That afternoon, the sky was overcast. Gray clouds hung low over the hills surrounding the small village where Ardhan now lived. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the smell of wet soil from the newly plowed fields. Ardhan stood on the terrace of Ki Sabda's house, watching the village bustle with the rhythm characteristic of the 16th century.
Since the incident of the stolen cow the night before, he had become a hot topic among the villagers. Some of them considered him a god incarnate, while others were still skeptical and called him a young man who brought disaster. Ardhan realized that his every move was now being watched.
Ki Sabda approached him, carrying a jug of cold water. "Den Mas Ardhan," he said softly, "do you realize? With the moves you showed yesterday, you have opened the eyes of many people. However, remember, great abilities can also invite danger."
Ardhan sighed. "I just want to protect the weak, Ki. I don't want to be seen as a god or a supernatural being. I'm just... an ordinary person trapped in a different era."
Ki Sabda smiled slightly. "Perhaps you think so. But in this universe, nothing happens by chance."
Before Ardhan could answer, the sound of a small gong and the shouts of soldiers could be heard from outside the village fence. A royal guard appeared on the main road, followed by several soldiers armed with spears. The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. The residents rushed out of their houses, bowing their heads in respect.
From atop his black horse, a man dressed in a noble soldier's uniform dismounted with authority. He was tall, with a sharp gaze like an eagle. A dragon-patterned dagger was strapped to his waist. His voice was deep and powerful.
"I am Tumenggung Wirasaba, an envoy from the palace. Which one of you is named Ardhan?"
The residents immediately pointed to the terrace of Ki Sabda's house. Ardhan paused for a moment, then took a step forward. He could sense that this soldier was not to be trifled with. He was firm, disciplined, and dangerous.
"I am Ardhan," he said.
Tumenggung Wirasaba looked at him sharply. "News has reached the palace that there is a strange foreign youth with suspicious abilities. The king does not like mysterious figures wandering around without supervision. I have been ordered to take you, dead or alive."
The village became noisy again. Some residents whispered fearfully, while others looked at Ardhan sympathetically.
Ki Sabda tried to mediate. "Tumenggung, this young man is not an enemy. He has helped our village against thieves."
"Silence, Sabda!" Wirasaba interrupted. "Your loyalty to the people is indeed great, but royal affairs are not something you can interfere with. I must prove this child's strength myself, whether he is worthy of being brought before me or only worthy of becoming dust on this ground."
His gaze was sharp, as if challenging Ardhan. Ardhan swallowed hard. He realized that this was not a trivial battle.
Impromptu Arena
The villagers quickly moved away, creating space in the large field. Ardhan stood facing Tumenggung Wirasaba. The wind blew strongly, kicking up dust between them.
Tumenggung took off his combat robe, now wearing only black soldier's undergarments. His muscles were taut, his face showing the confidence of a knight familiar with battle.
"Ardhan!" he shouted. "If you are truly human, not a supernatural being, prove yourself in combat. Without weapons—only relying on our bodies and skills."
Ardhan nodded. "Okay."
He prepared the martial arts stance inherited from his grandfather. In his heart, he whispered: Grandfather, guide me.
The Fight Begins
Wirasaba attacked first. His movements were so fast, as if his large body was no burden at all. His hard fists struck the air, followed by low kicks aimed at Ardhan's knees. Ardhan dodged nimbly, slipping to the side.
"Wow, you're so fast," whispered Wirasaba, narrowing his eyes.
Ardhan responded with a basic pencak silat move, turning his body to block the next attack. He managed to strike his opponent's wrist, causing Wirasaba's punch to miss. However, the soldier couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Good! But that's not enough!"
Then, he launched Mataram's signature move: Sembur Garuda, a punch that contained inner power. The air vibrated as he swung his hand. Ardhan felt tremendous pressure on his chest even though he had not been touched.
Ardhan staggered, but immediately channeled his inner power. He bent his knees, gathered his breath, and launched the Thousand Hand Shadow technique. His body moved quickly, creating an illusion of shadows that deceived the eye.
Wirasaba looked surprised. "What is this...?"
Ardhan's punches and kicks came from all directions. Although some were blocked, one palm strike hit Wirasaba's shoulder, causing him to retreat slightly.
The villagers cheered. "Long live Ardhan! Long live den mas!"
However, Wirasaba was an experienced soldier. He stood up straight again with a more serious expression. His right hand reached for the dagger at his waist, but he remembered the rule: no weapons. He finally placed the dagger on the ground as a sign of respect.
"Your skills are extraordinary, boy. But that's not enough to fight Tumenggung Wirasaba!"
With a resounding shout, he stamped his foot firmly on the ground. A great energy spread out, causing dust to fly. Ardhan felt a strong force pushing him back. Wirasaba advanced with the speed of a charging bull.
Ardhan waited for the right moment, then launched his signature move: Tapak Naga Menggulung Awan (Dragon's Palm Rolling Clouds). His palm struck Wirasaba's chest, sending a burst of energy vibrating through him.
There was a loud thud. Wirasaba was thrown several meters, falling face down on the ground. There was a moment of silence. Everyone stared at him in awe.
Wirasaba slowly got up, his face covered in dust, but his eyes shining with satisfaction. He laughed loudly. "Ha-ha-ha! Amazing! I haven't felt a blow like that since fighting the Demak soldiers!"
He then approached Ardhan, patting him on the shoulder with his heavy hand. "You have passed your first test, young man. Starting today, I will take you to the palace. Only the king has the right to judge your destiny."
After the Fight
The residents cheered with joy. Some hugged Ardhan, while others stared at him with a mixture of admiration and fear. Ki Sabda smiled with relief, even though his heart was filled with many questions: who was this young man really?
Ardhan could only exhale deeply. He felt relieved that he didn't have to kill the soldier, but now he had to face a new challenge: facing the King of Mataram.
That night, before retiring, he sat on the terrace of Ki Sabda's house. Tumenggung Wirasaba sat opposite him, cleaning his dagger.
"Ardhan," he said softly, "you have extraordinary abilities. But in the palace, there are many people who are sharper in their judgment than I am. If you hide your origins, they will destroy you. Be prepared."
Ardhan stared at the night sky filled with twinkling stars. "I don't know why I am here. But I will find the answer, even if I have to face anyone."
Wirasaba nodded with satisfaction. "That is the response of a knight."
End of Chapter 3
Dawn arrived, and with it, a new adventure began. Ardhan was no longer just a stranger in the village. Now he was under the supervision of Tumenggung Wirasaba—the gateway to a greater destiny.
However, far beyond the hills, dark shadows began to stir. Other royal spies had already heard news of this mysterious young man. And not all powers in Java welcomed his presence.
To be continued...