Change of Plan"Here's the deal: I'll let you live, but on one condition—you show me where the village of Mekarsari is. What do you say? If you refuse, I'll kill you right here and now," said Arya, offering a compromise.The man, who looked to be about 25 years old based on his face, raised his gaze, seemingly unable to believe what Arya had just said."Are you serious about forgiving me?"Arya nodded. "What's your name?""My name is Warsito," the man replied."Alright then... Since you're older, I'll address you as 'Big Brother.'” Arya glanced at the cart used to transport the victims in the distance.Warsito looked at Arya with a mixture of disbelief and confusion. He couldn't fathom why the warrior standing before him still showed him respect. Given his defeated status, he wouldn’t even be able to object if Arya decided to enslave him.But surprisingly, Arya's actions were far from what Warsito had anticipated."You will guide the two of us to the village of Mekarsari. After that,

"Why didn't I know there was an angel as beautiful as her in this eatery?" Darma muttered softly. His eyes widened, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed his desire. His heartbeat raced like a horse galloping on a track."If she agrees to be my wife, I’ll divorce my other four wives," he added.Darma's five bodyguards were stunned and remained frozen in their chairs. Throughout their service as Darma's bodyguards, they had repeatedly encountered beautiful faces adorning their master's life. Yet, none of those beautiful women could rival the radiance of the girl currently standing atop the table.Darma released his grip on Suci’s hand and stood up, his predatory gaze fixed on Ratnasari, who stared back at him.Feeling as though she had escaped the clutches of a wild tiger, Suci ran away and hid in the room she usually used for sleeping.The other patrons were stunned by the bravery of the beautiful girl standing on the table. Some thought her boldness was misplaced, as the perso

The old man glared, his anger visibly rising. "This is none of your business, young man! You deserve a severe punishment for your crimes!" he roared."Have you been bribed to such an extent that you defend that scoundrel? If you are truly the village chief, you should stand with the villagers, not side with someone who blatantly mistreats women!" Arya's voice grew louder. His demeanor, which had been respectful at first, had completely shifted."Watch your tongue, young man! You've added to your sins by daring to slander me. Darma is my son!" the old man barked.Arya's broad smile revealed his astonishment at the chief's confession. "So, it’s true—the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Seeing your behavior, it's no surprise that he turned out rotten too. Turns out...""Scoundrel! How dare you insult me!" The old man was livid, his dignity as village chief tarnished by a young man who was no more than a mere boy in comparison."You lot, kill him!" he ordered the men behind him, retr

"Who are they?" Ratnasari asked curiously."I don't know. We need to stay alert; they could be part of the bandits," Arya replied. His sharp eyes darted toward Chandra, who had been silent all this time. Even when the three of them were bracing for the arrival of strangers, the young man dressed in fine clothes remained unresponsive.Moments later, the man who had stopped their journey finally halted his horse near the cart."Excuse me, sir. May I ask where you are headed?" the man inquired."We’re going to the Sword of Light Sect," Arya replied. Judging by the sword the man carried, Arya suspected that the man on horseback was also a warrior."And where are you headed, Sir?" Arya continued."Actually, I’m escorting the merchant behind me through this forest," the man answered, glancing behind him.Arya and Ratnasari looked at the approaching horse-drawn cart that was now close to their position."So, are you planning to pass through this forest with us?" Arya guessed."That’s right,

Without looking, the leader of the bandits spun around and slashed his sword in one swift motion.Clang!The loud sound of clashing metal echoed through the silent night. The tall, broad-shouldered man winced in pain as his sword vibrated violently, leaving his hand numb from the force that traveled through his bones.His eyes widened in disbelief when he realized that the one who blocked his attack was a young woman of stunning beauty. He was so shocked that he couldn’t suppress his reaction.“Impossible!” he muttered under his breath.“What’s impossible? The only certainty tonight is that you’ll meet your end!” Arya growled as he emerged from behind Ratnasari.The sound of a gulp was faint but audible. The Adam’s apple of the tall, burly man bobbed up and down, a clear sign of his fear reaching its peak. His knees trembled, and cold sweat drenched his clothes.“This forest is no longer safe with you and your men around. Starting now, the terror you’ve wrought comes to an end. Don’t