The man who had just swung his sword was shocked when his attack hit nothing. It was clear that the young man hadn’t moved an inch even though the blade was only a handspan away from its target.He turned around when he heard a mocking voice behind him.“You—how did you get over there?”“Hahaha… What a foolish question from someone with such low skill. You and the rest of you should realize just who you’re dealing with,” Arya replied, deliberately boasting in front of them so they would understand that there’s always someone stronger above.The handsome young man turned his gaze to his lover.“Ratna, finish them all! I don’t want to dirty my hands with their filthy blood right now!”“With pleasure. There’s no place on this earth for those who disgrace and violate women!” the beautiful girl grinned, revealing her fierce side.Without another word, Ratnasari swiftly attacked one of the men and snatched his sword. Her claw strike landed precisely on the man’s neck, killing him instantly

Arya’s suspicions turned out to be correct. That morning, the village chief, along with several villagers, came to the inn where the young couple had spent the night. Among them was the girl who had been assaulted by Kelana Sura, now in the comforting embrace of a middle-aged woman.But they had to face the disappointment of not meeting the two heroes. The innkeeper told them that the couple had already left the village before sunrise.Meanwhile, the two figures the villagers of Sekar Sari were searching for were now far away, riding swiftly toward Sarirejo Duchy, which was only a day’s journey from the village.Several hours later, just as the sun was dipping toward the western horizon, Kelana Sura and a dozen of his men finally arrived at Sarirejo Duchy.Duke Wongsonegoro was furious when he saw his son in such a pitiful state, missing his right hand. The rotund duke cursed and swore, condemning the one who had severed his beloved son’s hand.In front of him, a dozen men knelt with

Two soldiers quickly moved to seize Kelana Sura. Both were actually afraid that Kelana Sura or Duke Wongsonegoro would retaliate by punishing them once Prince Jayalaksana departed. But that fear immediately vanished when the youngest son of King Dharmalaksana spoke before they took Kelana Sura to prison.“Uncle Wongso, please remember well what I’m about to say. I, Jayalaksana, guarantee the safety of every soldier who performs his duty properly. I will also punish regional leaders like you, Uncle, if you ever misuse your position and mistreat the people. So I hope you will act as a trustworthy leader,” said Arya.“I will always remember Your Highness’s message,” replied Duke Wongsonegoro.In truth, the ruler of the Sarirejo dukedom was surprised and even skeptical that a son of King Dharmalaksana would have such a character, since to his knowledge, the four sons of the Sastrajingga Kingdom’s ruler had never shown much concern for state affairs. Prince Dewalaksana had visited once or