Pangawasa Warishing (Giant Tree Ruler)
Chapter 1 - The Beginning

Penta Pandewa, a 15-year-old teenager who was finishing high school, stepped home from school with light steps. He had just finished the exam, and Penta's head was filled with dreams about his future as a doctor. She rushed home, wanting to tell her about the activities at school that day to the grandfather who had been taking care of her since childhood.

Arriving at home, Penta found her grandfather lying on the porch, looking pale and weak. Penta immediately ran over to him, worried.

"Grandfather! What the hell's going on? Why is Grandpa lying here?" Penta asked.

Grandfather replied weakly. "Penta... I'm not feeling well. I feel weak and in pain."

Penta, with teary eyes, helped her grandfather get up and brought him into the house. After helping her grandfather lie in bed, Penta ran out to seek help. He met the villagers who were gathering around the well.

"Please! Grandpa's sick! Can anyone help?" Penta asked for help.

A wise old man, Mr. Surya, approached Penta and patted her on the shoulder gently.

"Quiet, Penta. Let's talk about this. Tell me what happened to your grandfather." Said.

Penta explains her grandfather's condition, and the villagers talk to each other, trying to find a solution. One of the residents, Ms. Rina, suggested to bring her grandfather to the royal physician. However, Penta said that they did not have enough money to pay for the expensive medical expenses.

Suddenly, Penta recalled the story she had heard at school about the Giant Tree Rubber that could cure any disease. He spoke to the villagers about this idea.

"How about I try to get the Giant Tree Rubber from the Warihing Pedestal? He said he could cure any disease."

The villagers exchanged glances, hesitating. However, seeing the determination in Penta's eyes, the gathered villagers agreed, and some of them offered help by giving Penta a ride to the city using their horse-drawn carriage.

Suddenly Mr. Surya spoke loudly.

"Alright, Penta. If you want to go there you must ask the Village Chief for permission first and you must be careful, the Forest is full of danger."

Penta nodded, then went to ask the Village Chief for permission.

At first the Village Chief did not agree with this request of Penta, but Penta was quite adamant about wanting to help her grandfather, so the Village Chief's heart became melted.

“I can't stand in your way, if you insist, but you have to go to the royal city first to hire a bodyguard there, you can't be alone to Alas Warihing, you can't be alone, especially there are a lot of monsters. And if you don't have the money to hire a bodyguard, let me ask for a donation to the citizens.” Said the Village Chief wisely.

Penta nodded and replied, “No, no need for Mr. Kades, I have savings and I think it's enough to hire a bodyguard, maybe.”

The Village Chief sighed and replied, “Alright if that's your wish, but if you need help just tell me, then you don't have to worry about your grandfather, let us villagers take turns taking care of him. To go to the royal city you should go with the merchant with the magic car, it will be much faster than using the horse carriage, later I will talk to the merchant acquaintance of ku”.

Penta thanked him, and went home to his grandfather.

After Penta got permission from the Village Chief and said goodbye to her grandfather, she prepared to go to the city. He stuffed all the gear he deemed necessary for the trip, such as a change of clothes, food, and a little medicine, into his sizable backpack. Penta also did not forget to slip a photo of her grandfather as an encouragement and reminder of her travel destination.

The traders who are willing to take Penta to the city are Mr. Joko and Mr. Tono. They are traders who often visit Ngrupit Village and are well known by the residents. Both of them had magic cars that could hold merchandise as well as passengers.

Penta, with a sense of haru, said goodbye to the villagers. They prayed for Penta's safety and sent her a message of caution on the way. Penta nodded, held tightly to her backpack, then joined Mr. Joko and Mr. Tono.

"Come on Penta, get in our magic car. We'll be leaving soon." Mr. Joko shouted to Penta.

Penta carefully climbs into the magic car, feeling fascinated by technology never seen before. After all the merchandise was loaded, they drove away from the village.

On the way, Penta asked a lot about the royal city, wanting to know everything she might encounter later. Mr. Tono, who had more experience with the royal city, answered Penta's questions patiently and vigorously.

"In the royal city, you will find many magnificent buildings and technologies that you have never seen before, Penta. There was even a magic motor that could float in the air!"

Penta was surprised to hear this, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Mr. Joko added information about the Adventurers Guild.

"If you want to hire a reliable bodyguard, go to an Adventurer Guild. They have many experienced adventurers and are ready to help you."

Hearing this, Penta felt increasingly excited and optimistic. Their journey felt short as it was full of interesting conversations.

After a few hours, they finally arrived before the gates of the royal city. Penta was stunned to see the atmosphere outside the royal walls were so crowded. People were walking while conversing, and magic cars were speeding on the already widened road. The tall buildings soared into the sky, there were even taller than the royal wall itself.

"Subhanallah! This is absolutely incredible! I never imagined that the world outside our village was like this." Penta said.

Mr. Tono smiled seeing Penta's admiration and patted her on the shoulder. "You'll see more when we get into town, Penta. Get ready to see a miracle you've never imagined before" he said.

Penta and the merchant entourage arrived before the gate of the royal city. After they entered the city, Penta was ushered to the front of the Adventurers Guild by Mr. Joko and Mr. Tono. Inside the Guild, Penta looked puzzled as it was bustling. He looked at the table where there were many young women standing behind him on a regular basis, and approached to ask for help.

"Excuse me, my name is Penta Pandewa. I just came from the village and wanted to find a party that could help me explore the Alas Warishing forest. Can you guys help me?" ask Penta.

The young woman standing behind the cashier's desk, named Welin whose nameplate was attached to her left chest, was shocked to hear Penta's request. He shook his head, hesitating to help him.

Welin replied “Tuan Penta, your request is somewhat impossible. The Warihing pedestal was extremely dangerous and many powerful monsters were there. That said, there is a dragon named Anantaboga that protects the forest."

Penta's expression turned into a mixture of disappointment and fear when she heard Welin's statement, but she was still trying hard.

Welin continued. “But since this is a request, then we cannot refuse it, Mr Penta, how much money do you offer for this mission?

Penta answered with some hesitation. “I only have 5 million Rupiah at the moment.”

Hearing that Welin looked unconvinced and thought for a moment.

After a few seconds of silence Welin replied "I doubt there is a party that will accept your request, Mr. Penta. But since it is our duty to accept the mission of the applicants, please fill out this form.”

Welin did not convey anything related to the value offered by Penta, maybe because he was aware of the condition of Penta if seen from his appearance.

“Baik” Penta replied sluggishly.

Penta immediately filled out the mission request form and gave it back to Welin.

“Alright, Mr Penta. can you please give me the guarantee money?”

Penta also took out the bag from the backpack she was carrying, the bag was a leather pouch that was worn out enough, but seemed quite heavy, as it was filled with coins.

While giving coins, Penta conveys “This is a 10k rupiah coin amounting to 5 million, please count first if you do not believe.”

Welin looked surprised, but he took the sizable bag of skin with a smile and replied “No need Mr. Penta, I believe in you.”

Welin accepted Penta's request and asked her to wait until a party would accept her request. He said that Penta's request would be placed at the level of Rajendra's demand, meaning only adventurers at the level of Rajendra or above, namely Batara and Sanghyang, could take his request. Normally, adventurers at this level only received requests from nobles or kingdoms.

After talking to Welin, Penta went to look for lodging. While walking, he saw amazing things like a huge statue and a beautiful garden with fountains spouting colorful water. Penta was amazed by the beauty of the royal city.

Suddenly, Penta saw a woman sitting while hugging her knees in the corner of a building. Out of pity, Penta approached the woman.

Penta asked. "Hello, my name is Penta Pandewa. What's wrong with you? Why do you look sad?"

The woman raised her face and introduced herself.

"My name is Dyah Guitarja. I'm hungry for no money to eat." While showing her slender face.

Penta felt pity and offered to treat Dyah eat

“Do you want to eat with me? let me pay for the food.”

Dyah looks radiant. Then answer.

“Really, Of course I wantuu, Thank you Mas Penta.”

Embarrassed by the call, Penta immediately replied. “Aduh do not use Mas, Penta is enough.”

“Alright then you can also call me Dyah only.” Answer Dyah.

“Oke.” Reply Penta briefly.

Penta and Dyah went to a restaurant for lunch. The restaurant does not look small or large, but the restaurant is quite crowded, probably because this restaurant offers a fairly affordable price, thought Penta.

Upon entering the restaurant, Penta was surprised to see the servant who was serving so quickly using magic. Dyah smiled at Penta's admiration.

In awe Penta spoke "This is truly amazing! I've never seen magic used like this before."

Dyah smiled and explained how magic had become a part of everyday life in the royal city.

They ordered food, and Penta was again surprised to see the dishes served so delicious and plentiful.

Dyah tried to calm Penta down "I know, this might be too much for you. But, don't worry, we can wrap up this leftover food to eat later."

Penta nodded happily, with Dyah's explanation.

While eating Dyah asked where Penta came from. It seemed that Dyah was astonished by the appearance of Penta who looked nothing like a city person. Penta-pun tells the origin and destination to the royal city. Dah was surprised to hear that.

"Alas Warishing? That's a very dangerous forest, Penta. And you made a request in the Guild? Will anyone accept it? I'm not sure.” Dyah was doubtful.

Penta looked worried, and replied with a sad face.

“The cashier in the Guild also said so, is it indeed impossible to go to Alas Warishing?” tanyanya.

Dyah answered with a serious face and faced towards the window of the restaurant.

“That's almost impossible, there are many stories saying that anyone who goes in there never comes back or even replies to the slightest message, and not long ago there was a royal army sent by the king to expedition there, but there was no reply from them in the slightest, the incident occurred when the king of Sri Maharaja Raden Kalingga Prabu IV was still in power, even though at that time communication was also very advanced, even though communication was also very advanced, you just have to think about who you want to contact and what message you want to convey, and the message will be directly delivered to that person.”

Penta was surprised at one thing. ”hah, could that be? so I can talk without a cell phone?”

Dyah chuckled, probably because of Penta's innocent-looking behavior.

“Yahhh... it is impossible for ordinary people, the technology was until now only given to the royal knights and nobles.”

Penta was relieved, feeling she was not too left behind.

“oh so yes.”

Without realizing that the food they ordered was going to run out, well more precisely it was exhausted, all that was left was the soup that was being absorbed by Dyah. Seeing Dyah who was eating voraciously, Penta smiled.

After they finished eating, they left the restaurant, right in front of the restaurant door, Dyah conveyed something to Penta.

“Maybe I'll talk to my friends, maybe we can help you.but you don't expect much of me huh, I don't promise they will agree.”

hearing that Penta became excited and carefree.

“really, it's great to hear it.”

“Iya, but I don't promise.” Try to calm the Penta.

Penta replied happily. “it's okay, at least there's still a small hope, hehe.”

He smiled doubtfully.

“Alright, see you again tomorrow here yes, at the same time.” Dyah made a promise to Penta

Dyah felt astonished and asked “Why? Can't you?”

Penta answered. “Not so, I was just surprised, I guess need to wait longer.”

“Oh, no need, I will ask you today too, so just wait tomorrow.” Dyah assured.

While nodding Penta replied. “Good.”

Penta smiled.

They say goodbye to each other. Penta returned to look for lodging, while Dyah returned to where her friends used to gather. But as he was about to part ways, Penta noticed something surprising.

Before leaving, Dyah put the stick she was carrying into her stand, or rather, under her butt. Suddenly, quite a strong wind blew from around Dyah, and quickly, wusssss, he flew into the air. Penta was stunned to see the incident.

Dyah arrived at the inn where he and his four friends were staying. The inn is located in a quieter part of the city, surrounded by beautiful, lush little gardens. The inn building stands majestically in a modern architectural style, with 20 floors with large glass windows and light gray walls. Around the inn, there are several street vendors who peddle food and drinks for guests who want to relax outside the inn.

At the inn, Dyah wanted to meet his four friends who were currently going out. They are Prabu Jaya Kusuma, Rani Darmana, Rakryan Sanjaya, and Karang Wisesa. The four are members of the adventurer party at the level of Rajendra, which is the third highest of the seven levels that exist, namely Pupil, Wirawan, Ksatria, Mahapatih, Rajendra, Batara, Sanghyang.

Prabu Jaya Kusuma is a protective knight with a large and stocky body. Despite being the youngest in the group, he possessed unparalleled courage and incredible fighting ability. He is always ready to protect his friends from danger and face the enemy that comes his way.

Rani Darmana is a healing magician who has an ayu look and gentle demeanor. Her hair was tied up in a sideways ponytail style, adding to her beauty. He is skilled in healing wounds and strengthening his friends on the battlefield with his magic power.

Rakryan Sanjaya is a nimble and nimble two-sword knight. He is known as a person who does not talk much, often shows anger, but behind it all, he has a good heart and is always ready to help his friends.

Karang Wisesa is a hunter and scout in the party. He has the ability to track down enemies and gather important information needed by the party. He is also good at archery and other long-range weapons, making him a valuable asset in combat.

That night, Dyah and his friends gathered at the inn restaurant. As they sat together, Dyah began to recount his encounter with Penta.

"Friends, I just met a boy named Penta who needs our help. He wanted to go to Warishing Alas to look for the sap of the Giant Tree that was believed to cure his grandfather's illness. Penta asked us to escort her and protect her on the way there."

Rani replied to Dyah. "Alas Warishing? We all know how dangerous the place is, besides many powerful monsters there is also Anantaboga, a dragon who has lived guarding the forest for tens of thousands of years. Dyah, we can't just help that kid. We have a responsibility to ourselves and this party."

Rakryan confirmed Rani's words. "Yes, Dyah. I know you have a good heart, but we have to be realistic. Even the Sanghyang adventurer thought twice before going into the Alas Warihing."

Rani follows Rakryan's words. "I agree with Rakryan. Well, we have to consider our safety as well. Is it really worth putting ourselves in such great danger just to help the child?"

He convinced both of his friends. "But guys, Penta really needs us. Imagine if it was our family that was suffering. We have to help!"

"Dad, I understand your feelings, but we should think about our safety as well. Alas Warihing is so dangerous, we can't sacrifice our lives for one person." Rani confirmed her words.

Rakryan, with a loud tone. "You know Dyah, I'm pretty sure we all know the dangers of Alas Warihing. We've discussed this before, and we've decided to never step there."

Rani continued. "Rakryan's right, we've discussed this before. The risk is too great, Dyah. We must be wise in our decisions."

Coral, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up. "I agree with my friends too. Alas Warihing is too dangerous, Dyah. I know you want to help, but we need to be aware of our limitations."

Dyah in a sad tone, trying to convince his friends. "I know the risks, guys, but I feel called to help Penta. We can't let a child do it alone. Please, reconsider."

"Daddy, I know you care a lot, but we have to think about our safety. It's hard, but we have to learn to say no." Rani tried to convince.

Dyah grew even more desperate and begged once more. "Friends, I'm begging you all so much. I can't just see Penta suffering. I know we can do it if we're together. I'm sure we'll make it."

Rakryan, with a loud tone once again. "Dyah, enough! We all know how dangerous Alas Warihing is. We can't just sacrifice our lives for one man!" saying the same thing as Rani, there might be something between them.

The coral spoke again. "Rani's right. Dyah, we must learn to accept that there are some things we cannot help, even though we are eager to do so."

Dyah, resolutely and determinedly, convinced his friends by giving one condition. "Well, if so, I'll give you a promise. I won't leave this party at any time, as long as you guys want to help Penta this time."

The four friends fell silent, weighing the promise that Dyah had just given.

They realized how important Dyah who was the party leader for the sake of their party's survival. Dyah even had time to convey his desire to them to retire from adventure activities.they also discussed this and in the end they agreed even though forced.

Prabu, who had not been in dialogue, spoke up. "Alright, Dyah. I'll come, but...." Prabu is a bit doubtful. "I think if the conditions are dangerous and life-threatening to us, we should back off right then and there."

Rani agrees with Prabu. "I agree with Prabu. I'll help you too, but we have to promise to take care of each other and always put safety first."

Rakryan, by force. "Alright, Dyah. I'll come along, but if the situation becomes too dangerous, we have to be willing to back down."

The coral also spoke. "I'll join you too, Dyah. But remember, we must be wise and always be vigilant in making decisions."

They are a party that has enough experience. Especially Dyah, he was a former member of the hero Party that defeated the demon lord at that time. But Dyah has a kind nature that always makes him in danger. With the help of his current friends, they had always managed to overcome that danger, so their party was at a fairly strong level in the country. They also realized how dangerous Alas Warihing and as a party they had made a decision never to go there even though the kingdom asked. But this time it was different. Because the one who made the request was Dyah himself and he also gave a condition that other members might not be able to refuse.

The next day, in the scorching afternoon, the party called Samudaya went to the restaurant where Dyah and Penta met. There Penta was waiting while observing people who were doing activities using magic with faces of admiration.

From a distance Dyah smiled a little at Penta's behavior.

Arriving there, Dyah greeted Penta with a subtle smile on her face.

"Hello, Penta."

"Ehh, Dyah, and... ?" Penta looked surprised and also confused because Dyah was with four other people.

He realized it and gave an explanation

"Ah, Iyah, these are my party friends, introduce this rather rude one is Rakryan Sanjaya, a sword knight."

Rakryan spontaneously replied to Dyah's words, but then gave his greetings to Penta, with a bit of arrogance.

"What do you say?.. Well greetings know, you look very young yak."

Penta just replied with a smile. Dyah also continued.

"This is Prabu Jaya Kusuma, he is indeed big and creepy but he is soft really."

“Hehe, Hello." Prabu just gave his greetings while laughing a little.

"Hello." Penta Reply.

Dyah continued. "And this is the prettiest woman in the party, Rani Darmana a healer."

Rani was a little embarrassed, but replied to Dyah.

"I'm not as pretty as you anymore, but yahh hello, nice to meet you." who then smiled cheerfully at Penta.

He ignored her and continued. "The last one is Karang Wisesa, a great hunter, without whom our party might not exist at this level."

Corals were feeling groggy with Dyah's words just now.

"No, no, no, I'm not that great, just a little, yes a little bit hehe" he spoke as he stroked the back of his head with his right hand, and his face faced Penta.

Penta replied with a cheerful smile.

"Hello, greetings to friends, thank you for helping me. Uh but you guys are here to help me not to turn it down, ma, sorry if I was wrong." with the awkward behavior.

Rani answered. "Look down, Penta, we're here to help you, so calm down yak." with both palms directed at Penta to calm her down.

Dyah added "It's really Penta, you don't have to worry about that, and by the way I haven't introduced who I am yet, so once again. I am Dyah Guitarja a high-class magician and also the leader of this Party." proudly introduced himself.

Penta looked surprised.

"uhh so you're the party leader?"

He was convinced "It is true."

"Chairman who always makes it hard." Rakryan Quickly cut.

"true." Prabu hesitantly added using a small voice.

Dyah nosily replied Prabu "Eh, Prabu you have dared yak, are you old enough to circulate me?"

"Ma, I'm sorry but I'm just saying, right." Prabu replied in a soft voice.

Everyone laughed happily at the meeting in front of the restaurant, they continued talking about going to Alas Warishing inside the restaurant over lunch. After talking about the destination and what needs to be prepared they also determine the time of departure.

Penta suddenly recalled her request in the Guild. "Eh, I just remembered if I need to cancel the request at the Guild?"

Rakryan. "Not necessarily I guess, after all, no one stupid enough to take the mission." spoke in a flat tone, glancing at the chairman.

He also felt called. "Well, are we stupid dong?" reply with a prank.

“No, just you." Rakryan replied while putting both elbows on the table and leaning his chin on the backs of his hands.

Dyah reply. "Thank you." smiled at Rakryan.

"That's not a compliment" Rakryan said briefly.

The coral also cuts as the conversation begins to widen. "Back to topic. So when are we leaving?"

As the chairman Dyah explained. "I think with all this preparation we need a week to get ready, so I think we can go on Monday next week."

All the members nodded with certainty. Then Dyah asked Penta to make sure.

"Your talent doesn't matter?"

Penta replied in a hurry. "Of course not, I'm coming with you, I don't know anything about adventure, so I leave it all to you."

"Okay, it's been decided yes, we leave on Monday next week. Let us prepare all our needs from now on, especially our mental, because we will explore the Forest that no one dares to enter."

Dyah stuck his right hand in their midst, the other members welcomed the hand, but only Penta was silent.

He turned towards Penta. "Central come on you too."

Penta was a little surprised that she also had to follow what the party was doing.

"eh, ah, fine." Penta also extended her right hand.

They pressed each other's palms in the middle, then Dyah counted.

"one, two, three."

They all shouted "Yaaaaa" loudly, except for Penta who was just silent.heard a loud voice that the visitors of the restaurant turned to them, immediately Dyah realized and apologized to the surroundings.

This is the beginning of a story that is still full of mystery, What will they face? What kind of obstacles will hinder them? What kind of monsters will they fight? In the forest that has taken a lot of casualties, can they find a Giant Tree that has never been seen by anyone living in that era? can Penta save her grandfather by getting a Giant Tree Rubber? look forward to all those answers in the next chapter.