The three companions resumed their interrupted journey without delay. Ratih mounted her great black steed, guiding it with practiced hands along the winding forest path, while Aji and Sakuntala moved alongside her with the effortless grace of those who had mastered the ancient art of lightening the body—their feet barely touching the ground as they glided forward at a pace that would have exhausted ordinary travelers in moments.An hour and a half passed in swift silence, until the ominous premonition that had gnawed at Sakuntala’s heart proved tragically true. In the distance, rising above the treetops like a beacon of home turned to chaos, stood the Golden Bamboo School—and it was under siege by warriors of the Demon’s Blood Sect.In truth, these dark disciples had been dispatched as reinforcements for Darmo Jagal, summoned to aid him in his pursuit of the Dragon Earth Tome. But a fatal error in communication had sent them racing directly to the school instead of intercepting Sakunt

“How should I know? This is the first time we have ever faced him—or even laid eyes upon him,” Joyonoto replied, his gaze never straying from the Dragon Earth Sword clutched firmly in Aji’s hand. The legendary weapon seemed to pulse with a life of its own, casting deep crimson shadows across the grass beneath their feet.“But I find it hard to believe that is truly the Dragon Earth Sword,” he continued, his voice low with suspicion. “How could a blade forged in darkness for the dark sect ever come to be wielded by a warrior of the light? Still—be on your guard. Do not let doubt cloud your judgment for even a moment!”The two dark warriors were not entirely ignorant of the blade’s fabled history. Alongside Darmo Jagal, they had been commanded by Ki Tunggul Anom—leader of the central Demon’s Blood Sect—to retrieve the Dragon Earth Tome at any cost. The sword, they had been told, was its inseparable counterpart—a weapon of immense power that could unlock the full potential of the tome’s

Aji felt a wave of relief wash over him as his great-grandfather’s wisdom echoed in his mind, steadying his resolve. He wasted no more time—seeing that Joyonoto had cast aside his spear and now drew a dark black blade from his back, Aji pulled the Dragon Earth Sword from its scabbard once more, its surface gleaming with quiet power.“You are about to witness the true might of my beloved Demon Sword!” Joyonoto hissed, his voice low and menacing as he gripped the weapon tightly. The blade seemed to drink in the light around it, casting deep shadows across his face.“My blade has no need to acquaint itself with such filth,” Aji scoffed, holding his own sword at the ready—its dark form a mirror to Joyonoto’s weapon, yet carrying an aura of purpose rather than malice.Thick black smoke began to pour from the Demon Sword, curling around Joyonoto’s hand like living serpents. He shifted his weight, drawing his right foot back to plant it firmly on the ground, then launched himself forward wit

Having claimed the Devil’s Sword that had once belonged to Joyonoto, Aji made his way toward Sakuntala, who stood transfixed by the carnage spread across the grounds of his order. The elder warrior’s gaze had yet to turn toward the inner sanctum of the compound, where battle had raged with equal ferocity just moments before.“The Grandmaster—we should venture inside first, to assess the full extent of the damage,” Aji said softly as he came to stand beside the older man, his voice cutting through the heavy silence that hung over the blood-stained courtyard like a funeral veil.Sakuntala turned his weathered face toward Aji, his eyes clouded with grief, before nodding slowly in agreement. A deep, shuddering breath escaped his lips, carving new lines into the map of wrinkles that covered his skin—each crease a testament to years of hardship and wisdom.Together, Aji, Ratih, and Sakuntala stepped into the heart of the compound, only to find the scene mirrored within its walls. Bodies lay

But at the sight of Ratih’s playful frown, Aji’s resolve melted away completely. “Do not make such a face, my love,” he said with a warm laugh, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Very well then—let us go upstairs, as you wish!”A brilliant smile spread across Ratih’s face, lighting up her features like the first rays of dawn breaking over the mountains. With renewed energy coursing through her, she walked beside him, her steps light and graceful as they made their way toward the staircase at the far end of the room.The natural harmony between the couple did not go unnoticed by the patrons below. Every eye followed their progress across the crowded ground floor, their gazes lingering until the pair had vanished up the wooden steps that led to the upper level.The same effect awaited them above. Where moments before the second floor had hummed with the low roar of conversation—filled with merchants haggling over deals, nobles exchanging pleasantries, and warriors r