*ೃ༄
Meanwhile, Ren was relaxing in his bedroom that was shared with Kaizo, the seven Vidyadharas are with their respective fathers after booking their stays. He was curious about Sanju mostly, like how powerful he was because he was a World Government's most wanted criminal in the world. So, he decided to get a time to chat with him--while he's serving the guests. 'Wait, will he cooperate or not if he knows what I am and vice versa... a SHANGRI-LA leader and an enemy of the gods, for fuck sake!' Ren thought as he headed down, only to find that Kaizo noticed his worries. "Hey, calm down. It's not like you would die anytime," Kaizo replied, patting his back and walked away. Ren is frustrated a bit and being too careful in doing things, he just hope everything will do fine since the last crisis.
'We will... save the people, no matter who we're dealing with...'
Sanju was seen eyeing his employees and the guests from the park, folding his hands behind his back. Slightly shifting his eyesight, he got a stare from two guests and three of his employee friends' gaze. They already notice that his demeanor is somewhat different, but Sanju doesn't seem to bothered by it so far. "Are you... Sanjaya Adinata?" Ren asked, while Kaizo stayed behind while observing the place. Sanju turned to look at Ren and Kaizo, putting his composed smile again. "Yes, what do you need?" he asked with a calm tone, he put down the tray and went to them. "Can you spare a time with us for a while?" Ren asked again, and the Raksha doesn't think twice.
Sanju pulled both of them to the porch, he was doing his job as usual and seems unfazed. "What do you want to talk about?" he questioned, before giving a glass of juice to each of them. However, Sanju was asking a rhetorical question--he knows the answer already. Ren hesitated for a bit, he can tell the hotel owner is more a confident person to deal with questions, but very sly in the deal; either with strangers or even one of his friends. He tried not to show that he was rather intimidated, even if Sanju isn't shown if he was amused--it's coming inside him as how sly he is... he knows why the gods are threatened, because he's a normal human in appearance who fights against the World Government in a serious way.
"It's about the gods of the Heavens."
Ren finally stated, looking at Sanju who raise an eyebrow while keeping his smile. "That old deity," Sanju mocked, folding his arms. "I bet you know something about them--why? Why did they let them rule over the humans like that and why are they fighting for that stupid piece of land," Kaizo challenged Sanju, the host just shrugged. "I have no idea. Ask those stupid gods who's using powers as they please, thinking that they are way higher than us normal humans," Sanju huffed, he was unpleasant to those words Kaizo said. 'Goddamnit, Kaizo...' Ren thought, facing towards the latter's direction. Sanju gave a disappointed look, before speaking up.
"Either they don't give a damn about us or there's another intention hiding, I won't get what was inside their minds but one thing I'm certain--don't let them control your destiny. They will find what you are... they always want to have a price for humanity," Sanju uttered before he walked away, he felt sick of that matter. "Even the hell won't burn or the sun setting will fade soon, I will do anything to protect my homeland and loved ones."
"Wait!"
Ren yelled spontaneously, before he covered his mouth--realizing that he just told him to stop on his track. Sanju stopped on his track, his eyes widened--did he just... make him to stop from his feet without directive. Either he used his core power without realizing it or... fuck, what the hell was that? "Are you... the Raksha we're looking for?" he asked, there was a silence in the surroundings--either the other workers (indirectly Akito, Kinana, Kanae, Raiden, Karina and Senja) noticed or there was some force telling him to cut the nonsense. He turn around slowly, in order to to face Ren.
"... Why do you ask?"
Sanju asked seriously, in which Ren quickly shook his head with panicked face. "Ah, no! I was just... ahhh, what were we talking about?" he whined, somewhat making them 'entertained' by his innocent questions. Sanju couldn't help but snort by this kid's antics, before he wiped his face and decided to show his colors to get things moving... it's getting boring to be a professional 'lodge employee' for him and the rest of the gangs anyways. Ren gasped silently when he witnessed Sanju unleashed his 'true' presence, making their eyes widened at his signature clothings.
He wears a black sleeveless turtleneck underneath his white high-collared long-sleeved shirt with black vertical stripes, with a slitted part on his upper arm parts with black threads, his shirt tucked into a black belt with a gold platinum rectangular buckle, black pants tucked into thigh-high dark gray boots, and a bronze-colored accessory around his neck. His short scruffy black unkempt hair, as well as his dark brown eyes and pale complexion, stay unchanged while he wears Mirage Spectacles. His coat is largely black with high collars and batik designs below, and the stigmata on the back is a gold-colored garuda in the shape of a cut-like symbol. The cut symbol represents revolt against the government, and they rebel against it.
Ren's eyes widened at Sanju's actual appearance, meanwhile Kaizo looks around with caution.
Raiden also revealed himself to be wearing small, black and red ribbon around his neck like a choker and black bodysuit under his gear revealing his collarbones. With a pair of red sleeves are completely covered his arms and covered with black fingerless gauntlets with red armor plates, white ribbon tied into four-petaled white flowers on his upper gauntlets worn--his purplish-black short hair with long bangs--along his violet eyes and fair complexion. The black tunic-like sleeveless cloth with white sash covered by the red belt, a mitsudomoe symbol in the middle. With a black-red cape wrapped around his waist reaching his knees, white feathers ornament hanging at the back and a heeled boots. He wears a long black fingerless gloves; the red eyeshadow paint is smoothly painted on his eyelids and corners, he also wears a frameless spectacles and carries a sealed katana with him--he retained his purplish-black short messy hair with long bangs, fair complexion and purple eyes--with the red paint on his eyelids. Raiden's black haori with red inner robes has a red thunder stigmata in the circle with a cut symbol, revealing his true identity.
Akito wears a black sleeveless bodysuit underneath his black coat resembling the form of a lion's mane. A leather straps and braided cord's clasp wrapped around the shoulder of his jacket, white lines drawn beneath and a pair of wristbands over his hands and wears a black pants. He still wear his spectacles with red lens and strings on them, he retained his golden blonde short hair with long bangs, dark brown eyes and fair complexion. His blue overcoat with black accents and ivory lining that he wears as a cape and a gold stole fastened with a gold platinum stole pin, his stigmata is a purple-colored hornet with a cut across it on the back of his overcoat. He has a short golden blonde hair with long bangs over his brown hazel eyes and cheeks, with a fair complexion and chained spectacles with shaded lens.
Kanae was dressed in a modified non-Raksha outfit that included a black sleeveless turtleneck dress with gold and dark brown accents, a black corset and black tights, as well as black long fingerless gloves. She also wore black thigh-high boots with black tights and a pair of black fingerless gloves, and her spectacles. Her long, light auburn hair, violet-blue eyes, and fair skin all remain the same. She also wears a red-white cloak with feather patterns on the lower part, as well as cape sleeves resembling crane wings, which have black and red accents and a crane-themed theme--the insignia is a beige-colored crane in a circle with a cut stigmata.
Senja wears a black sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit underneath his red changshan-like characteristics with golden borders and dragon batik motifs, as well as a black belt with golden circular buckles. He has bandaged wrists that reach into his fingers, scarlet armguards, and black slacks tucked into his knee-length yellow boots with rear heels. His jet-black messy long hair, comparable to an overgrown wavy mullet, reaches his neckline, with slightly overgrown messy bangs separated in the middle, almost obscuring his red eyes, and his complexion is pale. He wears a black coat with crimson threads and golden beads on it, as well as a light gray stigmata of two chains crisscrossed in a circle with a cut.
Under her traditional black Javanese beskap (waistcoat) with high collars, gold buttons, and a gold brooch with two little hoop chains on the left, Karina is wearing a black sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit that covers her white formal shirt. Her attire consists of an Indonesian jarik skirt with a slit on the left that reaches almost to her calves, black shorts below, and black heels on her thigh-high boots. She also has a pair of black fingerless gloves and a golden bracelet on her right hand. Her complexion is light tan, her eyes are brown, and she has long black hair with long bangs behind her head decorated with black ribbon and red streaks. She wears her white high-collared cape that has reminiscent of a heron wings, along a red threads around the cape--a black-colored heron stigmata in the circle printed with the cut on it.
Last but not least, Kinana is a small child with fair skin, bangs that nearly conceal her green-yellow mixed eyes, and silver-colored hair tied in a half-ponytail with bright green-yellow ribbon. She wore a green, black, and white dress with a yellow bow tied in a bowtie choker underneath. She also wore white puffy shorts with black knee-high socks and a pair of dark red Mary Janes. She carried a green pouch bag over her shoulders that was embellished with a four-leaf clover charm, and her necklace featured a silver and green striped ribbon keychain. Her look was effervescent and a little restrained, but it was also rather curious. The fifteen-years old also wears her black blazer with gold accents, that has imprinted green-colored firefly-like mecha stigmata in the circle along a cut across it.
"Shit, we got cornered," Farlan remarked, looking at them as he look around his surroundings. Senja tilted his head, like he was wondering a question but then he just gave a hum. Karina just stood there silently, before the Raksha began speaking. "Vidyadharas... it's a surprise to meet them," he muttered, although everyone else in the other team just froze there. Ren grew shocked, that the Rakshas (and presumably Sanju) has already known about their existence but they could sense theirs or not... he doesn't think twice to ask. "We're not here to harm you guys! This is a mission to fight the gods in our promise we sworn, so we need your help to defeat their 'Eclipse Celestials' since everything we knew has changed..."
Izumo reassured, trying to make the Rakshas convinced--but it seems... none of them responded. The Vidyadharas looked at them silently, this is pretty bad since they couldn't sense their powers if they were provoked or not. Sanju held up his hand, commanding his friends-comrades of ADVENT to stand down--but they followed suit for the time being. "Vidyadharas were those souls who tried to overcome their sin, through infusing the Deva's cores and finally achieved Balance of their hearts," he explained, facing to see how the World Government are afraid of their presence. "So, the one you know are just the balance that comes and ends, but they could've stayed with us for eternity," he added, giving another explanation to their thoughts before they actually believe that they are the next generation of the past ones. "Explain yourself."
Akito commanded them, forming his weapon in the hands as Kanae's power reacts in their weapons when the atmosphere in this hotel seemed eerie all of a sudden. Karina hummed as she watch the kids who were feeling a little intimidated, much to Kinana's curiosity and Raiden's annoyance as Senja was tempted to cut them into pieces. "Alright, enough," Sanju halted his comrades, causing them to immediately stand down and hide their own weapons back. Kaizo still didn't trust the Rakshas too well, but he knows there's a time when you could trust them or not. Sanju folded his arms before turning his body around, facing them in a different direction. "Follow us to the park, we can't make a scene or someone will accidentally see us," he stated, walking ahead to their spot--leaving Ren dumbfounded.
The Vidyadharas were instantly brought into a trance by Sanju's words; he's extremely strong even if he's really kind, considering his past life as a mortal--enigmatic, soft yet, stern and polite guy to interact with him and his comrades. They are not gonna try the patience, since they were not like them. "Riyanda Tjahyana, you're not strong enough to beat those gods... even though you already defeated the Scarlet Armband Army entirely. Not that I am praising a kid like you... do remember that you're our enemy as well, if you ever got in our way when we're not thinking twice," he warned them, his back facing at them.
Ren was shocked at Sanju's words, but he does have a point even though deep down in his heart--the younger boy is determined to stand beside him and promised him to keep moving forward. "No... I would never let a nightmare resurrected. We promised to protect humanity!" he demanded with anger, looking at him sternly. 'This kid... he has a strong determination, yet... he need some discipline,' the thought was stuck in Sanju's mind, but then he immediately brush it off and decided to think better plan. "Fine, we're willing to help--but you need to show us some credibility for us to help, or we will never stop ourselves to destroy your organization because you're nothing but humans," he challenged, also giving a chance to proof the Rakshas their dedication to their promise.
"Yes, and we're glad you cooperated with us," Kaizo nodded, Raiden is a bit wary while Akito and Kanae have no personal input. Sanju hummed, it doesn't seem right either either of the Vidyadharas could feel something changed in the air, it's like... there's still something hidden between the Rakshas when they began being serious. "Tell us, who made you guys come here?" Senja asked, folding his arms as the others observed their surroundings--not just the place, but their presence. Farlan glanced at Ren as he let him talk, but he need to be careful with his words because they are not underestimating these people, no shit. "White Swan, the Oracle's Eye who we saved from the Scarlet Armband Army. They wanted us to gain ADVENT's favor and protect the world, that's why we came here," Ren said, this time he didn't say lie.
After the explanation is done, Sanju slowly turned around again--facing their direction with stoic eyes. "Oracle's Eye... huh, the prophet indeed gives a different perspective to us, those worlds. If the 'Prophet's Stigmata' is confirmed right, then we should take our time to know each other--considering for a 'better' future. But, this doesn't mean that I and the others entirely trusts you guys," Sanju told the truth to his friends, folding his arms. "Please, Sanjaya... I don't know if you have issues with us since we've got in your way, but we know you and your friends are destined to meet us. Nobody else aside from White Swan never showed their true intentions, so please... you gotta give us a chance," Ren pleaded, he can feel the stare burning his head by those un-impressed looks of the Rakshas' look that filled with coldness in their core.
"This is serious, the gods up there in Heavens making the humanity suffer and yet... we stopped the Phantom Eruption but that doesn't stop us," Kaizo pleaded along, tilting his head at the unamused ADVENT leader. "Don't you see that those gods threatened everyone who gets on their way?!" he burst, his teeth gritted and voice raised for a bit. Sanju frowned, it's not that he... just had to refuse their pleas of desperation, but knowing him and the others had the best interests for humanity and themselves on the line... made him hesitated a bit. "Those gods doesn't do anything when the Phantom Eruption happened and they couldn't forgive those bad guys of World Government after hiding their true purpose. Not that I blamed on them, because they finally reveal their mistakes and have wronged their people. Still, you can't help to keep interfering with their business like this... the World Government is the representatives of those Heavenly Gods!"
Ren revealed, making them wide-eyed--even Shenlan, although she just realized their decision has forced them to comply with their demand and keep the peace. "Wait, no... what are you guys doing with the World Government?! They're the damn government! You destroyed their branches right...? That means you're rebelling too, Sanjaya!" he added. Sanju was shocked but still giving a serious and stoic look. "We rebelled so we could serve the better cause for humanity, but as much we see the government's improvement and the economy grew stronger, we can't do much since we don't know who are you guys."
Well, it's time to prove how 'strong' they are. Ren revealed the Cosmic Wrath polearm, the legendary weapon that formerly belonged to the God of Pledge--late-Kuran himself. Then, he slammed the rod and create a long, red whip made out of Cosmic Energy--from the ground to the sky, it shows a symbol of eight-pointed symbol that represents enlightenment, wisdom, divinity, eight manifestations of cosmic energy and the divine element). The Rakshas were wide-eyed at the demonstration, they actually impressed Ren has such skillful capabilities even for a young age. He formed the long, red whip-like Cosmic weapon in his hand, while glaring at Sanju who still have his look not to break the peace.
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"Sanjaya... I understand that you don't want your territory get in disturbance. After all, you and the others only trying to protect humanity when the gods were still going berserk. Even though my friends is living peacefully because we have powers... we saw nothing is wrong with the whole situation and trying to live as the way we are. But, the problem is... how long we've been living with Phantom Eruption tragedies? Singgahsana Organization didn't do much, because of the corruption and shit... like do we have to live like this everyday?"
Ren wanted to convince him for help, he knew he had to make them more determined to join forces even if their world... is in chaos. "I just... wanted to live in a peaceful life, even though this world is cruel--it's also beautiful..." he muttered, somewhat touched Sanju's core of his heart of the feelings he can relate to. Ren sniffled, the trauma he had to endure also caused them to get surprised at the breakdown. "I can't do this just by myself and the others... we may be strong, but those gods... I don't want to live in this samsara that repeatedly repeat to save and lost again, and for my own selfish wishes--I decided to set our hearts free of their darkness... and change the way how it turned out."
Sanju is still a bit cold, but still determined to know his intention on making the organization they were not familiar with. There's a strong determination in the boy's heart to save humanity, he has something... that he doesn't have; the light of hope that he sees within him. Even though Ren has a painful trauma, he still stand strong like him. Sanju narrowed his eyes with a frown, why does this reminds him of his darkest time when his comrades were either killed by the World Government or betrayed him and turn against him? Slowly, Sanju walked ahead to where the boy is. Raiden was about to stop him, but Akito stop him and shaking his head as a warning to tell Raiden not to do anything rash.
"You know, Riyanda... you have something that I don't have. So passionate to bring the humanity and you protect them as a champion to save the world, without no remorse or revenge while we can only do little things despite the government's growth and popularity. I do have the same passion, but my ways... are not always clean. This is the result of us doing... what are the consequences?" Sanju spoke with a calm tone, smiling a bit bitterly as he rub his finger slightly as he remember his days in hellish situation. "Even though I was known as 'the torch that lights up the world' and defeated a powerful enemy, sometimes I wonder... that an anti-hero like us deserved to be called the same place as gods above the heaven. To pay for our sins... for what we have done to our deeds, no matter what... I want to end their pain to rest in piece--so this is the final moment I can lead humanity into our future, by believing in destiny," Sanju added, before pulling his hand to shake Ren's hand.
Ren slowly, nodded and shakes Sanju's hand; they have already convinced each other by trusting their partners. It is the end of one beginning--but all have agreed to keep their agreement in secret. Akito close his eyes and nodded at Kaizo, making him surprised that his allies began to open up and Kaizo didn't expect it. Senja huffed at his comrades' antics, he already open his mind by just sending a telepathic message to the others before his thoughts were interrupted by Akito himself, demanding a sparring to his partner. "Fine, but we'll help you--if you offer us something in return," Akito replied to him, folding his arms before they finally give it. They are hoping that the oath would connect their heart as friends... whether they like it or not.
Dinda smiled as she handed the golden imperial Ingots, something that Sanju always wanted and their eyes grew wide in shock from the offer. Shenlan decided to cooperate for now, she is slightly convinced by Sanju's kindness and determination while Hakuren also feels that she could trust these people, even though they're not entirely human. "How did you get these?!" Kinana asked with curiosity, looking at their treasures with a disbelief look. Ren laughed nervously, rubbing his hair, before he assured them.
The rest of the Rakshas looked at one another, smirking as they finally found... a potential new allies. "Alright then, your terms are fulfilled..." he told them, before he looked at Ren. "In return, I was asking the same thing as well--because you gave us the tribute; you might as well getting invited for a tournament in Hyang Seram Island... after you're done with your main priority. Is that okay with you?" Ren nodded with determination, but he wonder why does he invited him to participate on something like a battle tournament. Kaizo patted his friend's shoulder, it looks like the peace meeting is still going well, with their terms are cleared off--they hope there won't be any issues.
"Your stays in my hotel are free, no worries. We've give up a part of our share to you guys, just remember that. Now, off to your training, the gods aren't gonna wait till you're all old enough."
Sanju jokingly mocked them to train harder and longer, Ren scowled him a bit while the other kids who laughed at him. He isn't kidding, and yet... there's something much to do than talk to him like that. He nodded at Sanju in return, they hope their comrades wouldn't be a little picky this time. "Hello there," Dinda greeted Kinana happily, hoping to befriend her as well--the girl was a bit weirded out, but smiled politely. "Hello, it's nice to meet you as well."
Shenlan was being a smartass as she tried to get along with Karina, but her intimidating gaze made her growled. 'Urgh... she's so damn scary here...' she thought. Farlan tried to make a conversation with Senja, knowing that he won't talk unless if someone came to him first. Hakuren was curious that why Kanae always sleepy whenever she talked with her, perhaps everyone also had the same thing. Izumo made a joke for Raiden, making him snorted and laughed instantly by him. As for Kaizo... he knew Akito is a playboy and somewhat an asshole to anyone, trying to gain his respect was not easy to do. He won't just bend himself to obey everyone, what a badass.
"This is the beginning of a new era."
***
"Have you had experience in fighting a powerful enemies?"
Sanju asked, for him--it requires an experience in gaining combat tactics and physical condition for themselves. Ren hummed, before she folded his arms while sitting crisscrossed on the flat rock in the training ground. "Well, I fought a deity once... it's God of Wealth, Nanda... I killed her because she keeps haunting me after she and my past life Kuran betrayed me, even androids..." he explained, hoping that counts as an experience in this condition. Kaizo, Akito and Raiden and Izumo were training in the valley, including Ren's own training with Sanju. Dinda, Farlan and Shenlan were sparring with Senja, Karina and Kinana. "You fought with a god? What type? There's a class like patron god, warrior god, sky god, aquatic god, deity of death... just name the sorts," Sanju listed the gods as he take a deep breath, standing up from his place as he stretched his arm and let out a small scream.
Ren hummed, he doesn't know what type is Nanda's classification--because she resides in the temple and also considered a powerful god to fight against him. "I don't know, she's either patron god and warrior god because she can grant blessings and casts a powerful attacks from herself, no clue..." he muttered, although there was something between them that make Ren have a doubt on Nanda. "Do you have a personal issue that you're dealing with?" he questioned, he felt a little sorry for Ren to realize that he must've met with Nanda--she's a dangerous deity indeed. "I had, it's fine though," Ren assured, they're still focusing on their training while the others are watching.
Sanju scratched the back of his head, facing the Vidyadhara's leader. "Have you, um... tried to understand that sometimes people have other perspectives? That's why we made a decision we are willing to forgive them?" he asked, that caused Ren raised his eyebrow and blinked. "Sometimes, you needed some fresh start before you could look at people with others' eyes who needs our help. Do I get it right?" he added, Ren gulped while nodding and scratching his cheek slightly from his explanation. "Uhh..."
"Shit, you really have a lack of experience. But this time, you need to learn it and do your best--there's time in the world. I just wanna prove this kind of stuff. All you have to do is to learn things from mistakes--that's how I manage to learn from them, also you're the leader of SHANGRI-LA right?"
Ren nodded, this time he began to continue. "I was a former Student Council president so... I have experience in diplomacy," he stated, Sanju folded his arms before slowly nodding. He understood why those kinds of presidents were a bit pushy to give advice in good use, being a mediator is not easy. "Your experience as leader is a plus, but your experience in fighting... was not worth when fighting with stronger enemies. You'll see our wrath, and... try not to piss us off," he smirked, forming his whip in his hand as they glare at each other with determination. "Then I want you to make me stronger and tougher than before!"
Sanju narrowed his eyes, this high school student got guts but not his shticks; such a fighter indeed. Ren held his polearm-like weapon in his hand, it has been 16 days they've spent together. Either they're training or having a quick picnic on the mountains, most of them were pretty serious with each other. "First, mediation is a must. Don't just start a fight without second thought, wait for the opponents' side and listening to their grievances if they have--or just stay calm during the battle. If you start a talk them, discuss it first and solve it before going into war, understood?" Sanju began explaining, he has a bit wisdom to remind Ren for the diplomacy--much to his thought of understanding, along the way gathering the information on the enemy and their territories for them.
"Second, either you lead a war as a commander or making a great diplomacy to tell your people for a resistance if they're ready to support you. Last, never challenge your opponent directly without gaining any knowledge of their backgrounds, that's how I learned how a strong leader and mortal won over the gods," Sanju ended his teaching about leading the people, this is tough but he know that Ren will grow up to be a good young man... much to his friends who were actually training. "You're acting like a teacher."
"Riyanda, this is a serious matter. Since we're already at the time of the prophecy... you have to make sure that none of your allies betrayed you or either your new friends didn't kill you with a gung-ho attitude," he replied, although he know himself that he didn't really give a shit if the Vidyadhara would try to screw things up... even his time wasn't easy when facing off the adversities. Sanju would expect the same response from Ren and his friends, otherwise the result will be a bit violent than his image back then. "A gung-ho attitude?"
"... it means too enthusiastic about something, without thinking seriously about it; especially about fighting and war. Some people found this gung-ho attitude to the war deeply offensive, either it was to treat war or a great effort."
"Ahhh..."
Ren actually disappointed that he wasn't ready yet, but he smiled sadly as Sanju sat back again on the flat rock and continued. "Now close your eyes and concentrate your qi to open your third eye so you could unlock your power. Like all celestials--even a god with powers will definitely fight to protect their loved ones and save humanity, got that?" he uttered, smiling sadly as he look at the sky. "I had a hard time to see everything with the perspective I am looking for, not just on humanity but also on my rivals, our countries--the state. And then I remembered that in the end of the day, I would get a break from such hellish situation," he explained, turning around on his seat to look at the others.
The soon-to-be eighteen years old boy has many troublesome things happened between him and his comrades, but things worked out--just in time,.
"Why a break from a hellish situation?"
Ren asked, but still closing his eyes to concentrate his power at the same time. "... So that we could find our true purpose. I almost gave up my desire to lead the mankind, just because I lose my comrades that were killed mercilessly by the Phantom Beasts--but with my family members and friends with me; I managed to understand that life is ever more beautiful to live after I brought the peace for a short time. Sure, we are immortal but we won't know what will happen to our future ahead."
Ren knew that pain, deep inside his heart after losing someone. He slowly began to understand how much is Sanju going through.
"What do you mean by eternity, for a god?"
"That means you become the perfect immortal, without you dying or aging. But, once you became an immortal--you will see people dies even your loved ones, while you cannot die because you've already reached eternalization. That's why gods above have warned not to become a true immortal, because it's a cursed knowledge they've been experiencing and still afraid to feel the pain from your loss; not that kind of literal, because we cannot die and... well, do the gods we meet, look like immortals?"
Sanju asked again, seeing Ren's expression changed from understanding to sympathy. "Yeah, they were once perfect immortal beings... it's so hard to see their beautiful world vanish just like this," he muttered.
Meanwhile, Izumo shrieked when Raiden sprung his katana against his tanegashima gun--making him stumbled back a little. "Focus... never let your guard down," he hissed, he's being distracted again by Raiden's movements. 'Such a brute...' he thought. Kaizo panted when he faced Akito who was sparring with him, aiming his katana as he reminded him. "Your stance is too stiff, loosen up the body," he tapped his hand before he swing his sword. "Flow with the movement as much as you could."
He reminded him, smiling before he resume back his stance in a battle formation. Dinda take a deep breath when she managed to obtain a tie through her sparring with Kinana, which she praised her and made her work hard to focus on her powers. Senja reminded Shenlan to stop looking and observed the opponent's strike, that way she would get hit. Kanae trained Hakuren to keep up her focus and seriousness during the battle, while Karina took tabs of Farlan if he managed to get a development. "Remember, you don't know how strong those gods up there. The only way to test you, was testing you a kind of their nature that will always destroy their prey."
Farlan narrowed his eyes a little, he didn't agree with the statement but he knows Karina already given an insight for him to better serve their purpose. "Don't underestimate your opponents, most of them are the same with every god... meaning, they will try to fool you with their manipulation and try to kill or convert you with their 'claim' of love or admiration," Senja added, forming a sword in his hand. "We have our own egos, but don't let themselves break you," he advised with a smirk, Farlan lowered his guard before he resume back. They began their training with the Rakshas for two months, so they can become stronger and increase their strength so they will able to learn and determine the powers of the gods in the Heavens.
Prime watched from the monitors, he hummed as he was interested to get to know about these Rakshas. Sadana told him to not try to meddle in their business, making him groaned. "Fine..."
They took a break for 15 minutes, which the hotel employees gave them some lunch and continue sparring again... then, Sanju showed up with Ren who is panting slightly. "That's what we'd call a work," Sanju laughed, tilting his head at them, now that they did learn something from each other--this is their last hope. "Every journey has it ends, but not all of them has a happy endings like the fairy tales. Remember... you don't have to do this. After all, you're a lucky student who is blessed to receive such a reward--it will be beneficial for you to save this world, but it would also lead to hell on our shoulders to face the consequences," he muttered, reminding Ren one last time... but he shook his head.
"I promised you that I'll come back, someday. When the final era of the prophecy begins... your role is finished, but this isn't the end--don't forget the deal," Ren reaffirmed the agreement he had with Sanju, he huffed. "Yeah, I know that. Also, do you need another training with someone? I think I can help you," he suggested. Ren immediately nodded, but he feel bad because it was him to ask for someone's help--not Sanju who had to do it. "Yeah... I bet you know Kayana Sahanaya Tirta, or Kohaku? Do you know the Tiryags?"
Tiryags... he thought they were done talking with them, but turns out they know about their existence. "Ah, yes... I know them. If you want to meet them, you have to go to Bali because that OUTLAW leader is currently busy with his 'dirty work' along his friends--by I mean OUTLAW leader is Kayana. It's not easy to contact them and they choose to do their service in the dark, because you have to find Secret Garden first, they managed OUTLAW and supervises them so they won't fall into enemy's trap."
"Secret Garden...?"
Ren asked, scratching the back of his head. "Secret Garden is an unofficial paramilitary organization, they are an assassin groups under Indonesian shadow government. I thought they were urban legends, turns out... it was true. From the insider, if you want to contact them... here's the number--but don't tell anyone about this kind of information; everything must be confidential between two parties," Sanju explained the conditions, handing the black card to him as he receive it. "I encountered them once but we did gave a warning to them, but this time you have to make a careful steps to not disturb their dirty business. Understand? It's your responsibility to talk to Kayana, but you have to make sure that your friends are safe--still it's your number one priority."
Oh crap, that means Ren had to work harder for this shit. "Understand... thank you, Sanjaya."
The next step, is meeting the Tiryags.
Sadana began to arrange their appointments, but what he didn't know... is that there's indeed a territory for these assassins once they learned about their nature.
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