Starting Point (II)

"Your Majesty, I ask for leave to lead the entire army."

King Pandikuriang nodded, "Do your best, General Ardic. Prince Purabaya, is preparing to assist General Ardic in this investigation."

The Middle-aged Prince saluted and said, "I will be ready, Father."

General Ardic left the room. King Pandikuriang and Prince Purabaya remained in the room, planning further measures to secure and protect their kingdom.

The tense atmosphere continued to be felt inside the castle, and the destiny of the Kingdom of Saranjana depended on the decisions and actions taken by its leader and knights.

"Prince Purabaya."

"Yes, Ayahanda?"

[A/N: Ayahanda means father in formal way Indonesian language]

King Pandikuriang walked to Prince Purabaya and took a liotin necklace from him, then gave it to him.

"What is this, Father?" asked Prince Purabaya.

Prince Purabaya only saw the liotin necklace given to him by his father. The necklace has a bright green color, but it looks like it's just next door.

"Is this jade?" asked Prince Purabaya.

King Pandikuriang shook his head and said, "No, it's more than that. If only you find the next stone again, you can rule the world."

"Why did you immediately pronounce it like a movie character?" asked Prince Purabaya, somewhat puzzled.

King Pandikuriang smiled faintly, "The history and legends of this kingdom hold many secrets. This necklace is inherited from our ancestors. When combined with the missing stone, it has incredible power. Now, go and carry this necklace with honor. Who knows, maybe it's time we need a miracle."

Prince Purabaya accepted the necklace with great respect, realizing that a great responsibility now rested on his shoulders.

***

The village of Saranjana in the eastern part is located in the middle of a lush green expanse, surrounded by hills and dense forests. That morning, the sun shone brightly, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the quiet village. Its residents are going about their daily activities, unaware that threats are lurking in the shadows.

Suddenly, the sky was cloudy, and the wind blew violently. The sound of the legs of the huge army sounded in the distance, creating a terrifying vibration on the ground. The villagers began to feel restless, feeling that something unusual was happening.

Without warning, an unknown army appeared on the horizon. They were wearing terrifying battle armor, their faces were covered with iron helmets, and the sharp weapons in their hands were shining in the sun.

The attack begins. The troops stormed the village quickly, burning houses, robbing supplies, and wreaking havoc wherever they went. The sound of shouting and crying echoed throughout the village, creating a tense atmosphere.

Unarmed villagers ran for their lives and their families. Some local knights tried to defend the village, but the attacking force was too strong and well organized. Fierce fighting ensued on the streets of the village, leaving wounds and destruction along its way.

Amidst the chaos, a leader of the assault squad appeared. A woman wearing flashy clothes, with a cruel smile on her face—the Joker. He was the brains behind this attack, and his existence created a sense of uncertainty among the knights and villagers.

Kekeke, I'm sorry that my birth flag will be used by you for more important business

mutered Joker sembari raises royal flag

One of the villagers who was running with the other accuser looked back because he felt a shadow when he looked back, what he knew was the flag of the neighboring kingdom.

"That! The flag of the Kingdom of Wentira! We are in an invasion!!"

Shouts of panic and confusion sounded among the villagers. They realized that this attack not only came from unknown forces, but also involved their neighboring kingdoms. The atmosphere that had been chaotic became more complicated and dangerous.

The Joker, amidst the waves of chaos, kept laughing viciously while leading his army. Now, not only their village is threatened, but also the peace of the entire region.

The villagers tried to unite and defend their homeland. They realized that this battle would be one of the most difficult they had ever faced. While the flag of the Kingdom of Wentira fluttered in the sky, the fate of the eastern village of Saranjana felt increasingly fragile.

The royal soldiers arrived at the eastern village of Saranjana with impressive speed. They bring unique vehicles, that combine advanced technology and extraordinary magic flow. Infantry troops carrying unique weapons endowed with magic power also rolled toward the village in magic tanks.

"We are safe!" exclaimed the frustrated residents

The soldiers and knights of the Saranjana Kingdom looked around, looking at the results of the difficult battle. The eastern village of Saranjana may be in ruins, but the souls and spirits of its residents remain intact. They celebrate temporary victories, despite the loss and damage rampant around them.

The knights. "You guys are amazing! We managed to defend our own village. But we must not let our guard down!"

A squad commander, with magnificent battle armor and a magic wand in his hand, stepped forward. "We must join forces to fight this threat!" he called out to the local knights and villagers who were still trying to defend themselves.

Meanwhile, the flag of the Kingdom of Wentira fluttered in the wind, creating a terrifying aura among the fighting troops. The Joker, who remained laughing cruelly, saw the appearance of the troops of the neighboring kingdom and decided to challenge them.

He appeared at the forefront with a sly smile on his face. "Kekeke, let's see who is stronger among us!"

Then one of the troops shouted, "Beat him, Commander Haris!"

That's right, the commander who saved the eastern village was Commander Haris. With unwavering courage and leadership, Commander Haris led his troops vigorously. He looks at the Joker, who is still creating chaos, and responds to the call of his soldiers.

"Troops, go forward! We must overcome this threat together!" exclaimed Commander Haris as he swung his sword.

The troops of the Kingdom of Wentira and the Joker army realize that they are dealing with an experienced and talented commander. The battle is heating up, and the magic energy and explosion of magic weapons create a spectacular battle stage.

Commander Haris stood on a tank on the battlefield, giving directions and encouraging his troops to continue advancing. The local knights and royal forces cooperated with overwhelming cohesiveness, creating a powerful wave of attacks.

Despite being cunning and strong, the Joker starts to feel pressure from the resistance Commander Haris and his troops have organized. Magic power and magic weapons shone between the sparks and smoke, creating a thrilling fight.

The battle reached its peak, and the spotlight focused on the fight between Commander Haris and the Joker. Powerful magic is released.

Commander Haris waved his magic wand, summoning magic elements from the surrounding realm.

Zzzip! A flash of blue light emerged from his staff, breaking up the air and attacking the enemy forces.

The Joker, with his genius, gritted his teeth and threw a card to protect him.

The local knights, along with the royal army, released their magic arrows.

Swish! swish! swish! The arrows glided quickly, creating a trail of colored light in the air before hitting the target.

The Joker laughed viciously and flashed an illusory charm. "Hocus pocus!" A thick fog enveloped the battlefield, making visibility extremely low. The atmosphere became more and more tense, as every movement became difficult to predict.

The fight raged, leaving blood everywhere in the ruined village. The armies of Saranjana and the Kingdom of Wentira continued to face each other in fierce battles. A touch of magic and magic power filled the air, creating a tense scene amidst the ruins of the village.

The wounded bodies were lying on the ground, and sweat was pouring from the faces of the warriors who were fighting non-stop. The red blood mixed with the soil that the troops' footsteps had already dug up, leaving streaks on the village's streets.

A burst of magic broke the concentration of the battle, creating a burst of fire that danced in the air. An uncontrollable magical attack tore apart one of the village's remaining buildings.

The Joker, ruthlessly, continues to create chaos in the middle of battle. His sword shone with dark energy as he attacked with agile and deftly evasive movements. The enemy's blood and a smile full of satisfaction were engraved on his merciless face.

On the other hand, the knights of Saranjana and the forces of the Kingdom of Wentira continued to face each other in a fierce duel. Weapons meet, creating sparks and flashes of magic. Every step, every move, is the determinant of fate in this battle.

"Where is he... I can't see anything," said Commander Haris, annoyed by the thick fog.

Amidst the darkness and thick smoke, Commander Haris tried to find out what happened. However, suddenly, a faint light appeared at the end of the thick smoke. In it, he saw the figure of a beautiful woman standing gloriously in the midst of the destruction of the village.

In the black shadow and shrouding smoke, the beautiful face began to be revealed. Commander Haris looked wide-eyed when he realized that the woman was his own wife.

"Heh, I'm on the battlefield, it's impossible for my wife to be here stupid!" muttered Commander Haris, trying to refute the reality seen before his eyes.

However, the more obvious figure stood among the destruction, his face exuding elegance and awesomeness. She didn't look like the wife he had ever known, but rather like the incarnation of terrifying magical powers.

Commander Haris stepped forward with a heart full of confusion and worry. "Who are you?" he asked in a voice that sounded trembling.

The woman smiled with a sharp gaze. "I am the shadow that emerges from the darkness, the true leader behind everything."

In an increasingly gloomy and mysterious state, Commander Haris realized that this battlefield was not only about physical combat, but also a fight against greater and invisible magical powers. He must understand the role of the wife who appears before him and how it will affect the fate of his village and kingdom.

"I am the second goddess of nature who would love to help you give strength," she said, giving her hand

Fascinated by the beauty and elegance of the "wife,"  Commander Haris began to feel tempted and wanted to take the hand of the goddess, who seemed to want to help her achieve victory.

However, immediately, the Joker appeared from behind, took a long sword from the pocket of commander Haris and thrust his weapon towards his body.

"Can't be fooled, huh?" He sneered with a sardonic laugh.

The long sword piercing into Commander Haris's body not only caused physical pain, but also broke his doubts and confusion. Blood began to flow from the wound, creating a red shadow amidst the smoke and darkness.

The woman who had been smiling now turned into a more sinister figure, and the eyes that had been shining now turned dark. "You are too weak, Commander Haris. I am a shadow created by your own fear."

The Joker continued to scoff, "Don't expect to get help from this fake goddess. Hahaha!"

Commander Haris looked at his body and he saw that his own sword pierced him, "Damn it."

Violently, he fell on the ground, feeling a deep and confusing pain. The fake goddess just lowered her eyes, without saying a word, and merged back into mist. Then, the fog cleared, leaving behind a desolate battlefield filled with destruction.

The Joker smiled triumphantly, watching the show of destruction he had created. "Hehehe, it's so easy to deceive the weak genie. You should know that on the battlefield, every move can become a murder weapon, even by yourself."

The battlefield that was full of noise before has now become quiet. Blood and destruction created a sad scene. The battle between the Joker's magical powers, knights, and trickery has created deep wounds in the hearts of warriors and villagers.

As the fog dissipates and the Joker laughs out loud, Commander Haris's homeland and the Kingdom of Saranjana fall further and further into uncertainty and darkness.

The remaining soldiers of Commander Haris's army watched in shock and fear as the Joker burst into laughter amid the devastated battlefield. Confusion and destruction create a tense atmosphere.

The surviving soldier, Haris was lying on the ground, screaming hysterically, when he saw the Joker standing next to Commander Haris's corpse. His face was full of despair and loss, reflecting how heavy this blow was for them.

"No, Commander Haris! This is impossible!" shouted a soldier with a trembling voice, trying to string together his understanding of the situation.

The Joker just laughed louder and louder, mocking and condescending the victory he had just achieved. "The weakness of every creature is blind trust in what they think is strong."

The surviving soldiers tried to gather the remnants of their bravery, but the gloomy atmosphere and despair still prevailed. Meanwhile, the corpse of Commander Haris remained lifeless, witnessing the destruction that took place in his homeland.

< Chapter 29 > To Be Continued.