Episode 5: Light Within Darkness

Black mist consumed the forests of Larlana.

Ancient trees trembled as though screaming in pain.

And in the middle of the dying forest—

Uta stood face to face with Rimba.

The giant guardian’s body was covered in pulsing Void roots that moved like living veins.

Its eyes burned dark red.

Yet deep within those eyes—

A fragment of consciousness still remained.

“…save me…”

The weak voice echoed once more inside Uta’s mind.

Melur Bayu looked at him anxiously.

“Uta, don’t get too close!”

But Uta stepped forward.

Slowly.

Carefully.

Laksamana Keris immediately blocked his path.

“That is no longer a normal creature.”

“I know.”

“It could kill you in a single strike.”

Uta stared directly at Rimba.

“But he’s still fighting the Void from inside.”

Rimba roared violently.

ROOOOOOOARRRRRR!!!

A wave of dark energy exploded across the forest.

The ground cracked apart.

Trees collapsed.

Melur Bayu instantly created a wall of wind to protect them.

“The corruption is becoming unstable!”

Pelita circled nervously around Uta.

“I’m really not sure this is a good idea…”

But Uta kept walking forward.

Every step felt heavier.

The Void energy surrounding Rimba felt like it was crushing his mind.

Dark whispers filled his head.

“You will fail…”

“You are the bringer of destruction…”

“Everyone will die because of you…”

Uta clutched his head tightly.

“Ngh…”

His golden eyes flickered unstably.

Laksamana Keris slowly drew his keris.

“The Void is influencing him.”

Melur Bayu immediately looked toward Uta.

“UTA!”

Suddenly—

Rimba attacked.

Gigantic black roots shot toward Uta at terrifying speed.

But this time—

Uta did not run.

He raised one hand.

BOOOOMMMM!!!

A Solar shield exploded before him.

The Void roots shattered upon impact with golden light.

For the first time—

Uta stood his ground without fear.

His eyes glowed brightly.

“I’m not running anymore.”

Solar light slowly covered his entire body.

Golden markings spread across his neck.

The air around him trembled violently.

From the distance, Tok Tembikar slowly opened his eyes.

“His Solar power is evolving…”

Yet his expression remained troubled.

Because within the golden light—

Dark shadows slowly appeared.

Pelita noticed it too.

“The Void inside him is reacting…”

Suddenly—

Rimba screamed in agony.

The Void roots covering his body began moving wildly.

And from deep within his chest—

A massive black crystal emerged.

Pulsing.

Alive.

Laksamana Keris immediately became serious.

“That’s the corruption core.”

Melur Bayu’s face turned pale.

“If that thing breaks—”

“The entire Larlana Forest will be consumed by the Void,” Tok Tembikar finished quietly.

Silence fell.

Then Uta stepped forward once again.

Melur Bayu quickly grabbed his arm.

“What are you doing?!”

Uta looked at Rimba.

The creature was struggling against itself.

Still fighting.

Still refusing to surrender.

“…I understand how he feels.”

Melur Bayu froze.

Uta slowly clenched his fists.

“When everyone fears you…”

his eyes began glowing brighter.

“…you start fearing yourself too.”

BOOOOOOMMMM!!!

Solar energy erupted from Uta’s body like a newborn sun.

Golden light flooded the entire forest.

The black mist began burning away.

Void roots shattered one after another.

Rimba screamed loudly—

But this time not from rage.

From pain.

Uta charged forward.

And placed his hand directly onto the black crystal embedded in Rimba’s chest.

“UTA, DON’T—!”

Too late.

CRAAAAAASSSHHHH!!!

Light and darkness exploded together.

The entire forest turned white.

And within the explosion—

Uta saw something.

A woman dressed in moonlit robes standing within endless darkness.

Kenanga Purnama.

She looked at him with an expression difficult to understand.

Sad.

Lonely.

Exhausted.

Then—

She whispered softly.

“You are… just like me.”

BOOOOOOMMMM!!!

A second explosion erupted.

And Uta’s body was thrown violently backward.

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