Chapter 21: Toward the Ruang Antara
After obtaining the Fifth Artifact, Wira and his companions continued their journey toward their ultimate goal: the Ruang Antara, where Mahaguru Kalgi was trapped. However, their journey would not be easy. Varashka's power was growing stronger, and they knew that greater challenges awaited them ahead.
Kalkutara, the Guardian of the Fifth Artifact, had warned them gravely. "The Ruang Antara is not a place for just any soul. Only those with true resolve can pass through it. Your hearts must be pure, for the power within it cannot be forced."
Wira gripped the Fifth Artifact, which now glowed with a bluish-green light. "We will face it," he said firmly.
Before them lay a forest darker and more mysterious than before. The sounds of nature seemed to have ceased, and only the sound of their footsteps echoed among the tall, dense trees.
"We're getting closer," Niswara whispered, her eyes scanning the distance. "The energy here feels different. It's like something is watching us."
Cakrawala, who was usually calm, seemed restless. "I feel it too. There's something off."
They pressed on without stopping, though the weight of the journey felt heavier with each step. The air grew colder, and they could sense an invisible force enveloping them. As they moved forward, the atmosphere grew even more tense.
Suddenly, they arrived at a valley shrouded in thick mist. In the center of the valley stood a large gate, made of black stone covered in moss. Above the gate was a symbol they recognized: Ruang Antara.
"This is it," Wira said, gazing at the gate with determination. "This is the way to where Mahaguru Kalgi is trapped."
Rdhevi stepped forward and placed her hand on the gate. "Be careful. The Ruang Antara is not just a physical place. It's a world that connects with the mind and soul. Anyone who enters must be ready to face their deepest fears."
With a surge of power from the Fifth Artifact, the gate opened with a rumbling sound. Beyond it, a blinding white light filled their vision. They knew they were about to enter a very different world, one full of challenges and dangers beyond imagination.
They stepped into the light, and in an instant, the world around them changed. They stood in a vast chamber that seemed endless, filled with thick white mist. In the distance, they could see a familiar figure—Mahaguru Kalgi—but his form hung suspended in the air, surrounded by slow-moving dark shadows.
"Mahaguru!" Wira called, rushing forward.
But before they could reach him, the dark shadows moved faster, forming a barrier of energy that blocked their path. A booming voice filled the chamber, chilling and terrifying.
"Now that you've entered the Ruang Antara, you are part of this game. Every step you take is a matter of life or death. Only one will emerge victorious." The voice belonged to Varashka, clear and threatening, though he could not be seen.
"There is no turning back," Niswara said, narrowing her eyes. "We will fight until the end."
Wira gripped the Fifth Artifact tightly, preparing himself for the final battle that would determine their fate. "Mahaguru Kalgi, we will free you."
The energy barrier blocking their way began to tremble, and the dark shadows surrounding Mahaguru Kalgi grew closer. Varashka's power was beginning to take over the Ruang Antara, turning it into a terrifying battlefield.
"Ready for battle," Wira said, his voice full of resolve. "For Mahaguru, for this world, and for our friends."
With steady steps, they prepared to face their greatest challenge—one that would not only test their physical strength but also their souls. They knew that only by staying united and overcoming the fears and obstacles before them could they save Mahaguru Kalgi and put an end to Varashka's reign.
Before them, the dark shadows enveloped Mahaguru Kalgi, ready to meet them in a battle that would decide everything.
End of Chapter 21.
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Chapter 22: The Battle in the Realm Between
After stepping into the Realm Between, Wira and his companions felt an immense pressure. This world felt entirely different—more like an illusion, a dream filled with swirling darkness and light moving too fast. Every step they took felt heavy, as if they were fighting an invisible force that was clearly present.
Mahaguru Kalgi was still trapped above, surrounded by dark shadows swirling around him. It seemed as though this world was trying to prevent them from advancing. But nothing could stop Wira and his friends from their mission.
"Mahaguru!" Wira shouted, his voice cutting through the silence of the Realm Between.
However, the shadows grew thicker, and a voice boomed with terrifying power, making each word feel heavier.
"Once you enter the Realm Between, you have sealed your fate," the voice roared, vibrating the very air. "Only the strongest will survive, and the weak will be crushed."
It was Varashka's voice, the enemy they had been facing for so long. His presence in this world created an overwhelming pressure, conjuring shadows that seemed to rule over the Realm Between.
"Don't be afraid," Niswara said firmly, her eyes filled with bravery. "We've come to free Mahaguru and destroy Varashka."
Cakrawala drew his bow, ready, while Rdhevi prepared his magic. They all knew that this battle wasn't just for Mahaguru Kalgi, but for their world—to prevent Varashka from seizing everything.
"There's no turning back," Wira said, his eyes fixed on the shadows that began moving faster. "We will defeat you, Varashka!"
With those words, the shadows blocking their path exploded, and dark forms emerged, charging at them from every direction. Wira, Niswara, Cakrawala, and Rdhevi readied themselves, fighting off every attack that came, battling with all their might.
Wira lunged forward, his sword glowing with energy from the Fifth Artifact, cutting through the advancing shadows. Each time he destroyed one shadow, another would replace it. It seemed endless. But he knew they had to fight to the very last drop of their strength.
"Everyone, don't stop!" Wira cried out, his spirit burning brightly. "For Mahaguru! For this world!"
Niswara swung her sword, creating a wave of energy that shattered several shadows at once. Cakrawala used his archery skills with incredible precision, shooting arrows that destroyed the shadows that got too close. Rdhevi unleashed powerful magic, throwing energy balls that flew into the shadows and exploded them.
But despite their efforts, the shadows kept multiplying, as though they would never stop. Varashka was using his powers cunningly, creating illusions and manipulations to weaken their resolve.
Amid the chaos, Wira saw Mahaguru Kalgi still trapped in the air, looking weak. He had to act quickly. With determined steps, he directed his sword toward the strongest shadow, trying to destroy it and reach Mahaguru.
When his sword made contact with the shadow, a huge burst of energy erupted, breaking the silence and shattering the shadows in their path.
Mahaguru Kalgi finally fell to the ground, freed from the grip of the shadows. Wira rushed over to him.
"Mahaguru!" Wira called, helping him stand.
Mahaguru Kalgi opened his tired eyes, a faint smile crossing his face. "You... have done it... you've defeated Varashka."
But Varashka was not one to surrender so easily. His dark voice echoed once more, even stronger than before, as if coming from every corner of the Realm Between.
"You may have destroyed my shadows, but you have not won," Varashka threatened, his voice filled with hatred. "I will destroy you with a far greater power. Do not think you can leave here alive!"
Suddenly, an overwhelming force surged from all directions. The Realm Between shook violently, as though the very world itself were collapsing. Varashka unleashed an even more devastating power, far stronger than anything they had ever faced before.
"Hold on!" Mahaguru Kalgi shouted, struggling to stay upright. "You cannot fight this power with mere strength! Only with true courage and purity of heart can you destroy it!"
Wira looked at Mahaguru, then at his companions. They knew what they had to do. With the strength of their friendship and their unwavering resolve, they had to defeat Varashka once and for all.
"For this world... for a better future!" Wira said, his voice full of determination.
With what little energy they had left, they prepared to face Varashka in their final battle.
End of Chapter 22.