Chapter 9: The Third Mission – The Temple of Grief Amidst the Storm
After successfully obtaining the second artifact in the Cursed Valley, Wira, Niswara, and Cakrawala continued their journey to the next destination. This time, their path led them to the peak of a mountain, far more challenging—an ancient temple known as the Temple of Grief Amidst the Storm. According to the tale told by Grandmaster Kalagni, this temple was hidden between two towering peaks, not only rich in history but also shrouded in myth.
"This is our greatest trial, Wira," said Cakrawala, realizing how difficult the upcoming journey would be. "This temple is guarded by restless spirits who won't let anyone pass through the storm without a fight."
Wira nodded, remembering the warning. The thunderstorm that raged around the temple made the place even more terrifying. Every step they took brought them closer to the peak, yet the storm seemed intent on halting their progress. Thunder rumbled, and lightning struck the earth, shaking every fiber of their being.
Amidst the deafening storm, Wira pressed on with renewed determination. Niswara beside him appeared more focused than usual, using wind control magic to try to lessen the power of the storm blocking their way. Cakrawala, with his black flame power, tried to create a shield to withstand the constant lightning strikes.
After hours of braving the dreadful storm, they reached a temple gate made of large stones. The stone walls were covered in moss, adorned with ancient carvings depicting tales of past wars and sacrifices. However, the gate was tightly shut, and there was only one way to open it: they had to face the temple's guardians, unseen spirits that would test their hearts.
Suddenly, a ghostly voice echoed, breaking the tense silence. "Who dares to enter this temple?" the voice thundered, as if it came from both the sky and the earth. "Only those with balance in their souls can pass through this storm."
With firm resolve, Wira answered, "I, Wira Candra Tirtha, come to find the hidden artifact within this temple to maintain the balance of the world."
The voice responded again, this time deeper and more menacing. "If you wish to pass through us, you must endure a trial far more grueling than this storm. The balance you seek is not only in this world, but within yourself. Risk your heart and find your path."
As the stone gate opened, a bright light shone from within the temple. Wira and his companions stepped inside, ready to face the trials ahead.
Inside the temple, they were confronted with a series of physical and mental challenges that tested their courage and endurance. Each trial brought them closer to the third artifact, which seemed to lie at the heart of the temple, but was also filled with traps and unseen forces.
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Chapter 10: The Battle in the Temple of Grief Amidst the Storm
Inside the Temple of Grief Amidst the Storm, after the stone gate opened, Wira and his companions stepped in with pounding hearts. Inside, the air felt heavier, and the cold air bit at their skin. Faint light from ancient candles illuminated the vast room, decorated with centuries-old carvings that told the tales of the temple's ancient guardians.
Suddenly, from the deeper darkness, a large figure emerged, a long shadow winding between the towering stone pillars. Wira and his companions stared sharply, and a deep, booming voice echoed throughout the room.
"Who dares to enter this temple?" the voice sounded menacing, filled with ancient power.
"I, Wira Candra Tirtha, come to seek the hidden artifact in this temple," Wira replied confidently, though his heart raced.
"Do not expect to find what you seek without paying the price," the voice rumbled again, and suddenly, a giant serpent figure appeared from the darkness. It was BoaKarsa, the ancient temple guardian, a legendary giant snake with scales that gleamed like metal and glowing red eyes full of hatred.
BoaKarsa coiled its body around a stone pillar, glaring at Wira and his companions. "I am BoaKarsa, the guardian of this temple. If you wish to pass through this temple and take the artifact, you must defeat me."
"I'll warn you—its attacks are very powerful, be careful!" Niswara cautioned, her eyes alert to every movement of BoaKarsa.
Without further warning, BoaKarsa launched its first attack, its massive body swinging swiftly. Wira tried to dodge, but the strike was too fast. BoaKarsa swept its tail, knocking Wira to the ground. The thunderstorm outside intensified, amplifying the terror of the scene.
Cakrawala, standing beside Wira, activated his black flame power and charged toward BoaKarsa. "I won't let you win!" he yelled. But BoaKarsa only laughed, skillfully dodging the black flame attack, then quickly counterattacked.
"This... it's too strong..." Cakrawala muttered, his body being struck hard by BoaKarsa's tail, which hit like lightning.
In this critical moment, Wira looked at his glowing bracelet. As his body was struck, the bracelet emitted a bright light, and in an instant, a majestic White Tiger and a dazzling Cendrawasih Bird leapt from the bracelet.
"White Tiger! Cendrawasih Bird!" Wira exclaimed in hope, seeing the legendary creatures appear before him.
The White Tiger roared fiercely, while the Cendrawasih Bird soared high, ready to face BoaKarsa. Attacks came fast—White Tiger clawed with sharp talons, while Cendrawasih Bird unleashed blinding light attacks.
Yet, despite the extraordinary strength of these creatures, BoaKarsa was remarkably tough. The giant snake coiled its body, destroying their attacks one by one with unimaginable force. The White Tiger and Cendrawasih Bird were pushed back, and in this intense battle, both began to tire.
"I can't lose here!" Wira shouted, realizing that their strength needed to unite to defeat BoaKarsa.
Niswara gathered her spiritual energy, combining her healing magic and brewing potions from the herbs she carried. "I will help!" she declared firmly.
Cakrawala unleashed more black flames from his hands, trying to break through BoaKarsa's defenses. "Together, we can win!" Cakrawala shouted.
Meanwhile, Wira, with utmost determination, raised the artifact he held. The light from the artifact grew brighter, and when the lightning struck again, an incredible flash of light appeared. All combat stopped for a moment, and BoaKarsa froze, staring at the glowing artifact in Wira's hand.
"What... is this an ancient artifact?" BoaKarsa gasped, staring at Wira with intense eyes. "The artifact I've heard about from Grandmaster Shakra...?"
"Yes," Wira replied calmly, though still catching his breath. "I am Wira Candra Tirtha, and I seek the third artifact guarded by Grandmaster Shakra."
"So... you are the one awaited by Grandmaster Shakra?" BoaKarsa asked, his voice softer and full of respect. "I... have long waited for this moment."
With remarkable calmness, BoaKarsa nodded, then decided to stop attacking. "Follow me," he said. "I will show you."
In confusion and awe, Wira and his companions followed BoaKarsa, who led them to a hidden chamber within the temple. Inside, a secret door opened, revealing a path to the place where Grandmaster Shakra awaited.
"Welcome, Wira Candra Tirtha," BoaKarsa said. "Grandmaster Shakra has been waiting for your arrival. Here, your more challenging journey will begin."