The Sword Of The Fire Dragon

The Emergence of the Dragon

"You’re just pawns being used by Ronggo for his own selfish purposes!" the man shouted as he dodged a slash aimed at his stomach.

"Stop talking, Gandara! How dare you insult my master!" snapped one of Ronggo's disciples.

"Your ambitious master deserves to be insulted!" sneered the man named Gandara. "He claims to be a warrior of the righteous path, yet his actions are no different from a dark path warrior who justifies any means to achieve his desires."

Gandara suddenly drew his sword, causing Ronggo’s disciples to jump back in surprise.

"What makes you any different? Aren’t you here for the sacred artifact as well?" one of the disciples retorted mockingly.

"Hahaha…! If you think I’m the same as Ronggo, that hypocritical man, you’re gravely mistaken. I’m here to ensure the sacred sword doesn’t fall into the wrong hands!" Gandara replied with a mocking smile. "And let me make it clear—I’m stopping you to ensure you return empty-handed. But if you refuse to leave, then I’ll make sure you gain nothing! My sword will do the talking!"

The seven disciples exchanged glances before spreading out, encircling Gandara.

"Battle Hawk Formation!" one of them shouted.

"Hahaha…! You’re still using that outdated formation?" Gandara scoffed as he observed their movements.

The seven disciples ignored Gandara’s taunts, moving in agile, synchronized steps as they circled him.

However, Gandara seemed completely unfazed. It was clear he was well-acquainted with their formation. His sword spun swiftly, deflecting strikes while delivering an unexpected kick.

Thud!

The sudden kick landed squarely on the stomach of one of his attackers, sending him sprawling backward.

"I told you, didn’t I? Your formation is obsolete!" Gandara mocked.

Without hesitation, the older man launched a series of precise attacks, dismantling the Battle Hawk Formation with ease. His swift strikes threw the disciples into disarray, proving Gandara’s words true.

But it was too late for regrets. The outdated techniques their master had taught them left them at a disadvantage, and retreat was no longer an option.

In this desperate situation, the disciples could only resist as best as they could, knowing death might strike at any moment.

Yet the difference in skill was undeniable. While Gandara had been merely toying with the seven disciples earlier, the situation now changed. He gave them no chance to recover or retaliate, ensuring their lives were cut short.

The sound of death echoed through the forest as one by one, Ronggo’s disciples fell, their bodies pierced by Gandara’s sharp blade.

Unbeknownst to Gandara, the battle had been watched by several other individuals. However, they chose not to intervene. Their purpose in the forest was not to fight but to seek the Sky Dragon Sword. Fighting would come later, once the artifact had been found. It was clear that a bloody confrontation was inevitable.

---

Night eventually descended over Panguripan Gorge. The stillness and darkness did not urge Arya, a young and handsome warrior, to rest. Instead, it fueled his determination to train harder.

His mentor, Sarwana, had returned to his hut, confident that Arya no longer needed his guidance. This left Arya free to extend his training sessions.

As midnight approached, Arya finally finished his practice. It was not exhaustion but drowsiness that forced him to stop.

The smooth black rock where he had meditated the day before became his chosen resting spot. Gazing at the twinkling stars above, Arya slowly closed his eyes.

But mere moments after his eyes shut, a loud noise shattered the tranquility.

Groooagh!

Curious about the sound, Arya opened his eyes and stood up, scanning his surroundings for its source.

After a thorough search yielded nothing, the young warrior decided to return to his interrupted rest.

Before he could lie back down, the loud noise rang out again.

Groooagh!

This time, disbelief crept into Arya’s mind. His eyes caught sight of a massive figure flying high in the air. It was identical to the creature he had seen when Sarwana took him to the so-called Dragon Realm.

While the dense forest canopy obscured the view for the other warriors in the forest, Arya had a clear vantage point. He stood frozen in awe, captivated by the sight.

"A dragon...!" he murmured in disbelief. Unsure if what he saw was real, Arya rubbed his eyes repeatedly before refocusing on the magnificent creature. Its fiery red aura made it visible to anyone lucky—or unlucky—enough to spot it.

"It seems I’m not dreaming," he thought, unable to tear his gaze away.

Moments later, his shock deepened as a bright red beam shot into the sky, striking the dragon.

Rather than fear, Arya felt a surge of curiosity. Though fear lingered in his heart, his inquisitiveness overshadowed it.

Slowly, the young warrior began walking toward the source of the red light.

After covering over 300 meters from his training spot, Arya finally reached a clearing. From 40 meters away, he saw the source of the crimson glow—a sword embedded in a rock, radiating an intense red aura that illuminated the area.

"A sword...?" Arya muttered in confusion. Why had Sarwana never mentioned such a thing? Could it be that Sarwana didn’t know, or had he deliberately kept it a secret? The thought seemed impossible—how could the guardian of Panguripan Gorge be unaware of this? His mind buzzed with questions and doubts.

Steeling himself, Arya moved closer. But before he could take more than two steps, the dragon he had seen earlier descended and landed before him, blocking his path.

Groooagh!!!