New Tasks

Arya Mandana said that Kebo Galungan, the grand master of Perguruan Kentabuana, refused to be part of the group he was in the process of forming. A group of warriors and grand masters of the martial world.

This was to anticipate further attacks from the Mongols, who could regain control of Java at any time. Ulagan's presence here was not without reason. He must have received orders from his supreme commander to make preparations.

And one of the preparations was to gather the leaders of the Black Sect. In addition, Ulagan also gathered Mongolian refugees who were scattered throughout Java.

And one of the preparations was to gather the masters of the black sect. In addition, Ulagan also gathered Mongol refugees scattered throughout Java.

"That is a noble goal, so why did the great master of Kentabuana reject your plan, Mr. Mandana?" asked Jagat. He flashed back to his battle with the disciples of Kentabuana.

"Actually, he didn't refuse, but he wanted all the elders of the White Sect to agree to this plan," Mandana replied.

"The entire White Sect?" Jagat was surprised to hear this.

In reality, when Singosari and Kediri collapsed, almost all the White Sects were scattered because of the war. Many schools were destroyed as students died in battle or conquest.

The former king of Singosari liked to send his troops to all the islands and regions of the archipelago. The last one was to Swarnadwipa (Sumatera) or also known as "Bumi Malayu" (1).

Arya Mandana saw Kebo Galungan as a respected professor at Perguruan Kentabuana. He succeeded his predecessor who had passed away. Kebo Galungan was known as a very experienced martial arts expert and had deep insight into martial arts philosophy. Kebo Galungan's presence could add ammunition to the group that would be formed later.

"Mandana, your ideals are lofty, and I am proud of your high spirit in uniting all the white sects under your banner, but ...."

Ki Rapala's voice from the doorway of his room echoed in the living room where Mandana and Jagat were talking. In the corner of the room sat Gendis with Marini, who had just arrived at the same time as Ki Rapala.

Arya Mandana, as one of the elders of the martial world, is still waiting for the next sentence from Ki Rapala. Although he is still relatively new in this land of Java.

"In the martial world, a group must be formed on a strong basis and approved by the elders and senior teachers. This does not mean that I judge your dreams to be wrong, but as a wiser course of action, let us take the right steps so that your aspirations can be properly realized.

"What is the right move, Ki? I am a man of the kingdom. Not a group of criminals or black cults," Mandana argued.

Ki Rapala smiled gently as he explained that while Mandana's intentions were very noble, the process of forming a group must still be done with the permission and guidance of the college elders.

"After all. The Majapahit Kingdom is too new for you to represent it, Mandana. Those white cult sects have a dark past to work with the people of the kingdom."

"But Ki Rapala is willing..."

"Because I helped Kertanegara as a friend. Not as a king. And when his daughters asked for my help, I couldn't refuse."

All four of Kertanegara's daughters are married to the current king of Majapahit.

"Does this mean that Ki Rapala is indirectly asking Mr. Mandana to remove his royal banner and form a group outside of it? Is that what Ki Rapala means?" asked Jagat.

Ki Rapala slowly nodded with a smile. "You must give up any rank you have. Besides, the order to pursue the Mongol refugees did not come from Senopati Ranggalawe? He was killed as a rebel. Your position is very difficult, my son.

"I have realized that, Ki. That's why the plan to create this group is part of this support if the kingdom ignores it."

"Then you are not doing this in the name of the kingdom. But as a person. As an Aryan who loves his country. To free his country from foreign invaders. That's what you must tell the elders."

"Help me convince them, Ki!" pleaded Arya Mandana with growing enthusiasm.

"I only want to return to my homeland, Mandana. I want to leave this mad Jawadwipa (land of Java)."

Ki Rapala's eyes turned to Marini, who immediately bowed slowly when her teacher noticed her.

"I know Tapak Tua well. You can go there and ask for his blessing."

"Tapak Tua?" Jagat hissed. He had heard that name before. One of the elders of the warrior world in Java. It was rumored that he had retired long ago and been replaced by his disciple named Tapak Besi.

Their nicknames in the martial world were frightening. A nickname that represents their great skills.

"Alright Ki Rapala. I will be there with Tantra, then there is a change of plan for you Jagat."

"Change of plan? You didn't even tell me the first plan."

Somehow Jagat's surprised face elicited a reaction in the corner of the room with the sound of a woman's giggle. It was Marini who couldn't help but laugh when she heard Jagat's astonishment at Mandana. Beside her, Gendis had the same reaction, though with a small smile.

"The first plan was for you to meet Kebo Galungan. Help him compile a book, but after hearing Ki Rapala's advice, I'm reconsidering."

It turned out to be true. The task was definitely not far from the book. But fortunately, this plan was not carried out because Jagat was too lazy to meet again with Kentabuana's disciples who had been at odds with him.

"Then what's the change in plan?"

"I want you to meet Wirahasa at Gelanggelang. He's-"

"Wirahasa?"

"Why?

"H-He's a relative of Jayakatwang's. I thought he was captured by you. Why did you let him go?

"Jagat! Jagat! Listen to me. That's royal politics. That's not what my plan is about. It's about the Book of Demons that belonged to the Kediri Commander in the past."

Thump!

Sabrang Panuluh, the name rang in Jagat's ears. It turned out that Ki Wardiman had told Arya Mandana all about his abilities. And Gendis' grandfather had not been seen in the room.

Arya Mandana then explained that Wirahasa had withheld information about the book's existence as part of his forgiveness. This is the diplomacy of Arya Mandana as the person given responsibility for all of Kediri's prisoners of war.

Jagat really meant to say that all the information was a lie. Wirahasa did not know of the existence of the book because Sabrang and his wife managed to survive the pursuit of the Kediri troops.

He also wanted to say that he himself had saved Sabrang Panuluh, but his mouth was sealed. The cunning man named Wirahasa was only scheming to save himself.

"Do you know Wisesa?"

Why is the name of the book thief called Mandana? asked Jagat in his mind.

"Yes. What's wrong with him?"

"Wisesa has the information about the book. I need you to find out the truth. At least as your friend he can share it with you. If he mentions money. Tell him that whatever he asks for will be paid."

Jagat took a deep breath. He asked Mandana for more time to think about this assignment.

"Think of your future, Jagat. I've spoken to his grandfather. He's happy with you. But building a family also needs a strong foundation, right? Think carefully about this assignment. I'm waiting for a good answer from you.

"Isn't Sabrang Panuluh your master? Why not save him?"

Arya Mandana could only smile at Jagat Wengi's sharp question.

"Sorry Jagat. I can't answer that now. What matters now is our future and the future of the country.

The foundation of the family. Jagat had guessed where Mandana was going. By the time the meeting broke up, Jagat still couldn't find the answer. Finally he went to Ki Wardiman and asked him.

"Ki Wardiman, why did you tell Mr. Mandana about my ability? What was the reason?"

"The reason is my grandson."

"What ..... I don't understand."

"I want you to take care of Gendis in his old age. From now on, be worthy of taking care of my granddaughter. Your skills can elevate you, my son. You can work with the scribes of this kingdom. You'll get a house, a position, and so on. If you don't think of yourself, think of my only granddaughter. Besides, this is your last assignment from Mandana. After that you're free. All records of your crimes will be erased by him.

Ki Wardiman's long description was heard by Jagat without any argument from him. His ability, however, was gained after he ingested the wrong medicine given to him by Gendis.

Ki Wardiman, Gendis, and Arya Mandana were the three people who gave him a new chapter in his life.

As for the question about Sabrang earlier, Ki Wardiman could not give a complete answer. He would only say that the relationship between Mandana and his teacher had been unhealthy since Majapahit attacked Kediri.

Again, this was a matter of royal politics. That was all Jagat could glean from Ki Wardiman's answer.

After Jagat talked to Ki Wardiman, Jagat went to Gendis to ask her opinion, although it was impossible to get a wise answer from this innocent girl.

"I only want you to return safely, Kakang Jagat."

"After this task is completed, I will marry you, Gendis. I will leave my past behind for you. We will build our future together. Together with Ki Wardiman. We will build a new home."

And a virgin's only response was to look down and smile in shame.

The next morning, with firm conviction, Jagat finally accepted Mandana's offer to meet Wirahasa in Gelanggelang and find out information about Sabrang Panuluh's Book of Demons.

Jagat thought only of the worst-case scenario of Sabrang not escaping and being captured by Wirahasa. The book was confiscated as a bargaining chip for his release.

Before leaving, Mandana added that he only wanted Jagat to read the book and later copy it into a blank book. That was all. Very simple.

Jagat felt that he was at a crucial crossroads. He realized how important this mission was and how dangerous it would be if the Book of Demons fell into the wrong hands. On the other hand, his curiosity and passion for new knowledge burned within him.

Gendis accompanied his departure with tears, which she hid behind a tree. She hoped for the safe return of her guardian man.