Wira : The Peerless One from Mount Tarakan

The night in the middle of the jungle felt colder after the recent commotion. A small bonfire flickered, the only source of light in the thick darkness. Wira sat cross-legged, still pondering Laksmi's explanation about sects, followers, and why evil people could possess power. These concepts were so alien to him, vastly different from the simple law of the jungle.

"So... they'll keep looking for us, right?" Wira asked, breaking the silence, his eyes fixed on Laksmi, who was propping up her chin, deep in thought.

Laksmi nodded slowly. "Definitely. After what happened today, news about you will spread even faster. They'll see you as a threat, or worse, want to control your power."

Wira sighed. "How troublesome."

"Indeed," Laksmi conceded. "But we have no choice. We need to go as far as possible from this Night Shadow Sect territory. Perhaps west, towards a large city called Sky Dragon City. There are more good martial artists there, and it's also much livelier. We might be able to find information about this pendant there."

"Sky Dragon City?" Wira repeated the name, it sounded strange to his ears. "Is it a city with many dragons?"

Laksmi smiled faintly, amused by Wira's endless innocence. "No, Wira. It's just a name. Sky Dragon City is the largest city in the western region. There are many strong martial artists there, but also many ordinary people. It's safer to blend in."

Wira nodded, accepting Laksmi's explanation. He trusted Laksmi, the girl who was now his only bridge to the outside world. "How long will it take us to get there?"

"A few days, perhaps, if we keep walking," Laksmi replied, looking at the rough map she tried to draw on the ground with a twig. "We have to be careful. The roads aren't always safe."

Laksmi then explained their plan. They had to avoid the main roads, which might be guarded by the Night Shadow Sect. They would travel through jungle paths or small rural areas, seeking safe places to spend the night and blending in with locals without drawing too much attention. She also reminded Wira repeatedly not to show his strength unless it was an unavoidable emergency.

"Remember, Wira," Laksmi emphasized, "You're just an ordinary martial artist. If anyone asks, say you learned martial arts from your grandpa in a remote village. Don't mention Sura or any other strange things."

Wira nodded obediently. "Alright, Laksmi. I'll be an ordinary martial artist." His innocent smile returned. "But if someone causes trouble, can I still take them down with ordinary martial arts techniques?"

Laksmi sighed, letting out a small chuckle. "Of course you can, but don't kill them. Just incapacitate them."

They spent the rest of the night planning their journey. Laksmi explained the terrain, estimated travel times, and some of the dangers they might encounter. Wira listened seriously, occasionally asking basic questions that made Laksmi suppress a smile. To him, it was like a strategy game where he had to learn new rules to "win," or at least survive.

Dawn broke, painting the sky with a golden hue. The cool morning air was refreshing. Wira and Laksmi extinguished their bonfire, making sure no trace was left behind. They checked their provisions, ensuring everything was ready for the long journey.

"Ready, Wira?" Laksmi asked.

Wira nodded firmly. His eyes looked to the west, where the sun would rise. "Ready, Laksmi! New lessons about humans and new adventures, right?"

Laksmi smiled. Yes, new lessons about humans and unexpected adventures. An adventure that would lead them deep into the intrigues of the martial world, uncover the mystery of Laksmi's pendant, and shape the destiny of a youth from the mountains with Unrivaled power.

They stepped out of the forest, onto a faint path. Behind them, the traces of last night's battle were already covered by the morning dew, as if they had never happened. Yet, within Wira's heart, the lesson about human evil had been deeply etched. And in the martial world, the name "Anomaly from Mount Tarakan" had already begun to whisper, waiting for the moment to explode and echo throughout the martial world.

Wira and Laksmi's journey continued. They headed west, veering away from the main roads and opting for denser jungle paths. Laksmi knew this route was more dangerous due to nature itself, but safer from human eyes. They crossed shallow rivers, climbed low cliffs, and occasionally had to push through thick bushes. Wira, with his strength, made the journey seem effortless, often helping Laksmi over obstacles.

They spent the rest of the day traveling without incident. The sun began to dip towards the west, and Laksmi started looking for a safe spot to spend the night. She chose a small alcove behind a cluster of large rocks, sheltered from the wind and hidden from view. They lit a small bonfire, just enough to warm themselves and keep insects away.

However, just as Wira was about to rest, his Sura senses pulsed again. It wasn't the cold aura of the Night Shadow Sect this time, but a raw, wild tremor of power, mixed with a surprisingly potent Laksa aura. And stranger still, there was a feeling of... unpleasant attraction.

"Laksmi," Wira whispered, his eyes sharpening as he stared into the dense bushes in the distance. "Someone's coming. Alone. But... he's incredibly strong. Stranger than last night's."

Laksmi tensed. She tried to sense it, but she wasn't as perceptive as Wira. "Who? The Night Shadow Sect again?"

"No," Wira shook his head. "The scent is different. And he... he seems to be after us. More precisely, he's after you." Wira could sense a primitive, predatory instinct.

Suddenly, from the dense darkness of the forest, a huge, powerfully built black shadow lunged. Its movements were swift, yet raw and full of brute force. The figure leaped high, diving directly towards Laksmi with outstretched hands. Its skin appeared very dark, almost pitch black, with bulging muscles and wild, matted hair.

"Pretty, sweet girl!" a hoarse voice boomed through the jungle. There was a horrifying note of glee in his tone. "I finally found you! You'll be mine!"

Laksmi gasped, startled by the suddenness of the attack. She drew her small sword, preparing to parry, but she knew her strength wouldn't be enough. This was the aura of a high-level Laksa martial artist, on par with or even above Jati 'Beardie'.

However, Wira, with his instincts already trained for sudden threats, was ready first. Wira struck the side of the figure that was about to ambush Laksmi. But "TING!" Wira's punch felt like it hit iron. Yet, Wira managed to push the figure away from Laksmi. "Wow, that's tough!"

The impact wasn't just loud; it was accompanied by a shockwave that sent leaves scattering around them. The ground trembled violently. The black-bodied figure, known as Kargo the Forest Bandit, was sent hurtling backward at incredible speed, sliding several meters across the ground before slamming into a large tree. The tree groaned, and even some large branches snapped off. Kargo struggled to his feet, rubbing his body, which felt numb and aching. His fiery red eyes stared at Wira in disbelief. He was the ruler of the Haunted Forest, and no one had ever struck him with such a powerful blow.

"Who are you, brat?!" Kargo snarled, his voice laced with surprise and a faint hint of pain. "How dare you interfere with my fun! And how can your small body hit me this far?!"

Wira gazed at the figure from head to toe. His large body, extremely dark skin, and matted dreadlocks truly captured his attention. "Why are you bothering Laksmi? And why is your body all black like that? I'll call you Mr. Darkie."

Kargo froze. To be insulted with the moniker 'Darkie' by a mere brat who had just struck him so effortlessly was an immense humiliation. His rage boiled over, making him forget the throbbing pain in his fist. He lunged again, this time unleashing all his signature moves. He was a Pure Laksa martial artist, relying on brute physical strength and savage ferocity. His punches and kicks came in a relentless barrage, each strike carrying devastating, lethal power.

"Hehehe... your attacks are strong, Darkie!" Wira parried, continuing to provoke him.

Wira was no longer just parrying. He danced between Kargo's attacks, his movements fluid, swift, yet always accompanied by a trace of Sura. He allowed Kargo to unleash his full assault, observing every tensing muscle, every breath, every flow of Laksa coursing through his body. Occasionally, Wira would counter with a light touch that sent Kargo stumbling, or a gentle kick that shifted his stance. Wira didn't want to inflict serious harm; he simply wanted to show that Kargo's strength was nothing compared to his own.

Kargo, with all his brute force and raw power, began to feel utterly frustrated. He attacked like a mad bull, yet Wira seemed to be made of air. Kargo's punches, capable of felling trees, were deflected by a mere open palm. His kicks, powerful enough to shatter stone, were blocked by Wira's elbow without leaving a scratch. Kargo's breath came in ragged gasps, his body weary, and fear began to creep into his heart. He knew he had encountered a martial artist far beyond his league, and he couldn't even touch him.

The battle stretched on for a considerable time, filling the forest with the sounds of impacts and whistling wind. Kargo had unleashed all his signature moves, and his body was drenched in sweat, trembling from exhaustion and frustration. Wira, meanwhile, still stood calmly, not a single drop of sweat on him, as if merely performing his morning warm-up.

Finally, Kargo collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. He raised both hands. "Enough! I... I surrender! I won't bother your girl again!"

"What's wrong, wild bull? Giving up already?" Wira looked at him with an innocent gaze. Wira then approached, observing Kargo with curiosity. "But you're quite strong, Darkie. Are you always alone in this jungle?"

Kargo looked up, startled by Wira's question. "I... I live alone. Why do you ask?"

"Laksmi and I are going to a big city," Wira said, his tone serious. "But it seems we'll have a lot of troublemakers. You're strong, and you're not a bad person. Want to come with us? You can help chase away the troublemakers. My Grandpa says long journeys are better with friends."

Laksmi, witnessing the bizarre conversation, gaped. Wira wanted to invite the forest bandit who had just attacked them?!

Kargo, who had just been bracing himself for incapacitation or even death, was utterly dumbfounded. Follow this strange brat? But after feeling Wira's power, he knew that accompanying him might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the world from a different perspective. His fear now transformed into an intense curiosity.

"Following you?... hahaha," Kargo repeated, still unable to believe someone was inviting him to be friends. "Are... aren't you afraid of me? And what's in it for me?" For the first time, the Darkie felt awe for someone.

"The upside is... you won't be lonely," Wira answered innocently. "And you won't bother pretty girls anymore. So, coming?"

Kargo looked at Laksmi, who was still in shock, then back at Wira, who was innocent yet possessed terrifying power. His mind raced. His life as a bandit in the Haunted Forest felt empty. Perhaps, this was a new destiny.

"Alright!" Kargo finally said, getting to his feet. "I'm coming! But I'm not Darkie! My name is Kargo!"

Wira grinned. "That name's weird. But it's okay, I'll still call you Darkie."

Laksmi could only massage her temples. This journey had just gained an unexpected new member. And she knew it was only going to get weirder and more unpredictable.