Episode 11 : The Path to the Fifth Artifact

Chapter 19: The Path to the Fifth Artifact

After a long journey and many trials, Wira and his companions finally arrived at a valley surrounded by tall cliffs. In the center of the valley stood an ancient temple, surrounded by enormous trees that seemed to be thousands of years old. The dim light of the moon filtered through the gaps in the leaves, creating a very mystical atmosphere.

"We've finally arrived..." Niswara said, her voice trembling from exhaustion, but her eyes were full of determination.

"This must be the place. We must be careful. If we've come this far, the next trial will be much more difficult than what we've already faced," Wira replied seriously.

In front of them, a large stone door slowly opened, revealing a room filled with a shimmering blue light. In the center of the room, on a stone altar, lay the Fifth Artifact—a giant crystal emitting a powerful energy.

However, they couldn't just approach the artifact. From the shadows, a figure emerged—tall and authoritative. An elderly man dressed in ancient guru robes, with long white hair and sharp eyes, stared at them. This was Maha Guru Kalkutara, the guardian of the artifact.

"Welcome, warriors," Maha Guru Kalkutara's voice resonated deeply, full of authority. "You have reached a place rarely visited by humans. But to claim this artifact, you must face the final trial, one far more difficult than anything you have encountered."

Wira faced him with great respect, while the others strengthened their resolve. "We are ready for the trial, Guru," Wira said.

Maha Guru Kalkutara looked at each of them in turn, then spoke with wisdom in his voice. "Before you can take this artifact, you must prove whether you are worthy. The trial you will face is not one of strength, but of wisdom and heart."

"First, you must answer three questions honestly and wisely. Your answers will determine whether you are worthy to wield this artifact."

First Question: "What is more important—strength or wisdom?"

Wira looked at his companions, then spoke. "Wisdom is more important, Guru. Because with wisdom, we can use strength for good purposes. Without wisdom, strength will only bring destruction."

Maha Guru Kalkutara nodded, his eyes filled with appreciation. "A correct answer."

Second Question: "Which is more valuable—the life of one individual or the lives of many?"

This time, Niswara answered. "The lives of many are more valuable, Guru. As warriors, we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the greater good, to create a better world."

The Guru smiled, agreeing with her answer. "A wise answer."

Third Question: "What makes someone worthy to be called a hero?"

Everyone paused. Wira, Niswara, Cakrawala, and the others thought carefully about their answers. Finally, Wira spoke. "A hero is someone who protects others selflessly, who is willing to sacrifice for the greater good, and who maintains morality even in the face of hardship. A true hero does not seek recognition, only fights for the truth."

Maha Guru Kalkutara paused for a moment, then smiled with pride. "A very wise answer. You have passed this trial."

After that, Maha Guru Kalkutara raised his hand and moved his fingers. The Fifth Artifact on the altar began to glow even brighter, and a voice echoed within their hearts: Take this artifact, and use it wisely.

"This is the artifact that will lead you to the final destination. With it, you can open the gate to Between Space, where Grandmaster Kalgi is trapped," said Maha Guru Kalkutara.

However, his face became serious again. "Remember, only those with pure hearts can restore balance to this world. Do not use this artifact for selfish purposes. If you do, the world will fall into darkness."

Wira nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility in their hands. "We will use it wisely, Guru. Thank you for the trial and the guidance."

With hands that trembled slightly from the great responsibility, Wira stepped forward and took the Fifth Artifact. As soon as he touched the artifact, an incredible energy flowed through his body, making him feel a power he had never felt before.

Maha Guru Kalkutara looked at them wisely. "Your journey is not yet over. Go, and save Grandmaster Kalgi. May you succeed."

---

With the Fifth Artifact in hand, they prepared to enter the portal before them, ready to continue their journey to Between Space and rescue Grandmaster Kalgi.

Chapter 20: The Guardian of the Fifth Artifact

The journey through the dense forest continued as Wira and his companions followed Rdhevi. The path ahead was uncertain, but they had one goal in mind: to retrieve the Fifth Artifact and rescue Mahaguru Kalgi from the Ruang Antara.

As they trekked deeper into the mysterious realm, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew thick, and an eerie silence hung over the group. Strange creatures lurked in the shadows, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. But Wira, Niswara, Cakrawala, and the others kept their focus, knowing they had no choice but to press on.

"We're getting closer," Wira murmured, glancing around warily. "The energy here is different."

Niswara nodded. "It feels like we're walking into something… ancient."

Suddenly, Rdhevi stopped and raised her hand, signaling for them to halt. Ahead of them, a towering structure emerged from the mist—a massive temple carved into the mountainside. Its walls were covered with intricate symbols, and in front of it stood a lone figure.

A tall man dressed in flowing robes, with long silver hair and piercing blue eyes, stood guard at the entrance. His aura was one of immense power, yet there was a calmness to him, as if he had been waiting for their arrival.

"This is it," Rdhevi whispered, stepping forward. "The guardian of the Fifth Artifact."

The figure slowly turned to face them. His expression was serene, yet his gaze was sharp, as if he could see through them. "I've been expecting you," he said, his voice echoing like a distant thunderclap. "I am Kalkutara, the Guardian of the Fifth Artifact."

Wira stepped forward, his grip tightening on his sword. "We've come to retrieve the Fifth Artifact. We need it to save Mahaguru Kalgi and stop Varashka."

Kalkutara studied them for a moment, his eyes lingering on Wira. "The Fifth Artifact is not simply an object of power. It is a key to the balance of this world. To wield it, you must prove yourselves worthy."

"What do we have to do?" Cakrawala asked, his bow ready at his side.

Kalkutara raised a hand, and the ground beneath them trembled. "You must face the trials of the Fifth Artifact. Each of you must confront your greatest fear, and only by overcoming it can you claim the power you seek."

Wira and his companions exchanged uncertain glances. They had already faced their fears in the forest, but the trials ahead promised to be even more challenging.

"We're ready," Wira said, his voice firm. "We've already faced our fears. We can handle whatever comes next."

Kalkutara nodded slowly. "Very well. But remember this: The Fifth Artifact is not just a weapon. It is a reflection of your soul. If you are not pure of heart, it will destroy you."

With a wave of his hand, Kalkutara summoned a burst of energy that enveloped the group. The world around them twisted, and suddenly they found themselves standing on a vast, desolate plain. In the distance, a dark figure appeared, its form shifting like smoke.

"You must defeat this manifestation of your darkest fear," Kalkutara's voice rang out, though he was nowhere to be seen.

Wira felt a chill run down his spine as the dark figure approached. He could feel the weight of his past mistakes pressing down on him—the failures, the lives lost under his watch. The figure was an embodiment of his guilt, his fear that he was not strong enough to protect those he loved.

"You failed them, Wira," the figure hissed, its voice dripping with malice. "You're not worthy of this power. You don't deserve to save anyone."

Wira gripped his sword tightly, refusing to let the words take root in his heart. "No," he muttered, stepping forward. "I will protect them. I will fight for them, no matter what."

With a burst of energy, Wira swung his sword at the figure. It dissipated into smoke, but the feeling of guilt remained, gnawing at him. However, he stood tall, knowing that he had to overcome this fear, not let it define him.

Meanwhile, Niswara faced her own trial. She stood before a mirror that reflected a distorted version of herself—a cold, heartless figure who betrayed those she loved. The reflection smiled cruelly at her, mocking her fears of abandonment and betrayal.

"Do you truly believe they trust you, Niswara?" the reflection taunted. "You're just a pawn in their game. They'll leave you behind when they no longer need you."

But Niswara's resolve hardened. "I trust them. And they trust me. I will never betray them."

With those words, the reflection shattered, and Niswara stepped forward, her fear no longer holding her back.

Cakrawala, too, faced his darkest fear—losing his family once again. He saw them in the distance, their faces twisted in pain as they called out to him. But Varashka's laughter echoed in his mind, reminding him that he had failed to protect them before.

"You're too weak, Cakrawala," Varashka's voice sneered. "You'll never save them. You'll never be enough."

But Cakrawala clenched his fists and whispered, "I will protect them. I won't fail again."

As he spoke, the illusion shattered, and the fear lifted. He had overcome it.

Niswari's trial, though, was the most insidious. She found herself alone in a vast, empty expanse. A voice whispered to her from the darkness, feeding her fear of isolation, of being abandoned by everyone she held dear.

"You are nothing, Niswari. You've always been alone. You'll always be alone," the voice echoed.

Tears welled in Niswari's eyes, but she stood tall. "I'm not alone," she whispered. "I have my friends. I have my family. And I will never let go of them."

With that, the darkness lifted, and Niswari emerged victorious.

Having faced their fears, the group gathered before Kalkutara once more. The guardian's eyes shone with approval.

"You have proven yourselves worthy," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "Now, you are ready to claim the Fifth Artifact."

With a wave of his hand, the ground before them cracked open, revealing a pedestal where the Fifth Artifact rested. It was a glowing orb, pulsating with ancient energy.

Wira stepped forward and took the artifact into his hands. A surge of power coursed through him, and he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"You are now its true wielders," Kalkutara said. "But the journey is not over. The Ruang Antara awaits, and Mahaguru Kalgi's soul is still trapped. It is up to you to free him."

Wira nodded, his resolve stronger than ever. "We will not fail."

And so, with the Fifth Artifact in their possession, they turned toward the next chapter of their journey—toward the Ruang Antara and the final confrontation with Varashka.

End of Chapter 20.