ASTAKONA [COURSE EIGHT]
Chapter 1

Zack sat pensively, watching his father's goats grazing in the field. Today, it is his turn to herd goats from morning to evening.

"Huh..." His long grievance sounded in the wind. He plucked the grass with a wave of his hand, threw it into the air, and then let it fall to the ground like a swirling dry leaf.

Tired of crawling Zack's heart because his job is only limited to watching the goats move. He threw his body in the middle of the meadow, then crossed his hands behind his head as a soft pillow. The thick but short grass felt comfortable like a mattress, and Zack felt like falling asleep.

It could be up to dusk, especially with white clouds in the blue sky that block sunlight and gentle wind gusts on the hilly plains. For a moment, Zack glanced left and right, making sure no one saw him. He smiled mischievously.

"Any heavy rain challenges him, a break for a while will probably bring disaster?" said Zack with a joke.

However, as soon as his eyes were almost closed to sleep, suddenly a torrent of water sprayed him until his face was drenched.

"Well!" Zack was surprised to rise from the fall. His breathing was wheezing, and his heartbeat was racing. He looked up at the sky, realizing that his clothes were now soaking wet. There is no rain.

His hand touched his face to wipe away the dripping water, but he almost choked when the rain came into his nose.

"Huge rain came with his style, but when disaster came, no one could run from him," suddenly a greeting sounded.

Zack immediately turned his head towards the voice, and his eyes rounded in shock.

In front of him stood Hushion, Zack's brother, who suddenly appeared. Hushion sat in a hoeing position, smiling sweetly at Zack.

"Oh my sister, it's so nice that you enjoy the rain. Don't forget to bring the goats to the cage when it rains" Hushion said kindly. A sweet smile glimpsed.

"Hushionis?" Zack said confusedly.

However, his confusion immediately turned into a flushed rage, as if his brain was about to explode.

Hushion smiled looking at his sister who was starting to turn into an emotional giant.

"Good morning! Haha. It was funny how your face was shocked. Like a monkey got a cuff."

"Good morning you said?! A hushion! Arghh. If you want to wake me up, there's no need to splash water like that. Can you wake someone up without having to water them? What if I die? How's it?"

Zack's anger radiated as he crossed his hands across his chest and his mouth rambled.

"Uish, my sister's badass. Will not die just because of a drop of two."

Zack let go of his cross hands and quickly grasped Hushion's clothes, immediately grabbed the neck of his brother's clothes.

"Double two? It's not a drop of two. It's like a bucket full of water! You always act without thinking first" said Zack.

Hushion raised his forehead and turned his head in the other direction. He was confused and finally admitted his mistake.

"Sorry, Zack."

Hushion got an idea and held his sister's shoulders.

"Eh, how about you come with me? I found an interesting place for you to see. Will you come?" About Hushion, trying to shift the subject.

"Isa. You know I'm angry, right? Suddenly you asked me. Not want!" Zack refused firmly.

Hushion makes an expression of sympathy and Zack gets caught up in the game of trickery.

Zack let go of Hushion and sat cross-legged in front of his brother. Hushion changed his position and sat down like his sister.

"Hmph! What place was so interesting that you came to take me?" ask Zack.

"My week," replied Hushion.

"My Ningku Week? Oh, so far away and so interesting is your place of choice" Zack sneered, when in fact my Ningku Week was close to their home.

"What's interesting there? You always go there. Why would you want to take me now?" ask Zack.

"Don't want to go. Where can I go there. You forget the people there don't like people like me?" Zack.

Zack states so because he is a Tias, which means he was born without an astakona. Astakona is a magical power or power that gives special advantages to each individual. Almost everyone is born with astakona, but Zack is one of the rare exceptions.

Due to his unique status as a Tias, Zack often feels different and unable to blend in with others who have astakona. He often feels isolated and ignored, because most people do not understand the condition.

"Haa... That's what you'd mistakenly think. People there are more open. Not like before. They don't bother with things like that anymore" Hushion said.

Zack considered Hushion's words solemnly. Though doubts remained in his heart, Hushion's sincere smile gave him a hint of calm. He looked at his flock and thought of his goats that had just grabbed the grass. If he took her to the stable, her goats would not be full.

Hushion kept saying.

"I understand your concern, Zack. I know how valuable these goats are to you. You have been taking good care of them all this time. However, you also need to understand that once in a while, you also need to take time for yourself and explore new things" Hushion said carefully.

Zack pondered for a moment. "You're right, Hushion. I may be too focused on these goats and forget to live the adventure of life. If you have any way for this herd of goats to remain here, then I will try to go to my Ningku Week with you."

Hushion smiled happily, "That's it, my sister! I promise to look after your goats as best I can. We'll have an unforgettable adventure together at my Ningku Week."

Zack nodded with a smile on his face, relieved by his decision. He knew that with Hushion, his goats would be in good care.

"So. What's solution?" About Zack.

"Aah~ Don't worry, Zack. Let me show you something amazing" Hushion said excitedly as he stood up.

"Flattering? What'sthat?" ask Zack with mounting curiosity.

"You see, Zack. I will make a fence to protect this herd of goats" Hushion said with confidence.

"Fence? You're totally nuts. Can you do it?" Zack could not hide the doubt on his face.

Hushion only smiled mysteriously. "Come, look at this!"

Hushion stood upright, focused on looking at the area where the herd of goats moved. He calculated the approximate area of land that wants to be used as a fence. Then with a gesture full of elegance, he raised both his hands up and opened his palm.

Suddenly, a dazzling blue and white light enveloped the two. A strong wind blew carrying white mist and snow, surrounding the goats. The air that was hot instantly turned cold and comfortable.

The ice began to form a beautiful fence around the herd of goats, keeping them in place neatly and safely. At a glance, the ice fence was finished, as if a magical dance from the power of Astakona Hushion.

Zack was silent, fascinated by what had just happened. He was amazed and amazed.

Hushion waved his hand in front of Zack's face. However, Zack did not give any reaction. 'What's wrong with him?'

"Hey, Zack. Are you all right? Do you feel pain?"

"How can you make a fence like this? And why do the goats calm down when you make this fence? Either this is what you mean by 'fence'," asked Zack.

"Yes" replied Hushion with a smile.

"Gosh, you're amazing, Hushion. Usually you can only control water. Since when can you make ice? How high level of Astakona do you have?" Zack is getting excited.

Hushion laughed with satisfaction at Zack's amazed reaction. "My stakona? For a long time actually, it was just that I rarely showed this ability. I control the water element more often, but the ability to form ice is also part of my hidden Astakona power."

Zack was amazed to hear that. "But why haven't you ever shown me that ability?"

Hushion scratched his head, "You know, sometimes I feel afraid or anxious to show my Astakona uniqueness. I'm afraid people will find me strange or different. But seeing you astonished like this makes me feel more confident."

"Now I feel more special, because I have a brother who has such great abilities," Zack said proudly.

Hushion smiled proudly at his sister's response. "You're special, too, Zack. Everyone has their own uniqueness and advantages, including you as a Tias. Never feel inferior or afraid to show who you really are. Be proud of yourself for who you are."

The two of them stepped together, exploring Ningku Week with passion and happiness. Zack learns to appreciate Hushion more, and he is increasingly convinced that his brother is an extraordinary figure.