to learn to ask whenever you can. A good fighter is always curious about what their opponent is doing and always learns from their adversaries."
Ari was extremely frustrated as his efforts continued to fail, disregarding Grandpa Jon's words and relentlessly charging at him. Ari's stamina felt tested at this moment, as no matter how many times he tried, Grandpa Jon remained unscathed.
"Second lesson, Ari, stay calm no matter what happens. Often your chance comes when your opponent is at an advantage."
Ari still refused to listen to Grandpa Jon's words. In Ari's eyes now, Grandpa Jon was no longer someone he respected as a neighbor or fellow farmer. Grandpa Jon was now just an annoying figure that Ari wanted to punch as soon as possible.
"Third lesson, Ari, defeat is not the end of everything. It is only through defeat that we can learn to become better."
Something different happened with Grandpa Jon. This time, as Ari charged at him with all his might, Grandpa Jon did not seem to try to evade. Ari felt this was the right moment, maybe Grandpa Jon was tired and his reaction weakened, so he saw an opening.
"Got you, Grandpa Jon!"
"Fourth and final lesson for today, Ari. Always be wary of anything, anywhere. You never know when your opponent will use your strength to launch a counterattack."
Grandpa Jon raised his hand and directed his palm towards Ari's punch, which was already speeding towards his face. When Ari's punch met Grandpa Jon's palm, Ari felt as if his fist had hit a solid wall of iron. Grandpa Jon's palm felt strong and unyielding, unable to be bent by anything.
Moments later, Ari felt his punch rebounded by an unknown force. Shortly after, Ari found himself lying helpless outside the livestock feed shed. Ari could only gaze at the beautiful evening sky before losing consciousness.
*****
Ari woke up the next day, still on Grandpa Jon's land. He was wrapped in a large, thick blanket that seemed to come from nowhere.
"You're awake, Ari. Good."
Ari turned to the side and found Grandpa Jon sitting comfortably in a reclining chair, enjoying a cup of warm tea. By the way he was sitting and the presence of a small table with snacks like cheese and other snacks, it seemed that Grandpa Jon had been sitting there for quite some time.
"Hello, Grandpa Jon. Good morning."
"Good morning, Ari. Do you remember the lessons I gave you yesterday?"
"Uh... Do you really expect me to focus on listening when you easily throw me around?"
"Fair enough. Alright, I will repeat it for you.
The first lesson is to learn to ask whenever you can.
Good fighters always maintain their curiosity towards their opponents and keep learning from them. Ask when possible, inquire even when impossible.
The second lesson is to remain calm no matter what happens.
Often your chance comes when your opponent is in a more advantageous position.
The third lesson is that defeat is not the end of everything.
Losing is an opportunity for us to learn and become better.
The fourth and final lesson is to always be wary of anything,
anywhere. You never know when your opponent will use your strengths to launch a counterattack."
"Remember these four things on your journey ahead, as they will greatly help you. I may not be a good teacher, but I have tried my best."
Grandpa Jon then took out a bag of money and threw it directly to Ari. Ari opened the bag and saw fifty gold coins and twenty silver coins inside. Ari stared at Grandpa Jon in astonishment, unable to believe that Grandpa Jon gave him such a large sum of money.
"That bag contains most of the money I have. Use it for registration fees and travel expenses.
Make sure you bring camping and cooking equipment. The journey to the city is long and the road will be a dangerous place, always remember to be cautious and take care of yourself.
I'm sure both of your parents will be very proud to see their child willing to change fate towards a better future."
Ari felt tears starting to gather at the corner of his eyes. With all his might, he held back the tears from falling on his face. Ari gave Grandpa Jon a warm hug but then remembered something.
"Grandpa Jon, I haven't defeated you yet. Is it okay if you give me this money?"
"haha Ari oh Ari. I am the one who made the rules, so of course, I can also change and adjust them as I please. Right?"
Ari could only shake his head, giving an expression of surrender and gratitude at the same time before hurrying home to get some clothes.
Ari just made sure the clothes he brought were enough for the journey, as he would buy other necessities from the village market. Half running, Ari rushed to the village market to buy all the supplies he might need on his journey.
In his heart, Ari said to himself.
"I promise to become a great and famous knight, so that Grandpa Jon will hear my name echoed from afar in this remote village."
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