Three Cross - Time Youths

Training for Live Broadcast

The twilight sky of the metropolis began to turn dark purple, creating long shadows of skyscrapers. The fallen leaves were blown by the light breeze, dancing along the sidewalk. On the top floor of a luxury hotel, the suite rooms occupied by Jayak, Mado, and Kunta provide stunning views of the city with the lights on.

"You guys see that?" Kunta, with wide-eyed eyes, pointed at the large window, staring at the giant screen in the opposite building displaying the latest product advertisement. "These people are stuck in a big box!"

Jayak approached and looked with furrowed brows. "It's like a moving picture, like the one in this little box in this room." He pointed towards the television.

Mado laughed lightly, "Ah, present-day technology is really elusive."

As they were immersed in the discussion of the "boxes" a gentle knock on the door was heard. Jayak, with the typical agile movements of a swordsman, approached the door and checked through the small hole.

A middle-aged man in a fancy suit and tie stood outside, accompanied by two men dressed in all-black. Jayak opened the door.

"Good night" said the man in the suit with a sweet smile, "my name is Mr. Dharma. I heard about you guys and wanted to offer you a deal."

Kunta, who was still busy with the TV remote, asked without turning her head, "What is a 'pause'? Why do the people in this box stop moving when I press it?"

Mado, patting Kunta on the back, said, "Leave first, friend. Our guest seems to have something important to talk about."

Mr. Dharma smiled, "Ah, yes. I heard that you guys came from ancient times. I think, with your knowledge, we can create something great in this age."

Jayak, with sharp eyes and a suspicious expression, asked, "What do you want from us?"

Dharma sighed, "This world, especially the young market, is always looking for something authentic, ancient, but still relevant. Imagine if we could combine your knowledge with today's technology. We can create a product or service like never before."

Mado, curiously, leaned over, "What's the product like?"

Dharma pointed out his tablet, showing pictures of concept ideas, "Imagine traditional clothing with smart technology embedded in it, or perhaps an ancient weapon that could be a modern accessory."

Meanwhile, it was Kunta who finally found the "play" button, cheering a little, "Aha! They're moving again!" However, as he looked up and realized all eyes were on him, his cheeks flushed slightly, "Sorry, I was too fascinated with this magic box."

Dharma laughed lightly, "It's okay. So, how? Are you guys interested?"

Jayak, after thinking for a moment, replied, "We need time to consider it. It's not an easy decision."

Dharma nodded, "Sure, I understand. Give me the news when you've decided." He stood up, shook their hands one by one, and left the room with definite steps.

Mado, with a worried look, said, "What should we do? Do we have to work with that guy?"

Kunta, who is now more focused on the discussions, added, "We have to be careful. The world is full of mysteries and we have to make sure we don't get stuck."

With nightly views of the city out the window, the three are immersed in an in-depth discussion, trying to decide their best move in this unfamiliar world.

The morning sun shone on the television studio warmly, reflecting gold rays from the large glass surrounding the building. The atmosphere outside the studio was rumbling with the rumbling sounds of vehicles and people busy with their routines. However, inside the studio, the atmosphere was different, there was a sense of tension and hope in the air.

Mado, Jayak, and Kunta stood in the middle of the still-empty set with confused gazes. Large cameras were facing towards them, while the production crew was running around with cables and other equipment.

"How does it feel to be in this big box?" Kunta asked innocently, staring around with deep curiosity.

Jayak patted Kunta on the shoulder, "We're not actually in the box, my friend. But I'm also not sure how this all works."

A young woman with long hair tied up by horses approached them, "Good morning! I'm Lisa, the producer of this show. Thank you for coming. Before we start, there are a few things we need to prepare."

Lisa handed a small clip microphone to each of them. "This will allow us to hear what you're saying clearly" he said.

As the microphone was placed on her shirt, Mado felt that something was strange. "What'sthis? There's a voice in my head!" he said in shock, pointing to his ears.

Kunta looked towards Jayak with a worried look, "Can they hear our thoughts as well?"

Jayak laughed softly, "No, Kunta. Just what we said."

Mado, still with a surprised expression, asked, "But how can the sound get into this little one?"

Lisa smiled patiently, "Technology, Mado. Something you'll learn more and more as long as you're here."

After finishing with the microphone and earpiece, the practice session begins. The production crew gave the three instructions on where to stand, how to look at the camera, and what to say.

"When the camera flashes, it means you're being broadcast live" Lisa explained. "And when I or the director give instructions through the earpiece, please just follow."

Kunta, who was still uncomfortable with the earpiece, scratched her ears, "It's like there's a small insect whispering in my ear."

Mado, trying to understand the concept of live broadcasting, asks, "So, everyone out there can see us in their little boxes as we speak here?"

Lisa nodded, "Exactly. But don't worry, just assume you're telling friends."

Jayak took a deep breath, trying to ease the nervousness that began to seep in, "We'll do our best."

The practice sessions lasted for several hours, with many mistakes and laughter. However, as time went on, the three began to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Even so, the tense atmosphere still hung in the air, waiting for the real live broadcast later that night.

As the sun begins to set and the studio lights light up brighter, Jayak, Mado, and Kunta realize that their adventure in modern times has just begun.

When the training session for the live broadcast was over, Jayak, Mado, and Kunta were given a short break in the backstage waiting room. This room was filled with mirrors, chairs, and makeup equipment that were strange to them. The walls are decorated with modern celebrity posters.

The three sat on chairs around a round table located in the middle of the room. A large mirror stood on the side of the wall, inviting them to explore their changing appearance. Mado looked at a woman who was putting on makeup and asked with a face full of curiosity, "What are they doing to this face, Jayak?"

Jayak, who was sitting near Mado, frowned when he saw the woman picking up a makeup brush. "I think they're trying to put a war shield on my face. Why is there no sword?"

Kunta, who was sitting next to a large mirror, pointed towards the television which displayed images of the calm waves of the beach. "It seems we can see this beach from inside this box. Maybe I can try to feel the water."

Mado, who knows that Kunta always has a tendency to try everything, laughs at the absurd idea. "Cunta, we can't feel the sea water from inside this room. It's just a picture."

Kunta looked up with an excited face, "But we've seen this picture in the magic box just now, right? Who knows what we can do today?"

While Kunta remains engrossed in her experiments, Jayak looks towards a mirror filled with a wide variety of makeup. His distinctive face of a swordsman with his voluminous beard now looked full of colorful makeup paint.

"With this, I will be even scarier in the eyes of the enemy," said Jayak, trying to explain the makeup with his war logic.

Mado and Kunta laugh at Jayak's strange face. Mado said, "Jayak, you might be more terrifying, but not to the enemy. People will laugh at you."

Kunta, who had grown tired of her experiments in front of the TV screen, walked into the mirror and tried to remove makeup paint from Jayak's face. "Let's clean your face, man. We don't want to make the audience laugh out loud during the broadcast."

While Kunta tried in various ways to remove Jayak's makeup, Mado explained more about how makeup is used in the modern world. She explains the concept of make-up and how women often use it to enhance their beauty.

After Jayak returned to his normal face, Kunta managed to wipe all the makeup paint with a wet tissue. Jayak, although still feeling confused by the concept of makeup, was relieved to have a face without decoration.

As they sit together, waiting their turn for the live broadcast, Kunta tries to explain further to his friends about how this modern world works. Mado and Jayak begin to understand little by little how modern technology and culture differ with their times.

In the atmosphere of the backstage waiting room filled with laughter and confusion, the three began to feel closer to each other. They realize that they must depend on each other to face the challenges of modern times.