"This man... How far he developed?" Everyn looked at him in disbelief. At first, she had known him as a man from another world, someone who feared the unknown. Now, not only did he not fear it, but he countered the attack as if it were nothing.
Rizki, his confidence radiating, glanced at Everyn who was clearly confused. "What happened?"
She shook her head, her voice timid as she asked, "How has your life been there? We haven't seen each other for three years, and you seem..."
"Seem stronger?" Rizki chuckled, already understanding her thoughts. She flushed immediately and replied, "No! I just wondered that..."
"Oh?" Rizki interjected, "She once offered her body to me if I achieved something. But I rejected it because I wanted to become stronger for you guys." He patted her head affectionately.
Together, they entered the elf village, returning to a place etched in Rizki's memory. He couldn't help but take out his phone, recording the situation, and grinning. Now, he was becoming the talk of the village, known for looking stronger than he ever had.
Rizki dismounted his white horse, named "Aqua," on the left side of the road, followed by Everyn. He then mentioned, "I know it's disrespectful to use a horse on the road unless I'm on duty."
Everyn was awestruck. "Oh? You've learned those customs as well?"
"Yep," Rizki replied, "Liora taught me not only the martial arts but also how the world works."
They walked side by side, holding hands, as Rizki continued, "I'm sorry for being away for three years."
Everyn replied in a timid tone, "It's fine, Rizki. Your letters always reached us without fail."
"I need to admit that Eve's cooking had reminded me of my late grandfather's cooking. They can have a culinary showdown if they ever meet one day." Rizki laughed heartily, recalling how he had once asked her to replicate a dish he loved, a traditional delicacy originated from his place, known as lontong. It was a fragrant, rice cake dish, wrapped in banana leaves, and served with a rich peanut sauce. Rizki's description of the dish made his mouth water, and it had become a favorite during his time in this mystical world.
As they strolled through the bustling elf village, Rizki couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. The buildings made of intertwined vines and leaves, the sweet scent of flowers in the air, and the melodic laughter of the elf children playing in the distance—it was all so familiar and comforting.
Everyn gazed around, taking in the vibrant colors and the harmonious coexistence of nature and civilization. "It's always so enchanting here. I'm glad you're back, Rizki."
He smiled warmly at her. "I'm glad to be back, too, Everyn."
Their hands remained intertwined as they approached a quaint little cottage, nestled between two ancient oak trees. It was the same cottage where they had spent countless evenings sharing stories and dreams. Rizki's heart swelled with emotion as he recalled those cherished memories.
Inside, the cottage was just as he remembered it, with wooden furniture adorned with delicate carvings and a cozy fireplace that crackled with warmth. Everyn led Rizki to the dining table, where a sumptuous feast awaited them. The aroma of freshly cooked dishes filled the air, and Rizki's stomach rumbled in anticipation.
Eve, a talented cook with a heart as warm as her kitchen, smiled at them. "Welcome home, Rizki. I've prepared all your favorites."
Rizki's eyes lit up as he saw the lontong, exactly as he remembered it. He couldn't wait to savor the taste that had been absent from his life for so long. As they sat down to eat, the four friends, who were not officially married yet but held a bond deeper than any formal ceremony, shared stories of their adventures and the challenges they had faced during Rizki's absence.
Hours passed in joyful conversation and laughter, the bonds of friendship and love growing even stronger. Rizki couldn't help but reflect on how much he had missed these simple moments, the warmth of companionship, and the taste of home-cooked food.
As evening descended and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Rizki knew that he was exactly where he belonged. He had come a long way, facing trials and tribulations, but he had returned to the place and the people who held his heart.
With Everyn, Eve, Evelyn, and Eva by his side, Rizki was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. For in their friendship, love, and unwavering support, he had found his greatest strength—a strength that surpassed any power he had gained in his otherworldly adventures.
And so, under the moonlit sky and surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the elf village, Rizki's heart was filled with gratitude and contentment. This was his home, his sanctuary, and his source of boundless inspiration for the chapters of his life that were yet to be written.
The next day, a sense of duty called Rizki to visit Varian, the village chief who had been his guiding light since his first day in this world. He wanted to express his gratitude to Varian for the unwavering support and wisdom he had received.
Determined to pay his respects and share his experiences, Rizki made his way towards Varian's hut. But just as he was about to embark on his journey, fate intervened in the form of Eve, Evelyn, Eva, and Everyn.
"Hold up!!" Evelyn's voice rang out, stopping him in his tracks.
Rizki turned, slightly bewildered. "Why? I have a meeting with your dad soon!"
Evelyn, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and frustration, was not about to let him off the hook so easily. She complained, "You're a meanie for disappearing without certainty! It would've been one thing if it had been for a few days, but you were gone for three whole years!"
Rizki let out a sigh, understanding her perspective but still frustrated. "Didn't I tell you that I was training?" He gave her a sideways glance, his frustration showing.
Eva, always the voice of reason, stepped forward and tossed Rizki a bucket wrapped in finely woven linen. Her voice was calm as she explained, "It took us a while to create this, you know."
Rizki raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious about the contents of the bucket. He tore open the linen, and as he did, his jaw dropped in sheer amazement.
Inside the bucket lay a modified bike chain, unlike anything he had ever seen before. It was a work of art, with a finely shaped chain made of silver-colored metal and a blade that had a sharp tip, capable of cutting even a strand of hair without effort.
Rizki was astounded by the craftsmanship and the transformation of the bike chain into a beautiful and deadly weapon. It was a gift that symbolized their friendship, love, and trust, a tangible reminder of the bond they shared not only as a group of friends but as a family!
Evelyn, despite her earlier scolding, couldn't help but smile as she saw Rizki's reaction. "So, you better not disappear for another three years, okay?"
"Yes yes... I will name it Blade of Chaos!" Rizki chuckled, his heart warmed by the thoughtful gift. Then Eva announced, "It's the Chain of Destruction."