For Ester Cornelia, who teaches me to love.

Two centuries ago, the world was graced with a long-sought peace following the heroic deeds of twin deities, Gurita and Kota, who vanquished the nefarious God of the Devil, Setan. Since that pivotal day, these twin protectors have guarded Bumi against the shadows of evil.

Prior to his defeat, Setan unleashed terror across the entire realm, corrupting nearly all the living beings with malevolent thoughts through mere gestures. His brief presence on Bumi, lasting only three days, was cataclysmic. He transformed the realm into a veritable hell, massacring millions, including thousands of warriors and several demigods. His wrath didn't spare the gods either; he slaughtered nine of them, with only Gurita and Kota surviving. Despite their grievous injuries—with Gurita losing his sight and Kota both her arms—they narrowly triumphed in what was nearly a pyritic victory.

Gurita, the divine blacksmith, forged the legendary Shield of Patagomy, which could only be wielded by the most valorous of warriors. He was renowned not just for his craftsmanship of arms and armors that clad the warriors of Bumi during battles, but also for his prowess on the battlefield itself.

Kota, the Goddess of the Moon, mastered the enigmatic powers of darkness and shadow. Despite being misunderstood and often maligned by the people of Bumi who feared her dominion over the dark, she proved to be their ultimate savior.

The twins' victory was also bolstered by the valor of a mortal named Rogue, the commanding general of the Nathallion's Army. Facing the God of Devil himself, Rogue held his ground heroically until Gurita and Kota could intervene. After their victory, the twins offered him godhood, but Rogue chose to remain mortal. He passed away years later, always remembered by the people of Bumi as their true hero, The World Savior.

In the heart of a quaint town lies a small, ancient library, a repository of wisdom where echoes of the past whisper through the stacks. This sanctuary of knowledge is crammed with towering bookcases filled to the brim with books of every conceivable shape and size. The architecture, adorned with gothic arches and windows, casts intricate shadows across the creaking wooden floors, imbuing the space with an aura of mystery and antiquity.

The library houses a specialized collection that draws the curious and the brave—sections densely packed with volumes on monsters, evil entities, and gods. These tomes, some bound in weathered leather and etched with ancient runes, contain esoteric lore about dark creatures and celestial beings alike. One secluded corner, particularly rich with dust and shadow, is dedicated to the lore of malevolent forces and celestial conflicts.

Inside, a scene unfolds around a sturdy oak table set beneath a stained-glass window depicting an ancient celestial battle. Five individuals are present: one sits behind a desk, surrounded by piles of ancient scrolls and manuscripts, while the other four sit across from him.

"Blah-blah, that's a good story, old man. But can you just tell us why we are here today?" said the slender handsome young man with horns crowning his head. His short, curly hair just barely concealed the bases, adding a touch of mystery to his piercing gaze.

"Give me one reason why I should not just kill you already for wasting my time," she hissed, her voice as menacing as her appearance. Even in the dimly lit room, her scaly, oily skin stood out, catching what little light there was and reflecting it in a subtle, eerie glow.

"Let's all just take a moment to calm down. It seems like the old man hasn't finished his story yet," said the young man cheerfully, a bow resting on his back, looking decidedly more ordinary than the rest of the room.

"Oh please, we all know how this story goes. The Gods win, the Devil's gone, end of story. And then we all live happily ever after. Ta-dah," the handsome young man with horns quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"But here's the thing. The Devil is coming back," the old man said, his voice fragile and quivering slightly with the weight of his words.

The room tensed as the scaly lady slammed her hand down on the table with a heavy thud, startling everyone except one. The person who remained unfazed was engrossed in a piece of paper. She stood abruptly, pointing a finger at the old man, her movement sharp and deliberate.

"I've been hearing that bullshit for years, and it was all nothing but lies!" the scaly lady exclaimed.

"I came here because you promised a mission, one that promised more adventure and killing. Yet, here you are with your bullshit stories about the Devil coming back. You better choose your next words very carefully, old man. I'm at my limit," she added, her tone harsh as she remained standing, towering over the seated figures.

"It is my fault, I should have introduced myself before telling you about the job," the old man said as he stood up. As he rose, a warm glowing light radiated from his entire body, casting a serene illumination around the room.

"I am Gurita's Medium. I speak what Gurita wants to speak. I'm his tongue, I'm his mouth, and I'm his mind," he explained, his voice steady and imbued with a newfound authority. Upon hearing this, the handsome young man with horns quietly clapped his hands.

"And?" the handsome young man with horns prompted, his eyebrows raised in expectation.

"I bring a message from Gurita. It is true, the Devil's coming back," the old man declared. Suddenly, a palpable pressure filled the room, as if an invisible weight had settled over everyone present, making the atmosphere thick with tension.

"The truth is, Setan was never killed. We chopped off his body, part by part, and cast it into the depths of the Abyss, hoping he would never return," the old man continued, his voice steady despite the heavy revelation.

"It has been peaceful for centuries, until recently. Kota has sensed a massive power emerging from the Abyss. It's different, yet strangely familiar," he added, his eyes scanning the room as he saw the realization dawn on their faces.

"That's when she knew for certain—Setan is back." The young man with the bow shifted slightly, raising his hand, a questioning look etched across his face as he caught the old man's attention.

"Is Setan immortal?" The old man responded with a solemn nod.

"Yet the Gods are not, huh. Talk about an unfair world," the handsome young man with horns remarked, as he casually flipped his knife into the air and caught it with practiced ease.

"Mark my words, young man. The act of Evil has always been there, from the beginning of time to its end. But the act of Good is not always there when we need it. That's why all we need to do is keep the candle burning," the old man said.

"However, to truly revive and be back in his own body, Setan needs to crawl his way out of the Abyss and sit on his throne," the old man explained.

"That's weird. But where is this throne located?" the handsome young man with horns asked, his curiosity piqued.

"In his castle, of course. But to reach it, you must travel between realms. It's not located in Bumi; it's in a realm that lies between Hell and the Abyss—a place where even the Gods have never ventured," the old man detailed, his eyes reflecting the gravity of such a journey.

"And you expect us to go there just like that?" the scaly lady moaned, her voice hissing with a mix of skepticism and annoyance.

"Not only going there, but you also must destroy Setan's throne before it's too late. If he truly returns, it could mean the end of all," the old man emphasized.

"Yeah, that's it, I'm leaving, bye, everyone," the man with the horn said as he abruptly stood up from his chair and started to walk away. Yet, after a few steps, he stopped, standing frozen in place.

"I'm afraid you can't do that, Maling," the old man said calmly. Maling turned his head, his expression shifting to one of surprise.

"I never told you—what—how?" Maling stammered.

"The reason I came here is not to give you this mission. I came here to order you this mission. The Twins have specifically chosen the four of you," the old man declared, his tone firm, leaving no room for argument.

At his words, everyone in the room rose from their seats, stirred by the gravity of the situation—except for one, who remained seated, still engrossed in the piece of paper he held, seemingly oblivious to the tension around him.

"But I just got promoted to be The Protector of this city. How can I protect it if I'm going to a realm between Hell and Abyss?" said the young man with a bow on his back, his face creased with worry.

"This order is far more important than just that, Panah. You are not only the Protector of Godam, but of Bumi. You are not only protecting the people of Godam, but the entire humanity," the old man responded firmly.

Panah, the young man with the bow, paused, his expression turning contemplative as he weighed the gravity of the old man's words against his own fears and responsibilities.

"You can't just hand us death sentences like that!" hissed the scaly lady, her two fangs protruding menacingly as if she was ready to strike at the old man at any moment.

"And what makes this different from your other death sentences, Ular?" the old man replied calmly, not flinching under her deadly glare. Ular, still glaring at the old man, seemed taken aback by his retort.

"Let me out, old man," Maling said, his voice rising into a shout.

"I'm afraid I can't. I haven't given you the instructions for this mission yet," the old man responded, maintaining his composure.

Almost instantly, Maling, who had been standing frozen just seconds before, appeared behind the old man, his knife poised to slit his throat. However, before Maling could enact his violent intent, his hand was stopped. Once again, his body seemed to be frozen in place, immobilized.

"If I may give you some advice, please don't do it, Maling," said the old man calmly, unfazed by the threat at his throat.

Realizing that his attempt had led nowhere, Maling reluctantly took a step backward and stood still, his expression one of confusion and frustration.

"I think I've made myself clear already. Go to Setan's castle and destroy his throne before it's too late. You will encounter a lot of trouble along the way, but the Twins chose you specifically because they know you have what it takes to complete this mission," the old man stated firmly, his gaze sweeping across the group.

At that moment, the one person who had remained seated throughout the exchange, still engrossed in his piece of paper, raised his hand. Instantly, all eyes turned towards him.

As everyone's attention turned towards him, the man with the long, flowing dark hair, dressed in a deep blue robe adorned with magical amulets, finally looked up from his piece of paper. His intense eyes, flickering with mystical power, surveyed the room.

"How are we supposed to destroy Setan's throne? Last time I checked, we don't have Typhon as our pet," asked the long-haired man, his voice echoing a mix of skepticism and concern as he glanced around the room, challenging the others with his intense gaze.

"I supposed you have read the brief mission that I wrote to you, Tuli?" the old man inquired, his gaze settling on the long-haired man. Tuli nodded his head in affirmation.

"To defeat Setan, the Gods can't work alone. It always takes one mortal human to make it possible. The Twins barely won their fight against Setan until Rogue helped them. Now, it's your turn," the old man continued, his voice steady but carrying a weight of urgency.

"When you arrive at Setan's Throne, the Twins should be there. Help them, and they will help you," he concluded, laying out the path before them clearly.

"How about another threat? Like Bayangan for example? He already destroys realms too," Tuli asked again, everyone else in the room seems confused except the old man.

"Bayangan has been imprisoned in Heaven for centuries now, he's as ancient as time. As long as he's locked up in Heaven, we have no worries." the old man answer, then Tuli just nodded his head.

"What if we refuse this mission?" Ular questioned defiantly, her gaze still deadly.

"I'm afraid that's not an option. The Twins set their sights on all of you the moment you entered this library. They offer their aid for this quest, but make no mistake - they also wield the power to end your lives if you defy them." Worried glances were exchanged around the room as fear gripped those present. After a momentary silence, Panah was the first to regain his composure.

"Well, it seems we have no choice but to accept, but what should be our first step old man?"

"Your first destination must be the portal," the old man stated. With measured movements, he opened a rift behind him, revealing a shimmering purple gateway.

"To travel between realms, you must pass through such portals. But be warned - each portal is guarded. Some guardians may be welcoming, while others will attack intruders on sight. They bear the solemn responsibility of safeguarding all the realms." As he spoke, the old man's body began to emanate an ethereal glow.

"Seek the portal, and you will find what you search for. Remember, the Twins keep their eyes on you."

"May the gods save us all." And just like that, the old man vanished from the room, leaving only a lingering radiance behind.

"So... Should we listen to him?" Maling asked, turning to the others left in the room.

"I don't believe him, I want to get out. This is not what I signed up for," Ular declared, her voice firm and her stance defiant as she crossed her arms, her eyes darting towards the exit.

Suddenly, the bookcases in the library creaked and groaned as they began to move on their own. Dust swirled in the air as the heavy shelves slid across the floor, forming a tight blockade around the four of them. They were trapped within a confined square, the walls of books looming ominously. The only visible exit was the shimmering portal rift that the old man had left open in front of them, its purple light casting an eerie glow on their tense faces.

"Well, I guess you can't get out," Panah remarked with a wry half-smile, taking a step closer to the shimmering rift portal. Panah stepped forward and vanished into the portal, the light swallowing his figure as he crossed the threshold into the unknown.

Tuli followed silently, stepping into the portal after Panah. And he disappeared into the swirling light without a word.

"You coming?" Maling asked Ular. Not yet moving toward the portal.

"Like I said, I'm not going in. This is not what I signed up for!" Ular replied, her voice rising in frustration. However, moments later, her body seemed to move against her will. With reluctant steps, she walked towards the portal, her expression a mix of confusion and resignation as she stepped into the swirling light, disappearing from sight.

"Alright, fine, don't force me. I can walk on my own, thanks," Maling said, his tone a blend of irritation and resignation. He took a deep breath and walked toward the portal, stepping through with a final glance back at the now empty library.

The portal transport them into an abandoned ruin, a relic of a once-grand structure now surrendered to the elements. Tall grasses and wildflowers had overtaken what was left of crumbling stone walls and broken columns, weaving through the debris in a silent testament to nature reclaiming its territory. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, a stark contrast to the stillness that enveloped the area.

In the center of the ruins, an ancient arch stood resilient amidst the decay. Intricate carvings, worn by time and weather. Nestled within this arch was another portal rift, glowing with a mysterious purple hue that pulsed gently, casting eerie shadows on the uneven ground. This luminescent portal contrasted vividly with the natural greens and grays of the ruins, a beacon of otherworldly energy in the midst of desolation.

"Oh, I thought both of you would stay there," Panah said, a hint of surprise in his tone as he saw Maling and Ular step out from the portal into the grassy ruins. His expression lightened, relieved to see them join despite their earlier reluctance.

"I wish, but my body moved on its own," Ular said curtly, her voice tinged with irritation as she glanced around the ruins, still coming to terms with the involuntary journey through the portal.

"Whoa, that was cool. One second we were in a dusty library, now we're in... whatever this place is?" Maling remarked, his eyes wide as he took in their surroundings. He turned in a slow circle, gazing at the sprawling ruins and the wild grass.

"It's teleportation magic, but greater. The old man literally tore the fabric of this realm to bring us here. Fascinating," Tuli murmured, more to himself than to the others.

His gaze was fixed on the portal within the arch, studying the purple glow with a mix of reverence and curiosity, his mind already dissecting the layers of magic at play.

"You can do this kind of magic?" Ular asked, stepping in front of Tuli.

"Not really, I specialize in Evocation magic,"

"Oooh, we got an Evoker here. You would be useful in battle," Ular said, her tone lightening as she smiled at him. Tuli simply nodded in response.

"But seriously guys, where are we?" Maling asked to everyone.

"At your destination, of course," came a voice from behind them. The group turned to see a middle-aged bald man with glasses, who had appeared suddenly and unexpectedly.

"Who are you?" Maling demanded, his knife at the ready as he eyed the bald man warily.

"No need for hostility, Maling. I'm not your enemy," the bald man replied calmly, his hands raised slightly in a gesture of peace, his demeanor unflustered by the blade.

"Why does everyone know my name? I never told anyone about that!" Maling sounded both angry and frustrated, his confusion apparent as he gripped his knife tighter.

"I am the Shadow Lurker, long concealed in the underground, yet now, my name seems to be common knowledge. Who are you?" Maling interrogated, his pointed questioning directed sharply at the bald man, who responded with a simple, enigmatic smile.

"My name is Gapura, I'm the Guardian of this realm portal," the bald man introduced himself. Hearing Gapura's explanation, Maling's stance softened slightly, his grip on the knife loosening as he processed the information.

"I believe this is your first time traveling between realms?" Gapura asked, observing their reactions closely. Everyone simply nodded in response, their expressions a mix of curiosity and slight apprehension.

Gapura then walked toward the center arch containing the portal, signaling them to follow. The four of them, now somewhat reassured but still wary, trailed behind him, their eyes fixed on the glowing arch that seemed to hum with a quiet power.

"Now, let me tell you one thing: I'm not only the Guardian of this realm portal but also of all realms. No one and nothing can go in or out of this portal unless I say so," Gapura stated firmly, pausing in front of the glowing purple light of the portal. His voice carried the weight of authority and responsibility, underscoring the significance of his role in their journey and the broader workings of the realms.

"Even if someone came through by force, I can sense it. If they are foolish enough, then they will have to battle the greatest Arcane Sorcerer in this realm,"

"What is an Arcane Sorcerer?" Panah asked, raising his hand inquisitively. But before anyone could respond, Tuli interjected.

"The purest form of magic. It can pierce through anything and has no elemental weaknesses. Not even a prodigy in magic could master it easily," Tuli explained, his tone reflecting both respect and a hint of awe for the discipline.

"I think that clears it, now let's see who you guys are," Gapura said, adjusting his glasses with a deliberate touch. He then turned his attention to Panah, scrutinizing him with a focused gaze that seemed to see beyond mere appearances, assessing the young marksman's.

"Panah, Godam's Protector and a master archer, capable of striking targets miles away without their knowledge. An excellent strategist and leader too. You're the reliable one," Gapura observed, He then shifted his gaze toward Ular.

"A shape-shifter able to become a lethal, venomous snake, infamous for the Desa village massacre. You're a wanted criminal in 16 major cities, with death sentences in each. Quite the record," he remarked, As he spoke, Panah shot Ular a sharp glare.

"Good thing you are not wanted in Godam. If so, you'd be dead by now," Panah retorted, his tone laced with a mix of jest and warning. Ular responded nonchalantly, flicking her long tongue across her lips in a defiant gesture.

"I'd like to see you try," she shot back, her voice steady and challenging. Panah, however, chose to ignore her provocation, shifting his focus back to Gapura.

"The Shadow Lurker. A half-demon who spends his entire life in the underground. Yet only came out when he smelled gold in his mission. A greedy, cunning, and wicked bastard," Gapura described. The words seemed to strike a chord, and Maling's expression turned to one of offense.

"But a deadly assassin nonetheless. His ability makes him a very dangerous person," Gapura added. Upon hearing this, Maling's frown turned into a slight, grudging smile.

"What is his ability?" Panah inquired, Maling opened his mouth to respond, but Gapura quickly interjected.

"He can meld with shadows, appearing and disappearing at will."

"Hey, that's supposed to be a secret! Now everyone knows!" Maling protested, he raised his hand in the air.

"It's good to know each other's skills; after all, we are a team," Tuli chimed in, his voice calm and reasoning. Panah nodded in agreement.

"Though I suspect you could handle any threat alone, Tuli," Gapura added, turning his attention to the evoker.

"A sorcerer with generational magical talent passed down from his family line. Able to conjure all kinds of magic, but Evocation is his main specialization," Gapura detailed, his voice imbued with a mixture of admiration and solemnity as he described Tuli's capabilities.

"He's able to create something out of nothing with ease. Favoring ice magic, which he once used to dispatch four trolls single-handedly." As Gapura recounted this particular feat, the others turned to look at Tuli, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief, now fully grasping the extent of his power.

"Four trolls? All at once?" Panah asked Tuli, his tone mixing surprise and intrigue. However, Tuli appeared not to hear the question.

"With him on your team, you guys should have no worries. He's the best Evoker in this realm after all," Gapura continued, Ular gave Tuli a flirty smile, trying to catch his attention, but Tuli just ignored her.

"He's also an exceptional lip-reader," Gapura added, noticing the interaction. This revelation caused some puzzled glances among the group.

"That last one doesn't seem useful in battle, does it?" Maling scoffed, a smirk playing on his lips as he shared a laugh with Ular.

"The Godam protector, a notorious criminal, a shadow lurker, and the realm's finest Evoker—what brings you here?" Gapura inquired.

"We were told to come here to travel to Setan's castle," Panah answered straightforwardly, his gaze meeting Gapura's steady one. Despite the gravity of their mission, Gapura's expression remained unchanged, not showing any surprise at the mention of Setan's castle, as if he had anticipated their purpose all along.

"It's in the realm located between Hell and Abyss, I assume you know where it is, Gapura?" Panah inquired.

"You were about to travel to The Ghaib Realm. It's a realm that even the Gods never set foot upon. Are you guys sure about this?" he asked, his voice reflecting the gravity of the journey they were about to undertake. His question hung in the air, prompting a moment of contemplation among the group.

"The old man told us to go there, we have no choice. He said Setan is back," Maling answered with a tone of resigned determination, acknowledging the dire necessity of their mission.

"But how do we truly know that Setan is back? The old man might be just saying bullshit," Ular argued, her skepticism evident in her tone. Gapura raised his hand to quiet her concerns

"When you travel between realms, there's a sensation... as if the universe itself is unsettled, trying to expel something beyond our knowledge," Gapura explained.

"It never happened before, until lately," Gapura said, his voice carrying the weight of this new reality. A hush fell over the group as they absorbed the gravity of his words.

"I've never seen him personally, but you don't have to meet him to feel his presence," Gapura said, his voice lower, almost a whisper.

"So will you just let us go then? You know how urgent this mission is, right?" Maling said, taking a step forward, his impatience clear in his stride. But Gapura blocked his path.

"Let me remind you, Maling. I am this realm's Guardian. Access through this portal is mine to grant," Gapura stated, stepping directly in Maling's path, his posture unyielding.

"We have the blessing of the Twins! Can't you see it with your magic glasses?" Maling snapped, his hands gesturing sharply towards Gapura's glasses.

"I saw the blessing the moment you stepped in here. But if you doubt my authority, perhaps ask the Twins how often I've barred them from realm travel." Gapura's tone was mild but his eyes held a firm resolve, making it clear that his approval was not merely procedural.

"They can't do it themselves? They are the Gods, aren't they supposed to be able to do everything?" Ular's voice rose in confusion, her question echoing in the silence that followed, as her eyes searched the faces of her companions for answers. Gapura responded, his voice steady and clear.

"If they were all-powerful, the other seven Gods wouldn't have fallen to Setan. If they were, Setan would be eternally vanquished, and you wouldn't be here." His explanation cut through the uncertainty, grounding the reality of their situation.

"They need our help, there are some things that even the Gods can't do by themselves. So my question remains the same: Are you guys sure about this?" Gapura's gaze swept over the group. His tone was not just inquiring; it was a call to recognize the gravity of their commitment.

"I'm aware that the old man just forced us to do this mission. But he said that the Twins chose us specifically, which means they believe in our power. They believe in us, they believe that we can save Bumi and everyone in it," Panah spoke with conviction, his voice carrying through the quiet that had settled around them.

"And why would you want to save Bumi?" Gapura asked.

"Because we live here," Tuli responded simply, his answer cutting through any philosophical or rhetorical layers. As he spoke, nods passed through the group, a silent agreement echoing Tuli's straightforward rationale.

"And why would a mass murderer want to save Bumi? So she can murder everyone in it by herself?" Gapura's question to Ular was pointed and skeptical.

"I don't kill everyone I see. I only killed those who deserved it," Ular responded, her voice firm and unyielding, meeting Gapura's challenging gaze.

"Do the people of Desa village deserve it? All the victims that you killed in 16 cities too?" Panah chimed in, his voice laced with doubt and accusation.

"Please, do not judge me too harshly, boy. I killed those bastards in Desa village because they deserved it. Those bastards raped a child and burned her body! How could I just sit still? I had to kill them, every single one of them," Ular explained.

Panah opened his mouth to retort, his expression one of conflict and frustration, but before he could speak, Gapura raised his hand.

"Lastly, how about you, Maling?" Gapura inquired, turning his attention to the tiefling. Maling paused, seemingly gathering his thoughts before he could respond.

"I... I don't have anyone waiting for me in the underground, my whole family was murdered when I was a kid. I only have me, and only me," Maling said, his voice faltering slightly as he spoke the words, revealing a glimpse of the vulnerability he usually kept hidden.

"I guess... The reason I want to save Bumi is because I like... Gold? That's the only thing that keeps me going. Is that a good enough answer for you?" Maling asked, his tone half-joking yet tinged with a sincerity that resonated with his simple truth.

Gapura smiled weakly at him, a gesture of understanding that acknowledged the varied and personal motivations driving each of them, no matter how pragmatic or profound.

"I don't want to hear your answer, I want to hear your reason to save Bumi," Gapura clarified, his voice firm, as he slowly walked towards the glowing purple light at the center of the portal arch.

"As the Guardian of this realm, I will allow you to travel through this portal that will take you directly to the Ghaib realm." As he spoke, the purple light intensified, glowing brighter and vibrating with the energy of the gateway.

"Realm travel is complex, yet we've simplified it. Walk through the realm bridge, and you'll arrive swiftly at your destination. Be wary of anomalies; they're rare but dangerous. Stay alert while crossing," he advised, his gaze scanning the group to ensure his warning was heeded. The purple light then began to swirl, forming a vortex, a mesmerizing and slightly ominous gateway to their next challenge.

"Safe travels," Gapura said, and the vortex enveloped them, whisking the four away into the unknown.

Suddenly, the four of them found themselves on a long bridge, stretching endlessly into the void. There was nothing else around them; just the bridge beneath their feet and the empty space above and below. They walked in silence, the monotony of their steps echoing in the vast emptiness.

"Gosh, how long is this stupid bridge?" Maling moaned, his voice filled with a mix of annoyance and exhaustion, yet he didn't stop walking.

"I don't know, this is my first time doing realm traveling," Panah responded, his tone uncertain. As he spoke, his eyes darted around, scanning the expanse as if searching for a sign or anomaly that might give them some sense of progress or direction.

"Did Gapura tell us that we are going to walk for years?" Maling moaned again, his frustration mounting, but his question hung unanswered in the air. The group continued their silent trek across the bridge, the sound of their footsteps a constant companion.

"What are we supposed to do when we arrive at Ghaib Realm? Just storm into Setan's Castle?" Panah asked, his gaze shifting from one companion to another, seeking guidance.

"It's a small realm compared to Bumi. If my memory serves correctly, that realm has only one significant feature: Setan's Castle," Tuli answered.

"And how can you know that? What book did you read?" Ular queried, her voice tinged with skepticism as she trailed behind Tuli. He remained silent, not offering a response, his focus fixed ahead.

"Maybe we will meet the Twins there, and they will help us or something," Panah speculated, trying to inject a bit of hope into the situation. His thoughts were abruptly cut short as he raised his right arm, signaling the others to pause.

"Someone's here," he whispered, his tone dropping to almost a hush. At the far end of the bridge, barely discernible, was the faint outline of a humanoid silhouette. The figure was distant yet unmistakable, a lone presence in the vast emptiness that stretched before them.

Everyone tensed, swiftly arming themselves. Panah readied his bow, nocking an arrow with practiced ease. Ular drew her dual short swords, the blades glinting even in the dim light, while Maling's hands moved to his knives, gripping them tightly.

"An anomaly?" Maling whispered, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and caution. There was no response from the others; their focus was fixed on approaching the figure cautiously, ready for whatever might come.

They moved forward, each step measured and silent, gradually closing the distance between themselves and the distant silhouette. As they neared the end of the bridge, the figure's features began to sharpen, revealing what—or who—was waiting for them.

It appeared humanoid but with a ghastly, emaciated form. Its skin was pale, almost translucent, clinging to its skeletal frame. The creature's eyes glowed a sinister red, piercing the darkness around it. Long, claw-like fingers extended from its bony hands, enhancing its eerie presence—a Banshee.

The moment the banshee meets their eyes, the banshee screams with a voice that rips through the air like a ghostly lament, a bone-chilling wail that echoes with an otherworldly intensity. It starts low and builds, reaching a crescendo that pierces the silence of the nothingness around them. The sound is not just heard but felt, sending shivers down the spine of those within earshot. And they felt that.

Maling suddenly dropped his knives and covered his ears as tight as he could. Panah lost his grip, his bow and arrow fell to the ground. He also let out a scream, but it was buried under the banshee's scream. Ular also dropped her short sword, but the screams affected her the most because she was dropped to the ground while covering her ears.

Suddenly, the air felt cold. Then the scream suddenly stopped. When they all looked at the Banshee, her body is pierced with a big chunk of a spike made with ice. Then they looked at the one who killed the Banshee.

"A banshee," Tuli said, extending a hand to help Ular back to her feet.

"The banshee scream is a spectral force, a manifestation of grief and impending doom. It cuts through everything, carrying an ethereal quality that seems to transcend the natural realm," he explained, his voice steady as he provided insight into the creature they had just encountered.

Noticing the puzzled expressions on the faces of his companions, Tuli simplified his explanation.

"She screams very loud basically," he added.

"No, that's not what we were asking. How come you were the only one not affected by her scream?" Panah asked, his tone mixed with curiosity and a hint of frustration at being overwhelmed by the banshee's wail.

In response, Tuli brushed back his long hair to reveal the sides of his head. Where ears would typically be, there was only smooth skin—no indentations, no openings, just an unbroken expanse matching the rest of his face.

"I'm born with no ears. The banshee is facing her worst enemy possible," Tuli explained with a slight grin.

"How come you were born with no ears?" Ular asked, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. Tuli simply shrugged his shoulders in response.

"I think it's in my family line. My parents don't have ears either," he explained nonchalantly, as if discussing a common trait.

"If you don't have ears, how did you understand what we were saying all this time?" Panah questioned, his intrigue deepening at Tuli's unique condition. Before Tuli could respond, Maling chimed in.

"He's an exceptional lip-reader," Maling stated, giving Tuli a nod of respect.

"I can only understand what you were saying if I'm looking at you," Tuli clarified.

"Good to know then," Ular responded, nodding slightly, appreciating the clarity.

"I think that's an anomaly, the one that Gapura told us to be wary of," Tuli remarked, gesturing towards the lifeless form of the banshee. His comment refocused the group's attention on the dangers of their journey.

"Yeah, I wonder how it got stuck in here," Panah mused aloud, glancing down at the banshee.

However, their contemplation was abruptly cut short as the realm bridge began to shake violently. The rumbling was so loud it reverberated through their very bones. Before anyone could react or grab hold of something, the force of the shaking threw them off the bridge. They found themselves plummeting into the void of darkness surrounding the narrow path, their shouts and cries swallowed by the engulfing abyss.

To be continued...