“It’s okay Arya, it’s not your fault. Didn’t you tell her that the palace building belonging to the White Crocodile Demon Queen would collapse, she was the only one who remained adamant and died along with the treasure that had blinded her eyes and mind all this time.”

 

******

 

The white crocodile palace building that had collapsed at the bottom of the skull pit that had caused a spray of dust and mud making the bottom of the pit look dark, suddenly disappeared magically without leaving any trace at all.

Likewise, Gento Ireng’s body also disappeared, then did the maids who were of the same kind as the demons also die...?

The same thing happened with Dewi Purbalara aka the White Crocodile Demon Queen, her maids also disappeared just like that along with the disappearance of their lord magically. It is not known whether they are still gathered together with Dewi Purbalara somewhere or not, what is certain is that they are not of the same kind of creatures with a fixed form but can resemble anything.

Likewise with Dewi Purbalara, she can not only change her form into a large white crocodile but also into other forms. That is one of the differences between spirits and humans, there are many secrets that cannot be known about spirits that live in different worlds.

 

******

 

The former followers of Dewi Purbalara immediately dispersed from Ki Darmo's yard, after Arya and the elders of Serayu Village invited them to return to their respective villages because they were not all from Serayu Village.

The only ones seen there, precisely in the pendopo, were Arya, Ki Darmo and several residents of Serayu Village including Tarno.

"Personally, I would like to thank Nak Arya for his help in freeing several residents of this village and also other villagers from the influence of the White Crocodile Demon Queen," said Ki Darmo starting the conversation in the pendopo.

Arya smiled then nodded his head.

"You're welcome Ki, as a warrior it is my duty to help anyone who must be helped."

Now Ki Darmo was the one who looked embarrassed.

"I already suspected that Nak Arya was not an ordinary person, I judged that since the first time Nak Arya stopped by the village and sat together in this pendopo. I felt that there was extraordinary power in Nak Arya's body, and it was true after it was clarified when the residents cheered the nickname of the Eagle Swordsman."

Arya was not arrogant when praised in such a way, instead his attitude was ordinary and seemed humble.

"What's the meaning of a nickname Ki, all of that was just a gift from Eyang Guru. I feel like I don't have any power, even if I managed to help free them all, it was solely because of the help of Gusti Allah through me."

Hearing the words of the warrior, not only Ki Darmo was amazed by Arya's humility but also all the villagers who were sitting in the pavilion.

"We don't know how to repay Mas Arya's kindness," Tarno said.

Arya directed his gaze at Tarno with a smile.

"As I said earlier, everything I do is my obligation. So there's no need to feel indebted, I don't expect anything, in fact I'm happy to be able to help. Oh yes Ki and everyone here, it seems like it's time for me to excuse myself to continue my journey."

Ki Darmo and all the villagers in the pavilion looked at each other.

"Hey, where are you going, Arya?" Why are you in such a hurry to say goodbye?” Ki Darmo asked.

Arya’s habit of scratching his head recurred.

“I myself don’t know where I’m going, but as Eyang’s mandate always follow your heart whenever you want to continue your steps, Ki Darmo and everyone here need not worry, I think the White Crocodile Demon Queen will never return to the depths of that skull again because her palace has been destroyed.”

Ki Darmo nodded his head.

“We are happy and relieved to hear that, because surely Serayu Village and the villages not far from this village are safe and there will be no more disturbances from the White Crocodile Demon Queen.”

“That’s right Ki, that’s why I’m taking my leave and I would like to thank Ki Darmo and the residents of Serayu Village for accepting me here for a few days. Likewise for the service Ki Darmo and his family have given me,” said Arya as he said goodbye.

“Ah, what we have given is not comparable to the kindness that Nak Arya has done. Actually, we wanted Nak Arya to stay for the next few days in this village, but it seems that Nak Arya wants to continue his journey according to the Guru's mandate, we cannot prevent him."

Arya smiled, a valuable experience for the warrior, because it was the first time he had carried out his duties as a warrior according to the mandate of his Guru.

"Thank you again, Ki Darmo and all of you, I will take my leave."

After Arya shook hands with Ki Darmo, all the residents in the hall also shook hands with the Warrior until they accompanied him to the end of the road in front of the yard of the Serayu Village elder's house.

 

THE END