Senopati Argananta was deep in thought. As long as he had no proof that Duke Jaladara was involved in the rebellion, as Prince Jayalaksana suspected, he dared not launch a raid.The only option was to remain hidden in the forest and assign several soldiers to infiltrate the duchy in disguise. But even that would not be effective without proper props such as carts and trade goods.Senopati Argananta had already considered this and ordered two of his men to head to the nearest village to purchase carts and agricultural produce to perfect their disguise.In addition, the war commander of the Sastrajingga Kingdom also instructed several soldiers to monitor the road leading toward the Duchy of Tambakboyo.From his long military experience, if the dozens of carts inside Tambakboyo truly belonged to the rebels, they would certainly bear special marks distinguishing them from ordinary merchants’ carts. Or perhaps the signs could be found on the drivers themselves.By late afternoon, the two s

“There is nothing to worry about, Duke. I guarantee no one would dare to touch you as long as I am by your side,” replied Barnawa, also known as Poison Mask, with supreme confidence.“The Sastrajingga Kingdom may be strong in numbers, but they don’t have a warrior of my caliber, hahaha!” he added, then laughed loudly.Duke Jaladara felt somewhat relieved by Poison Mask’s assurance.“Forgive me, Elders… I must excuse myself and return to the palace. My eyes are too heavy; I need rest.”“Please, Duke. We still have things to discuss,” Poison Mask responded.Duke Jaladara stood and walked out. Two members of the Devil’s Poison Sect escorted the ruler of Tambakboyo back to the palace.After his departure, the three of them remained silent for a while, lost in their own thoughts, until Bajang Awu dared to ask,“Leader, is it true that you promised Duke Jaladara to protect him? We haven’t received such orders from His Majesty of Ayodya.”“Hahahaha… Do you think I would keep a promise to a t

The moon finally appeared, bringing with it a silent night. Inside a fairly large tent surrounded by dozens of smaller ones, Rengga and his two companions were seen speaking with Prince Suryalaksana.Rengga and his two companions had changed into all-black clothing, with their head coverings still in hand, not yet worn.“Prince, wait here. We will infiltrate the duchy,” said Rengga.“Isn’t it too dangerous, Uncle?” asked Prince Suryalaksana, worry clearly visible on his face.Rengga gave a faint smile before responding, “Do not worry, Prince. We are skilled in infiltrations like this. If it is only the Tambakboyo duchy, it is no real problem for the three of us.”Rengga had a reason for speaking that way. He needed to teach King Dharmalaksana’s son to strengthen his mentality and become braver.The three disciples of Sarwana then left the tent, followed closely by Prince Suryalaksana.The three exchanged glances before nodding at one another. With a single light leap, the figures who

Hundreds of soldiers and members of the Poison Step Sect surged forward after the order to attack was given.“Hold, don’t advance yet!” Rengga raised his hand. The three-pronged encirclement strategy he had devised had apparently been anticipated by the enemy.Seto and Biswara waited only for Rengga to lower his hand as the signal to strike.“Come, Prince. It is time for you to prove the quality of leadership as the next king of the Sastrajingga Kingdom!” Rengga said, then lowered his hand, giving the command for his troops to advance and meet the enemy’s charge.“Forward!” he shouted.The leadership style Rengga had adopted from Arya was being demonstrated now. A true leader does not merely give orders, but leads by example. Alongside Prince Suryalaksana, the Grand Commander of Jaya Buana Kingdom moved forward with astonishing speed.At the same time, the other two flanks under Seto and Biswara also advanced. Yet their soldiers did not rush but walked steadily. Their goal was to spli

“Who are you to dare speak to me like that?!” The sharp question burst from Duke Jaladara’s mouth. He felt justified in speaking so, for the young man before him hardly looked like an official of the Sastrajingga Kingdom.“A suspect like you has no right to ask questions. I can assure you, your forces outside the duchy walls have already been defeated, and now it’s your turn to surrender!”“Hahaha! What a ridiculous hallucination. How could the members of the Poison Palm Sect possibly lose to such weak soldiers? Where did you drink? How drunk are you?” the Poison Mask sneered.Rengga gave a thin smile. His piercing gaze seemed to bore into the masked man’s eyes.“I won’t waste my time convincing a man who has no confidence in himself. Believe what you like, but I came here to capture Duke Jaladara and crush his treacherous alliance with the rebels. Since you’re involved as well, you’ll be destroyed with him!”If not for his mask, the deep wrinkles on the Poison Palm Sect leader’s brow