"Hahaha... Who do you think you are? The Prime Minister would never associate with people like you," mocked one of the soldiers."But we came here because a young man sent us, promising that we could become soldiers. His name is Arya."The soldiers' laughter suddenly stopped the moment they heard the name of Jaya Buana's Grand Commander."Are you sure that it was the Grand Commander himself who sent you here?"The group of former bandits looked confused by what they had just heard. They couldn’t believe that the young man who had led them to redemption was actually a high-ranking official in the Jaya Buana kingdom."We don’t know for sure, Sir. But that young man gave us his clothes to show to Prime Minister Bayu Aji," the leader of the group replied. He quickly untied the bundle slung over his shoulder and pulled out the clothes Arya had given him."Here, Sir," he said, handing the garment to one of the soldiers.Without even touching the clothing, the soldiers immediately recognized

Prime Minister Bayu Aji could sense the anxiety among the residents of the capital city. However, since there had been no order from King Wijaya Kusuma to relocate them, he could only instruct the soldiers to reassure the people and keep them calm.Accompanied by Commander Argananta and escorted by four soldiers, the forty-year-old high-ranking official patrolled the city, inspecting the soldiers' work as they cooperated in digging a defensive trench around the capital.At the main gate, the two important officials from different kingdoms spent more time discussing strategies to fortify their defenses.In addition to digging a five-meter-wide, two-meter-deep trench, the soldiers also placed hundreds of one-meter-wide pit traps about fifty meters from the trench. Inside these pits were sharp wooden stakes, concealed with leaves and dry straw to make them look natural.It was hoped that the trench and pit traps would reduce the enemy's numbers by at least ten to twenty percent before th

An assumption put forward by three elders of the dark sect suggested that Walang Sungsang had fled from his responsibilities. However, Mandalasura strongly refuted this claim. The warrior known as the Shadow Demon insisted that he knew Walang Sungsang well. He was certain that the accusations were baseless, as Walang Sungsang had always been highly loyal to the dark sect. It was impossible for the warrior, also known as the Steel Claw, to change his mind and abandon their alliance."But the fact remains that Walang Sungsang has yet to return, Elder. Doesn't that count as running away from responsibility?" argued Supranata, the leader of the Black Raven Sect."Could something have happened to Elder Walang Sungsang while he was chasing Kertapati?" asked King Dharma Kusuma."That is certainly possible!" Mandalasura quickly responded."But is it really possible, Elder? We all know that Kertapati is not someone capable of defeating Walang Sungsang," Supranata still doubted Mandalasura's wo

For the residents of the capital city, there was no other option but to obey the order to leave. Aside from valuable coins and a few sets of clothing, they could bring nothing else. Everything was left behind, including livestock and household furniture.Prime Minister Bayu Aji and Commander Argananta watched the soldiers work with serious expressions. Occasionally, they shouted orders whenever they noticed inefficiencies in the soldiers' tasks.Commander Argananta, with his extensive experience in defending against invasions from rival kingdoms attempting to conquer the Sastrajingga Kingdom, carefully explained the necessary steps to take. He applied his past experiences to assist Prime Minister Bayu Aji in handling the impending attack from the Cakrabuana Kingdom.Inside the palace, the atmosphere was just as tense. Gone were the joyful laughter and merriment that once filled the halls before King Dharma Kusuma declared war.King Wijay

"We will answer, but after that, you must answer my question. How about that?" said Hydra."Alright." Arya nodded."First, you have mastered the Dragon King's Eye. You will no longer struggle against warriors who are faster than you. However, for now, there is a time limit on its usage because you have yet to fully refine the Fire Dragon energy within your body," Hydra explained."As for the beam of light that shot from your eyes, we are also curious as to how you were able to wield it," Wira Atmaja added.Arya raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What exactly have I mastered?""The beam of light from your eyes is a power that belongs only to the Dragon King. We call it the Dragon God's Wrathful Gaze," Hydra answered.Arya could only remain silent, furrowing his brow. No wonder the impact was so terrifying, he thought."But there's something you must know, Arya... If you are not facing a truly formidable enemy, never use it.