Marble floor, sparkling walls as if sprinkled with dust of gold, beautiful frescoes in the dome ceiling spanning so high yet easily supported by artistically carved pillars of various design. It was so grand that it shocked everyone; thinking that the place would be bland. Even those from absurdly rich background were completely stunned.

“Ronsorth is really rich.” Lensa said. “That’s why even the ruler of this kingdom respects it.”

“Yes, this is absurd for a simple waiting area.” Eros added, but he did not ponder about it more than a moment. He needed to prepare mentally. For the next test was something he could not take lightly. He had no confidence to even pass, so he quickly sat on a corner to review all he had learned in the past.

“Such determination to take the top again.” Lensa praised. “I also need to do my best this time, ranking third in the first test was something I did not expect.” Then she also proceeded to the perfectly carved golden settle next to Eros.

Eros did not even glance at the people already in the waiting area sitting comfortably. Those twenty all acted haughty. From being the first group to pass, each one of them felt great deal of superiority.

For them when Eros walked passed them without looking was something gravely insulting. So one boy, same age as Eros and seemingly at the same level, stood up, he walked high and mighty towards Eros who for him was smaller than a pebble. No one in the crowd dared to meddle, especially when the boy started to babble.

His face was handsome and his hair was blonde. He seemed to be a son of a rich merchant. Even his clothes reflected his background; compared to Eros’ who was wearing clothes as if picked up from the ground.

“Hey. Why did you not even greet us when you entered?” The boy said filled with pride in every word. Do you not know that I am Avel from the great merchant famiy Virrel. I am also the first one to ignite a red flame in that first test making me the first one to rank first.”

Eros did not open his eyes as Avel continued to talk nonstop.

“I know that I might have already been overshadowed by Sir Hagen, Sir Eldrin, and the beautiful Lady Lensa just next to you. However, I am sure that I am still fourth in the rankings!”

When Eros still remained silent, Avel felt insulted. Being the son of one of the richest man in the kingdom, there has not been a time someone ignored him in front of everyone.

“Such boldness!” Avel said furiously. Then he closed in to Eros attempting to slap him in the face.

However, before he could swing his hand, Eros opened his eyes and said, “I have no time to argue with you. Please leave.” Then again, Eros closed his eyes and started doing his thing.

“How dare you!” Avel was infuriated. There has been no one in his entire life that made him feel such a way. He knew that Eros was someone who was also insulted by Eldrin, and back then Eros also did nothing. When Eldrin and Eros did their bet, Avel was already inside doing his best to top the test.

Avel then gritted his teeth and thought, “You even dared to speak with Lady Lensa who I deeply adore. I will show you hell for doing that.” And when he was about to say another word, Eros opened his eyes and said, “What do you need? If you wish prove something, why not prove it on the test?”

When Avel heard this, he laughed so hard. Even those twenty who first passed laughed like mad. “So you are saying that you can do better than me?” Avel, then held his chin, thinking deeply and continued, “Alright, I will not bother you, and even give you some magic stones if you can surpass me. However, if you lose, you will be my slave for a year. But don’t worry, the meal you will be eating as my slave will be better than the meal you can eat even with all your savings.” Then he started laughing again.

When Lensa heard this, she could not help but shake her head slowly. Even those who have witnessed Eros take the first place was shocked by Avel’s stupidity. Some of them was even about to stop Avel, but Eros quickly opened his lips and said, “So how much magic stone are you offering?”

Avel laughed again and said, “Oh. So you’re willing to be a slave.” Then he pulled out a pocket and said, “How about everything in here. This is about ten thousand magic stones.”

“Good. It’s a deal then.” Eros answered without even opening his eyes.

Avel felt insulted; however, Eros already accepted the bet. So he only needs to win it and make Eros suffer when he becomes his slave. He then walked away, fully confident of defeating his prey. Along with his friends, they began chatting filled with arrogance and confidence.

“Another one…” Eris said, “if this goes on and you actually top the test, you’ll be rich when this ends.”

“You’re actually gaining too much attention.” Lensa added. “Maybe there’s really something that draws people in you.”

“Let them be. Actually I’m quite nervous about this next test.” Eros responded.

Time passed and Avel was already informed that Eros took the first place. It shocked him greatly; but he did not lose confidence, he already made the bet, so backing out would make him lose face. “I am confident that he is not as educated as I am. I have been taught by many wizards at a young age. So it’s impossible for him to beat me in the second test. Or even in the third test. Elves will always win against a human on that third test.”

….

More and more young mage entered the waiting area as time goes by; they were all excited and spry. Eros on the side would always catch the attention of everyone, since those who followed were aware of the new top one.

“So that’s Eros, the guy who made a bet with Sir Eldrin.” One guy whispered.

“I heard that he also made a bet with Sir Avel.” And another one added.

Eros became the talk of everyone. Some hated him, but some were secretly cheering for him, especially those who from an ordinary background and always lowest in the ranking.

In the outside, Eros was simply sitting calmly on the side. However, deep inside, he was totally nervous while wracking his mind.

Several hours passed by and Eros never opened his eyes. Even Lensa admired this and she also concentrated on preparing for hours.

When there were about eight hundred in the waiting area, a familiar voice resounded as a man walked in carrying an imposing aura, “Congratulations to everyone who passed the first test. There are eight hundred twenty of you who passed. Follow me and let’s proceed to the next test. While walking I will explain how the test will go.”

Eros quickly opened his eyes and stood up, everyone did the same and felt their heart thump. They were all excited and nervous at the same time, since many fail to pass the second test every time.

As they all walk to a hallway with red carpet, and pillars in the form of statues seemingly carved from the likeness of many heroes of Sheles, Conall started explaining. “The second test is a simple test of knowledge. All mage and wizards needs sufficient knowledge to create a spell or other skills. It is also through gaining vast knowledge you can step into the wizard realm and beyond. So in this test, you simply need to answer a set of questions. When you get eight hundred correct items you can pass the exam. However, if you committed ten errors then you automatically fail. The test will not say how many errors you made and will continue until you have exhausted all ten leeway given to you. So with that, I hope most of you pass this next test.” When Conall finished speaking, they were already standing at a bigger forecourt than before. Far in front, the same group of people were sitting calmly to observe and see who will get the highest score.

Behind them, a similar gigantic stone tablet stood. It carried the names of those who passed the first round. Amazingly, Eros' name was still on top and only Eris’ name moved from fifth to sixth spot.

Also, this time, there were more than five hundred wooden chair and table arranged neatly. A paper lay on top of it and a pen dipped in ink.

“It’s good that you’re still at the top.” Eris said while looking at the stone tablet.

“I hope I pass this one.” Eros replied with downcast expression.

After their small talk, they all proceeded to their respected seats and glanced at the paper, it was blank and plain, yet felt majestic and filled with magic.

“Everyone take your seats. You have until midnight to finish the test. With more correct answer you get the higher your ranking will be. So even though you successfully answered eight hundred questions, you can continue and get as much point as you can. Good luck everyone! You can now all begin!”

After Conall’s last word, the paper glowed and words on it appeared - Questions that when answered will be cleared, but another one will quickly reappear as replacement for the one that disappeared.

Eros heart pumped so fast, he was so nervous that he might not pass. So before answering, he did not look at the questions, instead, he tried to calm himself and remove all his built up tension.

Oddly, when he looked at the paper, he felt as if he was in a different world. “So this is how they avoid cheating!” Eros thought as he read the first question.

Amazingly, the first question seemed relatively easy. So he grabbed the pen and wrote down his answer. When he finished, another question quickly flashed. Oddly, he also thought of the answer easily, “Why is this so easy?” Eros said, but he was also a bit puzzled. Since somehow, he could not remember studying this specific question, but shockingly he can answer it without hesitation. So his confidence raised, and he quickly answered the questions in succession.

Time passed and everyone was deeply into the exam. No sound could be heard, and intense concentration could be observed.

“Such serious fellows. Hahaha!” Almon said. “So who do you think will get the highest score this time?” He asked looking at Ruven and Meira.

“I think it would be Lensa. She is smart and the Varel family has a wide knowledge in magic.” Ruven answered.

“I disagree.” Meira said with a sneer. “I think it would be that merchant’s kid.”

“Oh you mean Avel? Hahaha!” Almon said. “Maybe you’re right, I heard he have been well educated since young. And his family spent a large sum for his education.”

While the three were enjoying their conversation, the students were still filled with concentration. After two hours, Lensa’s name appeared on another space on the stone tablet just below the first group of names in the first test.

“Hahaha! She completed it in two hours! Amazing!” Almon said with delight.

“Showing off again.” Meira murmured

However, only after a few seconds another name materialized. It was none other than Avel, which made Ruven nod his head in appreciation. “There are indeed too many geniuses in this year’s exam.”

Then after several more minutes, many names began appearing. Even Eris’ name was there and slowly rising. However, Eros’ name was nowhere to be found. It was as if he was bound to fail in this round. So Eris slowly glanced at him, slightly worried of the possibility of Eros failing. Quickly she noticed that Eros was not moving and was not even writing anything! It was as if he was at the verge of failing!

Eros was indeed not writing, but it wasn’t because he could not answer the question in front of him. It was because he was shocked that he could answer everything!

“How I am able to do this..” Eros thought deeply amazed. “I answered around seven hundred questions and I feel like I have made no mistake. Only one hundred left and I’ll pass the test, but I’m not sure how this is possible.”

What he did not notice though, that his left eye was slowly turning black! It was the very thing that happens when the curse of Orcus in him was acting up.

But, he could not feel it and continued the test. Until such time that his name appeared on the stone tablet like the rest. However, he did not stop. He actually did not notice that he already answered enough to pass.

Eris sighed in relief, and also continued with her own test.”If you fail then I have no reason to study in this school.” Eris murmured with a smile.

Even though many passed, some also failed, and it numbered more than a hundred. The test was not easy, it’s just that many prepared appropriately.

“It’s still an hour before midnight, and everyone left answering seemed to have already passed.” Ruven said glancing at the stone tablet behind. “Hmm. Five hundred passed and three hundred failed. I guess it’s not so bad.”

“Hahaha! Yes in no time we will see who will top the exam.” Almon added. “Lensa and Eldrin are leading for now, but I hope there are others who showed some potential.”

This time, Eros seemed as if he was already in trance. His face looked blank and his hands seemed to be moving on its own without his guidance. His name was also quickly rising, from the previous spot at the 300th place, up to the 100th place. It was not noticeable but he was catching up at a speed clearly remarkable.

Almon noticed this and his face flinched. “Seems like there’s someone trying to catch up.”

When he said those words, both Meiran and Ruven glanced at the stone tablet and soon their faces were filled with amazement.

“How is he able to do that?” Ruven said disbelief.

Beside him, Meiran’s eyes were sparkling with eagerness. It was as if she wanted Eros to be hers.

100..90…80…70…50… Eros progress did not stop. It was so fast that it felt like he will be on top. Those who already failed were also watching with eagerness. When Eros name entered the fiftieth place, his progress became noticeable to the point that everyone watching uttered the same word. “Incredible.

Eris also glanced at the stone tablet, she did not care to be on top and only passing was enough. She noticed Eros’ abnormal progress and glanced at Eros who was writing as if filled with madness. She noticed his left eye which turned black, and the mark of Orcus which barely materialized. “What is that?” She said with shock.

Eldrin and avel who noticed this gritted their teeth and increased their pace. They would do anything not to lose face.

Quickly, Eros’ name entered the top 10 where the competition was fierce. However, it did not stop his progress the least. 10..9…8…7..6… In no time he reached the top five. Where the only ones above him were Lensa, Avel, Eldrin, and Hagen! With that it was not a contest of knowledge but a contest of pride.

Only fifteen minutes remained, and the five on top knew that Eros caught up at a rapid speed, so they did not even glance at the stone tablet, especially Avel and Eldrin who does not want to lose the bet.

In only five minutes, Eros’ name pushed Hagen’s name down making Eldrin frown. If he did not do his best, his name would be pushed down next!

And in no time it happened! Eldrin’s name was pushed to the fourth place! Eros was now at the third spot just a bit behind Avel who was answering without stop.

Eros however, still looked calm and in his trance. There was no trace of tension in every stroke of his hands.

“Amazing! Hahaha!” Almon laughed hard. “That boy is answering as if he is not even thinking”

After another five minutes, Eros pushed down Avel’s name the same way! He was now on the second place, firmly putting the Eldrin and Avel on third and fourth place.

Only five minutes remaining, and it was not clear if he could do the same to Lensa who was on top from the beginning. However, only after three minutes, Eros overtook her and claimed the first place of the second test.

“He got first..” Ruven commented as if he could not believe what happened.

“Such amazing boy.” Meira said. “I like him more than Hagen now.”

Then after two more minutes, the questions on the papers vanished, and the names on the stone tablet stopped moving. Having Eros on the top spot, followed by Lensa, Avel, Eldrin and Hagen who were all panting.

Eros did not move for a second, until such time that the mark on his eyes disappeared and his consciousness came back on his head. He breathed heavily and sweats filled his forehead; he felt extremely exhausted as if he has done something unbelievable which he could not comprehend.

Then he glanced at the stone tablet and saw his name at the first place. It shocked him greatly, but a smile appeared in his face.

And in no time, a score appeared beside the names in the stone tablet indicating the score they achieved. Everyone was flabbergasted when the numbers appeared. Beside Eros name, the number 8,300 appeared. Below him, Lensa got 8,100. The difference in score shocked everyone to the core. In only two minutes of time Eros managed to get two hundred answers more than Lensa who remained at the top the whole time.

“How is this possible?” Avel murmured. “He cheated! He definitely cheated!!” He lashed out. “It’s impossible to have 200 more correct answer in two minutes.

“I agree with Avel.” Eldrin voiced out. “Even someone who already knows the answers to these questions will have a hard time to do the same.”

Several other voices also joined in, in an attempt to accuse Eros of cheating. However, before more could express their discontent. Conall gently made his comment. “Everyone, please calm down. I have watched Eros everything, and I have not seen any form of cheating.”

Even though Conall’s voice was gentle, everyone was silenced and no one uttered another sentence. As the administrator of the exam, his words carry extreme weight, which the examinees could not berate.

The people watching in front also did not say a word, and simply nodded in agreement to what they heard.

“I congratulate everyone who passed and to those who have reached such high scores. It has been ages since anyone reached such a high mark in this part of the exam.” Conall said with a smile. “This ends the second test. Those who passed can now rest, and tomorrow the third test will resume.”

Those who passed were guided to a circular space surrounded by extremely tall walls with numerous wooden doors. Stairs connected the platforms just in front of the doors together, ensuring that anyone can enter a door even at the highest level. The doors weren’t leveled symmetrically, but instead, it was scattered around randomly. However, even though its arrangement was such, everyone was stunned by its artistic touch.

“Those doors have numbers in them. Look for the door with your ranking and you can enter it without a problem.” Connall explained. “Be sure to be here in this area, when the first ray of the sun hits the ground in confine.” After that he slowly walked away leaving everyone on their own to find the room where they were assigned to stay.

“I do not know how you answered those questions, but I’m sure you somehow cheated. However, in the next test it’s impossible for you to cheat or win!” Avel angrily said as he walks towards Eros.

On the other side, Eldrin was also looking at Eros with scornful eyes, and added. “Don’t think you have already won! Tomorrow we will show you the difference of a human and an elf.” Then he turned around and headed to his own room.

“Eris, I’ll be heading to my room.” Eros said. “Ignore those two.”

Eris nodded and followed Eros. Lensa also walked towards them and said. “Congratulations. I cannot believe someone can outmatch me in that test.”

“I was only able to do it since I was desperate to win.” Eros replied. Then he glanced at Eris and asked. “Eris why did you not do your best in that one? With your knowledge I think you can easily be within the top five.”

Lensa glanced at Eris and asked. “Oh. I think we should chat a bit and share knowledge on magic. I haven’t met a girl of similar age as mine who is knowledgeable in such regard.”

“Uh.. Alright.” Eris replied. “How about you Eros?”

Eros smiled and answered. “I need to rest. I think I overdid it in that test.” Then he proceeded to his room without saying another word.

However, deep in his mind, he was still thinking of how he topped the test.

…

When a ray of sun entered the area, everyone was already sitting crossed legged filled with determination. Most of them were already there for more than an hour, waiting with anticipation.

Eros was also among this group; he was extremely worried of not having enough affinity with the elements. Even though he already knew two magic that controls flame and wind, it is not enough to beat elves that even make elemental spirits as their pets.

“So all of you are here and not one is missing” Conall said as he strode towards the group. Along with him were: Ruven, Almon, Meira, and some other people who have not spoken from the beginning. Most of them even look like a clone or an illusion only sent there to observe the situation.

“The third test will be conducted at this very place. So everyone prepare yourselves.” Conall added. “As you have already noticed, the natural energy in this area is very thin, and elemental essence is also almost nonexistent. So summoning an elemental spirit in this place would be your test. Those who can summon at least two elemental spirit of different kind shall pass the test.” Then with a wave of hand, an illusory stone tablet appeared behind him which bears the name of those who passed the previous round. “The test will now begin, and end when the last ray of sun is gone from this area!”

Only after Conall’s words, everyone’s face turned serious; they started to summon spirit, but nothing happened which for them was somewhat mysterious. Even though a place is extremely barren, and devoid of natural energy, it should not be arduous to summon an elemental spirit by using their own energy. However, their failure to summon even a spark of elemental spirit confounded everyone who was taking the test. The facile success they expected became almost impossible even while they were doing their best.

Everyone was sweating profusely; each one was nettled by the fact that they could not do something they could effortlessly outside of this facility.

Hours passed, and not one made a sound. Only their twitching face and furrowed brows showed the difficulty of the third round.

Only when Almon started talking that the silence was broken. “Sir Ruven, how much more time do you think until someone summons an elemental spirit?”

“If it’s Hagen, it might only be a few minutes from now.” Ruven relpied. “He have shown a lot of potential outside Ronsorth and even caught the eye of many amazing figures.”

While the two was chatting, a small spark appeared beside Hagen which then turned into a small flame that floated beside him. “Hahaha! There it is! So he’s the first one to do it.” Almon prasied, “So his first attribute is fire.”

“Seems like, Hagen will top this one, and my boy Eros would not do so well.” Meira sighed as she said those words. “I have taken a liking on him more than Hagen, too bad he would not be able to top it all.”

“I agree. Human’s are really below elves when it comes to natural energy control and elemental affinity. What makes up for what they lack is their cunning temperament and amazingly crafted magic which far outstrips our own. “

“Hahaha! Both of you are too pessimistic about Eros.” Almon commented. “He might surprise you again.”

When Hagen successfully summoned a fire elemental spirit, everyone felt it. They became more tense, and their desire to summon one became intense.

After a bit more time, Eldrin was able to summon his own elemental spirit and a satisfactory smile appeared on his face. To be the second fastest was enough to gain praise. It also proves that he could compete with Hagen who was considered the ace.

He also plans to show his worth, and efface Eros’ achievements. So with all his might, he tried to gain the first place.

Lensa was the third to summon a spirit. It was a water spirit, but it was only a drop of water of the size of a pellet. Unlike Eldrin, her face did not show sign of happiness, instead she was more focused to summon the next spirit and also top the test.

Avel was the fourth one to accomplish the feat, what he summoned was an earth spirit. He was not contented since he needed more points to overcome Eros’ achievement.

Soon, many more were able to do the same. Even Eris was able to summon a small elemental flame. However, this did not mean that they already passed. They still need to summon another one fast. They spent so much time summoning a single elemental spirit, so they all feel like many will not meet the requirement.

“Hahaha! Hagen did it!” Almon said while looking at the two small elemental spirits beside Hagen. “He passed!” “As expected.” Meira added.

Soon more passed, Eldrin, Lensa, and Avel, yet none of them opened their eyes. Instead, they chose to continue to summon another spirit to overtake Hagen on the first place!

Both Elrin and Avel have a smile on their face, since not far, Eros was not able to summon a single spirit yet! Even if he topped the previous test, if he fails here, he would fail the whole test.

“Only an hour left.” Ruven said. “I think Eros would not be able to create a miracle this time.”

“Tsk.” Meira clicked her tongue and said, “I would still take him as my apprentice outside of Ronsorth, even if Ronsorth does not allow it.”

“Hahaha! Lady Meira, calm down. There’s still some time left.” Almon said.

As the ray of sun in the area was slowly diminishing, more and more were passing, including Eris who glanced at Eros; a bit worried.

“Why am I not able to do it!” Eros thought to himself. “I was born with the ability to control natural energy just like the elves. I should have enough potential to do the same with these elemental spirits.”

Eros was extremely frustrated; he could use elemental magic which he learned from his father, so he thought that somehow the test might actually be easier. Unfortunately, it was extremely difficult, that even elves that played with elemental spirits since they were kids could not summon it as they wished.

“I need to pass!” Eros thought. “This is my only chance to get stronger.” With his resolve, his face turned serious. And ventured deep in his soul, where the curse of Orcus was placed with a seal.

“Even though I don’t like using this power, I have no choice. It might be the only way to pass.” Then he reached his hand and touched the second seal, which made his mind reel. His expression also twitched with pain. However, he felt something amazing from the curse which he could gain.

“The first curse was curse of emotion…” Eros thought. “After trying to summon elemental spirits for hours, I have now somewhat understood what this second curse is about. It is a curse of element!” His eyes went wide with shock. He does not know what will happen if the second curse fully opened, but he was sure that utilizing a bit of it was enough to pass the test. So without hesitation, he utilized it, and felt as if his body would be torn to bits.

“I need to endure! I need strength! I need power to avenge my family!” Eros said with determination.

While this was happening, inside his body, his face kept twitching uncontrollably. Beside him, something unimaginable was materializing. There were four glow of different color that was suddenly floating.

Meira suddenly jolted up, she was watching Eros the entire time nonstop. “He’s summoning four elemental spirit at once?”

When Almon and Ruven who was just beside her heard this, they also turned their gaze to Eros and notice the change. “Incredible.” Ruven murmured.

“Hahaha! Seems like topping those two tests was not a fluke!” Almon said with a laugh.

Inside of Eros consciousness, he was being battered by an unknown force, turning his thoughts into a mess. But he did not stop and said, “I do not know if what helped me pass the test was Orcus’ or the Hill of Despair’s memories, but right now I am sure to take advantage of this curse and use it to pass the test.” Then he roared and sucked in the unknown force, causing his own body to tremble and the glow of elemental spirits to increase.

There were only a few minutes left, and Hagen along with, Eldrin, Lensa, and Avel successfully summoned their third elemental spirit. However, even with their unbelievable achievement, Almon, Meira, Ruven and even Conall did not even glance at them in the least. They were all focused on watching Eros summon his elemental spirits!

With only five minutes remaining, the four opened their eyes and turned their gaze at Eros’ direction where everyone was looking. There they saw the amazing attempt of Eros to summon four spirits which they never thought of doing, or more likely impossible for them in the very beginning.

The glow became brighter, and only five minutes remain. Those who already summoned enough elemental spirits already stopped and also watched Eros either fail or do something unbelievable again.

Everyone looked with shock.

“Will he be able to do it?” Many also have doubts. But still, attempting to do it, and even materializing something out of it is an incredible feat.

Only a minute remain, and everyone felt excited. Only Eldrin and Avel have their heart stirred with hatred. If Eros topped this one, it is impossible for them to win, unless Eros fails the last part of the exam.

When there was only a few seconds left, Eros stood up on his feet, and suddenly, four elemental spirit appeared! It was fire, water, air and earth spirit floating above him which was comparably bigger than those pea sizes that everyone summoned.

“He summoned complete elemental spirits!" Meira said, filled with desire in her face.