The colossal golden doors rumbled open, revealing a grandeur that snatched Ramdan's breath away. The throne room of Salakanagara wasn't just a room—it was a miniature universe encased in marble, gold, and magic. The ceiling was so high it blurred into the golden light cast by a gigantic crystal hanging like an artificial sun. Pillars as massive as towers, carved with epic reliefs of war and peace, supported this magnificence. To the left and right of the wide red carpet leading to the throne, rows of gold-armored guards stood stiff as living statues.
But what made Ramdan gape was the King's guardian.
Beside the left of the throne stood Gajah Gumarang, a colossal ancient elephant with living rock-skin. Its eyes, ruby gemstones the size of a human head, looked down with ancient wisdom.
Upon the throne of ivory and platinum sat Sri Baduga Maharaja Dewawarman. His face was gaunt, lines of age and leadership deeply etched, yet his gaze remained sharp as an eagle's. His skin was pale, his breathing somewhat labored—traces of the curse that gnawed at him. Nevertheless, his authority was unmatched. He smiled faintly at Rian, Nadira, and their entourage.
"My children... you've finally returned," the King's voice echoed, weak but full of warmth.
Nadira immediately ran forward, touching her father's knee with affection. Rian bowed deeply, followed by Ramdan and Melati.
"And you two," the King continued, looking at Ramdan and Melati. "The little fire genius from Taruma, and the rescued Lemurian Princess. This world is full of wonders."
After an exchange of greetings, the King went straight to the point.
"Children, the danger lurking over Nuswantara can no longer be ignored. You need more power. Therefore, you will be forged in the best places."
He raised a weak hand.
"Rian. You will train directly under Bima Sakti. Mastering war strategy and leadership is your destiny."
"Melati," he continued, looking at the blonde girl. "The Grand Court Healer, Mpu Darmasvapna, will guide you. Your healer power is Salakanagara's greatest gift."
Then, his gaze shifted to Ramdan and Nadira.
"Ramdan. Nadira. You two will go to Andalasya Continent, the Kingdom of Tapanaluan."
Nadira gasped. "Tapanaluan? Home of the Anggana [elf]?"
"That's right," the King replied. "There, Nadira, you will train in archery and stealth arts in the Shadow Forest with the Queen herself, Calanthe Anggana. And Ramdan..." The King gazed deeply at Ramdan. "...you will learn to master true fire from the Tapanaluan Fire Mage, Datu Barani."
Datu Barani! Ramdan's heart thrummed. In the novel, he was one of the strongest fire mages in Nuswantara, known for his volcanic temper. This is my dream teacher! But... this could be bad too.
"Banyu, Arumi," the King called. The two guards stepped forward. Banyu now sported a wooden prosthetic leg inlaid with silver runes, a creation of Ranjana.
"You two will escort them. And..." The King smiled faintly. "...before you depart, there's a matter to be settled."
The workshop of Mpu Gundul, the Perani [dwarf] royal weapon maker, was more like a dragon's lair filled with metal, fire, and wonders. The air was hot and dusty, filled with the clang of hammers and the hiss of magic. Mpu Gundul himself—with a fiery red beard and a single glowing blue eye—was scolding a stubborn piece of iron.
"Look, you brats!" he yelled at Ramdan and Nadira. "A weapon isn't just a tool! It's a second soul! Take out your agate stones and channel your mana!"
Nadira placed her blue agate stone on a special anvil. Mpu Gundul raised his runic hammer.
Deng! A dazzling blue light. As the glare receded, in Nadira's hands lay a pair of Magnetic Warrior Gauntlets. Made of jet-black metal, they were covered in pulsating blue concentric circles. On the back of the hand was a small projector. Nadira put them on, pointing her palm at a distant piece of metal.
Zzt! The metal shot to her hand, transforming into a sleek High-Pressure Mechanical Arrow, its tip glowing with magnetic energy.
"Cool!" Nadira gasped, her face beaming. "I can attract/repel metal, and this arrow can pierce steel shields!"
It was Ramdan's turn. His yellow agate stone was placed.
Deng! This time, the light was golden. What emerged wasn't an ordinary staff, but an Atomic Magic Staff. Its shaft was made of crystallized energy, white-gold in color. At its tip, a Crystal Ball contained a miniature rotating solar system—an atomic nucleus like a small sun surrounded by electrons orbiting, emitting a warm glow and pulsating with the rhythm of the universe.
"Such an anomaly," Mpu Gundul grumbled, half-amazed, half-annoyed. "This staff isn't an ordinary magic tool. It's a measuring and controlling device for your own mana reality. Use it wisely, brat!"
Ramdan held it. A warm vibration flowed, as if welcoming its master. This... is my portable magic catalyst! he thought joyfully.
That evening, in the palace gardens, the blackish-orange sky reflected a magical light onto the blooming crystal flowers. Banyu was nervous, fiddling with a simple ring from his armor chain in his pocket. Arumi looked at him lovingly, already guessing.
"Arumi, this chaotic night feels so lonely..." Banyu began, but his words were cut short by someone peeking from behind a tree.
"🎵 Oh, this chaotic night, I feel so lonely, don't wanna be alone. I need you here with me... And I choose sweet honey just like you! Tee-hee!" Ramdan crooned, off-key.
WHACK!!! Ramdan's head was smacked by Nadira.
"SHUT UP, YOU BRAT!" Nadira roared, her right hand clenched.
Ramdan screamed in pain, clutching his head. "Ow! My head! You fierce tomboy!"
Nadira pushed Ramdan out of hiding. Her face was red with embarrassment and anger.
"Look! You ruined the mood! This is an important moment!"
But her sparkling eyes towards Arumi betrayed her excitement.
Arumi laughed freely, tears of happiness in her eyes.
"There, there," she whispered softly to Nadira and Ramdan, who were still glaring at each other.
With Nadira directing and Ramdan still sulking in pain but finally helping, the romantic atmosphere was restored. Under the moonlight, with Nadira watching and Ramdan creating fire writing in the sky as Banyu spoke to Arumi.
"Arumi," Banyu said, his voice steady and full of love, "This world is harsh. But as long as I draw breath, I want you to be my armor, the protector of my heart... and the sword that accompanies me through storms. Will you be my wife?"
Happy tears streamed down Arumi's cheeks.
"Yes, Banyu!" she exclaimed, pulling Banyu to his feet and hugging him tightly.
Nadira smiled contentedly, touched. Even Ramdan stopped sulking, momentarily enchanted.
"Huh, not a bad ending," he whispered, only to get smacked by Nadira again.
Dingg!![ Congratulations, you have completed the side quest "Marriage" ][ You Level Up!! Passive skill Quality Buff unlocked ]
"Yes!! I can't wait to see and try this skill," Ramdan cheered inwardly.
Banyu and Arumi's wedding was simple yet solemn in the small palace chapel. Ranjana and Sinta were present, Rian stood as a witness, occasionally glancing at the beautiful Melati in her green sari. Melati herself, with a smile full of happiness, exuded a calming healing aura. Sri Baduga was present briefly, giving his blessing. Nadira, wearing a small blue dress, was moved to tears watching the couple's vows.
As the Elder declared them husband and wife, and Banyu kissed Arumi's forehead with deep love, thunderous applause echoed.
However, at the peak of that happiness, darkness came.
Boom!
The stained-glass window on the side of the chapel exploded, shattering everywhere. Eleven figures in black robes and skull masks, the same as those who attacked Taruma Village, entered with drawn weapons. An aura of death and darkness filled the room.
"Bring out the purification mage!" snarled their leader's voice, his cursed sword pointing at Ramdan.
(To be continued...)