Chapter 10: 10. The Silent Guardian

Fishing Village, Coral Reef Peninsula

A bright white light flickered for a few seconds, like lightning striking a large mangrove tree in the forest’s gloom, as the nameless young man arrived at his destination. The portal’s light faded. He conjured a small fireball in his palm and tossed it upwards. The fireball transformed into the Sunfire Gaze, casting an orange glow among the branches.

He moved swiftly through the mangrove forest, his sharp, dark eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. Suddenly, his steps halted when he felt something hard beneath his foot. Looking down, he stretched out his hand to pick up a necklace with a ruby-red stone pendant—a piece he recognized immediately.

“Eternal Crimson Guardian,” he whispered. “Where is he...?”

His gaze shifted upwards as he noticed a red, high-energy orb rapidly moving toward the Luminous Remnants star in the Dragon Serpent constellation. The orb was the Crimson Sphere Essence, the soul of a dead Shadowrift Abomination. A rare flicker of concern crossed his eyes as colorful light began to surround the Dragon Serpent constellation. “Am I too late...?” he murmured before resuming his pace.

As he continued, the distant sound of barking reached his ears, cutting through the silence. The young man turned and followed the noise, soon finding Kairav lying unconscious in a mud puddle, with an old beagle circling his body, barking anxiously.

Nala barked louder and ran toward him, as if pleading for help. The young man approached Kairav, checking for signs of life. A faint pulse greeted his touch, and he exhaled in quiet relief. He carefully placed the Eternal Crimson Guardian necklace back around Kairav’s neck, and for a brief moment, the ruby-red gemstone glowed.

He then lifted Kairav onto his back, carrying him out of the forest. After a few steps, he felt a faint movement and heard a weak voice say, “Who are you?”

Glancing back, the young man saw Kairav stirring, confusion etched on his face. “I’m the one who helped you,” the young man answered, his voice calm and flat.

When no response came after a few moments, the young man glanced back again, this time noticing the fear on Kairav’s face as he stared at the glowing Sunfire Gaze overhead. “It’s just a fireball. There’s no need to be afraid,” he said, his tone still neutral.

Kairav remained silent, fear still lingering in his wide eyes as he struggled to trust the stranger carrying him. Just then, the sound of a dog barking made him turn his head. He saw Nala faithfully following behind them.

Kairav suddenly remembered something vital. “Bro, did you see my little brother Sagara...?” He asked softly, his voice tinged with hesitation.

The young man in the silver mask remained silent, his thick brows furrowing in confusion. “He’s also in this forest?” he asked.

Kairav nodded slowly, his tone quiet but hopeful. “Did you see him?”

Instead of answering, the nameless young man posed another question. “What happened? Why are you in the forest?”

Kairav lowered his head, his voice growing faint. “Sagara and I were chasing our dog into the forest... But we got separated because a monster chased us.”

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“What did the monster look like?” the young man asked, his voice neutral.

Kairav’s hands trembled as he recalled the terrifying encounter. “It was huge... thick black fur... red eyes... sharp teeth,” he said, his voice shaky with fear.

The description instantly brought to mind the creature known as Orang Gadang—the Giant Man, one of the Shadowrift Abominations.

The young man paused, sensing the boy’s fear. “Did you see anyone else there?” he asked, hesitant.

Kairav shook his head weakly. “No ... Just the monster and... the unicorn,” he said, his voice heavy with sadness.

The nameless young man remained expressionless, continuing his steady pace. After a moment, he spoke. “Don’t worry, I’ll find your little brother.”

Kairav lifted his head, curiosity momentarily breaking through his sorrow. “Bro, are you my guardian?” he asked softly.

The young man faltered, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his otherwise stoic face. “No.”

“But you saved me,” Kairav responded, confusion clear in his voice.

“I’m just a stranger,” the young man replied flatly.

“But my father told me Sagara and I have a guardian. I call him the Silent Guardian because he’s never seen,” Kairav said firmly, his eyes searching the masked figure.

The young man remained silent, continuing to walk. Eventually, they reached the edge of the forest. “That’s your house,” he said, gesturing toward a house with a large yard in the distance.

Kairav furrowed his brow. “How do you know where I live?” he asked, puzzled.

Before his question could be answered, a voice rang out from the distance.

“Kairav!”

Kairav turned to see a middle-aged man running toward him, panic in his eyes. “Dad!”

The boy leaped from the young man’s arms and ran to his father, tears streaming down his face. “I was so scared! I thought I’d never see you again!”

Satya immediately embraced his son, his relief palpable. “My son... where were you? I was terrified when you disappeared,” he said, his hands cupping Kairav’s face, his eyes fixating on the wound on his forehead. “Are you hurt? What happened? Where’s your brother?”

Kairav’s tears flowed harder, his sobs deepening. “I don’t know... Sagara’s gone. I couldn’t find him... He’ll come back, right?”

Satya’s face turned pale, his fear rising. “What...?” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Sir...”

The calm voice made him look up. Satya saw the young man in the silver mask standing quietly nearby. “You...?” he asked, recognizing the familiar figure.

The nameless young man gave him a slow nod, a silent gesture—one that urged Satya to remain quiet.

Satya understood the unspoken message. He gently turned his attention back to Kairav and said, “Son, go inside and wait for me. I’ll take care of your wound soon.”

Kairav, still sniffling, wiped the tears from his cheeks. “What about Sagara...?” he asked, his voice trembling.

Satya softly ruffled his son’s hair and, with a faint smile, replied, “I’ll find him, I promise. Now go inside.”

Hesitantly, Kairav nodded. He glanced back and forth between his father and the nameless young man who had saved him. After a moment of indecision, he turned and walked toward the house, his steps heavy with exhaustion.

Once Kairav disappeared behind the door, Satya turned toward the young man. “Commander—“

“Kairav accidentally used his power,” the young man interrupted, his voice steady.

Satya’s expression immediately darkened with guilt. “Please forgive my negligence,” he murmured.

The young man’s sharp gaze remained fixed on Satya. “He’s seen things he shouldn’t have,” he said. “I’ll find a way to make him forget, but after this, ensure that he never removes again the necklace I gave him.”

Satya nodded quickly. “I understand.”

The young man’s tone remained cold and direct. “As for your youngest son, Sagara—I’m not certain, but he may have been captured by the Darkconians. I saw the Crimson Sphere Essence heading toward the serpent dragon constellation earlier.”

Satya’s face turned pale at the revelation.

“I’ll search for him,” the nameless young man continued. “But for now, you must return to the Nusantara Kingdom. This place is no longer safe for hiding.”

Satya frowned, uncertainty clouding his features. “But is it safe to use the portal now? I’m worried they might still be in the forest.”

The young man gave a brief nod. “I’ll keep watch over the forest tonight. We leave tomorrow morning.”

Flashback End