The following morning burst to life with the melodious symphony of birdsong, a joyful chorus serenading the rising sun. Rizki's slumber gradually dissipated, his body awakening to the promise of a new day. He stretched, his muscles protesting the departure of sleep after the previous day's events. With a slow, determined motion, he sat up, his attention drawn to the smartphone resting nearby.
Reaching for the smartphone, he opened it as he leaned against a tree. He scrolled through the list of applications, muttering, "Camera, messenger, phone call, gallery, and internet browser... Pretty basic for such a good-looking phone."
A curious thought crossed his mind, and he mumbled, "Can messenger even work without a signal?" He paused, contemplating this for a moment before deciding, "Never mind, let me try."
With that, he opened the "Messenger" application, and it brought up the familiar messaging interface.
His eyes wandered over the messenger, finding it empty until he clicked "compose," revealing the only contact there. He then composed a message to the sole contact listed, typing just a simple "P."
Without delay, the message received a reply, "'P' my ass! Quit using your local pop culture to chat with me!"
Rizki responded with a hint of exasperation, "Meh, no fun!" Then, he sent another message while pondering aloud, "By the way, it's the next morning now. What should I do?"
In another realm, Faye, amidst her vacation, soaked in the view of a sunny beach while exchanging messages with Rizki. She lifted her sunglasses and typed while speaking to herself, "Just make sure you wander deeper into the forest. Based on my perception, you should see the Elf Forest soon."
In her realm, she quickly noticed a reply from Rizki as it was written, "You mentioned they aren't friendly to humans, right? Should I pretend to be an elf?"
Upon reading those statements, Faye found herself unable to contain her hearty laughter in response to his question. She then typed with an amused chuckle, "You're over analyzing it! There's no requirement for that. Simply be friendly, and everything will be fine."
Taking in the picturesque view in her realm, she recorded a voice note, saying, "I'll catch up with you later. I'm on vacation now!"
In Rizki's realm, he rose from his makeshift bed made by his bag, a sense of adventure coursing through his veins. The smartphone in his hand felt like a magical compass, pointing him toward the uncharted territories of Acra.
As he ventured forth, the forest seemed to embrace him with open arms. Leaves rustled, and a nearby stream whispered soft secrets, enveloping him in a soothing melody. With each step, a newfound connection to the land surged within him, a sense of belonging he'd never experienced before.
Time flowed like a river as he wandered through meadows, crossed babbling brooks, and ventured into dense thickets that seemed to hold echoes of ages past. The smartphone became his trusty guide, illuminating his path and revealing hidden treasures along the way.
The sun reached its zenith, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Rizki found himself standing on the edge of a clearing, drawn by the ethereal beauty that unfolded before him. A tranquil lake sparkled in the heart of the clearing, its mirror-like surface reflecting the world around it. The air was sweet with the fragrance of wildflowers, and a gentle breeze whispered promises of thrilling adventures.
The lake's beauty held him captive, offering a momentary respite in his ongoing journey. He inhaled deeply, savoring the invigorating air that tasted like freedom. But just as he took a step toward the water, his senses tingled, an awareness creeping up his spine. His gaze swept around, and then he saw them – a group of beings emerging from the shadows, their presence ethereal and otherworldly.
Elves.
His heart quickened as he recognized their telltale pointed ears and graceful movements. Their attire blended nature and elegance, their eyes sharp and vigilant. They approached him cautiously, weapons at the ready, a silent question in their eyes.
"Whoa, hold on!" Rizki's voice held a mix of surprise and urgency. His hands shot up in a gesture of surrender, his mind racing to grasp the situation. Had he unknowingly trespassed into their territory?
The lead elf, her eyes a captivating shade of green, stepped forward. Her bow remained steady, curiosity and caution dancing in her gaze. "Identify yourself and explain your presence in our realm."
Rizki swallowed, his heartbeat drumming in his ears. He'd faced the unexpected before, but this encounter was unlike anything he'd prepared for.
"I'm Rizki," he began, his voice steady despite the jittery energy within. "I mean no harm. I woke up in this forest, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything."
The elves exchanged glances, their stance unwavering. The lead elf's eyes remained fixed on him, scrutinizing him for any signs of deception.
"Are we supposed to believe you stumbled into our realm by accident?" Her tone was both skeptical and inquisitive.
Rizki shook his head, his sincerity evident. "I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's the truth. I have no idea how I got here."
The lead elf's expression softened slightly, though caution still lingered. "A claim we've heard before. What possessions do you carry?"
Rizki's gaze shifted to the gray bag beside him. The very bag that had started his journey in Acra with an unexpected thump on the head. With a nod, he unzipped the bag, revealing its contents – the smartphone, the gun, and the symbol that seemed to tug at his memories.
He held up the smartphone, its sleek design glinting in the light. "These things are from my world, not yours."
The elves exchanged glances once more, their curiosity piqued. The lead elf's attention remained on Rizki, her expression shifting from skepticism to intrigue.
"Lower your weapons," she instructed her companions, her own bow following suit. Rizki released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, relief washing over him. He carefully placed the smartphone back in the bag, his actions meant to convey goodwill.
Stepping closer, the lead elf regarded him with a blend of curiosity and caution. "You claim to be from another realm, yet you bear objects that defy our understanding. Explain the purpose of these items."
Rizki's fingers brushed over the smartphone, a symbol of the bridge between his past and this unfamiliar world. "This device is a link between my world and Acra. It's like a guide, a map, and a way to communicate with someone who's been helping me make sense of things."
The lead elf's eyes held a glimmer of curiosity. "Someone who guides you from afar?"
Rizki nodded. "Exactly. A sort of guardian. She's been guiding me, helping me understand Acra and the role I might play here."
The elves exchanged knowing glances, their skepticism giving way to contemplation. The lead elf's gaze remained on Rizki, her expression now more open than before.
"We will escort you to our leader," she announced and added with a cold tone. "There's no need to fear if your intentions align with your words."