ASTAKONA [COURSE EIGHT]
Chapter 9

Zara stood by the lake, meeting the man who was carrying some food purchased from the market of Ningku. Upon seeing Zara, the man asked about the clothes he was wearing.

"Are you sure you can practice with clothes like that?" asked Bhai while biting an apple.

"But Uncle didn't say how to dress, and today we just want to talk, not practice" Zara replied.

"Today, too. But don't call me Uncle, it sounds so old. I'm young, just call me Bhai, so you get used to it" Bhai said.

"Alright, Bhai," Zara said with a smile.

"What a good boy," praised Bhai. "Now, pick the weapon you want." Said Bhai while throwing a bag of weapons on the ground.

Zara put her food on the side and approached the bag containing the weapon thrown by Bhai. Unlike before, this time the weapons in the bag were made of metal and original, not from wood like he had played with his friends before.

Among the various weapons, Zara's eyes were fixed on a small sword that accentuated the red gemstone in the center of the holder. The weapon looked so attractive, as if calling him to hold it. Zara decided to choose the sword.

"I chose this one" he said steadily.

Bhai looked surprised at his choice. "Hm. You serious? You know that sword belongs to Astakona Seij?" ask her seriously.

"Ga knows Bhai, but it feels like this sword has a special bond with me, different from other weapons" Zara replied.

Bhai laughed cheerfully, "Hahaha. Gee. You are so unique. Other students often avoided that sword. The sword is indeed cool and full of mystery, but take it easy, I will teach you how to use it properly."

Zara came again to the lake the next day, following Bhai's request to wear her pants and have her hair tied up. However, this time Bhai was surprised to see the change in Zara's appearance. Her beautiful red hair, which was once long and reached her waist, was now cut short to shoulder level, with the edges neatly tied.

"Kok you cut your hair?" ask Bhai wonder.

"More comfortable with this haircut. In addition, the hair is also healthier with a shorter length," Zara replied with a smile.

"Close to you, but you seem more cute with that long hair," Bhai said in a slightly joking tone.

Zara simply smiled hearing him, feeling pleased with the change in her new appearance. She felt confident with this new haircut, and felt that this would help her on her way forward.

Bhai and Zara return to training, but this time Bhai gives some special training to protect Zara during the battle. He taught Zara how to move her sword quickly and accurately.

Day after day passed, Zara continued to train diligently under Bhai's guidance. His fighting skills are increasing.

Not only became a teacher, Bhai also became a loyal friend to Zara. They laugh and talk a lot on the sidelines of their training. Whenever Zara felt exhausted or frustrated, Bhai was always by her side to provide encouragement and support.

As they train and spend time together, the bond between them grows stronger. Bhai provides not only physical training, but also mental and emotional training. Zara feels she has found someone who truly cares for her and trusts her, someone who is willing to help her grow and become the best of her.

After a long period of practice, Zara asked how to get out of her house. Bhai smiled, "After you train hard and are willing to come out, I will tell you what you have to do."

...

The next day, Zara comes again to train with Bhai, but this time, Bhai does not show up. Zara felt confused and a little worried, because usually Bhai always came on time. He waited patiently by the lake, hoping that Bhai would come soon.

"You who? Come outside!" zara said boldly.

Suddenly, five masked red Devils emerge from the bushes adjacent to the lake. Zara was very surprised to see their appearance. They released arrows from a distance away, but Zara efficiently managed to dodge them.

One of them breathed fire from his mouth mask, directing it towards Zara. With no other choice, Zara plunged into the lake to escape the fire. Luckily, he is good at swimming.

However, Zara suddenly felt pulled by something in the water and lifted into the air. Water bubbles surrounded him as he floated in the air. Apparently, he was being surrounded by magical power.

When he was back on land, five masked Devils approached him laughing wickedly. They started to scorn him and call him weak.

"So this is Tias? How could our chief be afraid of you? You're weak!" said the masked man of the black devil.

Zara felt angry and her blood boiled. Suddenly, the Astakona bracelet that Maria once gave her turned bright red. Unknowingly, flames shot out from his hands and burned the five masked men of Satan. However, they turned into small statues after being hit by the fire attack.

Suddenly, Bhai emerged from behind the tree by clapping his hands. He looked amazed at what Zara was doing.

"I thought you were Tias, but how could you possibly let out a fire like Astakona maroon?" ask Bhai.

"I don't know. All of a sudden this bracelet turns red and fire comes out of my hand" Zara replied.

"It looks like the bracelet is special to you. It might help you control Astakona better. But be careful, when using it, you could be mistaken for the Emerald Astakona and be the target of assassination." Bhai recalled.

Zara nodded in understanding. He feels surprised by the new strength he has, but also feels grateful for the Astakona bracelet that helped him.

Zara heaved a sigh of relief after the event at the lake earlier. His heart flowered because Bhai gave him praise for his fighting skills. However, inwardly, she was curious about the solution that Bhai had promised to help her get out of the house.

"Ouh, yeah like you're ready, anyway. I'm just a little disappointed in you for not using the weapon I gave you. But it's okay, you've managed to defeat my statues, that's enough. I was surprised to see you fall into the lake. I thought you would have trouble swimming" said Bhai.

Zara smiled, "Thank you, Bhai. I learned a lot from you."

"Then, what's your solution for me? I am still curious to this day about what you have promised since 2 months ago" asked Zara.

"the solution? Hmm, here's the letter. Take it and read it. Tonight, get your things ready and come out while your aunt sleeps. I'll pick you up at your house, and we'll go to the place shown in the letter" Bhai replied as he gave Zara a small letter.

Zara received the letter enthusiastically and read it carefully. In the letter, Bhai explains that they are going to a hidden place outside the city, where there is a special academy for the young Astakona rulers.

"Academy?!" zara was amazed.

"Yes, the academy belongs to some of my colleagues. We are the rulers of Astakona who seek to maintain peace and justice in this world. There, you will learn more about Astakona before you can go to the larger academy in Nakasta city, hone your fighting skills, and discover yourself as the ruler of Astakona" Bhai explained.

Zara was amazed and excited by this opportunity. He felt that it was time to discover his true purpose and destiny. He promised to train diligently and uphold the responsibility of being ruler of Astakona.

"Thank you, Bhai! I'm ready for this trip!" zara said excitedly.

"Very good! I know you will be a great ruler. We'll meet tonight. Bye bye!" exclaim Bhai as he passed away.