Sandya Aksata's
Chapter 2: Strengthening the Position
...----------{ CHAPTER 2 }------------...
...Strengthening Position...
...Part 1:...
...~ ◊ ~...
Among the big trees and towering high, on the grass dancing in the cold wind passing by. The fertile soil with a greenish hue that seemed so refreshing, was slowly stained by the thick red hue that welled up. Bright dew spots, replaced by splattered blood spots.
Many footsteps were heard running around with anxiety, leaving crowded traces that overlapped. The earthy screams brought up a commotion throughout the forest, along with the poignant screams that brought about the eve of horror.
The flaming reddish glow slowly began to eat up most of the dry wood from the trees and settlements, wiping out the green expanse of grass, finally being replaced with the burning dry soil. Black smoke soared that it seemed so deafening, bringing with it the scent of fur and grilled meat.
The sound of clanking and metal slashes that had sounded so threatening, accompanied by screams, squeals, and screams, was now slowly being replaced by silence and silence.
Right now there was only the pounding of a pair of footsteps that sounded, along with the sound of breath so fiercely coming from one's mouth. He tried to use the strength of all the muscles in his body to run as hard as he could, to get away from all the horror and cruelty behind him.
The brownish feathers that covered his entire body now partially appeared to have been charred in flames, leaving a painful painting on his reddish-blistered skin. A red slash slowly came out from his bleeding flesh, leaving a trail of spots along the path through which with red stains splattered.
He ran as hard as he could, leaving behind all the anger that burned his heart. He has now lost his home and his homeland. The savory aroma of the roast meat of his friends and parents did not trigger his hunger at all or make him forget his purpose; it is to live and live up to the expectations of all who have sacrificed for their sake.
His footsteps that began to stagger, must be forced back to run fast even though he was filled with fatigue. Because now the sound of metal friction from the joints of the armor worn by the people chasing him had sounded so close and whispering.
“At least I have tried, although the sacrifice of all will only be in vain. However if this is finally─”
...~ ◊ ~...
Hard, rough, and slightly shaking.
That is what I (Akbar) felt when sitting quietly on the head of Pramana who was walking down the ground and rocks of the mountain with feet rooted. I tried hard to grip the sticks of ‘mahkota’ wood above Pramana's head to keep my body position so as not to fall due to this dizzying shock.
Our goal is to descend the peak of [Mount Prima] (where ‘sesi learned’u before) to return to the forest where I was first called to this world. The forest was called the [First Forest], a vast expanse of green forest with fertile land and large tall trees that surrounded the foot of the mountain.
In addition to [First Forest] and [Mount Prima], this land also included [Fertile Fields], green meadows surrounding the outer boundary of the forest. And all this vast fertile land was called the [First Land Peninsula] Region, a vast peninsula plain that existed at the easternmost tip of the continent. This region is called so because in this land, Pramana the first mortal was born in the form of buds.
And because of that, currently [First Forests] become a residence for most of {Nation Shajara} since the end of ⁇ Zaman Malapetaka. In other words, they decided to stay here because of the assumption that for them this land is a historic land and blessed by «Derma» from «Ihwal Alam».
In addition, the sheer number of Shajaras present here makes the land in this region the most fertile land in the entire continent.
After some time we (precisely Pramana) walked down this high mountain, we finally arrived inside the [First Forests]. Here we are welcomed by some ‘movement’ standing salute to us.
Yep. They not only saluted me (which they had given «Oath Respect and Faithfulness), but also to Pramana who was the wisest and most pious being here, which they call ‘Sang Maha Sepuh’.
After receiving greetings and respect from them, Pramana gently lowered me from her head, then ‘put me’ on top of a big rock. Of course with aba-aba “Excuse me..” before.
“Have you guys done the job I told you?”
Pramana started the conversation. It was a report request for the result of the task given by Pramana to colleagues (or could be called ‘adik-sadik’) before we went to the top of the mountain earlier.
The task was to convey to all corners of the forest and all residents in it that: “Akbar, The Promised Leader has fulfilled the call of {Three Hyang Utama} to fulfill his duties, he said, as has been stated.”
Honestly, it's a little embarrassing. It's like my name was spread all over the country as a long lost child, and has now been found.
“We have done it,” replied Pratama, one of Pramana's younger brothers who seemed the biggest and oldest among the other Shajara. “We have delivered that message to all corners of the forest and have received confirmation.”
This forest is very large. Probably about 1/10th of the total land area of the entire continent. But how can the Shajaras convey that message to all corners of the forest in just a few moments?
The answer is by their ability as {Nation Shajara}. Pramana previously explained that their nation has the ability to change «Derma» and «Hara» in their body to be processed into «Atma» which contains information from the message to be conveyed.
«Atma» contains messages that will be channeled and spread throughout the land in the forest. «Atma» is what Shajara eventually absorbed. And by absorbing the «Atma», a Shajara will get the information that other Shajara wants to convey even though they are far away.
This messaging capability is like an underground radio network system. It was quite practical and useful. However it can only be done to spread information widely within a certain radius and is acceptable to all beings or entities that have the ability to absorb «Atma» from the ground. This ability is not suitable for sending confidential information.
Pramana had almost lost all «Derma» and «Hara»nya left in his body in order to restore soil fertility in this [Alam Bentala]. That's why he currently does not have enough «Atma» left to do his various abilities as a Shajara. Therefore, now he can only order his sisters to do various jobs related to the use of «Atma».
Although now he no longer has enough «Atma» to do his various abilities as a Shajara, but at least this old tree is still useful as long as it has all the knowledge and wisdom that I do not have.
“All Shajara from [Northern Forest Region], [Eastern Forest Region], and [South Forest Area] has confirmed that they and other residents are willing to come to the front to deliver «Honor and Faithful Oath to Mr. Akbar,» Pratama continued to submit his report.
It's kind of weird to be called ‘Tuan’ by a creature that has lived thousands of years longer. But at least it's a good thing to show them respect for me. After all it was a vow of respect that they had given me.
And it also relates to the task they received from Pramana. In addition to just delivering a message about my arrival, they also have a duty to get confirmation about the responses of the inhabitants of this forest whether they accept or reject the arrival of the Promised Leader.
“When will they arrive?” tanya Pramana responded to the report from Pratama.
“Slowest seven days from today.”
According to Pramana, not many people live in this forest. Most of them were Shajaras. There might be several thousand of them in this forest. In addition, there are also several villages of Man and Hayawan tribe with a population of no more than 500 people in each village or tribe.
Of all the inhabitants, the forest is divided into 5 areas; namely [North Forest Area], [East Forest Area], [South Forest Area], [West Forest Area], [West Forest Area], [West Forest Region], as well as the area [Mount Prima] which became [Central Mountain Region]. From each region led by an Elder Shajara in charge of managing «Ihwal Alam» in their respective regions.
This is done because currently the Hyang no longer want to interfere in the affairs of mortal beings. That's why they must be able to manage «Ihwal Alam» in each of their respective regions so that the life cycle on this land continues as it should.
Submission «Oath Respect and Setia» will be done at the top [Mount Prima]. According to the Pratama report, it took a week for residents from each region to travel here.
That's just natural. Maybe because of their large number or also because one of the disadvantages of {Nation Shajara} is that they have a very slow body speed. Really like a tree. Their bodies are stiff and also always crackle as they move.
But their strength and defense are superior. Their skin is very stiff and hard. They also do not bleed or feel pain when injured. Really great advantages and advantages for creatures that have a cell wall.
“Seven days, yes... Alright. Prepare all things for their arrival in less than a week!” firmly Pramana after getting an answer from Pratama and re-engaged with: “Siap! Execute!”
“Then what about [West Forest Area]?” asked Pramana in an intimidating tone.
If they reject the arrival of the Promised Leader or do not respond to the message that has been delivered, they will be considered treasonous and all other areas that have accepted and have sworn will come to them to hold them accountable.
It was only natural for Pramana to give off her aura of hostility. If they refuse, at least they should give reasons for their rejection. Because by rejecting something that has been promised or not to respond and reason is something that is very embarrassing for {Nation Shajara} who has been given the blessing of wisdom.
“We don't know.” That was the answer from Pratama with his gloomy aura. “We have attempted to convey a message towards [West Forest Area] several times. But there is absolutely no response or answer.”
The Pramana sisters fell silent. But Pramana muttered breaking the tension.
“Pradana is the one in charge of managing «Ihwal Alam» in that area. I don't think there's any way he'll reject or ignore the message and give no response.”
“Unless something happens in that area that makes him or any other Shajara who is there can not accept or give their response,” sahutku on muttered Pramana.
“I also thought so,” said Pramana in response. “In [West Forest Area] there are several Hayawan tribes standing on the edge of the border. However, the prairie there was not too vast if it was used as a defense. And also [West Forest Area] is the only area that borders directly with the regional region of another country.”
“Maybe it has something to do with the simmering tensions over the past few months between residents of the Hayawan tribe on the border with one of the cities of {Federation of Duchy Bupala},” Pratama added.
Exactly as Pratama said. From the information I got from ‘session learned’ku earlier, Pramana explained that the western side of this area is directly adjacent to the [Kingdom of Bupala] region.
The ruler of the kingdom is one of the seven chosen Humans who inherited «Derma Protective» from {Hyang Seven Colour} brothers, namely Hyang Alburt the Orange.
In other words, the King of the [Kingdom of Bupala] is one of the {Seven Kings of Angkara}, the Kings of Humans who have become desolate. And King Bupala is a King who has the nature of Laziness.
But because of its malign nature that makes the Kings of Bupala become ignorant of its responsibilities as a leader and ruler over millions of Human lives.
Therefore [Kingdom Bupala] had become a country filled with chaos due to the low authority of the royal family. And all that chaos led to a massive rebellion and coup that killed all the royal family, in addition to one person who inherited «Derma» from «Atma Colour Orange».
After the rebellion, the 6 major cities in the [Bupala Kingdom] (except the royal capital) decided to form a region of perfect autonomy, with a Duke as its ruler. And of the six cities formed a coalition called {Federation of Duchy of Bupala}.
To replace the lazy King in state affairs, the system of government of the Parliamentary Monarchy was created by electing a person proposed by each Duke to be appointed as Patih who served as head of government over the Kingdom and the Federation.
Instead, the King is now merely a symbol of royal power. Because after all only Rajalah inherited «Derma Protective» from «Atma Colour of Orange», the supporting power as well as the protector of their kingdom.
Keeping the blessings of «Derma Protective» from the Kings is a very important thing for {Nation Man}. Because if «Derma» which is a protection for them is destroyed, then it is certain that their kingdom will collapse at that time.
But the problem now lies in the loss of contact from the residents of the [West Forest Area] who did not respond to the message conveyed by Pratama and his colleagues.
From this conversation shows that the Hayawan tribe at the border is in conflict with one of the cities of {Federation of Duchy of Bupala}. This conflict may become more severe and result in contact with the area being cut off.
“What should we do?” asked a Pramana sister to break the silence.
“It's true. We can't just keep quiet.”
“Is there an attack from human cities?”
“Could they have betrayed?”
“Tua Pradana who leads there. There is no way there will be treason under his watch.”
The Pramana sisters began to talk to each other. There may be anxiety between them. From their reactions, it seemed like problems, conflicts, even wars would be very easily triggered in the world. Perhaps what is left of the Age of Catastrophe is still very haunting them.
“Calm down, all of you! Excessive unrest is a shame for beings like us who are endowed with wisdom!” pramana's firmness calmed them down for a moment. “We are in front of the Promised Leader. It is not appropriate for you to show a pathetic attitude. So there's nothing more to worry about, because our Savior is in front of us.”
“That's right! We don't have to worry about little things like this!” the word Pratama adds to the light in his eyes that radiates a twinkle of hope. “Mr Akbar, the chosen leader, the one who is destined to sustain the whole world, will surely easily overcome all the problems that will occur, even in the worst possible circumstances!”
Eh? Me? Can't you guys solve this problem yourself? Aren't you wise creatures? So just use your blessings to overcome this problem!
Well... Of course I can't say it.
To be honest, I don't know what to do either.
I have absolutely no idea what to do. I don't know at all the residents in [West Forest Area] or anyone from {The Duchy of Bupala}. And most importantly, I have absolutely no idea what's going on between the two.
Even if I find out, there's no guarantee that I can handle the problem. And again, there is still no evidence of what happened in the [West Forest Area] there.
In my home world, I am only a person who is only able to accept and obey all orders. I can only grumble and want the power to change things and turn into a powerful man and lead.
But it seems like the reality of being a leader and overcoming all problems to meet everyone's expectations is a tough one. Especially if viewed with twinkle of hope from the eyes of the old ‘trees’ in front of me.
And also, how can you easily trust me? I was just a teenager who had nothing. Aren't you a little suspicious of me?
Is this a testament to their great joy and hope after thousands of years of waiting?
Ah... Therehewas. I just need to answer and live up to their expectations and expectations.
Even if I fail, at least it will tell them that I am not as good as they expected. And that way, I will get more knowledge and ‘learn’ sessions again to be prepared to be the ideal leader for them in the future.
After all, knowledge and information is a very valuable thing. And I began to feel interested in all the stories, history, and life in this world that moves according to the life cycle and «Hwal Alam».
It was all very different from my home world. Where human greed can even fight and destroy the life cycle itself. What a disgusting creature.
“Ehem...!” I cleared my throat so hard that the Shajaras who looked at me with a twinkle of hope returned to calmness and appeared dignified.
“Regarding any defections that have the least possibility, we must begin to take into account the worst conditions; that is the attack from the city of Man.”
I said continue. The Shajaras before me also seemed to calmly listen carefully to what I said. Yet a slight aura of hostility emerged from them after I alluded to the matter of assault.
“From what I know, this [First Land Peninsula] Region has a unique geographical condition like a three-layer fortress. With the outermost layer was [Fertile Fields] as the first defensive fortification, followed by [First Forests] and [Mount Prima] as the deeper fortifications.
Therefore, it would be very difficult for the enemy to penetrate the defense to the depths of the forest, even though their location had been on the border and the crater field there was not too wide as Pramana had said before.
At least it would still take a bit of time for the enemy to make a full attack.
For that, I request that you send the Investigative Squad and the Evacuation Squad to the western border area. And make sure they leave with a considerable amount and ready to fight at any time.”
“Good, Mr Akbar! I will send security soldiers from the [Central Mountain Region] that are under my command to depart for the western border as soon as possible!” pratama replied firmly in response to my first instruction.
“Good! However, if the enemy has penetrated the border, at least save and evacuate all the Hayawan residents and tribes who are there as much as possible.
And if the enemy has occupied the countryside or tribal areas of the border, do not be too rash to recapture it. If necessary, avoid fighting as much as possible and prioritize the safety of forest residents first.”
“Good, Master!” sahut Pratama and other colleagues.
“Then go and lead your brave army! My name and «Derma» will always accompany your steps!”
I said it with a tone full of majesty. That's how I feel at least.
I really want to say such cool words. I will be very grateful to {Three Major} who have called me to this world. I didn't think I'd be able to fulfill one of my wishes all along.
Well, because after all this time I was only ruled harshly and insultingly like a slave without any honor.
But now I am the one who gives the command in glory. It seems like my hope of becoming ‘the one above’ has really materialized by this time. Once again, thank you {Three of the Main}! I will not disappoint those of you who have chosen me to come to this amazing world!
After Pratama and his comrades left, now there is only me and Pramana left here.
“What will you do next?” pramana asked while looking at the backs of her sisters who were walking away.
“We still do not know how big the enemy's strength, and not necessarily there has been an open attack. Although the conflict at the border is only with one of the cities of the {Federation of Duchy of Bupala}, it does not rule out the possibility of attacks will be carried out by other cities as well.
They are a coalition in the same federation. But at least we have to take into account the worst possible.
Don't you understand all these situations too? You will definitely give the same instructions as I gave, right?”
“It's true. Judging the worst possible is a wise choice,” Pramana replied with a twinkle of hope that returned in both of her bright eyes. “But the option to avoid battle is a decision I may not have thought of.”
“Oh... Is that?”
Did I give the wrong instructions? Then why don't you just give the order?! Aren't you the wisest?!
“Evacuation and rescue of residents is the main periority. I also strongly agree with the decision,” replied Pramana. “But the choice to leave the countryside and tribal areas that can be the base of the stronghold and not fight is something I cannot think of. If you are pleased, can you give a reason why you chose that decision?”
Of course with the minimum possible casualties (both from the evacuated population and from the dispatched rescue squad), would keep the population of the creatures that would submit under my leadership.
And I do not care much about the territory, for the number of lives is more precious. Since the territory can be retaken sometime, at least after all the residents of all regions have already declared their «Oath Respect and Faithfulness to me.
But of course I cannot give such an answer to Pramana. It would make him assume that I was someone who was crazy of respect, and that it would be able to weaken loyalty.
“That's because we don't know how big the enemy's forces are and how far they've broken through the defense. If we force ourselves to put up a fight when the enemy already has an army advantage, it will be a loss.
Because after all I came to this world to save. And if the life that I should be able to save but instead I send to drift, then there is no point in {Three Major} choosing me to carry out a task that I cannot carry.”
“Oh... Thas right. Forgive me for doubting your decision, O Promised Leader.”
Goody. At least that reason could be easily accepted.
Pramana apologized by bowing her body and bowing her head. But no matter how he humbled himself, his tree body still remained much higher than mine.
“Then, for what I will do after this is... Hm... Before deciding on it, I wanted to find out how the geographical conditions and what creatures are in [Western Forest Region]. Can you explain that to me?”
Understanding and mastering the terrain is one of the three main factors in a war strategy. For this reason, before deciding what steps to take, I must as much as possible understand the topography of the battlefield and the defense field. At least it was necessary when the battle was completely unavoidable.
The next factor was to understand the combat power of oneself as well as the enemy. Putting aside the enemy forces that are still unknown, we can at least maximize our defensive power or attack plans by utilizing all the resources we have efficiently.
“Geographically, [West Forest Area] is a taiga biome whose forest cover is composed of various kinds of vegetation such as conifers, pines, fir, and the like,” explained Pramana again began her study session.
“In the area there are several rural Human and tribal Hayawan. But the largest settlement there is the Ursidae Tribe. They lived on the edge of the western forest by building a large fortress overlooking the expanse of [Fertile Fields].
In addition, (like other areas) in the [West Forest Area] also built a large [West Forest Hall] which became the center of management of forest interests throughout the area.
According to the level of security, [Hutan Balai] was the most appropriate place to use as a population evacuation center. Because [The Forest Hall] it is in the depths of the forest that is very suitable as a defensive labyrinth.”
“It's good. We can feel safe if we have the right place for everyone to gather. And also [Ursidae Tribe Fortress] it will be very helpful to resist and slow down the opponent's attack.”
I think it's the right choice to evacuate all the residents in [West Forest Area] to gather at one point. By gathering everyone in the same place, it will facilitate time control and avoid the breaking of the chain of command.
“But we still do not know how strong the enemy's strength is. You think, from the conflict that you knew before, about how big an attack will be the enemy to launch?”
I do not really understand the conflict between the Hayawan tribe that is on the border with one of the cities of {Federation Duchy of Bupala} it. But seeing the anxiety reaction of Pramana and others in responding to this problem, it seems like it is a conflict that will lead to a battle that needs to be watched out.
“According to the report given by Pradana, one of the Elders of Shajara whom I gave the task of managing [West Forest Area], the city of Man has made several attacks to the border. But all those attacks are still not able to penetrate our defense in [Fertile Square].
But taking into account the loss of contact from the [West Forest Region], it seems that something worse is happening now than previous attacks.
And if taking into account the worst possible, maybe this time the attack was carried out by the entire army of {Federation of Duchy of Bupala}.
Has the kingdom of Man indeed been senista that wants to seize and desecrate this peaceful land?!”
Pramana gave her explanation which ended in a terrible growl. It was as if the forest was shaking along with his aura which showed anger.
“If you have calculated the possibility as bad as that, I think the problem this time can not be ignored just like that,” I said agreed. It makes the anger of Pramana slightly subside. “For that, I think I'll go there to see for myself what it's like. And maybe there will be things I can help you with there.”
In a conflict, it will have consequences. Either functional or dysfunctional.
With this conflict will be able to unite the various rural and tribal groups and the Shajaras in the affected areas as a means of resistance against the common enemy, this is a functionalist result.
In this case I can play the role of someone who unites them all and provides help, solutions, and solutions. It will give a good image of me as the Promised Leader.
I think Pramana understands this. That was why he didn't seem to mind my decision to go to a conflict area though.
Maybe he also believes in the power of «Atma» from {Three Major} that are in me. Even though I myself still do not know what kind of power resides in my body.
“Good. Myself and some bodyguards will accompany you to get there. We thank you for all the help you will give to answer the hope of the beings who crave the return of prosperity and happiness.”
