Bab 20: Danger
Sun, drenched in a sheen of sweat from his invigorating workout, halted his training and paused to catch his breath.
He wiped his glistening face with a towel, feeling the coolness against his flushed skin.
Emerging from his room, he was greeted by the sight of his beloved grandfather, whose presence emanated warmth and wisdom.
The flickering candle in the corner of the room cast dancing shadows on the walls, illuminating the cozy space.
"Shall we sit down for dinner now?" his grandfather's gentle voice floated through the air, accompanied by the soft crackling of the candle's flame.
The candlelight seemed to burn with an extraordinary brilliance, casting a serene glow over the room.
Sun settled at the table, observing his grandfather's diligent preparations.
"How was your training today?" his grandfather inquired, his eyes filled with genuine curiosity and affection.
"It went well," Sun replied, a hint of pride tugging at the corners of his lips.
His body tingled with a satisfying fatigue, a testament to the effort he had put into his exercises.
"And what of the food?" his grandfather asked, placing a platter of steaming dishes on the table.
A smile crept across Sun's face as the aroma of the food filled his nostrils.
"It is nothing short of delicious," he confessed, eagerly anticipating the flavors that awaited his taste buds.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they dined together.
The clinking of cutlery against plates harmonized with the soft murmurs exchanged between them.
Sun asked about his grandfather work, his tone tinged with both interest and concern.
"It progresses steadily," grandpa replied, his voice filled with quiet determination.
"Our farming endeavors are flourishing, which may provide us with ample sustenance even if we share a portion of our harvest with the kingdom for the tax."
A moment of silence hung in the air, heavy with unspoken words and unsung worries.
The candle's flicker seemed to flicker momentarily, as if mirroring the uncertainties that lay beneath the surface.
Just as they were engrossed in their meal, a sudden knock interrupted the tranquil atmosphere.
Sun's grandfather rose, his aged frame moving with purpose, and made his way to the door. Sun continued to eat, his senses attuned to the distant sounds outside.
Time seemed to stretch as Sun finished his meal, his appetite diminishing with each passing moment.
Eventually, his grandfather returned, weariness etched on his face.
"You took longer than expected," Sun commented, concern lacing his words.
"It was an urgent matter," his grandfather replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
He finished his meal swiftly, his mind seemingly preoccupied with the weight of whatever had transpired. Without further explanation, he stepped outside, disappearing into the night.
Curiosity flickered in Sun's eyes, yet he resisted the urge to pry. Instead, he retreated to his room, the echoes of his grandfather's departure still lingering in the air.
As he recommenced his training, his mind swirled with questions, but he focused on channeling his emotions into each deliberate movement.
The room's ambiance transformed, suffused with the determination and unwavering resolve that resonated within Sun's heart.
Exhaustion eventually conquered Sun's body, and he succumbed to sleep, his dreams a tapestry woven with anticipation and a touch of apprehension.
The candle burned on, casting a soft glow over the room, as if keeping a vigilant watch until the first light of daybreak.
As Sun opened his eyes, a feeling of unease washed over him. His gaze darted around the room, searching for the familiar presence of his grandfather, but found only emptiness.
A sense of disquiet settled upon him, coaxing him out of bed and into the outside world. The cool morning air greeted him as he ventured forth, embarking on a solitary stroll through the village.
Each step seemed to echo with unanswered questions, mingling with the gentle rustling of leaves.
As Sun meandered along, his feet led him towards a bridge, its wooden planks weathered by time and wear.
Just as he was about to set foot upon it, he caught sight of three figures approaching from the other side.
They were his former training companions, conversing animatedly as they made their way across the sturdy structure.
Sun hesitated, his heart yearning for a moment of solitude, and he silently retraced his steps, searching for an alternate path.
His eyes fell upon another bridge, its dilapidated state rendering it impassable.
Cracks marred its structure, threatening to sever it in two. Sun's gaze then drifted downward, capturing the murky waters of the river below.
Its opaqueness mirrored the confusion that tugged at his thoughts, but he resolved not to let it hinder his search.
With a surge of determination, he leaped across the divide, agile and undeterred, his will propelling him forward.
Upon reaching the other side, Sun found himself immersed in a sprawling landscape of flourishing farmland.
The vibrant greens of the crops danced beneath the sun's warm caress, a testament to the village's hard work and dedication.
Yet, amidst this picturesque scene, a gentle touch upon his shoulder startled him. He turned to face the source, his eyes meeting the aged and knowing gaze of his grandfather.
"You were searching for me, weren't you?" his grandfather inquired, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice.
Sun's brows furrowed, his mouth forming a wordless denial. But his grandfather, ever perceptive, saw through the facade.
"Oh, Sun, there's no need to lie," he chuckled softly, a warmth radiating from his eyes.
"Come, let's return home together. There is something I wish to share with you." as they cross the bridge together..
the savory aroma of dinner wafted through the air, Sun sat on the chair, anticipation etched across his face.
The sound of utensils gently clinking against pots and pans filled the kitchen, harmonizing with the soft crackling of the fire.
His grandfather, wearing a look of concern, finally broke the silence that had settled upon them.
"Sun, I'm afraid I can't allow you to venture to the mountains for training anymore," his grandfather spoke softly, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and worry.
Sun's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and disappointment gripping his heart. He rose from his chair, a wave of restlessness coursing through his body.
"Wait, why not?" he pleaded, his voice revealing a longing for answers.
"There's a grave danger lurking, a deranged individual who has been wreaking havoc upon others," his grandfather explained, his voice tinged with sadness.
"It simply isn't safe for you to venture out, especially with the new year approaching."
Sun's brow furrowed, a fire kindling within him.
"But I yearn to train and grow stronger! Training within these walls does not grant me the same focus and connection as the forest does."
A heavy sigh escaped his grandfather's lips, his eyes filled with a profound love and concern for his grandson.
"Sun, you must understand. The world outside can be treacherous, filled with unpredictable perils."
The disappointment weighed heavily upon Sun's shoulders as he sank back into his chair, the dreams of his solitary training sessions dashed.
His gaze remained fixed on the ground, his disappointment like an anchor tethering his aspirations.
Sensing Sun's deflated spirit, his grandfather met his gaze with a gentle yet resolute look.
"But fear not, my dear grandson. You may still continue your training, accompanied by the others."
A glimmer of hope sparked within Sun's eyes, cautiously reigniting his excitement.
"Can't I train alone, even if it's just with you? That would be sufficient."
A solemn shake of the head was his grandfather's response.
"No, Sun. It is imperative that you join the others. Together, you will be better equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead."
Sun let out a resigned sigh, realizing the wisdom in his grandfather's words.
"Very well," he acquiesced, his voice laced with a tinge of acceptance. "If it means I can still pursue my training, then I shall join them."
As his grandfather busied himself with dinner preparations, Sun couldn't help but share his concerns.
"You know, the other bridge, the one in poor condition... Is there any hope for its repair?"
A flicker of reassurance danced in his grandfather's eyes as he paused, placing a comforting hand on Sun's shoulder.
"Worry not, my dear. The village is aware of its state, and they will ensure its restoration. You needn't bear the burden of concern alone."
Sun found solace in his grandfather's words, a glimmer of optimism rekindled within him.
The kitchen, once filled with disappointment, now became a place of warmth and resilience. A renewed sense of purpose ignited within Sun's heart, his gaze fixed upon the meal his grandfather prepared, a symbolic feast that nourished both body and spirit.
In that moment, as the scents of food mingled with unspoken promises, Sun understood that while his path may have shifted, his determination remained unwavering.
With the support of his grandfather and the camaraderie of his fellow trainees, he would embark on a new chapter of growth and strength, overcoming the obstacles that lay in his wake.
After several days of rest, Sun and his grandfather, accompanied by the other three trainees, ascended the mountain to the serene lakeside for their training session.
Amidst the tranquil surroundings, his grandfather gathered them together, his voice carrying a sense of authority and wisdom.
"Sun, come here," his grandfather beckoned, his tone calm but firm. Sun obliged, taking his place next to the other three, his presence slightly withdrawn, a wall of guardedness encircling him.
"Oh, before we begin, there's a task I must attend to," his grandfather announced, his gaze shifting momentarily before he left their side.
Sun watched his departure, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty lingering in his eyes.
As his grandfather ventured away, the three companions initiated a conversation amongst themselves.
Isaac, with a friendly smile, addressed Sun, his voice carrying a touch of warmth.
"Hey Sun, have you ever considered working in the farm with us? It could be a rewarding experience."
Ethan, brimming with energy, chimed in eagerly.
"You know, training all day can take a toll on your body. Mixing it up with farm work would provide a balance and keep you refreshed."
Cato, with a soothing tone, added his perspective.
"Not only that, it would invigorate your mind. Nature has a way of healing and grounding us."
Sun remained silent, his gaze fixated on the ethereal fog that began to unfurl around them.
It snaked its way through the trees, creating an otherworldly ambiance.
Just as he began to relax, a figure emerged from the mist, his heart skipping a beat.
Initially, Sun assumed it was his grandfather, but as the form drew nearer, he noticed that this person was far younger, possessing an air of enigma and mystery.
A shiver coursed through Sun's spine, his senses tingling with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
The intruder's features were shrouded in an eerie glow, captivating yet unsettling.
In a heartbeat, the figure vanished, leaving Sun bewildered and his instincts on high alert.
Isaac's voice trembled with a mix of frustration and desperation as he stood up and reached out to touch Sun's shoulder.
"Oh, at least reply to us," he pleaded, his eyes filled with a glimmer of hope.
But before his fingers could make contact, a sudden burst of unseen force sent Isaac hurtling backwards, crashing into the nearby tree.
The impact was jarring, his body contorted in pain as he crumpled to the ground.
Sun's gaze shifted from Isaac's fallen figure to the enigmatic person who had caused such devastation.
There was a dangerous intensity in Sun's eyes, a silent fury brewing beneath the surface. The air crackled with tension as Sun's mind raced, trying to comprehend the situation at hand.
Ethan and Cato, sensing their friend's distress, rushed to Isaac's side.
Their faces etched with worry, they knelt down, their hands trembling as they reached out to help him up.
Meanwhile, the perpetrator of the assault stared at the trio, a sly grin playing upon his lips.
"My mood is pretty bad," he sneered, his voice laced with sadistic amusement.
"I guess I'm going to have to entertain myself with you all now." His words hung in the air, dripping with a malevolence that sent shivers down their spines.
Sun's mind whirled, a storm of conflicting emotions swirling within. Anger, fear, and a burning determination intertwined, fueling the fire that raged deep within.
As all he could think of in the end was,
"Danger.."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone