Poncokusumo was a little confused by the order given by Panji Anom. The word she referred only to one person—Ratnasari. Yet, the conversation was about both Arya and Ratnasari.“Why are you silent, Ponco? Quickly call her! I can’t wait to meet the so-called Demoness Fairy, said to be breathtakingly beautiful. Could her beauty truly surpass mine?” said Nyi Langkir as she adjusted her posture, admiring herself.A little about Nyi Langkir—she was a female warrior and also the leader of the Sukma Sejati Sect. Like Reksapati, Nyi Langkir possessed an eternal youth technique. It was no surprise that at almost seventy years of age, her skin remained firm and her face showed no wrinkles to diminish her beauty.The difference between her technique and that of Reksapati lay in the ritual process. While Reksapati relied on meditation performed every full moon, Nyi Langkir’s youth was sustained through intimacy with a young virgin once every three months. And not just any virgin—it had to be a ha

The two figures, who were special spies from the Blood Sword Sect, departed while continuing their discussion about what they had spoken of with Poncokusumo.On the other hand, Arya and Ratnasari did not immediately fall asleep once they were inside their tent. Arya was still troubled by why Ratnasari had not told him that Panji Anom was her biological uncle.“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”Ratnasari sighed deeply, pausing a moment to find the right words for her husband.“I deliberately kept it from you. Personally, I no longer see him as my uncle. I want to sever myself completely from anything connected to the dark sects, including any family ties with him.” Ratnasari lay down, resting her head on Arya’s lap.“Besides, I had another reason. I have no one else left in this world. He is the only one bound to me by blood. I don’t want to feel the sorrow if he were to die in the coming war,” she added softly.Arya gently stroked his wife’s black hair. He gazed at her face, radiant li

The two soldiers carried out their duty, escorting Lakeswara out of the hall and into the prison.The firmness of King Dharmalaksana made the other officials lose their nerve. None of them dared to lift their heads, let alone whisper or speak.“If anyone here wishes to share his fate, raise your hand now!” King Dharmalaksana said in a harsh, threatening tone. “In a situation like this, a man like him only creates chaos, a thorn in the flesh. It is not impossible that during war he might even question the strategy I have chosen.”The officials and everyone present in the hall finally understood the King’s decision to imprison Lakeswara. It was better to remove one person than risk future harm.After regaining control of his emotions, the King of Sastrajingga allowed Prime Minister Bayu Aji to take the seat prepared for him.“Forgive me, Your Majesty… but why do I not see Prince Jayalaksana in the hall?” asked Prime Minister Bayu Aji after taking his seat.“It is a long story, Prime Min

The prolonged absence of Commander Argananta finally made King Dharmalaksana walk toward the door. He ordered the guards to summon Prime Minister Bayu Aji, Seto, and Biswara, as well as Commander Argananta. Prince Suryalaksana was also called so that he would understand his new role.After waiting for about fifteen minutes, those who would hold important roles in the coming war had gathered in King Dharmalaksana’s private chamber.A brief explanation was given by Rengga regarding the message Arya had sent through a soldier of the Purareksa kingdom.Except for King Dharmalaksana, everyone in the room was instantly shocked upon realizing the dire situation they faced. All the preparations they had made were suddenly rendered useless.“Admittedly, our position now is slightly disadvantageous. And now I will explain the precautions we must take if the enemy truly attacks through the second gate.” Rengga reached for the map of the capital and its surroundings, already marked with several s

Commander Argananta was impressed by the attitude shown by the grand commander of the Jaya Buana kingdom. Meanwhile, he himself, an important official of the Sastrajingga kingdom, did not even possess the same loyalty as Rengga had displayed.In truth, Rengga’s decision was not merely based on camaraderie. He knew very well that Arya carried a far greater responsibility than just safeguarding the sovereignty of Sastrajingga.“What about the other troops, Elder?” asked Commander Argananta.“In fact, there is no problem with the other troops, Sir. Only the prince’s position is currently not in a favorable state,” Rengga replied.“Very well, in that case, I shall return to the palace, Elder. His Majesty must be informed of what you have decided.”“Please do, Sir. But later, kindly convey to Prime Minister Bayu Aji that he should pull his position back, closer to the capital,” Rengga instructed.Commander Argananta nodded. He then stood and gave his respects to the grand commander of Jaya