Silence hung heavily in the cave after Andini's voice gradually faded. Gugum sat still, his shoulders tense, both fists clenched tightly over his knees. In his eyes burned a fire that had never blazed before, not of hatred toward his teacher, but toward the name she had just spoken.
"Mahesa..." he muttered, barely louder than a growl. "So he's the one... the man you once trusted, and the one who made you suffer like this."
Gugum's voice trembled with emotion. "He's no brother-in-arms. He's a traitor."
Andini said nothing, simply watching the young man with eyes filled with wounds and memories. Yet what she saw in Gugum's gaze wasn't just anger, it was resolve. A deep, protective resolve.
"I'll find him, Mother," Gugum continued. "If he's the one behind all this... then I'll be the one to end it."
"Calm yourself, my son," Andini whispered, her voice barely audible. "Uncontrolled anger will only consume you from within."
"I'm not angry out of fear," Gugum snapped. "I'm angry because... because I almost lost you."
A faint smile touched Andini's lips at his words, a smile torn between gratitude and sorrow. Slowly, she raised her hand. Even that small motion made her shoulder quiver. From within her robe, beneath the carefully woven sash at her waist, she untied a hidden knot.
A thin case made of old leather reinforced with light metal lay concealed there, tucked securely between inner belt and outer cloth, a safe, inconspicuous place only accessible with care. The case was flat and long, about the size of a small writing board, with a brass clasp dulled by age.
"Take it," Andini said faintly, offering it to Gugum. "Two ancient scrolls... that I've kept hidden all this time."
Gugum accepted the case with both hands. When he opened it, two sheets of uniquely textured parchment lay rolled inside. Etched across their surface were strange symbols that glowed faintly in the dim cave light. Though he was captivated by their aura, he didn't dare touch them for long. He carefully closed the case again and placed it beside him.
"This scroll is important," he said softly, "but saving you is more important."
Andini gave a faint smile, then turned her gaze toward the shadowed ceiling of the cave. "Back then, I didn't even dare show it to Mahesa," she murmured, almost as if speaking to herself. "Not because I didn't trust him... but because I wasn't sure who truly deserved to carry that knowledge."
She sighed. "The power within those scrolls... isn't just strength. It draws near to those who are sincere, not those who are ambitious. At the time... I felt Mahesa wasn't ready." Her gaze returned to Gugum, filled with both certainty and sorrow. "But you are different. You weren't seeking it. That's why... you are worthy."
Gugum's eyes widened slightly. He realized this gift wasn't merely an inheritance. It was the final gesture of trust from a master who had sacrificed everything for him.
The days that followed passed slowly, yet with a glimmer of hope. Gugum cared for Andini with all his heart. Each morning, before the sun touched the valley, he would leave the cave, climbing steep cliffs with wounded feet, trekking through thick forests to find bitter roots, frost-cold leaves, and stone moss believed to neutralize poison. He would return with them, carefully processing the ingredients under Andini's faint guidance whenever she was conscious.
Andini could now sit upright, her face no longer as pale. Color was returning to her cheeks, and her breathing was steadier. At times, she even chuckled quietly when Gugum awkwardly tried to lighten the silence.
Yet, despite the improvements on the surface, Gugum could sense something was still wrong. When he checked her pulse, there was a subtle irregularity, barely noticeable, but unmistakable.
Andini was the one who finally admitted it.
"The poison..." he said softly, as the sky outside the cave glowed orange. "I can prevent it from spreading, but... I can't get rid of it completely."
Gugum stared at her, silent.
"Then… how do we purge it completely?" he asked, worry lacing his voice.
Andini remained quiet for a long while before answering. "Two ways. First, with pure Light element, an element known to neutralize all forms of dark energy. But it's extremely rare. Only a handful in the world have ever truly mastered it."
She paused, then continued. "Or... delve into the Darkness element deeper than those who attacked me. Surpass them... and turn the poison into power."
Gugum immediately shook his head. "That's not an option," he said firmly. "I won't embrace Darkness just to save someone. If I must burn myself with Light... I'll do it."
Andini looked at him deeply, then smiled gently. "You understand more than I thought."
She took his hand. "Darkness isn't just power. It comes with a price. The soul, the conscience... all can become its toll. Mahesa, perhaps, is proof of that."
"And I don't want to become him," Gugum replied. "I'll search for the Light element's power. Wherever it may be."
On the fifth day since the battle, Andini stood at the mouth of the cave, leaning against the cold stone wall. Though still frail, her face looked brighter. Yet behind that brightness, a quiet worry hung in the air. Gugum, ever diligent in her care, noticed the change even if he couldn't fully grasp the pain she still bore.
That morning, Andini called out to him, her voice calm and comforting. "My son, you must go."
Gugum turned quickly, halting mid-step in the cave filled with the soft sound of wind. "Mother... what do you mean?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
Andini sighed, feeling her strength begin to wane. "This isn't about you leaving me," she said, her voice weary but resolute. "I won't heal fully here, and there isn't enough time left to wait."
"Then what should I do?" Gugum asked, voice tinged with both hope and hesitation. "I can stay here and care for you until you're truly healed."
Andini gave a small smile, though it felt more like a farewell than an acceptance. "You can't change my fate just by staying, my son. The time I've spent here... has been to find your path to healing. I can't give more than that."
Gugum frowned, tears beginning to well in his eyes. "Mother, I want to take revenge on Mahesa. And the five who attacked you."
"If vengeance could heal me..." Andini shook her head, holding back the pain rising again. "You can't walk this path with hatred in your heart. Mahesa was once my disciple, and now I understand what lies within him. We must not choose our path by hatred alone."
Gugum closed his eyes, feeling the ache inside.
"Go, my son," Andini said gently. "For now, I advise you to go to the Tirta Nirmala School, located in the eastern region, near the border of the Nagara Kingdom."
Gugum's eyes opened, surprised and confused. "Tirta Nirmala?"
Andini nodded slowly, then reached into her traditional garment. She pulled out a small object wrapped in worn silk, handing it over with trembling hands. "This... is a gift from an old friend, the leader of the Tirta Nirmala School. If you go there, perhaps they can help you."
Gugum unwrapped the cloth slowly, revealing a silver hairpin shaped like a lotus petal, elegant and timeless. It was clearly something filled with memories and meaning.
"There, you'll find someone who can guide you," Andini said, her voice thick with regret. "I... we parted on poor terms. I was just a wandering girl then, without hope for the future. But he, their leader, knew much about the world beyond. That's where you must go. Show him this pin. He'll know who you are... and why you've come."
Andini took a deep breath, her eyes growing hazy with fatigue. "I don't ask for much, my son. Only that you begin this journey on your own. I'll be waiting here, or somewhere better, if fate allows."
Gugum clutched the hairpin tightly. He looked at his master, now more fragile than ever. "I will return, Master. I'll master the Light element. I won't let this poison defeat you."
Andini gave a faint smile. "Be careful on your path, my child. Do not let Darkness take hold of your heart. Darkness, whether within you or in the world, always lurks in the most subtle ways."
Gugum knelt before his teacher, his hands gently holding Andini's. "I promise, Master. I won't let what happened to Mahesa happen to me."
Andini softly patted his shoulder, brushing his hair now damp with sweat. "Go now, Gugum. Your mother will always pray for you."
With steady steps, Gugum turned toward the cave's entrance. His legs trembled, but the resolve within him was unshakable. Andini watched him go, letting him leave with hope and prayer. From the hidden cave, the bright morning sky looked so distant, and the path Gugum must now take was clearly laid out before him.