The Musafir

Ratna

THAT'S HOW UNCLE Bala pretended to buy some cheap poison from a poison shop. Indeed, even though the poison he bought was the cheapest poison among other poisons, it was still quite expensive for Mantingan.

The poison that Uncle Bala bought cost 50 gold pieces for one small roof. Uncle Bala did not have the opportunity to explain the poison content he bought. With just a single glance, Uncle Bala hinted that the poison was a very deadly poison.

They continue the search. This time it moved slowly and seemed to be watching one by one the items sold. The mantan more often looks to his left, where people will see the action of the Mantingan as a natural action, as a natural action, but no one knew that Mantingan was conversing with Rara on his left.

“This market is very dangerous, Mantingan,” said Rara, “there are already those who know that you are a man disguised as a woman, but they choose not to interfere. Don't make them interested in you."

The mantan understood. “Maybe they realize that I am undercover, but they may not know that I am the Mantingan who is carrying the North River Angel on his way.”

“Maybe no one knows you.” Rara smiled. “Or maybe, someone already knows you. But for them, the reward of capturing the Northern River Angel was very little to make them move their hands. Be aware Mantingan, there are still many expert warriors in the waters of the martial lake. And keep in mind the saying you often hear from Kiai Guru Kedai: above the sky, there is still sky.”

The mantan understood. It was the same as that, he could not quickly become complacent. Indeed, many compliments that come like heavy rain on him, but the praise is actually very dangerous because it can make someone quickly complacent. Mantingan understands his position here is very weak, once choosing the wrong step can take his life to the afterlife.

“This Underground Malaya Screen Market does not seem to be the biggest secret market in Dwipantara. However, it might just be the biggest one in Javadvipa. I remind you to always improve your ability to be able to compete with them.”

Once again Mantingan nodded in the depths of his mind. The advice from Rara is really careful and precise so that it can be accepted.

“In case something dangerous happens,” he said later before sighing long. “You just run, huh? Even if it means leaving Uncle Bala. What matters is your life.”

This time the mantan did not nod. Not that Rara's advice is unacceptable, it can be interpreted as the best advice. Mantingan had no kinship with Uncle Bala. Even if they were already acquainted and would have a trading relationship, but still it would not have happened if Uncle Bala did not force Mantingan into his house. Even when Mantingan wanted to go shopping, Uncle Bala forced Mantingan to give the business to his daughter.

But even so, Mantingan knew that leaving Uncle Bala was a bad act. Mantingan could be considered responsible for the disappearance of Uncle Bala's son. Leaving them in a dangerous situation is like the attitude of a coward.

That's why Mantingan is silent. Without nodding or shaking.

Uncle Bala again made a gesture that seemed to accidentally nudge the Mantingan. No need to misunderstand anymore, Mantingan has understood what Uncle Bala really means. Especially when Uncle Bala again felt his pocket and pulled out a little tip of the regulator ejection.

Uncle Bala's daughter is back.

After all, it was indeed very difficult to believe Uncle Bala's daughter could be inside here. The quick and precise guess of Uncle Bala was admired by Mantingan. Evidently Uncle Bala has had a lot of experience in the world of trading, be it open-open trading or closed trading.

Uncle Bala walked as if he had memorized the ins and outs of this underground market. Only by relying on guidance from the regulator ejection. They continued to move without much stopping. Not impressed in a hurry at the same time not impressed too slow. No one is suspicious of either.

After a long walk between the market alleys, Uncle Bala again nudged Mantingan. “That shop should be near here.”

Mantingan knew what “toko” by Uncle Bala meant, then he nodded slowly. Like the attitude of a woman when she nodded. Uncle Bala walked a little slower and took a closer look at the surrounding shops.

Now something is confusing to both. Even if the existence of Uncle Bala's daughter has been found, then how do I get her out of the underground market full of expert swordsmen?

They didn't make that plan, they just focused on being able to go in and disguise themselves without being caught. But to get Uncle Bala's daughter out of the market, they still hadn't thought of a way.

“Actually it's been a misstep, Mantingan,” said Rara next to him. “But it could have been that Uncle Bala had thought that way and forgot to update him to you.”

The mantel countered in his mind. “I hope so.”

“And your presence here can be said to only burden Uncle Bala.” Rara's next words seemed to really astonish Mantingan.

Back Mantingan said in his mind, “Then why should I be here?”

“You yourself forced. Uncle Bala is certainly not nice if you refuse the request of someone like yourself.”

The man began to realize his mistake. He was too pushy, too hopeful to be a hero to everyone. However, he forgot that to save people must have a mature calculation. Or not, the result would be as Mantingan felt at this moment.

But there is no time to regret and no way to back off. Uncle Bala had first glanced at Mantingan. The glance was understood by Mantingan. Uncle Bala's daughter has been found the place of his whereabouts.

“Ratna, we will pay a short visit to the store at the end of that dead-end aisle.”

The mantan just nodded slowly. Uncle Bala's words were very clear. In front of them was a dead end passageway. Like a dead-end aisle in markets in general, is the most slum place compared to others.

There is a large amount of garbage and moss that litter the corner of the hallway. With shades of black-gray due to the absence of torch light that lights there, making the hallway as the most beautiful place for mosquitoes to inhabit. And do not forget, for a while the name Mantingan is Ratna.