Thick, black liquid spurted out from something Daru didn't recognize. The viscous splash hit Daru's leg, but the boy didn't seem to notice that something strange had touched him.
Daru offered the small pouch he carried, "Is this enough, teacher?"
Jianzhen looked at his student's offering and gave a thumbs up. "This is more than enough, Daru." He hoisted the large deer with ease although the size of it is above the average size of a normal stag.
It doesn't take a lot of time before they reach their dwelling. Their travel only took a few minutes for them to return home safely so the sun had not yet fully set.
After placing their catch in a safe spot, Jianzhen immediately started preparing the stove and other cooking utensils.
"Daru, what would you like me to cook for dinner tonight?" he asked as he began cutting the meat.
The teacher was puzzled when there was no response from Daru, as Daru usually chatted excitedly about many things while Jianzhen was busy cooking.
"Daru!" he called out, hoping the boy might still be outside. But he still hear no response that he hope for.
"Daru, please help your teacher. Where are you—" His words stopped abruptly when he turned around and saw Daru lying on the ground not far from the kitchen, writhing in pain.
Jianzhen immediately ran to Daru, realizing his student's face had turned pale as if he got no blood flowing through his body. Without further ado he checked Daru and found that he had a really bad fever. His leg had turned blue with a traces of dried black liquid that all dried out being absorbed by his pores.
"Isn't this..." Jianzhen quickly understood what have happened through the symptom he showed.
Poisonous speckled mushrooms, a plant that Daru had accidentally stepped on. Although not among the top ten most poisonous plants in the forest, this plant could still make its victim suffer a severe effects. If not treated promptly, there's a large chance that the victim can't stand their lives for long.
After moving Daru's weak body to a safe place, Jianzhen quickly searched for some herb that he need like camomile and mulberry leaves to alleviate the fever and the poison at once.
The truth is Jianzhen was well-versed in herbal medicine, after he decided to stay in the archipelago as a travelling swordsman, he spent all of his life time travelling across various places to gain experience. Through those journey, he gained various amount of knowledge about medicines and become immune to several types of poisons.
*****
Before long, Daru opened his eyes. He blinked slowly, adjusting the light he receive through his eyes. His whole body felt sore, and he reflexively massaged his forehead due to dizziness.
"Daru?" a faint voice came from beside the old wooden bed so Daru glance to the source of that voice.
He found his teacher sitting there, mixing something. Jianzhen's once manly face was now filled with worry and anxiety.
"How are you feeling?" Jianzhen asked with a warm smile.
Daru remained silent, trying to remember what had happened earlier. He recalled that when he tried to look for his teacher, a sudden severe headache had struck him. His body heated up, and his vision spun before everything went dark.
Daru cleared his throat, "I'm okay, teacher" he said while forcing his smile.
Jianzhen sighed. "Daru, don't move too much for now. You need plenty of rest. After this, drink the medicine I've prepared for you."
Daru's attention shifted to Jianzhen's hands, which were busy grinding herbs. "Is that the medicine? Ugh, it must taste awful" Daru thought. He really hate medicine.
Jianzhen began pouring the green powder from into a wooden cup filled with warm water that allegedly as grinded camomile and mulberry leaves.
Daru winced as he smelled the distinctive odor of the medicine from the cup Jianzhen handed him. He looked at the cup reluctantly.
With pitiful expression Daru asked "Teacher, do I really have to drink this?"
Jianzhen nodded seriously as a response, making Daru reluctant to argue even further.
"You can drink it little by little, but you must finish it."
Daru closed his eyes and shudder after the first sip. The bitter taste literally took over all of his tongue though it is just one sip of that bitter liquid.
Jianzhen exhaled and shook his head slowly while smiling at his beloved student. "Daru, would you like to hear a story?"
Daru's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, and he looked at his teacher happily, nodding quickly.
Jianzhen took a deep breath.
Jianzhen Nuraga, that was his name. He was born into a family with an unusual background. Jianzhen's father was a monk with exceptional martial arts skills before he decided to become a merchant and spread religion in the archipelago and was married to a local woman.
Jianzhen underwent rigorous training from a young age under the strict supervision of his grandfather, one of the ten great warriors of the Tang Dynasty. The Dragon Master, that's what they called him. Any unorthodox warrior would think twice before facing him.
Jianzhen's grandfather had high hopes for him. When he used to cradle little Jianzhen, his greatest desire was to pass on all his martial arts knowledge to his eldest grandson, which is the reason why Jianzhen always received strict treatment from him so that one day he can be a well respected man in their country.
However, when he visited the archipelago, Jianzhen was immediately drawn to its maritime system and was reluctant to return to his homeland.
As his grandfather had hoped, Jianzhen grew into a martial arts genius and already had a proficient mastery at a young age. When he reached adulthood, Jianzhen chose to become a warrior and make a relation rather than a monk. And of course that decision was contradicting with his grandfather's vision.
Initially, his grandfather was displeased and prohibited his decision, but eventually, he relented because Jianzhen's father supported his son's decision.
Jianzhen earned the title of Asipatra Jayeng and became one of the greatest warriors in the archipelago after he joined the royal army. Around the time he played a significant role in eradicating unorthodox warriors and serve justice to archipelago. Jianzhen also succeeded in establishing a martial arts school. Yet his happiness did't last for long when the news of his mother death and the chaos that happen in his homeland reaches his ears.
After receiving the news, Jianzhen didn't take long before he decided to return to the Tang Dynasty for his mother funeral although he was on a secret mission at the moment, but he choose to return to his homeland and leave all of it behind.
However, during his journey by ship, three gigantic Pakonians that has 2 adult men height blocked his way.
Pakonian are human-like beings with long hair and a forehead that emits a beam of light like a flashlight. Their bodies appear black, with only the forehead glowing. Pakonian are a form of dark magic practiced by some, usually by fishermen.
*****
Daru listened intently without interruption, he occasionally shifting his expression and hold his breath few times, especially during the parts where his teacher faced the Pakonian. Even without him notice the wooden cup by his hand have already dried up without a single drop.
Jianzhen sighed deeply, his face reflecting deep regret.
"My mother once said, power exists to protect others." Jianzhen smiled bitterly. "I may have succeeded in protecting strangers for justice, but I failed to protect my own family. If only I hadn't been so selfish back then. But, in the end, regret always comes too late, when it no longer matters."
Daru was moved by his teacher's words, trying to absorb Jianzhen's story carefully. Jianzhen smiled as he looked at Daru, "So, can you take a lesson from what I've said?"
Daru opened his mouth but said nothing. He was still trying to interpret what he had heard.
"Power exists to protect others, but don't forget those you love. Only the strong can live well, while the weak will always be trampled. But, Daru, do you know? I used to think like that, but no matter how great and strong you are, there are some things in this world you can't change." Daru understand the word his teacher said was fulfilled in sadness.
"Teacher, you are truly amazing. I want to be just like you. I will become stronger quickly and create peace for those I love, just like you! I don't want to regret it."
Jianzhen chuckled softly, patting Daru's head gently. "It's good to have a dream. But always remember my lesson, okay?"
From that day on, Daru was determined to create peace to protect his loved ones by becoming even stronger.
'I can do it, I will never let teacher be disappointed of me.'Daru's dark eyes now shine with determination and held a burning spirit that seemed unquenchable.
*****
Time flew by as Daru's days were filled with training. Four years passed, and ever since he determine to become stronger and following a strict training hard for few years back
Without realizing it, his understanding of swordsmanship improved significantly. Each of his sword movements flowed perfectly, his swings more agile and sharp. This made Jianzhen realize the potential within his student.
Unlike usually, early in the morning Jianzhen have already waited for Daru with a long wooden box in his hands.
Waking up early was a routine for Daru to start his training. According to the boy, the morning atmosphere was very effective for his training. The sun wasn't too hot, and the cool breeze refreshed his body every day.
Daru's eyes widened when he found Jianzhen already sitting on the terrace waiting for his student arrival.
"Teacher, you're already here. Sorry for waking up late this time." Daru scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"It's okay Daru. I intentionally waited for you earlier. I have something to tell you. Come here," he said, patting the floor beside him.
Daru looked puzzled but he didn't argue, sitting down next to Jianzhen. His eyes wandered, before stopping at the wooden box beside his teacher.
"Daru, you are now ten years old. I feel it's the right time to give you this." Jianzhen handed the wooden box to Daru.
Daru raised his eyebrows, "Is this a gift for me, teacher?" Daru asked with a beaming smile.
Jianzhen nodded slowly, "you'll see once you open it."
Daru's eyes widened, and his breath caught as he found a long sword, as tall as himself, neatly sheathed. The sheath was jet black with some golden carvings on top of it.
Jianzhen could clearly see the happiness on Daru's face. He is so pleased with the gift his teacher gave.
Carefully, Daru drew the sword from its sheath. He could feel that the sword's sharpness was far superior to the ones he usually used.
Daru looked at his teacher, he feel reluctant to receive such a gift and ask his teacher to rethink about it once more "Are you sure you want to give me such a fine sword?"
Jianzhen nodded slowly in response.
"Daru, I made this sword especially for you. I have planned this for a long time." Jianzhen took a deep breath before explaining. "This sword is incredibly sharp, made from several sacred keris melted together. Although it has changed form, the power emitted from these keris will never fade. You will understand when the time comes. I hope you can take good care of this sword."
"Thank you, teacher. I will use it well." Daru nodded, smiling.
Jianzhen chuckled softly, "Don't be too happy yet, Daru. So that I know how far is your limit, I want you to attack me with everything that you got using your new sword." Jianzhen pointed his gift that was now held by Daru.
Daru looked at his teacher, swallowing hard, he stare at his teacher fracticly. How come? He had never done any spar with his teacher, this is even his first time to held an actual sword after all those time he spent by using a casual wooden sword. Daru feel pressured by Jianzhen's request. But he cannot defy the order his teacher gave him.
"B-but teacher—"
"Daru, I believe you can do it. You must have more confidence in your abilities. A warrior must not hesitate when swinging his sword," Jianzhen interrupted, looking at Daru meaningfully.
Daru took a deep breath before drawing his sword. He took a ready stance, looking at his teacher with determination.
Every attack from Daru was easily dodged by Jianzhen, even though he was unarmed. Daru swung his sword dozens of times to no avail. Frustrated, he changed his attack pattern. Despite his agile and sharp sword swings, Daru left a big opening.
Jianzhen, noticing this, took advantage and flicked Daru's forehead. Daru staggered back, wincing in pain.
Jianzhen chuckled softly, "Daru, you must stay focused on your target. Don't let emotions control you. I see many gaps in your attacks. If you don't fix them, your enemies will notice." Jianzhen reminded him
Daru nod in understanding with a pouty face.
Jianzhen gently patted Daru's head as if he already know what is his student thinking about.
"It's okay. I'm not disappointed with the result. The important thing is that you've tried your best." Jianzhen thought for a moment before getting an idea to comfort his student "How about we fly a kite togheter?"
Daru looked up with a beaming face, nodding happily "Yeay!! Okey teacher"
*****
"Daru, do you know? Even when a kite is hit by strong winds, it still tries to fly high, no matter how hard the wind blows," Jianzhen said, pulling the kite string so it keep flying in the sky.
"You can be like a kite that isn't afraid to fly high despite many obstacles," Jianzhen added.
Daru scratched his head, trying to understand his teacher's words. "Teacher, but I'm a human. Why should I be like a kite?" Daru asked innocently.
Jianzhen choked on his own spit, feeling something was wrong with Daru's thinking. Was the boy really that dense, or just clueless?
"It's just a metaphor, Daru." Daru nodded slowly.
Daru thought for a moment, "Teacher, is the world out there very vast?" Jianzhen looked at his student before nodding.
"Yes, it's vast and chaotic." Jianzhen took a deep breath, "That's why I want you to become strong and protect yourself. Because you..." he paused, hesitation evident on his face.
Daru looked puzzled by his teacher's statement.
"You have something inside you that you must protect, Daru. I don't know when the creature inside you will awaken. But until that time comes, I want you to be strong so it won't affect you."
Daru was shocked, with countless questions racing through his mind. Creature? What creature? What did his teacher know that he didn't? What is his teacher hiding from him?
"Teacher, I still don't understand…"
Jianzhen sighed deeply, reluctant to reveal the truth. But Daru could clearly see the worry in his teacher's jade green eyes.
"I can't tell you now. The important thing is that I will train your mind and body until you are strong enough so that creature won't affect you. Until then, you are under my protection," Jianzhen said with a gentle smile.
Daru want to ask even further but refrained to do so after he gaze at his Jianzhen smile. He knew that he wouldn't find his answer in the near future
"Thank you, teacher."
Jianzhen then realized the sun was almost setting. He slapped his forehead unknowingly that the setting has change because they were too absorbed into their kite.
"Daru, it's almost night. Come, help me prepare dinner," Jianzhen said, reeling in the kite string.
Daru followed his teacher action.
"Yes, teacher!"
*****
"So, what do you want me to cook—" Jianzhen widened his eyes, looking around as he sensed a faint threatening aura. His premonition deteriorates, so he quickly pulled Daru closer so he can react much faster when a threat come near.
Jianzhen scanned the area, "There's no need to hide anymore. Come out! I know where you are!" he shout loudly.