The beautiful view of Nalar Flower fields was obscured by thick morning mist. Indera Sarwajagat walked with Sekuik Mulya toward a nearby town through the flower field.
Indera Sarwajagat realized that the flower field wasn't far from their residence after all.
Sekuik began to speak: "Jagat, you're from earth, aren't you? I too am from earth, born in a civilization that once stood on the Golden Peninsula."
Indera Sarwajagat was stunned: "Master, you're from earth too? The Golden Peninsula..... the Malay Peninsula?"
Sekuik Mulya replied: "I've never heard of the Malay Peninsula."
They continued talking, exchanging experiences, discussing differences between life in Malura and Earth for hours.
Sekuik Mulya: "Earth has changed a lot. The modern era you mentioned is very different from what I once knew."
Sekuik Mulya continued, his tone calm as he pointed with one hand, the other resting behind his waist: "See those rolling hills? We'll pass through Seraya Valley. Just beyond it lies the Ancient City of Aryasana."
At the same time.
"Mahrani Ning Tiara! Hand over the Aryasana Sacred Tome!"
A group of men clad in all-white were chasing a woman who appeared to be in her twenties. Mahrani Ning Tiara ran while controlling a sword without touching it, slashing down several of her pursuers.
She chanted a spell and exhaled softly: "Darkness that cloaks, come forth and devour the light!"
The once—bright forest turned pitch black.
THUD!
...
..
THUD!
THUD!
One by one, bodies dropped to the ground, slain by Mahrani Ning Tiara. The group's leader could only watch before chanting a counter-spell: "Darkness isn't eternal. Light shall illuminate the world!"
The forest brightened, back to normal.
"Over there! Mahrani Ning Tiara ran that way!" one of them shouted.
The leader dashed in that direction, followed by his men.
The group move swiftly into formation.
"KILL HER!"
They group attacked Mahrani Ning Tiara at the same time.
She smile—an evil, unsettling smile. In the blink of an eye, the entire group fell dead simultaneously.
Blood gushed. Heads flew. Limbs scattered.
All caused by the steel threads Mahrani Ning Tiara unleashed.
"Whew.."
She exhaled deeply, turning toward the direction of the Ancient City of Aryasana: "Damn it! Nan Sarunaya's mercenaries won't even give me time to rest! Ancient City of Aryasana... I must deliver this tome to the Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana."
She continued: "Damn it! I have to wind these steel threads back up. Ugh..."
Ancient City of Aryasana.
Indera Sarwajagat walked alongside his master, Sekuik Mulya, entering the city.
He was speechless, in awe of the beauty and mystical architecture of Aryasana even though he remembered it clearly from Eka Cakerawala's memories: "The architecture here looks like something from the history books—but far grander, more beautiful, and magical! Some structures even float in the air!"
Ancient City of Aryasana was the most important city in the Aryasana Majesta Empire. The Royal Palace also located here, making it the strongest fortified city in the empire.
Sekuik Mulya didn't let Indera Sarwajagat bask too long in the admiration: "Jagat, let's head to a friend's shop to get you some proper clothes."
"Yes, Master!" Indera Sarwajagat replied with spirit.
TING!
The shop door opened as Sekuik Mulya stepped in.
A woman stood behind a table.
Her face was radiant and pure like a full moon in the night sky, with soft piercing eyes.
Her smile was calm, unforced, but enough to make men feel nervous. Her jet-black hair was neatly tied in a bun, adorned with cucuk sanggul. She wore a long robe covering her entire body except her neck and head. Her layered clothing was midnight blue, finely embroidered with golden swirling cloud motifs.
Sekuik Mulya excitedly: "HaHaHa! My dear friend!"
"Sekuik Mulya? What are you doing here? Weren't you planning to travel west to the Asvana Empire?" the shopkeeper asked.
Sekuik Mulya hugged his friend and said: "I've postponed those planned for now."
The shopkeeper looked at Indera Sarwajagat: "Your student? A second-stage witch at 17? You took this kid as your disciple?"
"HaHaHa! He's only been a witch for less than a month," Sekuik Mulya responded.
"What?! Are you serious?"
Sekuik Mulya: "His name is Indera Sarwajagat."
Indera Sarwajagat bowed slightly to show respect.
The shopkeeper asked: "Sekuik Mulya, what are you doing here?"
"I want you to prepare several outfits suitable for training my disciple over the next five years."
"Is that all?" She asked.
Several spools of thread appeared on the table after Sekuik Mulya swung his hand:
"A Soul Thread Robe using this dragon soul thread"
The woman was briefly stunned before speaking with a soft tone: "My dear, Sekuik Mulya.... are you serious?"
Sekuik Mulya replied firmly: "Gemala Seri Sakti, my mind is made up."
"Sekui..." She whispered.
Indera Sarwajagat: "..."
"Very well, but I'll need a few months to complete the attire," she said.
Sekuik Mulya: "No worries, I'll pick it up after five years."
"Alright"
Royal Palace
"Mahrani Ning Tiara, younger sister of Mahrani Seroja Indah. Welcome to the Royal Palace of Aryasana Majesta!
"Thank you, your majesty!"
The emperor asked: "What is your purpose in appearing before us?"
"Your majesty, Mahrani Ning Tiara has something to present."
A book appeared before Mahrani Ning Tiara: "This is the Aryasana Sacred Tome," she said.
"What!"
The entire throne hall erupted with murmurs.
Grand Emperor Zarion Aryasana raised his voice: "Silence."
Though calm, his voice echoed through the throne hall.
The Sacred Tome floated to the emperor. He began reading it for several minutes.
He then spoke: "Mahrani Ning Tiara, we have prepared a residence and appropriate attire for you. Go and rest first."
"Yes, your majesty."
The Emperor's Right and Left Hands, standing beside him looked at each other and nodded before declaring loudly: "Dismissed!"
After a few moments.
Mahrani Ning Tiara appeared in an instant before the residence prepared by the emperor.
Palace Maiden emerged, welcoming her arrival.