The Amazing Joni's
CHAPTER 17: SEVENTEEN

The sun is almost overhead, white clouds comb the horizon line. The atmosphere behind the government building was low boisterous. The crowd applauded, cheering as we exited towards the trophy's delivery stage. It was the VIP tribune where Nuw sat during the match yesterday, now it has been transformed into a prize handover place. It was a little towards the audience. There has been prepared a podium with the writing of numbers 2, 1, and 3.

“Please, Jon.” Nax asked me to go up to podium 1. Audiences cheering, shouting. I waved, ⁇ so-famous, pretentious. Smile broadly, grin.

Shem was awarded second place, while Deni third place.

“This is the first time the race has been won by a stranger. Give a lively welcome to the three of them.” Nax exclaimed at the audience.

I glanced at the big screen that became a spectacle as the match went on, it was huge. Our three faces are clearly visible because of the zoom. Deni looks groggy, shy.

“We wanted to hand over the trophy. But I don't think it's going to be right for you guys who aren't from this world. I've changed the gift.” Nuw said flatly, his face looked foggy. But his smile still grins.

“Switch?” Even Nax put on a folded look. Wonder.

“Yes, I've replaced it with a more useful gift. Three newest pieces of armor from the country Sabana.” He looked towards our clothes. “This armour is more powerful than the one you are currently wearing.” He snapped a finger, asking one of the lackeys to pick up a present for us.

Silent moment. The audience was silent too. Panasaran.

Before long, three new pieces of armor came. Looks sparkly. Shimmering, reflecting the dim light of the sun.

Yup! Deni beside me clenched his hands, pleased. One question, how do we wear that armor? Do I have to take off my clothes? In front of an audience?

“It's not necessary, Jon. You pay attention now.” Nax smiled, again as if he could read my mind. Nax took one of the armour. Start with the lowest champion. Deni was the first.

Nax brought the armour closer in front of Deni. Sem and I stared unblinkingly, what will happen to Deni? That's our question. A light appeared, enveloping the new armor. Deni's armour also responded, emitting a similar light. The longer, the brighter. Whiter. Dazzling. Deni who was in front of him even squinted his eyes next door. The armour has moved in the form of light, alternating in the light. Then the light dimmed, leaving new armor attached to Deni's body. Looked handsome. The color remains green, only there are black stripes. The same thing happened to Sem, the color of his armor did not change, remained black. There are only additional white stripes on the shoulders. Two lines encircle the neck. While the most contrasting change, happened to my armour. The color turned purple. There are also similar lines embellished. Looks shiny. Luminous.

“That's armor with the best material ever. Only selected fighters can wear it.” Nuw looked at me, smiling.

It does feel different. My body feels lighter. There was a huge energy injection as this armor changed. I'm sure Deni and Sem feel the same way.

“One more time, pay homage to the champion.” Nax again exclaimed at the audience. The low boisterous voice of the audience increasingly resounded. Applause, whistling, yel-yel, rhyming sound.

The three of us waved, ⁇ sok-akrab. This is what it's like to be a new idol somewhere we don't know at all. Fifteen minutes later, the audience went home. The atmosphere returned to sweep.

The sun is right at the top, overhead. This year's race is over.

My vision seems a bit wrong. At first I thought, the audience in this place is only hundreds. After I swept a glance for a moment, their numbers might reach into the thousands. What a welcome.

***

The show is over. Nuw and Nax held a lunch for the champions. Again, Deni and I had to eat pixel food. We both didn't have time to think about what would happen if we managed to get out of this game in the next few days. Our stomachs would automatically be empty, not eating for days. The smell of the dish was so enticing. There is a soup that reflects smoke tempting, grill antelope with sauces that make teeth unify, antelope soup also exists. White rice looks no different than in our world. I swallowed spit. Perfect food that is similar, at least this can block the stomach and clear the tangled mind.

“You may not be so I take you to the place to eat it. It's more luxurious.” Shem whispered to me. I glared, lest Nax know what Sem said.

The three of us sat down opposite Nuw and Nax. In front of each, a variety of tempting foods are ready not to be missed.

“Please enjoy at will. Don't hesitate if you want to add.” Nuw stuck out a hand. Smilingly. Nax who was beside him also nodded. We can already eat.

“We can chat while eating.” Nuw had already grabbed the fork and the knife. In front of him was an antelope cuttings. Slicing. Put it on the plate. Take the rice, start eating. The menu that was designed was simple. Unlike Nax, he is much simpler. Nax didn't take the rice, he was just engrossed in spending a few skewers.

The three of us started eating. Menu mix each. It felt a little awkward because the one in front was no ordinary person. He's the head of government at this place. Just imagine, eating together at a table with the head of state. It has become the dream of many.

Deni nodding. His mouth was full of food. Even his thumb was shuffling. Right, good, right, that's the rules of the supposed ground jet ski race. Me and Sem looked at each other, smiling little.

“If I may know, where is Sew now?” Sem asked.

“Ah, about that. I also planned to cut off the oil business with him. I promise you, I won't buy from Sew again, anything. As for where he is, I'm sorry. I really don't know. Sew is very good at moving places between countries.” She answered, explaining.

Sem nodded. Got it.

Lunch continues, has changed many topics of conversation. About jet ski competitions, about savannah animals, about government buildings far from residential areas, subway capsule train stations, even had a chance to talk about our world.

“In this place. The inhabitants live well. Their efforts mostly ranched. Some became farmers. That's enough to support their families. We have never imposed a taxpayer in this country. We are just doing our job as the head of state, we have a special officer to make sure all corners of the city get the same rights as citizens. The public has always supported government policies. They feel they are always being cared for but not spoiled. Their demands, their suggestions, we always tamping and realized if it does make a common welfare effect. There are no promises in our government. Existing, we only serve.” Nax explained at length, the food plate in front of him was empty. We're all done eating lunch.

“Now what is your destination?” New asked.

“We are going to a Tropical Rainforest country.” Shem who answered.

“Oo.. I know the leadership of that country well. His name is Tim, he's a wise leader.” Nuw exclaimed cheerfully.

“Really?” Deni was shocked, he was astonished. We know this is a game about corruption. Our mission is to eradicate the perpetrators of corruption. If we hear that the leader of the country is a wise person, we feel that it is a little awkward.

“Really? Why?” Nuw chuckled, his beard swaying. “ Tropical Rainforests is the only country that still adheres to the lumber punishment system. If found guilty, even if it is the minions of the state, it will still end up in the tools of the fountain. I think the only thing the country is facing right now is forest burning.”

I'm nodding. Is correct. It happened in my country decades ago. Forest fires. The smoke even hit neighboring countries. If that's the situation. That is, our enemy is the owner of the burning companies. No one knows yet, if the most serious problem of the Tropical Rainforest country is not only forest burning, but also drugs.

This time the five of us were on the front porch of the first floor of the government building. Nuw and Nax prepare to let go of our departure.

“Thank you for the cool armour.” Deni smiled, looking up at Nax who was taller than him.

“It's already yours.” Nax slightly lowered his gaze, staring at the lower Deni.

“Now all you need is portal.” Nuw stared at the lasciviousness of the expanse of Sabana as far as the eye could see. The front yard is also covered with acacia trees.

“It's true. But I no longer know the location of the portal.I only know the location of the portal two countries. Sand country and this country.” Sem looks sorry. He did not know anymore, the information embedded in his memory about the portal between the top countries.

“That's no problem. I can help you guys.” Nax offers help. “Find me that tool on your wrist, Jon.”

I took off the watch, gave it to Nax. Nax entered the building a few minutes later. We waited outside with Nuw, conversing for a while. Joking. Nuw turned out to be quite a humorous person at his age. He can still joke with responsible teenagers like us. A few surprises later, Nax finally returns.

“I've entered two countries' information on his memory. Tropical Rainforest Country and Ocean country. You guys will find it easy. The coordinates of the portal were easily accessible at any time. But I'm sorry. We don't know anything about the fifth country. Really, we really don't know.” Nax handed me my advanced watch.

I nodded, thanking you. That was more than enough for us.

The five of us shake hands with each other. Say thank you to each other. Nuw even hugged Deni, patting his shoulders, encouraging. Like a father who wants to let go of his son to go far to the other country.

The sun has fallen from the top above the head. The breeze of the wind accompanied our departure, gently caressing the faces of the adventurers. It's time to head for a new paradise, the Tropical Rainforest.

Country where a reliable sniper spews a long-range bullet.