---
The four of us kept walking until we found the clothing store. As we walked, we observed the buildings around us. Many of them hadn't suffered severe damage. Their condition was similar to Roro's house, which wasn't destroyed, unlike the buildings we saw during our journey that were badly damaged.
"It looks like the buildings around here weren't heavily affected, huh?"
"Right, Yusa. The buildings here didn't suffer major damage, just like Roro's house."
"Why is that? The buildings in the city were completely destroyed. Could it be that the structures here are just really sturdy?"
"That's what I've been thinking too, Bima. Something seems off here."
"Hey everyone, look! That seems to be the clothing store we've been looking for."
"Let's go!"
After walking for quite a while, we finally saw the clothing store we were searching for. We ran toward it, overjoyed to have found it. And it appeared that the store hadn't suffered much damage either.
Inside the store...
"Wow, what a nice store."
"Hello? Is anyone here? We'd like to buy some clothes. Hello? Please answer us!?"
"Seems like no one's here, Jay."
"A store this big and nice doesn't have anyone guarding it? And the building is still intact. Did they just abandon such a good store?"
"You're right, Jay. No one's here. But look! All the clothes are neatly arranged and clean."
"Where did everyone go?"
"These clothes don't have price tags."
"Same with this one, no price tag attached."
"What do we do, Jay? Should we still take them? We really need these clothes."
"You're right, Bima. But let's explore this place first. Maybe the staff are just on a break."
"Good idea, Jay. Alright, I'll check the back."
"Jay, Bima. While you two are looking for the store employees, can Arya and I pick out some clothes here?"
"Of course, Yusa. That'll make our shopping faster. Bima already left, I'll follow him."
"Alright, come back right away if you find them."
"Of course. Oh yeah, Arya, Yusa. If you see anything suspicious, leave the store immediately. I'm afraid this could be a trap for outsiders like us."
"Got it, leave it to us."
Bima and I wandered around the clothing store looking for the staff. I thought maybe they were resting in the back. Meanwhile, Yusa and Arya were picking out clothes for us.
30 minutes later...
"Where are they really? Did they just abandon the store? But why is the place in such good condition? I'm truly confused."
"Hey, Jay! Did you find anyone?"
"Not yet, Bima. I didn't find anyone here. How about you?"
"In the back, there were only a few mannequins and store supplies. I didn't find anyone either."
"We've been looking for quite a while. I guess there really isn't anyone here."
"You're right, I think so too. The store's been abandoned."
"If that's the case, let's go back to where Yusa and Arya are."
"Alright."
Since we couldn't find anyone, Bima and I decided to go back to where Yusa and Arya were.
"Bima, Jay. You're back? Did you find the store staff?"
"No, Yusa. We didn't find anyone. This store's clearly been abandoned. There's no one here."
"Then what should we do now? I've already picked out some clothes for all of us."
"We really need clothes. It might be hard to find another store like this. Let's just take what we need and come back tomorrow morning to pay. Maybe the staff will be back by then."
"You're right, Jay. I agree with that."
"In that case, do you guys want to pick a few more? I've already found clothes I like."
"Yusa, did you pick out clothes for my brother and Roro?"
"Not yet, Bima. I don't know what kind of clothes they like. I'll leave that to you. I'm sure you know Loka's size."
"Alright, I'll find something for them."
"What about you, Jay? Aren't you picking any clothes?"
"I'll just wear whatever you picked out, Yusa. I don't mind as long as it fits."
"Haha, alright then. Let's take everything I've picked out."
"I'll put them into this paper bag."
"Give me the paper bag, Jay. I'll help carry it."
"Here you go, Yusa."
We finally decided to take all the clothes we had picked out and return tomorrow morning to pay for them. We all left the store and went back to Roro's house.
"Excuse us, Loka, Roro, are you inside?"
"Where have you been? What are all those shopping bags? That's a lot. Did you steal them?" Loka looked surprised by how much we brought back.
"Calm down, Loka. We didn't steal them."
"That's right, brother. We really didn't steal any of these."
"Alright then, tell me, Jay. Where did you get all these clothes?"
"Well, Loka. We went out to find a clothing store. We really needed new clothes."
"And then…?"
"After a long walk, we finally found a store."
"Roro, is there a clothing store around here?"
"Yes, brother Loka. There's only one clothing store around here, and it's pretty far. I think they really did go to that store."
"That's the one we went to."
"But Jay, wasn't that store destroyed?"
"It's still in good shape, Roro. The buildings along the way were also intact. But there was no one in the store, and the streets were deserted."
"That's strange. That clothing store used to be a popular souvenir spot. It used to be crowded. Is the store still open, Jay?"
"We went inside—it was open. But there was no staff. Just us. That's why we plan to go back tomorrow morning to pay."
"I see. Alright then. Don't forget—you must really go back there tomorrow to pay!"
"Of course, Loka."
"Roro and I are going to the beach now. Are you all coming with us?"
"Later, we'll catch up."
"Alright, we're off."
Loka and Roro headed to the beach, bringing some of their belongings. Meanwhile, we stayed at Roro's house. We would join them later.
"Bima, I didn't expect your brother to be that scary when he's angry."
"Haha… You're right, Yusa. That's why we shouldn't make him mad."
"Alright then. Let's bring some spare clothes and leave the rest here."
"Alright, Jay."
After deciding what clothes to take to the beach, we got ready. We all left together for the beach, making sure to lock Roro's house before we left.
"Alright, now that we're all ready. Let's go!"
"Yay...!"
"Don't forget the clothes to change into later."
"Don't worry, everything's ready."
"Alright, let's go!"
"I'll stay here."
"I knew you'd say that. Let's drag him, Bima."
"Come on, Arya. Let's enjoy the holiday. Haha…"
The four of us went to the beach together. When we got there, Loka and Roro were playing in the water. We approached them.
"Brother, Roro. We're here." Bima called out to them.
"Look, Roro. They're here. Let's go over."
"Okay, brother."
We placed our belongings near where Loka and Roro had theirs. Since we were already wearing our swimsuits, we just dove into the water.
"Just leave your clothes there."
"Alright."
"Come on, friends! Let's go!" Bima ran to the sea happily.
"Wait for me, Bima." I chased after him.
"Hey, you guys are so impatient." Yusa followed us into the water.
"Those guys… So childish. Let's go too, Roro."
"Yeah, brother. Let's play in the water."
Bima jumped into the sea, splashing water toward us. Yusa and I jumped in after him, followed by Arya, Loka, and Roro. We all played in the water together.
"Ha! Take this! Splash…" Bima splashed water at me.
"Argh…" I got hit by the splash.
"Hahaha…" We all laughed happily.
"Yusa, behind you." Bima warned her.
"Ha! Got you, Yusa!" Roro shot Yusa with her water gun.
"Haha, good one, Roro."
"Hahahaha" Everyone laughed freely.
Today was a truly beautiful day for all of us. Amid this terrifying disaster, we didn't expect to still be able to laugh so freely. Just playing in the water, swimming, and getting our bodies wet at the beach helped us feel joy and briefly forget the terrible catastrophe. Who knows how long we'll be able to laugh like this again. We all hope days like this will continue.
As evening approached, we finished swimming and packed up to return to Roro's house. At home, we cooked dinner and ate together.
"That was so much fun!" Bima said happily.
"Yeah, totally."
"Absolutely, Bima."
"Did you see that? I hit Yusa with my water gun."
"You were great, Roro. I didn't even know you were behind me."
"Yeah, right. You should've just blasted Yusa with your water magic. Haha…"
"Haha, you're funny, Bima."
"It's a shame we have to leave tomorrow."
"You're right, Jay."
"How about we stay one more day? Let's delay our departure by one day," Loka suggested.
"Agreed…" I agreed with him.
"Me too…"
"Count me in."
"Me as well!"
"Wait!? Didn't you promise we'd leave tomorrow morning?" Arya opposed Loka's idea.
"It's true, I did say that. But come on, Arya, wasn't today fun? You enjoyed it too, right? Everyone else agrees to stay."
"He's right, Arya. Delaying the journey one day won't hurt."
"Exactly."
"Ugh, fine. Do whatever you want." Arya was a bit annoyed, but he still went along with us.
"Alright, it's settled. We're staying tomorrow!"
"Yeah, hooray!" Everyone was happy.
"Let's finish our food."
After finishing dinner, we rested. I helped Loka and Roro clean the dishes.
"Hey, Jay. Did you talk to Arya?"
"Yeah, Loka. I talked to him this afternoon. He seems to be thinking about something important."
"He doesn't have any family left, right?"
"Yeah, his family died a long time ago. That's all I know."
"Then he's probably not worried about any relatives."
"You're right."
"I don't know what he's looking for in Trowulan. I don't even know what's there, other than a huge dungeon."
"Sorry, brother Loka. Could you bring the wet clothes we used at the beach? I'll wash them now."
"Oh, right. I'll get them for you, Roro."
"At least make him smile again, Jay. You probably know him better than any of us. No matter what, he's still our friend."
"You're right, Loka."
After washing the dishes, I went to rest. I joined Bima, Yusa, and Arya, who were also resting on the couch. But suddenly...
[Quest: Eliminate All Monsters Appearing Around You
Difficulty Level: C]
"You've got to be kidding…"
"There's a quest. We need to get ready!"
"Brother and Roro, stay here. You must be tired from taking care of the house. Let us take care of these monsters."
"Are you sure you can handle it, Bima?"
"Of course, brother. Leave it to us. I'll take care of them all. Let's go, everyone!"
"Yeah…"
"Roro and I are counting on you. Come back safely."
Bima, Arya, Yusa, and I went outside to eliminate the monsters. Loka and Roro stayed behind to rest. Bima looked thrilled at the new quest. He seemed eager to fight.
"There they are!"
"Good, they're not far."
"Appear, Sky Machete!" Yusa summoned her sacred weapon.
"I call upon you, Trident of Wedha!" I summoned mine.
"Alright, let's wipe them out."
"Hey, Bima. Aren't you using your sacred weapon?"
"Don't worry, Jay. Weaklings like these are no match. I'll just use this wooden stick and my new magic skill. Please step back a bit."
"What are you going to do?"
"Huff, Skill: Magic Enhancement – Body Strength, Power Up! Haaa…"
Bima unleashed a massive burst of energy.
"What is this power?"
"Such terrifying aura."
.
.
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To be continue