The sprawling coliseum in Jakarta, the heart of the United Kingdom of Asia (UKA), loomed over the city. Known simply as The Arena, it was a site of both admiration and fear—a battleground where commanders clashed to prove their worth, their strength, and their right to lead. Today, it would host a monumental event: the Trial of Ascension, the grueling challenge reserved for those who dared aspire to become the supreme leader of the UKA.
Inside the massive arena, tens of thousands of soldiers, officials, and citizens gathered to witness the spectacle. Seats arranged in concentric circles around the battleground were filled with cheering crowds. At the very center of the arena stood Cipto, his black-and-gold uniform gleaming under the floodlights. His iconic staff rested casually in his hand, the golden engravings on its surface radiating power.
Flanking the arena were enormous holographic screens displaying the competitors' profiles. Each name represented a powerful figure in the UKA military hierarchy, from seasoned commanders to fresh prodigies. Rose and Erwin, two of Cipto's trusted subordinates, were also among the participants. Their presence added to the tension, for even allies would face one another in this ruthless contest.
High above the arena, on a grand platform reserved for the reigning leaders, sat Nathan, the current Supreme Commander of the UKA. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Cipto. Though Nathan had held his position for over two decades, whispers of Cipto's unmatched power had reached him. He wasn't merely observing; he was evaluating the man who might one day surpass him.
The Rules of the Arena
The announcer's voice boomed across the coliseum. "Welcome to the Trial of Ascension! Today's challenge will test the strength, strategy, and resolve of our finest commanders. The rules are simple: Victory is achieved by incapacitating your opponent or forcing them to surrender. No external assistance or advanced weaponry is allowed. Only the best may rise. Let the battles… begin!"
Cipto stood at the center as the first challenger stepped forward. Commander Harun, a veteran known for his brute strength and mastery of close combat, approached with a confident smirk. The crowd erupted into cheers as the match commenced.
Harun wasted no time, charging at Cipto with incredible speed, his massive fists aiming for a direct strike. To his surprise, Cipto didn't dodge. Instead, he raised his staff, allowing Harun's attack to collide with it.
BOOM!
The sheer force of the impact sent shockwaves across the arena, but Cipto didn't budge. Instead, Harun staggered back, clutching his aching fist.
"Is that all?" Cipto asked calmly, his tone almost dismissive.
Harun roared in frustration, launching a series of rapid strikes. But Cipto's movements were fluid, each swing of his staff effortlessly deflecting Harun's attacks. With a quick sweep of his weapon, Cipto struck Harun's legs, sending him crashing to the ground.
"You lack precision," Cipto remarked. Before Harun could recover, Cipto raised his staff high and slammed it into the ground. The earth trembled violently, a localized quake rippling beneath Harun and throwing him out of the ring.
"First challenger defeated," the announcer declared.
The crowd erupted into deafening applause, their excitement now fully focused on Cipto.
The Rising Challenges
The next few battles unfolded in rapid succession. One by one, seasoned commanders attempted to overpower Cipto. Some relied on speed, others on brute strength, while a select few utilized elaborate strategies. Yet none could match the combination of Cipto's raw power, intelligence, and unyielding calm.
Each victory brought cheers from the audience and murmurs of awe among the leadership.
By the time Rose, one of Cipto's trusted generals, entered the ring, the tension reached its peak. Clad in her sleek crimson armor, Rose exuded an aura of lethal precision. Her violet blade shimmered ominously, a weapon imbued with advanced energy-based technology allowed specifically for her.
"I respect you, Cipto," Rose said as she raised her blade. "But in this arena, there's no room for sentimentality."
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Rose," Cipto replied with a small smile. "Come at me with everything you have."
The battle began in an instant. Rose's speed was unlike anything the previous challengers had displayed. She darted around the arena in a blur, her blade slicing through the air with deadly intent. Yet no matter how fast she moved, Cipto seemed to anticipate her every strike.
Their clash became a dance of power and precision. Cipto used his staff to parry each attack, the metallic clang of their weapons reverberating through the arena.
"Impressive," Cipto admitted as Rose managed to graze his shoulder. "You've improved."
"Flattery won't help you here!" Rose retorted, launching a powerful energy wave from her blade.
Cipto planted his staff firmly into the ground. A golden barrier erupted around him, nullifying the attack. Without missing a beat, he countered by slamming his staff into the earth once more, sending a fissure racing toward Rose.
The ground beneath her feet gave way, but Rose leaped gracefully, avoiding the collapse. As she descended, she aimed a final, decisive strike at Cipto.
With lightning speed, Cipto stepped aside and struck Rose's wrist with the tip of his staff, disarming her. As her blade clattered to the ground, he pointed his weapon at her chest.
"Yield," he commanded.
Rose hesitated but eventually lowered her head. "I concede."
The crowd roared as the announcer declared, "Another victory for Cipto!"
The Final Challenger
By the time the day's matches neared their conclusion, only one opponent remained: Erwin.
Known as the Immortal Juggernaut, Erwin was not only Cipto's subordinate but also a warrior whose strength and resilience had earned him legendary status. Stepping into the ring, Erwin exuded a sense of calm intensity, his massive frame towering over most.
"You've proven your strength today," Erwin said, his voice deep. "But I'm not here to let you win easily, Commander."
"I wouldn't expect you to," Cipto replied, gripping his staff tightly.
The match between Cipto and Erwin was the most anticipated battle of the day, and it didn't disappoint. Erwin's fists struck with the force of battering rams, each blow creating shockwaves that echoed throughout the arena. Cipto met each attack head-on, countering with his own devastating strikes.
Their clash escalated, with Cipto summoning controlled tremors and Erwin using his body to absorb the earth-shattering attacks.
For minutes, the arena was a spectacle of destruction, the ground cracking beneath their feet, debris flying in all directions. Yet as the battle stretched on, Cipto's superior strategy began to shine. Using precise, calculated moves, he maneuvered Erwin into a position of vulnerability.
With one final swing of his staff, Cipto unleashed a wave of energy that knocked Erwin to the ground.
As Erwin struggled to rise, Cipto extended a hand. "Good fight," he said.
Erwin took his hand and stood. "You've earned this victory, Supreme Commander."
The arena erupted into cheers, chants of "Cipto!" echoing across the city. Above, Nathan leaned forward in his seat, his expression unreadable.
The Trial of Ascension was far from over, but Cipto had already established himself as the one to beat.