"My name… is Bermi."
The stranger's voice echoed in the stillness of the forest.
"I am from the city of Zimabara. I lost my way and ended up near your land. When I saw you in danger, I stepped in to help."
He continued,
"To reach my city, one must cross this dark forest and pass through the Pushpavana woods. On my way there, I saw you under attack… so I saved you."
The three of them expressed their gratitude.
Bermi then looked at them curiously."Why are you living alone in such a dangerous forest? Come with me to Zimabara. You won't have to suffer like this anymore."
After a brief moment of thought, Ariyan and the others agreed.
Together, the four of them journeyed through the Pushpavana forest.
The deeper they went, the more eerie it became. Strange sounds echoed through the darkness, sending chills down their spines. On either side, waterfalls cascaded down with thunderous force.
And then—
They saw it.
A city… shining like gold.
In the middle of that terrifying, shadow-filled forest stood a magnificent golden city, glowing brilliantly.
For a moment, they stood frozen in awe.
As they entered, the people welcomed them warmly.
There was kindness in every face.
After hearing Bermi's explanation, they received Ariyan and the others with respect and hospitality.
Inside the city, something caught Ariyan's attention.
A statue.
A terrifying one.
It had a monstrous form—fierce, grotesque, and powerful.
"What is this statue?" Ariyan asked.
Bermi replied calmly,
"This… is the deity of our clan. Agomi."
Ariyan's heart skipped.
The old man's words… were true.
"There is a long story behind it," Bermi added. "I will tell you later. For now, you should rest."
The three of them finally allowed themselves to relax.
But Ariyan couldn't sleep.
The moment he closed his eyes…
Alli's face appeared before him.
Again and again.
He wondered what she was doing… whether she was safe… whether she was thinking of him.
His heart ached.
Meanwhile, in the kingdom…
Soldiers searched for Ariyan everywhere—but found no trace.
Alli sat alone by the riverbank, her heart heavy with sorrow. She hadn't eaten properly… hadn't slept. She didn't know what to do anymore.
Back in Zimabara, the next day—
Ariyan and the others explored the city.
They were amazed.
There was no king here.
No hierarchy.
Everyone was equal.
And every single person was a warrior.
More importantly—only those with pure hearts could enter this city. Those with evil intentions could neither see it nor step inside.
This alone left them in wonder.
Later, they sat down to eat.
The variety of food amazed them—dishes they had never seen before. They ate to their hearts' content.
As Chandravathi walked through the city, she noticed something.
Bermi was ahead of her.
A small child ran up to him.
"I can't reach that fruit… can you help me?" the child asked.
Smiling, Bermi lifted the child onto his shoulders and helped him pluck it.
Nearby, an old woman approached Chandravathi.
"You must be the new girl, right?"
They began talking.
Chandravathi asked curiously,
"I heard there is no king here… that everyone is equal. But why does everyone treat Bermi like a ruler?"
The old woman smiled.
"This system… was created by Bermi himself."
"He was born into the royal family. After his father, he was meant to become king. But he refused."
"He said, 'I don't want a throne. I will live among the people as one of them.'"
"Since then, he has protected this city, helped everyone, and led us without ever calling himself a king."
"Whatever he says… no one here will oppose."
Chandravathi was amazed.
Slowly… admiration turned into something deeper.
Love.
Days passed.
Chandravathi began helping the people, treating the city as her own. Bermi noticed her kindness… and he too began to care for her.
Eventually, Ariyan spoke to Bermi about Chandravathi's feelings.
Bermi smiled.
"I feel the same."
The people of the city gathered.
And with joy, they arranged their marriage.
Before the statue of Agomi, Bermi and Chandravathi were united.
The entire city celebrated.
After the ceremony, Chandravathi fell at Ariyan's feet for blessings.
Ariyan gently stopped her.
"You deserve happiness. Live a life filled with joy."
Later, as the couple sat together, Chandravathi told Bermi her entire past.
He held her hand and said,
"From now on, you don't have to worry about anything. You are my responsibility. I will keep you happy."
They spoke with warmth, their hearts finally at peace.
The next day—
Ariyan approached Bermi.
"I must leave."
Chandravathi was shocked. "Where will you go? Stay with us!"
Ariyan shook his head.
"No. I have brought you to a safe place. That was my duty."
He paused.
"For me… Alli is waiting."
Chandravathi looked at him in surprise.
"Yes," he said softly. "We love each other. I must go to her."
Bermi stepped forward.
"I will come with you."
"No," Ariyan replied. "They need you here. Protect them."
And with that… he left.
He returned to the riverbank.
But—
She wasn't there.
Anxious, he entered the city secretly.
He found one of his old comrades.
"Where is Alli? I need to see her."
The man hesitated.
"Why do you want to see the princess?"
"We love each other," Ariyan said. "I'll explain later. Just help me meet her."
The man's expression darkened.
"I'm sorry… I can't help you."
"Why?" Ariyan demanded.
"…Alli is married."
The world stopped.
"What did you say?" Ariyan whispered.
"It's the truth," the man said. "If you don't believe me, ask anyone."
Ariyan stumbled outside.
He asked.
Again.
And again.
Everyone gave the same answer.
"It's true."
Someone recognized him.
"That's Ariyan! Catch him!"
Soldiers began chasing him.
But he escaped.
He ran.
Until he reached the river.
Falling to his knees beneath the tree, his body trembled.
Tears streamed down his face.
His heart… shattered into pieces.
He couldn't breathe.
He couldn't think.
An unbearable pain pierced through him.
He looked at his reflection in the water.
Memories flooded back.
Her face… her smile… her words—
"I am here for you… don't ever think you are alone."
His vision blurred.
For a moment, he thought he saw her again in the water.
But when he turned—
No one was there.
This time…
She didn't come back.
The river, once his only solace… now became a witness to his broken heart.
Leaning against the tree, he closed his eyes.
And in that silence—
Every memory of her crashed into him like waves.