After mastering the Silent Step Technique, in the stillness filled with flowing spiritual energy, he began meditating to comprehend the Dense Soul Realm—an advanced stage that would unlock greater power within him.
The Dense Soul Realm is a higher level in a spiritual practitioner's journey. At this stage, one begins to learn how to control and manipulate the life energy within—a force that previously flowed aimlessly, without clear direction. This energy isn't just physical or spiritual strength, but a more condensed, structured form of existence—deeply connected to the universe.
In the Dense Soul Realm, the body and soul reach a near-perfect balance. Practitioners start interacting directly with the energy of nature—not just as part of it, but as its wielder. They could manipulate air or even condense energy into forms that can be seen or touched. At this stage, a practitioner can sense the world with sharp, crystalline clarity. They can feel nature's vibrations, understand the language of the wind, and even commune with objects that hold spiritual energy.
As he meditated, Baskara began sensing things he couldn't explain. It was as if he had connected with a greater natural force. The weight in his chest disappeared, and it felt as if a spirit within him had begun to awaken. Each breath grew steadier, deeper, as if he were becoming one with the world around him.
But what surprised him the most was a new awareness. He realized that to enter the Dense Soul Realm, he had to release all attachment to his physical body. This was a journey beyond the flesh—toward pure consciousness. Not just understanding energy, but wielding it, and shaping it through thought and intention.
Meanwhile, at Teguh and Tirta's home, they sat together in a modestly luxurious living room. A sense of unease crept into their hearts as they spoke of their son's fate.
"Husband, do you think something will happen to our son?" Tirta asked with worry in her voice.
Teguh looked at her gently, trying to ease her fears. "For now, let's trust my father," he replied calmly. "But we should also devote ourselves more to meditation—so we can protect him if needed."
Tirta nodded slowly, though anxiety still lingered in her chest. "I'll try harder—for him," she murmured.
That afternoon, after a long meditation, Baskara finally concluded his ascetic session. His body felt tired, but his heart brimmed with satisfaction.
"Not bad. I've finally perfected the beginner stage. Soon, I'll step into the intermediate level," he thought, taking a deep breath. The warmth and humidity clinging to his body from the spiritual aura made him feel like taking a bath.
After bathing, Baskara sat in his room, feeling refreshed. He was reflecting on his meditation journey when suddenly—
Knock, knock.
"Come in," he called out, allowing his grandfather to enter.
"How are you, my grandson? Did you understand the technique?" Eyang Pradipa asked, watching Baskara with hopeful eyes.
"Yes, Grandpa. It's an incredible technique," Baskara replied confidently—though in truth, he had already mastered it up to the third layer.
His grandfather seemed surprised. "How do you know it's incredible if you haven't even tried it yet?"
Baskara smirked slyly. "Hehe, I could tell from the writings. It just looks powerful," he said, not entirely honest. Deep down, he knew he had advanced far beyond what he let on.
"Oh really? Well then, I'll be waiting," Eyang Pradipa replied with a meaningful smile as he sat down by the table.
"Now come here, let me teach you some general knowledge."
In a dimly lit secret room, two men sat in serious conversation. Laid out before them was an old map, filled with markings and ancient symbols—understandable only to those familiar with the language of meditation.
One of them, a man in black robes with a scarf covering part of his face, pointed to a specific spot on the map.
"Is this the real location? The treasure?" he asked, his voice low and cautious.
The other man, wearing a dark brown shirt and a cunning expression, nodded slowly. "The markings are clear. But to unlock it, I'll need permission from my superior. I'll contact them first."
He pulled out his phone and stepped into a corner. His conversation was brief, direct—no small talk. Once an agreement was reached, he returned to the table.
"My boss agreed. The money will be transferred shortly."
Kring!
The phone chimed sharply, breaking the silence.
"Did it come through?" asked the masked man, still sitting calmly.
"Yes," the other replied with a satisfied smile.
"Pleasure doing business with you," said the masked man, smirking before vanishing into the shadows.
Meanwhile, in front of the Baskara family's gate, a young girl stood with a look of disappointment. Dinda, Baskara's cousin and close friend, had just come home from school. She looked down, her voice soft but clearly hurt.
"Auntie… is it true that Baskara is studying out of town?"
Tirta, just returning from the inner courtyard, looked at her with compassion. "It's true, Dinda. I'm sorry… Baskara didn't get a chance to tell you," she said, gently brushing Dinda's head.
Dinda nodded, her eyes glossy. "Okay, Auntie… I'll be going home then."
Her steps were slow, weary, as she left the grand gate. Though only cousins, their bond had always been like siblings. Her disappointment was hard to hide.
Inside Baskara's room, Eyang Pradipa sat teaching the lineage of spiritual worlds and the shifting ages of meditation. Baskara sat cross-legged, listening intently.
Suddenly—
BRRRRT! BRRRRT!
His grandfather's phone buzzed.
As he read the message, his expression shifted instantly—from calm to grave. His voice grew heavier.
"Son, I have urgent matters to attend to. Continue studying on your own for now."
Baskara nodded, though puzzled. "Alright, Grandpa…"
After Eyang Pradipa left the room, Baskara stared at the closed door. "Weird… why the sudden seriousness? Did something happen?" he whispered.
He took a deep breath and stood up. "Whatever… rather than overthinking it, I might as well head to the meditation chamber."
He made his way to the sanctum, ready to continue his spiritual training and deepen his grasp of the Dense Soul Realm. The outside world may be shifting in waves of conflict—but within that space, Baskara was evolving into something he hadn't yet begun to comprehend.