The cold wind carried the rumbling sound of waves crashing on the shores of Tanah Lot. Astaroth stood arrogantly atop his black dragon, observing Arya, Rangda, and Barong with a condescending smile.
"Do you think you can stop what has already begun?" Astaroth's voice echoed like thunder. "The darkness has already rooted itself on this island. Resistance will only delay destiny."
Arya gripped Rangda's mask tightly, feeling the power pulsing within it. He knew this was a crucial moment. With determination, he looked toward the black dragon and said, "Destiny is something we create. And I won't let darkness destroy Bali."
The Attack Begins
Astaroth swung his staff, summoning a vortex of black mist that enveloped the temple area. The mist transformed into shadowy creatures, attacking with surprising speed.
Barong leapt forward, his massive form glowing brightly, radiating protective energy that neutralized most of the shadow creatures. "Arya, focus on Astaroth! Rangda and I will handle this!"
Arya nodded and placed Rangda's mask onto his face. As the mask settled, an overwhelming surge of power flooded his body. His vision sharpened, his movements became faster, and he felt Rangda's presence guiding him within his mind.
"Your target is the dragon," Rangda's voice echoed in Arya's mind. "Take it down, and we can weaken Astaroth."
The Battle with the Black Dragon
Arya dashed toward the black dragon. With newfound speed and agility, he leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding a strike from the dragon's tail that slammed into the ground with tremendous force. In mid-air, Arya directed an energy blast from his hands toward the dragon's eyes.
The attack hit its mark, causing the dragon to roar in pain. However, Astaroth didn't stay idle. With a single wave of his staff, he summoned a bolt of black lightning that shot toward Arya.
Arya barely managed to dodge, but Rangda's voice guided him. "Use the protective circle. Imagine a bright light surrounding you."
Focusing his energy, a red protective circle appeared around Arya, blocking the black lightning. He then slid toward the dragon's head, preparing a final strike with all the power he could muster.
The attack exploded in a brilliant flash of light, striking the dragon's head and causing it to collapse. Astaroth was thrown off the dragon's back, but he landed gracefully.
Confronting Astaroth
Astaroth stood angrily, his staff glowing even brighter. "Do you think you've won? This is just the beginning!"
Arya, Rangda, and Barong now stood together, facing Astaroth. Rangda stepped forward, his aura of power surrounding the area. "You may be strong, Astaroth, but on this land, you are but a guest. And an unwelcome guest will soon be expelled."
Astaroth swung his staff, summoning a massive energy ball that headed straight for them. Rangda and Barong united their powers, creating an energy shield that deflected the attack back toward Astaroth.
A huge explosion shook the earth, sweeping away the black mist surrounding Tanah Lot. Astaroth was injured, but still standing, though clearly shaken.
"I'll be back," he said, laughing coldly. "And when I do, you will all regret this."
With his final words, Astaroth vanished into a black portal, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
A Temporary Victory
Arya removed Rangda's mask, his body tired but satisfied. He looked at Barong and Rangda, who also seemed alert.
"This isn't over," Rangda said. "Astaroth is just one of them. Lilith is still out there, and Beelzebub may intervene personally if we don't act quickly."
Arya nodded. "What's our next step?"
Barong gazed at the now calm sea. "We need to summon other allies. Mount Agung is the key, but there are other places that can give us power, Pura Besakih, the spiritual center of Bali. There, we may find help from the sacred spirits."
Arya took a deep breath, realizing their journey was far from over. But beneath the fatigue, he also felt a renewed sense of purpose.
"Bali will not fall," he said firmly. "We will fight, no matter what."
With that resolve, they prepared for the next step in their battle against the darkness.
(To be continued...)