A few days had passed since that night. Arya still followed Dio's instructions faithfully, training his aura almost every night. He sat cross-legged, drew in a long breath, trying to steady the energy inside him. What once felt impossible was finally showing small improvements; Dio even nodded in quiet approval. Arya's aura, once dull and ashen, now flashed with faint sparks of light.
But for Rika, that progress was a double-edged sword. A worry she would not voice sat under her bright demeanor. From time to time, little lines of concern crossed her cheerful face whenever she looked at Arya. The nights of training made it harder for her to sleep, and even the simplest moments between them felt awkward.
That morning, sunlight began to crawl in behind the boarding room curtains. Rika hovered in the air as usual and tapped at Arya's foot, still curled under the blanket."Aryaaa… wake up! You'll be late for class again!" she shouted, puffing her cheeks in annoyance. But Arya didn't move; his body shifted a little but gave no real response.
Rika huffed and then raised her voice into panic. "Don't blame me if your professor scolds you! Hey! Get up! Get up, you lazy human—"
Suddenly Arya rolled over, changing from lying on his side facing the wall to lying on his back. Rika, who had been shouting, froze. Her eyes went wide."…A-Arya…?" her voice trembled.
Arya's lips looked bloodless, as if the color had drained from them. His skin was paler than usual, cold like a candle nearly burned out. Deep dark bags sagged beneath his eyes, as if he hadn't slept for days. His chest rose and fell in short, irregular breaths.
Rika moved closer; her knees shook, her hands trembled as she reached for Arya's face. But she stopped before her fingers could touch his skin."No… this can't be…" she whispered, almost inaudible.
"Why like this…? You stupid human… why push yourself this far?!" Rika shouted, voice breaking. Her body went weak; she bowed her head, eyes wide as she stared at the boarding-room floor."Why are you so damn stubborn…" she murmured, voice quavering, nearly choked by the tears she kept from falling. She looked at Arya's pale face; his body felt fragile and light, like it could collapse any second. Her insubstantial fingers tried to touch his cheek but passed right through.
Arya moved his lips slightly; his voice came out weak and halting, like someone struggling through a nightmare."I… I'm okay… wake me… in five minutes, Rika. I'll go to campus…" he whispered, eyes still closed.
Those words—ordinarily casual coming from Arya—stung Rika like a knife. She bit her lip hard, holding back a surge of mixed emotions. Her eyes glistened; tears threatened to fall."Stupid… stupid human… why are you always like this?" she muttered, soft but full of self-directed anger."Why didn't I stop him…? Why couldn't I warn him properly…?" she asked herself, blaming her own inaction. A tightness hit her chest like an unstoppable wave.
Suddenly her body stiffened; her eyes widened as if she'd recalled something important. She sprang up, her usually bright face now filled with deep anxiety. Without thinking twice, she shot to the window and slipped through the glass like a wisp of mist."Wait there… Arya, this time I won't stand by…" she whispered, voice low but resolved, before flying out of Arya's boarding room.
That morning the sun shone bright, but for Rika the world felt narrow and dark. She flew fast through the air, her usually smiling face taut, her eyes red with held-back tears. Corridor after corridor on campus she searched, passing through classroom after classroom as if the students were mere ghosts to her. Floor after floor she scoured, breathless from fear though she had no mortal lungs to choke.
"Where are you…?" Rika asked, voice trembling, eyes scanning for a familiar figure. "No—this can't happen again…" she whispered with determination and a shadow of dread.
In one corridor she spotted the back of a man wearing a black shirt, his messy hair matching Dio's. Her eyes lit up with hope—only for the man to turn and reveal a stranger. "Not him." The hope collapsed. She drifted backward slowly, biting her lower lip so hard she drew phantom blood. "No… don't… I can't give up… I must find him…" she whispered, thin tears evaporating before they hit the floor. She took to the air again, her gaze sweeping every corner of the campus with increasing desperation.
In a dim boarding room, Dio lay wrapped in blankets, only his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. He hugged the old kris with a dragon-carved hilt tight to his chest. His breath was a little heavy; a cold had clogged his nose for days.
"Ugh—my brain's been working too hard lately…" Dio grumbled lazily, blocking the sunlight with his arm. His eyes flicked to Nagini's kris beside him. But something was off. The kris felt cold and empty. Nagini was silent—no familiar whispers, no warm presence filling the room.
"Where are you, old snake? What are you up to…?" he asked the kris, voice edged with irritation and worry. He closed his eyes briefly and tried to steady his breathing."If this keeps up…" he muttered hoarsely, then coughed and burrowed back under the blanket.
Mid-morning, a cold wind cut through the boarding room. Something pressed at his chest. A migraine hammered his temples like a repeated blow. Dio shot upright on the mattress, face pale but eyes sharp, narrowing toward the window where the curtain fluttered in a breeze. An aura—huge, too big for daylight—loomed.
"Damn it… what stinky ghost is acting up this early?" Dio snarled, voice rough with restrained anger. Cold sweat dotted his temples even though the room felt chilly. He reached for Nagini's kris at the bedside but stopped himself. "If it's just a petty ghost or a mischievous jinn, I don't need this yet. If it gets worse, I'll call you, Nagini." He rose gingerly; his knees wobbled but he steadied himself.
"Can't go see someone sick and not help—what a pain," he muttered, taking a breath. He opened the door with a small shove; the hinge squealed.
His steps down the narrow, creaking boarding-house stairs felt like thumps against his aching head. Still, his eyes scanned the surroundings, vision slightly blurred. At the motorbike parking he stopped, balling his hands into fists. He pushed his spiritual aura outward, it spun around him like a small whirlwind.
"Where is the ghost? I'll finish this before my head splits," he muttered, breath rough. He exhaled hard. "I'll chop it up… burn it… make sure it can't cross over. I don't care if Nagini nags me for a month afterward!" he swore inwardly, stepping out with murderous intent.
Dio started his bike roughly; the engine roared, shattering the morning quiet. "This aura… it's gone wild! If I'm even a little late, someone'll be hurt," he muttered, jaw clenching. He sped through Jogja streets still uncrowded, the biting chill signaling something wrong.
Meanwhile, chaos had broken out in Building 1 of Hysteria Campus. Students and lecturers poured out into the yard, some running to the field with ashen faces."Get out! Move! Don't look back!" shouted a male lecturer as he shepherded his class outside. Then—BANG! A desk flew from inside a classroom and smashed into a window, shattering glass down to the ground. The crash sent the crowd into panicked screams.
Several female students screamed, faces drained of color."I— I heard a woman screaming… but there's no one in the classroom!" cried one hysterical girl, clutching a friend. In other rooms, the sound of a woman's scream echoed with no visible source. Brave students froze, hair on end. Some tried to record on their phones—only for them to die at once.
"Calm down, it's only your imagination! Don't be afraid!" a lecturer called, trying to steady his students.KRAKKKK!!! Suddenly every windowpane on the third floor of Building 1 shattered at once. The explosion of glass thundered; shards rained down like sharp hail. The crowd below screamed, some dropping to the ground to cover their heads.
A few students with spiritual talent rushed forward, attempting to block the unseen energy with chants and hand movements. But in a flash—WHOOSH! A dark wind howled through, slamming into them like a savage wave. Five gifted students were hurled back into the walls, knocked unconscious, blood at the corners of some lips.
At that same moment Dio's bike pulled up to the campus gates. The oppressive aura slammed into him. "Damn—this is worse than I thought," he said. He parked the bike, breathing hard, and stared at the gate where students stampeded out, faces pale. The cries mixed with faint ambulance sirens in the distance.
Above the campus, a dense black aura churned like a violent storm, towering up toward the clouds. A fierce wind cut through, bringing a bone-deep chill. "If this doesn't stop soon…" Dio muttered through clenched teeth. He ducked under the gate, using the chaos as cover to run inside.
The building felt more dreadful. Lights flickered and some went out. Corridors were strewn with shards of glass; desks and chairs lay scattered as if thrown by invisible hands. Dio rubbed his pulsing temples. Fever still weighed on his body, legs heavy, but his resolve to stop the damage drove him forward. "Ugh… I feel terrible, but I have to… I have to get to the top," he breathed.
When he reached the third floor, a cold wrapped around him. The corridor was pitch-black though it was midday, as if the sun refused to enter. Heavy breathing echoed from the end of the hall, accompanied by a faint hiss—like a snake. "Who—or what—is here?" Dio muttered, hands trembling. Each step felt like walking toward death.
At the corridor's midpoint a blast of energy hit him hard and sent him sprawling against the wall. "Khh—!" he groaned, wincing, then forced himself to get up.
Dio stood at the classroom doorway, breath ragged from fever and drained energy. The room before him was wrecked—chairs strewn, shattered glass everywhere, and a thick black haze filling the air. Then a clear, sharp voice pierced through:"I found it…"
Dio's eyes narrowed. In the middle of the chaos stood a girl with disheveled hair and tattered clothes, energy rippling around her. Her hands gripped a floating desk."Rika…" Dio whispered.
The girl's eyes glowed strangely, tears hanging at the corners. When those eyes met Dio's, she smiled—not the joy of relief but a smile that seemed to beg for help. Without a word, Rika set the desk down gently and ran for Dio. She grabbed his hand hard and pulled him out of the classroom.
"Hey! What are you doing, crazy ghost?!" Dio shouted, startled but too weak to resist. He was dragged through the broken corridor, their footsteps echoing among the glass.
"What's the point of all this?!" Dio demanded, voice rising with frustration. Rika stayed silent, clinging to his hand and running."Answer me, Rika! Do you want to destroy yourself?!" he barked hoarsely.
Suddenly Rika stopped. They were on the stairs. Her hands trembled as she let go of Dio and stood staring at the floor."If this is how it must be… if that's the only way… I'm ready," she said in a desperate voice. She turned slowly to Dio—those eyes now full of fear, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Dio fell silent. The rage that had burned in him evaporated the moment he saw Rika's despair. He sighed deeply and tried to calm the turmoil inside. Rika finally dropped to her knees on the step and bowed her head. "I'm scared… I don't know what to do… I don't want it to happen again…" her voice broke into choked sobs.
Dio took a long breath and crouched in front of her, looking at her seriously. "Tell me. I won't judge," he said.
Rika bowed her head, clutching her dress. Her voice was hoarse as she forced out the words between stifled sobs. "Dio… I… I don't know what to do. I want Arya to stop pushing himself. If something happens to him… I'm only a spirit. I won't be able to do anything."
Dio watched her with a flat expression, but his gaze was sharp as though reading her heart. "You know your weakness well—but you're using it as an excuse to keep others from growing," he said softly, every word like a hard blow. "Rika, that's selfish."
Rika looked up, tear-filled eyes wide, staring at Dio. "Selfish? But I—I just don't want to lose Arya. I… I'm afraid that if he learns too much, he'll leave…"
"So your fear isn't that he'll be harmed," Dio cut in calmly, coldly. "You're afraid he'll leave you once he can see this world differently." His words clicked something open inside her, something she had locked away.
Rika fell silent. The words unlocked a part of her heart she'd kept shut. Her chest tightened; her lips trembled and the tears flowed harder.
Dio inhaled, then without ceremony reached out his hand to her. "Enough," he said, flat but firm. "Let's heal that stubborn fool."
Rika stared at his outstretched hand; her fingers trembled slightly. Shame and fear battled with a small spark of hope. She lifted her hand and touched his. "Okay… let's help him," she whispered.
The moment their fingers met, a cool breeze seemed to breathe around them. Rika's eyes shone, and Dio gave a small nod before they hurried back to Arya's boarding room.
Rika hovered through the air, cautious as she zipped between rooftops. Her long hair streamed behind her, face drawn with anxiety. Dio ran below, out of breath and slower than usual—he'd even forgotten his motorbike parked at the roadside.
Rika arrived at Arya's boarding room first. She landed softly on the floor and hurried to his bed. Her hands trembled as she smoothed the blanket over his weak body. Daylight streamed warm through the window, but Arya remained cold, his lips bluish. "Wait a bit… Dio's on his way," she whispered, as if Arya could hear. Her face was etched with worry.
CRASH! The bedroom door slammed open. Dio stood in the doorway, sweat plastering his face, breathing hard. "Rude flying ghost! Can't you go slower?! I'm ill too, you know!" he growled in a heavy tone. Rika glanced only briefly at him; her eyes stayed fixed on Arya.
Dio exhaled and closed the door, walking slowly to the bedside. His expression turned serious when he saw Arya's condition. "His aura… it's a mess. What kind of meditation did he do to end up like this?" he muttered to himself.
Rika bit her lower lip; her eyes filled. "This… it's not only Arya's," she said quietly. "His aura's been mixed with something else."
Dio moved closer and placed two fingers on Arya's wrist. He was shocked. "His body is ice-cold… this is dangerous." He looked sharply at Rika. "Hey! Don't just stand there—help me! Focus your energy now!"
Rika flinched and then nodded quickly. Her hands shook as she closed her eyes and tried to follow Dio's instructions. Meanwhile, Dio opened Arya's wardrobe and pulled out some warm clothes to bundle the boy in. He threw a window open to let fresh air in, hoping a temperature change would help.
"Focus the energy in your palms," Dio instructed, bringing his own hands together so warm energy began to radiate from them. Rika followed, though her breath hitched with panic. "Th-this hand… why's it shaking…" she whimpered.
Dio didn't answer. He dashed to the kitchenette, grabbed a pot, boiled water, and threw in a pinch of salt. "If he comes to, he needs to drink this," he muttered, face tight with worry.
When he returned, he stared at Arya still lying pale. "What happened? Who mixed his aura like this?" he thought, jaw clenching. "Hey, you—focus energy on his chest. Leave the rest to me," he barked, voice firm though tremoring.
Despite her confusion, Rika nodded and placed both palms on Arya's chest, which felt as cold as ice. "Come back… Arya… come back…" she whispered, voice nearly swallowed by her trembling lips. Dio ran back to the kitchen for the warm water. Rika was left alone by Arya's side, fear and despair pressing at her heart.
Just as she felt she might collapse, a warm hand touched the back of her trembling hands. The contact was gentle but strong, a warm flow easing through her spirit. "So you… you really worry about your friend," said a voice, soft and deep, like a lullaby calming a storm.
Rika turned slowly. There, behind her, stood a woman with long red hair in a blood-red dress that shimmered in the sunlight. Nagini. She smiled gently, her face full of tenderness—the presence of someone who could soothe a child. Nagini took Rika's fingers, holding them and guiding them over Arya's chest.
"I will help you… don't be afraid… everything will be okay," she said. Her voice was like a calming chant. Rika's held-back tears fell without her realizing. "Mother Nagini…" she breathed. Warmth spread from Nagini's hands through Rika's body, merging with the energy Rika channeled toward Arya.
Not long after, Dio returned with a cup of warm water. When he opened the door he saw Rika wrapped in a soft glow, Nagini standing behind her. Dio's tense expression softened. He let out a long breath and smiled faintly. "Finally… she's back," he murmured inwardly.
Thirty minutes later, Arya's pallor had eased; color slowly returned to his cheeks. His breathing steadied, gaining a calmer rhythm. Rika sat by the bedside, head resting on the edge of the mattress, clutching Arya's hand as if she would never let go. She looked exhausted, eyes puffy, yet a faint, gentle smile lingered on her lips.
The room was silent except for the clock ticking and Arya's now-regular breath. Afternoon sun slid through the window, casting a warm glow across the room.
Slowly, Arya groaned. His eyelids fluttered and opened bit by bit. Vision blurred, he could see Rika beside him—sleeping with his hand clenched in hers like a child clutching a beloved toy. Arya tried to move but felt heavy. He tilted his head and looked at Rika's peaceful sleeping face and a thin smile touched his lips.
That evening, amber light filtered into Dio's boarding room. The sky outside blazed gold along the horizon, orange streaks reflecting across the floor. The scent of incense still lingered faintly. Dio stood with his back to the door, breathing hard, staring at the woman in the red dress who stood silently by the window.
"How many weeks have you been gone without a word?" Dio's voice cracked across the hush, sharp but controlled. "I looked for you again and again. Even in emergencies… you were gone."
Nagini didn't move. Evening light washed across her face, making her emerald eyes gleam like gem-stored sorrow. Her red dress looked aflame in the sunset, yet she didn't move a muscle.
Dio took a step forward, only to stop when a sudden cold filled the room, colliding with the warm sunset glow. He turned slowly, intending to leave and catch his breath.
Just as his hand reached the doorknob, a soft, burdened voice stopped him. "I just… don't want that to happen to them again."
Dio froze. The warm golden sunlight seemed to dim, leaving a bitter aftertaste in his chest.
"That… happen?" Dio murmured, mind full of unanswered questions. What did she mean? What was Nagini's connection to Rika? What really happened in the past?
Nagini didn't turn. A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the rustle of leaves outside. Dio looked at her for a few more seconds, then exhaled heavily and closed his door slowly.
He leaned against it, head bowed, a sharp whisper escaping him. "Damn… what are you all hiding from me?" he muttered.
Outside the window, the sun sank, leaving faded streaks of gold across the sky over Jogja.