After leaving Goa Lawa, Arya decided to follow the clues from the Rangda mask. The energy emanating from the mask felt strange, as if a force was guiding him. Every time he held the mask, his vision seemed to catch glimpses of distant images: towering mountains, a shimmering sea under the moonlight, and a village that appeared eerily silent, as though frozen in time.
The village intrigued Arya. He recalled his mother's stories about an ancient village often mentioned in the myths, Trunyan, a place where the souls of the departed linger on the threshold of the world. Without hesitation, he decided to find this village.
His journey led him to the shores of Lake Batur, a lake surrounded by towering mountains. On the calm surface of the water, the shadow of Mount Batur appeared majestic and mysterious. The locals suggested that Arya rent a small boat if he wished to reach Trunyan, as the village could only be accessed by water.
As he rowed the boat, the air began to shift. The temperature grew colder, and a thin mist started to cover the lake's surface. The closer he got to the village, the stronger the sharp scent became, a mixture of incense and something he couldn't quite identify.
When the boat reached the shore, Arya saw something that made his heart race. Along the edge of the village, human skulls were neatly arranged on a stone altar. Large trees with thick leaves shaded the area, but one tree caught his attention, the Taru Menyan tree, the legendary tree said to emit a unique fragrance that neutralizes the smell of decaying bodies.
The village appeared deserted, but Arya felt as though something was watching him. He slowly walked along a narrow path through the village, observing the traditional houses that looked uninhabited. Yet, with each step, it felt as if something was trying to stop him.
In the center of the village, he found a large altar adorned with poleng cloth (black and white checkered fabric) and offering flowers. The Rangda mask in his hands began to vibrate, as if responding to something. Before he could react, a soft yet cold voice spoke from behind him.
"What are you seeking here, human child?"
Arya quickly turned around. Before him stood an old woman with long white hair, her eyes seeming empty yet full of wisdom. She wore traditional Balinese clothing, but the aura around her made Arya feel that she was no ordinary human.
"I seek answers," Arya said, his voice steady despite his racing heart. "About time, dimensions, and my destiny."
The old woman gave a thin smile. "Answers are always around you, but only those brave enough can understand them. However, here, you will also find new questions."
She raised her hand, and the village transformed. The houses that had appeared empty were now full of life, villagers went about their daily tasks, but they seemed unaware of Arya's presence. They passed by him like shadows. Arya realized he was seeing the past.
The old woman pointed toward the large altar. "This is where everything began. This village guards the balance between the world of the living and the spirit world. But something has changed. That balance is starting to falter, and you are part of the answer."
Arya approached the altar. As he gazed at the carvings on it, he saw the same symbol as the one on the Rangda mask. But next to that symbol was another, one resembling a circular gate, the same symbol he had seen in the cave before.
Before Arya could ask anything, the old woman disappeared. But her voice lingered, echoing in the air. "Return to Lake Batur on the full moon. You will find the clues you need. But remember, time is not on your side. The gate has been opened, and those who should not be here have begun to move."
A chill ran down Arya's spine. He knew this was no ordinary adventure; something much bigger was unfolding. He returned to his boat, but before leaving the village, he glanced back at the altar. Among the shadows of the trees, he saw the silhouette of the old woman, standing still with a faint smile on her face.
He rowed back to the shores of Lake Batur, but the strange feeling continued to haunt him. Who was that woman, really? And what did she mean by the open gate?
Arya knew the full moon was only days away, and he would need to prepare for whatever lay ahead.
(To be continued...)