“Stay here?” Eros repeated the words as if he wasn’t sure how to answer.

When the silence was getting longer, Fryr suddenly raised his hands and said, “I’m staying.” Then he weakly sat on the floor expressing his fatigue, affirming his answer to not leave.

“Uhh. I’m also staying.” Hagu said and also sat down at a corner unconcerned about the talks any further.

Eros glanced at the two, then his glance turned to Eris who did not speak a word since they were sent to this place.

“Uh. I’m not sure. But I think I’ll stay with you guys for a bit.” Eris said shyly.

Eros then sighed and said, “I think that settles it. We will stay here for some time.”

“I’m planning to stay for years.” Fryr interjected. “This place is very far from the Stint’s Covert, It would take years to go back, and besides, this place is a better place to live in.”

Eros then helplessly sighed again. He wanted to look for the third King’s Crystal as soon as he can, but he knows that Fryr and Hagu would not help him if he can give nothing.

With that he just decided to ask the old man, “Mister, may we know your name, and who are you to Elas?”

The old elf smiled and replied. “My name is Theodred, I know Elas personally. Our clan is a clan who served their clan for generations. The Lular clan which Elas belongs to is a powerful elf clan that existed for thousands of years, however, as you might already know, they met a tragedy that wiped out their entire clan where Elas was the only one left alive. I do not know the details how Elas managed to survive or how the fight between the House of Marx and the Lular clan transpired, the only thing I know is that the Lular clan has the the first King’s crystal on their possession. Even I am unsure of what those crystals could really do, but I know they are far more important than any treasures in this plane.”

“So Elas sent us here because he knows you people are in this place.” Eros said.

Theodred then continued. “No. The main reason why he probably sent you here is because this kingdom is ruled by elves. With the mark of Lular clan on you, no elf would kill you without inquiring about it. Even though the Lular clan is no more, their name still carries a certain weight that elves could not ignore.”

“Eh.. So does that mean that even the ruler of this kingdom has some respect towards the Lular clan?” Eros asked looking at the mark on his hand.

Theodred then smiled again and said. “Yes. However, that mark on you means nothing towards them. That mark simply states that you have the Lular clan’s approval and nothing more.”

Eros then sighed; he knew that Theodred noticed that he had a plan on using the mark to seek the ruler help. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that special, so he decided to rely on himself. “Uh, Mister Theodred, since you offered us to stay, I would stay it out straight, can you help us find a place to stay?”

“Of course. Even though our clan is not that rich, since we we’re only servants of the Lular clan. We can still accommodate the friends of master Elas.” Theodred said with a laugh.

…

Eros’ group was led to a small house where they were allowed to stay indefinitely. There, everyone rested calmly, especially Fryr and Hagu who seemed to have lost a lot of energy.

Elion stayed around the check on Eros’ group from time to time, however, the only ones he would often see was Eros and Eris, since Fryr and Hagu went into a slumber longer that they used to. No one knows when they will wake up, so Eros talked about many things to Eliot while waiting for the two idiots to get up.

Days passed, and Eros learned more about the kingdom. He learned about the school that teaches magic, so he was very curious how to get in it. So without hesitation, he asked Eliot about it.

“Sir Eliot, how do we get to enter the school of magic in this kingdom?” Eros asked with sparkling eyes.

“School? There are a lot of that in here. However, I think you are referring to the most popular school which is Ronsorth.” Eliot answered. “If you wish to enter it, there is an incoming test for new students next month. I think with your age and level you are qualified to study there.”

“A month from now.” Eros murmured. “I need to get stronger. It is impossible for me to get those crystals at my current level.”

Eliot saw Eros serious expression and said, “I will get you a recommendation from a friend so that you can take the test. It might help a bit but it won’t guarantee that you can enter the Ronsorth with ease.”

When Eros heard this, his face lifted up and he smiled, “Thank you!”

…

After more than two weeks, Eros was now slightly used to the town, he can now roam and blend around without attracting much attention. He toured several places in the town, sometimes with Eris or sometimes on his own.

Eris was not like him, she knew a lot of things. Even though she doesn’t talk much, when Eros asks something, she easily answers everything.

Eros was awed by this; he never thought that a girl the same age as him would be so knowledgeable that she could answer every question that came to him on a whim. Even though Eros relived the life of the the Hill of Despair, the knowledge Eris possessed was still beyond the knowledge he gained.

“Eris how many books have you read to be this smart?” Eros asked while walking at a crowded street without looking in front of him.

“Uh.. Just a few.” Eris answered.

Eros dramatically touched his forehead and said. “I need to study more, or else I’ll look stupid during the test. You need to teach me more things Eris. In a month turn me into a wise man!”

Eris could only nod at Eros’ request. She knew that Eros was a foreigner and came from another plane. So it was only natural for Eros to know so little about the things on their current plane.

“Eris what do you think would be the test like?” Eros asked curiously.

Eris went silent for a moment before answering, “I think it’s about measuring our affinity to natural energy, affinity to elements, our knowledge and maybe our fighting capability.”

“Did you ever study in a school before?” Eros leaned forward expressing extreme interest in Eris response.

“No… But I’ve heard some things about it. So..” Eris said as if avoiding to talk about herself.

Eros noticed this and stopped his inquiry; instead, he looked at his side where he noticed Eliot at their direction walking in a hurry.

“Eros, Eris. I have news about the incoming entrance exam for Ronsorth.” Eliot said slightly panting. “I have received the recommendation from my friend, and also some information about the exam.” Eliot then rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a scroll which caught the attention of many at the market. “Here take a look.”

Without hesitation Eros opened the scroll and read its content, beside him Eris was also earnestly reading with the same intent – to know what they will need to accomplish to enter Ronsroth in the incoming test.

“Only a three hundred students who are thirteen to fifteen will be accepted!?” Eros said in shock as he read the scroll. “And this test is only being done once a year?” His voice raised a notch. “There are millions of people in this whole kingdom. There ought to be thousands who will take the exam!”

He then continued reading, “First test will be the test for natural energy control. Second test will be for magical knowledge. Third test will be for elemental compatibility and the last test will be a combat ability.” Eros paused for a moment to digest the things he read. For the first test, he was confident that he could past it and be one of the best. However, for the test for knowledge, he was extremely worried that he might fail badly, because even back then, he never studied seriously.

As for the remaining two tests, he had no confidence to top it like the first. But, he was still more positive about it. “So the test will last for 3 days, and the passing candidates will be announced at the last day.”

Eros turned his gaze at Eris and said with all seriousness, “We need to go back and start studying; you will teach me everything you know starting today.”

Eris went silent for a moment then simply nodded.

…

Days passed, Eros and Eris holed themselves in the library of Theodred and engrossed themselves into studying. Unfortunately for Eris, it was more like teaching Eros rather than her studying. However, to her amazement, Eros was really smart and could grasp anything in a short moment.

Eros flipped pages like mad, like someone only forced to study by their dad. However, Eros was different, he was like a sponge that could absorb any information thrown at him, or in Eris perspective, it was like Eros already knew these things and only needed to remember them. Eros did not notice this though; he was extremely focused on learning as much as he can before the test starts, for him not to score so low.

Quickly the day of the test came, Eros and Eris rose from seats a bit groggy since they haven’t slept for a week. When they went out of the library, the weather was sunny and many people were rushing around in a hurry. Most of them were near Eros and Eris age, carrying around worn out books and with bookmarks at some page. They seemed to have exhausted themselves from studying like Eros who never stopped a second from reading.

“We need to hurry and get to Ronsorth before everyone else, that way we will not wait long for our turn.” Eros said, and quickly ran to the direction many people are taking. Behind him, Eris followed quietly, watching the flow of people on several alleys.

They passed by several merchants and establishments, until they reached a certain place with a gigantic monument. It depicted an elf stunning and imposing, even though it was only a statue, the feeling it gave off was unparalleled and overwhelming. Everything around it seemed inferior and worthless; it was as if it carried the pride of the whole Kigndom of Sheles.

“What is that statue?” Eros said taken aback of what he saw.

“That is the statue of Sir Ronsorth, the strongest elf in history of the Kingdom of Sheles. He is the founder of the Ronsorth School of Magic, and also one of the founders of the Kingdom of Sheles who served the first king.” A girl with aristocratic air in her said with a bit of pride. Her face was beautiful and her movements were refined. Even a simple gesture of tucking her brown hair, was filled with grace that could make everyone feel inferior and lower their face.

Eros and Eris both glanced at the girl, but they did not say a word, their faces only showed a bit of puzzlement. When the girl noticed this, she immediately introduced herself, “Sorry for suddenly intruding in your conversation. My name is Lensa, from the Varel family.” Then continued, “You both seem to be new here. Are you going to participate on the exam of Ronsorth?”

“Yes.” Eros replied.

“That’s good to see a human and a..” The girl momentarily paused when she glanced at Eris unsure of her race.

Eris noticed this and decided to say, “I’m also a human.”

“Oh.” The girl smiled and continued, “I apologize, I failed to recognize that. May I know both of your names?”

Eros also knew that Eris isn’t human, so he ignored it and decided to introduce himself first. “I am Eros, and this girl is Eris. We are travelers who happen to be here in the Kingdom of Sheles in time for the Ronsorth entrance exam, so we decided to try our luck and study here if ever we pass.”

“I am also taking the exam, would you like to walk along with me towards the entrance?”

“Alright..” Eros said while pulling Eris along.

As they walk, the forecourt where the statue is located was beginning to be filled with young ones of different race. A line was also starting to form in front of the school’s entrance, and many carriages were coming filled with elegance.

When they arrived at the line, a boy spoke up, “If it isn’t lady Lensa of the renowned Varel family. You are truly stunning even at this crowded event.” Then he glanced at Eros and Eris and said, “You even brought your slaves.” Then slightly chuckled, while looking back at his friends.

“Sir Eldrin, they are not my slaves, they are participants like yourself. If you may, please apologize to them.” Lensa said without a change in expression.

“I Eldrin from the family of Para would not apologize to those two. It is their fault for looking like slaves. I am not at fault, if you think about it, I am a victim of their unwanted display of poverty.” Then he laughed loudly along with the three boys behind him who were also staring at Eros and Eris arrogantly.

Lensa’s expression didn’t change and said, “I apologize in his behalf. Please ignore him and let us move along.”

Eros was slightly offended by Eldrin’s obvious insult, so he stared at him for a moment to remember his face and his pompadour hair which made him easily recognizable from the rest.

After their small squabble, a voice resounded from the school’s door. “The test will start now!” Then the door slowly opened, revealing a middle aged elf. His face was gentle, but his aura was domineering as if he was ready to lead a battle.

Everyone’s breathing momentarily paused and their heartbeat became rapid, it might be because of the man’s presence or because of the start of the event. No one truly knew and no one gave it much thought, what they wanted to hear was how to test would proceed from this point.

“Alright. There seems to be thousands of you gathered now.” The man said gently, “A hundred people can enter at a time.”

With his words, the guards on the door allowed one hundred elves to pass through and take the first test. Eros, Eris, Lensa, and even Eldrin were not included in the first hundred like the rest. However, with their distance to the entrance, it was certain that they would be in the next group to prove themselves and gain acceptance.

“Hey slaves. Do you want to make a bet?” Eldrin said to Eros and Eris.

Eros did not reply and pretended as if he did not hear a word. Eris did the same and remained silent.

“Oh, so you really are slaves. Only slaves would be too scared to even talk to someone like me.” The boy laughed again, “I bet both of your weak parents are proud that their slave son and daughter could take the test together.”

Eros face flickered, he immediately glanced at Eldrin and obviously enraged. “You have no right to talk about my parents.” Eros said in a cold tone, “If you wish to play a game, then play it with someone else.”

“Oh~ scared?” Eldrin replied still filled with confidence, “I bet your parents are really useless to raise a coward like you. I will apologize to you if you beat me in the final ranking of the test.” Then he pulled out a pocket and played with it as if mocking Eros and Eris. “I will even gladly give away this pocket containing 1 thousand magic stones.”

Eros was truly enraged when his parents were mentioned, he did not care about the magic stones, but he cared about seeing Eldrin apologize, so he replied. “Alright. However, you need to kneel in front of me at the presence of everyone here and beg for forgiveness.”

“Hahaha! No problem!” Eldrin said asked filled with deride. Then he asked “What if you lose?”

“If I lose, I will apologize for disrespecting you and even kiss your foot like a slave would do.” Eros said.

“What about the 1 thousand magic stones? What would you match it with?” Eldrin smiled, “Oh. I forgot you’re a slave, so you ought to be poor.” Then he laughed loudly again without controlling himself the least.

“Make your bet five thousand magic stones and I will cut of my right hand if I lose!” Eros said decisively.

Everyone was shocked, even Lensa whose expression never changed from the start frowned. Cutting ones hand was too brutal for a simple bet between boys their age, so they never expected Eros to say those words. Eldrin was speechless for a moment, and said with a smile on his face, “Alright. It’s a deal. I will not force you into any contract. I bet everyone present here is enough proof of our deal”

Eros did not answer and simply looked forward, waiting for his turn to enter the school of Ronsorth.

“Eros why did you say that?” Eris asked, slightly worried. “Are you confident that you could win?”

“I don’t care if I have low chance of winning. Nobody can insult my parents in any way.” Eros answered, “And besides it’s not like I’m going to lose to that brat.”

Eris simply sighed, she knew that Eros was somewhat unusual and already showed her amazing potential, so she could only hope that Eros would win and get over with everything.

Lensa who could hear their conversation also spoke up when Eris became silent, “You do not have to do this, you can still back out. I can use my name to force the deal to be broken.” Her face showed a bit of guilt from what happened. If not her approaching Eros and Eris, Eldrin would have not even bothered with them in the least.

“Don’t worry; I have a bit of confidence in this.” Eros answered.

Lensa did not push further with her offer. With what she heard earlier, she now know that Eros wasn’t some simple boy. Nobody would offer to cut their hand off in a simple bet of 13 year old boys as if their body were simply a toy.

While waiting, several people kept whispering about what just occurred. They even started spreading the news to those far away who failed to hear or see what just transpired. The whole thing was enough to cause Eros name to be branded in everyone’s mind.

“Next group can now enter.” The same gentle man said which immediately caused the guards to guide a hundred people into the door. This time, Eros, Eris, Lensa, and Eldrin was included. Eldrin gave Eros a sidelong glance and smiled in mockery. He was sure that Eros would lose pathetically.

Just after the door, there was a huge courtyard were exactly one hundred of stone tables neatly aligned; on top of every table was an ordinary looking lamp of the same kind. There were also many elves and beings from other races sitting in front obviously there to observe the test. All of them seemed strong, as strong as the man who opened the door.

Everyone was guided at each table, and Eros ended up in the furthest section. Not visible to the observers in the front position.

In front, where the powerful elves of the school were sitting calmly, a man said seriously.“Sir Almon, I heard that there is a betting game that occurred outside, and it was no small gamble. A student even offered to cut off his right hand if he loses. Are you going to allow this?”

“He gambled his right hand not his left?” Almon asked filled with interest, as if he doesn’t even get the point of the bet.

The man simply nodded as response to that slightly weird question.

“Hahaha! What a brave boy. Sir Ruven, no need to worry! He offered his right hand instead of his left. It only means he’s sure to win the bet. Let the kids have fun.” The man said in jest. It was as if he doesn’t even care the least.

“Sir Almon is right, stop being so uptight Sir Ruven, Let the kids have fun. What I’m more curious about is how those geniuses would rank.” A woman said while licking her lips. “I have great interest in that Hagen boy, he seemed very capable.”

“Hahaha! Lady Meira, so you already have your eyes on Hagen. How about Lensa? There are some good rumors about her outstanding talent.” Almon said with a laugh.

Meira then sneered and said with a hint of deride, “Stop joking Sir Almon. You know I hate girls. I feel like puking when I get near one.”

“Hahaha! I know your magic does not match will with other women, but it’s too much to hate them.” Almon said again with laughter.

As soon as they were in their place, the voice of the same man who greeted them resounded in front. “My name is Connal, and this is the first level of the test. Everyone who can pass this will proceed to the second test, as for those who will fail. You can try again next year.

“The test is simple. You only need to ignite a flame in that lamp in front of you. There are different colors signifying different levels of affinity to natural energy. We do not accept lower level affinity so the first lowest color of flame you could ignite is yellow, next is orange, and then red, there are also those who can ignite blue flames, and the rare purple flame. The higher the level of flame you ignite, the higher your individual score will be. These scores will be recorded on this gigantic stone tablet behind me. All the scores in each test will be combined to decide your final ranking. This ranking, will also determine your ranking in the school when you enter it. The higher your ranking the better. And more support will be given by the school to you!

“You all have five minutes to ignite the lamp! The test will start now.”

Everyone suddenly became serious; they only have five minutes to prove themselves and not risk ignominious failure. Not a sound could be heard as each one tried to lit the lamp with all their strength. All of the participants held their hand only a few inches away from the lamp, while using natural energy to trigger a flame to be lit from it.

The flow of natural energy from each participant was intense. However, lighting even a yellow flame was not simple, hence causing everyone to feel tensed.

Quickly, two minutes passed, and only then was someone able to ignite a lamp! It was none other than Hagen, the thirteen year old genius who was the bet of everyone to top the whole exam.

“Oh! He ignited a blue flame. As expected of Hagen from the Norra family.” Ruven said with his same serious expression.

“Hahaha! So for now he’s number one.” Almon said with delight.

Behind them, on the stone tablet, Hagen’s name appeared at the number one spot, pushing down the name of the number one from the previous group. In the first group, only 20 were able to lit a lamp and the highest ranking elf was only able to ignite a red flame which is a good record however far from Hagens result.

“That mid size blue flame is truly magnificent. I really want to teach him many things.” Meira said with lustful eyes.

While everyone was still amazed of Hagen’s result, another name appeared on the tablet, just below Hagens name. It was none other than Lensa! Who had almost the same amount of fame.

“Tsk.” Meira clicked her tongue expressing her disdain.

“Hahaha!” Just a bit short from Hagen. “She also lit the same blue flame of the same size.” Almon said.

“I guess this group has the most amount of genius gathered together.” Ruven said. “There is also Eldrin from the Para family. I guess he will be the third one to ignite the lamp.”

After a few seconds another name appeared on the tablet which was just below the name of Lensa. It was the name of Edrin from the family of Para! The flame he ignited was also blue, however, its size was smaller than Hagen’s and Lensa’s flame and its color was slightly of different hue. Still, no one could deny that it was a blue flame which was rarer than a gold mine.

Eldrin then glanced at Eros and sneered in mockery, clearly expressing his superiority.

“Three blue flames in a same group. This year’s exam is truly worth it.” Ruven said.

“Hahaha! Yes! With these three, even if everyone else fails, it is still worth it. There wasn’t a year where three elves ignited blue flames in a single group.” Almon added.

“This one is not my type. But still, blue flame is nice. I wonder if he wants to be my apprentice.” Meira murmured to herself.

As time passed by, some people were also able to lit their lamp, most were yellow and some were even able to produce a red flame, but it was easily overshadowed by the first three blue flames.

Only a minute was left and there were only fifteen people who were able to light a flame. Most of them were elves, but there were also from other race.

After several seconds, a flame appeared on Eris’ lamp. It was red and the size was larger than normal. The tablet did not immediately display her name. It was as if it was confused on where to put her name, since compared to others, her flame was not the same. It was deep crimson in color; but still, the tablet classified it as red. So in the end her name appeared just below the third.

“Who is that girl?” Ruven said with his all serious face. “Her red flame is a bit odd. And the stone tablet somewhat took time to assess it.”

“Hahaha!” I can’t even tell what her race is. Maybe she’s from those mysterious tribes outside the Kingdom of Sheles.”

“Tsk.. Another woman stealing the spotlight.” Meiran murmured.

While the three was talking about Eris’ result, another person lit his lamp causing a major tumult. It was none other than Eros who ignited a similar blue flame! His name suddenly appeared first on the stone tablet. Eldrin who was feeling high and mighty a while ago suddenly lost his breath for a moment. His eyes went wide and he could not even utter a comment.

Those who already passed started talking about the situation, and even those who are yet to ignite their lamp suddenly lost their concentration. Everyone looked at the stone tablet where Eros’ name hangs first on the list.

“Isn’t he the boy who offered to cut his hand as a bet. He won on the first test against Eldrin!” One participant said.

“I can’t believe this. He’s actually a genius of greater degree than those first three!” Another one added.

“This is impossible.” One of Eldrin’s friend murmured as several others stated their thoughts.

“Hahaha! Good! Good!” Almon said. “A human boy with such great potential.”

“Sir Almon, Isn’t this odd?” Ruven asked. “There has never been a case where a human excelled in talent against an elf. Elves are born to control natural energy, and humans can only use it at a certain age.”

“Hahaha!” Almon laughed and replied. “Come one Ruven, there humans who are as strong as the heroes in our legends. It’s not impossible for one to appear here on our great school.”

“You are right Sir Almon. I was just a bit shocked of such results from a human boy.”

“Such an outstanding child; I think he’s also my type.” Meira licked her lips as she said. “I haven’t had a human disciple before.”

As the commotion was growing, Eldrin started trembling. He never thought that Eros could place first. He has never come across a human with greater affinity than him to natural energy.

“This is just the first round.” Eldrin sneered. “Even though I lost at this round, there are still three more.” Then he ignored Eros and waited for the time to finish.

Eris who was just beside Eros, glanced at Eros lamp. Her face was showed bewilderment and shock. She noticed something that no one else did. “Why is there a small purple flame inside Eros blue flame? Also what is that black spark in that tiny purple flame?”

Lensa who was three tables away, only glanced at Eros direction and had only a slight change of expression. Also, Hegen who was supposed to be at the top also looked at Eros with amazement and shock; he honestly thought that the only competitions he have were Lensa and Eldrin, but to his surprise there was another one who exceeded his expectation.

While everyone was talking, the time ran out, and a gong resounded catching everyone’s attention.

“The time has ended. Only 19 have passed in this group. I am glad to see four people to ignite the blue flame. This is first in the history of Ronsorth! Congratulations to all of you. You can now proceed to the waiting area, and wait for the next test.”