Every land carries its own legend. As an example, the Kingdom of Tupmur is said to give rise to a king, both just or cruel once every hundred years. Beyond that, the ancient weapon we seek is itself a legend born from an old war that took place beyond our borders.
The country we now inhabit is the Nation of Nemele, comprising the Kingdoms of Tupmur, Ipa, Eses, Utab, and Ria. Each kingdom possesses its own distinct iktas energy. According to the Young Master, the ancient weapon must be discovered by the two of us alone. This is because we are already bound by the pact forged during our time in the Kingdom of Ipa.
To explain it in clearer terms, every kingdom within Nemele is aware of the ancient weapon's existence. It was therefore no surprise that King Augus knew of my arrival, or that he entrusted me with the book of Teratak Gana. Everything had been arranged carefully, yet not perfectly.
What truly matters is this: the generation destined to inherit the ancient weapon is dangerous. One could say that the new generation must exercise extreme caution in balancing mantra and lana. Should that balance fail, it would become a grave problem for the Nation of Nemele, and foreign powers would find it all too easy to interfere.
Rihisna explained all of this at length to Noriala.The two of them were seated at a café located between the territory of the Kingdom of Tupmur and the lands of Nuad Village.
"So it really means we have no choice but to find that ancient weapon," Noriala said.
"Have you ever been to the Ancient Sanctum before?" she asked, sipping from a glass of juice.
"Not really. That place is hard to find," Rihisna replied simply. "And even if you do find it, you usually gain nothing."
"Then how are we supposed to get there?"
"We find someone who knows."
"Who?"
"We're waiting right now. Otherwise, why would we be hanging around here?"
"Hehe… I suppose so," Noriala said, smiling sheepishly.
Rihisna merely shook his head.
A moment later…
"You've been waiting long?"
A young man clad in a black robe suddenly appeared before them. He was tall, and his face was concealed beneath his hood. Only his mustached mouth was visible. Among the people around them, he stood out as the most suspicious figure by far.
"Not really. We just got here," Rihisna answered, trying to peer beneath the hood.
"As promised by the Young Master," the man said, placing a small map no larger than a letter on the table. "Take it."
"Oh, the map's pretty small," Rihisna remarked as he picked it up and examined it.
Noriala remained silent, continuing to enjoy her drink until the last drop. Rihisna then reached for the pouch at his waist.
"Here's your payment. five hundred silver," he said, handing over several silver coins.
"Hrm. Thank you," the man replied. "I'll be going now."
"Hey! Don't you want a drink first?" Rihisna offered.
"No need. My business here is finished," the man said, already turning away.
"That guy seemed kind of arrogant," Noriala commented as she watched him leave.
"Not really. Messengers are usually like that," Rihisna replied, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Oh? Is that so?" Noriala asked, her face filled with curiosity.
"Yeah. But for travelers like us, we need to look approachable. That's how you gather information," Rihisna explained, finishing his drink.
After they were done at the café, the two of them stopped by a shop not far away. The store was stocked with all manner of supplies for travelers like medicine, food, and drinks to replenish stamina. There were also various weapons, such as knives and swords, and even several horses available for rent. One could say the shop held everything an adventurer needed to survive far from civilization.
"Wow! There's so much stuff here everything you can imagine," Noriala exclaimed excitedly.
"Welcome! Is there anything I can help you with?" asked an elderly woman standing behind the counter.
"Huh? Um… good morning!" Noriala replied, bowing politely.
"We're here to buy supplies for a trip to the Ancient Sanctum," she added.
"What?! You're going to the Ancient Sanctum?" the old woman exclaimed.
"Er… yes. Why, Granny?" Noriala asked.
"Haven't you heard the villagers' stories about that place?"
"No. We're not from this village."
"Ohhh… that explains it. No wonder you look unfamiliar."
"I'm sorry."
"It's all right. But I must warn you, if you insist on going there, there may be nothing for you to find."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean this, some who go there say they never even find the Ancient Sanctum. Others claim they do find it, but there's nothing inside."
"Oh, really?" Noriala murmured, frowning.
"That's what people say when they don't have a map," Rihisna suddenly interjected, cutting into the conversation.
"Eh? That's a lot of things you're buying!" Noriala exclaimed loudly when she saw Rihisna's arms filled with supplies.
He placed everything on the counter for payment. The old woman began calculating the total cost.
"So you really are going there?," ask the old woman. "This must be an order, then?"
"Yes. These are orders from the Young Master," Rihisna replied enthusiastically, opening his bag and packing the items away.
"Ohhh… now I understand. You're from the Kingdom of Tupmur, aren't you?" the old woman said, helping him pack.
"Don't worry, Granny," Noriala added. "Rihisna here has already completed a major mission back in Tupmur."
"Hehehe… it seems you two are no ordinary people," the old woman said. "May I know your name, young lady?"
"Oh! I almost forgot. My name is Noriala, and this is Rihisna."
"Hi!" Rihisna waved cheerfully as he handed over the payment.
"And what should we call you, Granny?" Noriala asked.
"Just call me Granny Riah," the old woman replied, returning the change.
"All right. Thank you, Granny Riah. We'll be going now," Rihisna said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Thank you as well. Take care, you two," Granny Riah said with a smile.
"Thank you, Granny Riah," Noriala replied, bowing respectfully.
"It's quite a long walk to the Ancient Sanctum," Noriala remarked later, asking why they did not simply ride horses.
Rihisna explained that riding horses would only invite trouble—the horses might go missing, or worse, be put in danger. The place they were heading to was devoid of inhabitants, unlike the world outside. As they traveled, Rihisna remained focused on the map, while Noriala followed quietly behind him.
"Noriala, may I ask you something?" Rihisna said, slowing his pace.
"Go ahead. What is it?" she replied without hesitation.
"If I were to change… or even disappear… would you still want to be my traveling companion?"
"Of course I would. Why are you asking something like that all of a sudden?" Noriala said, startled.
"It's nothing. Just that Tok Gana actually wants me to become a knight."
"Huh? Then why are you an adventurer instead?"
"I chose to be an adventurer because I want freedom. Knights are bound by rules."
"Ohhh… I see. Wait? why does Tok Gana want you to be a knight?"
"If you want to know, it's a long story. I'll tell you another time," Rihisna said. "Besides, we've arrived."
Without realizing it, the two of them had entered a desolate area. Thick mist surrounded them, severely limiting their vision. Light vanished, swallowed by darkness. Before them stood the entrance to a cave. What drew their attention was the inscription carved upon the stone.
"Beyond this point lies something that need not be taken. Should you desire it, you must follow the line of fate established by the previous heir."
Rihisna read the words softly.
"What does that mean?" Noriala asked, confused, rereading the inscription again and again.
"We're here. This is the place," Rihisna said. "Help me move this boulder."
He pushed against a massive stone twice the size of their combined bodies. Without hesitation, Noriala joined him.
GEZUMMM—
The grinding roar of stone echoed through the air.
"It's so dark!" Noriala exclaimed.
"Wait. I'll light a torch," Rihisna said, pulling one from his bag.
"Oh! I found a switch!" Noriala suddenly cried out, spotting a triangular knob as large as her fist. She pressed it. The entire cavern lit up.
"So this is the Ancient Sanctum… it's beautiful," Noriala whispered in awe.
The space was vast, wide as a field or playground. Most of the light filtered down from above. The floor was made of glass and earth that resembled snow. The walls were riddled with cracks, glowing in various shades of icy blue.
Rihisna carefully surveyed their surroundings. As he moved forward, he noticed two swords embedded in the ground at the far end of the cavern.
Suddenly, the ground trembled once, then again.
"It's coming, Noriala. Get ready," Rihisna warned, assuming his stance.
Noriala followed suit, both of them wearing expressions of intense focus.
The tremors grew stronger. From the shadows emerged the silhouette of a massive figure giant, monstrous. A deafening roar echoed through the sanctum as a colossal black ant revealed itself. It had six legs, each lined with vicious spikes. Its face was feral, twisted with hunger, as if ready to devour anything in its path. Most terrifying of all were its enormous pincers, each as large as one of its legs.