That young man is clever… he can read my attacks, Kemuning Sari muttered inwardly, disbelief flashing across his face. He had thought Arya would expect him to use the same trick as before—intending to deceive, yet ending up deceived himself. Now, he had to rethink his entire strategy.Though Arya was also pushed back by the previous blast, his condition was far better than Kemuning Sari’s. The young man managed to dig his heels into the ground, leaving deep marks as he stopped his sliding momentum.Arya stood tall, his sharp eyes fixed on Kemuning Sari’s body sprawled among the fallen trees. Around him, the forest lay in ruins—splintered trunks and scorched earth showing the ferocity of their duel.The effeminate warrior, once known as Jaka , coughed and spat a mouthful of fresh blood. He forced himself to stand and channeled his inner energy to ease the pain coursing through his body.Rage twisted his features. In the next instant, he drew the sacred sword he had yet to use.A surge

Arya walked toward the body of Kemuning Sari, which still lay among the ruins of fallen trees. The black flame blade that had once burned fiercely on his sword was now gone.“What a pitiful fate you’ve met, you effeminate demon,” Arya said mockingly, a cruel smile curling on his lips. He crouched on the fallen trunk, his gaze fixed on Kemuning Sari. “You never thought you’d end up meeting me, did you?”Kemuning Sari snorted angrily through her nostrils. Her eyes, burning with hatred, glared at the young man who had rendered her powerless.“To be honest, I somewhat admire you,” Arya continued with his trademark grin. “Even in this state, you don’t seem afraid at all.”“Shut up, bastard! If you think I fear death, you’re gravely mistaken. Kill me now!” Kemuning Sari snapped, her voice trembling with rage.Arya picked up a branch as thick as his big toe, broke it to about a meter in length, and stripped away the leaves. Kemuning Sari watched in confusion, wondering what the young man was

Ki Mangkubumi glanced at Princess Rani and immediately noticed the admiration in her eyes. It wasn’t surprising to him—Arya possessed not only an exceptional appearance but also noble manners and a calm, humble spirit. A perfect combination that naturally drew the attention of women.Arya explained that he hadn’t been able to continue his training yet because he had met the soldiers of the Pamenang Kingdom. He didn’t feel the need to go into details about his training process; Ki Mangkubumi already understood, and Suwita or the others didn’t need to know.He told Ki Mangkubumi everything clearly and in detail, including Princess Rani’s request for help with her problem.“For that matter, we must discuss it privately, Your Highness,” Ki Mangkubumi said calmly. “Right now, you are also urgently needed in the palace. There’s a possibility that an attack could happen at any moment.”“My apologies, but which force would dare to attack the royal capital of Sastrajingga?” Suwita asked, his c

During the journey to the palace, Arya finally came to a conclusion—that what Suwita had said about King Syailendra being a responsible ruler who truly cared for his people was indeed true. He based this conclusion on the well-organized state of the royal capital and the prosperous lives of its citizens.The absence of beggars and vagrants in the royal city was, in itself, clear proof of King Syailendra’s success in governing his people.However, remembering the betrayal of King Damarjaya a few months earlier—which had led to a devastating war—Arya could not easily believe everything he saw, even after reaching that conclusion.It was worth noting that King Damarjaya had also been known as a ruler who succeeded in improving his people’s economy. Even though Purareksa was merely a vassal kingdom, it could stand firmly on its own without relying on the economic support of its parent kingdom, Sastrajingga.Upon arriving in front of the palace gates, the guards immediately opened them and

Suwita took a deep breath before answering King Syailendra’s question.“Yes, Your Majesty. He is Prince Jayalaksana, the youngest son of the late King Dharmalaksana.”King Syailendra immediately furrowed his brows when Suwita mentioned the word late. Although he had never met the man and their kingdoms had no political ties, the name King Dharmalaksana was one he often heard. The last news he received spoke of a great war in the capital of the Sastrajingga Kingdom a few months ago, but according to the reports, the ruler of Sastrajingga and his family had survived — even emerged victorious. So why had Suwita referred to him as the late King Dharmalaksana?“Are you certain, Commander? I mean, are you sure King Dharmalaksana has passed away? Or could this perhaps be a ruse — a ploy for some hidden advantage?”“I cannot say for certain, Your Majesty,” Suwita replied respectfully. “But I firmly believe that the young man sitting beside your daughter is indeed Prince Jayalaksana.”King Sya