“Where did Eros go?” Eris stood in front of Eros' room while thinking deeply where he could have gone. “I can’t feel him anywhere either.”

While deep in thought, Eris did not notice someone approaching. “Eris, what are you doing there?”

Eris was a bit startled when she glanced at the direction of the familiar voice. “Oh! Lady Lensa. Nothing, I’m just looking for Eros.”

“Hmm. I haven’t seen him too, and it would be hard to find him. Maybe you should come with me for now. I’m heading to the False Tree of Life to see how much difference in skill I have from the senior students of Ronsorth.” Lensa then grabbed her hand, and lightly smiled. She was always expressionless, but in front of Eris, she felt a sense of closeness “And please just call me Lensa.”

Eris was struck speechless for a moment, before replying. “Uhh.. Alright.”

Along with Lensa, Eris proceeded to the False Tree of Life. When she stepped in, she immediately saw the commotion. Many students were looking at a certain portion of the tree, observing a certain boy’s action. When the boy’s voice rang out, “Screw off!” Eris immediately recognized it to be Eros.

Each one of the elemental soul beasts surrounding him trembled and dispersed. It was as if they saw something extremely terrifying. With the elemental soul beasts gone, Eros calmly strode up the tree with his energy totally withdrawn. It was as if he was sure that the monsters that disappeared would not re spawn.

“Eh.. What is he doing up there?” Eris said with a quizzical expression.

“He seems to be trying to go as high as he could and see how he is compared to the existing students of Ronsorth.. Just like what I wanted to do.” Lensa answered expressionless as always.

As the two were conversing as if what they saw was a normal thing. Everyone was staring with wide eyes and slack jaws. They never have seen someone scare away those elemental soul beasts. Some could make them back away several meters at best.

“How did he even do that!?” One boy said filled with amazement.

Hubbub of conversation suddenly filled the place, as Eros walked unhindered on his path while increasing his pace. Every time an elemental beast would appear, he would use the same magic and cause them to flee from fear.

The arrogant boy, who previously looked down on Eros and insulted him without reservation, now stared at him with eyes filled with awe and admiration.

Eros was only a new student, yet somehow, the way he climbed the tree was becoming more stunning than those who climbed it for years. Most of the students, including the arrogant boy started to shout with cheers, causing more to do the same, even the boy’s peers.

Eros did not mind what was happening below. Currently, he was focused on increasing his pace while avoiding any horde of elemental soul beasts to grow.

He reached a height that was far from what he reached before. It was impossible to tell how high he could go, and how high his name could rise on the stone stele below.

He passed through many mage along the way and would often ignore them and mind his own affair. Each student that he passed would have the same look of shock as everyone, since whenever an elemental soul beast would dare to attack Eros, he would simply wave his hand and cause the beast to vanish.

“What magic is that?” A boy Eros passed by said while fighting a group of elemental soul beasts desperately.

Many of whom he passed asked the same question. Some were even thrown off the tree from shock when Eros passed by then looking carefree.

Soon, Eros reached a point where there were no other students on sight. When he glanced below, the people were now extremely small, yet he could still not see the top of the tree at such height.

“How tall does this tree goes?” Eros pondered as he looked around trying to get the same familiar feeling as before.

After a while of pondering, he took another step up, but this time, his eyes suddenly widened with shock. Several elemental soul beasts suddenly appeared in a flock. They were obviously far stronger than the ones Eros previously fought. Eros knew that he was no match for the enemy, so he backed away and used his magic with all of his energy.

“Damn! Why did they suddenly get stronger!?” Eros said while fleeing.

His magic stopped the elemental soul beasts for a brief moment, but it did not make them disperse or disappear, it only made them stop their movement. The beasts slightly trembled and stared at Eros as if they were infuriated. However, they did not chase Eros as if an invisible barrier was separating him from them.

“Eh?.. They can’t attack someone at this level of the tree?” Eros said feeling relived.

He then sat down and tried to observe the situation. After a while, he then affirmed that they could not gown down further from their current location.

“I guess I can try to go up higher, but I will eventually lose to those soul beasts.”

With a sigh, he closed his eyes, and tried to feel the familiar feeling at this level, since he could not proceed safely any further.

Luckily, he got a grasp of the familiar feeling. However, it was faint and almost nonexistent. When he opened his eyes, his expression was slightly despondent, “I can feel that if I go up higher, I can feel it better. However, with my current strength it is impossible. So I have no choice but to strengthen my magic.”

Eros then closed his eyes again. This time he was not attempting to find the source of the familiar feeling, but instead focused on the curse in him.

Many were shocked with what Eros was doing; it was the first time they saw someone meditating on the tree seemingly unaffected by the soul beasts in his surroundings.

“What is he doing?” Lensa asked while looking deeply at Eros position.

“I’m not sure, but I think he’s trying to gain enlightenment of some magic.” Eris answered.

When some students overheard this, they were shocked, “Eh? He’s trying to make a magic at that very spot?”

This information drew the crowd into a commotion. It was something shocking that could catch anyone’s attention.

Eros’ consciousness was now deep in his soul, where he observed the sealed second curse. He was able to use to curse earlier at the third test, so he was sure that the third curse has some connection to some magic regarding elements.

“The first curse is the curse of emotion which I can now somewhat control. The second curse feels like a curse of element. I am not sure what the real purposes of these curses are, but controlling them is the fastest way to get stronger. I do not know if this will hasten the process of Orcus’ awakening in me. However, I hope that before I get fully consumed by Orcus some day, I can avenge my parent’s death!” Eros said resolutely without a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

He then continued his search for understanding of the second curse sealed in him. Time passed by, and from time to time, an elemental soul beast would attempt to attack him. But whenever they get closer, they feel frightened by the energy Eros is emitting. It was somewhat related to the second curse he was trying to gain understanding.

Down below many watched him for hours, including Lensa and Eris. They were amazed that Eros could actually last so long without being expelled by those beasts. For everyone watching, they have never seen anything like this, it was the first.

“The first curse… the seal on it was breached when my father was killed. It was my rage that triggered it to run rampant and break the seal. A type of rage deeply connected to the curse of emotion. Then I was able to utilize it when I gained understanding from the experience I gained from the life of the Hill of Despair. As for this second curse, I think the concept is the same; I need to agitate the curse by bombarding it with elemental energy which could be found in this tree. And I can use the curse if I gain understanding of the elements...” Eros said as he opened his eyes for the first time for hours. He looked around and noticed the beasts floating about. Then an idea came to his mind. “What if I try to understand these elemental souls’ firsts? The elements in their soul are extremely pure.” His eyes glittered as he stood up.

Quickly, he tried to catch an elemental beast! This development shocked everyone more. Eros’ actions were extremely odd and unexplainable.

“He’s trying to catch that elemental soul beast?” Lensa said a bit shocked. Even though she rarely shows any expression, this time it was obvious that she was intrigued by Eros’ action.

However, the shock quickly died down when Eros was thrown away by the beasts. It seemed impossible for him to catch it. Actually no one ever dared to do it. It was a first that someone tried to do something useless since the beasts could not go out of the tree and only remain there to exist. For every student of Ronsorth, the only purpose of climbing the tree is to hone their fighting prowess, gain magic stones in the process, and make a name for themselves.

So when Eros appeared to be being beaten badly, many started thinking that he was stupid and crazy, and that the only thing special about him is the magic that allows him to scare those beasts away.

Soon, Eros was thrown out of the tree and was slightly injured. The safety spell on the surroundings caught him and safely guided him to the ground. “I failed.” Eros said a bit disappointed,”I’ll do it again.”

“Eros!” Eris shouted while running towards him. “Why did you fight that elemental soul beasts like that?”

“I need to do it to learn a magic.” Eros replied while lifting himself up from the floor.

“Magic?” Lensa asked, as she also approached Eros. “Why not pick a master. I overheard rumors while watching you that Sir Ruven and Lady Meira asked you to be their disciple.”

“I am not really sure which master to pick right now. So I’ll focus on creating my own magic while thinking about it.” Eros replied calmly and again walked towards the tree.

“You’re going up again?” Eris asked.

“Yeah…I think I’ll be able to master my magic up there, by catching elemental soul beasts.” Eros replied.

Eris thought for a while and said. “Why not use your magic that scares them away. It might be easier to catch them that way.”

“I don’t think I’ll understand anything if I do that. So for now, I’ll try to catch them without that magic.” He then started climbing the tree not waiting for Eris and Lensa’s words.

His name also flashed in the stone stele below the tree. It was at the thousands place, but it was shocking since he was just a new face. Normally, those who were at that rank in the stone stele would be students who stayed longer for more than a year.

It amazed many, but what caught their attention was Eros’ action of getting on the tree. He just fell yet will go up again!

He quickly climbed up like last time; ignoring beasts and students he passed by. Soon he was on the same location, and he did the same thing – try to capture the beast without using his curse of emotion.

This time the fight lasted a bit longer; however, he was still beaten since the beast was significantly stronger. He was thrown out of the tree with more injures than before, but this did not stop him from getting up and going up the tree once more!

Eris and Lensa could only watch since Eros would not listen to what they say. Even the spectators were filled with mixed emotions. Most thought that Eros was crazy, but some also admire his tenacity.

Many more attempts were done by Eros, but it only lead to more failure, and his injuries just grew more. There were a very small improvement in his fighting ability, but it was nothing compared to his injuries.

Every time he would climb up, some would think he was just trying to make a show and act though. But he did it again and again, until there were just a few mocking him as he goes on his way.

When the day ended, Eros was filled with bruises and wounds. Eris could only sigh and assist him to the student’s rooms.

Eros earned fifty magic stones as reward for reaching that height and getting his name on the thousands rank. However, it wasn’t much considering that he was badly wounded for allowing those beasts to attack him as if he was a sacrificial lamb.

Along the way, they bought some medicine using Eros’ magic stones. When he drank some, his wounds slowly healed, and the pain lessened.

When the morning came, he proceeded to the tree again, did the same thing, and failed miserably in front of everyone watching.

This time he was once again riddled with injuries. It was no less than yesterday’s wounds. Fortunately, this time, he has medicines, so he was able to walk to his room without anyone helping. But it was a sorry sight; the way he walked was wobbly while dragging his leg. It felt like a light breeze would topple his balance, causing him to smack the ground and lose his life.

When the third day came, everyone was sure that Eros would stop his insanity. But they were all shocked when Eros came still filled with confidence to climb the tree.

“Is he really crazy?” Many said as they watch Eros walking slowly towards the giant tree.

He did the same thing as yesterday, and failed the same way. His wounds were not any less, and it was obvious that there was no significant progress.

Day by day, Eros did the same thing. Even Meira, Ruven and Almon got curious and watched what Eros was doing. When they saw everything, they could only frown and ponder why Eros is so persistent on capturing an elemental soul beast to the point of doing it on a daily basis. With their vast experience, they did not label what Eros was doing to be stupid, they only thought that it might actually be connected to some type of magic.

Days, weeks and even a month passed, and Eros did not stop. Many of the mage who passed along with him already chose a master and started training to become stronger, but this did not bother Eros. In all his life he has never been more focused. The more he fight and try to tame an elemental soul beast, the more he would realize that he was in the right path to understand the second curse.

After more months, Eris would climb along with him and watch him try to capture an elemental soul beast. The more she watched Eros, the more she understood his purpose. Soon, she tried to do the same and caught up with Eros oddly gotten fame – a crazy mage trying to catch an elemtal soul beasts.

While Eros was busy with his own weird training, someone who deeply hated him always kept and eye on him. Unlike Eros, he already chose his master, and became a personal apprentice of one of the elves who watched their tests.

“I can’t believe he’s wasting his time doing that.” Eldrin said with hatred. “Don’t think that I have forgotten what you did to me. Soon I will get my revenge.”

….

After eight months, Hagen’s name spread out again. Several months earlier, he chose Ruven as his master, and after his eight month on Ronsorth, he created a miracle by entering the top 50 of one of the Training Ground which was slightly easier compared to the False Tree of Life.

Lensa also proved that even inside Ronsorth she’s above average. In no time she solved a lot of problems in the hall of knowledge. Her beauty was also the talk of many. Even older male students adore her, and females always look at her with envy.

Firo was also somewhat popular because of his amazing fighting potential. However, not many want to associate themselves with him because of his nonstop talking which for many was rather annoying.

Each one honed themselves as fast as they could, but Eros kept doing the same thing. Many became used to him, and ignored what he was doing.

Meira also from time to time would offer Eros to be her apprentice, yet Eros would respectfully say that he needs to think about it first. This caused Meira to feel extremely pissed, since Hagen who she expected to get as an apprentice, ended up following Ruven instead. Also, in a short time, Hagen achieved something shocking which caused many to praise Ruven’s teaching.

Eros’ actions became normal that anybody who saw it would not bat an eye. However, on a specific day, something occurred which made everyone look at Eros’ direction up high.

A trembling voice of a boy below the False Tree of Life could suddenly be heard, “He… He tamed that elemental soul beast!?” His expression was one of shock.

Many also said the same thing as they look at the elemental soul beast beside Eros obediently floating. Eros petted its head, and gave an order which it quickly obeyed.

“Good.” Eros said with a satisfied smile on his face. “It took eight months, but it was worth it. I now understand elements better, and with bit more understanding I am confident that I could use the second curse inside me.”

Near him Eris said, “I’m amazed that you were able to do it in a short amount of time. Even with your guidance I think I still need more than a month of time.”

“I’m actually more amazed that you believed me and stayed behind for so long.” Eros said with a kind smile.

After being together for more than a year now, Eris became someone truly important to Eros. He wasn’t sure if he adore her being of the opposite gender, or that he just thinks of her as a sister, but for Eros it wasn’t important matter. The most important thing is that they are together as they both get stronger.

Eris simply smiled back and replied, “Since I saw you in the King’s Chamber on the Desert of Rawn, I felt something familiar in you. I am not sure what it is, but I rarely get such feeling. You’re eyes showed fear and confusion that time, yet you also trusted me on my plan. So trusting you for something so trivial is something I would do without even asking why.”

Eros’ suddenly felt embarrassed, and with a weird grin he said. “Alright. Since I now get the gist of it, let’s head up!”

Eris stood up and followed Eros without hesitation. It was as if she was truly filled with trust on Eros’ action.

This time, Eros crossed the line which he has never crossed in eight months. The soul beasts on this level were far stronger. Two beasts became enraged when Eros stepped in the boundary. Without a thought, they attacked Eros expressing their fury. However, when they were only a meter away from Eros, they suddenly stopped their motion. In Eros they felt something warm, it was something that made them feel Eros was not an enemy, instead a part of their colony.

The two soul beasts stood a meter away from Eros maintaining their guard. They did not attack and only stared while thinking hard. These elemental soul beasts aren’t smart; they are simple creatures which rely on instincts and their heart. If they felt someone has the same aura as them, they would not attack thinking that Eros is one of them.

“So the soul beasts on this level are harder to deal with. They still doubt me.” Eros said calmly; while he sat down to study the two.

In eight months, he did the same thing over and over again. He studied the elemental soul beasts and the origin of their element. By doing so, his understanding on elements deepened, to the point where he could use the same type of element as these elemental soul beasts. This caused the beasts to feel that he is no threat and even prove to be useful on taming these beasts.

Eris who was behind him was also covered by the same aura he was using. The two beasts were a bit hostile towards Eris, but they did not attack, since Eros was doing his best to assist Eris in using the same element for the purpose of confusing the beasts.

The sight of Eros and Eris sitting in front of two extremely wild elemental soul beasts was truly shocking. The students below who was watching became excited as they spread the news of what happened.

Quickly, many masters caught wind of this development. So, many took a glance to affirm the situation. At first they doubt it, but when they saw Eros now walking while being followed more than five elemental soul beasts. Their eyes widened with shock.

Even Ruven was there, along with Hagen. “How is this possible…. He’s actually not using any magic at the moment. Yet those elemental soul beasts aren’t attacking him!”

Eros kept walking, as if not bothered by the beasts around him. It was as if he perfectly blended with his surroundings.

“Hahaha! Brilliant! Such brilliance!” Almon walked towards Ruven while laughing nonstop. “I can’t believe instead of fighting his way up the tree. He actually understood the origin of the element of those elemental soul beasts. This is indeed beyond even my level of comprehension.”

“Understood the origin of the element of those elemental soul beasts?” Ruven asked, shocked.

“Hahaha!” Almon laughed and said. “Yes, look, he’s exuding the same type of aura as those elemental soul beasts! He’s using it so that no beasts would attack him. However, the higher he goes in the tree, the fiercer the elemental soul beasts become. So he needs a deeper understanding of the origin of element as he goes higher.”

“I knew it!!” Meira said with glittering eyes. “He’s really someone I need to get as my apprentice.”

Just beside Ruven, Hagen was staring at Eros deeply. He knew that Eros was extraordinary, so he was shocked that Eros did nothing but stay on the tree. It was an action that the thought was stupid and a waste of time, yet in the end, Eros proved him wrong and was now bathing in fame. For Eros again achieved something he could never even thought of doing; something beyond his level of thinking. “So this is what you have been doing all these months.” Hagen said with bitterness in his eyes.

Eris was now forced to jump out of the tree. The speed Eros walked exceeded her capacity. She slowly descended below and breathed heavily as she watched Eros still walking casually.

Many looked at Eris, and some who were near her inquired about how they were able to do such thing. But because of the number of queries, Eris could not even answer them.

Meanwhile Eros up above continued his steps as his name on the stone stele just below the tree rose dramatically. From thousands, it quickly entered the 900th place. However, it did not stop there and continued to increases its pace.

“Hahaha! it’s like he’s going to reach the top one hundred!” Almon exclaimed.

Many hours passed, Eros did not stop. A day passed and he continued on his path. Often he would sit down to deepen his understanding, and then when he stood up, the beasts behind him became calmer and again started following him.

This cycle lasted for several days until he was at the point of a tree where many students could not see. It was so high that only those above the wizard realm could barely look at what Eros was doing.

After a week, his name spread far and wide. For he actually entered the top 100 which was only occupied by students who have been in the school for more than five years! And all of them were at the wizard realm, far from any beginners!

There were many training grounds in Ronsorth, one of which was where Hagen entered the top 50. However, compared to the False Tree of life, those training grounds were nothing but playgrounds.

At the ninetieth place, his progress stopped. But he did not fall out of the tree; instead, he stayed up there for another week. However, when he went down, his popularity was still at its peak.

He ignored the fame and calmly claimed the magic stones he earned. Then, he proceeded to his room and discussed with Eris his new understanding.

After another week, Eros did not climb the tree. It was the longest time he was away from it. It was as if he was trying to understand something extremely profound that he could not proceed further unless the answer he seeks is not found.

Also, after eight months of nonstop attempt to capture an elemental soul beasts, Eros was almost out of magic stones. He spend almost all of it on high quality medicines just to make sure his training wont be hampered by the wounds he was occasionally receiving.

“How do I solve this issue about magic stones? Even though I get rewards for climbing the tree of life, it is so little especially when I am stuck at a certain level.”

One morning, something Eros did not expect happened. While still extremely popular, he expected that no one would bother him about something trivial. Yet someone actually did something unexpected. In the midst of Eros popularity, Eldrin issued a formal challenge to Eros in a duel.

Many knew of the enmity between Eldrin and Eros, so they were not shocked to hear of the news. It was already given that Eldrin would do such thing, the only question if when he will, and if he could actually win.

After the challenge, Eldrin went back to his place waiting for Eros response. “So many believe that Eros would win. Do they really think that climbing that tree for eight months without fighting would improve his fighting ability? Such stupidity!”

Eldrin then waved his hand summoning a wind spirit. A vaguely visible whirlwind surrounded it. The whirlwind looked somewhat weak, but at a closer inspection one could tell that the whirlwind could grind anything at its wake! “I have grinded day in night on a training ground focused on improving battle ability, and after eight months, I finally summoned a high level wind spirit thanks to the teaching of my master. With this, there is no way for Eros to defeat me. I believe that only Hagen would be able to match me on a one on one duel!”

Eros received the news of the challenge, and instead of fear, a smile appeared on his face. “Seems like my problem with magic stones will be solved.”

Then he walked out of the room and proceeded to the place where Eldrin issued the challenge. And with a smile on his face, he announced, “A week from now we will fight at this very location. If I lose, I will leave Ronsorth and even allow Eldrin to cut off any of my limb! However, I will only accept… if he offers fifty thousand magic stones as his bet!”

Everyone gaped in shock. They amount Eros was asking was too big. However, cutting off any of his limb was also an offer which showed Eros decisiveness.