Episode 4 : The Second Mission: Searching for the Artifact in the Valley of the Curse and Meeting the Grandmaster Kalagni
Chapter 5: The Second Mission – The Cursed Valley
After parting ways with Mahaguru Tantrika, Wira and Niswara continued their journey, armed with newfound knowledge and the hope of finding the second artifact that could unveil more secrets of the universe. They trekked through dense forests, far from civilization, beneath a sky that was growing darker.
"The Cursed Valley..." Niswara repeated Mahaguru Tantrika's words with a voice filled with unease. "That place sounds like hell on earth."
Wira nodded. Though they had been warned about the dangers awaiting them in the Cursed Valley, he felt it was the only path they could take to fulfill their mission. "We must be prepared for anything. This mission isn't just about us but about the balance of this world."
After days of traversing the increasingly dense forest, they arrived at an eerily silent area. The ground was dark, black as coal, and the air around them felt dry, split by gusts of wind. The tension in the atmosphere indicated that they were nearing the Cursed Valley.
Suddenly, a young man emerged from behind the trees, his face covered with a black cloth obscuring his eyes. He was tall and broad, exuding a powerful aura. Black flames flickered in his hands, emitting a dark hue like burning ash. Every movement he made seemed to herald destruction for anyone near him.
"Who are you?" the man's voice boomed, deep and heavy. "What are you looking for here?"
Wira raised his hand, signaling peace. "We mean no harm. We're searching for the Cursed Valley, a place said to hold an ancient artifact."
The man scrutinized them with piercing eyes. "The Cursed Valley is not just any place. Many have tried to enter but never returned. I am one of those cursed by this valley."
"A curse?" Niswara asked suspiciously. "What do you mean?"
The man let out a long sigh, his face filled with sorrow. "My name is Cakrawala. I am cursed by the power within this valley. The black flame I wield is the result of this curse. But I cannot escape. I am trapped."
Wira and Niswara exchanged glances, feeling a strong urge to help the man, yet knowing that the Cursed Valley was full of lurking dangers.
"Do you know the way into the valley?" Wira asked, hoping Cakrawala could guide them.
Cakrawala nodded. "I know the way, but if you wish to proceed, you must be ready to face every kind of trial. This valley is filled with forces that break the spirit, and only those with unyielding resolve will pass the tests ahead."
"What about your power?" Niswara asked. "Can't the black flames you control help us?"
Cakrawala stared at the black flames dancing in his hands. "These flames are part of the curse I bear. They are not a power to be used lightly. But if you wish to enter the Cursed Valley, we will need them. I will help you, but remember—each time these flames are used, I sink deeper into the curse."
Wira nodded with determination. "We will press on, Cakrawala. Together, we can face this."
With that, Cakrawala agreed to join their quest, and together they advanced toward the mysterious and perilous valley.
As their journey took them deeper into the Cursed Valley, Wira began to feel the oppressive atmosphere grow heavier. The ground beneath their feet began to crack, and a dark mist enveloped the surroundings. Every step they took seemed to pull them closer to the destiny awaiting them.
"This is no welcoming place," Niswara murmured softly. "Something immensely powerful resides here."
Cakrawala walked calmly ahead of them. "You'll soon feel it. The Cursed Valley isn't just about physical strength but about the strength of your mind and heart. Only those with unwavering resolve will succeed."
Along the way, they encountered numerous obstacles and dark creatures that crossed their path. Each time they were attacked, Cakrawala unleashed the black flames from his hands, obliterating the creatures with terrifying force. However, each use of the flames seemed to weaken Cakrawala, as though the curse tightened its grip on him with every moment.
"What's really happening to you?" Wira asked one night after they had successfully defeated a swarm of shadowy creatures.
Cakrawala gazed at the black flames in his hands. "I am cursed because I tried to master the power of the black flames born from this valley. Each time I use them, the curse grows stronger. But I cannot stop. It is the only way to survive in this place."
That night, as they rested briefly, Wira knew the greater trials still awaited them deep within the Cursed Valley. They would have to press on, overcome every obstacle and test, to find the second artifact they sought.
---
With Cakrawala's arrival—a man cursed by the power of black flames—Wira had a new ally to help him face the tremendous challenges ahead in the Cursed Valley. However, every use of Cakrawala's flames bound him more tightly to the curse. What would happen next? What trials awaited them in the depths of the valley? All this would unfold as their journey toward the second artifact continued.
---
Chapter 7: A New Bracelet and Herbal Potion
After a fierce battle with the Phoenix Bird, Wira and his friends stood in the mist-filled valley, still catching their breath from the sheer power and fury of the creature. Although they had successfully defeated a formidable foe, Wira felt their journey was far from over. Before them lay a glowing stone in the shape of a bracelet, resting on the ground, waiting to be claimed. Yet, as Wira reached out to touch the stone, something extraordinary happened.
The stone began to shine brighter and brighter until it erupted into a blinding light. As the radiance subsided, something astonishing appeared. From within the light emerged a beautiful bracelet, shimmering with gold and red hues, strikingly similar to the White Tiger bracelet Wira already possessed. This new bracelet seemed connected to the power of the Phoenix Bird they had just vanquished.
"This…" Wira whispered, staring at the bracelet now in his hand. "This is the Phoenix Bird's bracelet."
Cakrawala, standing beside him, frowned. "The Phoenix Bird has chosen to accompany you, just like the White Tiger," he said. "Both creatures will now strengthen you on your journey to the Cursed Valley."
Carefully, Wira placed the Phoenix Bird bracelet on his left wrist alongside the White Tiger bracelet. As soon as he wore it, he felt a surge of warmth and powerful energy coursing through his body. It was as if two great forces were now united within him, ready to help him face whatever lay ahead.
"With this, we're better prepared for what's to come in the Cursed Valley," Wira said, more to himself than anyone else.
But their journey was far from over. At that moment, Cakrawala, still plagued by the curse of black flames consuming his body, suddenly collapsed in agony. The flames roared higher, devouring him with unbearable heat.
"What's happening?" Wira cried, startled by Cakrawala's sudden pain.
Gritting his teeth, Cakrawala fought to stay conscious. "This curse is getting stronger. I... I don't know how much longer I can hold on."
Niswara rushed to his side, her face etched with worry. "What can we do? Is there a way to lift the curse?"
Wira paused, recalling hints he had gathered during their journey. Suddenly, he remembered a fabled herbal potion Mahaguru Tantrika had once mentioned. It was said to counter curses and combat the black flames. However, the potion could only be found within the Cursed Valley itself.
"We have to find it," Wira said firmly. "The potion is here in the valley. If we find it, we can save you, Cakrawala."
Cakrawala looked at Wira with a glimmer of hope. "Are you sure we can find it?"
"If it's here, we'll find it," Wira replied, his eyes burning with determination.
After hours of trekking through the valley, they stumbled upon a hidden cave beneath dense trees. A fragrant herbal scent wafted from within. Wira and Niswara entered cautiously, leaving Cakrawala behind at the cave's entrance due to the raging flames still engulfing his body.
Inside, the cave was filled with plants that seemed to radiate healing energy. Purple flowers, dark green leaves, and creeping roots adorned the walls. At the center stood a large stone engraved with ancient carvings depicting mystical creatures and herbs. Atop the stone was a small bowl containing a shimmering, clear liquid.
"This is it," Wira murmured, picking up the bowl. "The herbal potion."
Niswara examined it closely. "This is a powerful remedy. If used correctly, it can cure Cakrawala."
Wira carried the potion back to Cakrawala. "Are you ready, Cakrawala? This is our only chance to rid you of the black flame curse."
With hope in his eyes, Cakrawala nodded. Wira poured the potion over him, and immediately the black flames began to subside. Slowly but surely, the flames faded away, replaced by a soft glow surrounding Cakrawala. The pain that had tormented him for so long was finally gone, and he felt lighter than ever.
"Thank you, Wira," Cakrawala said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know how to repay you, but I'll stand by you always."
Wira smiled, relieved to see Cakrawala healed. "We must press on. The Cursed Valley is still full of mysteries, and our journey isn't over."
With the herbal potion that had healed Cakrawala and the newfound power of the Phoenix Bird bracelet, they continued their trek deeper into the Cursed Valley. Their mission was far from complete, but they were more confident than ever that together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
---
End of Chapter 7
Wira, Cakrawala, and Niswara are now closer than ever to their goal. With their newfound strength and the herbal potion's healing power, they're ready for the trials that await in the Cursed Valley. But dangers still lurk in the shadows. What awaits them deeper in the valley?