Inside the main hall of the Pradipa family residence, the atmosphere felt tense yet full of readiness. Several elders stood forming a half-circle before Eyang Pradipa, including Teguh, who stood slightly forward.
"Alright... are you all ready?" Pradipa asked, his voice firm but calm.
"Of course, we are ready," one of the elders replied with a nod full of enthusiasm. Their spiritual aura began to stir, as if prepared to face the tension that might arise at the Rivan residence.
But before they could take a step further, the large hall door slowly opened. A gatekeeper entered, holding his breath, then bowed respectfully.
"Apologies, elders... Master Baskara and Lady Tirta have arrived at the front gate of the hall."
Instantly, the whole room fell silent. Eyang Pradipa, Teguh, and the other elders exchanged glances—their eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and relief.
Without a word, they quickly hurried out. Their steps were swift yet dignified.
Seeing Baskara standing upright beside Tirta under the sunlight, the anxiety that haunted them vanished immediately. Baskara's aura was calm, like a young sage who had merged with the depths of his soul. No wounds, no anger, only a serenity and presence that was hard to explain.
Teguh looked at his son with eyes nearly welling up. He knew that the meeting with his mother's family was no simple matter. Especially since in her family there was a figure comparable to ancestor Nala.
But now Baskara had returned, whole and stronger. Not just in strength… but also in spirit.
"Are you both alright?" Teguh's voice was soft but full of concern, his eyes shifting between Tirta and Baskara.
"We are fine," Tirta replied, then hugged Teguh tightly. A sense of relief flowed through the embrace, as if the burdens of the past two days were melting away.
"Thank goodness… nothing undesirable happened," said Eyang Pradipa, his voice deep and calm. "So, what exactly happened?"
Tirta began to tell everything. Calmly but firmly, she explained how Baskara came to the Rivan family residence, how he felt the mental pressure upon learning that his mother was to be betrothed and separated from his biological father. She also described how Baskara managed to control his anger, even when unleashing the fifth layer of the Tapak Geni technique.
"The Tapak Geni... was not to attack. It was only a warning," Tirta said softly. "My father, Rivan... is indeed stubborn. But after seeing with his own eyes—my son's power, his resolve, and his sincerity to protect me—he could say nothing. He let us go."
The room fell silent. The elders exchanged looks, as if reconsidering their stance toward the young man standing calmly before them.
Elder Cakra Dara squinted, silently observing Baskara. "This child... is not only strong. But also mature... too quickly."
Elder Phasta added, "The fifth layer of Tapak Geni… even I didn't dare to reveal it in front of other families back then. But he didn't just show it... he controlled it."
Eyang Pradipa stepped forward a step, his deep gaze fixed on Baskara. For a moment, time seemed to slow.
"Baskara… you made your decision on your own, without waiting for our permission. But you have returned... not as a reckless boy, but as someone who knows what he protects. You have shown not only strength… but wisdom. That is the true heritage of our ancestors."
Baskara only gave a slight smile. He didn't feel the need to boast. In his heart, one thing was enough: his mother had returned and was now safe.
Tirta stood beside him, her smile gentle, eyes glistening. She knew her son was no longer just a child. He was a guardian born from pain, and now a balance between two worlds: himself and the extended family that had once nearly lost its way.
"Then, we better go inside first," one of the elders suggested, looking toward Eyang Pradipa.
"Of course," Pradipa replied shortly, then stepped into the hall first.
Inside the main hall, they all sat in a circle, and the atmosphere grew quiet as Eyang Pradipa stood in the center. His gaze swept over everyone present before finally resting directly on Baskara.
"I have been informed by the ancestors," Pradipa said slowly but with authority, "that Baskara… has stepped into the realm of Soul Perfection."
Those words immediately shook the atmosphere. Several elders exchanged shocked glances. Even Teguh and Tirta, usually calm, stared at their son with wide eyes. No one expected Baskara's development to be so rapid, especially that he could hide it from Pradipa himself, who had already reached the Resi Loka level.
After the silence passed, Pradipa spoke again, now in a more personal tone.
"So, I will propose something to you, Son," he said, looking deeply at Baskara. "With your current abilities, you deserve to go further. I want you to consider joining one of the Great Padepokan or a renowned Martial Arts University."
He then sat back but continued explaining, his voice calm yet full of meaning.
"Between the two… there are similarities and differences. The Padepokan focuses more on the inner journey. You will be trained not only to hone techniques but also to cultivate the mind, tame the lust for battle, power, and blood. There, meditation and sensory training are the foundation."
"Whereas the Martial Arts University," Pradipa continued, "is more structured like a government. You will be educated as part of a system, trained as a warrior, diplomat, and sometimes a wanderer or artifact hunter. They do not emphasize meditation as strongly as the Padepokan, but their network strength and access… are immense."
Baskara listened quietly, while the other elders began to whisper among themselves. The choice was no small matter. Each path would determine the future, not just for Baskara, but also for their entire extended family.