The morning mist still clung to the edge of the village when the sound of clanging metal broke the silence. In that simple hut, Maulana Ferdinand---or Ferdi, as he was known to a select few---was engrossed in his project. The seventeen-year-old frowned as he tightened a small bolt in his hand.
"Perfect," he muttered with satisfaction.
At school, Ferdi was just a shadow. A loner who sat in the corner of the classroom, rarely spoke, almost invisible. Not because he was arrogant. It's just that his world was different.
"Why do they always talk about such boring things?" he thought with a small smirk.
But in online forums? There, Ferdi was a star. His fingers danced across the keyboard. "The locking system of the AK-47 uses the rotating bolt principle designed by Kalashnikov himself. Brilliant in its simplicity..." He pressed 'post' and smiled contentedly. In this community of military technology enthusiasts, he was no longer an awkward teenager. He was an expert whose opinions were awaited by many.
Ferdi glanced at the clock. It was time to go down to his secret lab. His family's residence on the edge of this village had one great advantage: privacy. No one paid attention to the small hut he built behind the house. And no one knew about the underground room beneath it.
He stepped on a hidden hinge. The trap door opened, and a wooden staircase led him down.
"Time to work," he muttered, his eyes sparkling as he looked at his project for the day. His motivation wasn't violence. For him, assembling weapons was an intellectual puzzle. A mechanical challenge that tested the limits of his abilities.
"What if I used a launcher with a pneumatic system? Compressed air could..." Ferdi smiled broadly. A new experiment was about to begin.
He was so absorbed in his project that he didn't realize it was getting late. When the clock on the lab wall showed 4 p.m., his stomach began to rumble, reminding him that he hadn't had lunch. Somewhat reluctantly, he put down his tools and cleaned his hands.
"That's enough for today," he muttered to himself.
Ferdi secured his secret lab and returned to his room. A new notification lit up in the corner of his laptop screen, which he had left on. Ferdi clicked on the "Frontier Modding" forum excitedly. This was his second home---a place where he was no longer the awkward Maulana, but the respected Rhizome.
"Wow, my thread is busy," he muttered, seeing dozens of new comments on his post about the AK-47 locking system.
GearHead: @Rhizome, your analysis is awesome! Always love your details.
TacticoolGirl: I never realized there were so many variations in the AK locking mechanism. Respect, @Rhizome!
The corner of Ferdi's lips lifted. Here he found what he never got at school: appreciation. His fingers typed a quick reply.
Rhizome: Thanks @GearHead and @TacticoolGirl. Understanding the design foundation is crucial before making modifications.
The forum moderator, WrenchMaster, also commented.
WrenchMaster: @Rhizome, your contributions are always high quality. Any new projects to share?
Ferdi's heart pounded. Should he tell them about his project? After a moment's thought, he decided to share a little hint.
Rhizome: Currently developing a projectile launcher system with an unconventional approach. Focusing on energy efficiency and modularity. Still a WIP, but excited about the progress.
The forum immediately buzzed with activity.
DIY_Ordnance: Unconventional launching system? Electromagnetic?
FutureMods: Keep us posted, @Rhizome! Sounds amazing!
Ferdi smiled broadly. This was a world that understood him. A world where he could be himself.
He was about to delve deeper into the forum discussion when a familiar voice interrupted his concentration.
"Ferdi! Dinner's ready!"
His mother's voice pulled Ferdi back to reality. Reluctantly, he closed his laptop and went downstairs.
At the dining table, his family had gathered. His father lowered his newspaper as Ferdi appeared. His mother smiled warmly, offering him a plate of his favorite food.
"Here's my genius son," his mother said, patting the seat next to her.
"Thanks, Mom," Ferdi replied briefly, but there was a faint smile on his lips. He wasn't much of a talker, but he loved his family.
"How was school?" his father asked.
"Same old," Ferdi replied, stirring his food. "There was an interesting physics assignment."
Risa, his older sister, grinned mischievously. "Physics assignment or... another secret project in your room?"
Ferdi just shrugged. "Same old."
But his younger sister, Rani, looked at him with sparkling eyes. "Bro, I heard noises from your room earlier. Were you experimenting? So cool!"
Ferdi ruffled Rani's hair affectionately. "Just a small project. I'll show you when it's done."
Rani was the only one who could easily draw out Ferdi's softer side.
"Alright, alright. Eat first," his mother interjected, smiling at their interaction.
For a while, the family ate in comfortable silence. Ferdi felt a warmth that he rarely acknowledged. Beneath his quiet demeanor, he held a deep affection for his family---especially his mother, who always understood, and Rani, who always admired him unconditionally.
"Mom," Ferdi said suddenly. "I'll be home late tomorrow. There's a... group assignment."
His mother nodded, knowing that "group assignment" was probably just an excuse. But she didn't ask further. She respected her son's privacy.
"Alright. Don't forget to have lunch."
Ferdi nodded, feeling a little guilty for lying. But tomorrow he really had to finish his project.
That night, surrounded by his family, Ferdi felt a little lighter. Maybe his world wasn't just about weapons and online forums. There was also the warmth of family which, although he rarely admitted it, he greatly cherished.
The next morning, Ferdi woke up earlier than usual. There was a special project he wanted to finish before going to school. He ate breakfast quickly and immediately slipped into his secret lab.
"Bro Ferdi! Wait!"
Rani ran to catch up with Ferdi, who was already at the gate. He was almost late because he was too engrossed in his project that morning.
"You're so slow," Ferdi grumbled, but he waited. His backpack felt heavier today. Among his textbooks, he hid several components of his assembled pistol. The risk was high, but he needed to finish modifying the trigger mechanism today.
"Bro, after school, accompany me to the bookstore, okay?" Rani pleaded with puppy eyes.
Ferdi sighed. "We'll see. I have things to do."
"What things again?" Rani pouted. "It's that mysterious experiment, isn't it?"
Ferdi just ruffled his sister's hair. "You're noisy."
They parted ways at the intersection. Rani headed to her junior high school, while Ferdi continued to his senior high school. All the way, his mind was occupied with thoughts of his new trigger modification. "If this spring is installed at a different angle, the response could be faster..."
The high school was already bustling when Ferdi arrived. He slipped in, avoiding the crowds. As usual, his presence was barely noticed.
The first lesson was Physics---the only subject he enjoyed. While waiting for the teacher to arrive, he took out his notebook and began sketching a rough design of his new trigger mechanism.
"What's that, Ferdi?"
Ferdi was startled, quickly closing his notebook. Andi, a classmate who sat in front of him, turned around curiously.
"Nothing," Ferdi replied curtly.
"Looks like a weapon design," Andi grinned. "You're really weird, Fer."
Ferdi didn't respond. Let them think whatever they wanted. As long as no one knew the truth.
The bell rang just as the Physics teacher walked in. Ferdi breathed a sigh of relief and focused on the lesson. The lesson went as usual, boring for most of the students but quite interesting for Ferdi, who liked to study mechanical principles for his projects. When recess came, instead of going to the cafeteria, Ferdi chose to stay in class to continue his sketch.
Time passed quickly. Lesson after lesson went by without any significant incidents. However, as the last lesson was nearing its end, something unexpected happened.
A sudden announcement came over the school speaker. "Attention, all students and staff, please remain calm. We are in an emergency situation. Everyone, please stay inside your classrooms. This is not a drill."
Panic immediately spread. The History teacher who was teaching tried to calm the class, but he himself looked nervous.
And then, a sound that changed everything.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Gunshots.
Ferdi's heart seemed to stop. His instincts immediately kicked in. With a swift movement, he opened his backpack.
"Now's the time," he thought, his fingers deftly began assembling his pistol.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The gunshots grew closer. Hysterical screams could be heard from the hallway.
"Oh God! There's a shooter in the school!" a female student cried out in panic.
The class was in chaos. Students ran around aimlessly. Some hid under their desks, others cried hysterically.
But not Ferdi.
With incredibly steady hands, he took out the components from his bag. His movements were fast and efficient, as if he had done this hundreds of times before.
"Ferdi... what are you doing?" Andi stared at him, his eyes wide with disbelief.
But Ferdi didn't answer. His focus was solely on the components in his hands. The barrel connected to the gun body. The trigger mechanism was precisely installed. The spring was tightened. The magazine was inserted.
Click.
In a matter of seconds, an assembled pistol was ready in his hand.
The entire class froze, staring at him.
"Ferdi... you... have a gun?" a girl whispered, terrified.
"All of you," Ferdi said in a calm but firm voice. "Stay away from the doors and windows. Hide under the desks."
"But---"
"NOW!" Ferdi ordered.
The class, which was previously in chaos, now moved with a single purpose. They all took cover, their eyes fixed on Ferdi, who now stood with a gun ready in his hand.
Heavy footsteps could be heard approaching their classroom. The door shook violently as it was forced open from the outside.
"Anyone inside, open the door or I'll shoot!" a rough voice shouted from outside.
Ferdi took his stance, gun raised, eyes focused on the door. His face showed no fear---only an intense, cold concentration.
BANG!
The door was forced open. A masked figure with an assault rifle appeared in the doorway.
For a split second, time seemed to stand still.
The terrorist raised his weapon, ready to fire at the students hiding. But his eyes caught Ferdi standing in the middle of the classroom.
With a gun pointed at him.
"What---"
BANG!
Ferdi fired first. The bullet from his assembled pistol flew, hitting the terrorist squarely in the chest.
The terrorist staggered, his eyes widening in disbelief. His rifle fell to the floor with a thud.
"How... is this... possible..." he stammered, before collapsing to the floor.
The class was silent. All eyes were on Ferdi, who still stood tall, gun in hand, his gaze coldly fixed on the door.
"All of you," Ferdi said without shifting his gaze. "We have to get out of here now."
"Through the window," Ferdi instructed. "One by one. Quickly and quietly."
His classmates were still stunned, their eyes darting between Ferdi and the terrorist lying in the doorway.
"NOW!" Ferdi snapped, jolting them out of their shock.
The classroom window was opened wide. One by one, the students began to climb out, their hands trembling and their faces pale.
"Ferdi... how did you---" Andi began.
"Later," Ferdi cut him off. "Get out first."
Ferdi remained in his position, guarding the door with his gun at the ready. He could hear the sound of footsteps in the distance, shouts, and occasional gunfire. The school had become a war zone.
When half the class had escaped, the sound of heavy footsteps approached.
"Faster!" Ferdi hissed, sensing the approaching danger.
But it was too late.
Four masked terrorists appeared in the doorway, their eyes immediately drawn to their fallen comrade.
"HE'S HERE!" one of them shouted, raising his rifle.
Without hesitation, Ferdi fired. The first bullet hit a terrorist in the shoulder, causing him to stumble backward.
The terrorists returned fire with a barrage of bullets.
"GET DOWN!" Ferdi yelled at the remaining classmates who were still inside.
Ferdi rolled behind a desk, using it as a temporary shield. With a swift movement, he fired again, this time hitting another terrorist in the leg.
The gunfight happened so quickly. Ferdi moved instinctively, as if he had been training for this moment his entire life.
Third shot. Fourth. Fifth.
Three terrorists fell. The last one, seemingly the most experienced, managed to take cover behind a hallway wall.
"Get out! Now!" Ferdi ordered his remaining classmates.
But as Ferdi moved to provide cover, the last terrorist emerged from his hiding place and fired.
Ferdi felt a hard impact on his stomach. Hot. Painful. He staggered, but still raised his gun.
BANG!
His last shot hit the terrorist squarely in the head, ending his threat for good.
The classroom was now empty, all his classmates had escaped through the window. Ferdi pressed on his wound, feeling warm blood seeping between his fingers.
"Shit..." he muttered.
With his remaining strength, he forced himself to move towards the window. The world around him began to spin, his vision blurring.
Some of his classmates were still waiting outside, their faces pale at the sight of Ferdi covered in blood.
"Ferdi! You're hurt!"
With their help, Ferdi got out through the window. They tried to help him walk, away from the school that had now become hell.
But Ferdi knew his wound was fatal. Blood continued to pour from his stomach, and his strength was rapidly fading.
"Go..." he whispered to his friends. "Save... yourselves..."
"No! We're taking you to the hospital!"
But Ferdi knew his time was short. His vision was increasingly blurry, and coldness began to spread through his body.
In the middle of the forest that became their escape route, Ferdi's legs finally gave out. He collapsed, his body feeling incredibly heavy.
"Ferdi! Hang in there!"
But Ferdi felt at peace. He had done his best. He had saved his friends.
As he lay on the forest floor, Ferdi's mind drifted to his family. His mother who always understood his quiet nature. His father who was secretly proud of him. Risa who liked to tease him but was always there for him. And Rani... his little sister who always looked at him with admiration.
"Sorry..." he whispered weakly, imagining their faces for the last time. "I... can't go home..."
Ferdi felt a strange warmth spreading through his body, replacing the coldness that had gripped him earlier. He could faintly hear the sound of ambulance sirens in the distance, but he knew the help wouldn't arrive in time for him.
With a faint smile, Maulana Ferdinand closed his eyes for the last time.
Maulana's eyes suddenly opened.
But the scene that greeted him was not the forest where he was injured. Nor was it a hospital.
A high ceiling with intricate carvings. Arched windows with soft light streaming through. Luxurious furniture he had never seen before.
"What... is... this...?"
He tried to move, but his body felt strange. Too light. Too small.
With great difficulty, he sat up and looked at his hands.
Tiny hands with small fingers. The hands of a little girl.
"What happened?!"
He looked down and found himself wearing a white nightgown with delicate lace. His body was the body of a small girl, maybe around three years old.
"Lady Elara! You're awake!"
The voice startled him. A middle-aged woman in a maid's uniform rushed towards him, her face filled with relief.
"Lady Elara? Who...?"
Maulana tried to speak, but what came out was a small child's voice that was not yet fluent.
"Thank goodness you're conscious, Lady Elara. We were so worried," said another maid with a concerned tone.
Maulana stared at them in confusion. They were speaking in a language he didn't recognize, yet somehow he could understand it.
"Lady Elara, are you in pain? What do you want?" asked the middle-aged maid, trying to take his hand.
Maulana pulled his hand away reflexively. His solitary habit was still present, even in this new body.
He looked around the magnificent room, trying to understand the situation.
"Am I... reincarnated?"
The thought seemed crazy, but there was no other explanation. He clearly remembered being seriously injured and closing his eyes for the last time in that forest. And now, he was in the body of a little girl in a completely foreign world.
The room door opened, and an elegant woman in a luxurious gown entered. Her tense face turned to relief when she saw Maulana sitting up in bed.
"Elara, darling! Thank goodness you're awake!" she exclaimed, rushing over and kneeling beside the bed.
"Mama..." Maulana said involuntarily, the small voice came out of his lips just like that.
The woman smiled in relief. "Yes, darling, it's Mama. You had me so worried. You've been unconscious for two days after falling from the stairs. We were afraid you wouldn't wake up again."
Fallen from the stairs? Unconscious for two days?
Maulana began to understand the situation. This little body---Lady Elara---had just experienced a serious accident. And somehow, his consciousness as Maulana was now inside this child's body.
"What... happened?" he asked in a small voice.
His mother gently stroked his cheek. "You were playing near the stairs and you slipped. What's important is that you're awake now."
The woman hugged him tightly. Maulana felt awkward in the embrace. He didn't feel any emotional connection with this woman. All he felt was confusion.
"Does Elara's head hurt?" his mother asked worriedly.
Maulana shook his head slightly. "No... just... confused."
"That's understandable, darling. You just woke up. Rest again. Mama will be here with you."
Maulana stared at the ornate ceiling of the room, his mind racing with questions. Why was he here? What happened to his old family? What about his classmates he saved?
"So this is what happens after death? Reincarnation?"
His new world felt like the setting of a fantasy novel. A magnificent palace, servants, being called "Lady"... This was very different from his life as the introverted Maulana Ferdinand.
But one thing he knew for sure: he was given a second chance. And this time, he wouldn't waste it.
As his eyelids felt heavy, Maulana let himself fall asleep. His new adventure had just begun---a second life in a fantasy world.