Eros and the group slowly descended, a good distance from the others. Not long, a few elves came, obviously Ronsorth’s students. From the sky and the ground, they slowly gathered into a crowd. At the center, Almon and the other grand wizards started chatting, loud.

“Sir Almon, it seems like we are the last group to come.” Connal said.

“No worries. All of them are also still gathering.” Almon brushed it off at it wasn’t a big matter.

After Almon spoke, a voice came from a distance. “Sir Almon, you never changed. Even after five years, you are still as easygoing as always.”

Almon and the others quickly glanced at the direction of the voice, before saying, “If it isn’t the illustrious and wealthiest elf of the Kingdom of Sheles, Sir Ayas of the Virrel family himself.”

Ayas started laughing and replied, “Such flattery is not needed. And I am not the richest elf in the Kingdom. My wealth is meager compared to the other elves in our family.”

“Such modesty if fitting for a Virrel.” Almon said as he approached Ayas, “So what brings you here?”

“Is it not right to visit my old friends?” Ayas shrugged, “And besides, I would like to give my deepest gratitude to you, masters in Rosorth, for teaching the children of the kingdom well.” Then he shifted his gaze towards Ruven and added, “Especially to Sir Ruven. You taught Alre well.”

On the side, Eros listened silently, his gaze also shifted upon hearing that Ruven is Alre’s master. “I hope that Alre does not act like Avel. If so, I’d be disappointed in Sir Ruven’s teaching.” Eros thought.

Ruven who was now the focus of attention simply nodded his head, his face serious as always, before saying. “It is our duty to guide the younger generations. I am glad to be of assistance to the great Virrel family.”

“The grand wizards from Ronsorth are really all very composed. That is why it is always the number one school of magic.” Ayas said, laughing.

As they continued the chat, Eros kept observing the surroundings. Many more elves from other family came to greet the Ronsorth masters. And some more students started to gather. Even Eris and Keya landed not far.

Soon, there were even those not from any prestigious school or great family. They were normal citizen there to watch the opening of Genna.

As Eros run his sight at those citizens, his eyes suddenly widened, then he exclaimed, “Hagu and Fryr!”

There, blending with the crowd, Fryr stood on Hagu’s shoulder, still looking extremely proud as ever. When their gazes met, Fryr grinned, and before Eros could express any of his thoughts, he quickly shifted his sight on the door of the castle, completely ignoring Eros.

Eros smiled upon seeing the two. Even though they caused him many trouble, they were still companions who gave him direction and helped him grow. The things they gave him were irreplaceable.

Following Fryr’s line of sight, Eros’ eyes also landed on the door of the castle. As usual the carving’s on it were awe inspiring, beyond compare. While his eyes were glued for it for a few breaths of time, a voice again resounded in everyone’s mind.

“Eight Great Families, Three Prestigious School, and citizens of the Kingdom, on behalf of the ruler, we welcome you all!” As the voice continued its words, the door also started to open. And a figure extremely dignified slowly walked out.

Before everyone could even see him, without a word, everyone kneeled including the Eight Great Families and the Three Prestigious Schools. Already experiencing such, Eros also kneeled but he still kept looking around.

“Rise” The ruler said softly, but his voice still resounded in everyone’s mind, causing them to jerk up in a hurry, straightening their body but still not daring to look at the ruler directly.

“Today, Genna will be opened.” A voice familiar to Eros said. And when Eros glanced at an elf standing a good distance beside the ruler, he recognized him.

“The emissiary of the ruler, Saevel!” Eros said.

Saevel continued, “Genna is a land of elements, a description which might sound like a paradise to us elves. However, in Genna, the elements are in its extreme form, wild and dangerous. One misstep could end one’s future.” Then he paused and looked around before continuing, “The representatives of the Eight Great Families and Three Prestigious Schools will be tasked to get a certain item. Whoever retrives it will win the event. Fighting is allowed, so injury or even death is inevitable. However, gaining glory and wealth always comes with a risk. That risk is a wall which needs to be climbed or destroyed by the new generation. This is a way to hone them, and give them direction so that they can achieve new heights in order to push our kingdom to more greatness far beyond what it already has!”

When Saevel’s words ended, everyone burst out in a cheer of excitement. Their eyes were glowing with fervor and their voices carried their hope for the new generation.

As the cheering of the citizens grew, the representative’s of each family and schools stepped forward, isolating them from the crowd. This thus made them more conspicuous, identifying themselves as few of the best in Sheles.

In no time, twenty two young men and women stood at the very front. Majority of them were elves, but there are also a very few from a different race.

One by one they introduced themselves to crowd, their voice were loud and proud. Even Eros were forced not to shy away. He also tried his best for his name to shine, to be etched in each of the citizens’ mind. Only Selt was barely mumbling his name. His confidence was at the bottom, and his voice was barely audible.

This caused many to laugh. But it did not reduce the excitement brought by these representatives. Out of the twelve, a few gave a great impact to Eros, forcing him to take note of their names.

“Larel Oriro, Alre Virrel, Goll Para, Pyria Varel, Edea Yara and Lusha Grero.” Eros murmured. “Out of the all the representatives, they seem to be the strongest. Oriro, Virrel, Para, and Varel, they are the families I am already familiar with. As for the Yara family, it is my first time seeing them. Also Lusha Grero… She seems to hate both Selt and me. Maybe she hates those from Ronsorth.”

As Eros analyzed his opponents, the king said, “Bring back the Bloodflame Ruby. That is the goal.” Then he stared up in the sky causing clouds to swirl like a hurricane’s eye. Everyone were startled, but it was quickly replaced with excitement, especially when the ruler said, “Open Genna.”

Suddenly, rumbling sounds could he heard. The clouds also wildly swirled. For those who were watching, it felt as if it was being guided by the ruler even he was doing nothing.

The swirling of the clouds intensified until it caused the cloud to turn dark. Even the sky dimmed and countless lightning appeared.

Crackling and rumbling; it was a sight not one could see often. It was as if the sky was being drilled to open a path towards a new world, theirs for the taking.

Each of the representatives looked up, eyes longing to be on top. Only Eros was slightly confused and asked Selt, “What is the Bloodflame ruby?”

Selt kept his sight on the swirling clouds above, but he still answered, “Hundreds years ago when Genna was opened, it was also the same goal. If absorbed, one can have a terrifying affinity to flame element. Those who has already high affinity to it would reach new heights. It is a very rare item, and many attempted to buy it which raised its price to more than thirty million magic stones. But in the end it was not sold since the owner believed that it is priceless.”

Eros could not help gasp. Even though he had a flourishing business, he never earned near such amount. The idea that he was already rich crumbled in his mind. He realized how insignificant his wealth was.

His eyes shone with greed. He now stared at the hole in the sky with anticipation instead of dread.

After a while, the path to Genna seemed to have fully opened. A hole, dark and filled with lighting welcomed them. Ravines also appeared around the hole in the sky as if it would crumble anytime.

Everyone locked their eyes in Genna’s entrance, anticipation building up in their hearts. This caused silence to fill the entire grounds. However, a single line from the ruler broke this silence, as he slowly said, “I now permit you to enter.”

As the last word left ruler’s lips, the twenty two representatives shot towards the Genna, unreserved. Not one of them willing to be outshined.

The cheering also exploded. It was as if the citizens were welcoming the birth of the new heroes of Sheles.

Glory, wealth, fame and power, everything one could dream of. They felt that they could get those if they win this event. With that aspiration in mind, they all entered the hole leading to a whole different land.

Quckly after they entered, the entrance to Genna collapsed leaving behind a peaceful sky covered by clouds. The excitement also died down, but the ruler waved his hands causing the clouds to again swirl around. However, it quickly stopped and a gigantic totem fell from the sky, piercing the ground. When it landed, it caused the lands to shake. And crevices crawled from where it pierced.

The totem has an image of an owl. Wings furled towards it body that it resembles a pillar. It was gigantic almost hundred meters high.

When everyone saw it, they exclaimed. “The eye of the sky!”

Quickly everyone focused on the totem. They used their magic to connect their thoughts to the gigantic item. After which, an image appeared in their minds. It resembled a gigantic map. Most of it was black and only a small portion of it was clear. There many dots could be seen. Obviously each one represents those who entered Genna.

If one focuses on a dot, they could see a silhouette of that person. However, it was blurred and the person only appeared like a shadow, almost not discernable. But it was enough to know the progress of the competition.

They all understood that being able to view something from another space required a magic of extreme high level, especially from Genna which is extremely mysterious and existed as if a separate world from their own.

As everyone observed, the king gave the totem a deep look before coming back inside the castle. On a certain room, many sat quietly surrounding a long table. When the ruler entered the room, everyone stood up and bowed. Only when the ruler waved his hand did they sit back down without making much sound.

Each one of them exuded terrifying aura, far stronger than the masters at Ronsorth. But when the ruler spoke, they all still behaved extremely respectful like a normal folk. “Heads of the Eight Great Families and Three Prestigious Schools, we convened here to talk about the war.”

…

Inside Genna, Eros flew alone. Oddly, when they entered, they were all forcefully separated. Around him, were numerous volcanoes that constantly erupted. Lava flowed like rivers, but not far they meet a freezing lake.

The elements were really at its extreme. And each one was abnormally out of place, but it is one of the qualities that make it such a dangerous place.

Even using magic to shield himself, Eros still felt extreme discomfort. Heat and cold, they were eating away his defenses like a hungry hound.

Ignoring the abnormal environment, he sped along. He didn’t come unprepared so he had an idea where to go. “Based on the records extreme accumulation of fire elements is on the east. That is the most probable location of the bloodflame ruby”

However, a sudden occurrence made him stop his advance. A winged creature covered by lava suddenly rushed from a distance.

BOOM!

In a blink of an eye Eros and the beast collided. Both of them were thrown away from each other, tumbling and turning. The power of the winged beasts was shocking.

After exchanging blows, he was now sure of what the creature was. He eyed it and said. “Elemental beast!”

In the False Tree of Life, he has fought several thousands of elemental soul beasts, but it is his first time seeing a real elemental beast. Now that he is facing a live one, he realized how terrifying they are. A single one could rival a hundred of the normal ones.

“I should finish this one fast.” Eros said as he looked around. “I can now feel more of them. It seems like the extreme environment in this place gives birth to these beasts.”

Now that he was not caught off guard, he raised his hands towards the beast. His palms were open at first, then he quickly clenched it into a fist. With that simple action, terrifying energy of a wizard radiated from him - an energy that could end lives of many without even them knowing.

After he did so, the beasts shrieked. Its body started to compress as if being crumbled and pressed. However, the beasts still eyed Eros with hatred. Not willing to give in even if it ends up dead.

“It seems like elements really now hate me.” Eros said with a grin. “But in the end you can’t stop me. I will conquer you all and use your power for my revenge!”

“I have already severed my connection with nature. The laws do not apply to me now. So I can forcefully control you like the nature does. It’s no use struggling since I have greater elemental understating.”

Now that Eros is not bind by the laws of nature, and has a strength of wizard, he easily subdued the beasts. Normally, one would never be able to have them capitulate. Only killing them would be the way to win. However, Eros was different. He was now attempting to take control of the beast!

The beast tried to flee and fight, but its power was not enough to escape Eros’ grasp. In the end, symbols appeared in its body then it cracked and shattered. In no time, it was replaced by another set of symbol obviously conjured by Eros.

When Eros lowered his hands, the beast was now docile. It looked at him with respect and a hint of fear in its eye. This made Eros feel satisfied. So he hopped into the elemental beast back and ordered it to fly to the east as his new ride.

Everyone who was watching outside gave out a sound of shock. They could not clearly tell who the individual was, but he caught everyone’s attention fast. Forcefully taming an elemental beast is something that has been never done. Yet someone inside Genna seemed to have pulled it off without much effort!

“Who is that boy!” Many voiced out.

“I cannot tell who he is, but if he continues to meet other competitors, we are bound to know his identity.” Ayas said to other elves from the Virrel family.

Even those from Ronsorth felt shock from what they have seen, but this sight was somehow familiar to them. What came to their mind was a single person, someone who climbed the False Tree of life in an abnormal fashion. “Eros!”

“Sir Almon, do you think that is Eros?” Conall asked.

“Among all the participant, I think he is the only one who would have an odd ability like that.” Almon answered, but this time, he also seemed to be puzzled.

Other great families were also amazed. And the other schools were exchanging shocked glances.

As amazed as they were, Eros could not hear a single word they say. He rode the elemental beast towards the east. Many wearker elemental beast avoided them. It seems like what Eros have captured was also at the wizard realm.

However, the seamless journey didn’t last long. Another beast flew towards them, obviously strong. Maybe even stronger than the beast he was sitting on.

The difference is that the body of the winged elemental beast is made of ice. Each flap of its wings could cause the air to turn cold.

“Another one?” Eros smiled and said, “I guess two pet would be better.”

Explosions suddenly resounded in the area, as Eros’ mount fought with the elemental beast. Even though, Eros’ beast was somewhat losing, in the end, he still subdued the ice elemental beast while it was preoccupied with its battle.

After which, he continued traveling towards east, now with another beast. Those outside were becoming more astonished than before. For Eros did it twice in a row.

As he travel, he gained more beast. They were weaker than the first two, but they had some weird ability which Eros thought would be useful.

However, after successfully subduing five elemental beasts, he had a feeling that as their number increase, his control started to diminish. Unlike having a contract with an elemental spirit, suppressing them forcefully does not require Eros to give them natural energy. The relationship isn’t mutual, so Eros understood that these beasts could rebel once they find an opportunity to do so.

“Bloodflame Ruby, such an expensive item.” Eros thought, “I hope it could sell it fast if I win this.”

While on that train of thought, one of his elemental beast roared, looking down at a frozen lake. “What’s wrong?” Eros asked, startled.

The elemental beast again roared, and looked down. This time Eros somehow understood its actions. His eyes glittered with anticipation. Then he ordered, “Fetch it for me.”

The elemental beast dove towards the frozen lake, shattering it into numerous flakes. Three breaths, five breaths.. Even hundred breaths, the beast did not come out causing Eros to frown.

When Eros was becoming worried that the beast might have died, the lake trembled and the beast shot out. Floating beside it is a small item which radiated peculiar energy.

Eros’ eyes went wide when he saw the item. He could not tell what it is, but it seems like a rare gem. However, not long, the elemental beast who was carrying it controlled the gem towards it beak.

Eros was again startled. He realized that the bird was about to eat the gem, so he quickly shouted, “Stop! You idiot! Bring that to me!” The elemental beast stopped its action, and with slight reluctance gave Eros the gem.

As Eros inspected it, his eyes glimmered with greed. “Such rare gem.. This might even fetch me a hundred magic stone, and yet these beast are only eating it.”

Then an idea struck him as if he have gained enlightenment. “I am such an idiot! I should’ve realized this earlier. Gathering many of these rare gems could fetch me more riches compared to that single bloodflame ruby!”

Then he glanced at the five winged beast, which caused them to shudder from Eros overzealous expression. “You five, gather similar gems like this and bring them to me.”

After his order, the winged beast obeyed, flying at different directions. As if they already know where to look for the gems. Eros was left smiling wide, he can still feel the beasts connected to him even afar as if they were just in his side.

“I will be rich!” Eros said as he continued flying. This time his speed wasn’t as fast as before. It was as if he wasn’t even trying to win the competition.

As he passed by several volcanoes, a blast caught his attention, even there were naturally numerous explosion. “A battle!” He said.

Curious, he watched from afar, but his expression turned complicated and sour. “Selt… He’s losing.”

Boom!

Selt was blasted away again and slammed on the ground. His enemy was another elf from another school of magic. This one did not caught Eros’ attention during the introduction so he actually didn’t take note of him, but he was actually beating Selt as if he was some sort of weakling.

“Weak! Is this the number one school of magic in the kingdom? Preposterous!” The elf said with hatred. He then flew down towards the struggling Selt. Then stepped on his hands causing Selt to groan in the pain he felt.

“I will make you feel despair before I kill you along with that other human with you.”

This time, Eros felt enraged. For him Selt was a kind elf. If someone like him will die, he should die without much torment.

So to help his comrade, Eros prepared to fly towards the direction of the fight. However, he was suddenly forced into an abrupt halt.

Selt who was groaning in pain earlier suddenly started laughing, It sounded evil and sinister, even the enemy elf stomping Selt’s hand suddenly backed away in fear.

‘Hahahahahaha” His laugher echoed out and black flames ignited from his body. However, it wasn’t ordinary flame. It twisted and contorted as if some tangible item. Then like a whip it shot towards the enemy elf!

The elf dodged, however, the black flame chased after him. Everything it touched were corroded and turned to dust. And in no time, it caught him like a snake, entangling his body without mercy.

Arghh!

The elf screamed. His clothes and body started to corrode and burn, even all his protective spell.

Eros watched with terror, and Selt continued to manically laugh filled with fervor while the elf’s body slowly became covered by more of the black flames. In the end, even his bones turned to ash and not even his pocket could be found.

Eros shivered from what he witnessed, he never thought that Selt was deranged. However, it did not end there, Selt suddenly voiced out, “Oh, Eros, you’re here.”

Then he shifted his gaze towards Eros’ direction and smiled like a crazed child. “Dammit” Eros said as he prepared to flee. However, the flame in Selt’s body suddenly died down, and somehow Selt seemed to go back to normal. He began to groan in pain again and shiver from fear.

“What happened?” Eros was puzzled. He observed for some time before deciding to come towards Selt, since he was still a comrade from Ronsorth.

“Are you alright?” Eros asked as he helped Selt get up.

“Thank god you are here. I almost died.” Selt said with voice still trembling.

“What happened to you, and what was that magic?”

Selt hesitated, but he still answered. “The black flame is my elemental magic. I could control it since birth, and they say it is unique in me. But it is simply a combination of flame, darkness and other element. As for the weird way I acted, that was my other personality. Don’t worry, as long as I consider you as ally, he won’t hurt you… I hope.”

“I hope?” Eros thought, then he sighed, “Are the Erel’s really the talented ones? Or those weird, like this one?”

Considering that they were now together, Eros realized that he could not proceed with his treasure hunting. If Selt knew of his plan, Ronsorth might also hear of it, and he could be punished for not even trying to win the event.

Eros went silent for a moment and began to think of a reason so that they can proceed separately, however, before he could talk, Selt suddenly said, “It’s good that I have found you. The grand wizards at Ronsorth instructed me to meet with you and proceed together. This way we have higher chances of winning. Whoever gets the bloodflame ruby from the two of us will still be the pride of Ronsorth.”

Eros could only sigh, and agree. Betraying Ronsorth’s expectation could only bring him trouble. So he decided to have the elemental beast he subjugated hunt for treasures on their own. Luckily, he was able to feel their presence even from afar.

As they journey on, they still met with elemental beast. The weaker one’s were killed by them, however, when they met a gigantic elemental beast in a form of a giant ape, covered by lava and earth, Eros fought it for a while then in the end, he used his curse of emotion causing the elemental beast to raor in terror.

Using that opportunity, he subdued it by etching magical symbols on its body. This caused Selt to gasp in shock. Even though he seemed extremely knowledgeable, what he saw was beyond what he know is possible.

“How did you do that Sir Eros?” Selt asked, curious and awed.

“It’s just some sort of mind control.” Eros tried to lie, and shrugged it off as it was nothing unusual.

Then without much explanation, he sent the elemental beast away to search for rare gems or any other treasure, but of course, he did not made it known to Selt who was still confused as the beast left.

“Let’s go.” Eros said.

Outside, those observing was now very curious on Eros’ identity. He has been subjugating elemental beasts like pets. But Eros wasn’t the only one getting abundant attention. Many other participants were battling their way towards the east. Groups were also formed and the weaker were either killed or forced to flee.

Currently, there were now five groups. Some families merged together in order to overpower the rest. But this was not known to Eros and Selt who was now traveling nonchalantly.

As they come closer to the east, the unusual feeling of elements eating through their body became more apparent. Eros who has a high tolerance to elements could feel danger as they go on, much more for someone extremely anxious like Selt.

However, thinking this was their only problem was a mistake. After some time, a flame attack suddenly came flying, burning everything on its wake.

Both Eros and Selt were startled as they dodge the gigantic ball of flame. However, as they dodge, more attacks bombarded them from all side.

“Run!” Eros shouted to Selt, “We are outnumbered!”

“Eros Libera!” A bellow pierced the air, shaking the area around them. “Here will be your deathbed!”

“Alre!” Selt voiced out, then his face turned grim, “What did you do to offend such man?”

“I do not know, but for now, let’s run.” Eros said while piercing through the air with Selt.

“It’s no use running!” Alre said, laughing.

After a while of pursuit, four elves came to sight. On lead was Alre, followed by an elf from Virrel and two elves from different families.

Boom!

An attack separated Eros and Selt by several meters, after which Selt shouted, “Why he is extremely enraged on you?”

“Maybe he’s seeking revenge for Avel.” Eros answered as he dodge more attacks.

“Revenge for that idiot?” Alre seemed to overhear their conversation and said, “He deserves to fail, but offending the Virrel is not someone like you can do, especially touching my fiancée!”

“Virrel.. Fiancée..” Eros thought. Quickly everything seemed to click. “So you’re enraged because of Keya!” Eros said feeling wronged. “I didn’t do anything to her! And I have never had any interest to do so!”

As Eros said those words, Alre became more enraged. He doubled the attacks, and now it was reaching Selt and Eros.

Along with the nonstop bombardment, the elements in the place made it harder for them to navigate. “A little more…” Eros murmured.

Argg..

Suddenly, Selt was hit by an attack. He came tumbling in the air, gasping for breath, but unfortunately Eros could not help.

Gritting his teeth, Eros stopped his advance, then faced the four who were tailing them nonstop. “I guess we need to fight now!”

Flames were conjured from his hands then he waved them chanting, “Ouranus Pyr” creating a flame in Alre and the group’s surrounding. It was extremely hot and soon spun and attempted to engulf them completely. However, they were no pushover, so with their own magic, Eros’ attack was nullified.

Fortunately, Selt gained his senses, and for some unknown reason, he began laughing as if he was insane. His laugh was cold that could send shiver to anyone even Eros. It was a laugh of someone who would kill for pleasure, someone who would put his opponents on extreme torture.

Black tangible flames whipped everywhere. From the enemies’ perspective, it was like hundreds of black tentacles attempting to latch into them and bring them to hell.

“Selt!” Alre shouted, furious, “Leave Eros and we will spare you. We are only after his life, not yours.”

However, Selt seemed to be on a world of his own. He only kept on laughing, obviously not listening.

“Dammit!” Alre shouted, “Dodge those flames! He’s gone insane again. Those flames are very dangerous.”

Eros also began to back away, the black whip of flames seemed to be less focused on him, but he could feel that once he inched closer, it would turn him into a corpse.

The four enemies were flustered for a moment, however, they are all geniuses of their own right, and they exceeded Eros’ group in number. So with a combined magic, they started to suppress Selt.

When Selt was almost suppressed, the four eyed Eros. Filled with killing intent, they started to ignite various magic. “You’re dead!” Alre said, with a sinister smile on his face.