A day passed swiftly, and after a day and night journeying down the mountain and traversing dense forests, Alda and the others had now entered a small rural area on the extreme southern border of the nation of Trukotan.
On the outskirts of Emerald City, four individuals emerged from the secluded forest path—Alda, Riko, Dion, and Tama.
"Welcome to my hometown, friends!" Riko exclaimed out of the blue.
He sported a bright smile, nostalgic for his long-abandoned home village, Emerald City.
Emerald City lies at the utmost southern point, beyond which there is only dense forest and mountain ranges followed by precipitous cliffs that seem endless! And then there's the border of Trukotan with the great desert country of Drakoni, constantly embroiled in extended warfare.
Yet, due to the daunting cliffs and craggy hills, Trukotan remains untouched by the perpetual conflict.
"Senior, you're from this city? May we all visit your family's home?" Alda responded.
"That's exactly what I mean. I informed you this is my hometown so you'd visit the Setiadi family!" Riko replied without hesitation.
"Alright, we agree..." Tama responded.
"Yes," Dion spoke shortly, his reply brief.
Despite Tama being older than Dion, Dion's reserved nature often made him appear the eldest, a trait inherited from his family's notoriety in the mafia underworld.
Dion grew up terse in speech and fluent in physical confrontations, believing actions spoke louder and less complicatedly than words.
"Where to next after this?" Alda inquired of Riko.
"Eastward, to the Setiadi family residence, situated near the eastern hills of Emerald City!"
Riko then stepped to the forefront, leading the group towards the city center before taking a bus eastward.
Considering Emerald City's vastness, a day and night's walk was required, similar to their descent from the mountain, making public transport the prudent choice.
"Shall we head straight east, or should we find a hotel for a temporary stay?" Tama asked Riko.
"Are you already tired, Tama?" Riko taunted jokingly, belittling Tama's stamina.
"Damn, are you mocking me? My question was so we could all feel refreshed upon arrival, as we could shower and change at the hotel!" Tama attempted to clarify.
Truthfully, he wasn't fatigued, as their robust physical conditioning from the remote martial arts school meant a day and night of walking without rest hadn't taxed them.
"Tama is right; we should freshen up before visiting Riko's family," Alda endorsed Tama's suggestion.
"Fine, we'll look for a city center hotel, then head to my place tomorrow!" Riko finally agreed.
As per usual, Dion remained indifferent and simply followed whatever was proposed.
Chatting, the group continued their journey into the heart of Emerald City.
Downtown Emerald City.
The bustle was evident, with numerous cars zipping along the road, shops and towering buildings lining the streets.
However, the hubbub paled in comparison to the capital, rendering Alda and Diao unfazed as usual.
In contrast, both Tama and Riko were astonished.
"Damn, this place has changed drastically from 12 years ago..!" Riko grumbled.
"I never envisioned Emerald City growing so magnificent!" Tama marveled.
Though hailing from wealth, his hometown paled in comparison. He was also surprised, having visited this city several times prior.
"Of course, even five years can bring significant development to any city, let alone this magnitude!" Alda chimed in.
They eventually arrived at the five-star Mercure Hotel, grand and imposing with its 70 stories.
Riko entered first, the rest trailing behind.
Despite their neat appearance, their attire seemed outdated.
Their branded clothes had worn thin and held a bygone style, drawing public attention upon entry.
Disturbed by the gawking passersby, Riko approached the hotel's reception, only to be interrupted by derisive gazes from a handsome young man and his beautiful companion.
"What are you staring at? Do we amuse you as some sort of jesters?" Riko snapped loudly, freezing the onlookers in their tracks, especially the couple who'd viewed them with disdain.
Their returned scornful looks were clear; they were not intimidated, being of prominent status in Emerald City.
"Hey, why are you raising your voice? Are you hard of hearing?" the young man asked, looking down on him.
Alda only smiled covertly, mentally noting, 'This kid's in trouble.'
He knew Riko's hot temper and poor skills in dealing with strangers.
A confrontation seemed inevitable, hence Alda's conclusion that the young man was heading for trouble.
"To hell with you!" Riko retorted sharply.
"Hey, haven't you heard of mirrors? Your old-fashioned attire is laughable—are you fresh from some ancient relic?" the girl scoffed with a condescending grin.
"Darling, you're too clever! I was just about to say the same thing." the handsome youth supported her, their romantic unity evident, basking in their prior evening's affections, still high on love, encountering people they deemed clowns, fueling their habitual disdain for the less fortunate.
Slap!
The sound of a swift strike reverberated. Riko advanced on the young man and delivered a casual yet forceful blow, knocking him down and sliding two meters across the floor.
"You dare attack my boyfriend?" the woman shrieked.
"Security, help! Where's security?" she screamed again.
Meanwhile, her boyfriend lay crumpled on the floor, whimpering in pain, his vision blurred from the impact.
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