One

Java, 1586The wind howled across the coast.The sun blazed from the peak of a sharp blue sky, while massive waves exploded against the black rocks lining Karang Bendan's shoreline.On a stretch of smooth sand, two men stood facing each other, separated by little more than eight feet.The first one was tall and lean, sporting a neatly trimmed mustache above his upper lip. He wore a purple tunic tailored from the finest fabric money could buy, and the headband was equally expensive. One glance was enough to tell anyone that this was a man who had never worried about the contents of his purse.His opponent presented quite a different picture.The second man wore simple black clothing that looked more suited to a mountain farmer than a warrior. His headcloth was also cheap. He had tall and imposing build, with a thick mustache and bushy sideburn adorning his face. A massive machete rested at his belt.Taken together, he looked exactly like the sort of outlaw parents warned their children

最後更新 : 2026-06-11

Two

“Yes. I visited both places,” Wisnumurti said. “As for Mataram, I only heard the news secondhand. The ruler there, the man known as Ki Gede Mataram, has died. His son, Sutawijaya, succeeded him and has taken the title Senopati ing Alaga.”Jaladri let out a whistle.“That’s a fierce title. Senopati ing Alaga, Commander of the Battlefield. Sounds like a man who wakes up every morning looking for another kingdom to conquer.”“He’s exactly that kind of man,” Wisnumurti replied. “A brilliant war leader. One of the greatest martial artists in his region. And according to a prophecy, he’s destined to become the king of kings—the ruler who will dominate Java for centuries.”Jaladri blinked.“Really? Who made a prediction like that?”“Sunan Giri Prapen,” Wisnumurti said. “The powerful ruler of Giri Kedaton in the east. And once word spread, the eastern rulers became nervous. They started talking about destroying Mataram before it grows too strong to stop.”Jaladri always enjoyed talking with W

最後更新 : 2026-06-11

Three

A horse thundered toward the pavilion at a full gallop.Several servants who were lighting lanterns around the sprawling estate looked up in alarm. Whoever was arriving wasn't an ordinary guest.He leaped from the saddle before the horse had even come to a complete stop—and somehow managed not to land face-first in the dirt.The sun had just vanished beyond the horizon, leaving streaks of gray-blue twilight overhead, when the broad-shouldered man strode hurriedly toward the pavilion. Behind him, several house guards chased after the runaway horse.The newcomer had barely reached the steps when a large figure emerged from the main house.Bajul."Is it about the dead body they burned earlier?" Bajul asked immediately."Yes. Where's Wisnumurti?""Inside. Come on."The two men entered the main residence.In the front room, several men seated on a bamboo platform immediately rose to greet the newcomer. He wore a long-sleeved jacket, a knee-length cloth wrap, and a finely crafted kris tucke

最後更新 : 2026-06-11

Four

“Wake up.”The whisper was so faint it was almost inaudible. Yet something inside it carried enough force to yank Jaladri out of sleep instantly. And the very first thing he realized was that he was trapped in sleep paralysis—fully conscious, eyes open, but unable to move a single muscle.It had happened to him before. What was unusual was the voice. He was certain he'd heard someone whisper.Had it been real? Or was it one of the spirits rumored to haunt the estate? His family's residence had a reputation. Guards and servants regularly claimed to see headless ghosts wandering the grounds, giant black-furred creatures lurking in the gardens, or shrouded specters floating among the mango trees beside the pavilion.Jaladri, however, had never seen any of them. Not once.“Relax. I’m not a ghost.”His heart slammed against his ribs. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he noticed a shadow standing in the corner of the room near the door. The figure was difficult to make out, almost compl

最後更新 : 2026-06-11

《Toward the Sun》全部章節：第 1 章 - 第 4 章

One

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Three

Four