Ken asked Lorentz, "Harold mentioned something—do you know who was there before you?" Harold laughed softly and said that was why Lorentz had looked toward the western direction to see what was happening.
"One day, when you two were sleeping peacefully, I was wandering inside the palace. I saw two warriors locked in a heated argument. I didn't know why they were fighting, but their words were striking. They spoke of the western path. I wanted to go there, but the guard told me, 'You cannot go to the place where the Goddess of Fire resides.' Immediately another asked, 'Then do you guard the northern path?' The guard replied, 'Do you wish to die? I will never go there.'
That thought kept running in my mind. That is why Lorentz sent me westward to explore the city streets. But I chose the northern path instead. The northern forests were vast and dense, with towering trees shrouded in mystery. The woods were filled with illusions. As I tried to enter, Amaravati's warriors appeared and went inside. I returned from there," Harold explained.
Lorentz replied, "If you had followed them, you might have known where they were going." Harold admitted he had thought of it, but feared being seen. "If I had been caught, it would have been a great danger. Besides, we must not reveal the secrets hidden here. We should not chase after unnecessary knowledge and lose what is truly needed. That is why I came back."
Ken sighed, "This Amaravati city holds countless mysteries—magical powers, enchanted swords, time itself, the north and south directions, and the Goddess of Fire. Every day this city increases my fear and anxiety."
Lorentz reassured him, "Do not worry, Harold. First, we must send Ken safely out. Once he leaves, many things will become clear. Then we can finish our task properly."
He continued, "Listen carefully. From here, through the telescope, I saw two massive walls. Crossing them is extremely difficult. Only the guards and warriors can pass. The second wall lies about five kilometers beyond the first, with dense forests in between. Beyond that second wall lies the domain of the Goddess of Fire, guarded by warriors with many magical powers. Even if we cross, we don't know what dangers await. Only after crossing can we reach the shore. One way is to send Ken with protection by boat, and then return the same way to the palace. But when Ken will return after finishing his work, we cannot know. That path is full of dangers—equal to death itself. It is like being shot at point-blank range."
Lorentz asked, "So what shall we do?" Harold replied in despair, "I don't know. In every direction lies death. Even if we step forward, there is no space to survive. How can we get the medical records we need from Amaravati?" He grew sorrowful, thinking of his family.
Suddenly, the sound of drums echoed. The three of them ran to see. There, in front of the army, stood a chariot carrying many warriors. Among them appeared a mighty figure, like a tiger, Rudra Senan of the Sengol royal lineage. The great minister Bimbisan called the three forward. Together they approached Rudra Senan.
Rudra Senan greeted them: "I am Rudra Senan, protector of Amaravati. Not only of this city, but of you as well. What do you seek? Our ancestors wrote in the Amaravati inscriptions that we must guard the sacred tiger. Only now, after ages, have you arrived. This city is filled with mysteries. As you journey, you will understand. Stay here with joy. It is our duty to watch over you."
The three were astonished. As Rudra Senan spoke, his valor and noble qualities became clear to them. They realized his strength was beyond measure. Yet in their hearts, one question kept echoing—how would they ever return through the western path?