Dawn broke. The five of us stood before the portal to Kidang Alas. A thin mist enveloped the forest ahead of us.
Senior Bagong then took out his map, giving instructions.
"Our only focus is to retrieve the Jade Moon Lotus.So, maintain the rhythm and don't let our formation break."
With full charisma, the senior gave instructions about the terrain, the types of monsters we would encounter, and didn't forget to check the logistical supplies and other tools.
"Standard formation," said Senior Bagong. "Me and Karman in front. Putri in the middle. Tono and Bonar in the back."
"Why do I have to be in the back with this runt?" Bonar grumbled.
"Because you're weak," Tono answered lightly.
"What did you say?!"
"Enough!" Putri cut in. "Let's not waste time."
We entered the portal. A familiar sensation washed over us. The world spun for a moment, and then we were inside Kidang Alas.
Little by little, we advanced until we were almost at the inner section.
"Stay alert," Senior Bagong led the way. "This zone is different from where you usually hunt."
We walked following the map. But something was strange. The path Senior Bagong was taking deviated slightly from the planned one.
"Did you notice?" Tono whispered to me. "This isn't the standard route, is it?"
"Maybe it's a shortcut like he said," I replied, feeling impatient.
"But..."
"Just trust Senior Bagong. He's more experienced."
Tono nodded doubtfully.
We continued walking. Occasionally passing small beasts. Giant squirrels, wild boars, wolves. With incredible speed. It was too easy for five people.
---
Midday. We stopped to rest.
"Fifteen minutes," said Senior Bagong. "Don't wander off."
I, Tono, and Putri sat under a large tree. Taking out our supplies.
Putri remained silent. But I saw her glancing at me occasionally.
In the distance, Bonar walked away.
"Where are you going?" asked Putri.
"To relieve myself. Do I have to report it?" Bonar retorted curtly.
Senior Bagong also stood up.
"I'll check the perimeter. Make sure everything is safe."
He disappeared among the trees.
"Something's strange," I muttered.
"What?" Tono turned.
"The beasts. Why are there more than usual? And they look... restless."
"Maybe because we're in a deeper zone," Putri answered.
Maybe. But my gut feeling said otherwise.
A moment later, Senior Bagong returned. His hand was holding a pouch at his waist.
"Everything's safe. Let's continue."
We continued our journey.
But I couldn't ignore this feeling. Something wasn't right.
Evening approached. We had gone even deeper.
Suddenly Bonar stopped. His hand holding his head.
"Bonar?" I approached.
His eyes were empty for a moment. As if staring at something that wasn't there.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Putri.
Bonar blinked. "It's nothing. Just a headache."
He glanced at Senior Bagong.
Senior Bagong nodded once. As if signaling something.
I frowned. But before I could ask, a rustling sound was heard.
"WATCH OUT!" shouted Senior Bagong.
Snakes. Dozens of giant snakes slid out from the bushes.
Vipers!
"FORMATION!" Putri yelled.
We immediately scattered. My fist shot out, crushing the head of an attacking Viper.
But there were too many of them!
"Where did they come from?!" Tono set up traps in a panic.
"Focus!" Putri slashed three Vipers at once with one swing.
I used the stance from Elder Hartono. Moving, dodging, attacking. More efficient. But still...
Something was odd.
The Vipers... they seemed to be looking for something. They weren't just attacking. They were swarming in one direction.
Towards Senior Bagong.
SRASHHH!
A large Viper attacked Senior Bagong. Its tail slashed his waist.
Blood gushed out.
"SENIOR!" I ran towards him.
"Don't!" Senior Bagong retreated, holding his wound. "I'm... fine. You focus on the Vipers!"
"But...."
"I said focus!"
Senior Bagong retreated to the side. His face contorted in pain.
Damn! If the Senior is seriously injured, who will lead us?!
"Karman! Behind you!" Tono shouted.
I tried to dodge. But it was too late.
A giant Viper charged at me. Its fangs sank into my shoulder.
CRUNCH!
Pain shot through me. Blood spurted from the wound. The Viper threw me. My body hit a tree. My ribs broke.
"KARMAN!" Tono ran towards me.
"DON'T COME CLOSE! MAINTAIN THE FORMATION!"
I got up. Regeneration worked. My bones knit back together.
But the Vipers gave no time.
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
My arm tore. My stomach was ripped open. My leg broke.
But I kept standing.
Kept regenerating.
Kept fighting.
In the corner of my eye, I saw Putri and Tono fighting desperately. Bonar... Bonar seemed to be specifically protecting Putri. Not going anywhere.
And Senior Bagong...
Senior Bagong sat leaning against a tree. Holding his wound. But his eyes...
His eyes were observing. Very carefully.
CRAASSHH!
A giant Viper pounced on me from above. Its jaws wide open, biting my chest.
Its teeth pierced through my ribs. My heart was almost pierced.
"KARMAN!!!" Tono screamed.
The Viper lifted me high. Then slammed me to the ground.
BRAKKK!
My entire body was shattered. Blood filled my mouth. My vision began to blur.
No... I can't die here...
Sugeng... Sugeng is still waiting...
Regeneration worked. Faster. More intense.
My bones fused. My flesh grew back.
And I stood up again.
But this time...
Everyone was watching.
Tono stopped moving. His mouth wide open.
Putri stepped back. Her hand gripping her sword tighter.
Even Bonar looked shocked.
And Senior Bagong...
Senior Bagong stared at me with narrowed eyes. Observing every detail.
"K...Karman..." Tono's voice trembled. "W...what is that..."
I stood in the middle of a puddle of my own blood. The wounds on my body closed. Flesh grew back. Bones reconnected with a terrifying click-click-click sound.
Within seconds, I was whole again.
As if never injured at all.
Silence.
Only the hissing of the Vipers still swarming around us.
"Karman..." Putri whispered. "You... what are you really..."
I opened my mouth. Wanting to explain.
But no words came out.
How could I explain something I didn't understand myself?
In the distance, the roar of another Viper was heard.
And the hunt was not over yet.