As the full moon approached, Arya once again felt a strong pull to delve deeper into the mystery surrounding him. The clues from the old woman in Trunyan village enveloped him with a sense of curiosity and an unexplained tension. Lake Batur now seemed darker, and the thin mist covering the water's surface felt like a warning, signaling that time was running out.
However, despite the darkness around him, Arya felt another force drawing him to step further. Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali, loomed tall in the distance, as if it were the unseen guardian of this land. Known not only as a sacred place, but also as a mountain filled with mystical stories passed down through generations, Mount Agung, according to legend, was a gateway between the human world and the realm of spirits.
Arya knew he had to go there.
When he reached the foot of Mount Agung, he felt a strong pull, as if the mountain itself were calling him. His steps felt heavy, but he continued nonetheless. The forest surrounding the foot of the mountain was dense, with towering trees that seemed to block the sky from view. The sounds of birds and wild animals disappeared, replaced by an eerie silence. Suddenly, the air grew thicker, and the scent of incense wafted everywhere.
In a small valley, Arya saw an ancient structure that appeared to be a temple. The temple was nestled in the forest, but the spiritual energy there was so palpable. In front of the temple stood a large statue resembling Barong, the protective creature of Bali, standing majestically. However, the statue not only faced outward, but also seemed to be waiting for something or someone.
As Arya approached the temple, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw an elderly man dressed in traditional Balinese attire, complete with a headband. His face was wrinkled, but his eyes shone with deep wisdom.
"I know why you've come, young one," the old man said in a deep voice. "Mount Agung is calling you. You are seeking something greater than yourself."
Arya stood still for a moment, realizing that this man surely knew more about what was happening. "What should I do? What am I looking for?"
The old man sighed deeply. "The balance has been disturbed. Barong and Rangda are not mere myths; they are two forces that balance each other. But there is a third party that has awakened a greater evil force. A gate has been opened, and now the human world and the spirit world are beginning to collide. Only those who are brave enough can close it."
Arya felt anxious, yet his heart remained firm. "What should I do?"
The old man raised his hand to the sky, and suddenly a bright light appeared, shining on Mount Agung with a dazzling glow. "Make your journey to the peak of this mountain. There, you will find the key to closing the gate. But beware, many will try to thwart you. Not everything that appears is what it seems."
Arya nodded and thanked the old man. He knew this journey would not be easy, but he had to move forward. With growing determination, he began his climb up Mount Agung, navigating the steep and rocky paths. Along the way, he felt as though there were eyes watching him. Sometimes, he heard footsteps behind him, but when he turned around, no one was there.
When he reached the summit, Arya stood before a hidden cave among the rocks. The mouth of the cave was dark, and the air around it felt even colder. Something inside it called to him, and he knew this was the moment to uncover the secret that had been hidden for so long.
As he stepped inside, the cave transformed into another world. Dim light illuminated the cave walls, adorned with ancient carvings depicting the battle between Barong and Rangda. But amidst these images, there was another symbol—a circular gate, exactly like the one he had seen at the altar in Trunyan village.
Arya ventured further, and suddenly, he felt as though he were trapped in a timeless space. Around him, the cave walls began to shift, creating a blend of past and future images. Strange voices echoed, calling him by a name he didn't recognize.
"Who is calling me?" Arya asked, his voice trembling.
From the shadows before him, a deep voice responded, "We who have guarded this gate. And now, the time has come for you to choose: will you close it, or will you let this world fall apart?"
At that moment, Arya realized he was not only facing Bali's mystical world but also a force greater than anything he had imagined. The decision he would make atop Mount Agung would determine the fate not only of Bali but of the entire world.
(To be continued…)