CESAGA

Arthur's gaze fell upon the newcomers, an invitation in his eyes. An invitation to join them in this unbreakable oath, in a sacred fight that transcended life, death, and time itself. 

"So, I was trapped here while on a mission, and they wouldn't let me leave unless I helped. I told them that two of my strongest friends were on their way. With your help, we can bring peace back to this land," Gema explained, calm and composed. 

Suria scowled, annoyed.

"Why, you little…! And here we are, roped into your mess." 

Purnama, more focused, eyed Gema.

"I know you, Gema. You could've escaped if you wanted. You stayed for a reason. You knew we were coming, and you've been waiting for us. You must've met Ria."

Arthur turned his gaze upon Purnama, then shifted it to Suria, his voice resonating with timeless weight.

"I know this battle is not yours to bear. None of us foresaw facing a malice that hails from beyond our world. Yet, within this darkness lies something that belongs to you, Suria—something only you can reclaim." 

Suria blinked in surprise.

"What? What could this possibly have to do with me?" 

Arthur's expression darkened.

"The Darkseed we speak of is Kelembai. And it possesses your kris, the legendary Gerhana. That is why this battle has been so arduous." 

Purnama and Suria both froze in shock at the revelation. Gema stood quietly, watching their reactions. 

"That kris should only be in your hands, Suria," Gema said, resting a hand on her shoulder. "For that reason, we must join forces with these knights." 

Suria narrowed her eyes and glanced.

"And what's in this for you, Gema?" 

The other knights turned their sight to Gema, awaiting his response. A long, tense silence followed before Gema sighed deeply.

"I'm going to fight like in the good old days, with my beloved friends!" Gema exclaimed with excitement.

Despite their iron helmets, the knights around the table seemed to sigh in unison, as if they had expected Gema's response. 

"He wants my sword—the Excalibur," Arthur said calmly, gesturing to the sword embedded in the stone before them. 

Gema's excitement faded as Purnama and Suria turned their eyes to him, suspicion clear in their gazes. 

Gema let out a deep sigh.

"Alright, fine. It's for Ria. She asked for it, but I don't know exactly what she wants to do with Excalibur," Gema admitted, pointing toward the legendary blade. 

Purnama nodded thoughtfully.

"If it's for Ria, that does make sense. She's always been drawn to strange and powerful things. But I'm guessing she promised you something in return for your help, didn't she?" 

Gema looked away, clearly uncomfortable.

"Yes, but I'll explain everything when the time is right. Not now."

Suria, sensing the tension, yawned loudly.

"Well, enough of this for now. We're exhausted. Can we at least get some rest before we dive into all these plans and battles?" 

Arthur nodded, understanding their weariness.

"Galahad shall escort you to your rest chamber. Tomorrow, we march forth to Avalon. Rest well, my celestial companions." He signaled Galahad, who led the twins and Gema to a quiet resting area, providing them with a warm place to sleep. 

As the night grew still, Purnama, Suria, and Gema slept peacefully. But the knights of the round table remained seated, deep in discussion about the mission ahead. 

"This will be our final battle, my fellow knights," said Arthur, his voice echoing through the chamber.

A golden flame aura could be seen through his dragon-shaped iron helm, illuminating his determined expression. In unison, the knights of the round table let out a thunderous roar, their voices filled with a mixture of determination and defiance.

"May glory be with us, and may your souls finally find peace," Arthur continued, his words carried by the wind.

Morning dawned, and Arthur summoned Berdivere and Palamedes to invite the Celestians to discuss their plan of attack.

Purnama, Suria, and Gema had been deep in conversation in their resting chamber inside the rock when the two knights arrived to escort them to the round table. 

Lancelot's voice carried the weight of a seasoned warrior as he began to outline the plan.

"The steam-forged city of Avalon is divided into three great sections, each fiercely defended by a Darkseed of immense power and its legion. King Arthur, Sir Gema, Kay, Percival, and I shall take the central path, where we will confront a Darkseed called Bota. To the west, Sir Purnama, Galahad, Lamorak, and Gawain will face Kelembai, the one who holds Suria's kris. At the same time, Tristan, Palamedes, Bedivere, and Gareth shall escort Lady Suria along the eastern wing, under the command of Simalaun."

"We shall hold our position at a safe distance beyond the entrance," Percival declared. "When the shadows lift, we march forth as one. This will be no stealthy strike—let them feel the weight of our approach." 

"Engage in battle with wisdom and restraint," Kay urged, his voice solemn. "The safety of the people must remain our foremost concern."

"Our charge is to vanquish the Darkseed and awaken the steam-powered bridges that bind Avalon Island to the surrounding lands," Galahad proclaimed, his words carrying the gravity of their mission. 

"The ones crossing the great sea serve under the banner of one such leader," Palamedes continued. "They make use of a steamship that waits at the pier every twenty-one days to receive their supplies."

Suria arched an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"If we're not crossing the bridge, does that mean we're to seize one of the ships instead?" 

"No, we shall travel by other means..." Tristan responded, his tone resolute. 

"It is known as Bertangkup!" Gareth proclaimed, his voice filled with purpose. 

"Follow my knights," Arthur commanded, Excalibur raised high, its power gleaming in the air. 

The knights rose and marched towards the path where Purnama and Suria had first entered.

Purnama turned to Gema, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"Do you know their plan?"

"It seems we'll cross the treacherous sea using this colossal rock," Gema replied, his expression serious. 

"This rock?! How is that even possible?!" Suria exclaimed, incredulity evident in her voice. 

"Fear not, my celestial brethren," Lamorak assured them, his voice steady. "Bertangkup is no mere stone. Our king commands it through the very essence of his soul." 

Upon reaching Bertangkup's head, Arthur began channeling his shakti into Excalibur. A brilliant golden aura emanated from the sword, spreading across the rock's surface.

Slowly, the giant rock, previously flat, began to rise from the ground, flexing as if awakening from a deep slumber.