The End of the World - Story I
The World Across the Forest

Starting from here is the story that I (Panthera Tigris) told to the four Khans who sat marching before me in the meeting room of the Silver Palace upon my return to my hometown *(Episode 2).

...~ ◊ ~...

I, Lupus, and Arctos stepped decisively towards the boundary of the Buana Groaning Forest. Passing through giant trees, through the dew that hit, to see the vastness of the world.

Just as we set foot through the last row of trees, what we saw was not a warm green meadow from across the forest, but rather a snow-white mountain range so cold it was unbearable.

As soon as our bodies shivered in the freezing air, the crackling of snow instantly soaked our feathers and clothes, making our teeth tremble with each other.

“What happened? Why are we suddenly here?” many confusions.

“For a moment that question, let's find shelter before we freeze to death!” Lupus.

After walking down the hills, we took shelter under the rocks, avoiding strong winds just before the storm came, when the clouds looked so gloomy plus the unbearable cold.

“It seems that the magic that enveloped the Buana Groaning Forest was Teleportation Magic,” Arctos said suddenly.

“I think so too. Looking at the surrounding environment, it looks like we are teleported to the Northern Snow Mountain Range, the territory of the King of Bengki,” Lupus said in response.

“Is this also applicable when trying to enter the forest as well?” my many.

“It looks like so. Anyone who crossed the forest boundary, whether they wanted to go out or enter, would be teleported randomly. So this is why no one enters the forest at all, because those who want to enter are instead teleported to other places,” Clearly Arctos while trying to dry the feathers.

“Yes, this is like magic used by the Jin Nation to fight Emperor Akbar in the 'Continent Unification Story',” said Lupus.

“But who installed this magic until the Khan didn't notice it? Are the Jin?”

“Entahlah. The most important thing now is that we have to get out of here as soon as possible after this storm ends.”

...~ ◊ ~...

The sky is bright-faced. The sun is also shining beautifully. Gleaming white snow spread along the majestic mountains. The silence was broken when there was a crackling of steps from three pairs of legs that looked tired. Walk down the valley to continue the passionate adventure.

“Where are we going?” ask me after we get to the bottom of the valley.

“This valley is the border between the territory of King Bengki with the territory of King Lazy. We will follow this valley until we reach the Border Valley Fort. From there we will go east to Lazy King City,” replied Lupus.

“This valley is warm enough and safe for us to take shelter from the storm and probably will be many springs along the way,” Arctos said.

“You better be careful, Tigris. With the color of your fur, maybe you will disappear and difficult to find if in the snow,” taunted Lupus while rubbing my head.

“Hey, I'm not that stupid to get lost in the snow. And don't treat me like a kid!” respond upset.

Maybe I am indeed the youngest among the three of us, but being able to have an adventure story at this young age isn't it a good thing?

We continued our journey south along this valley. Keep walking during the day and rest at night. That's how we've been for a few days.

There were no vegetation along the valley, only rocks and snow as far as the foot stepped. Fortunately, there is still water to fight fatigue.

For more than a week we've been walking down this valley floor. Our supplies were running low and there was nothing to replenish them.

But eventually our fatigue produced results. Two large fortifications stand on either side of the valley connected by an old wooden bridge. We went up the valley on our left side to the East Fort.

Arriving above the valley, there were so many screams and moans, the clanking of swords and the moans of war horses. Right in front of our eyes was a battle. Bodies lapping. Many people are asking for forgiveness.

We ran to find a hiding place. Trying to avoid events we didn't expect would happen. Stepping over dead bodies, away from battles that do not know until when it will stop.

“What happened? Has not the People been reconciled and united under one kingdom? But why can there be war here?” I asked while I kept running.

“After 24 years, I am sure many things have happened,” said Arctos.

“Stay moving! We must get out of the battlefield immediately!” shout Lupus.

Hearing that, I continued to run as fast as I could using my four legs. But suddenly my body hit something very hard. Instantly my body bounced away, rolling around and falling. My body is numb. I saw a large rock lying beside me. That stone hit my body.

Arctos who was behind ran up to me. But the frontmost Lupus had run away.

“Stand, Tigris! Looks like we have a little bit of work,” Arctos said as he looked towards the other side of the valley across.

After my body recovered, I got back up and pulled my sword from its sheath. Looked west. From there appeared dozens of Humans riding across the valley while carrying swords and spears.

“It looks like it is suitable for heating in this cold air,” I said excitedly.

I and Arctos ran over and started pouncing on their horses. One by one the horse and the rider have been destroyed.

With his fists and large and powerful claws, Arctos threw horses and humans on top of him. I don't want to lose either. Using my sharp fangs and sword, I bit the horses' throats and I slashed their riders until they were both lifeless.

But the army of men came as if inexhaustible. Arrows began to be launched, spears began to be thrown. Arctos and I, who could not resist, were beaten back by them.

As we pressed on, Lupus returned with many Hayawans following behind him. They came with their swords, spears, arrows, fangs, and claws. Summarizing, roaring, growling, and barking filled the field of action.

They ambushed and urged the Men to return to their strongholds. After the battle began to subside, the Hayawan troops took us to their fortress.

“What happened here?” ask the Hayawans when you arrive at the East Fort.

“Isn't war between Nations banned?” ask Arctos.

“They are no longer a Nation of Man. Likewise with us, no longer the Hayawan Nation, not as it seems.”

“You mean?”

“T need to ask a lot. Now rest. Tonight we will destroy the enemy's stronghold and end this battle. After that we can only share the story,” said the Bison then leave.

The people here look so busy. To prepare for the attack tonight?

“How? We coming?” ask Lupus.

“Of course!” I answered eagerly impatiently waiting for the night.

...~ ◊ ~...

The night finally came. So cold and gripping. Dark and full of silence. Only small torches for lighting. But with the eyes of the Hayawans, we will be superior in darkness.

The Wolves sneaked up the Western Fortress and killed the gate guards without any commotion. Once the gates open the main troops storm the enemy's defenses with surprise attacks.

The humans who had been tired and asleep, could not withstand a quick attack like lightning.

The Wolves killed the enemy's surveillance unit. The horned Hayawans smashed through the doors, shocking the still-less army of Men.

Not staying still, the danger signal had been ignited by the enemy. The enemy forces have prepared for full resistance. Under the half-full moon, the battle became increasingly rowdy.

But the unprepared army of Humans ended up losing in an instant. With a puff of smoke, the Western Fortress was engulfed in a huge fire that was increasingly devouring.

The dawn ended the battle. Our troops returned to bury the bodies, and repair the damaged fort.

In the evening, we celebrated the victory by singing and dancing around the campfire.

The dance and song are very familiar to me. Of course, because it is the dance and song ‘Kemenangan’ from Hayawan Tribe.

“I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself before. I am Artiodac Bovin, the leader of the Hayawan Warrior army: Battalion of the western part of the Lazy King region,” said the Bison introduced himself to us kindly.

“Alright, now we listen to the story of our new friends,” continued Bovin while dragging us into the circle of the troops. “Who are you? And what got you guys involved in this battle?”

“I'm Lupus, the Bear is Arctos, and the Tiger is Tigris. Previously, we would like to thank you for your help yesterday,” said Lupus followed by the bowing of our heads together.

“If you know and still remember about your hometown, we were sent by the four Khan from Hayawan Village in the Forest of Rintihan Buana,” Arctos said.

“Really?!” ask some people followed by many other questions that echo in the silence of the night with a look of happiness.

“Of course we will never forget the hometown we always missed,” said Bovin with a look full of novelty.

“Ah, I understand. You guys were teleported around here after trying to get out of Buana Groaning Forest, right?” bovin.

“Absolutely. Two weeks ago we tried to get out of the forest, but instead were teleported to the Northern Snow Mountains. Finally we decided to walk south by walking down the valley,” said me with enthusiasm.

I can finally tell some of my adventure stories to others.

“Good thoughts to use the valley path during hurricane season like this,” praise Bovin. “Lantas how are things in the village right now?”

“As you know, the Buana Groaning Forest is still isolated due to Teleportation Magic. The Khan decided to strengthen the forest defense if there is a bad strategy behind the blocking of forest areas,” explained Arctos.

“That's the right decision,” said Bovin.

“One of our missions is to find as much information as possible about the truth of King Angkara's prophetic sign and also information about the troops sent to the capital 24 years ago. For this reason, are you willing to share your story with us?” ask Arctos.

“For the loss of contact with the 4000 troops, the Khan tried to find them by sending many Search Units, even the Canis sent his Shadow Unit,” replied Bovin with a difficult look at artikan.

“I was one of the soldiers chosen by Khan Artiodac to lead the Search Unit that was sent 9 years ago," Bovin continued. "And did you realize it? Among us today there are also some soldiers who are part of the 4000 troops.”

“Really?!” The three of us were shocked and shocked. It turns out that the people we're looking for have been among us all along.

“Ha Ha ... I'll continue my story,” said Bovin. “Like you, of course, many other units were sent before my Unit. But all that is useless if we can not bring back all the information we have obtained. And we're gonna have to deal with a war between people out here.”

“Hmm... But why do the Khan keep sending Search Units if there is absolutely no result?” I realized this strange thing.

“Could the Khan have his own plans for all that?” arctos said suddenly as he rubbed his head.

“Could the Khan try to build up the strength of Hayawan's army outside the forest? Miss Ailur the Scientist must have thought of various things to overcome this problem, which we may never think of at all,” added Arctos speculated.

“It makes sense also your thinking, Son,” said Bovin in praise. “I thought you were no ordinary kids. There is no way the Khan sent three boys on this tough mission. There must be a hidden purpose behind the mission you are carrying out.”

I, Arctos, and Lupus looked at each other, confused and clueless. All this time we only consider this mission is an exciting adventure like in a fairy tale. But I never thought there might be such a big meaning behind it.

“Keeping that aside, then can you tell your story as well as the story of those 4000 troops? We are very curious about all those mysteries,” said Lupus excitedly.

“Ha Ha ... Listen to this story, son! Maybe we'll stay up tonight,” exclaimed Bovin.