I am standing right in front of the measuring stone that will judge my physical potential. People say this stone will neutralize all types of qi and show your true physical potential.
And this is my chance. I will tell the world loudly that I will become a legend, starting from this first step.
When I took the stance I saw when I lost control... This feeling. It's familiar but I don't know what it is.
So far, all I've felt is constant pain flowing through my body. This time, every inch of my body feels fresh. A sensation like drinking water when you're thirsty.
This mysterious sensation guides my body to move in a certain flow.
"That... that is..." Elder Hartono muttered, his eyes wide.
BHAAAMMM!
My fist hit the cube. It produced a shockwave strong enough to make the tree branches around the field shake. Dust covered the testing area, making everyone wonder what had actually happened.
Sect Leader Budi Suharjo waved his hand. Immediately, wind came and swept all the dust away, and the testing field was completely visible.
I never thought I could do something like that. But my body instantly became weak, as if all my strength was drained in that one punch.
The assessment time came. Everyone waited for the result the judge would announce.
"Karman. Left no mark on the stone. He is declared failed."
The atmosphere, which was initially tense, now became more relaxed. And once again, I was mocked and made fun of by all the participants. Some even laughed out loud.
Tak tak tak
The sound of footsteps. No one noticed until someone had already entered the testing field.
"Salute, Elder Hartono," said the judge.
"Do not disqualify this child and..." Elder Hartono's hand touched the surface of the stone cube while injecting a little qi.
Bruukkkkkk!
"Look at what this child has done. He turned the stone that cannot be attacked by qi into an ordinary stone."
The judge stared with his mouth hanging open.
"F...forgive my negligence, Elder Hartono."
Then Elder Hartono turned to the Sect Leader.
"I, Hartono, ask for permission from the Sect Leader."
"Just say it."
"Allow me to take this child as my disciple."
The Sect Leader smiled very widely, as if he wanted to laugh with satisfaction but still maintained his dignity.
"Are you sure?"
"I am very sure. And I will take responsibility for my decision."
"HAHAHAHA! Finally your heart is open to accepting a disciple."
Even all the Elders looked happy. Except for Elder Bejo Bejan. He looked a little unhappy.
"I hope your decision is sincere, not because of your desire," he murmured in his heart.
"Here, boy, you don't need to take any other tests. Come to Bromo peak tomorrow," said Elder Hartono, throwing a plaque.
"This... I mean, my respects to Master!"
"Not yet, you are not officially my disciple yet. Remember, if you are late even one second, I myself will expel you from this sect."
"I... I understand!"
Some kids were jealous. Some looked at me with hatred. Some respected me. But I didn't care, I had already shown my determination, this time I will live for myself. Not for others.
---
Elder Hartono 20 years ago. The Demonic War.
"Hurry! Don't let anyone be left behind. Hold the formation!" said Bejo Bejan to all squad members including Hartono.
At that time their squad was still complete, ten people. Including Hartono.
"Hartono! Control the pace! Don't be too hasty!"
"I have to hurry. Maybe my master is in danger!"
"What do you mean! You should worry more about yourself! Your master is the Fist King! The 3rd strongest person in Murim. Maybe all the enemies have been wiped out by him."
Even though Bejo Bejan said that, Hartono's premonition said otherwise. There were too many strange things happening in this war. The pattern was so random yet organized.
Unlike previous wars. During all out war with the Demonic Cult, fighting only happened in one place. But this time, the attacks were scattered and not simultaneous. As if they were deliberately baiting the Murim forces to scatter.
Even though we had the same premonition, we could not refuse or argue. Because we were just a squad given a mission.
When we arrived at Wlingi village. A remote village where Fist King Supardi lived. The village was already destroyed. The houses were just charcoal and some were still burning. The pungent smell from the corpses of the killed villagers filled our noses.
"Damn demonic scoundrels. This time I will not forgive you!" said Hartono angrily.
Something still bothered him. Because from earlier he had not seen his master.
Boom!
A loud sound in the middle of the forest accompanied by the ground shaking slightly.
"Oh no! My master!" said Hartono then ran at full speed towards the source of the sound.
"Hartono no! Maybe it's a trap!" said Bejo Bejan. But Hartono was already far away. There was no other choice. "Cover Hartono, don't let us lose a single member.
At full speed they chased Hartono. However, Hartono could not be caught because of the difference in ability. In this Red Eagle squad only Bejo Bejan could match him.
They finally arrived at the place following Hartono.
"Hey you! Don't be reckless!" said Bejo Bejan.
"But..."
Slap!
Bejo Bejan slapped Hartono.
"Do you think we don't know how you feel? Imagine, if you got killed because of your carelessness. Would your master be happy?"
Hartono was silent.
Boooommm!
A follow up sound was heard. But this time it was louder.
"Remember! Hold position. We will advance."
Upon arriving at the source of the sound, the place was already like a meteor impact site. And in the middle of that crater, the Fist King was kneeling in front of a man emitting a terrifying aura.
"You were quite entertaining. It's been a long time since I felt a battle this intense," said the man. While pointing his hand to the side. With telekinesis he pulled a Demonic leader into his hand.
"I have given you everything. Including power. But, you still failed," said the mysterious man while crushing the Demonic leader's head until it burst.
That sight was terrifying. No one could speak in front of an aura they had never encountered before.
"Release my master!!!!"
Suddenly Hartono shouted and immediately charged at the man.
"Hah. A mere insect dares to face me," said the man.
"Chaos Dragon Fist!"
Bam! A solid punch hit the man's body sending him flying.
"Master, get up, let's get out of here."
"H... Hartono, uhuk uhuk... Why are you here! This is no place to play! Run away!"
"No, I will take my master with me."
Tak tak tak.
The man clapped his hands while walking towards them.
"Such a touching master and disciple relationship."
"Don't touch my disciple! He has nothing to do with our fight."
With his remaining strength, the Fist King activated a technique that could only be used once in a lifetime.
"Hartono. After this, live peacefully and forget about revenge. No matter how strong you are, there will always be someone stronger."
"M... Master!!!!" Hartono screamed with streaming tears.
The Fist King's body glowed golden.
"Hoho..... I will honor you, old man. When you are in the afterlife, be proud because you are one of the people who could make me use 20% of my power."
A very heavy and oppressive qi. It was even very difficult to breathe.
"Master..."
---
"Master!!!!!!!"
Hartono woke from the nightmare that always haunted him day and night. The memory returned of when he, as a homeless person, was taken in and traveled with the Fist King.
Hartono's tears fell again.