The torrential rain on the slopes of Mount Salak showed no signs of letting up. Sand, black mud, and sodden leaves clung to their trousers and boots. Behind them, the distant night sky glowed with a faint, orange hue—the dying embers of the Wooden Villa that had once belonged to Arka’s late mother.The roar of helicopter rotors in the night sky slowly faded, muffled by the dense canopy of giant pines and the natural gorge walls where the river rushed below.Arka led the way. One hand gripped a lowpower tactical flashlight, casting a sharp beam onto the slick ground, while his right hand held Bima’s—his grip unyielding. Arka’s stride remained steady, heavy, and firm, as if the shrapnel wound in his left shoulder had no effect on his powerful frame.Yet, Bima could feel a subtle tremor in Arka’s chest muscles every time the man took a deep breath."Arka, slow down," Bima whispered. His voice was hoarse, colliding with the thunder of rain hitting the leaves. He tugged at Arka’s hand, for
Last Updated : 2026-08-05 Read more