Sejak kelahiran Laigt Anim, segalanya telah berubah perlahan tapi pasti. Suasana di rumah, yang sebelumnya terasa biasa saja, kini dipenuhi dengan sukacita dan antusiasme yang baru. Tangisan pertamanya seolah menandai datangnya harapan, menghidupkan kembali rasa optimisme yang sebelumnya telah memudar. Setiap sudut rumah terasa lebih hidup, dipenuhi dengan senyuman, doa, dan harapan baik untuk masa depan bayi. Kehadirannya tidak hanya membawa sukacita tetapi juga memperkuat ikatan antar anggota keluarga, menumbuhkan rasa tanggung jawab dan kasih sayang yang lebih dalam

  Van adalah orang yang paling merasakan perubahan ini. Ia tampak jauh lebih berenergi daripada sebelumnya. Untuk menyambut dan merayakan kelahiran putra mahkotanya yang telah lama ditunggu-tunggu, Van sengaja mengambil cuti selama sebulan penuh. Ia mencurahkan waktu itu untuk berada di sisi keluarganya, membantu merawat bayi, membantu berbagai pekerjaan rumah tangga, dan menikmati setiap momen kecil yang tidak ingin ia lewatkan. Baginya, tahun-tahun awal Laigt Anim adalah hadiah yang tak ternilai harganya, yang layak mendapatkan perhatian, pengorbanan, dan rasa syukur yang tulus.

  Dua minggu setelah kelahiran Anan, Van mengadakan perayaan yang belum pernah terjadi sebelumnya. Acara tersebut bukan sekadar ungkapan rasa syukur pribadi, tetapi sebuah peristiwa monumental yang bergema di seluruh dunia. Selama seminggu penuh, perayaan tersebut disiarkan langsung, memungkinkan jutaan mata untuk menyaksikan perayaan yang penuh sukacita itu. Lampu-lampu terang, panggung yang megah, dan program yang terorganisir dengan sempurna membuat acara tersebut tampak seperti perayaan besar yang melampaui batas-batas nasional, budaya, dan latar belakang.

  Seniman ternama dari seluruh dunia, tokoh berpengaruh, pejabat pemerintah tingkat tinggi, dan elit global menghadiri perayaan tersebut. Mereka datang bukan hanya untuk menyampaikan ucapan selamat, tetapi juga untuk menyaksikan secara langsung kemurahan hati dan visi kemanusiaan yang selalu melekat pada Van. Setiap hari perayaan dipenuhi dengan pertunjukan seni, konser amal, jamuan kenegaraan, dan doa lintas agama, menciptakan suasana mengharukan yang menyatukan semua orang dalam satu perasaan: rasa syukur dan sukacita.

  Namun, kemegahan acara tersebut tidak membuat Van melupakan jati dirinya yang sebenarnya. Di balik gemerlap lampu dan sorak sorai para tamu undangan, ia tetap memperhatikan penderitaan orang-orang yang hidup dalam kemiskinan. Sebagai seorang pejabat publik kaya yang terkenal karena kebaikan dan dedikasinya, Van menjadikan perayaan kelahiran putranya sebagai kesempatan untuk berbagi. Selama seminggu, ia mengadakan program amal besar-besaran, menjangkau panti asuhan di seluruh dunia. Ribuan anak yatim menerima bantuan, pendidikan, dan masa depan yang terjamin, seolah-olah setiap anak adalah bagian dari kebahagiaan yang ia rayakan.

  Van tidak berhenti sampai di situ; ia juga membagikan bantuan tunai gratis kepada kaum miskin di berbagai negara. Distribusi bantuan tersebut dilakukan secara sistematis dan transparan, memastikan bahwa uluran tangannya benar-benar sampai kepada mereka yang membutuhkan. Di sudut-sudut kota, desa-desa terpencil, dan bahkan di daerah konflik dan bencana, nama Van disebut-sebut dengan penuh emosi. Air mata kegembiraan, doa yang tulus, dan rasa syukur mengalir dari mereka yang pernah hidup dalam kemiskinan, merasakan secercah kebahagiaan yang jarang mereka alami.

  Bagi Van, kebahagiaan sejati bukanlah kemewahan, melainkan kemampuan untuk membuat orang lain tersenyum. Ia ingin kelahiran putranya menjadi simbol harapan baru, bukan hanya untuk keluarganya, tetapi untuk seluruh umat manusia. Dengan setiap langkahnya, ia menanamkan pesan bahwa kekayaan dan kekuatan sejati terletak pada kemampuan untuk memberi dan mencintai. Dan selama seminggu penuh itu, dunia seolah berhenti, tenggelam dalam perayaan besar yang menyatukan cinta, kepedulian, dan kemanusiaan.

  Behind the overflowing happiness, the resounding laughter, and the world's spotlight on Van and Hana, dark shadows lurked silently. Not everyone could accept the light of others' success with open arms. In the cold, intrigue-filled corners of power, a group of officials harbored envy, hatred, and hidden ambition. They viewed Van's happiness not as a blessing, but as a threat to be eliminated.

  In a luxurious, tightly closed room, several high-ranking officials gathered in secret. Among them sat Darian Karsen, an influential minister known for his cunning and calculating nature. Beside him were Arvando Reiss, an ambitious politician hungry for power, and Helena Mortis, a brilliant but cold-hearted woman skilled at scheming behind the scenes. Their faces held faint smiles filled with ill intent.

  "Look at her now," Darian said in a solemn tone.

  s, turning the large screen showing a live broadcast of Van's celebration. "Adored by the people, cheered by the world. If left unchecked, his influence will exceed our control."

  Arvando snorted softly. "He's too perfect. Wealth, power, popularity, even the love of the people. A figure like that can't be allowed to rise too high. Sooner or later, he must fall."

  Helena crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed calculatingly. "The people are easily swayed. Today they adore, tomorrow they hate. We only need one small flaw, one mistake, and everything will collapse. We'll make him look like a traitor, a corruptor, or at least a big liar."

  Darian smiled lopsidedly. "And when that happens, we'll be at the forefront, pretending to be the savior. Let him fall into poverty, lose the people's trust, and be abandoned by those who once adored him."

  Arvando slapped the table lightly. “We destroyed his image bit by bit. Starting with financial issues, then political attacks, and finally… scandal. No human can survive such a storm.”

  Helena nodded slowly. “Patience is key. We move silently. While they are busy celebrating, we plant the seeds of destruction.”

  Outside, Van and Hana were lost in happiness, embracing the future with hope. They were unaware that behind the glittering lights and cheers of the world, a sinister plan was slowly being hatched. A vast conspiracy was in motion, waiting for the right moment to bring everything down. And when that time came, not only their wealth and power would be threatened, but also their family harmony and the future they dreamed of.

  After the celebrations were over and the hustle and bustle of the world had gradually subsided, Van felt an emptiness that could only be filled with inner peace. Amidst all the splendor, wealth, and adulation, his heart longed for a more authentic closeness: to kneel before the Creator again. So he invited Hana and their child to perform the Umrah pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Mecca, as an expression of his deepest gratitude for all the blessings Allah SWT had bestowed upon them.

  The journey was not merely a physical one, but a spiritual one steeped in meaning. Upon arrival in Mecca, their steps felt light yet filled with emotion. When Van's eyes gazed upon the Kaaba for the first time on the journey, his chest felt tight with gratitude and humility. Tears welled up in his eyes without him realizing it. Amidst millions of people coming from all over the world, he felt so small, so helpless, and completely dependent on Allah SWT's love.

  Hana gently embraced her child, whispering sincere prayers that their child would grow up to be a pious person with noble morals and a benefactor of others. Meanwhile, Van stood for a long time before the Kaaba, raising his hands, praying with all his heart. Every word he uttered came from the deepest recesses of his heart, filled with hope and resignation.

  "O Allah," he whispered softly, "You have given us infinite happiness. You have entrusted us with such a great trust in our lives. So make our child, Laigt Anim, your obedient servant, strong in faith, and steadfast in the truth. Guide his steps so that one day he will be able to defend the weak, uphold justice, and free this world from criminals, injustice, and hatred."

  Van's tears broke out between his prayers. He asked that in the future his son would be a light in the midst of darkness, a coolant in the heat of the world, and a bringer of peace to mankind. He hopes that Laigt will grow up with a soft heart, a clear mind, and strong courage, able to stand on the front lines against all forms of evil and injustice.

  Beside him, Hana also raised her hand, her voice shaking with emotion. He asked that his family always be under the protection of Allah SWT, kept away from slander, evil and human deception. He prayed that their household would always be filled with love, patience and steadfast faith, even if future storms of trials came.

  They spent their nights in Mecca in long prostration, continuous dhikr, and deep contemplation. Between Tawaf and Sa'i, Van increasingly realized how fleeting all the luxuries of the world were. What is eternal is only charity, sincerity and devotion to Allah SWT. In the silence of prayer, he strengthened his determination to continue on the path of goodness, whatever the obstacles that awaited him.

  And under the calm sky of Makkah, with the Kaaba as a witness, a great hope is embedded: that Laigt Anim will grow into a liberator, not through violence, but through justice, wisdom and love. A prayer that soars, transcends world boundaries, towards the Throne of Allah SWT, bringing hope for a brighter future for all people.

  humankind.

  After returning from Mecca, Van and Hana continued their lives with renewed vigor and determination. The spiritual journey had instilled in Van a deep realization that position, power, and wealth were merely entrusted to him. Therefore, he once again dedicated all his energy and thoughts to the people, carrying out his mandate with full responsibility and sincerity. He always weighed every decision with his conscience, grounded in justice, and sided with the interests of the people. In his busy schedule, Van never forgot that his only refuge and reliance was on God. With each prostration, he poured out his anxieties, hopes, and prayers, asking for strength to remain steadfast on the straight path, far from the temptations of this world and the deceptions of power.

  Days passed, and Laigt grew into a healthy, intelligent, and cheerful child. He was raised in a luxurious environment, with complete facilities and a personal assistant always at his side. However, despite all this luxury, Laigt never lacked the most precious thing: the sincere love of his parents. Van and Hana ensure that love, attention, and family warmth are always the main foundation for their son's growth and development.

  Van, despite his busy schedule as a public official, always makes time to play with Laigt. He doesn't hesitate to sit on the floor, laugh out loud, run around the yard, or simply listen to his child's innocent chatter. For Van, these simple moments are the most precious, as they are where a strong bond between father and son is forged. Occasionally, Laigt visits the office, not to see his father busy, but simply to "disturb" him and invite him to play. His playful and cheerful presence always draws attention, lightens the tense atmosphere, and brings smiles to the faces of the employees.

  For Laigt, his father and mother are not just parents, but also his best friends. In their presence, he is free to talk, laugh, and express himself without fear. Van always complies with Laigt's wishes, as long as they are within the bounds of kindness, because he wants his son's childhood to be filled with happy memories, free from pressure and coercion. Hana, with her gentleness and patience, always accompanied Laigt, instilling the values ??of politeness, empathy, and respect for others.

  However, behind the laughter and cheerfulness, Van and Hana never neglected to instill a foundation of faith. Every night, they guided Laigt to surrender to Allah SWT. In a warm, quiet room, they invited him to pray together, taught him the Quran letter by letter, and patiently guided him in reciting the holy verses. Little Laigt sat cross-legged between his parents, imitating the recitation in an innocent and sincere voice, while Van and Hana's eyes filled with tears at the touching sight.

  They also accustomed Laigt to performing the five daily prayers from an early age. Gently, Van took him to the mosque, taught him the meaning of prostration and bowing, and instilled a love for worship, not as a burdensome obligation, but as a spiritual need. Hana also constantly reminded him with gentle words, framing each religious teaching in a loving atmosphere.

  In their nightly prayers, Van and Hana prayed that Laigt would grow into a child with strong faith, upright morals, and a gentle heart. They realized that in a world full of glitter and temptation, only faith could be a compass for life. And in a home filled with love, prayer, and a good example, Laigt slowly but surely grew into a small light that he hoped would one day illuminate the world.

  In his spare time, Laigt filled his time with structured and disciplined study. Van deliberately hired the best private tutors, leading experts in their fields, brought in from various countries and paid exorbitant fees, to ensure his son received the best possible education. However, for Van, all of this was not a waste of time, but a long-term investment in developing a superior individual with knowledge, morals, and faith.

  From an early age, Laigt was introduced to various forms of martial arts, particularly taijutsu, which emphasizes physical strength, speed, and precision of movement. In addition, he also studied karate, aikido, judo, pencak silat, and krav maga, each with an approach tailored to his age and physical abilities. These exercises were not intended to foster aggression, but rather to build discipline, mental resilience, self-control, and the courage to face challenges. Every movement he practiced was executed with incredible sincerity and focus, as if his small body contained vast, inexhaustible energy.

  Laigt juga menunjukkan minat yang besar pada olahraga. Dia secara teratur berlatih renang, atletik, panahan, dan senam, mengembangkan fisik yang kuat dan seimbang. Salah satu hobinya yang paling menonjol adalah latihan menembak. Sejak kecil, dia tertarik pada senjata jarak jauh, terutama senapan sniper. Dia merasakan ketenangan dan konsentrasi yang mendalam saat membidik target. Namun, karena usianya yang masih muda, Van hanya mengizinkannya menggunakan pistol mainan berteknologi tinggi yang dirancang khusus untuk pelatihan fokus dan presisi. Meskipun hanya mainan, Laigt menganggapnya sangat serius, menjaga postur tubuhnya, mengatur pernapasannya, dan membidik dengan presisi yang membuat pelatihnya kagum

  Secara akademis, kecerdasan Laigt berkembang pesat. Ia mempelajari fisika, kimia, dan matematika tingkat lanjut, yang biasanya diajarkan kepada anak-anak yang jauh lebih tua. Angka, rumus, dan konsep kompleks tampak seperti permainan yang menyenangkan baginya. Ia mampu memecahkan masalah kompleks dengan pemikiran yang tajam dan logis, seringkali membuat gurunya takjub. Selain itu, Laigt juga mempelajari beberapa bahasa dunia: Arab, Inggris, Mandarin, Jepang, dan Prancis. Dalam waktu singkat, ia mampu berkomunikasi dalam istilah dasar dalam kelima bahasa tersebut, menunjukkan bakat linguistik yang luar biasa.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  However, above all worldly skills, Van and Hana placed religious knowledge as their primary foundation. From a very early age, Laigt was guided directly by his father and a selected Quran teacher to memorize the Quran. Every day, he set aside special time to recite and improve his memorization. With his clear, small voice, he recited the holy verses with tartil and deep appreciation. By the age of six, he had mastered many surahs (chapters) and even began memorizing each juz (chapter) with admirable perseverance.

  Laigt's discipline in worship grew along with his memorization. He never missed the five daily prayers, always making an effort to arrive early to the mosque with his father. In his small prostrations, he offered simple but sincere prayers, asking for goodness for his parents and all humanity. His pious nature began to emerge in his daily life: his speech was soft, his demeanor polite, and his heart full of empathy. He was willing to help, smiled easily, and always tried to be honest. Beneath that small frame and innocent face, lay immense potential, continually honed with love, knowledge, and faith. Laigt grew not only as a child prodigy, but also as a spiritually mature individual. Each small step seemed to point toward the greater destiny awaiting him, a destiny that would one day make him a light for many souls, just as the sincere prayers his father and mother always offered every third of the night.

  Days passed, and Laigt continued to grow rapidly. As he entered elementary school, Van had prepared various excellent educational options, including elite schools abroad with world-class facilities and curricula. However, beyond everyone's expectations, Laigt chose the modest school his father had personally built, a school founded with the sincere intention of educating the nation's children regardless of background.

  One warm afternoon, on the shaded porch, Laigt sat between Van and Hana. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere. Van began the conversation gently.

  “Son, Dad has prepared the best school abroad for you. There you can learn many things and meet great people,” Van said, looking at his son expectantly.

  Laigt was silent for a moment. He looked down, fiddling with the hem of his shirt, then slowly raised his face. His clear eyes reflected sincerity.

  “Laigt doesn’t want to go to school abroad, Dad… Mom…” he said softly.

  Hana smiled softly, stroking Laigt’s hair. “Why, honey?”

  Laigt took a deep breath, then said in an innocent voice, “Because I don’t want to be away from Mom and Dad. I love you both very much. I want to wake up in the morning to see Dad, I want to eat with Mom, I want to pray together. If I’m far away, I’m afraid I’ll miss you and be sad.”

  Van fell silent. His chest felt warm at that simple honesty. “But you know, son, going to school abroad can make you even better.”

  Laigt shook his head quickly. “I already have a great Mom and Dad. That’s enough for me.”

  Hana chuckled, her eyes glistening with tears. “You’re so capable.”

  Laigt’s face suddenly lit up. Excitedly, he said, “When I grow up, I want to be a hero, Dad! I want to protect Mom and Dad!”

  Van raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Protect from who?”

  Laigt thought for a moment, then answered with a serious but innocent face, “From Sambo.”

  Van and Hana looked at each other, then laughed. “Sambo? Your pet orange cat?” Hana asked, holding back a smile.

  “Yes!” Laigt replied firmly. “Sambo likes to jump on cupboards, knock over flower vases, and yesterday almost ate Dad’s ornamental fish. He’s dangerous.”

  "Yeah!"

  Van laughed heartily, then hugged Laigt tightly. "Okay, little hero. Mom and Dad will feel so safe."

  Amidst the laughter and warmth, a decision was made. Laigt would attend the school his father had built. No extravagant luxury, no special status. Just a child who wanted to learn, play, and grow close to the people he loved most.

  The simplicity of that choice made Van even more proud. Despite wealth and power, his son still chose the togetherness and love of family. A small decision that would later become a crucial part of the long journey of destiny that awaited him.

  After just one week of Laigt's schooling, the atmosphere at the school changed drastically. What had once been simple and quiet was slowly filled with rows of luxury cars, uniformed guards, and excessive security protocols. One by one, the children of high-ranking officials began transferring their schools to the same location. Their official reason seemed simple: a desire to provide the best education. But behind it lay far deeper interests.

  Darian Karsen was the first to act. Without further ado, he ordered his son's immediate transfer. Shortly afterward, Arvando Reiss followed, followed by Helena Mortis. Other officials who had long harbored a dislike for Van also took action. In closed rooms, and secret meetings, they carefully planned.

  “That child is the key,” Darian said coldly. “If we can influence him from a young age, the future will be in our hands.”

  Arvando nodded. “Environment shapes character. We create a circle of friends that guides him according to our interests.”

  Helena smiled faintly. “Children are the best bridge to future power.”

  Thus, the school that Van had originally built as a symbol of simplicity and equality slowly transformed into a gathering place for elite children. They arrived with expensive clothes, the latest gadgets, and overconfident attitudes. Their every move seemed measured, every word felt like it had been taught.

  However, from the first days, Laigt sensed something was amiss.

  He was friendly, polite, and sociable, but his instincts sensed something odd. The officials' children were too eager to get close, too often complimenting him, too curious about his father, and asking too many questions about his personal life. For Laigt, friendship should be simple: playing, laughing, and sharing stories. But what he felt instead was being observed, judged, even tested.

  In their games, they always wanted to control him. In conversation, they often slipped in words that made Laigt uncomfortable. There was a hidden agenda behind their friendliness, an interest he couldn't fully grasp, but it was enough to unsettle him.

  Laigt began to distance himself. He preferred to sit under a tree with the ordinary children, sharing lunch, playing in the dirt, or simply laughing freely. That's where he found the sincerity he'd been searching for.

  One afternoon, after school, Laigt sat next to Van in the study. His little face looked gloomy, a far cry from his usual self.

  "Dad," he said quietly.

  Van turned his head. "Why, son?"

  "Laigt doesn't like Laigt's new friends," he said honestly. "They're all rich. They're different. Laigt wants to find new, normal friends, ones who want to play tag, not show off their toys."

  Van was silent for a moment. He looked at his son with a gentle smile, then gently stroked Laigt's head. "It's okay, son. Be friends with whoever makes you comfortable."

  Laigt nodded slightly, then hugged his father. Van only smiled, but in his heart, a realization slowly grew.

  One day you'll understand, son... the world isn't as simple as you imagine.

  In the corner of the room, Hana watched them silently. She and Van had actually known the officials' intentions from the start. They knew full well that the mass migration was no accident. There was a grand plan underway, targeting their son.

  They didn't show their concern. They chose to keep it hidden, so that Laigt's childhood would remain free from intrigue and hatred. But beneath their calm faces lurked a deep anxiety.

  Because they knew that the more Laigt grew, the more the world would try to reach and shape him. And they didn't know where it would all lead.

  One break, as the cacophony of laughter and footsteps filled the schoolyard, Laigt's gaze fell upon a different scene. In a corner of the field, far from the crowd of elite children, stood four upperclassmen who stood in stark contrast to their surroundings. Their clothes were simple, their shoes worn, and their bags looked years old. used. But on their faces radiated a freedom that was hard to describe—wild, harsh, but honest.

  Mere They were Raka, Dimas, Beni, and Karel. The four were known as naughty children, often causing trouble, and often bullying other children for extra pocket money. They laughed loudly, pushed each other, ran around without rules, and occasionally teased passing children. But behind this behavior, Laigt saw something different: genuine joy, warm togetherness, and strong bonds of friendship.

  At one point, Laigt saw them sitting in a circle under a tree, dividing a small loaf of bread into four equal portions. No one protested, no one felt superior. They laughed as they ate, joking about trivial things, as if the world were limited to the small circle beneath that tree.

  Laigt's heart fluttered.

  They had nothing… but they were happy.

  From then on, his gaze often fell on the four children. He wanted to approach them, wanted to greet them, wanted to sit with them. But a hesitation held him back. He realized he was different. His uniform was neater, his bag newer, and his name was known almost throughout the school. He feared his presence would ruin what little freedom they had.

  How can I be friends with them without bringing Dad's shadow with me? he thought repeatedly.

  After school, in the car, Laigt seemed quieter. Hana, sitting beside him, noticed the change, while Van drove quietly.

  "Dad…" Laigt finally spoke.

  "Yes, son?" Van replied softly.

  "Today I saw a group of upperclassmen. They looked poor, but happy. I want to be friends with them... but I don't know how."

  Hana turned her head, gazing intently at the little face. "Why are you confused, honey?"

  "I'm afraid they won't want to be friends with me. They're afraid they'll think I'm arrogant. But I just want to have sincere friends."

  Van smiled faintly, then stopped for a moment at a red light. He turned to his son. “Son, true friendship isn’t born from who we are, but from how we act. If your intentions are sincere, you can find your own way.”

  Laigt blinked. “Really, Dad?”

  “Right,” Van replied firmly. “You don’t have to be someone else. Be yourself. Sincerity will find its way.”

  Hana added softly, “And don’t be afraid of rejection. All great friendships always start from small courage.”

  Laigt fell silent, digesting those words. Slowly, a small smile spread across his face. In his heart, a new determination grew.

  I will find my way. I will befriend them. Not as an official’s son. But as Laigt.

  In the front seat, Van returned his gaze to the road. But deep within him, there was a vague feeling he found difficult to define. He was proud of his son’s sincerity, but he also sensed the shadow of destiny slowly shifting, as if each small step Laigt took was building toward something much larger—and perhaps, much darker.

  One morning, the mansion was once again bustling with activity. Van had to leave town on a very important state assignment, while Hana received news that her mother in the village was ill and needed her presence. Two different trips, but both could not be postponed. In the living room, the atmosphere was both warm and emotional.

  Laigt sat between his father and mother, hugging his favorite small pillow. His face looked gloomy, though he tried to smile.

  “Daddy has to go away for a few days, son,” Van said softly, stroking his son’s head. “And Mommy has to visit Grandma too. You have to be a good boy, okay? Don’t be naughty, don’t be stubborn.”

  Hana took Laigt’s hand and held it lovingly. “Listen to your guard. Eat regularly, study hard, and don’t forget to pray. I’ll be home soon.”

  Laigt nodded slowly. “Laigt promises, Mommy. But you and I have to come home soon too.”

  Van smiled and hugged his son tightly. “Pray for Mommy and Daddy wherever we are.”

  To ensure Laigt’s safety while he was away, Van assigned three trusted men: Arman, the calm and wise head of the guard; Reza, a young, agile and alert bodyguard; and Fikri, a driver and bodyguard known for his friendliness and loyalty. All three had been with the family for a long time and fully understood Laigt's intelligent and curious nature.

  "Leave Laigt in your care," Van said firmly but confidently.

  "Don't worry, sir. We'll take the best care of Young Master," Arman replied firmly.

  Van and Hana finally left the yard. Laigt stood on the porch, waving goodbye until the vehicle disappeared around a bend in the road. A moment later, his innocent expression changed. His gaze became more focused, as if a grand plan had already formed in his mind.

  For a long time, Laigt had been contemplating a way to approach the four upperclassmen who had caught his eye: Raka, Dimas, Beni, and Karel. He knew the best opportunity would be when his parents weren't home.

  This was the time, he thought.

  a.

  The next day at school, Laigt attended school as usual. But since morning, his mind had been preoccupied with one goal: he needed to have some alone time, unsupervised, so he could get closer to the four children.

  As the last period was almost over, Laigt approached Arman and Reza, who were waiting outside the school gates.

  "Uncle Arman," Laigt said innocently, "Laigt has extra classes today. So, I'll pick you up a little later, okay?"

  Arman was a little surprised. "Extra classes? Usually there aren't any, Young Master."

  "Yes, there are today," Laigt replied quickly, then added with a sweet smile, "The teacher said Laigt has to come to get smarter."

  Reza held back a smile. "Wow, you're very diligent, Young Master."

  Arman stared at Laigt for a moment, trying to read his expression. But all he saw were clear eyes and an innocent smile. "Okay. We'll wait until you're done."

  "Thank you, Uncle," Laigt replied lightly, then turned and entered the schoolyard with small, enthusiastic steps.

  Behind that innocent smile, his mind was racing. He knew that this afternoon would be a golden opportunity. When most of the students had gone home, when supervision was less stringent, when Raka, Dimas, Beni, and Karel were usually still around the school.

  Today, he resolved, I will make friends.

  Meanwhile, outside the gate, Arman stood staring at the school building. A vague feeling he couldn't explain. A small premonition, thin as a gust of wind, crossed his mind. But he dismissed it, dismissing it as just excessive worry.

  None of them realized that Laigt's small step that afternoon would be the beginning of a long chain of events that would slowly change the course of his life—and, eventually, the face of the world.

  After school, when most of the students had left the yard, Laigt walked around the back corner of the gym—a place rarely visited by teachers and supervisors. It was there that he saw them: Raka, Dimas, Beni, and Karel. The four of them were gathered near an old warehouse, surrounding a skinny, frightened boy. The boy's bag lay on the ground, its contents scattered, while Raka held his shoulder roughly.

  "Enough, Rak... is that all?" Beni taunted, rummaging through the bag. "So stingy."

  The boy trembled. "I... I only have that much..."

  "An excuse!" Dimas snapped.

  Laigt stood frozen for a moment. His chest felt tight. The sight made his heart flutter. Without thinking, he stepped forward.

  "Stop."

  The small voice made the four upperclassmen turn their heads together. They froze for a moment when they saw who was standing before them.

  "Eh... that's Van's son," Karel muttered softly.

  Raka frowned. "Why are you here, brat?"

  Laigt looked at them each in turn, his eyes calm but sharp. "Let him go."

  Beni laughed sarcastically. "And if we don't want to?"

  Laigt took a deep breath, then said firmly, "If I win against you four, you have to stop bullying anyone and... you have to be my friends."

  The four of them fell silent.

  “If I lose,” Laigt continued without hesitation, “I’ll buy you snacks every day. You can order me around at school.”

  Dimas glared. “Is that crazy? A kid this small is challenging us?”

  Raka studied Laigt a moment longer. “Do you realize whose child you are?”

  “I do,” Laigt replied calmly. “That’s why I brought this.”

  Dia mengeluarkan selembar kertas dari tasnya—sebuah kontrak. Kontrak itu menjabarkan kesepakatan mereka, lengkap dengan tanda tangan kecil Laigt di bagian bawah.

  “Tidak ada campur tangan orang tua. Tidak ada keluhan. Tidak ada pengawal. Ini bisnis kami,” katanya lugas namun tegas.

  Karel melirik yang lain. "Anak ini serius."

  Beni menyeringai. "Jika dia kalah, kita beruntung."

  Raka mengangguk perlahan. "Setuju."

  Mereka membentuk lingkaran kecil di halaman belakang. Angin sore bertiup lembut, menciptakan suasana tegang yang sulit digambarkan. Laigt berdiri di tengah, mengepalkan tinju kecilnya. Jantungnya berdebar kencang, tetapi wajahnya tetap tenang.

  “Siap?” ejek Dimas.

  Laigt mengangguk.

  Serangan pertama datang tiba-tiba. Raka melangkah maju, mengayunkan tangannya. Laigt nyaris menghindar, tetapi Beni segera menerjangnya dari samping. Tubuh kecil itu terlempar, berguling ke tanah. Debu menempel di seragamnya

  “Bangun,” kata Raka dingin.

  Laigt bangkit perlahan, menyeka sudut bibirnya yang perih. Dia membalas, gerakannya cepat dan tepat. Sebuah tendangan kecil mengenai kaki Karel, membuatnya terhuyung. Tetapi sebelum Laigt dapat memanfaatkan celah tersebut, Dimas menabrak bahunya, membuatnya terpental ke belakang.

  Tanah terasa keras di punggungnya.

  Tawa kecil terdengar di sekeliling.

  “Kau bisa lihat hasilnya,” ejek Beni.

  Laigt terengah-engah, napasnya tersengal-sengal. Tangannya gemetar, tetapi matanya tetap cerah. Dia berdiri sekali lagi, memaksa tubuh kecilnya untuk menantang empat bayangan besar di depannya.

  Siang itu, di sudut sekolah yang tenang, perkelahian kecil berkecamuk dengan hebat—terlalu hebat untuk anak berusia enam tahun.

  Dan di tengah debu, napas terengah-engah, dan tatapan penuh tekad, satu pertanyaan menggantung di udara:

  Siapa yang akan jatuh duluan?

  (Bersambung – Bab 3)

  Laigt duduk bersandar pada batang pohon tua, tubuhnya lemas, matanya menatap kosong ke tanah. Di depannya, Raka, Dimas, Beni, dan Karel tertawa pelan, seolah menunggu reaksinya. Mereka belum meminta Sambo, tetapi Laigt tahu… besok, kucingnya akan diambil alih oleh mereka.

  Jantungnya berdebar kencang. Napasnya berat. Ia membayangkan Sambo kecil, yang selalu menjadi sahabatnya, kini di luar kendalinya. Aku kalah hari ini… pikir Laigt. Aku harus mengikuti aturan mereka… memberi mereka camilan… dan melakukan apa pun yang mereka minta… demi persahabatan yang kuinginkan.

  Dia menundukkan kepala, menahan air mata yang hampir tumpah. Tubuhnya terasa lelah, tetapi satu hal tetap membara di dadanya: tekad.

  “Ini bukanlah akhir. Aku akan menemukan jalanku… dan suatu hari nanti, aku akan mengubah segalanya,” bisiknya pada diri sendiri, saat keempat kakak kelas itu perlahan menjauh, meninggalkannya sendirian di bawah cahaya sore yang memudar.