The shaking of the entire town grew intense, and Eros inside the building could only walk guided by the walls of the maze. Even the king, who was in the skies floating, could clearly see the earthquake the town is experiencing. His face turned serious and grim, since it seemed like something will emerge from the very ground everyone stood in. It could be a common natural explosion, or something that births trepidation - an enormous creature that causes destruction.

While the king was still perturbed, a voice rang out, “Zoe Machaira!” which created a flash of green light to slash towards the king as if ready to devour any life.

BOOM!

A massive explosion occurred, when the king blocked the attack with his sand. However, even though he fully blocked it, a line suddenly appeared; it span from his shoulder down to his waist. Then in an instant blood sprayed out, shocking everyone who saw the bout.

“How!?” The king said; mixed with bewilderment and rage.

The man flew up reaching the level of the king’s elevation, and then he replied filed with elation. “Do you really think you can block that? It is a magic that cuts life itself!” Then as he moved closer to the king, he suddenly stopped laughing, and his face turned frightening while his tone felt menacing. “The only reason you defeated me last time was because I used most of my energy, and even sacrificed my vitality just to cast the spell to save your dying body. If I knew that you would plot against me the moment you regained your former strength, I would have locked you up under extreme torment; until you become a medicine which I have been trying to get!

The king then snorted coldly and replied in fury. “Save my dying body!? Your words make you seem glorious and chivalrous, which in truth you are greedier than me!”

“I could never be greedier than a pig like you who entered the Door of Sin to gain strength you could never gain even in your dreams. Entering the Door of Sin turned you into a glutton, unable to stop eating to gain strength and increase your life force; however, you are a failure which means you cannot handle the power given by the Door of Sin which made you slowly die in vain!”

The king roared since the man pulled his most sensitive chord – him failing to assimilate the power of the Door of Sin. Those who enter the Door of Sin and fail like him, dies without gaining anything. However, those to succeed could gain immense strength to obtain anything he covet; only that they would still be under the influence of the Door of Sin even if they become a great ruler or a even a true king.

The two began exchanging attacks which even worsened the trembling of the lands. They became engrossed in vying for each other’s throats, that down below, they did not notice Fryr and Hagu slaughtering their way through the structure Eros went into.

Before Fryr, Hagu and Elas reached the building Eros was trapped, they saw Eros walking out giddy but unharmed.

“Eros! We’re here!” Elas shouted as they rushed to Eros with Hagu shoving away more thormos.

When Eros heard Elas’ voice, he quickly glanced at them and could not help but rejoice. “Everyone! I’m glad you’re all alright.” Then he rushed towards them to regroup and eliminate the king’s troops.

While panting, Eros asked Fryr. “So where are we going?”

“We are going to look for the Door of Sin located in this place.”

When everyone heard what Fryr said, Elas’ expression turned complex and slightly perplexed. Fryr never told him about the Door of Sin until this day, so he said. “Why didn’t you tell me that there’s a Door of Sin here?”

Fryr then answered him with a smile. “You never asked. You only kept bugging me to leave the place.”

Elas did not say a word, but instead sighed in frustration and asked for the Door of Sin’s location. When Fryr heard the question, he simply glanced at a distance with serious countenance, which sparked everyone’s anticipation and increased their expectation. Then he said, “I do not know. But I am sure it is here.”

Elas’ lips twitched; from Fryr’s pensive approach, he thought that not one would have a look of reproach from the information Fryr broached.

“Uh.. So how do we find it?” Hagu suddenly asked preventing Elas’ petulance from showing.

“We look for it.” Fyr said in all seriousness.

“Alright.” Hagu said with a convinced nod.

Elas could only look at Hagu who was inveigled with Fryr’s stupid remarks. However, he chose not to say anything since it would not help their progress in finding the Door of Sin. He knew that Fryr was a devious and shrewd goblin, but most of the time, he was displaying unimaginable stupidity which makes Elas doubt his integrity. But so far, every information he gave had their lives saved.

As they were discussing, the shaking of the grounds was rapidly increasing. Even their balance was lost which allowed some enemies to accost them in an attempt to kill them at any cost. In the briefest moment; Hagu who regained his balance, grabbed both Hagu and Fryr and escape from all the opponents.

They all knew that fighting was something they should avoid since they aren’t sure when the whole town will be destroyed. As they were running, everyone heard a muffled roaring. It came from below the lands, and tremendously increased the shaking causing everyone to fall in their hands.

“What was that? Elas asked, shocked.

Fryr frowned, and Hagu quickly recovered to flee. Eros was the only one who has an expression not of surprise but of concern, since he knew that the monster that dern below could have the whole town overturned in a single blow.

As the sound of roar was getting loud, a tall yet ordinary building crumbled whose foot is filled with a crowd – they were a group of thormos who appeared to be tasked to guard something seemingly more important than helping their king.

The crumbling building suddenly revealed something, a door familiar to Eros’ group which remained there floating. It radiated similar energy as the door they used to exit the Stints Covert, but something about the door seems different. However, the door look exactly the same, even the energy it is emitting is similarly terrifying.

Metal stairs also span towards the door from the ground; grey in color similar to the door. It was swerving like a snake, and stood there mighty without even buttress, brace or any support to hold it in place. It did not touch the door but the only distance is a single riser and tread. Even though it was only a stair, it radiated a domineering air, but it still felt as if it was worshipping the Door of Sin, waiting for something to emerge from within.

“Quick Hagu! Rush to that door!” Said Fryr, flying to the door and using his cursed shield to shove the enemies away.

When the king saw Eros’ group rushing towards the door, his eyes were filled with anger and he issued a roar. The roar caused sands to coalesce into a giant mass similar to that of the oceans tidal wave crushing everything, anywhere it pass.

However, along with the king’s roar, another roar could be heard, which filled everyone with dread. As the thunderous roar echoed out, the ground started to tilt at one side causing everyone to shout. “Monster!! There’s a monster lifting the town!”

Similar screams could be heard as the roaring filled their heads. It wasn’t long before the land of the town turned aslant, opting many to hold onto the ground.

Even though the ground was already tilted to one side, the king did not stop his attack not caring what will betide even if every thormos caught in the attack died. He was extremely furious of Eros who caused all this trouble; he doesn’t even care if his town becomes reduced to rubble.

Eros’ group ran as fast as they can away from the gigantic wave of sand coming their way. It crushed houses and buildings, not even sparing the sparse trees. The thormos ran away leaving Eros’ group free from trouble of clearing their way.

Hagu who was carrying Elas and Eros quickly rushed to the stair, and when he was only several meters away, a girl with crimson hair stepped on the first tread of the stair. She rushed up towards the door ignoring the fighting below and the tilling of the floor.

Eros recognized her and shouted. “Eris!”

The girl paused and looked his way, smiled and shouted, “Quick, Follow me!”. She then pushed the door, slowly opening it. As the door was pushed further in, eerie mist seeped out of the opening, but Eris ignored it and continued pushing. She was determined to open the Door of Sin and enter it the moment she can.

As the door was opening another roar was heard, this time it wasn’t muffled; it shook everyone to the core causing them all to fall on the floor. Even the king, and the man who was floating in the air, fell to the ground directly into the town’s square.

The trembling was intense that no one could stand on their legs. Then it suddenly stopped; making everyone feel at ease. However, a colossal figure appeared; it towered like a mountain covering half of the sky, leaving everyone stare with wide eyes.

At a glance it seemed similar to an erelex, but, its size was hundreds times as great. Its fangs protruded outward, and its mouth was like a tunnel, filled with fangs that could shred anyone that dares to enter.

When the monster’s image became clearer, everyone realized something. Something inconceivable, and not even worth considering, however, they saw it with their own eyes. At the body of the giant creature that span long like a giant worm, the town where they stood in is attached to its body!

No one dared to move or utter a word, which filled the town with silence. The monster remained unmoving as if looking for something. However, with all the silence, Eros suddenly leaped out of Hagu’s shoulder and onto the stairs, he ran forward! Then upon reaching the last step of the stair where Eris stood looking pale, he pushed the door with all his might, increasing the opening to release a bright light.

“Hagu, Fryr, Elas! Come here!” He shouted, then grabbed Eris and leaped to the door leaving everything behind. The three who were left, also rushed to the door where they entered without wasting a breath.

The monster growled when Eros entered the Door of Sin, but it could only roar and do nothing.

….

“Ahh!!!!” High pitch shout suddenly echoed out from the skies of a freezing field of ice. It was Eris screaming her lungs out from the situation they were in.

“Eris calm down!” Eros shouted as he was grabbing her arm.

“No I can’t calm down!! We’re falling, we’re gonna die!!!” Eris continued to shout without care.

Air whistled through their face; they were falling from an extreme height, and both of them have no ability of flight. If they fell on the ground it would not be a pleasing sight. So Eris with all his might screamed in fright.

When they reached the point below the clouds, they saw a gigantic ice creature of the shape of a man. It carried an ice sword on its arm, and stared up waiting for them to descend to the ground. It stood fifteen meters high, extruding freezing aura reaching the sky.

When Eros was starting to feel fear since they were getting closer to the ice covered ground, a force suddenly stopped their fall, and they suddenly heard a sound. It was the voice of Fryr, saying, “It’s time to thank the great me for saving your lives.”, then Fryr’s figure, along with Elas and Hagu closed in floating from a distance seemingly pleased by his own assistance.

“Thanks.” Eros said quickly without a change in tone or expression. Then he asked. “What are those things below?”

Fryr was a bit pissed from Eros’ lack of display of gratitude, but he still answered the question. “That thing is a” Before he could finish his line, Elas interjected in a mild tone.

“Perous.. We’re close.. close to the house of Marx.” Elas said with serious face.

Fryr was now pissed since he was about to explain everything and shower in everyone’s reverence from hearing a bit of his vast knowledge, so he said not allowing anyone to speak, “I can’t carry you all for much longer, so let’s get out of here and find a safe place to stay.”

..

Currently, they found a place without any perous or any monster, giving them time for them to rest and discuss other matters. The place they found was a cave located at a cliff face, it has a small entrance, but with enough space.

Also, only minutes after they stepped in the cave, the weather outside seemed to change. A storm suddenly descended causing them to be unable to proceed even if they wanted. It was a storm capable of hindering even a wizard, and cause him to be stuck in the middle of the blizzard.

On one side, Fryr and Hagu were staring at Eris while murmuring different things. It was like when Eros first met the two, but this time, Eris wasn’t scared, instead, she found the two funny and weird.

“Hey girl, do you know us?”

Eris shook his head, so Fryr said. “We are the Invisible Mercenaries of the Stints Covert! Call me Great Goblin Fryr, and call this guy, Immortal Orc Hagu. From now on you are my 2nd disciple, so kowtow three times as I give my blessing to you.”

Eros could only sigh while listening to the three, so he sat beside Elas near the mouth of the cave and said. “So Elas, you said we’re close to the House of Marx. How many days do you think it would take us to get there?”

“This entire place span hundreds of kilometers; it is like the Desert of Rawn spanning hundreds of kilometers at all sides. But I am sure that the House of Marx is located in this place and possibly in two months we could reach that place.”

“What was that perous we saw earlier? They don’t feel like other monsters.” Eros curiously asked.

Elas glanced at the snow outside and started explaining. “Those creatures are not like other monsters, they are a completely different existence that was born from the tears of a God. Legends say that a long time ago, a God descended into this plane; wounded and dying. She walked for hundreds of kilometers while tears filled her eyes. As she walk, the land she stepped into began to froze, and her tears formed into those gigantic ice creatures that followed her steps until she fell on her knees and died, turning the whole continent into a land of ice, forever frozen and cold. But before she died, a human met her and tried to mend her wounds. However, he failed to do so, so before the God completely died, she gave him a very small fragment of her dying soul and willingly gave him a drop of her blood. These actions turned the human into something every mortal would wish for – a creature with the power similar to a true God! The descendants of these creature and others who also received a legacy of a God are now the ones we call nobles and kings. With their power they were able to rule over the land of Eunos and led it to what it is today.”

Eros was amazed from that information, since in the plane of Chorias Gods were not usually discussed. Also those that received legacies from the Gods were all killed by Orcus who then ruled all of Chorias.

“So is the king of thormos at the Desert Rawn one of those that received the legacy of the Gods?” Eros asked.

“Aha! Good question kid.” Fryr said, barging in their conversation as he found something interesting to say.

“That pig is a fake king, just like what that man you freed said. In the plane of Eunos, nobody is sure of the origin of those Doors of Sin, so some believe that they are legacies left behind from the Gods. So those that obtain power from the Door of Sins consider themselves as kings or nobles. However, not all agree to that, so some call them fake kings or fake nobles.

“However, if you wish to see a noble, you are in luck, because those who reside in the House of Marx are mostly nobles – descendant of the very man who received the legacy of Frea - the God who died in this land, which is now named as the Land of Frozen Soil.” Fryr ended his words with a satisfied grin from being able to display vast amount of knowledge many things.

Eros stared at Fryr and faked his amazement since he knew that Fryr would not stop unless no one showed awe in his statement. Then they continued talking until evening which most of it was unessential information given by Fryr. When the night fell, Fryr and Hagu slept in one corner, unconcerned of the dangers outside the cave.

“At last, those idiots fell asleep.” Elas said, still looking outside.

“Why do those guys sleep anyway? At their level, not sleeping for a whole year won’t be a problem.” Eros replied to Elas looking at Fryr and Hagu deep in slumber.

“Because they’re idiots..” Elas answered bluntly. Then he glanced at Eros with a strange expression as if he felt something beyond his expectation. “Eros…. Did your level increase again from Arguros mage to Khrusos mage?”

Eros nodded and said. “Yes, it happened at the Desert of Rawn, when I was chased by many thormos back into the building, then fell into the weird pond inside of its deepest chamber.”

Elas could not wipe off the shock in his face in Eros abnormal case. The progress Eros exhibited was beyond everything he have seen or heard. If Fryr noticed it before he slept, he might have been shocked by how fast Eros leaped from one level to another in a pace no one could believe or accept.

While Elas was still gaping in astonishment, Eris suddenly voiced out, “Also, how did you manage to move even though the monster’s roar made everyone incapable to do so?”

Both Elas and Eros glanced at Eris as Eros answered. “I am not sure either…”

“She’s right. The same thing happened at the Hill of Despair. I noticed that you weren’t as shaken as us at the sight of the guardian of the Door of Sin.”

Eros simply repeated his words. “I am not sure..” However, deep in his thought, he knows it was because of experience he gained from the memory of the Hill of Despair. Reliving the life of the Hill, and experiencing hundreds of years was enough to transform his will from something like a small rill with water flowing slowly and almost still, to a mighty river rushing downhill.

Eros then decided to change the subject into something different. He introduced Eris to Elas to talk about the things they did in the Desert of Rawn. Elas’ mood then suddenly changed, as if he was extremely pissed, as he talked about how they became slaves and subsist by minimal food while Fryr insists that they should play along longer and persist. Natural energy was devoid from them causing them to feel hunger which he hasn’t felt since he was younger.

Elas’ ranting continued on for hours, but this made their relationship better. Even Eris who was a complete stranger felt connection from the two near the same age as her.

The morning came and the three of them was still talking, but unlike them, Fryr and Hagu were still sleeping. The storm also became worst which ultimately decided that they should bide inside and wait for it to subside.

They did the same thing in the second day, and the succeeding days – Sit and talk to each other getting to know one another, like brothers and sister. Fifteen days passed, until the storm stopped, it was sudden; it disappeared from the worst storm Eros have seen, into nothing; baffling and shocking him.

In the same moment the storm subsided, Hagu and Fryr both opened their eyes and stood up. It was as if when the storm suddenly stopped, it alarmed them to wake up. Both of them approached the three and Fryr said. “It’s time to go; you kids have been lazing for a while now.”

The three could only smile wrly as they followed Fryr and Hagu out of the cave to begin their travel towards the House of Marx.

They traversed the land of ice avoiding any perous they see from a distance. Luckily those perous span so high that it was easy to tell that there’s one ahead of the path they’re taking, so changing route was a decision no one would bother opposing.

Days passed and they walked nonstop, it was like a death march in an unending field of ice. It was worst than walking under the heat of the sun at the Desert of Rawn. If one wasn’t a mage but an ordinary man, he would surely freeze the moment he step foot in the ground or with a simple breeze.

“Who would want to live in this lands, it is just stupid.” Eros said a bit pissed.

“There are actually creatures who prefer to live in these conditions, since the natural energy in the place is somewhat special since it has a bit of essence of the God who died here.” Fryr explained.

“Do not worry, in two months we will arrive in the house of Marx.” Elas said with eyes filled with hate and killing intent.

Eris who decided to come along with them, walked silently with Hagu in tandem. She would occasionally glance around and listen to the three, but did not say anything simply smiled with glee. It has been a long time since she have travelled with someone, and the group treated her kindly and Fryr even accepted her as a disciple freely. However, Fryr never taught her anything useful and any magic that could be considered powerful. But, even with this, she was still happy; being accepted in a group was something she always wanted, but she could never get. Even though the group was a bit odd, and planned to trespass into a noble clan without even a plan, she still willingly came and assists them as much as she can.

During their journey, wolves howled nonstop as if they were being followed by a pack. With the extreme conditions of the lands, it is likely that the wolves are not normal ones. They may be strong enough to kill them all or just enough to give them trouble.

“I think we should get rid of those wolves as early as now.” Elas said worried while looking around.

“If we chase them one by one, it would take us so much time. Also, those giant perous might notice and chop us into pieces. So the best way is just to wait for them to attack so that we could kill the whole pack.” Fryr said with a smile.

Elas sighed, since Fryr’s plan was something that was also in his mind, however, killing a whole monster wolf pack was something he wasn’t sure they could pull off. Each of those wolves was weak, but it is highly possible that if they are in a group they could even fell Hagu in one fast swoop.

Days passed, and the howling became as frequent as the ticking of a clock. It was as if hundreds of wolves already surround them which they could not even feel. This was a special characteristic of wolves which wizards fear.

After walking a bit, Hagu suddenly roared! After which wolves suddenly appeared! It was as if Hagu felt them hidden, by some odd skill they’ve been using.

“So they’re ready to attack.” Fryr said with a slight laugh.

Fryr raised his hand to cast a magic shield to cover their group and said “Katara Thureos”, in an instant they were inside a skull shaped shield. However, the wolves were so many wolves that simultaneously attacked causing the shield to weaken in an instant.

“Fryr! Whats your plan?” Elas said a bit flustered.

“None.” Was Fryr’s reply; still with placid face as usual.

“I knew it, you moron!” Elas said in a furious tone.

However, before they started fighting, Eris suddenly stepped out of the shield and said “Madown.”. After her single word, the wolves started attacking each other as if they were a rabid killing machine!

Everyone gaped in shock except Eros who stood there ready to attack. However, he held back since it seems like Eris’ skill was enough to cause the wolves to flee in fear. The wolves one by one slowly started to escape, those who were left were the ones injured and dead.

“What was that!?” Fryr asked amazed. “Seems like you’re the same as Eros.” Then he laughed. “I really have good eyes for talented disciples. You two are such great freaks.”

“Look who’s talking.” Elas said in contempt. Then he glanced at Eris and said, “If possible we would like you to use your skill in order to keep those wolves away.”

Eris nodded with vigor and said “Yes!”. She has already decided to help them without anything in return. The way they treated her was enough as payment for simply using her magic.

“I was about to unleash another dazzling magic, but meh.. This kid got something useful like Eros. So for now, walk in front my disciple, and block those wolves.” Fryr said proud of Eris as if she was his own daughter.

With Eris’ magic skill, an expeditious journey was given to them. In only a short two months they have arrived at a small hill of ice. It wasn’t so tall, but it was imposing to the point that the sight of it could make someone tremble and fall. Tall ice shards span high creating an image of a castle full of spikes threatening the skies. The House of Marx was located at the top of the hill surrounded by thick layer of fog with only its three towers showing at the top. Also what seems to be most threatening are the demon apparitions floating, they were mixed in the fog as if ghost dancing in the night only illuminated by the moonlight.

“We’re here.” Elas said with deep hatred.

“So once we enter the center of that castle you’re on your own kid. Just remember not to die before you could give me the branch of the tree of life.” Fryr said.

“Don’t worry. I’ll hand over what I promised.” Then he glanced at Eros and continued. “I will also give yours.”

When his sight reached Eris, he said in a serious tone. “Eris, you can stay here. I have not offered you anything and yet you helped us reach here. I cannot thank you enough for this.”

Eris then shook her head, and said. “No.. I will enter with all of you, and do my best to help.”

“You seem to not understand. Those nobles inside are as stronger than the king who have imprisoned you in his chamber. They can kill you on sight without you even being able to fight. They are true nobles blessed by the God, with powers normal mortals cannot fight.”

However, with his remarks, Eris’ expression did not change the slightest. Elas sighed since Eris looked like she could not be stopped, so he looked at Fryr said, “Once you receive your payment, make sure you drag Eros and Eris to safety.”

“Of course I would, they’re my disciples.”

“Then let’s go!” Elas said full of resolve.

“Hey guys.. I know you’re all excited. But what’s the plan?” Eros suddenly asked.

“Plan?” Fryr laughed giving them a sense of fright, then hopped to Hagu’s should and shouted. “Hagu attack!”

Hagu roared and leaped towards the mountain while Fryr was laughing and saying. “This is the plan. We bash our way in! Hahaha!!”