Dawn of the Demonstration Day
A thin mist hung over the Ardhanusa grounds. Dew clinging to banana leaves cast a pink hue over the eastern sky. In the distance, white smoke slowly rose from a giant furnace—the first ironworks ever built in the entire archipelago.
Ardhana stood in front of the building, dressed in simple clothes made of dark woven cloth. Although he was only 15 years old, his eyes were sharp, like those of someone who had lived two lives.
On the other side, the workers stood in a row, their faces tense but proud.
Empu Wangsita, his white beard trembling with nervousness, approached Ardhana.
> "Young Master… we are ready."
Ardhana nodded, gazing at the tall furnace he had designed himself. It was like a primitive iron tower with small doors to regulate air and heat.
> Today… history changes.
---
The Birth of New Iron
The fire in the furnace crackled like a hungry red dragon. The workers opened the lower channel—and from it flowed a red-hot liquid, flowing like a small river of magma.
Behind them, voices of disbelief could be heard from the craftsmen who had come to watch.
> "The color… is cleaner…"
"That's not the iron we usually make…"
"Is this… possible?"
As the liquid cooled, Ardhana had two craftsmen strike the product with large hammers.
TIN! TIN! TIN!!
The iron didn't bend. It didn't crack. It didn't break.
Empu Wangsita took a half step back.
> "This… is pure iron. Impossible… there's no way this was made in Ardhanusa!"
Ardhana smiled slightly.
> "This is the first step. With this, we can make swords that don't break, spears that won't dull easily, and agricultural tools that will last for decades."
Rakai Darma tapped the handle of his spear, his eyes gleaming.
> "If our soldiers use this iron… even fifty Ardhanusa soldiers can take on two hundred men from the neighboring kingdom."
Ardhana stared at the tip of the pristine sword and whispered almost inaudibly.
> "This is just the beginning…"
---
The Arrival of the Ardhanusa Nobles
The sound of bamboo trumpets echoed from the palace.
The royal entourage approached:
warriors of honor
Ardhanusa's flagbearers
and in the middle… King Wiradipa and Queen Dewi Nastiti.
Ardhana's father and mother.
King Wiradipa looked older than his years: a kind face, but clearly tired from leading a poor kingdom that was always looked down upon.
Queen Dewi Nastiti… graceful. Her gaze was gentle yet sharp, as if she saw through the hearts of anyone who stood before her.
They approached Ardhana.
King Wiradipa patted his son on the shoulder.
> "Ardhana… the people are talking about what you built. Tell me, can this really save our little kingdom?"
Ardhana looked into his father's eyes, unwavering.
> "Not just saving, Father."
"But elevating Ardhanusa to the center of a new civilization."
The Queen looked at her son with a softer gaze, yet filled with gentle concern.
> "My son, where did you learn all this? Even our oldest master was surprised."
Ardhana smiled faintly.
> "From a dream, Mother… a dream about a time yet to come."
The Queen fell silent.
She felt something inexplicable…
As if a great light awaited this boy in the future.
---
Arrival of the Majapahit Envoy
Before the small celebration could begin, the loud sound of horses galloping from the north shattered the atmosphere.
The guard reported breathlessly:
> "Sir! There's a delegation from Majapahit!"
Everyone's eyes widened.
Majapahit.
A kingdom that even Ardhanusa didn't dare mention lightly.
The entourage entered the factory courtyard. In front of them, a sharp-faced man in red and gold clothing dismounted from his horse.
This was no ordinary envoy. He wore the "Nagara Gajah Mada" emblem—the symbol of high-ranking officials.
Rakai Darma immediately whispered:
> "Ardhana… is the Majapahit military supervisor. His name is Adi Kertawisesa. That man will not come unless something happens."
The messenger stepped forward, staring at Ardhana and the giant furnace behind him.
In a deep, authoritative voice, he said:
> "Prince Ardhana Wiratmaja… Majapahit heard rumors that Ardhanusa built a giant iron furnace that no other kingdom possessed."
"Even great kingdoms cannot do this."
He approached, only a few steps away from Ardhana.
> "So Majapahit sent me to confirm…"
"…whether the rumors were true—or a threat."
The Majapahit soldiers' weapons flashed, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
King Wiradipa looked nervous… but Ardhana stood his ground.
> "What Majapahit wants to see," Ardhana said calmly, "you will see clearly today."
Adi Kertawisesa looked at him directly.
> "Very well, young prince. Show me the strength of the iron you so brag about."
---
Second Demonstration (For Majapahit)
Ardhana gestured to the workers.
They pulled out their "old" swords—the ones that usually bent.
Then their "new" swords. unmoved
Adi Kertawisesa stared at him for a long, long time.
Finally, he said:
> "…This is not normal. Ardhanusa is not a great kingdom. Where did you get this knowledge?"
Ardhana didn't answer.
He simply stared at the sky.
Adi Kertawisesa then bowed slightly. His demeanor changed, no longer dismissive.
> "Prince Ardhana… Majapahit will send an official invitation.
Our king wishes to meet you."
The voices of Ardhanusa's workers, soldiers, and nobles froze.
Majapahit… wishes to meet Ardhana.
This was no small matter.
King Wiradipa trembled subtly—a mixture of fear and pride.
Adi Kertawisesa mounted his horse.
> "Get ready, Ardhanusa will be the talk of all Java."
The envoy galloped away.
---
Ardhana stood watching them disappear.
A gust of salty wind from the southern sea touched his face.
The queen approached.
> "Ardhana… does this bring good or harm?"
Ardhana answered without looking up.
> "Both, Mother."
"Every light… always summons a darker shadow."
She looked at the steel factory still billowing smoke.
> "And that shadow… is moving toward us."