Part 1: Shadows That Leave Restlessness
The sky was not yet completely bright. The dew had not yet completely dried on the tips of the leaves. But the morning silence around Bukit Gunung Kunci began to be cracked by anxiety.
Bima sat pensive on the side of the hill, his gaze blank. He could still feel it in his body—the vibrations. The explosion of light, the battlefield, and the giant figure of white light staring at him from above the torn sky. But now, only silence remained.
"Are you okay?" Riko came carrying a bottle of water. Behind him, Lina followed with Bima's jacket.
"I think... still shaking," Lina answered while sitting beside him. "When you fainted last night, it was like there was a really big thunder. But there was no rain."
Bima only smiled weakly, "I don't know... it feels like a dream, but more real than reality."
He turned his head toward the forest—as if someone was calling, even though it was faint.
Part 2: Signs of Worry
Meanwhile, the teachers were gathering not far from the main tent. Mr. Arman looked anxious as he checked the list of participants.
"This is already the fifth day, Sir. The camp should have ended three days ago," said Mrs. Rani, glancing at the sky. "And some children also said they saw strange flashes from the direction of the hill."
"I also feel that something is not right here. The nature... it's like holding my breath," added Mr. Arman.
A decision was made: some teachers would start combing the forest area to make sure no one was missing, while the others would keep the children in the camp area.
Part 3: The Appearance of Two Figures
At the same time, Bima, who had started to get up and walk alone along the hillside, suddenly stopped.
A small orange cat emerged from the bushes. Its eyes were round, its fur shiny with dew. But what stunned Bima was—the look in its eyes. As if it understood everything.
"Where... are you from?"
The cat licked its paws, then walked slowly towards Bima and sat at his feet.
Not long after, light footsteps were heard. A big old black dog appeared from the other side—silent, but his eyes were deep. He stared at Bima, then lowered his head… as if admitting something.
Part 4: Unusual First Dialogue
"Hey, did you find a new pet?" Riko came over laughing. "Is that your cat? Or did he adopt you?"
"I don't know… they came by themselves," Bima said softly.
Lina crouched down and tried to stroke the cat. "So cute. But his gaze… is he really serious?"
Riko added, "And this dog… looks like a royal guard."
In the midst of their small laughter, the atmosphere slowly changed. The wind suddenly blew harder. And… Catty—the orange cat—looked up. Her ears moved.
Brody—the dog—also got up. The two animals looked towards the deeper forest.
Bima felt something crawling in his chest. But before he could move, his two new friends jumped into the bushes and disappeared… running towards a call that was inaudible to humans.
Chapter 5: The Unheard Call
"Hear that… the voice of our ancestors…"
A whisper crossed Catty and Brody's consciousness.
But not human language.
An ancient language, from blood that has not yet awakened.
Among the mist and branches, they ran. Leaving Bima, leaving the current world.
Towards their destiny.
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Author's Complaint
Chapter 8 is indeed shorter than I wanted. After struggling to connect the main plot from Chapters 1-7 and re-sewing the red thread so that it can reach the battlefield and the legacy of ancient blood, this body finally gave up for a moment. My time, energy, and focus were sucked up a lot to rearrange the narrative structure and maintain the continuity of the universe. But I believe, even though it is short, this Chapter 8 still has its own important spirit.
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End of Chapter Quotes
> "Sometimes, the voice of inheritance is not heard by human ears… only by souls bound by ancient blood."