Epiaode 2 : The First Steps Toward Mount Agni
Chapter 3: The First Step Towards Mount Agni
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The next morning, WiraCandraTirtha and Niswara began their journey towards Mount Agni. The sun had just risen, bathing the trees in a soft golden light. The narrow path they followed was filled with dense shrubs, indicating it was rarely traveled.
Wira walked ahead, carrying the ancient artifact hidden in his backpack. Niswara, with his wounds beginning to heal, followed behind. However, the silence between them didn't last long.
"Wira, are you sure Mount Agni is where we're heading?" Niswara asked, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Yes," Wira replied firmly. "Empu Tirta once said that a powerful hermit resides there. Perhaps he knows what I must do with this artifact."
Niswara nodded, though his eyes showed doubt. "Mount Agni is known for its dangers—not just because of the harsh terrain but also the mystical creatures guarding it. Have you thought about what you'll do if something happens?"
"I don't have all the answers yet," Wira admitted, pausing for a moment. He gazed ahead, where Mount Agni started to appear faintly in the distance. "But I do know one thing: if this artifact falls into the wrong hands, the world will be plunged into chaos."
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The Danger of the Toxic Swamp
In the middle of their journey, they came upon a dark and eerie swamp. The air felt heavy, and a foul odor pierced their nostrils. Wira stopped, sensing something unusual.
"This swamp... it's not normal," Niswara whispered. "I've heard stories about the guardian spirits that drain the soul of anyone who enters."
Suddenly, their steps were halted by a rustling sound. From the mist of the swamp, a large black figure appeared with glowing red eyes. The creature resembled a demon, its body coated in toxic slime that emitted a dangerous mist.
"Run, Niswara!" Wira shouted, drawing his sword.
However, the creature was faster than they had anticipated. With a mighty leap, it attacked Wira. A fierce battle ensued. Wira used his martial arts skills to dodge the creature's attacks, but each strike of his sword seemed ineffective against the creature's nearly invulnerable body.
Niswara, though injured, did not stand idly by. He grabbed his small bow, which he always carried, and fired arrows repeatedly at the creature. One of the arrows struck the creature's eye, making it roar in pain.
"Now, Wira!" Niswara shouted.
Taking advantage of the moment, Wira attacked the exposed part of the creature's body using a technique taught by Empu Tirta. With one powerful blow, the creature fell and dissolved into black smoke.
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A Clue from the Old Merchant
After escaping the swamp, they encountered an old merchant at the edge of the forest. He carried a basket full of potions and appeared friendly, though his eyes made Wira wary.
"Greetings, travelers," the merchant said. "You look tired. May I offer you some food and a bit of advice?"
Wira glanced at Niswara cautiously, but they decided to rest for a while. The merchant served them an herbal tea that strangely made Wira feel revitalized.
"Where are you headed?" the merchant asked, his eyes gleaming.
"We're going to Mount Agni," Wira answered briefly, avoiding mentioning the artifact.
The merchant chuckled softly. "Mount Agni is no place for the weak. But if you must go, seek out the Great Hermit at its peak. Only he knows how to deal with what lies within the mountain."
Before they could ask more, the merchant vanished, leaving the basket of potions behind.
"Who was he really?" Niswara asked, her voice trembling.
Wira took the basket and found an ancient cloth with the same symbol as the artifact he carried. The uneasy feeling in him grew stronger.
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Climax: The Sudden Attack
As they continued their journey, Wira felt they were being watched. The soft sound of footsteps and shadows moving between the trees kept him on alert. Suddenly, a group of dark-clad figures ambushed them from all directions.
"Followers of the Sky Sect!" Wira yelled.
A brutal fight broke out, fiercer than before. The attackers wielded poisonous weapons and dark magic that threatened the lives of Wira and Niswara. Amid the chaos, one of the attackers managed to knock Wira down, and the artifact he carried was nearly seized.
Breathing heavily, Wira tried to rise, but one of the enemies, with a sly grin, aimed a dagger at him.
"This artifact is ours now," the enemy taunted, triumphant.
However, just as the dagger was about to strike, the artifact in Wira's bag began to glow brightly, shocking everyone present.
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The story continues in the following chapter, where Wira begins to realize the true power of the artifact and prepares to face even greater threats.
The Meeting with the White Tiger
After passing through the toxic swamp and meeting the old merchant, Wira and Niswara's journey grew harder. The terrain became more difficult, and thick fog began to obscure their vision. In the tense silence, Wira sensed the presence of something unseen. Suddenly, a large shadow passed in front of them.
"How do you feel?" Niswara asked, ready with her bow.
"Something's here," Wira replied, scanning the surroundings warily.
Appearing suddenly, a large white tiger materialized, its body glowing in the mist as if made of moonlight. Its eyes burned red, radiating an aura of immense power. Wira and Niswara were taken aback, but Wira quickly realized that this creature was no ordinary threat.
"Who are you?" Wira asked in a low voice, gripping his sword.
The tiger growled softly, then spoke in a deep voice that echoed in the air, "I am the guardian of the astral realm. I come to test your courage and intent."
Wira did not let his guard down. "What do you mean?"
The white tiger stepped closer, its large, shimmering body shining. "You carry an artifact filled with power. Its strength can bring destruction or wisdom. Only those worthy can wield it."
Without warning, the tiger lunged, attacking Wira with its sharp claws. A fierce battle began. Wira used all his martial arts skills to dodge the swift strikes of the claws. Though the creature was strong and agile, Wira did not give up.
After a long and exhausting fight, Wira finally defeated the white tiger. The creature fell, letting out a loud roar before going silent.
"I tested your heart," said the tiger in a softer voice. "You are not only brave but also possess a wise heart. I will join your journey."
Wira and Niswara were shocked by the tiger's words. "You want to join us?" Niswara asked, confused.
"Yes," replied the tiger. "Your strength needs guidance, and I will be your companion on this journey."
The white tiger stood, and as it disappeared into the mist, only a small bracelet remained on the ground. Wira picked up the bracelet and felt a strong energy flow from it. "What is this?" Wira asked, holding the bracelet.
"It is the place where my power is hidden," the tiger's voice answered in his mind. "Keep this bracelet safe. As you travel, I will always be there, ready to help if you need greater strength."
Wira slipped the bracelet onto his wrist, feeling slightly stronger and more at ease, knowing that he was no longer alone on this long journey.
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With the meeting of the white tiger, Wira now had a powerful and magical ally. The journey to Mount Agni would become even more intriguing as Wira not only pursued the understanding of the artifact but also learned from his new companion, the mystical creature who aided him.