Chapter1: Rise Of Ancient Mythos(English)

Chapter1

"Someday, we will meet again. I hope you will never forget me.Those words always in my mind and it like the words chasing me. Those word very means a lot to me. I stand up myself to the bathroom while the body is still weak and helpless because of fatigue work yesterday.

"Tup, Tup, Tup." Door knock and a voice called from outside.

I opened the door with limber.

"Hey pal, you said that you want go help teacher today, our job cleaning the library today." Lanky and skinny man greeted me. He is Jaimala, bright students from the first class and very close friends to me. Although oral thrush, but he helped me a lot in my lessons. We are friends since in primary school,he have more ear lobes and it is normal here because of our different races. We have almost the same height and for his people, he is quite high because his race lower than the human race.

I am descended from humans, my family is not from the upper classes. Only small businesses. My name is Daniel, there is nothing special to me. In fact I am a lot of disadvantages when compared other friends within same race. Each of them can master the sword with great skill.Me holding a sword too clumsy.  As always ignored by fellow classmates, I was always alone in the forest. An old cottage built there, it's dad said my uncles 10 years ago. So, I used to play there.

I can not focus in lessons on my flaws, and that's where Jaimala appear give a lot help to me. On the advice there from him , I swapped the sword subject  and now I'm  begin to learn about magic. Although the magic not as powerful  sword but it was easier to learn. I just learned magic to make cure, differed with Jaimala who is more wise in the world of magic. He also just like me, cant use bow which his race better in become archer. Even so, his choice to learn magic is the right choice. Now over 200 spells mastered by him greatly, including the magic spell which use to fight. More refer to war spell

It is called war spell because the spell can cause serious injuries to victims. But it requires hard training and hard to learned. In this country, there only 20 magician who can master all war spell.

"Hurry and get ready, I'm just waiting for you outside."

"Okay, give me a while."

My school only normal school and not exclusive, only this school that I can afford to go according to my parents job. Jaimala who was richer refuse his father’s offer to study at the academy which better because he said no fun go school without me. Best academy  here known as FallenAngel Academy. Located in the north of the city, only the rich could afford to enter it. They rumor said that academy was dominated by female students. Well, maybe it true.

Arguably, team elite squad in the last battle had beat almost half of the army Kingdom and they are a team made ​​up of girls from that academy. I feel embrassed when thought about my status  which I am such a weakling.

From here to the library we need to pass 3 steps. Library are not far away from my class, for that reason I and Jaimala always come here to read the books. Jaimala open doorknobs. From the corner I could see the man was adjusting the book,we know he is from Engkidu race with such tuffy and big body. We know he is friendly person, but he is not who we are looking for here.

"Hello my dear students." Young woman greeted us.

"Hello Lady Loi." We replied in unison.

This young woman is responsible attenuate stor library. By his deep shortage of accomplices he inaugurated the two of us as his private servants. In return, Lady Loi will give us permission for borrowing  books from the library. Not all students here allowed to borrow, only the choosen can do that.

"What Lady Loi want us to do today?" Jamaica asked her.

"Today I Want you guys please give hand stacking old books inside the stor. Make sure all old books separated because the new stock will arrive soon within two days ."

We just do as we told, we stepped foot into the door located behind the library. I thought no one come clean this stor over a year because im sneezing as we enter the stor.How disgusting. "How long this stor has been ignored  Jai? 'I asked him. Jai is his nickname here.

"How would I know that, we just taken this job in this year." After that,Jaimala read some spell and then the torches lit a fire in the wall with its own counsel the dark in this stor.

"Amazing pal, would you mind teach me that spell. "

"Funny, This spell was  in our textbook. You just want to piss me of. Hahaha"

I chuckled.

We first raised the old books and arranged it corners of the stor. Not long after, Lady Loi participate arranging the old books at the stor with us. One by one book checked by us, we all serious when doing job for prevent doing any mistake. Jaimala suddenly spoke something to me.

"Dani, I found an interesting book!"

"Don’t joking around Jai,you are always showed me the book how to get girl. "I ignore him, continue with my job.

"This is serious Dani,Im not joking, here take a look this book."

I looked briefly what in his hand. An old brown book that shown to me. Jaimala would read and show the contents of the book to me. The titled is ‘The Lost Wand’.

"Jai, it is only storybook. I thought you are not kid anymore."

"Any way please look at the date of writing. It was written about 4000 years ago. "

"So?" I frown.

"When first our nation build?"

"Err ... I'm not sure. Maybe tens years ago. Or maybe a hundred years. " How could I know that. I don’t love history.

"That means the book is not a book of our time. It is from the reign of the ancient Great Siege! "Jaimal insisted.

I was intrigued and began to show a positive reaction. We both read it very carefully.

Anytime our kingdom

will fall,

King was very sick now

yet for sure his life will end,

This is a message from him,

In order to maintain harmony

and unions,

He R.Eriole who is

my late grandfather

had entrusted

to ensure that peace is maintained.

Now he become

Great King for us,

but the job is not easy,

Many opposition received,

One builds the ultimate weapon,

Weapons of the Gods Stone built,

Forged by 100 renowned Dwarf,

This weapon was so excruciating,

One flip can destroy 100 though army,

One flip capable of destroying the city,

only 'he' just knew

how to use it.

Now, after his departure,

This weapons taken care of me,

This ultimate weapon cant be destroyed,

It is invisible,

For reason i lock it.

Written by, R.Erola

I cant said anything about this. Jamaila open next sheet seeking for different content.

"Well, that all the story about the weapon.”

I sighed.

My eyes read it again. There are something playing in my mind but I could not figured out what is it. What is it?

"Dani, you noticed something?"

"Notice about what?"

"Look, this letter was written by R.Erola. The first king who was magician. In this letter it is said one flip can destroy entire of the city. As we know, the sword can not destroy the city, it only could make tiny distruction. This proves that the power of magic comes from the act. It was magician weapon.Maybe a wand."

I frown, it is unclear what is being told by Jamaila.

"What do you mean?"

"Did you still remember the ancient story about a king helped by a man defend the city from large waves of sea and save the city from attacked by thousands of wolf species called Warg?"

"Yes! I really like that story! "

"I feel that it is not just simply story, because the distance between the two following story about 700 years. There was also a story of a man who act as monk helping King destroy a mountain to keep water flowing in the river. "

"So! You mean .. the man and that monk from three different stories is same guy? "I interjected.

"According to history, King of the Fifth Great Siege which known as King R.Erola was gone before the reins of rule taken by the new king before the country split into three. I think there's something wrong clause R.Erola missing and the appearance of youth who help the king. Why there is any detailed story about that young man, although he had help King which the King could not do."

"Okay everyone, I've finished my job here. The books that you place in the corner, just leave it there. Later workers will remove it. "Mrs. Loi squeeze and has made us surprised.

I saw Jamaila still thinking. Yeh, when something on his mind he will think about it until the answer come out.

"Ma'am, can we take this book? We want to read the contents further. "

"Yeh,for sure boy. After all it is long and unused book here. "

We smile and happy for that kind of answer from her.

***

"I cant ignore about this. We must act quickly! "King Chil insisted.

"Sorry my lord, but many soldiers were injured in last battle. They are still in treatment. If forced, it will only cause a loss. "Andrew said. He was a the highest among ministers in this Town Of Freedom.

"If so, move elite squad quickly!"

"Why should we use them now? They was last frontier,only now we just rely on them. If they lost this battle, this is the end for our Country, Your Majesty. "

"So, what's me can do such in this present situation? We don’t have any choice then. If not, our country will be conquered. "King Chil insisted. He is only young king in hystory who is well-respected by the people and leaders.

"Well, I will organize it all my lord. I will send some magic students from others acadamy as assistant treatment. "

“Do whatever you want Andrew. I rely on you.”

“Thank you my Lord.”

***

They all unpretentious and quiet even though they knew, any time they will fight. That's an elite squad of Academy FallenAngel. Although they are women, they have beat man perseverance. Elite squad was made up of 150 people, all of them supplied with highly sophisticated weapons. The squad was divided into 4 groups.Group A consisting of the human race who will fight at close range combat. Group B consisted of the elves, knowledgeable and expert in long  distance combat with fire arrow. Group C made up from the Engkidu race as defense. Group D of the Lapin spying and they will report the current status of the war situation.

"Azur, where do you want to eat today?"

"I just feel want to eat in classroom today. Bored always eat in the ground floor. "

Azur who dressed up with blue blouse stepping the stairs with her​​ friend. Look simple but he actually  the leader of squad A  and has a lot of experience in war. Since young, he was very alert appearance and grows up to be a beautiful girl. However, the war three years ago has killed his mother and father. Now he just has an older brother as his companions. With the inheritance from her parent, she ventured into the field of battle. Indomitable spirit which wants revenge for her family someday.

Ting, ting, ting! " The bell ringing.

"It seems we can not eat everywhere these days." Azur smile.

All squad gathered in the plains, Minister Andrew gave utterance.

"To all town frontier, under command of King Chil, the king ask all of you which known as elite squad immediately deployed to fight the Kingdom Of Faith who attacked our country now! Following edict confidential information, they are now 40km instead of the gate. Hope all willing! "

"For the sake of our country!" Said Minister Andrew giving them spirit.

"It appears this is not a regular war." Azur’s friend whispering her.

"Yes, we procured a typical nurse today. We must not lose today. If lose there will be no life after this. " She answered.

"All go prepared." Azur leading her private booth. Inside, there is someone help her prepare the battle suit."Nice to see you and good for acquainted, I am Azur. Hope we can communicate well in a precarious situation later. "Azur try to shake her hand.

"Yes maam,nice to see you too. I'm Ami. Yours private nurse today. I will use my healing magic as best I can do. "

Azur wear dark suits and red mantle. Each squad leader will wear the mantle as a symbol of the country's leading fighter. Small knife inserted in her stokin. She hold the sword forward and brought near her face. The shiny sword reflacted her beauty face as mirror.

"Dad, mom. Azur will fight today, Azur will revenge for both of you.Im promise! "Tears dripping wet over the sword.

Ami gently patted her shoulder. "Sister keep calm and dont worry, I pray for your success."

Azur smile.

Black horses specially trained to fight. Ami on the back of a white horse. White horses are specially trained to be more agile in critical situations. 150 elite knight charging ahead with speed, they seemed ready for any thing that will happenin the future. About 1000 horses trailing behind them consisting of a nurse and a addition military squad.

"I will not lose today! Not at all! "

The townsfolk bow showing them respect and honour when the frontier passing heading to the gate. All troops will surround the city in advance as custom tribute before the fight.

All military was ready heading out of town. From the gate, they could send enemy approching.They all got ready. Archers squad will launch first arc as a starter. Followed by Engkidu team which have thick skinned as a defense. Human squad just waiting to act.

Top Minister Andrew just watched from the top floor of the palace. King Chil also watching while sitting in his royal chair, he give high hopes to the elite squad. This soldier is the last hope of the country. If they loose, they will get king head.

"How does our spy estimate the enemy this time?" King Chil asked.

"According Lapin spy squad, they send about around 800 people for this war. It seem last war also affected of their army.

"Oh .. if so .we still.."

"Oh no,this is bad.." Andrew in a trembling bow. He is in terrible fear. As if therewas a tiger wants devoured him.

"What it is Andrew? Tell me! "King Chil stand.

"Our spy set up wrong information my Lord. Kingdom sent over 3000 army.I don’t know how they have such large army! "

King Chil unspeakable, he shocked. His eyes sharp watching the battlefield as he saw everything there. His hands clutched and blood flow out.

"What in your mind now King of Djin! Is Kingdom Of Faith hate us that much,are you really want to destroy my belove country.Think twice! "King Chil speak on himself. He turned, and down the stairs.

"My Lord?"

"Andrew, set my warlock equipment. Prepare that magic wand of mine. Command all 20 greatest warlock in our country, ask them gathered in front of the palace. This time I will destroy the enemy on my one.In single attack.”

"Lord, you cant be…”

***

"Why we don’t go other place Dani? Almost every day we spend time in your uncle's hut.Since we still kid "Jaimala sigh.

"Hahaha, this is where we can breath peacefully with such refressing air. From top of the hut we could see the city clearly, "I persuaded him. Actually he always sought to stay in a hut.

We both walked into the forest. The sound of crickets could be heard faintly, if we do not speak ,only flaura and fauna breaking the silence. Hut not too far, just need to cross a shallow river.

"Jaimala, who is the God Stone? Since we at the library I wanted to know. "

"Oh, God Stone was just a myth from our ancestors. The story told almost half of the city destroyed them in past. No sword that can break their body ,even scratched them. They are made of steel stone Golem. It is believed Golem was the most hard rock in world and still can not be broken even  with 1000 Engkidu power. "

"Wow, so great. I don’t know there were such mythos like this story."I smiled.

"Yes, Golem stone also have magic power of their own. For example, Stone Gods can kill the enemy although their enemy armored as hard as three layers defence. According from what I read, their attack power depends on enemy defence.It just like who use the stone their attack ignoring enemies defence Thus, Frontier of the Great Siege fight the with just ordinary clothes only. "

"I still will wonder how they can survive with such a terrible attack in long time. How the war ended? "

"The God Stone seem like invisible, with such a big size and tall they just look impossible to be defeated. But, there were rule about .Stone Gods have their own limits to be in our world. Due to their natural creatures, they only lasted 15 minutes in our nature. They invade  once a month. The story still mystery and still in conversation among expert historian, since no details of the story. "

"Strange, how R.Eriole build the weapon from  Stone Gods whereas only God Stone only lasted 15 minutes in the world?"

"This is just my personal impression . Maybe R.Eriole focused attack on only one God and they collected Golem stone as much as possible from it. With an efficiency of 100 Dwarf, they produce a magical weapon within time limit. Perhaps, R.Eriole against them with Golem weapon.Golem only can be crushed by the material itself. "

At that time, our conversations became more frantic. I feel like to know more about the greatness of that weapon. Who knows, soon I could see that wand. Just see it even enough for me. An arsenal of thousands of years and is well-respected from enemy, no matter if I can say once who got the weapon can certainly master over this world.

Our lively conversation stopped momentarily when an explosion  heard from outside the forest. We quickly turned around.

"Dani, the explotion ..it is from our academy?" Jaimala right to point fingers towards eruption.

"Our country was attacked again?" This is the first time the city was attacked from within. Usually the war only going on outside of the city. Perhaps this is not normal attacks.

Without thinking I ran fast towards eruption. Jamaila hold me tight to stop me.

"Patience Dani, do not act rushed. We can die. I have an idea.Just follow me up. "

I have always believed in Jaimala. His strategy greatly I admired. He took a stick and make a round circle shape on the ground. A little powder sprinkled on it and he poured a glass of water. He read some spell which I  never heard that mantra. The light began to shine from the circle , it seems there source of light from it. Jaimala draw me into the light. And a moment later ..

This place .. "I am unspeakable.

"Yes, this is the stor library. I use telepathy spell, connect one place to another. "

We just did hanging around in this stor today in the morning. However, the situation is very excessive. How could such place become like this. The stor wall completely destroyed,it must some  terrible power hit it. The books that we set up earlier also destroyed and also some of them burned. There is a pile of bricks that cover the book cupboard.

"Dani! Just look at the crack of stone behind you. "Jamaila shouted.

I've been looking toward the direction indicated by Jamaila. I was surprised, there are entire body seems buried down in the heap. I think I know that suit.

"That's probably from our elite squad soldiers ." I go help that soldier.

I raised him, no blood flows out of his helmet. I open helmet with caution so as not to hit the wound. My eyes opened wide.

"Dani, this is not of our squad. And she is girl.. "

"I think I know her. I saw her face once when teachers were teaching us at academy.She  is Princess Emilia. Princess from Kingdom Of Faith .. "

What is she doing here?

***

Prologue(English)

Prologue

Great Siege once known well as greatest Empire about  5000 years ago. The city inhabited by  thousands of people from various type of race. This era, all type of race live harmony and tolerance between each other. The city inhabit by five different of race. The best race renowned as human. Having a simple body figure .There are male and female for this kind of race.They need each other to keep up next genereation. From born, Human boy honed their talents to use a sword. Thus, the man became one of the best frontier with their dexterity sword play. The other, smaller bodies they are called the elves. Have longer ear lobes if compared to humans. Not too much information about them  due to their passive habit.

Futhermore, their prowess in the field of archery with bow greatly admired.From what told,they can shoot their arrow 300meter far. There is also the citizen who live with nomadic way of life. Prefer to live by the river and fish as their source. They called Engkidu and Lapin. Two race who live with tolerance of one another despite different ancestry. Engkidu with his strong muscles and large in size while Lapin very small compared with Engkidu, they only just knee high.

Dwarf is the people who are good at forging weapons. No matter what type weapon to forge as long it it from good material. Very fond to fruit, especially apple, spend a minimum of 50 apples a day and resulted in the distended stomach.

More advanced and modern city as a result from improving economic conditions. The communities live in harmony and this makethe town as the holy city. Children happily play without having to think about dangerous. They live peacefully because only a small amount of tax charged. However, people become increasingly strong and appointed leaders from among of them. The power of  of the swordplay is unparalleled by other races.

Until they are form into the three major powers led by the three kings. The kings which all humans and each of them  had tens of thousands of army under their command. Seize the throne and want to rule the world. They not argue each other and always seeking for fight. Finally war arrived between three of them. During 70 years in era of warfare, finally Great Siege divided into three regions. First, Town Of Freedom, a port that want freedom. Second, Kingdom Of Faith who are fighting for the God and Empire Of Rule dealers who want calyx.

Each fight for the mankind, but because of their egos and arrogant,they actually absolutely reins of government. The world is no longer safe and topsy turvy. Many died, the children who used to play carefree no longer know what fun being children. Living in cramped and full of fear. sake only-if the. Now, Kingdom monopolize power of all battle ,this because 60% of the people there are Human race. Two other royal country excessive but still able to stand fighting with new weapons made from day to day .

Day after day, the war becomes more and more serious. For the sake of becoming stronger, they all reinforced witchcraft. The women are already beginning to follow her husband to war, although only helps in treating affairs, the little Lapin size also join the war and play their role as a spy to obtain information about the enemy. The Engkidu also honed their skin became thicker and protect their city with a thick defense. Dwarf does not stop with the renewal of a weapon for reinforcements for soldiers. The war continue like there are no end point for them. ~

Cheritera1: Kebangkitan Mitos

Cheritera 1

“Suatu hari nanti, kita pasti akan berjumpa lagi. Aku harap kau tidak akan pernah lupakan aku. Sahabat.” Masih  terngiang-ngiang dikepalaku kata-kata itu. Suatu kata yang amat bermakna buatku. Aku mengagahkan diri untuk ke bilik air meskipun badan masih lemah dan tidak berdaya kerana keletihan berkerja kelmarin.

“Tup, tup, tup.” Pintu rumah diketuk dan ada suara memanggil dari luar.

Aku dengan lemah gemalai membuka pintu.

“Wei, kau kata mahu teman cikgu kita mencuci perpustakaan hari ini.” Seorang lelaki lampai dan kurus menyapaku. Dialah Jaimala, pelajar pintar dari kelas pertama yang sangat rapat denganku. Meskipun mulut murai, namun dialah yang banyak membantuku dalam pelajaran. Kami bersahabat semenjak dibangku sekolah lagi, telinganya lebih cuping dariku dan itu memang lumrah kerana kami berbeza kaum. Ketinggian kami hampir sama dan bagi kaumnya dia agak tinggi kerana secara umumnya kaumnya lebih rendah dari kaum manusia.

Aku berketurunan manusia, keluargaku biasa-biasa sahaja bukan dari golongan atasan. Cuma peniaga kecil-kecilan. Namaku Danial, tidak ada apa yang istimewa bagiku. Malahan aku ini banyak kelemahan jika dibandingkan teman sekaumku. Masing-masing dapat menguasai kemahiran berpedang dengan bagus. Aku pula, memegang pedang juga kekok. Kerana selalu diketepikan oleh rakan-rakan sekelasku, aku selalu menyendiri di hutan sebelah. Sebuah pondok lama dibina disitu, kata ayah ianya milik pakcikku 10 tahun yang lalu. Jadi, aku selalu bermain disitu.

Aku tidak dapat fokus dalam pelajaran atas kekuranganku, disitulah Jaimal muncul dan menghulurkan bantuan padaku. Atas nasihat daripadanya aku bertukar aliran kelas dan kini aku mula berjinak-jinak dalam dunia sihir. Walaupun sihir tidaklah sehebat berpedang tapi ia lebih mudah difahamiku. Aku hanya belajar sihir untuk membuat ubat-ubatan, berbeza dengan Jaimala yang lebih arif dalam dunia sihir. Dia juga sama sepertiku, kerana kekok untuk untuk memegang busur panah dia diketepikan. Meskipun begitu, pilihannya untuk belajar sihir adalah satu pilihan yang tepat. Kini lebih 200 mantera dikuasainya dengan cekap, termasuklah sihir untuk berperang.

Sihir berperang digunakan ketika berperang kerana sihir tersebut boleh mendatangkan kecederaan yang serius pada mangsanya. Namun ianya memerlukan latihan yang gigih dan sukar untuk dipelajarinya. Ahli sihir tertinggi juga hanya ada 20 di sini.

“Cepat bersiap, aku tunggu kamu diluar sahaja.”

“Iyalah, sebentar”

Aku hanya bersekolah di akademi biasa-biasa sahaja lantaran keluargaku yang berpendapatan sedikit . Jaimal yang kaya menolak tawaran bapanya untuk menuntut di akademi yang lebih bagus kerana ingin bersamaku. Akademi terbagus disini ialah Akademi Rowborn. Terletak di utara bandar, hanya yang kaya sahaja mampu membiaya. Katanya akademi tersebut dipelopori oleh penuntut wanita. Dikatakan, pasukan skuad elit dalam peperangan lepas dapat menumpaskan hampir separuh tentera Kingdom dan mereka adalah skuad yang terdiri daripada gadis akademi tersebut. Aku yang mendengar sahaja malu dengan kelemahanku.

Untuk ke perpustakaan kami perlu melepasi 3 anak tangga. Perpustakaan tidak jauh dari bilik darjahku, kerana itulah aku dan Jaimala selalu ke sini untuk membaca buku. Jaimala membuka tombol pintu. Dari sudut aku dapat melihat seorang lelaki bersusuk besar sedang menyusun almari, dia dari kaum Engkidu. Peramah orangnya, tetapi bukan dia yang kami cari.

“Hello my dear students.”  Seorang wanita muda menyapa kami.

“Hello Puan Loi.” Jawab kami serentak.

Wanita muda ini bertanggungjawab menguruskan stor perpustakaan. Oleh kerana  kekurangan kakitangan dia melantik kami berdua sebagai pembantu peribadinya. Sebagai balasannya, Puan Loi akan memberi kami pinjam buku dari perpustakaan ini. Tidak semua pelajar dibenarkan untuk meminjam, hanya tertentu sahaja.

“Apa yang puan mahu kami buat hari ini?” Jamaica bertanya.

“Hari ini saya mahu kamu tolong saya susun atur kembali buku-buku di dalam stor. Pastikan buku-buku yang lama dibuang kerana stok baru akan sampai dua hari lagi”

Kami hanya menurut, kaki kami melangkah ke pintu stor yang terletak di belakang. Sejurus membuka pintu, habuk menusuk hidungku. Aku bersin seketika kerana alah kepada habuk.

“Berapa lama stor ini tidak diurus Jai?” Tanyaku.

“Mana aku tahu, baru tahun ini kita dilantik oleh Puan Loi.”  Jaimala membaca satu mantera lantas obor-obor api di dinding menyala dengan sendiri menyuluh stor yang gelap.

“Wah, nanti ajarkan aku mantera itu ya. Hahaha”

“Buku pelajaran kita kan sudah ada, saja mahu menyindir aku kamu ini”

Aku tertawa kecil.

Kami mula mengangkat buku-buku lama dan dikumpulkan di penjuru stor. Tidak lama kemudian, Puan Loi turut serta mengagihkan buku-buku lama di dalam stor bersama kami.  Satu demi satu buku usang dibelek dengan penuh teliti agar tiada buku yang tercicir. Tiba-tiba Jaimala menegurku.

“Dani, aku jumpa buku yang menarik!”

“Kau ini, setiap buku yang kau tunjukkan tak ada satu pun menarik. Hanyalah buku-buku mantera untuk pikat perempuan.” Aku tidak mengendahkannya.

“Ini serius Dani, cuba kau tengok.”

Aku menoleh kearahnya sebentar. Sebuah buku coklat usang ditunjukkan padaku. Jaimala membelek dan menunjukkan kandungan buku itu kepadaku. Tertera tajuknya yang berjudul ‘Tongkat Yang Hilang’.

“Ini buku cerita kanak-kanaklah Jai”

“Mana mungkin, kamu tengok tarikh buku ini ditulis. Ianya ditulis kira-kira 4000 tahun yang lalu.”

“Jadi?” Aku berkerut.

“Bilakah bandar kita mula-mula terbina?”

“Err… aku tidak pasti. Mungkin puluhan tahun yang lalu. Atau mungkin ratus tahun.” Aku tersenyum nipis.

“Itu bererti buku ini bukan buku dari zaman kita. Ianya dari zaman pemerintahan purba Great Siege!” Jaimal bertegas.

Aku mula tertarik dan mula menunjukkan reaksi positif. Kami berdua membaca penuh teliti.

Kelumpuhan Negara boleh berlaku

bila-bila masa sahaja,

Raja sudah uzur dan tidak lama

lagi usianya pasti berakhir juga,

Ini adalah utusan darinya,

Demi menjaga keharmonian

dan kesatuan,

Baginda telah mengamanahkan

datuk saya R.Eriole

untuk memastikan keamanan dapat dikekalkan.

Datuk saya kini menjadi

seorang raja,

tetapi tugasnya bukanlah mudah,

Banyak tentangan diterimanya,

Satu senjata mutlak dibinanya,

Senjata yang dibina daripada Dewa Batu,

Ditempa oleh 100 Dwarf tersohor,

Senjata ini amat dasyat,

Satu libasan mampu melumpuhkan 100 armada,

Satu libasan mampu memusnahkan satu kota,

hanya ‘dia’ sahaja tahu

menggunakannya.

Kini, setelah pemergiannya,

Senjata itu dijaga saya,

Senjata mutlak tidak dapat dihancurkan,

Kerana itu saya menguncinya.

Sekian, R.Erola

Aku hanya terpaku membaca. Jamaila membuka helaian seterusnya tetapi kandungannya berbeza.

“Hanya ini sahaja tentang tongkat itu?”

Aku mengeluh.

Mataku membaca sekali lagi. Ada sesuatu bermain difikiranku, tapi aku tidak tahu apa.

“Dani, kamu perasan sesuatu?”

“Perasan apa?”

“Perhatikan, surat ini ditulis oleh R.Erola. Pemimpin yang terulung dan merupakan ahli sihir pertama didunia. Dalam surat ini dikatakan satu libasan mampu menghancurkan kota. Sedia ada kita tahu, pedang tidak boleh menghancurkan kota. Ini membuktikan zaman ini telah membuktikan kuasa besar datangnya dari perbuatan sihir.”

Aku berkerut, masih belum jelas apa yang cuba disampaikan Jamaila.

“Maksud kamu?”

“Masih kamu ingat cerita purba  tentang pendeta menolong seorang raja pertahankan kota daripada ombak besar melanda dan seorang ahli pengembara selamatkan kota daripada serangan ribuan musang?”

“Ya! Aku sangat suka cerita itu!”

“Aku merasa bahawa itu bukan cerita semata-mata, kerana menurutku jarak antara dua cerita ini sekitar 700 tahun. Ada juga sebuah kisah tentang seorang sami menolong raja menghancurkan sebuah gunung demi pengaliran air kepada rakyat.”

“Jadi! Maksud kamu.. Pendeta, sami dan pengembara adalah orang yang sama?” Aku mencelah.

“Mengikut sejarah, Raja Kelima Great Siege iaitu Raja R.Erola juga telah hilang sebelum tampuk pemerintahannya diambil oleh raja baru sebelum bermula perpecahan Negara. Aku rasa, ada sesuatu yang tidak kena fasal kehilangan R.Erola dan kemunculan pemuda yang menolong raja. Kenapa pemuda itu tiada cerita mendalam tentangnya, padahal dia telah menolong perkara yang Raja tidak mampu buat.”

“Okey semua, saya dah siap susun buku lama. Buku-buku yang kamu kumpulkan itu tinggalkan sahaja. Nanti  pekerja akan buangkan.” Puan Loi mencelah masuk dan telah membuatkan kami terkejut.

Aku melihat Jamaila masih berfikir.

“Puan, boleh kami mengambil buku ini? Kami ingin membaca kandungannya dengan lebih lanjut.”

“Ya, boleh saja. Lagipun ianya sudah lama.”

Aku dan Jamaila tersenyum.

***

“Ini tidak boleh jadi! Kita harus bertindak segera!” Raja Chil bertegas.

“Maaf tuanku, tapi ramai tentera telah tercedera hasil peperangan lepas. Mereka masih dalam rawatan. Kalau dipaksa, ianya hanya akan mendatangkan kerugian.” Andrew menjawab. Dia adalah seorang menteri  tertinggi di Town Of Freedom.

“Kalau begitu, kerahkan skuad elit kita!”

“Kenapa perlu kerahkan sekarang? Benteng terakhir kita hanyalah bergantung pada skuad elit kita. Jika mereke kalah dalam pertempuran, ini adalah pengakhiran untuk Negara kita Tuanku.”

“Jadi, apa yang Beta boleh buat dalam keadaan sekarang ini? Hanya itu jalannya. Jika tidak, negara  kita akan dijajah.” Raja Chil berkeras. Seorang raja muda yang amat disegani oleh rakyat dan pemimpin.

“Baiklah, akan patik aturkan semuanya Tuanku. Patik  akan menghantar beberapa penuntut sihir dari 5 buah akademi sebagai pembantu rawatan.”

“Buatlah apa sekalipun, Beta tidak mahu rakyat terseksa.”

***

Mereka masih bersahaja dan tenang meskipun mereka tahu, bila-bila masa sahaja mereka akan berperang. Itulah skuad elit dari Akademi Rowborn. Walaupun mereka adalah perempuan, semangat kental mengalahkan kaum lelaki. Skuad elit terdiri daripada 150 orang, mereka dibekalkan dengan senjata yang sangat canggih. Skuad ini terbahagi kepada 4 kumpulan. Kumpula A yang terdiri daripada kaum manusia yang akan bertempur jarak dekat. Kumpulan B pula terdiri daripada kaum bunian, arif dan pakar dalam tempur jarak jauh dengan busur panah api. Kumpulan C daripada kaum Engkidu sebagai benteng pertahanan. Kumpulan D daripada kaum Lapin, mereka akan melaporkan status terkini situasi peperangan.

“Azur, kau mahu makan dimana hari ini?”

“Aku rasa mahu makan di bilik sahaja hari ini. Panas makan di tingkat bawah”

Azur yang berpakaian blaus biru menaiki tangga bersama rakannya. Merupakan ketua Kumpulan A dan sudah banyak pengalaman dialaminya. Sejak kecil lagi, dia amat jaga penampilannya dan membesar menjadi seorang gadis yang jelita. Namun, kerana peperangan 3 tahun lepas telah mengorbankan ibu dan ayahnya. Kini dia hanya memiliki seorang abang sebagai peneman hidupnya. Dengan harta yang ditinggalkan bapa kepadanya, dia menceburi dalam bidang peperangan. Semangat kental ingin menuntut bela pada keluarganyalah yang membawanya sekarang ini.

“Ting, ting,ting!” Loceng amaran berbunyi.

“Nampaknya kita tidak dapat makan dimana-mana hari ini.” Azur tersenyum.

Semua skuad berkumpul di dataran, Menteri Andrew memberi ucapan.

“Selamat sejahtera, atas arahan baginda Raja Chil, baginda mengarahkan agar skuad elit dikerahkan segera untuk bertempur dengan Kingdom Of Faith yang menyerang Negara kita secara mengejut! Mengikut maklumat risikan, mereka kini berada 40Km daripada pintu gerbang. Harap semua bersedia!”

“Demi kesejahteraan Negara!” Menteri Andrew melaung kata semangat.

“Nampaknya ini bukan perang yang biasa.” Azur berbisik pada rakannya.

“Ya, kita dibekalkan jururawat khas hari ini. Sudah pasti kita tidak boleh kalah hari ini.” Rakannya menjawab.

“Ayuh bersiap.” Azur menuju bilik peribadinya. Di dalam terdapat seseorang sedang menguruskan kelengkapannya.

“Selamat berkenalan, saya Azur. Harap kita dapat berkomunikasi dengan baik dalam situasi genting nanti.” Azur menghulur untuk berjabat tangan.

“Ya, selamat berkenalan juga. Saya Ami. Jururawat peribadi kamu.”

Azur mengenakan pakaian suit hitam dan juga mantel merah. Setiap ketua skuad akan memakai mantel sebagai lambang pejuang terulung Negara. Pisau kecil diselitkan di stokinnya. Pedangnya dihunus ke depan dan didekatkan pada mukanya. Ditilik mukanya pada pedang yang berkilat itu.

“Ayah, mak. Azur akan berperang hari ini, Azur akan tuntut bela.Azur janji!” Air mata menitis membasahi pedangnya.

Ami menepuk lembut bahunya. “Kakak usahla risau, saya doakan kak berjaya.”

Azur tersenyum.

Mereka menunggang kuda hitam yang dilatih khas untuk berperang. Ami mengikut dari belakang dengan kuda putih. Kuda putih pula dilatih khas agar lebih tangkas dalam situasi genting. 150 kuda elit meluru ke hadapan dengan laju, mereka bagaikan sudah bersedia dengan apa jua yang akan menimpa mereka. Kira-kira 1000 ekor kuda mengekori mereka dari belakang yang terdiri daripada skuad jururawat dan tentera tambahan.

“Aku tidak akan kalah hari ini! Tidak sama sekali!”

Penduduk kota menunduk hormat ketika tentera-tentera  berlalu menuju ke pintu gerbang. Semua tentera akan mengelilingi kota terlebih dahulu sebagai adat penghormatan sebelum berperang.

Semua tentera sudah siap menuju keluar bandar. Kelibat musuh sudah samar-samar di penglihatan. Skuad pemanah akan melancarkan busur api terlebih dahulu sebagai permulaan. Diikuti skuad Engkidu yang berkulit tebal sebagai pertahanan. Skuad manusia hanya menunggu untuk bertindak.

Menteri tertinggi Andrew hanya memerhati dari tingkat atas istana. Raja Chil juga turut bersama, baginda menaruh harapan tinggi pada skuad elit. Itulah harapan terakhir Negara.

“Berapa anggaran pihak musuh kita kali ini?” Raja Chil bersuara.

“Mengikut risikan, serangan kali ini sekitar 800 orang. Kerana mereka juga ramai yang tercedera dalam peperangan yang lepas.”

“Oh..kalau begitu..”

“Tidak!!” Andrew dalam keadaan terketar-ketar menundukkan kepala. Perasaan ketakutan melanda, satu tubuh badannya menggigil. Seolah-olah ada harimau ingin membahamnya.

“Kenapa Andrew? Ceritakan pada Beta!” Raja Chil berdiri.

“Risikan kita salah Tuanku. Kali ini Kingdom membawa 3000 tentera!”

Raja Chil tidak terkata, hanya tergamam sebentar. Matanya tajam melihat medan peperangan seolah-olah dia nampak segalanya. Tangannya menggenggam erat sehingga darah mengalir keluar.

“Apa yang kamu fikirkan Raja Djin! Adakah Kingdom Of Faith begitu sekali mahu hancurkan negara beta.” Raja Chil bersuara kecil. Dia berpaling, dan menurun tangga.

“Tuanku?”

“Andrew, siapkan kelengkapan perang beta. Sediakan tongkat sihir beta. Arahkan 20 ahli sihir tertinggi berkumpul di depan istana. Kali ini beta sendiri akan hancurkan mereka dengan satu libasan!”

“Tuanku ?”

***

“Tiada tempat lainkah mahu kita pergi Dani? Sepanjang kita berkawan, hampir setiap hari kita habiskan masa di pondok pakcik kamu ini.” Jaimala mengeluh.

“Hahaha, sini tempat paling bagus dan udaranya nyaman. Dari atas pondok kita dapat melihat bandar dengan jelas.” Aku memujuknya. Sebenarnya dialah yang selalu memujukku untuk bersantai di pondok.

Kami berdua melangkah masuk kedalam hutan. Bunyi cengkerik sayup kedengaran, kalau kami tidak bersuara hanya flaura dan fauna memecah kesunyian. Pondok tidaklah terlalu jauh, hanya perlu menyeberang sebatang sungai yang cetek.

“Jaimala, siapa dewa batu? Daripada tadi lagi aku mahu bertanya.”

“Oh, Dewa Batu merupakan satu mitos nenek moyang kita. Dikatakan hampir separuh bandar besar dihancurkan mereka. Tiada pedang yang dapat mencederakan mereka malah badan tidak tercalar sedikitpun. Mereka diperbuat daripada batu keluli Golem. Ianya dipercayai batu paling keras dan masih tidak dapat dipecahkan walau 1000 kuasa Engkidu.”

“Wah, begitu hebat. Tidak sangka ada mitos sebegini.” Aku tersenyum.

“Ya, Golem juga ada kuasa sakti mereka tersendiri. Misalnya, Dewa Batu dapat membunuh musuhnya dengan senang walaupun musuh itu berperisai tiga lapis. Menurut buku yang aku baca, kuasa mereka meningkat jika perisai pihak musuh bertambah. Oleh itu, tentera Great Siege berperang hanya baju biasa sahaja.”

“Saya masih musykil, bagaimana mereka dapat bertahan dengan serangan yang begitu dasyat dalam jangka masa yang lama. Bagaimana peperangan itu berakhir?”

“Benar kata kamu, Dewa Batu yang setinggi pohon kelapa dan kuat itu sepertinya mustahil untuk ditentang. Tetapi, Dewa Batu ada hadnya tersendiri untuk berada di dunia kita. Oleh kerana mereka makhluk alam lain, mereka hanya mampu bertahan 15 minit di alam kita. Setiap serangan akan dilakukan sebulan sekali. Cerita selanjutnya masih menjadi perbualan pakar sejarawan, kerana tiada perincian kisah tersebut.”

“Aneh, bagaimana R.Eriole dapat membina senjata yang begitu dasyat walhal Dewa Batu hanya bertahan 15 minit di dunia?”

“Ini hanya tanggapan aku sahaja. Mungkin R.Eriole menumpukan serangan hanya pada satu Dewa Batu dan cuba mengambil sebanyak mungkin Golem daripadanya. Dengan kecekapan 100 Dwarf, mereka menghasilkan satu senjata magis. Mungkin juga, R.Eriole menentang mereka dengan senjata itu juga.Golem hanya dapat dihancurkan dengan bahannya sendiri.”

Ketika itu, perbualan kami menjadi semakin rancak. Aku merasa ingin tahu lebih lagi kehebatan senjata itu. Siapa tahu, kelak aku dapat melihat senjata itu. Melihat sahaja sudah cukup untukku. Satu senjata ribuan tahun lalu dan amat disegani musuh, tidak kisahlah jika aku kata siapa yang dapat senjata itu pasti dapat kuasai dunia.

Perbualan rancak kami terhenti seketika apabila satu letupan kedengaran dari luar hutan. Kami cepat-cepat menoleh.

“Dani, itukan.. akademi kita?” Jaimala menunding jari tepat kearah letusan itu.

“Negara kita diserang lagikah?” Sungguh, inilah kali pertama kota diserang dari dalam. Biasanya peperangan hanya berlaku luar dari bandar. Mungkin ini bukan serangan biasa.

Tanpa berfikir aku meluru laju kearah letusan. Jaimala berpaut erat leherku.

“Sabar Dani, kita tidak boleh bertindak melulu. Kita boleh mati. Aku ada akal.”

Aku sentiasa percaya pada Jaimala. Strateginya amatlah dikagumi. Sebatang kayu diambilnya dan sebuah bulatan bulat dilakarnya. Sedikit debu ditabur diatasnya dan dia mencurah segelas air. Beberapa mentera dibacanya, aku sendiri tidak pernah dengar mantera itu. Cahaya mula bersinar daripada bulatan itu seolah-olah ada sumber cahaya dari dalamnya. Jaiamala menarikku ke cahaya tersebut. Dan seketika kemudian..

“Tempat ini..” Aku terlopong.

“Ya, ini dalam stor perpustakaan. Aku menggunakan mantera telepati, menghubungkan satu tempat ke tempat yang lain.”

Benar ini adalah stor yang baru sahaja kami lewati pagi tadi. Tetapi, keadaanya amat teruk skali. Batu dinding pecah sana sini bagaikan baru sahaja dirobohkan oleh satu kuasa yang dasyat. Buku-buku uzur yang kami susun tadi berselerak dan ada diantaranya telah hangus terbakar. Ada timbunan batu-bata yang menutupi almari buku.

“Dani! Tengok di celah serpihan batu belakang kamu.” Jamaila berteriak.

Aku mencari-cari arah yang ditunjukkan Jamaila. Aku terkejut, ada sekujur badan sepertinya tertimbus di dalam timbunan batu. Sepertinya aku kenal baju itu.

“Itu mungkin tentera dari skuad elit kita!” Aku bertegas sambil mendapatkan mangsa itu.

Aku mengangkatnya, ada darah mengalir keluar daripada helmetnya. Aku membuka helmet dengan penuh berhati-hati agar tidak terkena lukanya. Mataku terbeliak.

“Dani, ini bukan daripada skuad kita. Dia..”

“Ya, aku tahu. Aku pernah melihat mukanya sekali ketika cikgu mengajar dalam akademi.Dia ialah Puteri Emilia. Puteri dari kerajaan Kingdom Of Faith..”

Apa yang dia buat disini? Kenapa berpakaian skuad elit Negara ini.

***

Prologue

Prologue

Great Siege adalah merupakan satu bandar yang tersohor kira-kira 5000 tahun yang lalu. Bandar yang didiami ratusan ribu rakyat yang terdiri daripada pelbagai jenis kaum. Era ini,wujudnya pelbagai kaum yang hidup harmoni dan bertoleransi antara satu sama lain. Lima jenis kaum semuanya.  Kaum yang termasyur dipanggil golongan manusia. Memiliki sosok tubuh paras sederhana dan juga terdiri daripada dua jantina yang berbeza. Saling memerlukan antara satu sama lain demi meneruskan kemandirian generasi seterusnya. Setahun jagung lagi, anak-anak lelaki manusia diasah bakat mereka untuk menggunakan pedang. Hal ini, manusia menjadi satu kaum yang digeruni dengan ketangkasan mereka bermain pedang. Kaum lain yang lebih kecil badan mereka dipanggil kaum bunian. Memiliki cuping telinga yang lebih panjang jika mahu dibandinkan dengan manusia. Tidak banyak ciri-ciri mereka yang diketahui oleh kerana sifat mereka yangpendiam.

Meskipun begitu,kehebatan mereka dalam bidang memanah busur amatlah dikagumi. Masakan tidak, buruan 300 meter jauhnya masih tepat dan jitu panahan mereka. Ada juga kaum di bandar tersebut yang nomad cara kehidupan mereka. Lebih suka tinggal di tepi sungai dan ikan sebagai sumber mereka. Mereka digelar Engkidu dan Lapin. Dua kaum ini hidup penuh toleransi antara satu sama lain meskipun berbeda keturunan. Engkidu yang kuat ototnya dan besar saiznya manakala Lapin amat kecil jika mahu dibandingkan dengan Engkidu, hanya paras lutut tinggi mereka.

Dwarf merupakan kaum yang pandai menempa senjata. Tidak kira apa jenis sekalipun asalkan bahan untuk menempa berkualiti. Sangat gemar akan buah-buahan terutamanya Epal, menghabiskan minimum 50 biji epal sehari dan mengakibatkan buncit di perut.

Bandar semakin maju dan moden hasil dari peningkatan ekonomi. Keharmonian antara semua kaum menjadikan bandar ini bandar yang suci daripada darah. Kanak-kanak bahagia bermain tanpa perlu memikirkan soal keselamatan. Mereka yang berniaga juga dapat memungut hasil perniagaan yang lumayan setiap hari kerana hanya sedikit sahaja cukai yang dikenakan. Akan tetapi, manusia semakin hari semakin kuat dan pemimpin dilantik daripada kalangan mereka. Kehebatan menghayun pedang tidak ada tandingannya dengan kaum lain.

Sehinggalah muncul tiga kuasa besar yang dipimpin oleh tiga raja. Semuanya berketurunan manusia dan memiliki puluhan ribuan askar dari semua kaum. Merebut satu takhta dan ingin memerintah dunia. Sifat hasad dengki antara mereka semakin hari semakin mendalam. Akhirnya masing-masing mengisytiharkan perang. Selama 70 tahun lamanya dalam era peperangan, akhirnya Great Siege terpecah kepada tiga kawasan. Pertama, Town Of Freedom suatu bandar yang menginginkan kebebasan. Kedua, Kingdom Of Faith bandar yang memperjuangkan Ketuhanan dan yang terakhir Empire Of Rule bandar yang mahukan tampuk pemerintahan.

Masing-masing memperjuangkan nilai-nilai yang murni, tetapi kerana ego dan sombong mereka sebenarnya menginginkan tampuk pemerintahan yang mutlak. Dunia tidak lagi aman dan kucar kacir. Ramai yang terkorban, anak-anak yang dahulunya riang bermain tidak lagi mengenal apa itu dunia. Hidup dalam kesempitan dan penuh ketakutan. Bila-bila sahaja kerajaan mereka akan diserang. Kini, Kingdom memonopoli kekuatan peperangan kerana 60% rakyat mereka adalah manusia. Dua kerajaan yang lain diasak teruk tetapi masih mampu berdiri utuh dengan pemabaharuan senjata dari semasa ke semasa.

Hari demi hari, peperangan menjadi semakin serius. Demi menjadi lebih kuat, ilmu sihir diperkuatkan. Kaum wanita sudah mula mengikuti suami berperang walaupun hanya membantu dalam urusan merawat, kaum Lapin yang kecil saiz mereka berperanan sebagai mata-mata untuk memperoleh maklumat musuh. Kaum Engkidu pula diasah kulit mereka menjadi tebal dan melindung kerajaan dengan pertahanan mereka yang tebal. Dwarf tidak berhenti dengan pembaharuan senjata untuk bala tentera. Peperangan berlanjutan dan seperti tiada penghujungnya. ~