Episode 14 : The Search for the Sixth Artifact The Trial of Justice

apter 25: The Search for the Sixth Artifact The Trial of Justice

After successfully rescuing Master Kalgi, Wira and his friends continued their journey with hearts full of hope. The combined power of the fifth artifact they had found—the artifact that could reverse time—had given them a chance to correct many things. However, their journey was far from over. Now, they had to find the sixth artifact: the Artifact of Justice.

According to the information they received from Master Kalgi, this artifact was located in a village known for the wisdom of its people. The village was prosperous, respected by many, due to the teachings of justice and balance upheld by its leaders. The existence of this artifact was well-guarded, and only those who were truly worthy could find it.

"What makes this artifact so special?" asked Cakrawala, filled with curiosity, as they walked together toward the village.

"The Artifact of Justice has the power to align the hearts and minds of people, giving them the ability to see the truth in all things," replied Niswara. "But, as we know, with great power comes great trials."

Wira nodded, sensing the growing tension among them. They had faced many challenges together, but this would be a different kind of trial. They knew that behind the peaceful-looking village, there was something deeper— a test that would challenge their integrity and resolve.

Upon arriving at the village, the calm and orderly atmosphere immediately welcomed them. The villagers' homes were made of beautiful wood, with well-maintained gardens. Everyone seemed to be helping each other, working together to build a better life. Yet, despite the peaceful ambiance of the village, Wira felt that something was hidden beneath the surface.

They soon met an old man who greeted them. He wore tattered clothes and appeared poor, but his eyes were full of wisdom.

"Welcome, warriors," the old man said, his voice soft but firm. "I am the Beggar, often forgotten by the outside world, but I am the guardian of the Artifact of Justice. Only those who can face the trial of justice may continue on their journey."

"The trial of justice?" Wira asked, eyeing the old man cautiously.

The Beggar smiled wisely. "In this village, justice is not only about what is right, but also about how we understand and interpret that truth. You will be tested through actions and choices. Only with pure hearts and good intentions will you succeed."

Wira and his friends exchanged glances, feeling the tension deepen. They knew this trial would not be easy.

The Beggar then led them to an open space in the center of the village. "Here, you will be faced with choices that will test the justice of your hearts. Every decision you make will determine if you are worthy of the artifact."

Wira and his friends prepared themselves, each ready to face this test, knowing it was not only about physical strength or external power, but about the moral decisions they would have to make that would shape their path.

"The first trial begins now," the Beggar said in a deep voice, like thunder from afar.

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Chapter 26: The Test of Justice – A Decision That Determines

As the Beggar spoke, the ground in front of them began to tremble, and a circle of light appeared in the middle of the village. Within the circle, several branching paths emerged, each filled with different challenges. The people in the village watched this test closely. The atmosphere around them suddenly became very serious.

"The first test is the test of the heart," the Beggar said, his voice firm and commanding. "You will be faced with three choices, and each choice carries different consequences. Choose wisely, for the decision you make will determine whether you are worthy of the Artifact of Justice."

Choice One:

To their left, a small peaceful village seemed to be destroyed by a group of bandits. The villagers appeared helpless, and an old man was pleading for help.

"If you choose to help them," the Beggar continued, "you will sacrifice valuable time. But you will show the strength of compassion and care for others."

Choice Two:

To their right, a dense forest full of wild and dangerous creatures stretched out. In the midst of the forest, a young woman was trapped, clearly in pain and pleading for help. "If you choose to help her," the Beggar said again, "you will be caught in a fierce battle, but you will demonstrate true courage."

Choice Three:

Ahead of them, a long empty road stretched, leading to a large, prosperous city in the distance. "If you choose to walk towards this city," the Beggar said, "you will gain wealth, power, and comfort. But you will lose something much more valuable: your conscience."

Wira and his friends stood silently, contemplating each choice carefully. Every choice was filled with moral challenges that tested their principles. They knew that this was not just a physical test but a true test of their hearts.

Niswara was the first to speak, her eyes serious and sharp. "If we choose to help those in need, we may lose valuable time, but we will continue on our path with a clearer conscience."

Cakrawala nodded. "That's right. Helping those in distress is more important than chasing wealth or comfort."

Rdhevi, usually more focused on physical strength, felt uncertain. "But the forest... if we help the young woman, we might have to fight dangerous beasts. We could lose a lot of strength."

Wira looked carefully at the three choices. Each one had strong values, but there was one thing they needed to ensure: justice cannot be bought easily.

"This decision is more than just about choosing what is easier," Wira said with determination. "Justice is not just about what we choose for ourselves, but about what we are willing to give for others."

Finally, after thinking for a while, Wira stepped forward and directed his steps towards the destroyed small village. "We will help them. This is a test of the heart, and we choose to help others."

His friends, though somewhat hesitant, followed Wira's lead. They knew that nothing was more important than choosing the right path, even if it was filled with risk.

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Chapter 26 Continues:

They walked toward the ravaged village, and as they took each step, new challenges appeared in front of them—both in the form of combat and tests of their resolve. Yet, they continued forward because they knew that true justice was not about avoiding difficulties, but about how they faced those challenges with pure hearts.

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Chapter 26: The Trial of Justice – Choices and Consequences

Wira and his friends walked forward, heading towards the devastated village on their left. The breeze, carrying the scent of a desolate countryside, surrounded their steps, giving the impression that they were walking toward some inevitable destiny. As they entered the village, they were met with a horrifying sight: houses burned down, fields destroyed, and people who seemed to have lost all hope. An elderly man, his hair tangled and white, stood in the middle of the road, crying and pleading for their help.

"Those criminals... they destroyed everything," the man said, his voice filled with despair. "I can only pray they don't come back. Please, if you can... help us!"

Without hesitation, Wira nodded and instructed his friends to prepare. But before they could move any further, the voice of the Beggar was heard again, stern and overwhelming.

"If you choose to help them, you will be involved in a fierce battle that will consume your time and energy. Are you ready to sacrifice yourselves for people you don't even know?"

Wira looked at his friends, and without a word, they began moving toward the nearest place where the attackers might be. In their hearts, this decision was not just about saving this village, but about upholding justice. They knew their journey depended not only on the artifacts they sought but also on the choices they made at every step.

The Second Trial: Courage or Greed?

The Beggar appeared again, this time standing before them with a sharp gaze. "You have chosen to help this village. But there is a second trial you must face."

Before them, a great gate appeared, bathed in golden light. Beyond it, a magnificent city stood, its splendor unimaginable. A towering palace loomed, and many people in lavish clothes walked arrogantly. Glory and wealth seemed just within reach. Yet, along the road leading to the city, they saw a sign that read, "Take the path to power, but you will lose the justice you have fought for."

"This city offers everything you desire—wealth and power," the Beggar's voice came again, tempting. "But will you sacrifice what you've fought for in exchange for worldly things?"

Cakrawala stepped forward, his gaze firm. "Wealth and power are nothing compared to the peace we seek. There is no point in sacrificing our principles for luxury."

Rdhevi, who preferred battle, felt conflicted. "But the city also offers protection and influence. Shouldn't we take advantage of this opportunity for a greater cause?"

Wira looked at the city, deeply considering. In his mind, he felt tempted by the desire to take them there. But he knew their goal was greater than just wealth or power. Their courage to choose what was right over everything else was what would lead them to true victory.

"If we choose this path," Wira said firmly, "we will lose more than we gain. We must stay true to the right path."

In the end, they decided to ignore the temptation of the city and continued their journey toward the ravaged village, determined to help those in need, even at the risk of danger.

The Third Trial: Heart and Soul

After a fierce battle against a group of bandits trying to destroy the village, Wira and his friends managed to defeat them, though they were wounded and exhausted. They had saved most of the villagers, and while the village was still in ruins, they could feel a sense of peace because they had passed the first trial.

But the Beggar did not stop. This time, he took them to a vast meadow, where a large statue stood. Around the statue were piles of money and valuable items, but near it was a chest that was tightly shut.

"The final trial is about your choice," the Beggar said. "Will you choose wealth and pleasure, or something much more valuable locked inside this chest? This chest symbolizes true justice, but it will only open if you are willing to sacrifice everything you have."

Without hesitation, Wira led his friends toward the chest. They knew that to obtain the true artifact of justice, they had to be willing to let go of anything that could divert them from their true purpose. With firm hearts, they opened the chest.

Inside, they found not gold or jewels, but an ancient book containing notes on justice—values that were priceless. The book not only gave them new knowledge of the true meaning of justice but also granted them a new strength to continue their journey.

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Wira and his friends stood in the meadow, their hearts full of hope and courage. They had faced the difficult trials that tested their justice and their hearts. Although they were still far from their final goal, they felt stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.

They continued their journey, hearts full of determination, ready to face whatever came next, with justice as their guiding principle.

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