As Arya ventured deeper into the cave, he felt a powerful energy, as if a force was merging with him. The moving walls of the cave created an illusion that blurred his vision, making it feel as though he were trapped in an endless world. However, he knew he had to keep moving, because the closer he got to the center of the cave, the clearer the voices surrounding him became.
"This gate must be closed," the voice echoed again, growing stronger. Arya looked around, but there was no one there. Only shadows moved between the cracks in the rocks. "You are the chosen one, but that choice comes with great consequences."
Arya felt a sensation he could not explain. Throughout this journey, he had encountered many unexpected things, but nothing compared to the power he felt now. Slowly, he stepped toward a large stone in the center of the cave. The stone was adorned with intricate carvings, depicting two figures locked in battle Barong and Rangda but there was something strange. The carvings seemed alive, as if they moved with every motion of Arya.
On top of the stone, there was a circular symbol surrounding an open gate. Arya realized this was the same symbol he had seen in Trunyan village, also on the large altar there. As soon as he touched the stone, the symbol began to glow brightly, emitting a blinding light. In the midst of the light, a voice resonated one that shook his entire body.
"Welcome, Arya," the voice echoed. "You have come to this point because of a fate greater than yourself. But now, the choice is in your hands."
Suddenly, shadows began to appear within the cave. Barong, the protective creature long known as the guardian of balance, appeared on one side. Meanwhile, Rangda, the evil queen who sought to destroy the world, emerged from the other side. The two forces faced each other in the center of the cave, each surrounded by a terrifying aura.
"Do you choose to close this gate, Arya?" the voice called again. "Or will you allow this world to be torn apart by a greater force?"
Arya gazed at the two creatures with a pounding heart. He knew that his choice would not only affect Bali but also the entire world. The battle between good and evil, between the human world and the spirit world, was unfolding before him. And he, as the keyholder, had to decide which path to take.
"This gate not only connects this world with the spirit realm," the voice continued, "but also with a darker dimension that has long been trapped. If you choose to open this gate wider, the world will split, and even greater evil forces will enter."
Arya looked at Rangda and Barong, two figures representing opposing forces fighting to maintain balance. He felt a pull toward Barong the force of good that had always fought to protect the world from destruction. However, the voice whispering in his ear reminded him that this was not a simple choice.
"Once you choose, there is no turning back," the voice emphasized. "The balance of the world will depend on you."
Arya's hands began to tremble. This decision was not just about defeating one force, but about balancing two worlds so different from each other. He remembered the old woman's words in Trunyan village that new questions would come alongside the answers found. And now, that question was directed at him: was he ready to sacrifice himself for this world?
Closing his eyes, Arya made his decision. With strong resolve, he raised his hand and pressed the symbol on the stone. A deafening rumble filled the cave, and blinding light flooded the surroundings. In an instant, all the shadows vanished, leaving Arya alone in the now silent cave.
Suddenly, from the darkness, the voice of the old woman echoed once more.
"Your decision has been made, Arya. But remember, what has been opened will never close again. This world will change forever."
Arya felt his body lift, as though he were being pulled into the flow of time and space. He didn't know what would happen next, but one thing was certain—there was no turning back. The open gate now called him to face a destiny far greater than he could ever imagine.
(To be continued...)