EVERNA Ring of Fire

IDHARMA Part 5

The leader of the group, Sthira spoke up, “Even thousands of mercy! It was the Kecak who attacked us first. Otherwise, we will definitely not harm them.”

“Can be. But remember, kecak will only attack anyone who enters the labyrinth with bad intentions.”

The three warriors were fixated instantly, like being struck by lightning in broad daylight. The purpose of their arrival in the stomach of Mount Idharma has been read since the first step. It is only fitting that the kecak are the first to attack.

But wait, if Ni Luh Widuri really intends to talk well, he will not need to bring his students with him, even bother to be the guide of the Sthira team, right?

Arumi launched his diplomatic wits. “It depends on the way of thinking and the way of view of each creature. It's only natural that some kind of kecak demon thought our intentions were bad. But you, Barong is a symbol of wisdom. Surely you won't use violence right away, will you?”

The Barong human form stretches out both hands, the movements are getting grander. “Then I stood here first, waiting for you to answer my first question. Let me repeat, what problem do you want to tell me?”

It was Nirya's turn to give the exposure. “War between the island states throughout Antapada has been widespread and protracted, this must be ended immediately before all these countries are devastated and unable to rise again.”

“Ah, yes. That is also my current concern,” responded Barong. “So, do you have a way to end this war? Or do you want to ask my advice?”

Sthira replied, “Yes, we have a way, and we are carrying it out. All we need is your cooperation and willingness, O Barong Agung.”

Barong's eyes glared until they looked round. “You mean?”

Sthira doesn't need to talk anymore. “Give me the magic key of Mount Idharma, let us open it. The eruption of Idharma will weaken the city of Danurah and the entire Rainusa temporarily. So far we have weakened Swarnara and Jayandra. But this ‘weakening’ must be evenly distributed in all countries in Antapada, so that no strong country devours other countries.”

Barong was silent for a moment, then laughed out loud.

Sthira, Nirya and Arumi exchanged glances, not expecting Barong's reaction. But for some reason, their tongues became mute, unable to say anything.

“To put it bluntly, I think this idea of yours is quite interesting. If you succeed, maybe your mission will end a great war, maybe not. However, weakening Rainusa was clearly a waste of time in vain.”

“What do you mean?” sergeant Sthira.

“You must have known, Rainusa is already weak and controlled by Jayandra. I Gde Bakangga is just a puppet king who has no intention of releasing himself from the comforts of foreign influence. So, instead of making Rainusa weaker and unable to get back up, there is one other mountain in Rainusa that you deserve to erupt.”

The faces of Sthira, Nirya and Arumi further imply confusion. “More inappropriate mountains”, a statement that is “miring” from the figure of Barong which is considered the most “lurus” it.

“It was Mount Tubar’e, and Dabongsang, the city of criminals built exactly on its slopes.”

“Why Dabongsang?” The young blood of Sthira bubbled. “Don't trick us, Barong. There is no more important city in Rainusa than Danurah, and you know it.”

“Yes, that's what I, you and everyone know. However, the most important city in Rainusa these days is Dabongsang.”

“Why is that so?” ask Arumi.

“Because of the true King Rainusa, Anak Agung Wiranata is being held captive and hostage there.”

All listeners were amazed.

Barong nodded. “Ya, so that it will be strong again. Rainusa is a land of peace. No matter how strong our land is this archipelago, we will never take advantage of the narrowness of the weak countries. I was the one who made sure that happened. But, it would be better for the people of Rainusa if their leader is a truly peace-loving figure, namely Wiranata.”

“Because surely Bakangga will not obey you,” timpal Nirya. “If he knows Jayandra is weak, he will strike back and take control of the land of his control.”

“So, so that Danurah avoids ‘should to be destroyed’, Wiranata must overthrow Bakangga and return to power at Rainusa.” That's Arumi's conclusion.

Barong clapped. “Well, you can already understand this. So please leave Mount Idharma.”.

“Yes, we understand very well,” cut Sthira, his hand is ready on the hilt. “But we have fought all the way here, even losing one of our colleagues. Surely we will not go home empty-handed, ‘kan? Maybe we will stop by Tubar’e Mountain later, but sorry, I just believe Danurah is really weak only when the city is destroyed!”

Sthira's contradictory statements made Nirya, Arumi, even Barong himself aghast. No matter how obvious Barong's explanation, Sthira's unanimous determination has not changed in the slightest.

“Are you crazy, Sthira?” arumi Tegur.

“Already, we do not need to aggravate the already severe condition of the country,” said Nirya. “Let's go to Dabongsang only!”

“I'm really surprised at you guys,” Sthira said with a snort.

“Heran?” Nirya and Arumi said it almost simultaneously.

“Yes. When Mount Barkajang and Mount Megaswari erupted, you only mourn the destroyed cities of Ringidatu and Wulantra and the people who were victims. Why do you now doubt Danurah, in Rainusa which is not your country? This Barong clearly wants to escape his country from the disaster that should happen evenly, while protecting his honor as the caretaker of Mount Idharma, deliberately turning our attention to another mountain that is not so important. Enough talk, let us show that we still have the mind and can not be tricked just like that!” After saying so, Sthira turned around and ran away with a huge mandau drawn towards Barong.

“Stupid basis!” exclaiming Barong, brushed aside the mudau Sthira with his bare hands, laden with pure energy. “I've been trying to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Now, I should instead teach you a lesson!”

Barong swung his fists, burying them hard into the opponent's stomach. As a result, Sthira bounced to fall down on the floor.

Not stopping there, Barong darted forward. Both of his fists shimmered white, ready to make the entire black world of Sthira forever. Just as the first fist was about to be swung, one Arumi arrow laden with Prana Fire Arrows shot towards Barong. Forced the fist was diverted to brush off the arrows, and Barong's steps came to a halt.

When the white-haired lion-like man was about to attack again, Nirya had already moved Sthira's body away.

“Oh, even you helped the fool?!” tukas Barong's.

It was Niryah who replied, “Sorry, although we fully agree with your idea, Sthira remains the leader and prime mover of our mission. If he were to fall here, our mission objective would be even more impossible to achieve.  More severe chaos will surely hit Antapada, as feared Mpu Galahasin!”

“You how else?” sergeant Barong. “Isn't it better that one country rises up and unites Antapada?”

Arumi replied, ‘Maybe, but the time is not right anymore. The unifier of Antapada must come from the most prosperous, most powerful and most civilized countries such as Swarnara or Jayandra. But it is precisely these two countries that have been weakened first. Do you expect a strong but primitive country like Kalingga, a land of all ‘soday’ like Akhsar, or a land of pirates, Bethara?”

Nirya chimed, “Or Don't-don't... Rainusa who wants to appear as a unifier, originally Wiranata kembai reigned?”

“I told you, Rainusa is a land of peace without ambition! Are you guys starting to doubt my intentions?” reprimand Barong.

Image source: References to Barong from Shin Megami Tensei's version.