Starting Point (I)
However, instead of pain, the Joker stood up and laughed, "kekeke."
The Joker got up from his sitting position; his face, which was originally full of cruel smiles, now turned serious. He wiped the blood from the corners of his injured lips and stared fiercely at Knight Daniel.
Daniel's knights are ready for the next attack. Their two eyes met in one sharp glance that exuded tension. The Joker unleashes an attack with lightning speed, unleashing a series of punches and kicks that Daniel tries to dodge. The Joker's every move is full of gimmicks, and he shrewdly turns attacks into dangerous dances.
However, Daniel Knight is no less agile. He defends himself with his shield and sword, thwarting the Joker's every attack with precise moves. A flash of metal shone as their swords met, creating a clink that shook the surrounding air.
The tension between the two intensified, and the atmosphere of the fight became more and more intense.
"Kehahaha!" The Joker laughed crazy, trying to disturb Daniel's concentration
Meanwhile, Daniel remained focused on the fight. The two test each other's limits of strength and speed, creating tense and thrilling fights.
As the fight continues, slowly, Daniel's Knight begins to uncover weaknesses in the Joker's fighting style.
He took advantage of every loophole that existed, trying to turn the tide. However, the Joker is also shrewd, always finding ways to avoid Daniel's counterattacks.
Their fight reaches the peak of tension, where every move can be fate-decisive. The two measured each other, looking for loopholes to launch their ultimate attack. The atmosphere around them was silent, only the sound of their steps and tense exhalations were heard.
And then, with a swift attack, Daniel's Knight managed to outwit the Joker and blast a final punch that hit with precision into his body. The Joker fell, and the fighting room filled with deep silence.
"Keh... keh.... I heard a unique song..." Joker said instantly.
"Huh... Hah... song?" asked Knight Daniel, panting.
The Joker jumps away behind him and cleans the dirt of dust from his shirt.
"Kekeke, hey, knight, what's your name?" asked the Joker with a sly smile.
"... Daniel," the Daniel Knight replied cautiously.
"I'll remember, in the war," the Joker said with a laugh as he stepped back, leaving Daniel's Knight still standing in the middle of the now silent arena.
"War...?"
The knight Daniel looked at the Joker who was slowly disappearing from his sight. Despite successfully defeating the enemy, he felt that there was something unusual in the fight. What song is Joker referring to? What does his words about the coming war mean?
Bruk! Bruk! Bruk! The sound of many steps came from outside the canteen.
Everyone in the cafeteria, including Joker and Knight Daniel, turned their eyes towards the sound. The Knight Commanders arrived at the scene.
"What the hell!?" exclaimed one of the Knight Commanders, his face looking serious.
The commander?
Knight Daniel was surprised to see the door of the canteen filled with Knight Commanders
Then he looked at the Joker. However, just before everyone wanted to look at the Joker, he disappeared, leaving a piece of paper instantly in place.
The paper was spread out on the floor, and the atmosphere inside the canteen became tense. The Knight Commanders scanned the surroundings, trying to figure out what had just happened.
"What is this?" asked another Knight Commander, picking up the paper from the floor. On it is written in black ink:
"We're going to meet the knights again on the battlefield-Joker," the Knight Commander read aloud
The Knight Commander raised his eyebrows, trying to understand the message on the paper. Daniel's knight remained standing, his gaze shifting from the paper to the direction the Joker had left.
"So, it's not over yet," murmured Knight Daniel, realizing that the fight against the Joker was just the beginning of a larger conflict.
The Knight Commanders looked upon, sensing that they had been involved in something much more complex than they had anticipated.
"Contact the Knight Grand Cross! Tighten up the Kingdom of Saranjana!" exclaimed one of the Knight Commanders in a stern voice, realizing that the situation required greater measures.
The soldiers immediately moved, taking their respective positions. They brought the message to the Knight Grand Cross, the supreme leader of the Knights of the Saranjana Kingdom, to give a report and ask for further instructions.
***
Ring! Ring!
A hologram screen appeared on a table with a paper named, "General Ardic" a Knight Grand Cross. The knights of the Saranjana Kingdom immediately paid their full attention when the call came.
He walked up to his desk and looked at the hologram, "Why are so many calling?"
General Ardic's hologram lit up in a calm blue, but the expression on his face reflected the seriousness of the situation.
"Which one should I reply...?" then he pressed randomly to receive a call, and the Daniel Knight appeared on the hologram screen by chance.
The voice of the Knight Daniel appeared on the hologram of General Ardic, "Respect the Great Knight! General Ardic nodded, "Go on, what's going on."
"The western training canteen has just been attacked by a crazy woman. He attacked blindly in the canteen."
"The western part... In the canteen... Go ahead."
"But he ran away and gave me a paper that was essentially 'we're going to meet on the battlefield'."
"Battlefield..."
General Ardic was silent for a moment, pondering the increasingly complicated situation. He raised his head and looked at the hologram screen seriously.
"Knight Daniel, we must take action immediately. This woman may be part of something bigger. Assemble troops, we will intensify surveillance throughout the kingdom. Prepare yourself for the upcoming battle. We must not underestimate this threat."
Knight Daniel saluted, "As an order, General Ardic. I'll make a move right away."
General Ardic stared at the hologram screen with deep thought. The threats that continue to emerge indicate that the Kingdom of Saranjana is in the midst of a storm that threatens their peace.
He covered his face with his palm and rubbed his face, sighing heavily, feeling frustrated.
"War, huh... again?" he hissed, a voice of disappointment and exhaustion sounding in his words.
His expression reflects the heavy burden he must face as a leader in the face of an ever-worsening situation.
Then the hologram in front of him instantly changed, showing CCTV recording the Joker's fight in the western knight camp. He watched the battle seriously, watching every move and action.
"Wait, that person..." General Ardic's face opened wide, "Joker."
He watched closely the Joker's every move, trying to understand the reason behind this attack. His face that had been full of disappointment turned serious, and his determination to protect the kingdom strengthened even more.
"We have to act quickly. Summon all our best knights. Prepare defenses across the border. Joker is not an opponent to be underestimated. We will face a tough battle, but we must unite and protect the Kingdom of Saranjana."
He stood up, planning to leave the room, but before that, he went to the table at the end of the room, where there was a woman's face in a photograph. With great respect, he placed his hand in front of the woman's face and began a prayer.
"Pray for myself, O father, to go to war. Give me strength and wisdom to protect my kingdom and knights. Make me a pillar of strength for the weak, and keep the fire of my spirit burning in the midst of darkness. Amen."
With a hopeful heart, General Ardic felt supported by the spirits of his ancestors in the mission he was about to face
General Ardic's steps were steady and excited as he left the room. The atmosphere in the Knight Grand Cross's headquarters was filled with tension and worry, but within him, General Ardic felt an unwavering fighting spirit.
With firm steps, General Ardic walked out of the room and walked into the corridor passage while passing by and seeing the soldiers there he called them to gather all the soldiers from all parts.
"Summon all the knights who are in parts."
The soldiers immediately moved, spreading General Ardic's orders. They know that the call must not be ignored, and they are prepared for whatever is to come. Their steps sounded like one call for unity, creating a strong vibe of spirit throughout the headquarters.
General Ardic's steps steadily headed to the castle, where the King of Saranjana, Pandikuriang, ran the government. The castle rises majestically in the middle of the land of the Kingdom of Saranjana, becoming a symbol of strength and stability.
General Ardic passed through a large gate guarded by loyal knights. They saluted as General Ardic stepped through the gate and into the beautiful castle grounds. His pace remained steady, reflecting his determination and responsibility.
Arriving at the main entrance of the castle, General Ardic was faced with palace guards standing valiantly. With a respectful greeting, General Ardic was allowed to continue his journey.
Heading to the place of work of King Pandikuriang, General Ardic through the halls of the magnificent castle. The castle is full of luxurious artistic and architectural beauty, reflecting the splendor of the Saranjana Kingdom.
Arriving at the door of the king's study, General Ardic tapped gently before entering the room. In it, King Pandikuriang sits on a throne, facing various maps and documents scattered on the table.
"Sincerely King Pandikuriang," General Ardic greeted respectfully.
King Pandikuriang raised his gaze from his work, welcoming the arrival of General Ardic with a warm smile.
"General Ardic, what brought you here?" asked King Pandikuriang.
Before General Ardic spoke, the door opened violently instantly. It was the son of the King, Prince Parubaya. With hurried steps, "Dad! Dad!"
King Pandikuriang and General Ardic turned their heads towards the door with surprised expression. The Middle-aged Prince, with a gasp, seemed to bring urgent news.
"Father, there is an emergency on the eastern border! Our villages are being attacked by unknown forces," exclaimed Prince Parubaya in an anxious tone.
King Pandikuriang immediately got up from his throne, his face full of worry. "What?! How could this be? General Ardic, we must act quickly. Prepare troops and investigate what happened on the eastern border."
"But your majesty, just now the western knight training camp was attacked by the Joker!"
Instantly, the King and Prince could only fall silent, feeling cornered by a series of events that happened almost simultaneously.
Tension was felt in the air, and the atmosphere that had been full of worries became more intense. King Pandikuriang leaned on his desk, trying to digest the impact of the two major attacks that hit the Kingdom of Saranjana. The Middle-aged Prince, with a serious face, pondered the steps to take.
< Chapter 28 > To Be Continued.