"Ijen" means an honorable duel or fight. The word itself conveys a sense of being alone, unaccompanied by others, while in the context of combat, it signifies a one-on-one duel without assistance. In this context, "Ijen" becomes a name that embodies values of courage, justice, and honor involved in a duel. The outcome of "Ijen" influences the honor of each opponent, making it a popular method for resolving conflicts and a source of entertainment for spectators.
The customary procedure for "Ijen" typically involves someone challenging their opponent in a polite manner, whether through verbal means, rough gestures, throwing weapons, or even invoking oaths, making hand signals of the gods; like they would swear to the All-Seeing One , and inviting a duel.
If someone has a dispute with another person, they can challenge that person to an "Ijen." If the challenge is accepted, both combatants move to an official duel area or any open space available, such as a field or town square.
The ceremonial opening begins with the two combatants facing each other with their backs turned. They stand, face each other, and bow as a final sign of respect to their opponent. "Ijen" concludes when one participant is incapacitated or even killed. Starting the duel as soon as the gong is sounded if it is a formal duel and lunging at each other in a ready position if it is non-formal, from a distance of 25 meters from each combatant.
After the ceremonial opening, Levi throws the wooden sword as Rozer bows.
"I will make you bruised until you can't enter school."
Rozer accepts the challenge and takes the wooden sword in front of him, saying, "I can't imagine losing." He then strengthens his grip and widens his stance to create a solid foundation.
In the middle of the field, Rozer and Levi are ready to begin a duel that permeates tension in the air. Levi's predatory gaze contrasts with his opponent's flat stare.
Rozer anticipates the outcome of this battle when he observes Levi's stance.
The friction of his feet raises a cloud of dust. Quickly, Levi moves forward, swinging his sword with lightning speed, targeting Rozer's head.
Before it happens, Rozer recalls the technique given by Staal during his training in the forest, "Someone will move quickly when the core of their soul also moves fast. That is your heart; make your heart move—beat faster by channeling magic there inside your chest."
This technique to accelerate body movements was also used by Rozer when protecting Poetica while being chased by soldiers and facing Geeraard during the academy entrance test. After meditating briefly to focus the flow of magical energy to his chest, it caused his heart to pump 10 times faster than usual.
In response to the attack, Rozer swings his sword to clash with Levi's sword, sending it flying far away due to the lightning-like force and speed. In an almost imperceptible motion, Rozer suddenly rotates his body and kicks Levi with a launched kick from his sharp attack, followed by a wooden sword strike to Levi's back.
Already falling due to stumbling over Rozer's leg, combined with the powerful strike from the wooden sword before touching the ground, Levi's body bounces before landing hard.
As a result of this technique, Rozer spits out a mouthful of blood. Although only a few seconds, it can have a potentially fatal impact, the consequence of using this technique too frequently. Usually, someone skilled in this technique would use it when desperate or only every few months. Rozer knows this, but he couldn't think clearly in his anger.
On the other side, Levi groans in pain. For a moment, he can't feel his back, which feels like it's about to break.
As this is an honorable duel, Rozer will not help his opponent. Even Esh appears instantly and says, "Master, I suggest you kill your opponent before hatred arises and comes back to haunt you. This is 'Ijen' where the winner must kill his opponent."
"No need. We must respect both clean and dirty lives."
"You are a kind and noble person, Master." says Esh and disappears again.
Killing someone also saves them from the cruel world. Maybe that's what Esh meant.
Four of Levi's friends come and lift him to take him to the academy's infirmary. They curse Rozer and swear to come back to challenge him before leaving the field.
Rozer chooses not to comment and wipes the remaining blood around his mouth.
With a worried face, Aleta, Cyka, Poecita, and Waify come to Rozer accompanied by applause from the audience.
"Are you hurt?" asks Aleta.
"It's okay—" Rozer replies, then groans, holding back the pain in his chest—feeling like his heart momentarily stops.
Waify supports Rozer's body, which seems about to fall, "What hurts? Do we need to go to the infirmary?" she says with a worried tone.
"No need. I'm just tired."
Poetica places her hands on her hips and comments, "Ah...hh... One problem hasn't been resolved, and you've already created another. What's wrong with you today?"
"Forgive me, actually, I wanted to intervene when Levi challenged you earlier. Now his followers will bother you," says Aleta.
"...nn... It's not your fault, Aleta. I was carried away by anger due to the actions of that person and his friends who beat up helpless students."
"I will report this to Geeraard; now, you all go back to class."
They return to class after lunch break, and Rozer apologizes to Teacher Edele for his behavior earlier.
***
Twenty students from the knight academy—Levi's friends—walk through the corridor, breaking the silence with their enthusiastic steps, creating a rhythmic sound that startles anyone and raises a danger sign. They share the same feeling; young, different, and dangerous—making them feel superior to other students.
Before this, they were provoked by Liam—Levi's trusted friend to avenge him. He leads this group, heading to the basic academy in the west. His red eyes stare at the students along the way with a sharp look; if someone bumps into or touches him right now, he'll beat that person. But what he's thinking doesn't happen; those who get his gaze turn away and move out of his range, except for Geeraard.
He stands leaning against the wall, arms crossed to contain his anger. After receiving a complaint from Aleta, Geeraard waits for those who will go to Rozer. Levi's friends are known as rowdy kids who like to cause trouble and violence in groups.
Liam stops for a moment, followed by his friends behind him, facing Geeraard.
"Are you trying to stop us, Geeraard?" he says.
"No, I just came to watch you."
"Not usual for a hero of the academy like you, or maybe you've retired as an academy hero after losing in a fight with Rozer? Don't worry; we'll avenge you too,
hahaha."
Levi's laughter echoes, followed by his friends who laugh along with his statement towards Geeraard.
"So, who will do the next 'Ijen'?" asks Geeraard.
"Of course, I will do it."
"Why do you bring so many people just for 'Ijen'? Are you afraid to approach Rozer alone?"
"What did you say?"
"If you all attack together, I doubt you will win," Geeraard replies, then goes in the opposite direction while waving his right hand—a farewell gesture. "Fight well," he adds.
"Where are you going? Are you going to report this to the teacher?"
"I'm going to the
wizard academy to bring a healer for you."
"That insolent Geeraard, coming here just to insult. But no matter, that new kid needs a lesson." Liam thinks.
He and his friends have planned something bad against Rozer before leaving. The plan is that Liam will challenge Rozer to an 'Ijen,' when the battle begins, his friends will join him to defeat Rozer until he's helpless, and they will tie Rozer in the middle of the field with a naked position to embarrass him.
Just imagining that, Liam smiles slyly. Especially since Geeraard will not stop them.
"There's no honor in a real battle," Liam thinks.
Then, they continue their journey back. One of his friends behind him has brought a chain that will be used to tie Rozer; he is already impatient and tugs the chain while imagining the upcoming events according to the plan.