The Amazing Joni's
CHAPTER 15: FIFTEEN

Sem woke me up and Deni. The morning has arrived. The sun has already revealed its light. It was like a few minutes ago I fell asleep. There are no birds here. There may not be any birds.

“We will eat gazelle meat this morning.” Shem lit a fire of dried grass, twigs and leaves, piercing some raw meat with larger wooden twigs. Grilling. Apparently he had managed to hunt down a deer while we were still asleep. His hands work. We just watched what Sem did, there was no experience of cooking meat that way.

Deni tried to press a button on his wrist. Hope there is a response from the gaming service officer in our city. Vain. There's no answer. Deni looked down listlessly.

“You want? I'm not the chef in this game. But I know how to cook meat in an emergency situation.” Sem stuck out a skewer of meat to Deni. Smilingly. “You take it yourself, Jon.”

I'm nodding.

Deni hesitated to accept it.

“Enak, Den. You should try it.” I've chewed a few bites.

“Thank you, Jon.” Shem looked at me.

Deni finally received the mature meat skewer. Trying to bite. His mood was slow, his mood was still bad. When swallowing some chews. Deni started to speed up the bite. Voraciously. He even asked Sem to go back to hunting. The breakfast atmosphere began to rise. Pixel meat, no problem. As long as it can fill an empty stomach.

“I brought water from the land of the Tropical Rainforest, but only one bottle. We have to take turns. It's only temporary. Lunch later, you guys I'll take to the place I said it was.” Shem handed me a bottle of water, asking to divide three. I drank a third of it, handing it over to Deni. Deni drank it, until the last third left. Sem. Pixels water, no problem. Origin can remove the dryness of the esophagus.

We sat down for a while after breakfast. Joking. Joking. The sun began to climb. The weather is back sunny.

“We will visit that building.” I'm standing. Look at the building from a distance.

“Did the show start this early, Sem? Yesterday was the afternoon when we arrived here.” Deni was still sitting, lazily standing, his stomach was full.

Sem shrugged his shoulders. He doesn't know either. “But we better get there, Den. I don't know yet what the problem is.”

Sem's right. I almost forgot. This game we played was about corruption. What kind of corruption is there in this country? I don't know.

The three of us left. Sem makes sure the fire where the meat is grilling is no longer lit. The next destination is the government building. We're just on foot. There are no more bison. It's closer than it was yesterday afternoon. From a distance, we saw the crowd of onlookers already booming. There is a large screen installed, it will be used for live broadcast of the match arena.  They still use drone technology to monitor the course of the race. But there seems to be a little problem there. One or two of the spectators spoke loudly, protesting.

Me, Deni and Sem are approaching. The crowd of spectators who were under the leader's stands. The three of us stood closer to the podium. This is the first time I have faced the leader of this country more closely. The audience is still crying.

Replace..! Just change it. not exciting if only four participants.. The audience voices called out similar things.

“Good. Good. We ask everything to be quiet.” Someone, maybe the assistant chief is trying to calm down. Stand behind the podium. Raising both hands, waving. “We will accept the proposal. Three of the participants who resigned will be replaced.

Yeee's.. Huo.. There was a boisterous sound of joyous welcome. Then the sound of applause.

“Now we will look for participants who volunteer to replace three people who have resigned. The three people had also agreed, it did not matter if the position they left behind was a substitute. The reason they resigned once again was a family matter.” The assistant leader was silent for a moment, staring at the crowd of spectators.

“Now who volunteered to replace?” Silent audience. Silent. The previous commotion had disappeared.

“One more time, who are the three people who volunteered to replace?” The assistant was still looking around, his eyes wildly staring at the audience. Who knows if someone is shy to raise their hand.

Two minutes passed. No response from the audience.

“Good. Because this is the request of all of you. Then we alone will decide who the three people who are his successors.” The assistant went back to the back for a moment. Meet the leader. Discussing. Three minutes later, he was back on the podium.

“We've decided.” His voice sounded hoarse. Some of the spectators covered their faces. Afraid? I don't know.

The assistant pointed at the three of us. Spontaneously we point the index finger at each chin. Saying in the heart at the same time. Me?

“Yes, you three. Please enter the building. You guys will do the preparation.” The assistant asked us to enter the front room of the government building. “The race will we start in thirty minutes. Please be patient.” That was the last word from the assistant to an audience whose number might already be over hundreds. He then came down from the second floor with the leader.

“How is this?” Deni raised his hand.

Sem scratching head. Raising shoulders. Have no opinion. I thought for a moment. The assistant leader was waiting for us at the door.

“We may also find it difficult to reject it. It's a sudden offer. After all, isn't this just a ground jet ski race? We've ridden a bison before. I can also bring a scooter. Jet ski even I think it makes no difference to the scooter.” I gave a response.

“We're coming, Jon?” Deni asked. I looked at Sem.

Sem nodded. We agreed. Take part in the race, as a substitute.

We went into the room. Greeted kindly by the assistant leader and the leader himself. Door shut tight.

“Welcome. I'm Nax. Introduce, he is the leader of this country. Mr. Nuw.” The assistant introduced himself. Hands out, hands out. Introducing someone with a white beard.

“I New. Leader here. Nice to meet you guys.” Nuw looks friendly, hands out. Shake hands. Then smiled widely. It seems he's not a bad guy either. The three of us returned the hand out, returned a smile, reintroduced ourselves.

“You look different. Are you not a native of the people here?” New asked.

“They are player.” Nax.

Nuw responded by nodding slowly. He'll understand.

That's one important point that I really wonder about in this game. Everyone knows we are players. But never considered us strangers. Or too foreign.

“Nax, prepare their jet ski.” Nuw asked for his assistant.

“All is ready, Mr. Nuw. The officers were just refueling.” Nax is a little bent.

“Ho.ho.ho.ho.they are indeed deft workers.” Nuw chuckles. His white beard swayed. His face was really friendly. There is no evil aura here.

“If I may know, what is the name of the fuel, Mr Nuw?” She suddenly asked.

“We have not decided to name that fuel, Sem. We've also just been doing that fuel the last few years. The seller just says it's the best quality petroleum. We don't ask much. Just buy it, then use it to fuel jet ski. Jet skiing in this place was actually found a few years ago. Actually two years before this. Previously there was no such race.” Nax explained it.

“Seller? Who is he?” I'm asking along. Something bright spot came to my mind. It seems like it's really related.

“Eh, who? The man was dressed well. I forgot_” The assistant's words were truncated.

“She called herself Sew when I asked.” Nuw continued.

“Sew!?” The three of us were glaring.

“Yes, do you know him?” Nuw seems to know nothing. The face asked innocently.

“He is an oil mafia who makes the leader of the sand country left his people. The oil he got from the mines in the sand country. Buy it there. I didn't expect him to sell it here.” She answered, explaining.

“And that means. You're also part of that oil mafia.” Deni drew the sword.

I'm holding. The look on Nuw's face seemed to know nothing. He's just a buyer. I don't know mafia business.

“Save your sword, Den. We won't fight here.” I stared hard at Deni.

Nuw and Nax looked at us not understanding. The two old faces were full of questions.

“Pardon this friend of ours, Mr. Nuw. He was always like that.” I was hoping to worry.

“What do you mean, Jon. Obviously this guy is Sew's friend. He's also a villain, right?” Deni is still unbearable.

“But Mr. Nuw doesn't know anything. He's just a buyer, Den.” I keep trying to explain.

“Joni's right, Den. Sew only sells oil here. Mr. Nuw and Nax are just buyers. They don't know the origin of that oil.” She finally spoke up.

“It's true. We do not know the origin of the oil from the country of sand. We never asked Sew directly. We only buy it for the purposes of this race.” Nuw said flatly, he remained calm.

Deni finally kept his sword.

“We are really sorry. If only we knew he was an oil mafia. We're not going to buy it. We will find other sellers.” Nax apologized again.

“We should also apologize.” Sem bent.

“Already. Let's forget about that. Nax, explain to them about this race.” Nuw has already shifted the topic of conversation. The influence of his way of speaking is very inherent. He seems to be a highly respected leader here.

“Basically, there are no special rules for participants. They win if they reach the finish first. For the race arena, we will use a bigger one. Not the one behind the building anymore. We've prepared elsewhere. The length of the arena is about 50 kilos, the width is 10 kilos. You'll be free enough to spread. We will disqualify participants who do not arrive at the other end of the arena, turning in the middle. There's a sensor we put in there. We are looking for three winners. This race is three rounds, so you have to cross the arena four times. Starts from the starting line and ends at the same finish place.” Nax takes a breath for a moment, “Please if there is anything you want to ask.”

“What if there are participants who cheat, I mean like hitting, kicking, or so on?” I asked. Doubters.

“Extapose again. There are no special rules. The matter of hitting it is beyond our responsibility. But if the beaten participant is dead, the hitter is declared out of the match.” Nax answered, explaining.

“Okay, I think you guys should head for the arena. Other participants may have been waiting. Follow me.” Nax led us deeper into the living room, towards the descending stairs. Not much conversation along the stairs. 

“This is one of our underground stations. There are many places like this underground. It is the smallest station. People use transportation like this. And it's free, for anyone.” Nuw is also coming with us. While Nax told us to go inside the capsule.

“Isn't the race less than thirty minutes away? How are we gonna get there? Is it far away?” Sem asked. He's coming with Nax. While Deni and I are one capsule.  Nuw led in front, alone.

“That arena distance from this place may be 200 kilo.” Nax laughed lightly.

“200 kilo?” Sem's face folded. “How will we get there? It's not a close distance.”

Nax chuckles. “This capsule will take care of it, Sem. He was able to travel at speeds of over 500 kilometers per hour. Awesome, right? We'll get there in time.” Nax smiled back

Sem nodded reverently. That was amazing. There has never been a land vehicle so fast.

This underground atmosphere is desolate. The traffic seems to be not here. Maybe today is their day off. Most watch this ground-based jet ski race in the backyard of a government building with a super large screen. Why are they gathering behind the government building? Isn't it along the track where we landed from the portal yesterday that I didn't see a single house building?

“The reason is simple, Jon. They want to see the medal handover to the champion. The only path to this place is this basement. While the houses of the residents are more in the area there. Far from this place. If they choose to leave home when the race is over and it is time for the medal to be handed over. This place will surely crash. But we have other policies. Today, we only specialize this pathway for participants. This place is closed to the public. So they've been coming since yesterday afternoon.” Nax answered my question, it turns out that this capsule is connected to each other by a communication device. Can talk to each other between capsules.

 Nuw is leading in front. Followed by Nax and Sem, our capsule is the very back. Capsules run slowly, getting faster. The capsule actually passed at full speed. Deni and I couldn't pay attention to the streets on the side. There is only one white line flattened in the flank by a darker color. The white line that when viewed from the actual state is an arrangement of lighting lamps that are five meters between the bulbs. The capsule runs automatically once the destination information has been entered into the system. They will not collide with other capsules while at the junction. There is an automatically adjusted timing. Honestly, it's really incredible speed. There is no shock when like taking a train or plane, the capsule travels completely in a seamless state without a hitch.

20 mins. We have reached our destination. Leaving the capsule in the underground station, climbing the stairs, walking in the hallway. Arrive in a very large area. Four other participants were already waiting for the arrival of the remaining three participants. That's our. There are no spectators in this place. There's only a match supervisor. They may be tens. The place of the starting line as well as the finish it looks very broad. Pasture.

The morning was bright, the sunlight was dazzling. A clear blue sky without clouds. The wind adds to the shahdu.

“I don't think you'll bring a replacement, Mr. Nax.” One of the participants exclaimed, his tone sounding arrogant.

“You should be more sportive, Cun.” Nuw speak up. Cun was silent, down. There was something he planned.

“You take each jet ski. The game will be broadcast live across the city. Included behind government building.” Nax smile. He asked us to head for our jet skis. There are three empty ones.

They must have done something on this jet ski when we hadn't arrived. Deni muttering.

“It won't happen, Den. We have many match supervisors here.” Nax seemed to know what Deni was thinking.

Deni scratched his head that did not itch.

I chose one of the most marginal jet skis, next to me Deni, next to him again Sem, then some other participants. We were on a jet ski.

“You know how to run this thing?” Deni asked me.

I noticed. There's no gas in here. There's only steering wheel. Just like my scooter. Maybe it's the only steering. Not as complicated as a car.

“I don't think much different with scooter, Den.” I'm still watching. This jet ski is capable of traveling at a speed of 150 kilometers per hour. There is a speed limit on the front panel.

“Now everyone please pay attention.” Nax stood in front of all the participants. “The audience no longer wants to wait. The match will start soon. The rules are the same, there are no rules in this race. Your task only arrived at this place on the third round. You guys got it?”

All participants nodded. Each one starts the machine. For me, this type of machine is not too foreign. This is no different than the scooters in my world. All I noticed was Deni, maybe he would have trouble in the beginning. But when I saw his face, my anxiety was gone. He's the most passionate person at this starting line.

“Now take a position on the red line.” Shem again exclaimed, there was no help from the loudspeaker. Each participant is separated by a distance of 15 meters. There are already places provided with different colored start lines, red.

“Bet ready!” Nax exclaims. He was behind the starting line. His hand was holding a flare gun. Parching it. The three of us immediately understood, if the flare gun erupted then it means “Go.

The flare eventually spewed out ammunition, hurtling hard towards the blue sky, like a guided missile. The match has begun. The audience behind the government building cheered boisterously. And the audience at home too. The flying drone follows all the participants from above. Conducting live broadcasts. All participants have left the starting line. Gaspitch. Hope to get maximum speed soon.

The sky supported this match. I can imagine how boisterous the atmosphere behind the current government building is. Also in other places.

Currently, almost all participants were speeding in parallel. All are leading in front. In fact, I Deni and Sem also precede each other. Looking up, then smiling at each other. Besides being stressful, it's also fun. In our city, it is certain that underage children will not be allowed to race on the highway, speeding. This is a new experience that erases the sadness of a moment ago. When Deni and I were desperate because they couldn't go home. At least it can amuse us. Some of the other participants were already superior to us. They were a few meters ahead.

When we enjoyed this match. Somethinghappened. One of the participants fell from his jet ski. Thrown, rolling. All the participants passed through that body. His jet skis were moving unguided, almost colliding with Sem. Lucky, Sem deftly dodged.

“They did it on purpose.” She said slowly. His jet ski approached me.

“What one of them cheated?” I asked. Whispered.

Sem shrugged his shoulders. I don't know. After all, the only requirement to win this match was to be the first person to reach the finish line. There are no rules.

“Hey, right?” I exclaimed stifled.

“What's up, Jon?” Deni also approached, asking.

“There are no rules. Is that what Nax said? Don't-don't, all participants can do anything to win.” I answered Deni's question.

“But wouldn't they disqualify a participant who made another participant lose their life?” Deni asked again, worried.

“Except kill, Den. All doable.” I managed to conclude.

“Damn the Nax! Why didn't he tell us.” Shem exclaimed in annoyance.

As we were conversing one of the other participants approached.

“Yo, new boy. I did not expect Nax and Mr. Nuw to appoint you, snotty child, to replace the three cowardly participants.” The participant greeted, his face completely unfriendly.

“Coward?” Sem still looks upset.

“Yes, they resigned on family grounds. They are afraid of death. Y'all know? It's not just about who gets to the finish line first. But it's about manhood. Already many have lost their lives in this arena.” One of the participants laughed. The situation is suspicious. “And do you know? You will also be one of my targets.”

“And do you know? We won't be that easy to beat.” Shem immediately gas-stamped, leaving a bit of the fussy participant.

“Hei.. Oi.. Haven't I introduced myself yet?” The player followed Sem. Me and Deni followed behind. Be on guard.

“Didn't you drop one of the participants behind it?” Sem asked.

“Hei.. That's not me, man. Those who do.” The player reasoned.

Sem snorted no matter what, kept on going.

“O.oo.. Good. You asked for it.” The participant banged his jet ski. Sem's shoved to the side. Sem's okay, he's slowing down speed.

“That's a bad boy.” Deni. I concur. “Let me reply to it.” Deni drove forward. While that participant did not add speed, he knew he would receive a reply. The look on his face remained in a position of ridicule, contempt, and demeaning.

“Have you never learned sportsmanship, huh? Or are you always punished by your teacher? So you're never allowed to take ethics lessons?” Deni approached the jet ski of the pretentious participant.

“Oo.. Look, there's a little kid who wants to go back to grab his candy.”

“Isn't that naughty little kid always bothering others? Search attention.” Deni scoffed back. The dispute is ultimately inevitable. Deni and the sok-cool participants were elbowed with a jet ski that continued to accelerate. Banging against each other the iron floating on the grass.

“Wow, the little boy who dared to fight.” They keep clashing with each other.

“In front is the first round, Den. Make sure you cross the line.” She cried out, reminded. We were already close to the boundary line to head for one round, the place turned around. If in the race, we will enter the second lap soon. While I was glancing, on the right side, the other two riders had already turned around. They were a few seconds faster than us.

The sun is getting hotter. The day is getting higher. The clutter we just went through seemed to blur. Although this land-based jet ski hangs a little above the ground. Wind gusts from exhaust exhaust roaring. Make the grass that is in the bleach sway quickly.

We have entered the second stage.

Deni and the pretentious participants still elbow each other, even after the twisting bend. The other two players were leading the way. An arrow finally shot up on the side of the jet ski belonging to the sok-cool participant. Clinks, makes abrasions. Everyone's surprised. Deni and one of the participants stopped the nudge action on top of his jet ski.

Silent moment.

The sok-cool participant finally looked over.

“However I should stop playing around here. Look, we're already left.” The sok-cool exclaimed in annoyance. He thinks this is totally unfair. One against three. He made something that astonished us, something that Sem usually does. The cool guy took out an arrow from his grasp. Then pulled a bow, aiming at the blue sky. The arrows shot upwards without a target.

“Danger! The arrow will return. More precisely thousands of arrows will return. It was the same way I did.” Shem exclaiming. Too bad, the density of the arrows was faster than Sem's ability. Thousands of arrows had already soared high up on the ceiling, preparing to rain down. It was more like a herd of – that had once migrated on earth. The sharp eyes of the arrows flashed, gliding in their respective styles.

Deni was also panicking, he had already unsheathed the sword. Want to cut one by one. But no matter how great Deni's sword slashing ability was, it wouldn't help. The arrow won in terms of numbers. Some of the drones that followed us flew slowly. Trying to get away from the reach of the arrows.

A few meters away from touching the target. I called out casually.

“Don't forget my ability, friend.” Thousands of arrows were successfully carried. Falling like a heavy object. A large and thick shield protected the three of us. While the sok-cool has been poking the gas away. The man looked back with a cry!. Piqued.

This is no ordinary race. This was already a battle arena on top of the race. Deni and Shem drew swords and arrows, I drew fists. Gaspitch. Trying to catch up.