RIIIIIING!
The school bell rang, signalling the end of the school day. The clock showed 2 PM. As usual, students hurriedly packed their books and stationery, eager to return home.
"Faris, are you staying back today too?" Asked Ikmal.
"Yeah, I have marching practice at three," Faris replied.
Ikmal retorted, "Three o'clock? It's going to be scorching hot!"
"Nah, my unit practice under the open hall. Why? Need help with something?" Faris asked.
"I was just asking. It's only 2 PM now. What are you going to do in the meantime?" Ikmal asked again.
Faris looked at Ikmal with calm, gentle eyes before replying, "Same as always, read novel or draw."
"Let's hang out at the cafe in front of school," Ikmal invited Faris eagerly.
"Sure."
Faris and Ikmal walked toward the cafe while engaging in light conversation.
" I need to use the toilet. Wait here," Faris told Ikmal before heading toward the toilet.
"Ahhh, finally... what a relief," Faris sighed as he relieved himself.
After finishing, Faris stepped out and walked toward the spot where Ikmal was supposed to be, but Ikmal was nowhere to be found.
Confused, Faris looked around and noticed several cats frozen in place, not moving even slightest bit.
"Strange. Why is it so quiet?" He asked himself.
A strange feeling crept up his spine. Bewildered by eerie sight and atmosphere, he continued searching for his friend.
SWOOSH!
A tall man with long hair suddenly appear in front of Faris.
"Faris... Faris... It's been a very long time since I last heard that name, " the man muttered to himself.
This strange situation made Faris take a few steps back.
"HaHaHa! You don't need to worry, kid. I'm not your enemy. More precisely, I have no ill intentions toward you, Faris. You are Faris, right? You're now 17 years old and have already planned your future, to venture into the world of business. Am I right?" The man rambled on.
"You... Who are you? I've never told anyone about this!" Faris was stunned.
"I don't usually act like this. Sorry, Faris, it's been a long time since I've felt something like this in my heart," the man continued rambling.
"Happy?" Faris asked.
"Yes! Happy! HaHaHa! For countless years, I've lived in sorrow ever since my wife, Mahrani Ning Tiara, passed away. She was a woman from the eastern lands of the world of Malura. I miss her, she was by my side from the moment I was weak until I could look down upon the entire world!" The man replied, tilting his head back to gaze at the blue sky.
Faris furrowed his brows.
"The world of Malura? You mean... there's another world beside this one? Another planet?" Faris asked in a calm tone.
"HaHaHa! Exactly! I'll be honest with you, Faris—I am you, and you are me." The man declared.
"Huh?! What nonsense are you spouting?" Faris retorted in confusion.
"Sigh... Listen, Faris. I'm already dead. What you see right now is merely my soul, which managed to go against the relentless current of the Bloodied River of Time—a flow that has existed since the birth of all existence. On earth, you are called Faris, but I am you from the future, who received the name Eka Cakerawala from my master." The man explained.
Eka Cakerawala hastily recounted his life experience to Faris in a few minutes.
"Oh!" Faris nodded, signaling that he understood.
"Good, In a few minutes, the envoys of the Eternal Holy Court will dragged you to the world of Malura to pass judgement upon you," Eka Cakerawala explained.
"Huh? Why? I don't understand," Faris asked anxiously.
Eka Cakerawala went on to reveal various truths about the Eternal Holy Court, leaving Faris unsettled.
The Eternal Holy Court stood firm with its unshakeable hierarchy. The Divine Council was divided into two factions, which is the Eternal Archons and the Heavenly Oracles. At Its peak reigned Kencana Pawana, the Holy Sovereign of Eternity, the Supreme Ruler of the Eternal Holy Court.
"I am you from the future,and as I've told you earlier, I am not a good person—nor is the Eternal Holy Court. They seek to judge you before you can become a threat to them. That is all I can explain to you," Eka Cakerawala said.
"My soul cannot hold on much longer. I am already dead. Faris, prepare yourself to receive all the knowledge and memories I have accumulated throughout my life in the world of Malura!" Eka Cakerawala continued.
Faris nodded in understanding.
"Why doesn't the Eternal Holy Court just manipulate me into becoming their pawn? Wouldn't that be easier?" he asked.
"That... You will understand one day," Eka Cakerawala replied.
"Alright."
Without wasting time, Eka Cakerawala placed his hand on Faris forehead. Thick black smoke swirled around Faris body, a sign that transfer of knowledge had succeeded.
Faris collapsed, writhing in agony.
"Success!" Eka Cakerawala muttered, his expression devoid of emotion as he gazed at Faris, who was suffering in pain. His eyes seemed to glow ominously.
"You don't have much time Faris, you must leave for the world of Malura before the envoys of the Eternal Holy Court arrive." Eka Cakerawala commanded firmly.
With a gentle motion, he moved his index finger from left to right .
CRAACK!
The sound of shattering glass echoed as a pitch-black void tore open. The rift stood approximately 20 meters tall and 30 meters wide.
Moments later, a massive gateway slowly emerged from the darkness.
The Cosmic Gate!
CREEEAK!
The Cosmic Gate slowly opened, revealing the world of Malura beyond.
Faris took a deep breath, exhaling slowly through his mouth. Though still in pain, he forced himself forward, step by step, toward the gate.
"Wait."
Eka Cakerawala's voice halted him.
Eka Cakerawala: "Before you step into that world, you need a new name. Have you thought of one? If you have, allow me to ask."
Faris: "I haven't... I haven't thought of one yet," he admitted, his voice strained as he rubbed his aching head.
Faris stood in silence for a moment, deep in thought, before turning his gaze toward Eka Cakerawala.
"You can suggest me a suitable name for me there," Faris invited.
"Indera Sarwajagat. The Supreme Ruler of the Universe. It befits what you will one day become," Eka Cakerawala declared.
"Very well, from this moment forth, I am Indera Sarwajagat! At this very moment, I will step into the world of Malura, even if my arrival brings chaos. Thank you—myself, Eka Cakerawala." Faris proclaimed with unwavering resolved.
Eka Cakerawala offered one final piece of advice.
"Kencana Pawana is neither god nor the strongest."
Indera Sarwajagat stepped forward, crossing into the world of Malura.
Slowly, Eka Cakerawala's soul faded into wisps of smoke, dissolving into the very fabric of existence.
Indera Sarwajagat had arrived—one could even say he had returned—to the world of Malura.