The Destruction of Batana

SKY ACADEMY

Not felt, two months have passed.

Two prison officers came to our cell. It seems they're about to see me. Vero looked at me with a sad face. While Bundara looked at me with an undefined face. I'm changing my clothes. Take off the prisoner's shirt. The two soldiers then removed the bracelet that was attached to my wrist during my stay in this prison.

“Today is your freedom day, Lian.” Said one of the soldiers. I'm just nodding. Not much talking.

“Hwueeee.... I'll miss you, Little Friend!” Vero hugged me, thought of me as a child. Ruffling my hair. I just resigned.

This time Bundara hugged me. Instantly I choked. His embrace was so tight, it made me barely able to breathe. Again I just resigned.

“After this I advise you to go to the Sky Academy, Lian. Maybe that place can help you find your destination.” Bundara gave advice, followed by a nod Vero.

“I agree with Bundara. Go to that place, Lian! And I suggest you don't do anything there. The coach was very strict. He was nicknamed Killer Master.” Vero said the sentence with a flat face while raising both hands. Scare.

“Do not make up, Vero!” Bundara exclaimed. Nudging Vero's shoulder.

“Well, just take care of yourself, little buddy. Make sure you eat three times a day, brush your teeth before bed, drink water pu.” The Vero sentence stopped. Bundara just grabbed his head. He complained of pain. “Sick! Why are you so bad, Bun? I'm just worried about Lian.” Vero's face looks sour. He's holding his head.

I just looked at those who were fighting back. Maybe I'll miss a moment like this.

It was my farewell day with those two people. Vero with all his antics and Bundara with his bluster. They are fun friends, as well as entertaining. Really am!

Before leaving the prison area, I stopped by the Ruzdora residence. Just saying thank you and saying goodbye. It was during these two months that he helped me to recover. Makes me able to fall asleep. Sometimes I still wake up.

I found Ruzdora in her yard. He was watering his plants. As soon as he saw me, he chuckled. Gently shake my hand.

“Oi! What's the matter? Today you don't wear a prisoner's suit. Can't you be free? That means this is our last meeting. What are your plans after this, son?” He asked with a sad face. It seems he can't just let go of me. Especially after two months we became partners. Or maybe more than that.

“I'll go to Sky Academy.” I just answered. That's all that pops into my mind.

“I'll call Miss Kei if you're going there. Anyway you're still under the mayor's supervision. Then good luck, son. Occasionally come to this parents house. I will gladly brew you my herbal tea. Coincidentally, I was concocting a new tea.” Ruzdora chuckled again.

I swallowed spit. Of course I don't want to. Ruzdora laughed, as if she could read my mind.

“Wait a minute! Something I want to give you.” Ruzdora ran into her house. Will he give you that bad tea again?

My prediction's wrong. Ruzdora brought me a dark green backpack.

“Get this bag, Lian! I packed some clothes and some food inside.  Plus I gave my medicines and also my herbal tea. At least this is all I can do to help you.”

I accepted. Ruzdora hugged me one last time. Patting softly on my shoulder. Then let go of my departure.

　

　

***

For the first time, I actually witnessed the scenery of Keios City.

I've heard an explanation from Vero that Keios City is located in the rubble. They're stockpiling this City with debris as camouflage. Hiding this city from RP-2. I could watch the towering pedestals, plus the giant lights hanging from the ceiling of Keios City. Every now and then I thought, What kind of technology do they have that can cover an entire city with rubble? And even more amazing, the debris is arranged in such a way as not to fall or collapse.

I boarded one of the public transports. Down the deserted city streets. I stared in amazement at the magnificent buildings with unique architecture. For a country boy like me to see this scene is spectacular. The most magnificent building in my village belongs to the Village Chief. It is also only limited to a house with two floors plus ornaments that emit a dim light.

I arrived at my destination. Sky Academy.

I stared at the gate with the writing of the Sky Academy on it. Looks majestic. The car kept going. Trees filled the roadside. Making a cold view. Now my eyes were fixed on the four giant statues that stood gallantly on top of a fountain while pointing in a certain direction. I don't know what the statue means. Public transport continues to split the streets.

I have arrived at the main building. The building has three floors, blue with some white ornaments. It fits his name. I started to step in. I stared at the moving floor of the building. Showing space projection. Complete with planets and other celestial bodies. I kept walking down the hallway of the building.

“You must be a new person. Miss Kei told me about your arrival” Someone's voice surprised me.

I looked at that figure. He was wearing a dark blue jacket with a white stripe that coiled around his right arm. There is the writing of the Academy of the sky right in the chest. The figure smiled kindly.

“Will I take you to your dorm.” He's leading me.

I followed the figure while watching around me. We're tracing the edge of the field. I can see a group of people training in the field. Their movements were in unison, accompanied by a cry of encouragement.

We went back down the hallway. It seems that this hallway is the building's separator.

Get us in the dorm building. Not much different from the main building. The difference is the color of the paint. The building is dominated by black. There is a giant monitor that displays the schedule of dormitory activities. The walls are filled with bluish-colored lights like stars that decorate the sky.

“You don't have to worry about fees because Sky Academy is free for people who want to be a parjurit. Your room is on the second floor, you can see your name on the door. I can only lead you here. Take it easy, there are monitors in each room of the dormitory building that will tell all your activities. ”

I'm nodding. I'm used to this. It's no different than a prison bracelet that always tells me the prison schedule.

“Then I say welcome to the Sky Academy. Our motto is to raise the high purpose and future of mankind. Have a nice day.” He left me.

I took a deep breath. I hope this place finds my purpose. Able to eliminate the pain that still remains. I stepped into the dorm building. I can see the other students passing by. Some people looked at me, whispering. Some just glanced at it, not caring. I headed straight for the second floor.

Sure enough, my name was clearly displayed on one of the bedroom doors. And the name of another. The door of the room opens automatically. Let out a hissing sound. And I found a room like a five-star hotel.

The whole room was filled with white. There is a monitor hanging in the corner of the room. I headed to one of the beds, my name written on it. All my uniforms are ready.

“You're the new kid?”

I'm looking for the origin of the sound. Someone was standing at the door. It seems that he is the same age as me, but the uniform he wears is gray. Her hair is blonde and a little curly. His eyes are blue. He looks shorter than me. Might as well.

I wear the uniform that is available. It's a different color than the one I met in the main building. Maybe the color indicates status or position. The clothes I wore were white with a circular blue stripe. And of course there is the writing of the Sky Academy.

I decided to go around. The sky academy had five buildings. And each building has a different color and design. One of the places that caught my attention was the museum. I can see the history of the construction of the Sky Academy. However, I am more interested in an article that contains the incident of the RP-2 revival and nuclear explosion that occurred six years ago. Even in it were registered victims from Keios City.

The article did not trigger my memory. It means that this device completely blocks my memory, making me unable to remember what happened when I was 10. I went back around. Hope to get some information that can answer all my questions.

This place is so vast. Long enough for me to browse through the entire corners of the Sky Academy. Now I look back at the students who are practicing. Some people train their bodies with other sports. It seems like they are grouped based on their status.

Tired of going around I went back to my room. Marko was lying on his bed. He covered his face with his arms. Breath snorted. He looks very tired. It must be the result of his training. I decided not to disturb him.

Night approaching.

This is the hardest time for me. My trauma has not disappeared completely. I'm still shadowed by that thing. It always rotates in my mind like I'm looking at a tape. I always see moments where I'm being chased and attacked. It always ends with Liana's face. I decided to get out of my bed. Taking tea Ruzdora giving. It's the only way I can sleep comfortably. Even though I hate the taste.

I brewed that tea. Luckily, there is also a private kitchen in this room. I forcefully sipped the tea. Swallow everything at once. All this really torments me. I'm back in my bed. However, I was surprised by Marko sitting on his bed while looking intently at me.

“New boy, can't you sleep?” He asked flatly. Sweat pours out from his forehead. His eyes look tired. Does he have sleep problems like me?

I shake thinly. Maybe I'm bothering him. He could be very sensitive. Hearing a little sound, I woke up. I'm apologizing. Tell me I'm just not used to living in this place. He lay back down, covering his face with his arms.

Alarm on monitor sounds. Wake me from my sleep.

I gasp. I felt like I was asleep for a while. I got out of bed, found Marko not in his bed. Now my gaze was fixed towards the monitor displaying the schedule of the Sky Academy. I rushed to get ready.

At six in the morning. All new students are gathered in the field. We were all told to march. Every day the Sky Academy was able to accept dozens of new disciples. That was natural, because the Sky Academy was one of the valuable assets for Keios City. Now I'm lining up with the other new students.

Someone stepped in front of us. His face was stern and there were cuts near his eyes. Showing the fight he had experienced. The tube is large and high making its stature look sturdy. He wears a black robe. The darkest color in the Sky Academy. And that means his rank must be high. His age may be 30 years. He looks full of authority.

“Morning everything!” He exclaimed. His voice broke the silence. Sounded loud to make our spirit blazing.

“Again!” We answered simultaneously.

“I CAN'T HEAR YOUR VOICES! HOW CAN YOU BE A SOLDIER IF THE SOUND OF A MOUSE SQUEAKS?” He cried louder. Surprised us.

“PAGI!” We cheered louder. Our voices echoed throughout the entire corner of the Sky Academy.

“HARDER!”

“PAGI!!”

“HARDER!!”

“PAGI!!” I made my loudest voice. I can't be more than that. My vocal cords could be broken just to say the word.

Fortunately, he no longer asked us to repeat the word. He was satisfied.

“I'm a Prosperous Master, the leader of the Sky Academy. Earlier I thanked you for your courage to come to this place.  As you know, it is rare for a young man to dare to be a soldier. Especially the frontline soldiers, namely soldiers of destruction RP-2.”

“Today I really hope that among you there will be one of these soldiers. This year we lost a lot, they died with honor for the future of humanity. But of course I just hope. No coercion.”

“One thing I made clear to you guys, I really don't like delays. So, make sure you all follow the schedule that is in the Sky Academy in a timely manner. Anyone who is disobedient, don't blame me for punishing you by running 100 times back and forth from the main building to the four-wind fountain.”

Now I know the meaning of the four statues that are above the fountain. The four statues are none other than a wind indicator.

“That's all I can tell you. After this, all of you will be guided by seniors. Obey them as you obey me. Understand?”

“READY UNDERSTAND!” again we answered in unison.

“As cover, shout Sky Academy motto!”

“HIGH LIFTING PURPOSE AND FUTURE OF MANKIND!”

“WHAT'S OUR MOTTO?” The Sejah Master shouted even louder as he brandished his index finger. It was as if he was pointing towards the sky.

“HIGH LIFTING PURPOSE AND FUTURE OF HUMANITY!!”

“WHO'S GOAL?”

“UMAT HUMAN!”

“WHO'S FUTURE?”

“UMAT HUMAN!” Damnit damnit! If this continues I can be exhausted before doing all the schedules that apply.

Prosperous Master left, replaced by the seniors who stood before us.

“For this morning, you will all run around the field 20 times while shouting the motto of the Sky Academy. Continue with 30 push ups. And ends with a squat jump of 30 times. Let's just say it's a warm-up. Understand?”

“READY UNDERSTAND!” Holy hooch! Did he just say it was a warm-up? That means the actual exercise will definitely be more tiring. However, one thing caught my mind. Wouldn't it be cheating if I used the tools inside my body?