After the fierce battle against Azazel at Pura Besakih, Arya and Rangda knew that they couldn't face the darkness alone. Bali was the spiritual heart connected to mystical energy, but the threat from the Western demons was too great to be fought with only their combined strength.
Rangda, as the wise guardian of the dimensions, suggested the next step: to seek help from other entities in Bali who also had the responsibility of maintaining the balance between the human world and the spirit world. One of the most important allies was Barong, a mystical creature who symbolized good and protected harmony.
Seeking Barong
The journey to find Barong was not easy. Rangda explained that Barong resided in a place that could only be accessed by those deemed worthy. This place was hidden deep in a dense forest near Ubud, where the sounds of nature felt like whispers from the ancestors.
"Barong will not easily offer his help," Rangda said as they entered the forest. "He needs a strong reason to intervene. We must prove that this threat is not just for Bali, but for the balance of the world."
The forest was dark, even though the sun still shone in the sky. The trees towered high, and every step they took was accompanied by the sound of snapping branches and birds flying in fear. However, the deeper they went, the more they felt a different kind of energy.
In the heart of the forest, they found a large stone stage surrounded by ancient statues. Suddenly, a rumbling sound echoed, and from behind the mist, Barong emerged. His large, furry body shone with golden light, and his sharp eyes locked directly onto Arya.
"What brings you here, human?" Barong's voice boomed, deep and full of authority.
Although Arya felt small in front of Barong, he tried to speak with confidence. "The darkness from the West has come to Bali. They seek to destroy the balance of the world. We need your help."
Barong studied Arya carefully, then turned to Rangda. "You brought this human here? Does he know what he is up against?"
"He knows," Rangda replied. "And he has proven his courage. But this battle is bigger than us. We need you."
Barong paused for a moment before responding. "If this threat is real, then the entire archipelago is in danger. However, before I help, this human must prove he is truly worthy of being a protector."
Barong's Trial
Barong decided to test Arya by placing him in a mystical realm called the Cakra Harmoni, where Arya's soul would confront his deepest fears and doubts.
When Arya entered the space, he found himself in a world that was dark and silent. There was no sound, no light, only shadows moving in the distance. Suddenly, the shadows transformed into figures from his past: his family, his friends, and even himself.
"Why are you here, Arya?" asked one of the figures, resembling himself. "What are you looking for? Do you think you are strong enough to fight those demons?"
Arya fell silent, but he felt anger and fear rising within him. The shadows continued to taunt him, making him feel small and powerless. Yet, in the midst of the darkness, he heard Rangda's voice echo.
"Remember who you are, Arya. Remember what you are fighting for."
With all his strength, Arya focused his mind on his true goal: protecting Bali and the people he loved. When he opened his eyes, a powerful light radiated from his body, banishing the shadows.
When Arya returned to the real world, Barong gazed at him with a satisfied look. "You have proven yourself, human. I will help you. But you must know that this battle will only grow harder."
An Alliance is Formed
With Barong's help, Arya and Rangda felt more prepared to face the darkness. Barong led them to a hidden sacred place where they could prepare their strategy to combat the remaining Western demons.
However, in this place, they received bad news. Lilith, one of the strongest demons, had taken over a temple near Mount Agung. If that temple fell completely into Lilith's hands, Bali's spiritual energy would weaken drastically.
"We must move quickly," Rangda said. "If not, the balance will be destroyed."
Arya felt nervous, but with Barong by his side, he knew that they had a chance to fight back.
(To be continued...)