Eros slowly started to back away, eyeing the numerous magic directed at him like a helpless prey.

Fervent laughter echoed from Alre as he witness Eros’ retreat. "If you can survive ten breaths of time, I will allow you a painless death."

Eros didn’t reply and simply stared back. Even though he was edging away, his eyes never showed trace of panic, but instead, his lips curved into a mocking grin.

Alre also smiled and said, "That would be the last smile you'll ever make!" Then he lifted his arms, flame surging in his palms. Completely on a different level than what Hagen used in the past. It carried with it the might of an Arguros wizard. A level higher than what Eros reached!

Similarly, the three allies of Alre bore their fangs towards Eros, using power that could exterminate both his soul and flesh.

However, Eros’ mocking grin stayed plastered in his face. And he said, "Or maybe, that’s the last smile you'll ever make."

After his words, numerous roars echoed out. Like an arrow, a winged elemental beast brushed past Alre's arm, thwarting his spell and injuring his hands and even freezing half of his body into unbreakable ice crystals.

One of his companions was also trapped into an odd water bubble. It felt weak but unexpectedly seemed indestructible.

Along with this, a giant ape like creature covered in lava appeared below slapping one of the elves throwing him far, injuring one of his arm.

"Why are these elemental best suddenly ganging on us?" Alre said flustered.

They were all caught in a surprise attack including the fourth elf. This allowed Selt to free himself and rage with madness seemingly unconcerned about his self.

Eros quickly joined the offence. Boosted by the surprise attack they maintained their advantage.

Caught by the giant ape, an elf began screaming in pain, his body started melting and every layer of his magical defense began cracking. With his own power he was able to last for a few breaths and fight it off, but as Selt was already rampaging, one whip of black flame latched into his head. Crackling like burning wood, the flame made him scream in agony. And in the end, he was squashed by the giant ape into a mass of flesh and gore which was quickly incinerated into floating flames and ash, never to be seen again on the lands.

However, his death not only did not incite any worry on the faces of the remaining three enemies, instead, they seen to be unperturbed by the occurrence. Only Eros has now an expression riddled with suspicion.

Argg!

Another elf suddenly groaned in pain. Suffering grievous injuries, he was bound to die any moment, but his face did not show any fear of death.

“So that’s how it is.” Eros said as he looked at Alre’s direction who was now fighting with Selt.

Alre looked back at him and said, “So you’re not that stupid!” Then he began laughing, and allowed Selt’s flame to latch onto his body. His skin started to melt and black flames started to burn his hair and half of his face.

As this was happening, the other remaining elves also allowed themselves to be defeated. They carried the same expression, unafraid of death.

“We shall meet again!” Alre said, as he continued to burn. His voiced echoed out until he was no more than ash.

“So it wasn’t also your last smile.” Eros said as he looked at a distance, “Seems like we were both wrong.”

Far away, at a certain edge of a cliff, four elves sat crossed legged. Groaning sounds came from their mouths, and beads of sweat rolled on their forehead. Suddenly, their eyes snapped open! And the one in front said calmly, “So he really does have his own tricks. Controlling the beats… I wonder how he did it.”

If Eros could see the man who spoke, he would recognize him at a single glance. Black long hair, green eyes, and skin extremely smooth as if he bathed daily in the finest materials, he wore several expensive looking ornaments, and long flowing surcoat, expensive beyond words.

“Sir Alre, It seems like you are right to test him out first. We never expected to see him being helped by several elemental beasts.” Another elf said, carrying the appearance of one of Eros’ attackers.

“Do not worry about those weak elemental beasts. Our clones can only use fifty percent of our power so obviously we will lose. However, next time will be different.” Alre replied, with a sinister smile on his face, “Far more different.”

Back on Eros’ location, Selt was still rampaging. Eros along with his elemental beasts kept distance, waiting for Selt to end his crazed trance.

Even though, it was worrisome for Eros to watch Selt’s odd behavior, his face still showed excitement while looking at his elemental beasts. Around each one of them, rare gems floated, which for Eros was like the best gifts.

“I’m going to get rich!” He exclaimed, and with excitement, gathered all those gems into his pocket. “I’m not even trying to compete anymore for that Bloodflame ruby, but that Alre is still after my life.” Eros then sighed, “Sir Ruven, you sure are an awful teacher. I’ll never accept you as my maser.

While Eros was clouded with greed from collecting rare gems, Selt slowly calmed down, and after a few breaths, started waving at Eros while shouting his apologies.

Eros quickly sent his elemental beast away into other mission to find more treasure, his eyes glowing madly with excitement with just the thought of it. "With these treasures I can have more resources to get stronger!"

With still apologetic look in his eyes, Selt came to stop in front of Eros after a short flight. "Did I accidentally attack you?"

“No... But it doesn’t matter. We should get going before Alre’s group comes back for revenge.” Eros replied while looking around cautiously.

After a deep breath of relief, Selt asked, “How many of those beasts can you control?”

“Just a few.” Eros said seemingly unwilling to share more information.

As response, Selt simply nodded. He knew that everyone have their own secrets. Even he himself has his private matters, and anyone digging onto it would be some sort of offence

Quickly, the two took flight towards the east. Their speed wasn’t as fast as before, obviously wary of their surroundings.

In an hour, they passed by many more bizarre scenery. Volcanoes erupting with ice causing extremely dangerous hail storm to rain on the lands, hundreds of whirlwinds that never stops on top of a large field, and even abnormally large geysers that pierces the clouds and causing eternal rain, it was indeed a land of elements, however, they were extreme that it was hard to describe with words.

The discomfort brought by the extreme elements was also increasing. This caused the speed of the journey to decrease. At one moment, they were even forced to stop to take a short break, for they knew that several kilometers ahead would be a harsher environment.

Coincidentally, as they landed on a nearby cliff, they caught sight of two elves seemingly digging something off a cliff face. They were both female, and at a deeper observation, Eros recognized one of them. She was Edea Yara, one of the few who gave him a deep impression.

Even Selt got curious and observed them while muttering, “What are they doing?”

However, Eros’ expression was different. His eyes widened and his body trembled from some form of rage. “They are doing the same thing as me! Those are supposed to be my treasures!”

Selt was shocked to see Eros’ odd behavior, but before he could express his words, Eros shot like an arrow towards the two elves.

Shocked and terrified, he was forced to follow along. “Eros, stop! There’s no need to fight them right now.” He urged.

Unfortunately, Eros seemed to be unwilling to listen. His hands erupted in flames and attacked without restrain. It was as if their ancestors were archenemies for hundreds of generations before their own.

Edea who now successfully unearthed some form of gem suddenly felt murderous intent towards her. So instead of feeling joy, she rapidly backed away. Various magical shields also surrounded her body as she shouted loudly, “Who dares?”

As Eros’ attack collided with her defenses, she was slightly pushed away several meters. Now she also recognized Eros and asked in tone laced with rage, “Why are you attacking us?”

“Eros, stop! They don’t seem to be willing to fight it out right now. And besides, the Yara family is in very good terms with Ronsorth.” Selt hurriedly explained.

Eros did not listen to reason and continued attacking. His eyes bloodshot as he was chasing the two elves who were now fleeing.

Edea noticed that Eros was staring right at the gem at her hands, so filled with hesitation she shouted, “Are you after this gem?”

Now that the conversation has touched the treasure, Eros quickly answered, “You are from a wealthy family and yet you are still gathering those gems!”

Hearing Eros’ words, Edea now knew why Eros is acting extremely hostile. So she gritted her teeth and with hesitation, threw the gem towards Eros and said, “Take that! This is not the right time for us to fight.” Then they continued to flee at top speed, while Eros stopped and grabbed the gem which he immediately stored in his pocket. Quickly, the distance between Eros and Edea grew rapidly and only the echoes of her voice could be heard, “You might have a great need of that certain gem but if you attack us again, we will make you regret it!”

Eros simply floated on spot staring at Edea’s direction with eyes still bloodshot. Selt now caught up and asked, “Why did you suddenly attack the Yara family?”

Eros did not respond and simply breathed heavily as if he found his archenemy. In his mind he thought, “It seems like she’s my real enemy here. Harvesting these gems is equivalent to stealing from me!”

If Selt could only hear Eros’ thoughts he would surely be shocked beyond belief. Attacking someone because they are potential rival in gathering treasures, instead of attacking for winning the competition, it was indeed beyond Selt’s comprehension. Even thinking that the gems in Genna are only his for the taking is already a very crazy action

Selt did not delve more into the details of why Eros attacked. He simply urged Eros to calm down and continue their flight. He could only ponder on how almost all Erel’s were very peculiar. At first he thought Eros was somehow normal, but the way he acted was definitely unusual.

Continuing on with their journey to the east, beads of sweat rolled on their foreheads. The heat seemed to have dramatically increased, and simply moving became harder. It was as if they were submerged deep in water.

BOOM!

A sudden explosion alarmed them. The origin of which was several kilometers from their position, but it still rocked several mountain below.

Curious, Eros slightly altered their path to have a quick glance at the fight. “It seems like we’re on the right track. Everyone seems to be now heading to the east.” Selt said obviously hesitant to get near the ongoing battle. “Maybe we should ignore them and go look for the Bloodflame ruby.”

Eros simply nodded but obviously continuing on his altered path. At a distance, they can now see many figures unleashing countless attacks. The two were leading the battle were recognized by Eros at a glance, they were Larel Oriro, the older brother of Hagen and Goll Para, who somehow resemble Eldrin.

“It seems like that will be a long fight.” Selt said guiding Eros away.

Eros gave them one last glance before following Selt. “I wonder how many of us are left.”

Selt ignored Eros and pulled out several pieces of small bones, small enough to fit his palms. On his other palm black flame ignited while he was chanting some form of spell.

Every time a word from the spell is stated, the bones thumped. Slowly, it assembled itself into a small creature with semblance to a bird. After which, the black flames on Selt’s other palm, encroached and confined the bones. And when his last words were spoken, the flame formed into a small raven which flapped its wings and quickly flew at one direction.

“Eh.” Eros was confused. It felt like a very complex spell, yet it only formed something so small. “What is that thing?”

“Let’s follow it.” Selt said flying towards the tiny raven. “This is a magic to exactly locate the most probable location of the Bloodflame ruby. Blindly looking for it while following the highest concentration of fire element might also work, but it will cost too much time.”

Eros went silent for a moment. He thought that he was prepared, however, it seems like he still lacks in some aspects. “Does everyone have that thing?”

“Probably not.” Selt replied, “But I believe almost all who dared to enter Genna have their own means to locate the Bloodstone ruby.”

Eros ruminated deeply and thought, “If I have used one of those elemental beasts to locate the Bloodstone ruby, it might have found it faster. I guess I don’t lack preparation, I just lack creativity. I was too blinded by the numerous treasures hidden in Genna that I lost sight of aiming for every treasure including the Bloodstone ruby! I am so naïve.”

Many more thoughts came to his mind; it was as if he was experiencing an odd enlightenment. He realized that the way he does things is still immature. Experiencing enlightenment made him realize to think grand and never compromise unless it will cost him his life.

“Eros are you alright?” Selt asked, bothered by Eros’ long silence. “Is the pressure of the elements getting into you?”

“I’m alright.” Eros replied with every word seemingly profound “I just gained a very important insight.”

Selt felt weirdly awed. He did not know what insight Eros gained, but he was sure it was something esoteric and deep.

As they travelled along, it came to the point that it was extremely hard to proceed forward. But it did not make them feel dispirited; instead, their eyes shone with more desire, for not far, an unnatural red spike made from earth rose from the ground towards the sky. At the very tip of it, a gem floated emitting blood red glow which is very striking to the eye.

“Is that the Bloodflame ruby?” Eros asked burning with desire to hold the gem.

“Yes.” Selt answered, but his gaze quickly turned to the left. “But it seems like we’re not the only one who found it.”

Eros looked at the same direction, there he saw two groups, the nearest to them sitting at a cliff glaring at him with hatred, “Edea Yara! She was able to catch up!”

Farther off the distance, another group landed and stood loftily. This group was also familiar to Eros, but now they numbered more than before. Six elves were together led be Alre and just beside him was Goll Para.

Then he looked around more as if looking for another group but failed to find them, “So it seems like Alre helped the Para family to eliminate the Oriro family.”

Ignoring the other two groups, Eros observed the path towards the Bloodflame ruby. A sea of lava welcomed everyone, spanning upto the base of the spike. Constant flames erupted and countless of beast roamed around. Even the air twisted and contorted from excessive heat. Explosions also filled the area as the air would sometimes burst into flames.

Seeing this, Eros understood why everyone stopped their tracks. It was indeed necessary to study everything before they act.

Alre’s group pulled out a bunch of magic stones, and began constructing a spell formation. From the looks of it, it is something that would foretell the safest path to follow.

Edea Yara’s group who came first seemed to have been done with their preparation. The two of them simply sat on the cliff edge surrounded by magic stones arranged in some sort of formation, and they constantly chanted spells in an obscure fashion.

Selt on the other hand also pulled out several magic stones and prepared his own means to find the safest route. “For now we will cooperate. However, we will all be enemies when we get extremely close to the Bloodflame ruby.”

Eros nodded and did his best to assist Selt, his eyes constantly sweeping across their enemies. Time ticked by and the pressure was eating them slowly. After some time, Alre stood up with a condescending grin as he stared at Eros. Then along with his group, they departed towards the Bloodflame ruby.

Next, Edea Yara stood up. The two sped above the sea of lava. This caused Eros to feel slightly anxious to proceed forward. As soon as he was about to inquire to Selt, Selt said, “Let’s go.” Then Selt touched Eros’ forehead giving him information about the route they should take.

“I guess this is a race between three groups.” Eros declared.

Quickly both of them prepared to fly and rush, when suddenly, two elves landed nearby. The one leading them is a female. Her brown hair fluttered in the air. She moved elegantly, like a queen’s heir. But it’s neither her beauty nor her movements that makes her special; it was her very serious expression and deep gaze that exudes of great knowledge.

“Lady Pyria from the Varel family.” Selt said.

Pyria looked at Eros’ direction for a second when her feet touched the ground then said, “Make it four groups.”

And instead of taking their time, along with another elf, they quickly leaped towards the sea of lava without even any preparations.

Eros was both shocked and amazed; even he himself would not risk it and jump out without a plan. However, her expression wasn’t of ignorance but of great understanding.

“Let’s hurry.” Eros urged, seemingly bothered to be the last to depart.

Quickly the four group followed their own deductions on the safest route. As they go on, Selt noticed Eros constantly looking at Pyria’s direction which prompted him to ask, “Do you know Lady Pyria?”

Eros shook his head and replied, “No. I’m just amazed how she did not even do the same thing as all of us - preparing before flying above this sea of lava.”

“The Varel family is known for their vast knowledge. So I guess they already prepared beforehand.” Selt explained.

Rapid turns, up and down movements, and even stopping for a few breaths, they were all following patterns which they all previously prepared to avoid explosions and elemental beasts. As they got nearer, their movement became sloppier. Breathing became hard to the point that they feel as if the air would melt their lungs.

However, no one dared to give up. Soon, as they got closer to Bloodflame ruby, their individual distances to one another became smaller. This thus made the situation tenser and felt like that a battle might occur any moment.

Seeing the situation, Alre who was at the far right shouted towards Eros with pride, “Six against two. If I were you I would forfeit before you meet your death.”

However, what Alre did not expect was to hear Pyria’s voice saying, “Make that six against four. Our Varel family will ally with Ronsorth.”

Pyria’s sudden support to Eros’ group made Alre frown. Even though they still outnumber their enemy, the Varel family could not be taken lightly. The amazing thing about the Varel is that both of their representatives is an Arguros Wizard. And Pyria’s aura is definitely abnormally strong, as if she is at the verge of entering the Khrusos stage.

“Why?”’ Eros looked at Pyria Varel. Even Selt was slightly shocked to hear her words.

“This is a temporary alliance. In the end, we will be the one to take the Bloodflame ruby.” Pyria said seriously, “Consider this as payment for treating my dear cousin Lensa well.”

With this new alliance, Alre’s plan to attack Eros was again put to a halt. His expression grim; and he eyed Edea Yara’s group who was closest to Eros’ before proposing, “Yara family, I offer 1 million magic stones if you ally with us!”

Hearing this, Eros’ eyes widened. Beside him, Selt was more aggrieved and nervous. He started trembling as if he would faint if he hears any more threats. Edea’s glare and grin added more fear to creep into him.

However, Alre’s next words made him sigh in relief, “The only thing I ask is eliminate Eros and nothing more. Anything about the competition has nothing to do with this alliance!”

“Dammit!” Eros murmured his face grim and slightly worried. He then looked at Selt who was slowly backing away and said, “Hey we’re allies!”

“I’m sorry, I just feel nervous.” Selt said while shyly scratching his head.

To save his life, Eros gritted his teeth, and responded out loud while pulling gems from his pocket, “I will give these to you if you ally with us!”

“That..… rare elemental gems!” Edea Yara exclaimed, “And a lot of them!”

“So he was not in need of that gem he stole from us, he greedily harvested numerous gems!”

Seeing the gems on Eros’ hands, Edea Yara looked back at Alre, expression conflicted. These thus made Eros realize what sort of character Edea Yara is. She was basically a greedy elf without shame!

Alre frowned as he said, “one million and five hundred thousand magic stone!”

Eros’ also frowned and pulled out another gem, seemingly more expensive than the others.

This time, Alre’s frown deepened but he still simply said as counter offer, “Two million magic stones!”

Edea simply looked back and forth between the two parties, obviously waiting for one to offer more. Eros did not allow himself to be defeated in the battle of wealth, so he pulled out another gem, causing even Pyria to stare at him deeply. Eros couldn’t tell if it was admiration or simply curiosity.

The two began offering more and more. Alre’s pride as one from the wealthiest family in Sheles did not gave him chance to give up. So it came to the point that his offer reached eight million magic stones, an amount basically impossible for an ordinary wizard to get hold of.

Everyone gaped in astonishment in this stupid display of wealth, but no one dared to utter a word. At every offer, Alre’s words were dead serious, and his voice was sharper while he increased his offer.

Back then when Eros nearly lost his life in a mission and saved a whole town in the process, he was simply rewarded with a few thousands magic stones. Even his whole business did not amount to much. So currently, he was actually out of elemental gems to offer.

Likewise, Alre’s expression was crazed. He would have never spent eight million magic stone casually if it wasn’t for Eros raising the price like crazy. His heart was bleeding from the thought of parting with so much wealth, but he was from the Virrel family, the wealthiest in the Kingdom of Sheles. How can he lose to a nobody in terms of wealth!

This time, Eros put his hands on his pocket, seemingly about to pull out another gem, however, before he could do so, Alre shouted in rage. “Nine million magic stones!”

Everyone was dumbfounded. They stared at Arel with both awe and pity. Eros also gaped in shock, he himself was sure he has no more gems to offer, he simply touched his pocket in hopes that he might have missed his count of the gems and left one in the pocket.

Edea Yara’s eyes glimmered in excitement; she quickly pulled out a scroll, muttered a contract, and tossed it to Alre.

Alre’s expression was so twisted that anyone could tell that he wasn’t willing to create the contract. But looking at Eros who still has his hands on his pocket, he quickly completed the contract!

“Eros Libera!!” Alre shouted. Along with his group and Edea’s, they launched an attack to Eros.

Pyria who was near Eros remained calm; she used her magic to help Eros and Selt block some of the attacks, even the male elf from the Varel family unleashed unhesitating attacks to fend off Edea’s charge.

In an instant it became chaotic. Magic flew everywhere. Outnumbered, Eros’ group started to back away. Fortunately, it was at that moment, that Eros’ subdued elemental beasts came to rescue. The gigantic ape was rushing nonstop towards them. His body was already covered with lava to begin with, so it was no shock that he could traverse the sea of lava and flames. Winged beasts also shot towards Alre’s group unleashing attacks without restrain.

However, Alre wasn’t a bit worried. It was as if he already expected such outcome. “Puny little beasts, we have already seen this trick!”

Some of the beasts shrieked as they were bashed away. Indeed they weren’t as strong, and they could only serve as backup. The only reason they won last time was because their enemies were merely clones, and with the element of it being a surprise attack.

“You can control beasts.” Pyria mused. But she did not look too surprised while conjuring her own magic in a form a round shield.

She lifted her arm strapped with the shield and chanted, “Cheimon thureos!

A blast of wind picked up, it swirled like whirlwind and created a spherical shield enclosing Eros’ and Pyria’s group.

BOOM!

Magic attacks bombarded the wind shield, but it only shook and quickly gained more speed. Enraged, Alre shouted, “Pyria Varel, how dare you ally with a human! Did you forget your status as one of the Eight Great Families!?”

“We elves have never been enemies with humans.” Pyria’s voice echoed out of the shield.

That statement made Alre furious. He then called upon his own magic, and produced a sword purely made of natural energy.

Inside, Eros could see everything. Looking at the sword on Alre’s hand, he suddenly remembered Elas’ bow. Actually, Pyria’s shield seems to be of the same composition.

Eldrin lifted the sword in his hands. Filled with rage, he slashed it downward attempting to slice open the wind shield Pyria created.

Wind blade appeared and it struck the shield from top to bottom. As result, the wind shield trembled yet again, but it did not get destroyed and continued with its unstoppable momentum.

Both Edea and Goll then produced their own weapons made from natural energy. It was a whip and a spear respectively.

“It seems like every family has their own weapon.” Eros said anticipating for the shield to be broken.

“Indeed.” Pyria replied, “It is a symbol for being one of the Eight Great Family, and a gift when you reach the wizard realm.”

“So Elas isn’t really just a mage.” Eros thought.

With the combined attack of the three, the wind shield was easily destroyed. Pyria also seemed to have been injured. Her elegant gait was also affected, and her face slightly paled.

“Are you alright?” The male elf from the Varel family asked.

Pyria simply straightened her body and regained composure. From the looks of it, her injuries wouldn’t really lower her battle prowess.

Again the wild battle erupted. Selt was left trembling, however, not long, he began laughing. This prompted Eros to distance himself from his crazy ally.

When Selt’s personality changed, everyone was alerted. Obviously they knew of Selt, and no one wanted to deal with him.

However, even with all of their powerful magic unleashed, Eros’ group was still losing badly. They were vastly outnumbered, and what only kept them alive was Pyria’s support.

Even those who were watching outside could now clearly tell the outcome of the battle. Now that almost every contestant displayed their might, their identities were now easily found out. However those watching could not hear any sound so some citizen were still confused, and still count not identify a few of the participants.

Knowing that they would end up dead if he would not gamble on a decisive move, Eros steeled himself and activated his curse.

His eyes turned pitch black and blood red symbol of Orcus appeared on his pupils. His energy spiked and it was at that moment, that everyone was startled and was put on guard.

However, Eros moved fast. His body simply flashed and in an instant he was in front of Alre. Without hesitation, he used the cursed of emotion, then grabbed Alre’s neck and pushed him at a distance, separating him from his allies.

Of course Alre retaliated, by stabbing Eros with his sword. But, Eros caught it with his hands. It made him bleed, but he ignored it and kept speeding off into an area beyond the safe route.

“Are you trying to die with me!” Alre shouted as he grabbed Eros’ arms and forced himself out of Eros’ grip.

With his power at the Arguros stage, he was able to do so, and even injuring Eros in the process. However, even though he seemed to now have the advantage, he felt fear towards Eros. It was an abnormal feeling beyond his control.

BOOM!

The air beside Alre exploded, and an elemental beast suddenly appeared from below. Its mouth was wide open, attempting to swallow him whole.

Alre swept the beast with his sword, easily defeating it with an attack. However, worry flashed his face since he is indeed in a very dangerous path.

“I will kill you!” Alre said to Eros. Even though he felt unexplainable fear, he was confident of his powers.

Quickly he exchanged several attacks with Eros, but shockingly, Eros was able to fend him off. Eros was only a Khalkos wizard, one level lower than his own, and yet, Eros could actually fight him on a draw.

All this while, Orcus’ curse was still activated. As it was, Eros’ kept muttering to himself as if he was gaining understanding of the curse.

“It seems like I am really more powerful than a normal Khalkos wizard. Also, the curse of element… I think I understand it more.”

Enraged, Alre poured more energy on his sword. This time, his attack can clearly slice Eros’ in half. An elemental wind spirit also appeared behind him, and merged with his weapon.

“Die!” Alre shouted as he swung his sword with all his might.

Contrary to his action, Eros was still muttering, but, when Alre was halfway on his swing. Eros suddenly stopped all movement, and he raised his hand towards Alre and said, “Now I understand.”

At that moment, the elemental wind spirit shrieked. Every element on Alre’s body also vanished without trace. It was as if he was in a completely different world.

His face showed both shock and terror he never showed since he was born. He knew that he lost, and that he would die if his elemental control would not come back at the next breath.

“At that start, I only have higher affinity to elements than normal. I can blend with elemental soul beasts and even forcefully severe Eldrin’s control over his own elemental spirit. Then I realized another path, a path to overpower elements and rise above them, even subjugate elemental beasts which has never been then all these years. But now, I clearly understand this curse. Controlling elements without their consent, breaking the laws of nature, and even possible is to remove one’s control over elements! That is the curse of elements!”

Alre who felt powerless was now at the verge of madness. Even though he could not control elements because of Eros, he still had the power of an arguros wizard, so fighting is still possible. However, not being able to use elements in a battle almost drove him insane. As a result, he frantically reached out to his pocket and pulled out a stone eye. “You’re not the only one who can remove one’s control of elements! Even though master forbid me to use this in front of you. I will do it since it will ensure your death!”

As soon as Eros’ laid eyes on the stone eye ball, he lost focus and his control over elements slowly faded. What he was feeling was extremely familiar. Realizing where he experienced it before his eyes widened as he came to some form of realization, “You’re one of the enemies of the Kingdom of Sheles! That eye has the same effect at the statue at the Ruins of Kivel!”

Alre’s face turned grim. It was apparent that what Eros said was correct. “It seems like master was right to never use this item in your presence, but it doesn’t matter as long as you die!”

Being in the wizard realm, Eros was vastly different than he was before. He also has deeper understanding of elements and natural energy to the point that he dared to severe his connection with nature. So faced with the power of the eye, and considering it was vastly smaller than the statue, he could somehow tell now that what it erases isn’t his control over elements, but the elements around him itself! It only weakens his focus to forcefully erase the element even present in his body.

“What a powerful item!” Eros thought, but that was last of his concern. In front of him, Alre was already preparing to stab him with the sword made of natural energy. Even though it has no elemental attack in it, it was still lethal to get hit.

As Eros was preparing to defend himself with a non elemental magic, his second curse thrummed and vibrated. The elements around him also stopped vanishing as if it was being forcefully pulled back by Orcus’ curse. This action was akin to someone awakening after seeing his archenemy.

Even Eros himself was shocked, but he had no time to ponder. So he gathered the elements to block the attack, and retaliate back!

He quickly waved his hands and said “Notos Kopis!”, materializing a wind blade to both attack and defend!

Shock could be seen on Alre’s face. The way he stared at Eros was clearly asking how he did it. But it was too late to say a word, since the wind blade sliced through all his defenses like butter, severing his head!