As Eros and Hagen stared at each other, the audience started to grow calmer. Their suffocating focus might have caused the occurrence, but who knows? It might have just been by chance.

Silence blanketed the crowd, as if everyone agreed to it beforehand; Waiting for either Eros or Hagen to first lift their hand, to cast a magic that could rock the ground.

Suddenly, most of the spectators were forced back as walls of flame of unbearable heat erupted, and swiftly circled around Hagen as he prepared for the first attack.

The flames were deep blue. A far hue from the usual flames the elves use. Just from a glance, one could tell that it could melt metals and even rocks.

The previously silent crowd now erupted with countless of cheers, and excited comments.

“The legendary flames!” An elf said. He was older than the rest, so his words seemingly carried some weight.

“That is really the legendary flames!” Another shouted, as he hurriedly stepped forward to erect a barrier for the crowd.

Many more elves did the same. All of them are mages at the peak of the Khrusos Realm. They combined their magic to activate a transparent barrier setup for dangerous fights.

While the commotion grew uncontrollable, Eros still remained unfazed. His gaze carried unexplainable confidence and a strange glint as if he understands all elements.

As his eyes swept through the flames, it slightly swayed; as if affected by Eros’ strange gaze. Even Hagen was confused for a moment, before he said, “These flames are indeed the legendary flames. I don’t think you will able to defeat me in the same way as you did with Eldrin. So take this seriously.”

Eros smiled. Indeed, he tried to do the same trick he did to Eldrin, but it seems like these flames are under great command of Hagen. Eldrin forcefully contracted a high level elemental spirit far beyond what he was capable at that moment, so Eros was able to severe the connection with a single word. However, Hagen obviously mastered the control of his own elemental spirit, which Eros could not dream to casually severe.

Eros then inhaled deeply, and as he exhaled, rumbling sounds could be heard. Flames also erupted around him, but it was so wild. Carried by strong wind, it strength multiplied. Crashing on the stage floor, and even the barrier, it was like hundreds of molten blades were being flung all around.

Even with the barrier, the audiences were still too scared and moved several meters away from the stage.

“He combined flame and wind!”

“It is not only that, something is odd about those elements.”

Many other similar statements could be heard, mixed with shock and incertitude. Eros’ elements were indeed odd, even Hagen found it to be bizarre. It was so wild, far from the usual.

However, with the fast development of things, he has no time to ponder. He had to act fast, gain the advantage and prevent Eros to counter. So without delay, he pushed his hands forward, then said, “Ophis Pyr!” commanding the flames to erupt towards Eros as an attack.

The blue flames rushed towards Eros, melting the floor on his path. From the spectators view, it seemed like a serpent about to devour its prey.

Eros’ eyes flinched. Hagen’s attack was indeed beyond what he expected. It was so large that it could incinerate him in a flash.

However, he was also confident in his own attack. So as the gigantic cluster of blue flame approached him at rapid speed. He also pointed forward, commanding his own flame and wind to rush like mad.

Unlike Hagen’s, his flames were like a tornado slamming into the cluster of blue flames. Thunderous booms rocked the place, as the two flames clashed at the center of the stage.

Dust and debris rained the stage, and clouds of smoke covered the vision of the audiences. When the smoke subsided, what laid there was a charred ground, molten at where the magic collided.

Eros and Hagen still stood with their eyes now more resolute. Flames still surrounding them making everyone’s vision blur from intense heat they were emitting.

“You are indeed beyond what Eldrin could even dream to defeat, but your skills are not far from mine.” Hagen said overflowing with confidence.

Eros simply smiled, and increased the intensity of the flame and wind surrounding his body. Then he waved his hand, sending out another attack. Hagen did the same, but this time, he sent a fiercer cluster of flame.

BOOM!

The attack caused the land to tremble and the barrier to crack, but fortunately, it recovered in an instant. In face of the unbearable heat, beads of cold sweat still covered the foreheads of those maintaining the barriers.

Several more attacks were exchanged. Each one much more terrifying than what was previously released. This time, Hagen’s face showed a trace of fear, for he could now clearly feel that he was being pushed in a corner.

Eros rushed forward, on his hand, a ball of flame and wind rapidly swirled.”Helios” It was as if he pulled the sun from the sky to slam on his opponent on the ground.

Hagen backed away several steps, blood flushed from his face. Then he roared and unleashed terrifying amount of blue flame. The size of this flame serpent was ten times than before. Even his own body started to catch fire from using so much heat.

A glaring light forced everyone to close their eyes, then the stage crumbled and the area shook like a giant punched the ground. Everyone’s heart thumped as they opened their eyes to witness what occurred after the exchange of attack.

The stage was now nowhere to be seen; only molten land and charred stones covered the area where it stood in.

Both Eros and Hagen stood several meters away from each other, panting heavily and blood covering Hagen’s body. Eros on the other hand was slightly wounded, with his clothes burnt and part of his skin charred.

“I can’t believe you are able to overpower my legendary flames with just mere combination of two elements.” Hagen said dejected.

Eros again smiled, and answered. “If that is what you think, then you will surely lose this fight.”

Then again, Eros lifted his feet and stomped the ground. Water came out if the soil and quickly froze everything where they stand. Then he said, “Kruos Choros.” causing ice spikes to appear on the land.

Those ice spikes attempted to pierce Hagen, but he was able to dodge them. However, even though he was in the air, longer spikes followed. Like a whip with sharp end, they tailed wherever he went.

Hagen used flame to melt some, but it did not stop and only continued to suppress him by air and land. And not being able to withstand it any further, he screamed, causing flames to again erupt around him.

Panting, he condensed all the flames into a single point. It was obviously his last attempt to reverse the fight. Even the spectators could tell that this would be the last exchange.

Eros stopped controlling the ice, since those around Hagen simply melted even at a distance.

“You can tell that this is my last bit of energy. If I cannot take you down with this, then it will be my loss. But I don’t think you will be able to handle it.” Hagen said.

Eros straightened his back and he did not release any energy. He only stood there, waiting for Hagen to throw his magic on his seemingly defenseless body.

Hagen began to laugh. The supposedly friendly match suddenly turned into a death match. But no one could stop them, since both wanted to win and prove themselves to be the best in their generation.

Hagen did not hold back anymore even though Eros did not release even a slight bit of magic undulation, and he still shouted, “Nephilim Ophys Pyr!”. An illusory image of a woman formed from fire appeared behind him, and oddly, its lower body was of that of a snake.

Quickly, that image, rushed, forming a streak of blue light that pierced towards Eros leaving molten ground and flames on its path.

“This will be my first step to further enlightenment on the path I chose to walk.” Eros murmured.

Then his face turned serious, and he raised his hand in front. His actions told everyone that he would block the attack with his bare hands!

This caused everyone to gape in shock, and think that Eros has lost his mind to block such an attack. “You underestimate me Eros!” Hagen said filled with fury in every word. However, Eros remained firm and when the elemental flame spirit came into contact with Eros, an explosion occurred!

But what everyone witnessed is not what they have expected. Eros stood there, still resisting the elemental spirit!

Hagen was dumfounded as he watch Eros slowly push his elemental spirit bit by bit.

“How..” Hagen could barely utter this word, as blood dripped out from the corners of his mouth.

Eros roared, and shouted. “Kneel!!”. His voice was extremely domineering, causing the elemental spirit to shake from fear. However, the elemental spirit refused to assent and roared madly, releasing more intense energy.

Flames burned, forming a pillar of fire, breaking the top of the barrier and shooting up to the sky. Everyone was swept by a strong force as they tumbled backward several meters, only to find Eros still resisting the elemental spirit. Some were even injured, and many nearby establishment and stalls crumbled.

Eros groaned and roared, overpowering the elemental spirit with his full force. The elemental spirit shrieked and its flames slowly dispersed. Its illusory body started to turn more transparent, and its previously arrogant eyes now showed great amazement. Then in an instant it disappeared, leaving behind a shriek filled with madness and panic.

“It escaped.” Eros said, as he stared at a distance. “It seems like being under in control won’t be easy.”

Hagen on the other hand, fell on his knees, staring at Eros as if he has seen an individual more terrifying than any beasts.

“You..” He voiced out, and then with a thud, his body fell on the ground as he muttered. “So that’s why your elements are very powerful.. You have them fully subdued them… That is beyond what I am capable of.” Then his vision turned dim until he lost consciousness.

Those audience who were stunned, slowly stood up, and began to cheer. Even those who were somehow injured started to applaud.

Eris also smiled gently and waved at Eros expressing her adulation and praise.

….

Above, Ruven and Conall could be seen. Their eyes focused with a strange gleam. “Did he try to forcefully subdue the elemental spirit, ignoring the laws of nature and be the one in control?” Ruven said.

Conall did not say a word and simply nodded, but that simple nod carried great approval, far greater than what he could give to his disciples and even his own son.

….

After the fight, Eros sat on his room. His expression laced with worry. “I think I destroyed a lot of property and injured many. Would they punish me this time?”

For five days, Eros stayed in his room waiting for notice of his punishment, however, none came. So he realized that he might actually be now favored by the school. Reaching the top of the Hall of Knowledge wasn’t just for show.

He started to stroll out again when he realized that no one carried a grudge on him. He held chest out and confidence on brim.

With so much magic stones, good reputation, along with the goodwill of the school, he was now back to his old status - a spoiled rich boy favored by the Town of Orion.

Realizing that being rich is extremely important and is another form of strength. He collaborated with Firo and Eris to open a stall selling medicines and various items.

For some unknown reason, Firo was somehow very adept at sourcing out supplies to sell. In no time their business flourished, since they used Eros’ popularity to boost its image.

And after a month, Eros came up with an item. He bought a small orb that can store elements or even energy. Then after experimenting for a month, he was able to put a peculiar elemental energy in it. The type that makes him unnoticeable by the elemental soul beasts in the False Tree of Life!

So if the orb is used, one would not be attacked and be able to blend with the elemental soul beasts lurking in the tree. It would give one a chance to rapidly ascend for some breaths of time, and reach a height they have never dreamed to achieve in their lifetime.

One orb could allow one to be unnoticed by the elemental soul beasts for ten breaths. Ten breaths might be a quick moment, but in this short while, one could dash through elemental soul beasts and gain better ranking than the rest.

Eros sold those orb for a good price, and many went crazy just to get their hands on one. But mass producing it wasn’t an easy task, so its price skyrocketed which made Eros feel more glad.

However, Eros wasn’t contented. Back in Orion, he could point at anything and he would acquire it in a short while. So he also wanted to gain more wealth and prove that he was not someone they could belittle and dare to rile. He never wished to be treated as slave like Eldrin and Avel did to him. So he thought of a great idea - an idea which needs his status to accomplish.

…

“Arghh!” An elf attempting to climb the False Tree of Life suddenly groaned. “I can’t believe I badly got injured this early and I’m out of medicine. I should’ve brought more.”

Then the elf looked up, eyes filled with decisiveness, he said. “I will see how far I can go even with these injuries. This is the farthest I have climbed in all my years in Ronsorth.”

As he proceeded, he saw an odd looking stall. There, he found a familiar person sitting comfortably on a wooden settle. “Aren’t you Sir Eros?” The elf asked, slightly confused.

“Oh! A customer!” Eros said with a smile, while rubbing his hands with a strange gleam in his eyes.

The elf then backed away a step by instinct. He got the same feeling from a merchant who have conned hundreds of elves. So trying to avoid danger, he tried to back away more, and leave Eros alone.

Eros on the other hand broadened his steps and quickly caught up holding the boy by his shoulders. “Don’t be shy. I can see you are injured and in need of help. I have set up this stall for such occurrences.” Without delay, he pulled out several medicines, and offered them to the elf.

When Eros stated the prices, the elf’s eyes went wide. The prices Eros was selling them was double than their price below the False Tree of Life.

“With your injuries, you cannot climb higher, but with these medicines, you can easily surpass your previous ranking.” Eros said in a tone that’s very convincing. However, the elf was still on a dilemma, he didn’t want to spend too much for such simple medicines, but if he wanted to proceed further, it was indeed what he needed to go up higher.

Eros saw the conflict in the elf’s eyes; again, he pulled out another item. It was an orb, simple and without much luster. “This is my special orb. Only I have it in the whole Kingdom of Sheles, and maybe you have heard of it before. I call it Orb of Concealment, an item which can let you saunter in the False Tree of Life without any elemental soul beasts attacking you!”

The elf’s eyes now focused on the orb. He was obviously inveigled to buy it, but when Eros said the price, his eyes widened like saucers. “Why is it so expensive? I can buy that below the False Tree of Life at a cheaper price!”

“No. no. no.” Eros showed slight dismay; his arms crossed and said. “This is not being sold anymore below the False Tree of Life. It is only sold here now, and at the higher levels of the tree.”

He cleared his throat and continued with his explanation on a more convincing tone. “Up there.” He pointed, “There are more stalls like this, there is no shopkeeper there, but I have set up a very complex spell formation which could cater anyone’s needs. You can use the spell formation to exchange medicines or items for magic stones. So if you have not decided yet, you can continue up and if you need medicine, you can check on my stores anytime.”

The elf nodded, with a strange look in his face. Shock, amazement and even doubt, it was all visible to Eros who stood by his side. “So then, I think I will buy it at your other shops.” The elf said, dithering.

With a calm nod, Eros added. “I won’t force you then, but the prices of the goods at the stalls at the higher level of the False Tree of Life cost much more. So as a friend, I advise you to get it here.”

The elf gaped. He could not tell if Eros was lying or not, but he was truly interested in the Orb of Concealment, so he gritted his teeth and bought a piece, while his emotion was in torrent. Thinking that what he would spend would be indemnified by the reward for reaching a certain height.

When he left the stall, his heart was enveloped by both bitterness and excitement. Crushing the orb, a veil of unusual aura covered his body. It was the same as the aura Eros maintained while in the False Tree of life.

Enduring the pain of his injuries, he sped up. Luckily, there was no elemental soul beast when the aura covering him wore out. Thrilled, he continued to walk slowly, uneasy that a horde of elemental soul beasts might attack him suddenly.

There were a few that attacked him, but with his remaining strength, he was able to fend them off with his greatest effort.

Panting heavily, and riddled with more injuries, he saw another stall nearby. He instantly recognized it seeing that it resembled the previous one. Since he has already reached this height, he wanted to advance more, so he went to the stall and checked the prices. But suddenly his breathing became rugged. “Why is the price more than double?!” The boy shouted.

Elemental Soul Beasts glanced at his direction, then began to advance towards his location. Without much option left, the boy again gritted his teeth and pulled out several magic stones and bought one Orb of Concealment. This in turn caused the elemental soul beasts to stop their steps.

“Dammit.” The boy said in rage as he stared at the stall. “Since I have already spent so much, I guess I will buy medicines!”

Many more students of Ronsorth experienced the same scenario. Most of them didn’t buy at the first stall, but as they progressed, they were tempted to buy on the more expensive stalls.

Also, seeing their peers outdo their ranking made them feel the more need to advance further and thus, everyone began buying more and more Orb of Concealment giving Eros much more profit.

…

“Have you heard of the news?” Ruven said as he entered Almon’s residence.

“The one about Eros?” Almon said with a smile, and then he again started laughing as usual. “We can’t do much about it. We promised to make things easier for the boy, and also, there was no rule about stalls not being allowed in the False Tree of Life.”

“You are right; maybe I am just too worried that some grand wizards might not agree with it.”

“Don’t worry much. This isn’t enough for them to fret over.” Almon added without even a hint of worry.

Indeed, after several days, no grand wizard said a thing about Eros’ stalls. Some grand wizard frowned upon seeing it themselves, but knowing that there are a minority of grand wizards against it, it would be useless to bring it up.

Also, these new stalls sparked more competition towards the students. Many more reached unbelievable achievements. This thus caused the grand wizard to think that it might have been actually not bad to allow Eros to proceed with his shady business.

Since no grand wizard acted against his business, it flourished, requiring him to work without rests. Indulged in getting more wealth to aid him in his quest for strength, Eros opened up more stalls in other area with the help of his friends.

However, his monopoly in this type of trade didn’t last long. Many other mimicked his idea and opened stalls in the same areas. Unfortunately, they could not do the same in the False Tree of Life, since their stalls were wrecked by elemental soul beasts. It was only Eros’ stall which was ignored, probably because of his aura on the spell formations.

Some grand wizards were nettled by these actions, but knowing that there weren’t any rules that disallowed it, they still kept a mum about the development.

Eros felt disgruntled by these developments. Fortunately, he was the only one who could sell the Orb of Concealment, which gave him the greatest profit.

However, this did not sit well with him. He was working harder, but he was earning lesser. Also, most of the students climbing the False Tree of Life stopped buying at higher levels and they try to hoard as much as they can at the lower level which the prices are cheaper.

Eros knew that it would soon end up in such a way since not everyone is stupid and climb the floors without bringing more of these orbs. So he sighed and said, “Maybe it’s about time that I start climbing the False Tree of Life again.”

Then he looked at the False Tree of Life attempting to get a gaze of what’s on top, when suddenly an idea popped in his head.

“Right! Since they are finding is easier to climb the False Tree of Life, maybe I should do that.”

Eros then went to Eris to seek her assistance in order to produce much more Orb of Concealment. They holed themselves up and produced hundreds of it. Eris didn’t even ask why, but she helped with all her might.

After creating so many, Eros then told Eris his plan. “Eris, I plan to climb the False Tree of Life again. This time, it would not be the same.”

Eris simply looked at him and smiled. Her eyes showed that she would never doubt anything Eros decided to do. This in turn, made Eros felt warmth, and thanked Eris from the bottom of his heart.

As the sun sets, Eros walked towards the location of the False Tree of Life. His eyes focused, with one goal in mind – to reach the top and ascertain his path.

When he started his way up the tree, no one put much notice on him. Since he have been climbing it back and forth to tend to his stalls, but this time, what they did not notice that Eros only left the orbs of concealment at the stores and quickly ascended without even resting, or checking his earnings.

Days passed, and there was no news of Eros, and somehow the elemental soul beasts in the False Tree of Life became much more agitated and feral. It became harder and harder to climb up, to the point that some lives was been put in peril. So there was a boost in the sales of Eros’ Orbs of Concealment, even if its price had more than threefold increment.

More days, weeks and months passed, the elemental soul beasts became much more ferocious than in the past. To the point some weaker mages could not even step at the False Tree of Life.

This worried the grand wizards, but they could not find what was causing such behavior from the beasts. They could only hope that time would do the fix.

There were some inculpating Eros to be the culprit, but even with their rage combined, Eros was nowhere to be found.

“As I tell you, this is caused by that boy.” Azar said voice grim and cold.

“How could you incriminate someone without proof?” Ruven responded.

When the two looked at each other with disdain, Almon simply laughed it off and said, “This is not worth for us to fight over. If they become much more fiercer then our students simply must become much stronger.”

With Almon’s words, everyone didn’t utter another statement. It was true that the case isn’t extremely worse. As long as Ronsorth is safe, no extreme action should be made.

As more days passed, it came to the point that no one dared to climb the False Tree of Life. They all simply waited for the beasts to calm down, before they would again try their luck. So the tree was just left alone without even anyone entering the area. Only the ones tasked to guard were left there yawning and not even looking at the tree.

But at this moment, Eros was surrounded by several elemental soul beasts. His eyes were as focused as before, even though he has several injuries and blood is flowing from the side of his lips.

“Do not block my path!” Eros said, voice cold, containing unexplainable pressure.

The elemental soul beasts roared and dashed towards him. They were all enraged just like the elemental spirit when Eros fought Hagen.

“Submit to me!” Eros put his hands forward, palm facing the ground. As he did, the elemental soul beasts stopped their motion as if a giant was pressing them from above, forcing them into submission.

“Since I have expressed my desire to reign over elements, you lot became much more fierce. It seems like you could not really accept the mortals to be in full control. However, it is all useless, my understanding of elements reached a higher degree ever since I have spoke with Ronsorth. It gave me enlightenment beyond what I am capable of. I can also feel the seal of the second curse on me weakening and I am sure that on top, I would reach the wizard realm!”

The elemental soul beasts continued to groan until they all dispersed. Eros’ control of elements was beyond their own. Thus forcing them to flee and avoid being under Eros’ control.

Eros continued up. This is farther than he has climbed so far. For months, he proceeded without stop. As he go higher, the sense of familiarity spurred his desire. “I need to find out why this place feels so familiar.” Eros though.

After six months of struggling, Eros reached a point where he felt confused. He felt that at his pace, he should’ve arrived by the top. However, when he looked up, there was still a long body of the tree waiting for him to climb.

“It feels like I’m not even moving anymore.” Eros murmured.

He sat down and began to ponder. In all the months he have been climbing the tree, it is the first time he actually sat down to rest. He felt as if a heavy weight has been removed from his body, causing his senses to become less murky.

“It seems like I’ve exhausted myself too much.” Eros said as he closed his eyes.

Some time passed, and his face grew calmer. His breathing normalized and his body relaxed. One day passed by, and he remained unmoving. Even after the second day, his eyes remained shut as if he was in deep slumber.

And on the third day, he suddenly snapped his eyes open. It was clear as spring water. “I can see it. It seems like I have long reached the top of the Tree of Life.”

Then he began laughing and said. “I now understand!”

Then he waved his hands, causing the space to sway. It resembled a painting smudge into disarray. Then after which, it all cleared. A view extremely beautiful welcomed his eyes. He heaved a sigh of relief and said. “I finally made it on top.”