The Destruction of Batana

THE ZENZEN 6

The morning light whizzed among the shady trees. The birds were perched on the street wires. People were still yawning wide while opening their shops. Dew drips slowly from the edges of the leaves and roofs of buildings. The air is still cool but still stifling.

I have lived in this big city for a year. The slums where I used to live no longer exist. Replaced by a housing with modern architecture and large green land. I've always watched how the place evolves every day through television. That place I no longer recognize. The shape of the road and the height of the land is no longer the same as before. So I'll never know where my house used to be.

“All the stuff you brought, right?” Ador asked to make sure.

I nodded, patting my backpack. There's not much I have to bring. Some of the items I might need are already provided by the academy.

Our journey is still very long. It took me five hours to get to the academy. Ador looked radiant as well as anxious. Maybe he was feeling very nervous. I just shook my head slowly. I should have been the most nervous here.

I stared at a drone passing by the side of the road with some office workers. I'm no longer afraid of flying. My training for a month was not in vain.

Talk about Arina. Where he went must be a big question for you. But that's not important to me. But I'll tell you what really happened to him.

A week ago just when Arina said the sentence ‘thank you’ to me, Ador called her into his room. Ador's face looked serious. I don't know, I can't read Ador's face. Arina looked shaky. His face was so sharp that he heard the call. I'm sure it's a very serious call.

But the next day I could no longer find him anywhere. Oi! isn't this good? Which means there will be no more bullies for me. So why am I wondering about him.

Five hours later, we had arrived at the Talent Academy. There was noise everywhere. A giant hologram with a welcome greeting greeted us at the entrance gate of the academy. Everyone is directed to the auditorium. Maybe some kind of ceremony over the arrival of a new student. Luxury cars are coming in unceasingly. Whether it comes from a talent agency or a parent delivering their child.

Before entering the auditorium, several drones the size of a disc-shaped adult head with a hook underneath had brought my belongings to my room. The drone also told me where my room was and who my room was. At least I didn't have to bother to surround a single academy building just to search my room thanks to the information that the floating object provided.

The voice of the host echoed throughout the auditorium that had been filled with guests. A large screen plastered on stage displays the same footage as the one in the shower pool. Who else if not the owner of the Talent Academy. Cario. Ador scrunched his face as long as he watched that person's face. His hatred will never fade. Same with my hatred for the rich and the powerful leader.

“Honored ladies and gentlemen. Today is the special day we have been waiting for. The arrival of all of you is a step for us to support the future of this academy.” The host began to mince words. “I can even witness the real form of the future picture that I want. Oh, it's so beautiful.”

The audience laughed. I just hold my face with my hands. I don't know what's funny about that sentence.

“With this let's welcome the founder of Talenta Academy. Tuuuuaaaaann Caaario!”

The sound of applause filled the entire auditorium. Ador squeezed his fingers while I just yawned wide. The introductory music was turned on and the drones began to fly closer to the stage. Prepare to capture this moment. A person with a thin face and gray hair who was sprayed backwards advanced onto the stage. I could hear Ador grumbling for a moment as he watched the face of the person in person.

In terms of posture, Cario is clearly superior to Ador. He looks handsome and wise. His body was five inches taller than Ador's. I could guess it just by looking at it from afar. Cario was wearing an expensive metallic grey suit. His blue eyes glittered in the lights and camera shots.

And beside Cario I could see a child of about fifteen years old. He was not wearing a long-sleeved shirt so he revealed both of his fake hands that were silver in color with a mystical green-colored light. From his foot gesture I also knew that it wasn't his real foot. Did he also have a disability exactly like the one I experienced?

Cario cleared his throat for a moment and did a testimonial. “It is an honor to stand before all of you on this very happy occasion. I didn't expect the Talent Academy to be one of the most favorite academies in the city. All the gifted children who lost their limbs gathered today with the passionate spirit they carried. And their passion will bring great hope for the future of the academy later.” Cario halted for a moment as he swept his gaze across the entire audience. “This year is an unexpected year. There are many children who meet our criteria as multitalented students. This result is surprising. The Talent Academy that had stood for fifteen years had never obtained a gold record like this from a new disciple. I as the head of this academy am very grateful for the people who brought these talented children to be part of us. I, as the owner of Talent Academy, will always look after them and educate them to be better. That the world may no longer look one eye to those less fortunate. So that the world no longer considers them a disgrace of a life!”

Cheers and applause accompanied Cario's final sentence. Ador just clenched his jaw. She obviously disliked Cario's words just now. Cario started down the stage. Drones accompanied his steps while still highlighting his face. Everyone seemed happy and happy. Some parents who sat beside me were made to hug their children. What an uncomfortable situation. At least for me.

The show was continued by a talent show. Various areas of talent are displayed periodically on the magnificent stage. I've been so sleepy from being bored by this event. The opening ceremony ended at exactly one o'clock in the afternoon. The host gave a closing greeting. Everyone started to come out of the auditorium.

Once outside the room, I could watch Cario standing outside the room while thanking the guests. He was accompanied by the other men in suits. The boy I saw on stage was also with him. He stood in the row of senior disciples.

“Ador, who was the boy standing next to Cario on stage?”

“He is the best kid in Talenta Academy. I heard he has scored various achievements from various academic and physical fields. Last I heard he beat a kid from the best academy in town in a math olympic in just five innings. All the answers are even perfect.”

“Why have you never told me before?”

We have not had time to answer, without realizing we have been in front of Cario. Ador dumbfounded. Cario only smiled as he extended his hand to Ador.

“It was great to meet you and your talented son. We will not waste your dedication to this academy. I will definitely educate your child until he becomes someone who will be recognized by the world.”

Ador still hasn't shaken Cario's hand. It seems that Cario does not recognize Ador. Looking at Ador who was just looking at him with a cynical look, I quickly diverted everything before Ador started making trouble. I shook Cario's outstretched hand.

“Happy to meet you, Mr. Cario. I'm Zenzen. It's an honor to meet you in person, sir. I often see the face of the Master on television and city pamphlets. It was very unexpected that you really stood before me today. Even I have the opportunity to shake your hand.”

I smiled broadly. “That guess is me.”

Cario laughed again. He talked for a moment to the other higher-ups. “Can you all replace my position? I'd like to have a little chat with this genius kid.”

They nodded. Now that Cario invited us both out of the crowd, Ador still did not speak a word. His face looks tense. Cold sweat poured from his forehead.

“Your son really impressed me. It makes me wonder how you educate him, Mr.” Cario beujar politely. “Gosh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Macario. You can call my name directly. Let's forget about the rank for a moment.” Cario extended his hand again.

Ador remained silent. I quickly grabbed his arm.

Ador hurriedly shook the person's hand while putting on a clumsy face. “Ah, I Ad..”

I back up his arm. He almost told me his name. It will be a disaster if Cario finds out the figure who is now facing in front of him is Ador.

“Ad?” Cario confirmed what Ador had said.

Ador quickly perfected his interrupted sentence. “Adeno. You can call me Ade.”

Cario tilted his head. “A very unique name. Well Mr. Ade, it is an honor to meet the guardians of students who managed to get perfect scores in the Talent Academy entrance examination. Do you have some kind of secret recipe so that your child can grow up to be what it is now?”

Ador glanced at me for a moment. Then tidying up his coat. “Ehem, yes... Such is. I just taught him a private lesson everyday. I think he was born a genius like me. If you know, at his young age he got perfect grades and became the best student in his class. Not to mention he has a good record in the field of sports. He really makes me very proud.” Ador nodded.

I put on a flat face. During this stiff conversation there was one thing I strongly disagreed with. Ador pretended to be my parents.

“Sorry if this is disrespectful, what makes your child end up like this and decide to enter Talent Academy?”

Ador rolled his eyeballs. Looking for a good reason. I hope he doesn't give me any other weird excuses like when I first got into the acceler class.

“Ah, she had an accident while with my wife on a flight. Only he survived, but my wife died at the scene. The plane crashed in a mountain. Therefore I take care of him as best I can by giving him a bionic body so that he can act like an ordinary child.”

“You mean flight accident eight years ago? Worst flight accident during this city flight?”

Ador nodded steadily. His face looks very uncomfortable.

“What a terrible tragedy. Airport officials should be more careful in watching their planes. I heard the cause of the accident was that part of the plane was damaged because it had been used for too long. They forgot to replace the machine with a new one. Hmmmm... Humans can be very bored with such small things. It is fortunate that your son survived the terrible accident. He must have been very traumatized by that. I as the representative of all teachers in this academy will take care of your child as well as possible.” Cario put on a concerned face.

Ador nodded. “Ah, of course. Educate please. I'm sure one day my son will be a big star in this academy.

Cario and Ador laughed at the same time.

“It looks like at this time I have to resign. After this I have another important agenda. May we meet again Sir.”.

“Ade.” Ador added.

Cario nodded. “Master Ade. Nice to have a casual chat with you.” Cario shook Ador's hand for a moment. “Hopefully your day is pleasant, Mr. Ade. Enjoy time with your child for a while before you two split.”

Now Cario shook my hand. “Hopefully you can also make this old man proud, son. Say the name Talent Academy then I believe your life will be one hundred percent prosperous in the future.”

I nodded while smiling. “You'd better be ready, sir. I'm sure you'll be more than just proud.”

Cario laughed again and flicked his finger. Then left us both. Ador finally breathed a sigh of relief.