The morning sun swept over the thatched huts in the village where Bima lived. After solidifying his resolve the night before, Bima walked to the small field in the center of the village, the usual place where he trained. There, waiting for him were his three close friends: Togar, a muscular young man with a warm smile; Rano, a swift and brave youth who had been friends with them since childhood; and Gito, a quiet young man known for his intelligence and archery skills.
They sat in a circle under a shady tree, their faces serious but full of spirit.
"I've made up my mind," said Bima, looking at each of them in turn. "I'm going to the capital to register as a soldier. I want to protect this land, and one day, I want to become the greatest general."
Togar nodded. "I've been thinking about that too. My father was a soldier. I want to follow in his footsteps. If you're going, I'm going too."
Rano chimed in, his eyes gleaming. "I'm not staying behind in this village. We've spent too long only hearing about the war from afar. I want to make a difference. I'm in!"
Though usually quiet, Gito spoke firmly this time. "I've trained in archery every day. I want my skills to be useful to many. Count me in."
The four youths exchanged glances and smiled. Their resolve was firm. They would leave the village, embark on a long journey, and register as soldier recruits in the capital of the Korasium Kingdom.
After their conversation, they returned to their homes. That day, they spent time saying goodbyes, preparing supplies, and settling final matters. The night felt long, yet full of hope.
The next morning, the four friends gathered at the village gate. The sun had not yet fully risen when they stood there, each accompanied by their family. Pak Tanu stood beside Bima, patting his shoulder with pride and concern.
"Never forget where you came from," he said softly. "And remember, courage doesn't mean not being afraid, but choosing to move forward despite fear."
Bima nodded, his eyes fixed on the dirt road stretching ahead. Beside him, Togar embraced his tearful mother, Rano received a headband from his father, and Gito said farewell to his younger siblings who clung tightly to his legs.
With determined steps, they began their journey. Four village youths with big dreams, embarking on a long journey toward the capital of Korasium. The dusty road stretched wide, but their steps were firm.
Day by day they walked, passing grassy fields, small forests, and other villages. Along the way, they began to meet many others heading in the same direction. There were youths from northern villages, groups of farmers wanting to defend their land, and even a few young nobles eager to prove themselves.
Their numbers kept growing. Hundreds, even thousands of people from all corners of the kingdom. All heading to one place: the capital. They all shared one goal—to enlist as soldiers to defend Korasium from looming threats.
Bima was awestruck by the sea of people on the road. He felt small, yet incredibly motivated. "Look at all of this," he said to Rano walking beside him. "We're not alone."
Rano smiled. "We're part of something big."
Gito nodded. "But this is just the beginning. The hard part is yet to come."
Togar chuckled. "But we're ready. We've got each other."
Their long journey was filled with stories. Laughter, exhaustion, help from strangers, and unwavering spirit. They learned that being a soldier wasn't just about fighting, but about determination, teamwork, and a sincere heart.
Several days later, as dawn broke and the morning fog slowly lifted, a towering wall appeared in the distance. A majestic stone gate stood firmly, guarded by royal soldiers.
"There it is... the capital of Korasium," Bima whispered.
That gate was not just an entrance to the city, but an entrance to a new life. Beyond it, their fates would be decided. Training, sacrifice, and perhaps the battlefield awaited them. But none of them wavered.
With proud chests and eyes full of hope, they stepped forward toward the gate, joining the sea of people who had arrived before them. Their steps were light, but their resolve was heavy.
Their journey had just begun.