That night, after the fierce battle at Pura Besakih, Arya tried to calm himself in a small hut at the foot of Mount Agung. His body was exhausted, but his mind would not stop racing. Across a small fire, Rangda and Barong sat discussing their next move.
"We need to act quickly," Rangda said firmly. "Astaroth will not sit idly by. Belphegor was just the beginning."
Barong nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Astaroth is known as the master of deception. He is not only powerful but cunning. This time, we can't rely solely on strength. We need strategy."
Arya listened intently, though his mind was still filled with questions. "Why is Astaroth so interested in Bali? Why not attack another place?"
Barong explained gravely, "Bali is a sacred land with immense spiritual energy. The balance of the spirit world here is incredibly strong. If Astaroth manages to control it, he can expand his dominion across the entire world."
A Sign from Another Realm
As the discussion continued, the atmosphere in the hut suddenly changed. A cold wind blew through, making the fire flicker. From the shadows in the corner of the room, a figure emerged.
The figure resembled a man cloaked in black, with glowing red eyes. His voice was deep and resonant, sending chills down their spines. "You will never win against Astaroth."
Arya immediately rose, ready to fight, but Barong stopped him. "Wait. He is not an enemy."
The cloaked man introduced himself as Vassago, a jinn of knowledge who had once betrayed Astaroth. "I have not come to fight but to give you a warning," he said coldly.
"Astaroth is preparing a major assault on one of Bali's sacred portals. If he succeeds in opening it, this world will connect directly to hell. Nothing will be able to stop the wave of destruction."
The Portal at Nusa Penida
Arya looked at Vassago with both curiosity and suspicion. "Why do you want to help us? What's in it for you?"
Vassago gave a faint smile. "I have lost everything because of Astaroth. Helping you is the only way to atone for my sins. Believe me or not, that is your choice. But if you do not act now, it will be too late."
Rangda stared at Vassago sharply. "Where is this portal?"
Vassago sighed before answering, "The portal is hidden in Nusa Penida, in a temple that can only be accessed on the night of a new moon. Your time is limited. The portal will open in three nights."
The Journey to Nusa Penida
Without wasting time, Arya, Rangda, and Barong decided to head to Nusa Penida. Vassago chose to accompany them, though Rangda remained wary of his intentions.
The journey to Nusa Penida was not easy. Giant waves blocked their way, as if the sea itself was trying to stop them. Arya, unaccustomed to the fierce ocean, was nearly thrown from their small boat.
"Astaroth surely knows we're coming," Barong said, helping Arya regain his balance. "This is not just a physical trial. He is testing our courage."
Encounter with the Sea Guardian
Midway through their journey, a colossal creature emerged from the depths. It resembled a dragon, its body covered in shimmering scales. Its voice echoed across the ocean.
"Who dares to cross my domain without permission?"
Arya stepped forward, though his heart pounded in his chest. "We mean no harm. We are here to protect Bali from the threat of darkness."
The dragon, revealed to be Baruna, the sea guardian of Bali, gazed at Arya with sharp eyes. "You have great courage, human. But courage alone is not enough. You must prove yourself worthy of passing through my waters."
Baruna posed a riddle:
"I am something that cannot be seen but is always felt. I can heal or destroy. What am I?"
Arya stood silent for a moment, trying to decipher the riddle. Rangda and Barong gave no hints, leaving him to find the answer on his own.
After a while, Arya finally answered, "The wind. You are the wind."
Baruna laughed heartily. "You are correct, young human. You have sharp wit. I will allow you to pass. But beware, the darkness you face is far more dangerous than you can imagine."
The Final Stretch
After passing Baruna's trial, they finally arrived at Nusa Penida. The island was filled with a strange energy that made the hair on Arya's neck stand on end. In the distance, Pura Dalem Penataran stood majestically atop a cliff, shrouded in thick mist.
"There lies the portal," Vassago said, pointing to the temple. "We have no time to rest. The darkness is drawing closer."
Arya nodded. Though his body was weary, he knew their fight had only just begun. The portal had to be stopped, no matter what challenges awaited them.
(To be continued...)