That morning, a thin mist still blanketed the ancestral land when the sound of light footsteps approached Baskara's meditation chamber. Behind the half-open stone door appeared the figure of an old servant of the Baskara family—Pak Japa, Eyang Pradipa's trusted aide.
"Master Baskara, the Elder is calling for you. Preparations are complete. Today you will depart for Mount Loka Geni."
Still sitting cross-legged, Baskara opened his eyes at once. His weary expression—due to reading all night—quickly turned into one of excitement. He hurriedly closed his book and tucked it into a small pouch embroidered with golden thread, which he usually used to store important items.
"Very well, Pak Japa. I'll go at once."
Soon after, Baskara stood before Eyang Pradipa in the inner courtyard of the ancestral home, the place where the elders usually held council. Also present was someone he had never seen before—a middle-aged man with silver hair, clad in a dark gray robe adorned with a symbol of intertwined leaves and flames on his chest.
"This is Elder Loka Mardana," Eyang Pradipa introduced. "A high-level alchemist and guardian of the spiritual fire path since my father's time."
Elder Mardana nodded and looked at Baskara with sharp yet kind eyes. "So this is the boy said to have become a First-Level Purifier at the age of ten?" he said with a smile. "The journey to Loka Geni is no ordinary trip. But I believe you'll learn much there."
Baskara bowed respectfully. "Please guide me, Elder."
Eyang Pradipa then handed him a leather pouch filled with several tools and protective stones. "Mount Loka Geni isn't only inhabited by fiery plants or beasts. There are also ancient guardian spirits who dislike being disturbed. Protect yourself well, and make sure to return with one spiritual flame of your choosing."
Baskara clutched the pouch tightly. He looked at Eyang Pradipa and gave a determined nod.
"Alright," said Elder Mardana. "We're departing now. The journey through the skies will take half a day. Prepare yourself."
With a blazing spirit, Baskara stepped forward, following the elder. The morning breeze welcomed them, and the sky began to part, making way for steps that would soon open a new chapter in Baskara's journey.
Mount Loka Geni awaited.
High above a cloudless sky, sharp winds whistled past Baskara's robe and hair as he flew alongside Elder Loka Mardana. Below them, a vast forest spread out like a sea of green waves. But amid the greenery, a towering mountain came into view—its hue a deep red and dry brown, like embers not yet fully extinguished. Wisps of smoke curled from cracks between its rocks.
"Elder," said Baskara, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "is that... Mount Loka Geni?"
Elder Mardana turned and nodded slightly. "Yes. That is our destination."
Baskara gazed at the mountain with awe and burning curiosity. The heat radiating from it could be felt even from afar. The wind carried an unnatural warmth, and the closer they got, the heavier the air became—holding within it a fire's unending fury.
"Mount Loka Geni is no ordinary place," Elder Mardana continued. "The moment you set foot there, it will feel like entering another realm. Every inch of its ground is dominated by the element of fire. The air, the spiritual energy—even the breath of its beasts and plants—burns with embers."
Baskara nodded, listening intently.
"The creatures there don't just have physical strength—they inherit the fire's energy from generation to generation. And the plants, many may look ordinary, but if touched carelessly, they can explode or incinerate," the elder warned.
"And... the spirits?" Baskara asked quietly.
Mardana nodded slowly. "The spirits left behind there are not ordinary spirits. Many are remnants of hermits, monsters, or mystical beings once consumed by the mountain's fire—their souls didn't vanish but fused with the flame. They may become allies... or enemies."
Baskara swallowed but showed no fear. On the contrary, his eyes gleamed with steely resolve.
"Understood, Elder. I will be careful."
They began their descent, preparing to land at the foot of Mount Loka Geni. The smell of sulfur grew stronger, and the air's heat greeted them like dancing tongues of fire.
After landing lightly on the reddish sandy ground, Elder Mardana gently patted Baskara's shoulder.
"Alright, from here we continue on foot. Avoid using flashy powers... we don't know what might be watching us from behind this heat-haze," he said in a quiet but firm tone.
"Yes, Elder," Baskara replied, nodding.
They began walking slowly, treading the dry stone path that felt warm even through their footwear. A thin mist shrouded the trail, but now and then, flashes of red or darting shadows could be seen. Each step was accompanied by the hiss of hot wind and faint whispers from uncertain directions—like the silent murmurs of hidden spirits.
Baskara stayed alert. He noticed dwarf trees with reddish leaves and trunks that emitted thin steam. Some plants seemed to pulse slowly, as if breathing.
"What's that plant, Elder?" asked Baskara, pointing to a small bud-like plant that appeared to be made of glowing embers.
Elder Mardana approached and examined it. "That's called Api Laras. A low-tier spiritual plant, but ideal for your current stage. If properly extracted, its core can be used to refine the fire within you."
Baskara crouched and observed it closely, intrigued. He could feel its heat even without touching it.
"You may take it, but use your soul's power. Don't touch it directly. Remember, on this mountain, anything that burns can hurt you... or bless you," Elder Mardana warned.
Baskara closed his eyes, calmed his breath, and channeled his soul energy through his palm. A gentle but warm aura formed, shaping into an invisible hand that carefully enveloped the plant. He tried to separate it from the ground without damaging the roots, then stored it in the spiritual stone container he had brought.
"Well done. You've understood the basics," Elder Mardana praised.
They continued their journey, venturing deeper into hotter and more dangerous territory, while searching for plants, stones, or even traces of spiritual beasts that could grant Baskara his true flame.