The summit of Mount Merapi writhed like a living entity. Fiery red lava oozed slowly from cracks in the crater, merging with the earth's rumbling tremors. Before Arya, the glowing purple portal grew larger, emitting an unnatural cold wind. Astaroth stood tall, exuding a dark aura that made the air heavy.
"You've finally arrived, Arya," Astaroth said, his voice deep and resonant. "I've been waiting for this moment. Your power, the relic you carry, they are all part of my plan."
Arya gripped the Kyai Nagasasra tightly. "You will not succeed, Astaroth. The Nusantara does not belong to you."
Astaroth laughed, his voice echoing like a thunderstorm. "The Nusantara has long been fractured. Do you think you can protect these seals on your own? Let me show you the true meaning of power."
The Dark Assault
With a wave of his hand, Astaroth summoned an army of supernatural beings from the portal. Massive black shadows with glowing red eyes leapt forth, unleashing roars that shook the ground around them.
Barong stepped forward, his golden fur shimmering. "Arya, focus on the portal! Rangda and I will handle these creatures."
Rangda chuckled lightly, her voice filled with determination. "It's been ages since I've fought like this. Come, Barong. Let's prove that the strength of the Nusantara is still alive."
Arya nodded, stepping closer to the portal as the Kyai Nagasasra emitted a golden light, repelling the surrounding darkness. But Astaroth would not stand idly by. He descended, blocking Arya's path with a sweep of his hand that unleashed a wave of dark energy.
Arya leapt to avoid it, but the wave shattered the stones around him. "You shall not pass, boy!" Astaroth bellowed.
Relic Against the Darkness
Arya knew he couldn't defeat Astaroth through brute strength alone. He had to use the relic, not just as a weapon, but as a conduit for the Nusantara's energy. He centered his thoughts, recalling the lessons learned on his journey.
"Focus your intent," Nyai Roro's voice echoed in his mind. "The relic is an extension of your heart. If you're uncertain, it will not respond."
Taking a deep breath, Arya felt the Kyai Nagasasra's energy flow through him. A golden light emerged, combating the encroaching darkness. Astaroth looked surprised, but only momentarily. He launched another attack, hurling bolts of dark lightning directly at Arya.
Arya spun the keris, creating a shield of energy to block the strikes. Yet each of Astaroth's attacks grew stronger, forcing Arya to retreat.
"I have to close the portal," Arya thought. "As long as it remains open, his power is endless."
Rangda's Sacrifice
Meanwhile, Rangda and Barong fought valiantly against Astaroth's army. Yet the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming. Exhausted, Rangda realized they couldn't win unless the portal was closed.
"Arya!" she shouted. "Use my time wisely!"
Before Arya could respond, Rangda leapt toward the portal, her body transforming into a shadowy form. Using all her remaining strength, she created a temporary barrier to block the portal's energy, though it drained her life force.
"Rangda!" Arya screamed, his eyes widening in horror.
Barong held back the creatures nearing Arya and roared, "Don't waste her sacrifice! Close the portal now!"
The Final Strike
Fueled by Rangda's sacrifice, Arya pushed forward, ignoring his exhaustion and pain. He directed the Kyai Nagasasra toward the portal, channeling all his energy. Mpu Gandring's words rang in his ears: "The seal is the balance. You are the guardian who bridges the power of humanity and nature."
A brilliant light erupted from the keris, surging toward the portal. Realizing the threat, Astaroth attempted to intercept Arya, but Barong intercepted his attack.
"I won't let you, demon!" Barong roared.
The energy from Arya's keris struck the portal, causing a massive explosion that shook the summit of Mount Merapi. The portal began to shrink, and the supernatural beings pouring out of it disappeared one by one.
But before the portal fully closed, Astaroth hurled one last threat. "This isn't over, Arya! I will return, and the Nusantara will be mine!"
The portal vanished completely, leaving behind an eerie silence.
Loss and Resolve
Arya stood, panting, his body weak. He turned to look for Rangda, but her figure was nowhere to be seen. Barong approached, his eyes heavy with sorrow.
"Rangda sacrificed herself to close the portal," he said quietly.
Arya felt a deep ache in his chest. Though often seen as a villain, Rangda had shown extraordinary bravery and selflessness.
"We cannot let her sacrifice be in vain," Arya said, his voice trembling. "The seal at Merapi is safe for now, but our journey is far from over. Other seals still need protection."
Barong nodded. "Rangda will always be a part of this fight. We must keep moving forward."
With renewed determination, Arya gazed at the horizon. Other sacred sites across the Nusantara awaited, and he knew that even greater challenges lay ahead.
(To be continued...)