Inside the main hall of the Pradipa family residence, the atmosphere felt tense yet full of readiness. Several elders stood forming a half-circle in front of Eyang Pradipa, including Teguh, who stood slightly ahead.
"Alright... are you all ready?" Pradipa asked, his voice firm yet calm.
"Of course, we are ready," replied one of the elders with a spirited nod. Their spiritual aura began to surge, as if ready to face the tension that might arise at Rivan's residence.
But before they could take another step, the large hall doors slowly opened. A gatekeeper entered, breath held, then bowed respectfully.
"My apologies, elders... Master Baskara and Lady Tirta are at the front gate of the hall."
The room fell silent instantly. Eyang Pradipa, Teguh, and the other elders exchanged glances—their eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and relief.
Without a word, they immediately rushed out. Their steps were swift yet still carried dignity.
Upon seeing Baskara standing tall beside Tirta under the sunlight, the anxiety that had haunted them vanished in an instant. Baskara's aura was so calm, like a young sage fully attuned to his inner depths. No wounds, no anger—only serenity and an inexplicable nobility.
Teguh looked at his son with eyes almost brimming with tears. He knew that meeting the family of his mother was no simple matter. Especially since within her family was someone comparable to Ancestor Nala.
But now Baskara had returned, whole and stronger. Not just in power... but also in spirit.
"You're both alright, aren't you?" Teguh's voice was soft but full of concern, his gaze shifting between Tirta and Baskara.
"We're fine," Tirta replied, before embracing Teguh tightly. There was a wave of relief in her hug, as if the burden of the last two days had begun to melt away.
"Thank goodness... nothing unwanted happened," said Eyang Pradipa, his voice deep and composed. "Now, what exactly happened?"
Tirta then began to explain everything. Calmly yet with firmness, she described how Baskara came to Rivan's residence, how he felt the emotional pressure upon learning that his mother was to be arranged into a marriage and separated from his biological father. She also explained how Baskara managed to suppress his anger, even as he unleashed the fifth layer of the Tapak Geni technique.
"His Tapak Geni... wasn't for attacking. It was just a warning," Tirta said softly. "My father, Rivan... is indeed stubborn. But after seeing it with his own eyes—the power of my son, his resolve, and his sincerity to protect me—he couldn't say anything. He let us go."
The room fell silent again. The elders exchanged looks, as if reassessing their stance toward the young man standing calmly before them.
Elder Cakra Dara narrowed his eyes, observing Baskara in silence. "This child... isn't just strong. He's mature... far too quickly."
Elder Phasta added, "The fifth layer of Tapak Geni... even I didn't dare to display it in front of other families. But he not only revealed it... he controlled it."
Eyang Pradipa took a step forward, his gaze deep as he looked at Baskara. For a moment, time seemed to slow.
"Baskara… you made your own decision, without waiting for our permission. But you returned... not as a reckless boy, but as someone who knows what he protects. You have shown not just strength… but wisdom. That is the true legacy of the ancestors."
Baskara only gave a faint smile. He didn't feel the need to boast. In his heart, one thing was enough: his mother had returned and was now in a safe place.
Tirta stood beside him, her smile gentle, her eyes brimming with tears. She knew her son was no longer just a child. He was a guardian born of wounds, and now a balance between two worlds: himself and the great family that had almost lost its way.
"Well then, it's better if we head inside first," suggested one of the elders while looking toward Eyang Pradipa.
"Of course," Pradipa replied briefly, then stepped forward into the hall.
Inside the main hall, they all sat in a circle, and the atmosphere became silent as Eyang Pradipa stood in the center. His gaze swept across everyone present before finally locking eyes with Baskara.
"I have been told by the ancestors," said Pradipa slowly but with authority, "that Baskara... has stepped into the realm of Soul Perfection."
That statement immediately shook the atmosphere. Several elders exchanged glances in astonishment. Even Teguh and Tirta, who were usually calm, looked at their son with wide eyes. No one expected Baskara's progress to be so fast, especially being able to hide it from Pradipa himself, who had already reached the Resi Loka level.
After the silence passed, Pradipa spoke again, his tone now more personal.
"So, I will propose something to you, my child," he said while looking deeply at Baskara. "With your current ability, you are worthy of taking a further step. I want you to consider joining one of the Great Padepokan or a renowned Martial Arts University."
He then sat down again but continued explaining, his voice calm yet full of meaning.
"Between the two… there are similarities and differences. A padepokan emphasizes inner journey. You will be trained not only to sharpen techniques but also to refine the mind, to tame desires for battle, power, and blood. There, meditation and emotional cultivation become the foundation."
"Whereas a Martial Arts University," continued Pradipa, "is more structured like a government. You will be trained to become part of a system, educated as a warrior, diplomat, sometimes even a wanderer or artifact hunter. They may not emphasize meditation as strongly as a padepokan, but their network and access to resources… are enormous."
Baskara listened calmly, while the other elders began to discuss quietly among themselves. The choice was no small matter. Each path would determine not just Baskara's future, but also that of their great family.
One elder sitting next to Pradipa also spoke, his voice low but steady, "Both the university and the padepokan will certainly allow you to return to the family, to handle your responsibilities… But in critical times, they will also summon you. They will need you—whether for strength, strategy, or your presence as a symbol."
Elder Kirandi nodded slowly, "Indeed. Each has its strengths. Universities excel in access to technology, political networks, and knowledge of government systems. But… Padepokans hold the depth of feeling, spiritual peace, and techniques inherited from ancestors that are rarely found elsewhere."
They all looked at Baskara, as if waiting for his response.
Eyang Pradipa finally ended the brief discussion with a firm but gentle voice, "Of course, the choice is yours, my child. We won't force you. But whatever your decision, make sure it comes from your heart, not just ambition or escape."
Tirta turned to her son, her smile calm but full of hope. Teguh remained silent, but his gaze was sharp—he had full confidence in Baskara's decision.
The room returned to silence, leaving only the sound of wind drifting through the open hall window.
Soon, Baskara spoke in a calm but firm tone, "Thank you to all the elders and Grandfather, for thinking about me and my future. But for now, I would like to think it over first. Of course, if I decide to take that path someday, I will truly appreciate every recommendation from all of you."
The elders exchanged glances, and Eyang Pradipa gave a faint smile before responding, "That's right, my child. A decision like this cannot be made in haste. Even if someone is extraordinarily gifted, entering the wrong place could bring disaster instead of blessing. With your talent, I won't rule out the possibility that someday someone will try to exploit you."
Eyang Pradipa slowly rose from his seat, his steps steady, then looked at Baskara as if to ensure his words were deeply planted.
"The truth is, in any era, it's always the same, my child… even though a country, a martial arts university, or a great padepokan stands on sacred laws and high principles… in the face of absolute power, all of that means nothing."
The room suddenly fell silent. His words were a slap of reality that none could avoid, even those who had long served as family pillars.
Elder Kirandi added in a softer tone, "But both, whether padepokan or martial arts university, will surely allow you to return to your family if needed. They will likely need your help someday, especially during difficult times."
"Yes, that's right," added Elder Cakra Dara. "Each place has its own strengths and weaknesses. Padepokans focus more on inner peace, purification of thought and soul, and deep meditation. Meanwhile, martial arts universities tend to produce warriors or leaders who are directly assigned by the government, even in artifact hunting missions, they often take part."
"But it all comes back to you, my child," said Eyang Pradipa, concluding in a firm yet warm voice. "You don't have to rush. What matters most is that whatever path you choose, make sure it leads to growth… not destruction."
Baskara only nodded slowly, bowing his head respectfully to all the elders. In his heart, he knew—this decision would affect not just himself… but the future of many.
Tirta tightly held her son's hand. Behind her calm eyes, deep pride was hidden. Her son had grown… not just strong, but also wise.
After Baskara stated his decision to delay entering the padepokan or martial arts university, the elders eventually dispersed. One by one, they returned to their residences, leaving the decision entirely in the hands of the young man who had walked the silent path of meditation.
Baskara himself deliberately delayed the decision. Not simply because he was unsure, but because by nature, he disliked crowds and restrictive rules. He grew up in a family environment that allowed him the freedom to go wherever he pleased, without oppressive limits. If he did choose that path later, perhaps he would seek guidance from Ancestor Nala first.
At their small family home, the atmosphere was much warmer. Baskara sat relaxing with Teguh and Tirta, the parents who had always been his refuge and source of strength. They talked about the three years Baskara vanished in meditation, and how he managed to break through to the Soul Perfection realm at such a young age.
"My son… I'm truly amazed by your talent," said Teguh, his eyes sparkling. "You're only fifteen, yet you've come this far. Even I haven't been able to catch up…"
Baskara immediately puffed his chest forward, like a child who had just won a race.
"Hahaha! Of course, Dad!" he exclaimed loudly and confidently. "Who else would I be? Obviously talented! That's a small matter for me… like drinking water! Hahaha!"
Teguh could only sigh, somewhere between amused and exasperated by his son's sudden arrogance.
Tirta, sitting beside them, smiled in amusement. "Enough, son. Don't mock your father. Even though he's not as gifted as you, he's tried his best, you know."
Teguh quickly turned with a defiant expression. "Oh please, you're the same, Tir. Stuck in the same place, no progress either."
Tirta gave a small glare, her face reddening in both amusement and irritation. "What did you say?! I've been busy taking care of the family, not like you who can train whenever you want!"
Not long after, the doorbell rang from outside. Ding dong...
The conversation in the living room instantly stopped. Tirta quickly stood up and walked to the door.
"Hello, Auntie! How are you?" greeted a cheerful girl, her face radiant. She was Dinda Baskara's younger cousin, and a girl who had been away for a long time.
"Oh, Dinda! It's you!" Tirta said happily. "When did you come home, dear? Come on, hurry inside." He then leaned in and whispered softly in Dinda's ear, "Baskara is inside, you know."