True Martial Arts
Leaving the Progo Inn

When he choked on his own saliva, this time his cough was much harder than before. “Isn't it too early for the Garuda Knights to get married?”

Walageni chuckled while massaging his forehead. “Then, who exactly is he to you?”

“Not more than travel companions travel companions,” replied Kala.

After having a light conversation for a while, Kala came to the kitchen to make Kaia a warm tea. If his promise with the girl is not kept, it is possible that Kala will get into trouble.

***

Kala knocked on Kaia's room door. In his left hand was a cup of hot tea and in his right hand was a plate of boiled vegetables, so he was forced to knock on the door with his feet.

There was the sound of a door lock being opened from inside, after which Kaia's beautiful face appeared. He looked at Kala from top to bottom with a cold gaze.

“Why not tell me to eat downstairs? What do you mean visit my room?”

Kala smiled bitterly. If he explained the reason that the bottom floor still smelled the scent of blood that was quite concentrated, then Kaia would lose her appetite. But if it is not explained, the girl is always prejudiced about him.

“Why are you just smiling without answering me?” Kaia's gaze grew colder.

“I have no intention to mess with you, you are too confident with your beauty. Take this tea and vegetables, eat them immediately to keep the body warm.”

“No eating.” Kaia shook her head hard.

“Why?”

“After all the scenes you showed me earlier, how do you still dare to ask me why I don't want to eat?”

Kala took a long breath. “Do you not appreciate the food made by me? I choked on furnace smoke when I made you this food.”

Kaia was silent for a moment before replying, “Is that really your cooking?”

“Yes. But if you don't want to, I can eat it.” Kala was intending to leave, Kaia suddenly grabbed his hand.

“Let me eat it.”

I smile before turning back around. “You know that my cooking is the most delicious.”

“You're overconfident, I just appreciate your effort to cook that meal.”

The girl came in and closed the door after receiving the warm food and drink.

***

Five days passed and the rain lasted a long time. It was only today that Kala immediately told Kaia to pack up. The young man also expressed his desire to continue the journey to the city at Walageni.

“Bah! So fast you're gone. I'm back drinking alone starting today.” Walageni patted Kala's shoulder while shaking his head. Despite seeming reluctant, the old man knew that Kala was not good at staying too long in his inn. “So, what are your plans after arriving in town?”

“I'll try to sell something before proceeding.” Kala answered succinctly.

Walageni nodded briefly before taking out a wooden medallion from his interspatial ring. The medal was then given to Kala.

“This is an identifier medal. You'll need this when you get to town. Go to the Progo Inn, show this medal to the maid or innkeeper. They will give you both a fairly comfortable room and delicious food.”

“This ...” Kala stared at the engraved medal with an uneasy feeling. “I don't think I deserve it.”

“Bah, you are this! After you saved my life the other day, how can I let you in trouble?” Walageni. “Receive only.”

Smiling warmly and thanking him, he added that he would not forget this kindness. With free lodging, he could save money while in the city.

“Oh, one more.” Walageni brought herself closer to Kala, then whispered, “about Laskar Progo, I hope you don't pass it on to anyone.”

Kala nodded. “I'm not used to lying, but that doesn't mean that I can't keep secrets. About this secret, Uncle just needs to trust me.”

“I guess, this is the time ...”

“Of course, My son. As long as the sky does not collapse and the age is still there, we will meet again.” Walageni hugged Kala.

After taking off the hug, Kala turned to Kaia.

“Give me those bundles, let me keep them.”

“No need. These are my things, you don't have to trouble yourself.”

Kala glanced back at the bundles that Kaia had brought. There are four. How can it be that much?

“You brought clothes from the inn? This belongs to Progo Inn, you can't take it.” Kala wanted to advise Kaia even further, but Walageni held her back.

“Already! What's wrong with him bringing stuff from the inn? This girl is the lover of the Garuda Knights, I will give anything for her!”

Kala patted his head, Walageni unconsciously made Kala have to explain about the Garuda Knight to the girl.

Kaia's cheeks flushed slightly then said, “He is my enemy, how can Uncle call him my lover?”

Walageni laughed loudly, not offended by Kaia's words.

Kala quickly said goodbye before such a talk lasted even longer, “Old Pak, I say so now. Take good care of yourself Father, do not drink too much wine.” Kala ordered while keeping all of Kaia's bundles inside the interspatial ring even though the girl refused.

They both came out of the inn. Walageni let out a long sigh while staring at the departure of the two young men.

“Having a drinking buddy every night is fun, but he is the one who is destined to be great. I can't help it to fulfill destiny.”

***

“The old man said that I was the lover of the Garuda Knights. Indirectly it refers to you. So, is it the Garuda Knights? Why are you called that?” Kaia asked on the way.

Kala pretended not to listen while whistling to enjoy the atmosphere of the forest, he felt it was too early to explain it to Kaia.

“Are you deaf?”

Kala remained silent.

Bugs!

Kaia punched Kala in the stomach with all the energy she had. While the person who was punched was just looking at him strangely without feeling any pain at all.

“You can't wait to be a pranor, huh?” ask Kala in a mocking tone.

“I'm still asking you!”

When he took a deep breath, his face turned serious. In hindsight Kaia would have been more respectful towards him after knowing his status, so it was no longer possible for a girl to punch him in the stomach carelessly.

“Do you know Garuda legend?”

Kaia nodded with a bit of enthusiasm even though her face seemed to have no expression. He took a deep breath and explained everything he knew. Starting from the story of a Garuda to his football in Bumi Nusantara to the legacy of the Garuda.

“So, you have the power of Garuda? Why can't you fly?” Kaia asked.

“Fly?” Kala laughed softly. “Only Alang can do that ...”

When he suddenly stopped his steps, his face turned ugly.

“Gosh! Alang left behind at the inn!”