The next day, Arya and Barong began their journey to Borobudur Temple, following the guidance of Mpu Gandring about the seal's guardian in Java. The morning air in Magelang was chilly, and a thin mist cloaked the landscape surrounding the temple. In the distance, the towering stupas stood tall, silent sentinels brimming with dignity.
"Borobudur is not just a temple," Barong remarked as he walked alongside Arya. "It is a symbol of the pursuit of enlightenment. A great secret is locked within, and the guardian here will not trust you easily."
Arya clutched his keris tightly, feeling the weight of responsibility lingering over him. "I have no choice but to try. If the seal here collapses, the effects will ripple across all of Java."
The Hidden Door
Upon reaching Borobudur, Arya felt an unusual energy resonating through the air. The grand stupas shimmered under the morning sun, but there was an aura that set this place apart. Approaching one of the temple's intricate reliefs, Arya reached out to touch the stone. The heirloom keris he carried began to glow brightly.
"These reliefs are alive," Arya murmured.
Barong nodded. "There's a message within them. Your keris will guide you to the right place."
The relief that Arya touched shifted, rearranging itself into patterns that hadn't existed before. A large stone at the center of the floor began to move, revealing a staircase descending into darkness. A rush of cold air escaped, carrying the scent of earth and ancient time.
"This must be the path to the guardian," Arya said.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward, with Barong close behind. The staircase led them to a dim underground chamber filled with carvings that seemed alive, depicting battles between humans and supernatural beings.
In the center of the chamber stood an elderly man in a white robe. His face radiated wisdom, but his sharp eyes gleamed like an eagle's.
"Arya," the man called, his voice echoing throughout the room. "I have been waiting for you."
Meeting the Guardian of the Seal
Arya stopped a few steps before the man and bowed respectfully. "Are you the guardian of this seal?"
The man nodded. "I am Empu Jagad. I have safeguarded the Borobudur seal for centuries, ensuring the balance of this world remains intact."
"I have come to ensure the seal here remains secure," Arya said earnestly. "The energy from Merapi's seal has started to spread, and Nusantara is in danger."
Empu Jagad scrutinized Arya closely. "Your intentions are noble, but you must prove that you are worthy of my aid. Many have sought to exploit this seal for their own power. I need to be certain that you are different."
Arya took a deep breath. "What must I do?"
"A test," Empu Jagad replied simply. "Borobudur symbolizes the search for truth. You must demonstrate your pure heart and your commitment to preserving balance."
The Test in the Passage of Enlightenment
Empu Jagad directed Arya to a narrow corridor at the side of the chamber. The reliefs along the passage glowed faintly, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Barong attempted to follow, but Empu Jagad stopped him.
"This is Arya's test. You cannot assist him."
Arya stepped into the corridor alone. As he entered, the corridor transformed into an infinite space filled with shifting light and shadow. Voices from his past began to echo around him, whispering doubts and fears.
"You are not strong enough."
"You are just an ordinary young man. How can you protect Nusantara?"
"Rangda's sacrifice was in vain because you will fail."
Arya fell to his knees, covering his ears, but the voices only grew louder. Memories of every mistake, every moment of hesitation, flooded his mind.
Amid the darkness, however, a different voice emerged. Gentle yet powerful, it cut through the noise.
"Believe in yourself, Arya. You are the chosen guardian of Nusantara."
It was the voice of Nyai Roro Kidul, the figure who had helped him at the start of his journey. Arya opened his eyes and saw a shadowy figure of himself standing before him, holding the same keris.
"This journey is not about strength," the shadow said. "It is about your faith in yourself and your desire to protect others."
Arya stood, gripping his keris tightly. He stared at the shadow with newfound determination. "I will not give up. I may not be perfect, but I will do whatever it takes to preserve the balance of Nusantara."
The shadow smiled and then vanished. The corridor darkened again, but the light from Arya's keris glowed brightly, guiding him back to the main chamber.
The Key to Balance
When Arya returned to the main chamber, Empu Jagad greeted him with a faint smile. "You have proven yourself, Arya. I will help you strengthen the seal here."
Empu Jagad raised his hands, weaving patterns of light in the air. The reliefs around them began to move, forming a large circle filled with ancient symbols. Arya stepped forward and directed his keris toward the center of the circle.
The energy from his keris merged with the patterns, creating waves of light that spread across the temple. The Borobudur seal was reinforced, its glow reaching the temple's peak and beyond.
As the process concluded, Empu Jagad offered Arya a word of caution. "You have secured this seal, but threats still linger elsewhere. Your journey is far from over."
Arya nodded, fully aware of the responsibilities that lay ahead.
Outside, the once-gloomy sky over Magelang had cleared, radiating a sense of renewed hope. Barong greeted Arya with a proud smile. "One more seal is safe. We must keep moving."
Arya gazed eastward, toward the next challenge awaiting him. Prambanan Temple and its guardian were calling.
(To be continued…)