Marks of Rengga’s feet dragged across the ground as his body was hurled backward.Just like Rengga, the Poison Mask suffered the same fate. He was flung high into the air before crashing into the ground, creating a deep crater. His old bones felt as if they had been shattered by the club of the Earth God.The Poison Mask forced himself up, channeling his inner power to ease the pain flooding his body. His dazed eyes fixed on his opponent, who stood nearly thirty meters away.“That wretch isn’t affected by my poison technique?” The Poison Mask raised his brows in disbelief, seeing Rengga still standing firm. By all rights, his Venomous Mist Strike should have taken effect by now.“I must be cautious. I’m certain he hasn’t shown his full strength yet,” he muttered before leaping out of the crater. He brushed the dust from his clothes.On the other side, Rengga channeled his inner force into the aching parts of his body. He had felt the poison’s effect briefly, but the Tundra Moss he reg

Arya smiled inwardly. His plan was to reveal who was truly behind King Ayodya only after they had departed for the capital city of the Sastrajingga Kingdom.“Your Majesty need not worry. Leave everything to me, I promise I will handle it well.”“Very well, Prince. I believe you will be able to resolve it,” said King Damarjaya.“Even if I cannot, I am certain someone else will,” Arya replied with a faint smile.King Damarjaya and Elder Wiyasa frowned. To them, it was unusual for the prince of Sastrajingga to speak in such a way. Until now, his confidence and determination to overcome any problem had always been unwavering.Ratnasari too could hardly believe her husband had spoken those words. Of everyone in the hall, she was the one who knew Arya best. Even when doubts arose, he always tried never to show them.A growing unease began to take hold in Ratnasari’s heart. She feared something terrible might befall her husband.Time flowed swiftly, days turning to nights without pause. Acco

“Indeed, I have been so busy that I hardly think of myself. As a mediator, my duties are heavier than the rest. But it doesn’t matter—in time, once all the kingdoms have fallen under the black sect, a new order will emerge where everyone must bow to a single rule,” said Poncokusumo. The weariness on his face was evident.“Your face cannot hide the exhaustion, Elder. I think it would be best for you to rest first. Tomorrow, there is still much to be done before we march the troops,” Arya said, pouring water from a clay jar into two brass cups. “Please, have a drink, Elder.”Poncokusumo took the cup placed before him, but he did not drink immediately. He waited until Arya had taken a sip first.With a single gulp, Arya emptied his cup, sending the water straight into his stomach.Seeing it was safe, Poncokusumo then drank his own until it was finished. He stood up and said, “You are right. I do need rest. For the past month, I have rarely slept. And even when I did, it was only briefly

King Dharmalaksana unrolled a dried parchment bearing a map of the Capital of Sastrajingga, complete with the strategy that Arya had prepared.“Now, try to analyze this strategy!” said King Dharmalaksana as he handed the map to Rengga.“Yes, Your Majesty.” Rengga accepted the scroll and spread it across the table.Point by point, he studied the strategy and its explanations in detail. At times, a smile crossed his lips; at others, his brow furrowed deeply as he encountered odd maneuvers.The chamber was filled with silence as Rengga examined Arya’s plan. Only the faint sound of his breathing could be heard.“Well, Commander… is there anything that needs to be changed?” asked King Dharmalaksana.Rengga shook his head gently. “Actually, nothing needs to be changed, Your Majesty. Since this plan was made before I arrived with Seto and Biswara, I would only suggest some additions.” He took a pen and drew several marks on the parchment.“Seto and Biswara will take command of the two flanks

Inside the tent, silence reigned. Each of them was lost in thought, searching for a way to send word to the Capital of Sastrajingga. The enemy’s attack plan—which most likely would not align with Arya’s strategy—could spell disaster for the kingdom’s forces.“What if I go to the palace myself?” Elder Antareja offered.“No, Grandfather. None of us can go to the palace. If anyone is to be sent, they must at least possess great martial skill to stand against Poncokusumo’s seven men,” Arya replied.“The Prince is right, Antareja. All four of us are already under their watch. Better not to risk forcing the matter,” Elder Wiyasa added.“Then it will be extremely difficult, Wiyasa. Other than the four of us here, none of our soldiers have strong enough martial skills,” Elder Antareja said.“If dressed as soldiers, it would certainly raise suspicion. But if dressed as a commoner, they wouldn’t recognize him.” Arya murmured softly. He picked up a cloth bundle lying beside him, unwrapped it, an