"Cahyaningrum, Ki Semar, anyone? Have you seen my waist bag?"

Alicia opened the room and asked each of the servants for the whereabouts of the maroon-coloured satchel, of which no one knew. However, Alicia was soon led by the butler to Cahyaningrum, who was kneeling in the garden, surrounded by the ethereal smoke of incense and the warm rays of the sun.

Cahyaningrum noticed Alicia's arrival and turned to face her, "You called for me?"

"Cahyaningrum... Sorry to disturb your worship," Alicia was reluctant.

"No need, Alicia. I just finished." Cahyaningrum rose to her feet. "What can I do for you?"

"I cannae find my waist bag."

Cahyaningrum's eyes brightened, "Oh, yes! Bagong borrowed it for a while, he said he wanted to give it back as a surprise parting gift before you leave. I... I apologise for not telling you sooner. but I have taken the liberty of moving all your belongings into the white bag. Nothing was opened or anything like that. The gods are my witnesses!"

Alicia's brow furrowed, a small twinge of irritation there. Just a small twinge. Besides, Alicia could not help but think, what other surprise did Bagong want to give her? His multi-purpose glasses alone made her feel like a nuisance to this one son of Semar. "But the ship’s leaving soon..., and I dinnae see Ki Semar or anyone else at the palace!"

"Ki Semar was unfortunately unable to attend, Alicia, so he left his regards to you," Cahyaningrum explained. "He had to report recent events to Pulomas personally. For one thing, he wanted to fetch Nyai Kanastren here."

Alicia sighed. "Alright then. I'll just wait at the harbour."

"I'll help you carry your luggage!"

"No need," said Alicia. "Just wait for Bagong and the others."

As Cahyaningrum vanished from sight, Alicia remained transfixed on the swirling smoke of the incense in the small garden’s courtyard. Worshiping the gods. Cahyaningrum and the others might still have hope in their deities, but for Alicia, it was a different story altogether. After all the trouble she and the world had been through revolving around the concept of becoming a “god”, Alicia could not help but feel a tinge of revulsion whenever she heard that word or anything remotely related to it.

Suddenly, Orb's tweet broke her reverie. Alicia, let's go!

"Orb! Of course!" Alicia exclaimed, breaking free from her trance and rushing out of the palace.

The Uryanwarsa celebration was over. The empty fields were ready to be ploughed for new crops. The markets were already bustling with all sorts of transactions, and the chaos of labourers, fishermen, and merchants was producing noticeable noise pollution in the harbour. Amidst the traffic of freighters and passengers, Alicia waited at the edge of the dock, right where the ships would anchor. Behind her lay the medium-sized vessel that would ferry her to Kagatse, powered by mills and engines, painted in a regal bronze with thick leather for a roof.

Finally, a familiar voice called out the girl's name, and some waving of hands followed. The three sons of Semar and Cahyaningrum rushed towards Alicia, with Bagong leading the pack, carrying her satchel as promised.

"Divine Mercy, Bagong," Alicia wiped her brow. "Why go through all this trouble? My new glasses are more than enough!"

"Not just me, Miss," the midget man replied, handing her the bag. "Gareng comes up with the ideas, Petruk and Cahyaningrum gather the materials, and I execute the plan!"

Alicia opened the satchel and was surprised to find several boxes of herbs, plants, food, and snacks, along with a small alchemist's kit, a book of alchemical tips, and a collection of shamanic scriptures. All these items, and the bag remained slender. "What on earth are you up to?" Alicia asked.

"Well, your journey will be so hard with just glasses—"

"But I have Orb—"

"Eits, not done yet. We want make sure you're always prepared for any eventuality—"

"So I propose to make your bag a dimensional pocket!" chided Gareng.

"And…, each of us has provided a small gift…, you know, as a keepsake from Yawadwipa," Cahyaningrum added.

Alicia surveyed the gifts once more. There was not a single one that did not remind her of the sweet memories of her stay in Tumaritis. A new friendship from the east. The camaraderie between her Trinketshore friends, Nadine and Gilmore was reflected in the faces of those from Yawadwipa. Yet, as had happened before, Alicia was forced to leave all of it behind for a greater calling. Memories of meeting new people had been a constant in her journey since Camelot, yet they did little to alleviate the suffocation that threatened to consume her. Unbidden, tears gathered in her eyes, and Alicia quickly wiped them away with a handkerchief. "S-sorry..." The urge to weep grew ever stronger with each passing moment, and she buried her face in her hands until the feeling subsided. "T-thank… thank you... R-really..."

"Seems like we won't be having that romantic rendezvous we hoped for, tole?" Petruk's abrupt jest ruined the emotional moment. The others chuckled in agreement, but he continued, "Regardless, you've become an invaluable friend to us. We wish you nothing but the best on your journey."

Alicia reciprocated their warm sentiments with a heartfelt embrace, Orb emitting a gentle purr from her bag, imbuing the moment with a sense of benevolence.

As the friendship hug was concluded, Alicia's forlorn expression turned into a smile. "I will cherish this friendship in my heart. Petruk, and Gareng. I hope your magic be wielded as prudently as Ki Semar's."

"Of course, Miss Alicia," Gareng replied with a nod.

"And you can dare to learn Knowledge through books!"

"No! Experiences and meditations are enough! Why will we ever need those boring sets of inscriptions?" Petruk shrieked, eliciting laughter from everyone.

Turning to Bagong, Alicia expressed her hope, "I hope you can continue to create more magic and non-magic tools, even better than Hephaistos! Anything useful, other than weapons!"

Bagong acknowledged Alicia's wish with a nod.

Alicia grasped both of Cahyaningrum's arms. "You have the potential to become a formidable warrior and shaman, just like Ki Semar's children."

The tanned girl held Alicia's hand, uncharacteristic optimism adorning her delicate face. "I'll get ahead of them without having to spend hundreds of years!"

"Whoa, seriously!" Her declaration elicited an instant response from all three of Semar's children.

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Petruk even challenged the girl, "Then get ready to spar with us every day, Cahyaningrum!"

Alicia stuffed her white bag into the dimensional pockets of her maroon backpack. She took a look at them once more. Alicia, however, felt something lacking in them. She really wished all of the gang members were there. She longed for the other shishyas, Kiran and Cempaka.

She wished Wisesa was there too. At least.

The ship's horn sounded. Alicia quickly gathered her belongings. "Take care of yourselves."

Gareng understood the disgruntled look. "That punk," he said. "Take it easy, Alicia. We'll give him your regards."

"Please do. Until then, farewell—"

Someone smacked her head from behind.

"Well, that's just great. After all the mess you've caused in my life, you're just gonna sneak away without taking any responsibility! Westeners have zero sense of appreciation, I tell you!"

Alicia was just as surprised as her four friends when she heard the harsh voice.

"W-Wisesa?" Alicia turned her head. Her eyes darted behind the lad, finding foreign luggage at his feet.

The ship's whistle buzzed for the second time. "The ship’s leaving. Don't hang around." Wisesa carried his luggage and stormed the ship's deck, his mouth not yet stopped sneering, "Unless a Westerner's got arms strong enough to swim from here to Kagatse, in which case I doubt even you westerners can swim!"

Alicia was befuddled by Wisesa's unexpected appearance onboard. "What’s he doing here?" she inquired of her companions.

"I guess he's coming with you?" Cahyaningrum answered, uncertain as well.

Another warning whistle blared—Wisesa's own voice. "Alicia, I swear by the soul of Durga if you intentionally leave me on this ship, I will raze your birthplace—"

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Alicia hastily bid farewell to Petruk, Gareng, Bagong, and Cahyaningrum before scampering over to the ship.

"Alicia!" Gareng exclaimed. "If you ever find yourself in danger, whether from your enemies or from Wisesa himself, inform the Magisterium at once and we'll rush to your aid like the lightning of the Thunderkeeper! We're at your disposal, Miss! Anytime you need us."

The ship began to sail. Alicia and Wisesa were the only passengers on the ship, and their four friends were the only ones waving at the ship as it grew smaller and smaller in the distance. And just like that. Their forms blended into the landscape of Yawadwipa, fading from the view of Alicia's ruby eyes

"You decided to come!" Alicia exclaimed, overjoyed. "Oh, I'm so grateful you wanted to come, I couldnae imagine travelling alone—"

"Hold it right there, missy!" Wisesa placed her forefinger on Alicia's lips, causing the girl to recoil. "Listen. Having Barong by my side will only shorten my lifespan, so let me be clear: I didn't come to join you on some wild goose chase involving the Children of Prophecy and a charlatan astrologist. I’II find a way to rid myself of Barong without sacrificing my life. After that, I'll return to Yawadwipa, and you can keep Barong as your new pet. Do we have an understanding?"

Alicia contemplated, her gaze still fixed on Wisesa's glare. Not long after, she gave her answer.

"I agree."

Wisesa moved away and leaned against the front of the ship.

"But what about the royal duties?"

"What about them? Screw them! Let the old hunchback take over the kingdom and taste the trouble!"

It was indeed Wisesa's signature tirade. Alicia could not help but chuckle, then she caught up with him, who was admiring the ship's bow breaking through the waves. Her hands clasped behind her back while the Arcane orb danced on the deck. "But anyway, I believe you'll help me save the world, no matter what!" Alicia was optimistic.

"No, no! Don't put that suggestion into either of our heads. My answer is final!"

Alicia motioned for the Arcane orb to come to her. "Orb, will Wisesa fulfill his destiny as the Child of Prophecy to the end?"

Orb's white eyes flickered as its melodic voice drowned out the seagulls' cries. Alicia will be his first and best friend!

"Whoa! Did ye hear that, Wisesa? Did ye hear that?"

"I don't understand bird language!"

"I'll be yer first best friend!"

"Get lost, both of you!"

"Come on, if I have a panic attack, I know you'll have a guilty conscience attack!" Alicia teased.

"You want to fight magic on this ship until it sinks, because my mood calls for it! Barong! Release one-fourth of your power!"

"Oh, two youngsters and their impulsive actions..." Barong emerged sluggishly from Wisesa’s skin. "It would be a splendid day if we could avoid any trouble. How about you put aside your differences and savor the cerulean expanse above and below while you can?"

"See? Barong has a point!" Alicia gave a thumbs-up to the Patron of Lands.

"Well, if you must engage in something, how about you start with a harmless thing—betting?"

"Betting!" Alicia took something out of her pocket, a gold coin. "One king's token for me if ye stick with me to the end, and one for ye if ye don't!"

With a grunt, Wisesa relented, puffing away on his pipe. "Well, wish all you want, Westerner. You will never sway me."

Barong seemed to be enjoying the breeze, despite being a spirit. "Cheer up, Wisesa! I have some uplifting news for you. Do you remember when I mentioned Banaspati's whereabouts in the eastern realm? My brother is in Chixian Shenzhou, Kagatse's neighboring country! Oh, you will love my brother."

"Great," Wisesa responded flatly, exchanging a glance with the Crimsonmane lass. "That means I can return home sooner."

Alicia simply stuck out her tongue in response.

The two adolescents finally reclined, marvelling at the sun still fixed on the eastern horizon, as well as the sea that shone its glorious light. The salty breeze was refreshing. The waves were soothing. The sea's aroma transported the girl back home. A new land emerged behind the sun, and how her heart raced with excitement, the hormones of joy coursing through her body. She was excited. She was impatient. The mandate was still a shadow in her mind, still too heavy. Yet it was her only chance to explore new lands, forge new friendships, taste new knowledge. Her journal was hungry to devour ink engravings full of magical wonders. Their journey into the world of thaumaturgy had just begun.

"By the way," Alicia's voice was dense, breaking the waves of silence, "what can we do on this voyage besides staring at the sea?" Her tone rose half an octave. "Och! Och! Can we fish? Do you possess any Knowledge related to water? Show me if you do!"

Wisesa looked at her in surprise. “Haven't aristocrats like you traveled on cruise ships numerous times before?"

Alicia had just remembered that despite Trinketshore was on the seashore, she never ventured out to sea. A fact strange enough for Alicia herself, another possible subject of ridicule from the man beside her.

"My first mode of cross-country transportations were a rapid train..., and a root vine."

"You've never been on a ship?"

"W-well..., h-here's the thing, Mama and Papa never allow me to be out on the waters. And my friends fancy more to drag me to play in the highland forest!"

"Not even a canoe? A freakin lifeboat?"

Alicia shook her head.

"Oh, you're dead. You're dead."

"What? What is it?"

"Here's one more thing you can do while sailing: you'll go to your room. Then curl up in bed for ten days and ten nights. Struggle with vertigo, and vomit. You might be able to survive the dizziness. Vomiting?" Wisesa grimaced. "Eh…, I have my doubts."

"Hey, I'm not seasick, ye ken!" Alicia argued.

Wisesa insisted on his statement, "How can you be sure? You've never even been on a boat!"

"The same question asked to yer own face!"

The man's inquisitive face was inches away from Alicia's, and she was beginning to feel irritated. "Oh, I ken from yer goofy ass face!"

Alicia dismissed the annoying face with her hand. "Stop mocking my accent! What’s that even supposed to mean? Pure havers! Orb will make sure I dinnae waver while at sea." The orb in question landed in her arms.

Maybe Alicia was not making this up. Maybe reality said otherwise. Either way, the middle ground was what Orb took: chanting silence.

Wisesa still had a smirk on his face. He turned his attention back to the sea, puffing on his tobacco pipe. "Oh, Alicia. You're gonna suffer here..."

BOOK 1 ENDS