After the ritual at Pura Dalem Penataran, the atmosphere felt calmer, yet Arya sensed something unusual. The wind, which usually carried the distinct aroma of Balinese incense, felt heavier, as if laden with something unseen. Rangda stood on the altar, her expression tense, her eyes fixed on the horizon where the moonlight was beginning to fade.
"You sense something strange, don't you?" Rangda asked Arya, her voice cold yet meaningful.
Arya nodded. "Even though the portal is closed, why does it feel like it's not over? The energy around us still feels... dark."
Barong stepped closer, his shimmering body reflecting a mystical light. "That's because Astaroth wasn't truly here."
Arya stared at Barong, confused. "What do you mean? That wasn't the real Astaroth?"
Rangda explained, "What you faced was merely a shadow, a reflection of his power used to test Bali. Its purpose wasn't destruction but to weaken the seal that has long protected this land."
The Secret of the Seal
Barong continued in a serious tone. "Centuries ago, Bali's ancestors, together with spiritual leaders from across the archipelago, created a grand seal to lock away malevolent forces from other dimensions. This seal doesn't just protect Bali but the entire Nusantara. Powerful jinn, demons, and supernatural beings hungry for power are unable to move freely."
Arya looked at Rangda, her eyes filled with curiosity. "So, this seal isn't just about Bali?"
"Correct," Rangda said. "The seal is spread across sacred points throughout Nusantara, but one of the strongest points is in Bali, at Lake Batur."
Arya recalled the old woman's words in Trunyan about the disrupted balance. "And now they're trying to break it?"
Rangda nodded. "That shadow of Astaroth you saw was just the beginning of their grand plan. If the seal in Bali is broken, the others across Nusantara will weaken. Powerful jinn that have been locked away for centuries will be unleashed, bringing chaos."
Clues from the Past
Vassago, Arya's jinn companion, appeared with a grave expression. "This is no coincidence. Astaroth and the demons from the West cannot move freely here. They've used small cracks to infiltrate. Someone or something in Bali must have summoned them."
Arya glanced at Vassago suspiciously. "Someone? Who would be crazy enough to summon such a powerful force?"
"There are many humans obsessed with power," Vassago replied. "They're willing to do anything to gain strength from other dimensions, even if it means destroying their own land."
Rangda took a deep breath. "Arya, we must return to Lake Batur. That's where it all began, and it's where the main seal resides. If they intend to break it, that's where they'll strike."
The Journey to Lake Batur
On their way to Lake Batur, Arya couldn't shake off the fear hanging in his heart. He imagined what might happen if the seal were truly broken. The jinn, which had only existed in folklore, might emerge and bring destruction.
As they neared the lake, the air grew colder, and a dense mist enveloped them once more. But this time, the mist felt alive, as if concealing something malevolent.
"Be careful," whispered Barong. "They know we're coming."
Suddenly, from within the mist, large figures with glowing red eyes emerged. They were supernatural creatures resembling a fusion of man and beast, with sharp claws and terrifying fangs.
"Portal guardians," Rangda murmured. "They will do anything to stop us."
The Battle at Lake Batur
Rangda and Barong stepped forward to confront the creatures with their powers. Rangda unleashed spells that scorched the air, while Barong used his body to shield Arya from attacks.
Arya tried to make his way toward the lake's center, where the main seal was located, but his path was blocked by dark shadows moving like waves. He gripped his dagger tightly, feeling the sacred artifact's energy coursing through him.
Amid the chaos, Vassago appeared by his side. "We need to reach the main altar. Only the energy of that artifact can strengthen the seal."
Arya ran as fast as he could, dodging the attacks of the dark shadows. In the middle of the lake, he saw a massive altar surrounded by a circle of dark energy. Atop the altar was an ancient symbol, cracked and emitting a faint light.
Attempting to Strengthen the Seal
Arya climbed the altar, raising his dagger as Rangda had taught him. He felt the artifact tremble, as if absorbing energy from its surroundings. But the dark shadows grew closer, trying to stop him.
"Arya, hurry!" Rangda shouted as she continued battling the guardians.
Arya focused his mind, envisioning the seal restoring itself. Light from the dagger began to spread, driving away the shadows surrounding him. But just as he was about to succeed, a deep voice echoed through the air.
"You will not stop me, mortal."
Arya turned to see a massive shadow over the lake. The figure lacked a clear form, but the energy emanating from it made Arya's body tremble. It was Astaroth, this time in his full power.
"You're merely delaying the inevitable. This seal will fall, and Nusantara will be ours!"
Arya stared at the shadow in fear, but Rangda's voice behind him gave him strength. "Arya, you are the key! Believe in yourself!"
Summoning all his courage, Arya directed the artifact toward the seal's symbol. A blinding light erupted from the altar, obliterating the surrounding shadows. Astaroth let out a furious roar before his form dissipated.
When the chaos subsided, Arya collapsed, exhausted. Rangda and Barong approached him, ensuring he was safe.
"For now, the seal is secure," Rangda said. "But this is far from over. They will return, and we must be ready."
Arya nodded. Deep down, he knew this journey was far from complete. But he also knew he wasn't alone. With Rangda, Barong, and Vassago by his side, he would protect Nusantara from any darkness that dared to rise.
(To be continued...)