Ancient City of Aryasana stood proudly with towering buildings that pierced the clouds.
"Master, where is the Royal Palace? Usually, the Royal Palace is built grandly, symbolizing the glory of the royal family."
Sekuik Mulya raised his index finger to the sky and said, "Use the Dragon Penetrating the Clouds technique to look upwards."
Indera Sarwajagat used the sacred technique taught by Sekuik Mulya—Dragon Penetrating the Clouds. His vision moved in an instant, piercing through thousands of layers of mystical veils.
"Who dares to spy on the Royal Palace of Aryasana?!" The voice echoed throughout the palace, pushing Indera Sarwajagat gazed back to himself.
Sekuik Mulya laughed, and said: "HaHaHa, now you know. Jagat, your clothes are still clean, right?"
Indera Sarwajagat checked his clothes and replied: "Yes, master. Why?"
"The Royal Palace bound to be in chaos in right now. No one dares to spy on Royal Palace except for you. Follow me to the Royale Palace," Sekuik Mulya said calmly.
"HAA?!" Indera Sarwajagat was stunned.
Sekuik Mulya quickly flew into the air, followed by his disciple, Indera Sarwajagat, heading towards the Royal Palace.
Indera Sarwajagat cannot fly by himself yet. He's actually dragged by Sekuik Mulya.
Sekuik Mulya and Indera Sarwajagat hovered in front of gates.
A voice rang out, echoing across the Royal Palace, followed by the appearance of a muscular man: "Fellow sorcerers, what brings you both here?"
Sekuik Mulya spoke: "Tell Zarion Aryasana that Sekuik Mulya has come to visit."
GROOOAAANNGG!
The gates of the Royal Palace of Aryasana slowly opened.
A man with long hair, dressed in magnificent attire, walked on air without any footwear, emerging from the gate. His golden hair flowed freely, blown by the gentle wind. His ears were adorned with luxurious golden earrings, and his neck was filled with chains of gold and gems.
He wore a tight black outfit that wrapped his body from the arms to the neck. Over it, a loose white robe flowed decorated with golden threads that reflected sunlight.
The muscular man and the palace guards knelt on one knee before the man: "Long live the Great Emperor! Long live the Aryasana Majesta Empire! The seven skies kneel before the emperor's dominion!"
Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana spread his arms wide and said: Grandfather! It's been a long time! Please, come in! I have matters to discuss."
Sekuik Mulya replied flatly: "Very well."
...
..
Mahrani Ning Tiara gasped in awe: "Sekuik Mulya? The Ancient Holy Dragon! This is my chance to become his disciple!"
A Palace Maiden asked: "The Ancient Holy Dragon?"
"Yes! The Ancient Holy Dragon—a legendary and enigmatic beast! He's also currently a 10th-stage sorcerer, Dimension Shatterer!" Mahrani Ning Tiara explained excitedly.
She continued: "Palace Maiden, prepare my attire, I wish to meet him."
With the help of Palace Maiden, Mahrani Ning Tiara began dressing in the elegant, breathtaking robes prepared by the Head of Palace Maiden.
..
.
The Emperor's Office
Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana waved his hand.
A golden ring with white stone emitted light, and in the blink of an eye, a book appeared on the table.
Sekuik Mulya spoke: "This.... Aryasana's Sacred Tome?"
"Grandfather already know?" Zarion Aryasana asked.
Sekuik Mulya: "I helped your ancestor, Iskandar Aryasana, write this tome 3000 years ago. Its disappeared during the reign of Megantara Aryasana."
He turned his head toward the office door and asked: "Did this child find it?"
Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana simply nodded.
A voice emerged: "Mahrani Ning Tiara, pay respects to Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana and the Ancient Holy Dragon, Sekuik Mulya!"
Indera Sarwajagat was stunned. He thought silently without showing any facial reaction: "Mahrani Ning Tiara?! Wife of Eka Cakerawala! She was... my wife.... in another timeline...."
The door slowly opened, revealing the figure of a beautiful woman. Her skin seemed to radiate light, reflecting the sunlight that greeted from the outside. Her hair was jet black, long and flowing, tied neatly with a silver brooch that glimmered softly under the sunlight.
Her eyes, like bright stars, gazed with a mysterious yet gentle piercing look.
Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana spoke: "Mahrani Ning Tiara, please come in."
"You are the one who brought back this tome?" Sekuik Mulya asked.
"Yes, Ancient Holy Dragon."
"Call me Sekuik Mulya."
"Understood," Mahrani Ning Tiara replied cheerfully.
Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana: "Everyone, please sit."
He continued: "Mahrani Ning Tiara, tell us how you found this tome."
Mahrani Ning Tiara stood up from her seat and bowed her head toward the emperor: "Very well, your majesty. Three years ago, my sister, Mahrani Seroja Indah, received an order from the Supreme Ruler of the Eternal Holy Court, Kencana Pawana, to travel to the southeast of the world of Malura, to explore the realm left behind by Iskandar Aryasana. After two years, she discovered this tome in the library of Iskandar Aryasana, and this news has not yet reached the Eternal Holy Court."
Sekuik Mulya spoke: "Oh, I see.... that realm. That is personal realm of Iskandar Aryasana, left for his descendants. Zarion Aryasana, you didn't know?"
Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana shook his head.
Sekuik Mulya: "I was not with him when death fetched him, so I do not know why he acted in such a way."
Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana: "It's alright, Mahrani Ning Tiara, state what reward you expect for this valuable information."
"This is my chance!" she thought in her heart.
"Your majesty! Mahrani Ning Tiara wishes to become disciple of the Ancient Holy Dragon, Sekuik Mulya!"
"This.... I cannot make decision without Grandfather's consent."
Sekuik Mulya turned his head to look at Indera Sarwajagat. Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana and Mahrani Ning Tiara also looked at him.
Indera Sarwajagat retorted confusedly: "What?"
Sekuik Mulya laughed for a moment: "HaHaHa! This is my disciple, Indera Sarwajagat."
Indera Sarwajagat slightly lowered his head: "Indera Sarwajagat pays respect to Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana and young lady, Mahrani Ning Tiara."
Sekuik Mulya asked Mahrani Ning Tiara: "You're currently a fifth-stage sorcerer, Body Purification. Are you willing to be called sister by Indera Sarwajagat, who just created his second core?"
Mahrani Ning Tiara replied without hesitation: "I, Mahrani Ning Tiara, am willing!"
...
"Very well, I accept you as my disciple."
With a calm motion, Sekuik Mulya drew a Kris from belt that wrapped his belly, touching its tip to Mahrani Ning Tiara's forehead, marking her with the Ancient Holy Dragon's sign in the middle of her brow.
Mahrani Ning Tiara bowed respectfully to Sekuik Mulya and Indera Sarwajagat: "Respect to the master! Respect to the elder disciple!"
Indera Sarwajagat nodded.
"Good, you will follow us both back to our residence," Sekuik Mulya informed her.
"Understood, master!"
"HaHaHa! Congratulations, Mahrani Ning Tiara!" Great Emperor Zarion Aryasana congratulate her.
"Thank you, your majesty."
Mahrani Ning Tiara glanced at Indera Sarwajagat as Sekuik Mulya and Zarion Aryasana continued their discussion.
Indera Sarwajagat stood straight before the window, enjoying the view of the Royal Palace as both his hands rested behind his waist. His white attire was adorned with several flowers sewn with red thread, similar to what Sekuik Mulya wore, but simpler. A simple black belt was worn around his belly and waist.
Indera Sarwajagat noticed Mahrani Ning Tiara looking at him. He immediately turned toward her and nodded, a slight smile curving his lips.
His thoughts now wandered in chaos, without a clear direction.
"If I were Eka Cakerawala, I would have fallen in love at first sight when I saw her, just as I remember in the memory that I inherited. But, I fell nothing in my heart. Sekuik Mulya also isn't in Eka Cakerawala memory. Everything, I.... I'm still uncertain about what is happening. What do I truly feel? Can love possibly bloom in my heart?"
"What I am sure of is, Mahrani Ning Tiara and her elder sister, Mahrani Seroja Indah, will betray the Eternal Holy Court. Even so, this event will take place far in the future. Mahrani Seroja Indah has many preparations to make."