Wira : The Peerless One from Mount Tarakan

The first morning in Sky Dragon City greeted Wira, Laksmi, and Kargo with an unimaginable bustle. The aroma of spices mixed with kitchen smoke billowed from every stall, the clatter of horse and human footsteps echoed on the wide stone streets, and the shouts of merchants rang out, offering wares from every corner. Wira gawked, his eyes wide as he watched hundreds, even thousands, of people moving together in an incessant flurry. This was far more crowded than any village market he had ever seen.

"There are so many people here, Laksmi!" Wira exclaimed, his voice still full of wonder. "Do they all have places to live? In the mountains, one valley is only for one bear family."

Laksmi offered an understanding smile. "This is a city, Wira. People live close together. They work, trade, and many come here to learn martial arts." She could feel the city's distinct energy, teeming with ambition and competition.

Darkie, with his sturdy build, walked beside them, occasionally gently nudging aside the crowds blocking their way. He seemed more comfortable in this bustle than in the haunted forest, though the lingering stares of people avoiding him still occasionally soured his expression. "Hmph, so noisy," he grumbled, even as he secretly enjoyed the new atmosphere. "But it's not bad; lots of food stalls. I smell roasted meat. And plenty of pretty women too."

They walked along the main road, passing rows of shops selling all kinds of goods: gleaming weapons, strangely scented herbal concoctions, colorful silk fabrics, and beautifully carved deity statues. Wira pointed here and there, asking about every new thing he saw, from luxurious horse-drawn carriages to paper lanterns hanging in front of shops. Laksmi patiently explained, occasionally having to pull Wira back so he wouldn't bump into people or merchandise.

"Laksmi, look at that!" Wira suddenly pointed towards a much denser crowd in a large square in the city center. Cheers and applause echoed from there. A large red banner stretched above the crowd, bearing characters Wira couldn't understand, but Laksmi and Darkie could read clearly: "FOUR DIRECTIONS FIGHTING CONTEST – PRIZE 100 GOLD COINS AND THE TITLE OF HONORARY MARTIAL ARTIST OF SKY DRAGON CITY!"

Laksmi's eyes widened. Her true, fierce spirit flared at the sight of such a substantial prize. "A fighting contest? The reward is quite large!" She knew 100 gold coins was an enormous sum, enough to live comfortably for years, or to fund her search for information about her pendant.

Darkie grinned. "Oh, this is interesting. I can feel strong auras there. Some of those martial artists don't seem like pushovers." He looked at Wira, then pointed to the arena. "What do you say, Brat? Want to try your luck?" His eyes gleamed, Darkie clearly very interested in the fight. It was understandable; he still fundamentally resembled a wild beast, having spent years as a pirate and being known as a feared one.

Wira stared at the arena. A tall stone stage stood in the middle of the square, surrounded by rows of eager spectators. On the stage, two martial artists exchanged blows, creating loud crashing sounds and boisterous cheers. "A fight? Are they playing a game?" Wira asked innocently.

Laksmi turned to Wira, leaning her elbow on his shoulder. "It's not a game, Wira," she explained. "This is where martial artists test their strength. They fight to show who's the strongest, and to win prizes." She imagined herself winning the reward.

"A prize? Like the prizes my grandpa gives me if I catch the biggest fish?" Wira asked, his eyes sparkling.

Laksmi nodded quickly, thinking Wira was also interested in the contest. What a great opportunity! "Yes, something like that. But this is for adults."

Darkie snorted with amusement. "And you're really good at 'catching big fish', Brat. You should try this!" He could see a huge opportunity right before his eyes. If Wira participated and won, they'd get money, and more importantly, Wira would gain recognition, which might be useful for their information gathering.

"Are you interested in this prize, Laksmi?" Wira asked.

Laksmi thought hard. On one hand, it was a quick way to get money and attract the attention of other martial artists who might have information. On the other hand, it meant Wira would have to display his power, even if he had to hold back. However, Wira had already proven he could restrain himself. And this was an official contest, not a street brawl that could end fatally.

"Alright," Laksmi sighed, making her decision. "We'll give it a try. But Wira, listen to me carefully. You must hold back. Remember, you're just an ordinary martial artist. Don't use your strange techniques. Just defeat them with basic moves, and don't injure them too severely. Make them surrender, understand?"

Wira nodded firmly, enthusiastic. "Got it, Laksmi! Only ordinary martial artist moves! I'll make them surrender just like Darkie surrendered in the forest!"

Darkie glared. "Hey!"

Laksmi looked at Darkie, fearing he might be offended by Wira's teasing, and said, "And Darkie, you'll be Wira's assistant. Make sure he doesn't do anything strange. And help him with the registration."

"Assistant?" Darkie suddenly bristled. "No! I'm fighting too! I want the prize!" He pointed to the prize banner. "Besides, I don't need an assistant from this brat. I'm a martial artist too!"

Laksmi was surprised, but seeing the determination in Darkie's eyes, she sighed. It seemed pointless to forbid him. Laksmi also thought that with two of them, their chances of winning would be higher. "Alright, Darkie. You can participate. But remember, don't cause trouble. Don't injure anyone to the point of disfigurement. And don't call yourself the Forest Bandit," Laksmi added with a stern warning.

"I will fight in the name of... Darkie!" Darkie declared proudly, as if solidifying the nickname Wira had given him. He looked at Wira, and a grin spread across his face. "What do you say, Brat? Let's see who can make them surrender faster!"

Wira grinned widely. "Wow, Darkie's joining too! This is gonna be fun!"

They approached the registration table. An official with a thick beard and a roll of parchment in his hand looked up at them. "Who wishes to register?"

"My friend here, Wira," Laksmi said, pointing to Wira. "He's a martial artist from the wilderness."

The official scrutinized Wira from head to toe. His simple appearance and innocent expression weren't convincing. "Is he experienced in arena combat?" he asked skeptically.

"This is his first time," Wira replied innocently, before Laksmi could answer. "But my Grandpa says I'm strong enough."

The official raised an eyebrow. Darkie stifled a laugh, while Laksmi subtly nudged Wira.

"Alright, what's his name?" the official asked, writing on the parchment.

"Wira from... Mount Tarakan," Laksmi quickly answered, trying to cover for him.

The official looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. The name "Mount Tarakan" sounded unfamiliar, but there was something in the way Laksmi said it that made him a little suspicious. He then shifted his gaze to Darkie, who stood tall. "And you?"

Darkie stepped forward, puffing out his chest. A dense, almost visible aura of his Pure Laksa power suddenly emanated from his sturdy body, as if the air around them had abruptly grown heavy and oppressive. The people queuing nearby instinctively gasped and recoiled, some even stumbling backward, while others hastily pulled their children closer. Anxious whispers spread, and fearful gazes began to fix on his large, dark figure.

"I, Darkie!" he boomed, his voice somehow cutting through the market's din. "Martial artist from the Haunted Forest! I want to join too!"

Laksmi, standing beside him, sharply elbowed Darkie in the ribs, her eyes a silent warning. She knew Darkie couldn't completely suppress his aura, but she hadn't expected its effect to be this palpable. Several other registrants behind them, who had been about to step forward, now hesitated and chose to keep their distance, their expressions a mix of surprise and fear.

The registration official, who had initially been skeptical, was now dumbfounded. His narrowed eyes widened, staring at Darkie with a mixture of disbelief and a hint of fear. He had heard rumors of an incredibly powerful and terrifying bandit in that forest, a man with savage strength known as "The Darkie of the Haunted Forest." However, he never expected to meet him in person. Darkie's fierce appearance, dark skin, and dreadlocks certainly matched the descriptions in those rumors. He swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure.

"Alright, Darkie... from the Haunted Forest," the official said, his voice slightly choked. "Your name is also recorded. You two will fight in the next round."

Wira smiled broadly, feeling enthusiastic. This was like a new, exciting game, with a prize that could help Laksmi. He didn't know that every punch he threw, every move he displayed, would shake the foundations of Sky Dragon City and carve his own name into the annals of the martial world's history. This bustling stone arena would become the silent witness to the rise of a legend.