For five minutes La Ode and Jeki continue to surf, heading towards Kayali Bay Village on the coast. They arrived at a large stilt house, perhaps you could call it a mansion. The mansion was built on the water, on the side of a large rock, near the shoreline, like Tanah Lot in Bali. The mansion is made of concrete, with jengki-style architecture, looking quite luxurious. Jeki's family residence.
Jeki and La Ode got off the spear, splash, La Ode splashed, while Jeki stepped on the water. They both then climbed the steps to the mansion veranda, the steps connecting the water surface with the veranda, like the water stairs in the background of the meme video. Knock-knock, Jeki knocked on the door.
"Somebody please open the door quickly! I'm coming to bring Grandma." Jeki shouted in response.
Crack, the door opened. A 13-year-old girl, looked up and opened the door. La Ode was a little surprised to see the girl, who had the tail of a orca. But La Ode didn't ask, remembering that this was another world.
Jeki immediately entered, "Come on in, Brother La Ode!"
La Ode followed him in, carrying Jeki's grandmother.
"What happened?" The girl exclaimed in question, surprised by the situation.
"There's no time to explain, Little Sister, hurry up and get Father, Mother, and the servants!" Jeki exclaimed, ordering the girl.
The girl hurried to call the servants, "Servants, please come quickly! Big Brother came to bring Grandma. Please call Mom and Dad too!" she called out.
Within seconds, five waiters, three with fish tails and two with clam and jellyfish heads, came rushing over to Jeki and La Ode, helping them.
Ten minutes passed. La Ode was sitting on the living room sofa. Wrapping his body in a thick, furry blanket, a waiter had previously given him the blanket, while eating warm whipped noodles. Together with Jeki and his two younger sisters, Merjan and Mutiara.
Merjan was the girl who opened the door earlier. The youngest sister. She had a cute face, shoulder-length black hair with a white pattern, tailed and fins on the nape of her neck and arms.
As for Mutiara, her face was almost similar to Merjan's, except that she was 14 years old, and her hair was back-length. But there was one thing that really distinguished her from Merjan, namely her body, her body was half a orca, like a mermaid. And she was floating on the surface of the water, in the moat on the floor of the living room.
There was a kind of moat that could be opened around the living room, as well as in every room of the mansion, like the hatch of a ship. This mansion also had several submerged underwater rooms. Mutiara cannot live on land. That's why this mansion was specially built for her too.
La Ode was acquainted with Mutiara and Merjan beforehand. Jeki told them everything, including the story of La Ode's arrival.
La Ode blows on his whipped noodles, slurps. The same goes for Jeki, Merjan, and Mutiara. Breakfast together.
"What is the universe like in Brother La Ode's world?" Merjan asked, picking a topic.
"Ordinary, in fact all humans there are nothing like you, half or mixed sea animals. Everything is standard like Jeki. And no giant sea monsters or strange creatures." La Ode replied simply.
"That must be very boring." Merjan replied.
"Well, maybe it is for you. But for me, it's definitely the most comfortable and normal place I can be." La Ode took another sip of his noodles.
Merjan nodded in understanding, in agreement.
"Can the humans there use magic?" This time it was Mutiara who asked.
La Ode was stunned. Magic? A little hesitant, "Uumm...," he mused. Mutiara waited for an answer. "Maybe there is. But it's still doubtful. People in my world know magic exists, but don't believe in magic."
Mutiara, Merjan, and Jeki were confused by La Ode's answer, frowning. "Huh, what does that mean?" Mutiara asked for an explanation.
"Well, maybe in my world magic is kind of forbidden. Because of the belief that magic is from the devil. Sometimes there are also people who use magic to cheat, even though they can't actually use magic. That's why many people don't believe in magic either."
"I thought of something interesting." Jeki said.
La Ode, Mutiara, and Merjan turned to him, tilting their heads slightly. Something interesting?
"Every universe has its way of organizing life. More precisely, God organizes it. Before I explain, I'd like to ask. Is the magic in Brother La Ode's world visible to the eye?"
"No, no. Can't, I don't know, but I myself have never seen any visible magic in my world."
"Bingo, that's it, it looks like my hypothesis or theory will make sense. Does Brother La Ode know why magic in this world can be seen with the naked eye?" Jeki snapped his fingers, a magical light appeared floating on his forefinger, revealing. La Ode shook his head. Jeki glanced at Mutiara, giving her the code to answer. Mutiara understood immediately.
"It's because of the atmospheric matter or air of this world," Mutiara said.
La Ode became curious. "Atmospheric matter?"
Jeki explained, "Yes. It's explained in 5th grade here. I myself have studied it in more detail about it at my school. Magic in this world, can be seen because of a reaction, between magic energy and complex molecules in the atmosphere or air. It seems that the atmosphere or air of Brother La Ode's world has a different material, so magic cannot be seen in Brother La Ode's world. Simply put, it is like the appearance of a rainbow, a rainbow appears due to several factors in the atmosphere, such as refraction, dispersion, and reflection of light.
"When viewed through special tools, the shape of the world's air molecules is like a crystal, which forms a series or pattern. The pattern is like a plucked string, and can produce a sound or song. People call it the sound of nature. The song in the air can change depending on the surrounding factors that affect the air molecules. These factors are many and complex, from emotions through hormone vapors, magic energy, and other molecules in nature. This also applies to water molecules, which, if given speech, will change depending on the speech. This is the basic principle of controlling magic, whose form can change depending on the command of the utterance or the intention of the user. That's why, magic can also be made with potions."
"Oooh, so it's like that, it turns out this world has a logical reason." La Ode nodded in recognition.
"Everything in the universe has a logical reason," said Jeki.
Suddenly a servant came in, "Excuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt Mr. and Young Miss's conversation with Mr. Guest. I'm here to bring clothes for Mr. Guest." The servant placed the clothes beside La Ode. "I have also prepared a room for Mr. Guest."
La Ode nodded, "Thank you." The servant nodded back and left.
Jeki continued, "Furthermore, the air molecules also affect the living creatures of this world. Creatures such as sea monsters, giant creatures, or creatures that can use magic, can exist because of environmental adaptation. Or rather because of mutations due to atmospheric molecules. The most common theory is that the molecules originated in space, appearing at the same time as the expansion of the universe, or the beginning of the creation of this world. The atmospheric molecules only arrived on the terra during a celestial storm trillions of years ago. The period continued, and creatures continued to evolve, until now. Evolved creatures can use magic because of this process, including humans.
"That's why I said earlier that if the universe or God has a way of regulating life, the world of Brother La Ode, which has no magic like this world and creatures like sea monsters, adapts to the conditions of that world. Meanwhile, we, who can use magic, also adapt to the conditions here. Imagine if the people in this world couldn't use magic, while the creatures of this world were enormous and could use magic. The people here would certainly be in trouble, or perhaps even extinct," Jeki concluded.
La Ode, Mutiara, and Merjan listened in silence. "That's a very reasonable explanation," said La Ode.
La Ode then remembered something, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Before I brought your grandmother here, she gave me this object." La Ode took out the disc she had given him, showed it to them, and placed it on the family room table in front of him. "Maybe you know something about this object."
"Wow, what kind of disc is that?" Mutiara was confused; she moved closer to examine the disc more closely.
"I don't know; I'm not exactly sure what it is. There are too many magical objects or artifacts in this world," Jeki said uncertainly.
Merjan just watched, also looking confused.
"I see," La Ode said.
"Did you see how my grandmother used that disc before, Brother La Ode?" Jeki asked.
"No. That's why I'm asking."
Silence.
"But it's definitely a very important object," Jeki said seriously. "Then we'll ask Grandmother once she's awake."
La Ode, Mutiara, and Merjan nodded in agreement.
"Excuse me, children, may Dad and Mom join you? We also want to talk to Mr. Guest, the one who saved Grandma." Suddenly, the voice of the man, the owners of the voices, came, along with a woman. They were the parents of Jeki, Mutiara, and Merjan.
La Ode was a little surprised to see Jeki's father. It turned out that his father had a orca's head, but with a tall, large body like a human, anthropomorphic, and also had a tail. Meanwhile, his mother looked like a normal human, with white hair and skin similar to his grandmother's.
Jeki's father and mother sat on the sofa to La Ode's left.
"It seems Mr. Guest has already guessed it; we are Jeki's father and mother. If Mr. Guest wishes to address me, I am usually called Mr. Orca." Jeki's father introduced himself as Mr. Orca, the name he preferred. "And beside me, of course, is my wife." Mr. Orca pointed to his wife on his left.
"You can call me Mrs. Geleta." Jeki's mother introduced herself gracefully; her name was Mrs. Geleta.
"May we know your name, Mr. Guest?" Mr. Orca asked.
"My name is La Ode." La Ode answered politely. "Mr. Orca, you can just call me Young La Ode."
"Alright, if that's what Mr. Guest prefer. By the way, before that, thank you very much for saving our grandmother." Mr. Orca and Mrs. Geleta bowed respectfully. "We were very worried before. Our grandmother was missing for three days without any news."
"Uh..., you're welcome. I actually saved her by accident." La Ode felt a bit awkward. He wasn't used to being honored, especially by older people. "But it seems like I should be the one thanking you. Because she also saved me."
Mr. Orca and Mrs. Geleta furrowed their brows in confusion. "What do you mean, Young La Ode?" asked Mr. Orca.
"Here's the thing..." La Ode recounted everything from the beginning as before, with Jeki occasionally adding details—to help explain.
"I see. Don't worry, Young La Ode, there's no need to be concerned. You can stay here. Mansion is still large enough to accommodate one more family member. There are many people from other worlds like you in this world. In the capital city, Wentira, there might be someone who can help. I suggest La Ode goes there with Jeki later. Coincidentally, Jeki is going there to register as an adventurer." Mr. Orca suggested.
La Ode nodded.
"By the way, does Mr. Orca know about this disc?" La Ode pointed to the disc on the table.
Mr. Orca looked at the disc, "Oh, right, I almost forgot. I don't know what that disc is. But before I came here, my grandmother told me to call you to her room with that disc. She has regained consciousness, but her condition is still poor; she was poisoned. She must know something about that disc."
"Alright, then I'll go there. But first, I need to get dressed."
***
La Ode entered Jeki's grandmother's room, accompanied by Mr. Orca, Mrs. Geleta, Jeki, Merjan, and Mutiara (Mutiara entered through the ditch). La Ode wore the clothes that had been given to him by the servant, putting them on in the room that had been prepared beforehand. La Ode wore a robe, a shirt similar to an ulos shirt, long pants, a wide sarong like a skirt down to his calves, and a belt.
An old man was sitting to the right of Grandmother Jeki, of average build, holding her right hand. A servant stood beside him. Grandmother Jeki was lying on the bed, breathing slightly labored. The old man's face looked worried. He saw La Ode enter, his gaze calm.
"My name is Sage Ampuh." The old man introduced himself; his name was Sage Ampuh. "Thank you for saving my wife." He was Jeki's grandfather.
If the situation had been better, La Ode might have been surprised. Look, Sage Ampuh or Jeki's grandfather looked so old, while his wife, Jeki's grandmother, still looked young and beautiful. Was she really Jeki's grandmother?
La Ode nodded, also introducing himself. He walked closer, standing to the left of Grandma Jeki. Grandma Jeki opened her eyes when La Ode stood beside her, looking at him with a weak gaze.
"My name is Gammer Ina Kabuki." Grandma Jeki introduced herself, her voice weak, her name Gammer Ina Kabuki. "You must be the person I accidentally hit earlier. I realized it when you fainted after I hit you. Then I laid you on a rock. I'm grateful you're okay."
"Thank you for saving me," said La Ode.
"What's your name?"
"La Ode."
"That's a good name. Did you bring the disc I gave you?"
"Yes. Here it is." La Ode lifted the disc he was carrying and showed it to him.
"Ina, isn't that..." Sage Ampuh was surprised to see the disc.
"Yes, Dear. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. That's why I left without saying anything. But it's my duty to keep this village safe."
Sage Ampuh sighed heavily.
"I will explain it to all of you. That disc is an ancient treasure sought after by pirates. The pirates are after it because the disc can open a portal. The pirate leader wants to use the disc's power to invade easily and spread his influence. Those pirates are powerful; I've seen them myself. One thing that makes them feared is their signature weapon—a massive artillery on one of their iron ships that drops nuclear bombs. And they'll arrive here in five days. This village is in a state of emergency." Gammer Ina Kabuki explained.
Everyone in the room was shocked to hear that.
"What should we do, Ina?" Sage Ampuh asked anxiously.
"Send a letter to the commander at the defense post, inform the king in the capital of Wentira. Order the evacuation of the villagers. Kayali Bay Village is in danger. A battle is imminent." Gammer Ina Kabuki replied firmly.
"Then, make sure the pirate leader doesn't get the disk! Give the disk to the royal army and tell them to secure it. Tell them that the pirates are looking for the disk!"
"Oh my goodness, this is very serious." Mrs. Geleta was worried, covering her mouth with both hands.
"We'll be fine, dear." Mr. Orca comforted her, hugging Mrs. Geleta.
Everyone in the room looked anxious.
"Alright, I'll write the letter right away." Sage Ampuh quickly left the room to write the letter.
***
An hour passed. La Ode and Jeki were in front of the mansion. Jeki wanted to take La Ode around the village to get to know the area. Earlier, Sage Ampuh had given Jeki a letter to deliver to the commander. Mutiara and Marjan went to school; they both swam into the water, as their school was in the sea. La Ode and Jeki walked away, strolling leisurely along the beach. The chirping of seagulls and pelicans filled the air. They kept walking.
La Ode saw two young boys teasing a little girl who was half-fish on the beach. They threw sand at her head, then ran off laughing. "Hey, watch out, you two!" The girl screamed angrily, chasing after them, but she stopped as soon as she reached land. "Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha...." The two boys laughed, mocking her for not being able to chase them onto land. The girl could only grumble.
La Ode snorted and kept walking.
"So that Brother La Ode can get to know the area, I will tell you what I know about this village. This village is part of the eastern territory of the Kingdom of Wentira. It used to be a fishing village. The village is divided into two parts: a settlement on land and one in the water near the coast. Similarly, the inhabitants include normal-looking fishermen who live on land, and a hybrid sea race that can live on land but only in water. Despite their different races, the villagers have lived in harmony for thousands of years. Because, in fact, the fishermen and the hybrid sea race still share the same ancestors, or are from the same lineage." Jeki explained.
"What? How is that possible?" La Ode was curious to hear this.
"Yes, the history is that long ago, before this village existed, there was a family living near the coast. From that one family, several families developed. Hundreds of years passed until a sky storm occurred. As a result of that event, some families were hit by the storm. Because of the storm, the family was swept out to sea. However, instead of dying, the family was exposed to the storm's radiation. As a result, they mutated. Since the storm was mixed with the magical energy of the sea, the family mutated into sea creature hybrids. That's how other sea creature hybrid races emerged."
"Thousands of years passed. The sea hybrid race established settlements within the sea. The settlements of the fishing tribe and the sea hybrid race both grew, eventually competing for control of the sea. Wars between the two were frequent. However, one day, a woman from the sea hybrid race married a man from the fishing tribe. As a result of this marriage, the fishing tribe and the sea hybrid race gradually began to make peace. Marriages between the two races became more common. Nowadays, most of the villagers are of mixed race.
"My grandfather was a human, while my grandmother was a sea hybrid race."
"Wait, but why does your grandmother look like a normal human? Earlier, when I helped her, I saw her in her giant mermaid form." La Ode asked.
"Oh, I didn't mention that. My grandmother can take on the form of a normal human because of her tenth evolutionary form. Almost all creatures in this world can evolve, including humans. The evolutionary forms of every creature in this world are highly complex, unpredictable, and sometimes even vastly different from their original forms. The evolution of every creature is determined by all the factors it possesses and influences, such as genetics, magical power, emotions, habits, hobbies, patterns of thought, and everything else. It can be said that a person's evolution is determined by their true self. Obtaining an evolutionary form is also very difficult; it requires extremely rigorous training. My grandmother's original form was actually a half-human, half-fish mermaid.
"My grandfather was a normal human, my grandmother was a sea hybrid. From their union, my mother was born. My mother has the form of a normal human, following my grandfather's genes, although she is actually a mixed race. My mother married my father, who is a hybrid. From them, I was born, with the form of a normal human, then Mutiara, with the form of a half-fish. My mother said Mutiara might have followed her grandmother's genes. And finally Merjan, a hybrid who can live on land and in water."
La Ode nodded in understanding. "By the way, uh..., sorry if my question is a bit rude, but is Gammer Ina Kabuki really your grandmother?"
"Huh?" Jeki was surprised by the question.
"Uh, I mean, she looks so young. How is that possible? Why?" La Ode corrected his question.
"Uh, ha-ha-ha, actually, it's not just you, Brother La Ode, who asks that question. Many people ask the same thing when they first see my grandmother. My grandmother can stay young because she is a sea goddess."
"The sea goddess?"
Jeki nodded, "Yes. The tenth incarnation of my grandmother is the embodiment of a goddess named Flow Goddess. She has the blessing of eternal youth. Brother La Ode, don't be fooled by her appearance. She is over 80 years old. Besides, she also smells of massage oil and balm." Jeki chuckled.
"My grandfather and grandmother are the leaders of this village. My grandfather leads the land area along the coast, while my grandmother leads the area within the sea."
They walked and talked for five minutes. La Ode and Jeki arrived at a market. La Ode looked around. People of various races were passing by, humans and sea hybrids mingling together. The atmosphere was still a bit quiet because it was still early in the morning. Some vendors were preparing their goods, opening their shops. Fishermen were returning from the sea, bringing their catch. Boats and ships were docking. The villagers were busy with their tasks. The theme song played peacefully in the background (a song characteristic of the beach atmosphere).
"HEEEEY ... YOOO!" A shout came from above. Thud! The person landed hard, in front of La Ode and Jeki.
The person is a teenage boy, slightly older than La Ode, with messy, reddish-colored hair, a betta fish fin on his arm, bare-chested, wearing only long pants with a belt, and colorful stripes like tattoos on his body, which is muscular.
"Hey there, Buddy." The teenage boy greeted them, pausing for a moment to look at La Ode. "Wow, it seems like you have a new friend, huh."
"Hey, Senior Laga. Yeah, as you can see. Brother La Ode, let me introduce you to my senior, Senior Laga. He's the one who often teaches me to train; we often train together."
La Ode extended his hand for a shake. "La Ode." Introducing himself.
The teenage boy shook La Ode's hand; his grip felt firm. "Laga." Introducing himself as well; his name was Laga.
"Where are you heading, Buddy?" Laga asked.
"We're delivering an important letter to the commander at the defense post." Jeki answered.
"A letter for the commander? What's going on?"
Jeki explained what had happened earlier.
"Wow, that's very serious news." Laga was shocked to hear it. "If that's the case, then this village..." Laga looked up at the sky. His previously enthusiastic face now looked worried.
"Yes, a battle is coming. We must prepare." Jeki said firmly, placing his hand on Laga's shoulder.
"The others must be informed of this." Laga said.
Jeki nodded.
The three of them then walked together.
Ten minutes passed. La Ode, Jeki, and Laga arrived at a fairly large ward. Jeki said this ward was where his gang members gathered. And Laga was their leader.
CRASH! Laga kicked open the door. "HEY GUYS, THERE'S EMERGENCY NEWS FOR ALL OF US!" Laga shouted as he entered.
Everyone in the ward turned to look at him; there were 20 people there. La Ode felt a little uneasy seeing the people in the ward; they looked tough. There were 2 men playing dominoes, 2 women relaxing on the sofa, 3 men and women drinking, 3 women gossiping, 2 man and woman chasing each other, 2 men practicing martial arts, and 2 teenagers—1 boy and 2 girls—drawing in the corner of the room. They all had unique appearances, diverse races, some resembling monsters, others wearing costumes, with varied hair colors and styles, and some armed. Are they really Jeki's friends?
"What's the news, Boss?" A teenage girl dressed as a jellyfish on one of the sofas asked.
"Everyone listen carefully! This is very important news. In five days, our village will be attacked by pirates."
"Come on, just pirates? We can easily take them down." A teenage boy, who had been drinking earlier and was armed with a large axe, interjected.
"Yes. But this time they're not ordinary pirates. They're coming with a war fleet. And one of the ships has nuclear artillery."
Everyone in the ward gasped. One or two gasped in fear, another fainted—stumbling and falling.
"If the royal army permits it, we might join the battle, but it seems unlikely they will allow it. However, we can help the civilians evacuate. Protect them if the situation becomes urgent. They will arrive in five days. So, I urge you all to prepare yourselves!" Laga declared firmly.
***
An hour passed. Jeki gave Sage Ampuh's letter to the commander at the defense post. La Ode and Laga were beside him. Several soldiers stood around them. It was quiet. The commander read the letter silently. It took him a minute to read it.
"Where is the disc?" the commander asked after finishing reading.
La Ode took the disc out of his robe and handed it over without saying a word.
The commander took the disc and ordered his subordinates to guard it. "Alright, I will immediately inform the king of this news. I will also announce to the residents to evacuate immediately."
"Can we join the battle?" Laga asked. Jeki and La Ode glanced at Laga. What had he just asked? It was clearly a silly question. Jeki wanted to reprimand him, but he didn't dare because Laga was his senior.
The commander glanced at Laga and frowned. "Do you want to die?"
"I don't want to die, I want to fight," Laga said firmly.
The commander smiled wryly, exhaling as he shook his head. "I know you're a very brave person. I appreciate your courage. But unfortunately, I can't let the younger generation risk dying so young. Listen, son, you're still young, I know your spirit is still burning. But if we were to lose the battle, who would continue it? Fight with your current position. You can help the civilians evacuate. That's also part of fighting. Not every fight is a battle."
Laga looked disappointed. But he accepted it gracefully. As the leader of the gang, he had to be wise. "Alright, we'll fight from the rear. We'll help the civilians evacuate."
The commander smiled, his face bright this time. "But before that..." The commander pulled a pair of daggers from his pocket and handed them to Laga. "Of course, I'll allow you if the situation is urgent. I'm entrusting the safety of the residents to you. You can do it, right? Take my daggers. This weapon can help you."
Laga looked disbelieving, but he was truly happy. Nodding firmly, "Yes!" He accepted the pair of daggers.
***
It was noon. The residents gathered at the meeting hall. The commander had announced that they must evacuate immediately. The residents left the hall with worried expressions. La Ode, Jeki, Laga, and all the members of their gang gathered there, and they left the hall together. La Ode had already met them. The names of the male members were: Kalpataru, Sora, Pesta, Sengat, Argari, Patera, Sahmura, Saki, and Keren. The female members are: Mika, Kara, Nokdiak, Intan, Kina, Kirmizi, Pawana, Reta, Urna, Piawai, and Sami. Despite their tough appearance, they are all friendly and very close-knit.
La Ode, Jeki, Laga, and the gang members gathered at a food stall near the hall. The stall had no walls, just a roof, with an open atmosphere and an aesthetically pleasing view of the sea on one side. They all had lunch together while chatting. The atmosphere was warm, even though they knew danger was coming.
"Hey, do you have magical abilities?" The girl in the jellyfish costume asked La Ode, her name was Mika. She was sitting in front of La Ode.
"No, I can't use magic." La Ode replied.
"Of course not, because you haven't tried it."
"Can people from other worlds use magic too?"
"Of course, Friend. Didn't Jeki tell you?"
La Ode glanced at Jeki beside him, who was devouring his rawon order with gusto, and looked slightly startled. "Sorry, I forgot," Jeki said with his mouth full.
"Everyone who comes to this world has magic, but sometimes there are those who can't. We won't know until we check." Mika explained.
"How do we check?" La Ode asked.
"By fighting." Mika smiled faintly.
La Ode furrowed his brow in confusion. Fighting?
***
"Hey, hey, hey, I can't do this!" La Ode exclaimed fearfully. He was holding a spear.
"Relax, Friend. I won't kill you," Mika replied casually. He was holding a pair of electric batons.