Chapter 0 – The Serpent Spirits

There is a story whispered across generations, from the villages of Java to the shores of the southern sea — the legend of the Siluman Ular, the Serpent Spirits.

For centuries, people have believed that snakes are more than mere creatures of the earth. They are sacred to the Queen of the Southern Sea — Nyi Blorong, the dark enchantress said to command the wealth and desires of men. It is told that those who wish for fortune or power must seek her favor, and in return, they must offer what is most precious: a life.

Some whisper that sacrifices are made in secret: human souls, the heads of goats, even buffaloes. The ritual is said to be carried out under the watch of a dukun, a spiritual mediator who bargains with forces beyond human comprehension.

From ancient times to the present day, these beliefs have not vanished. Even in the year 2025, there are still those on the island of Java who bury the heads of goats or buffaloes beneath new buildings — factories, bridges, and even homes — believing it will bring protection and prosperity.

But this is no blessing. It is a curse passed down through fear and greed.

The serpent spirits are said to dwell in sacred rivers, haunted cemeteries, and the dark waters of the southern sea. They slither unseen, guardians and executioners of forbidden pacts. Those who have seen them speak of golden scales under the moonlight — and of voices that call from beneath the waves, promising wealth… at the price of a soul.

In Indonesia, such stories are not merely tales to frighten children. They are reminders.
That some deals, once made, can never be undone.