With Eros' discovery, both Hekka and Firo quickly called upon those who previously attempted to heal the tribe chief. Now knowing the source of the illness, there would be a higher chance that someone could expel it completely.

The supposed visit of Eros to the tribe chief to show respect has turned into a new starting point for both Firo and Hekka, whose eyes now gleamed with determination.

Since time is of the essence in curing the poison, Eros was again left alone to train on his own. His excitement was also at its peak knowing that his progress was certain.

But before he could reach the river bank, there was an unfamiliar sokai who blocked his path. "Sir Eros. I am here on orders of Elder Hekka. He instructed me to bring you at a place which might help further your understanding our magic."

"Oh." Eros reacted without much shock. It was as if he expected such fast reward, "I guess Hekka really wants me to master the magic as fast as I can, especially now that I have showed significant progress and helped them in the process." Eros thought while nodding his head with approval.

Lead by the sokai, they entered a place near the sacred groves. There, a tree stump welcomed his sight. Placed above it, a statuette of a woman an arm’s length in height stood. Eros was familiar with the place. It was one of the sacred locations in the tribe.

At one time, the legend of the sculpture was told to him. It is said that an unknown sculptor visited the tribe when it was at its infancy; looking for the base of his sculpture. The thing that enlivened his passion was the trees at the sacred grooves. Being it both sacred and dangerous, the sculptor almost gave up his desire.

However, by twist of fate, something shocking happened before he left. A tribe elder suddenly lost his wife in the river of souls. The sadness brought by the incident led him to commit an act so grave that death is not enough punishment.

Bringing with him the desire to talk to his wife once more, he visited the sacred groves. There, something enlightened him in a way to regain his wife’s lost soul. So, in a rainy night, he took a gamble and hewed one of the tree at that sacred location. Cutting the tree was what the vision apprised him.

However, by just cutting one tree, the sky turned dim, and howls of the dead filled the heavens. Seeing this, the tribe founder immediately made action and subdued the culprit, but it was too late to reverse his sin.

Fortunately, the sculptor was still several steps away from leaving the valley. Upon seeing the sky, he knew what has happened. Immediately he came to the sacred groves, looked at the man who was devoured by desire, then began carving an effigy of a woman who the man find so familiar.

The base of his carving was the very trunk of the fallen tree. At first it wasn’t very likely that his action would change their destiny. However, once he finished the sculpture and placed it above the stump, the sky brightened and the howling faded replaced by the usual silence.

The statuette closely resembled the late wife of the culprit, but somehow something about it seems entirely different. It’s presence alone created a miracle. It was as if it carries with it a blessing from the skies – to suppress any power about to destroy the tribe.

The man wept. He knew his sins and realized that he did wrong. So as punishment to his own, he burned his own soul. But his face did not carry regret, instead he smiled with fulfillment while looking at the sculpture of a woman. Then before he perished, he said, “Indeed, the voice did not lie. I was able to see your soul one last time.”

Knowing the legend, Eros did not approach the sculpture of fear that he might topple it accidentally, so he simply stood three steps away. Curious on some other details of the legend, Eros turned to the sokai who led him to the place to ask a few questions. Shockingly, the man disappeared without him noticing. Even looking afar, he was nowhere to be found. Eros wore a quizzical expression on his face not knowing if he should stay or simply leave the place.

Standing on a sacred ground was a great opportunity to increase one’s knowledge of soul magic. However, Unbeknownst to Eros, something beyond his control was happening as he appreciate the beauty of the sculpture.

“Elder Hekka!” A sokai hurriedly entered Hekka’s stone hut, and said while still breathing heavily, “The visitors. They… they stole the sacred amphora!”

Shock filled Hekka’s face. Firo beside him wore the same expression, not daring to believe the news. The sokai then continued, “And Eros.. He’s been seen near the sacred groves beside the Effigy of Meya.”

Hearing this, both Hekka and Firo immediately burst into action. Sadly, they were too slow. What they encountered were several sokai’s detaining Eris.

“What’s the meaning of this.” Firo shouted, not believing that Eros’ group could do such a thing, “They are our visitors and they would never do something so shameless against the tribe!”

“Calm down, tribe chief’s heir, Firo.” Shalon came floating down, with a cunning smile on his face, limiting Firo’s outburst. “She is only being detained, not punished. The judgement shall be done not only by me but by all of the elders of the tribe.”

As Shalon’s feet touch the ground, he looked at Eris and said, “Don’t worry, your friend will be here soon.”

While Shalon was speaking, the things on Eros’ side was also getting chaotic. Many sokais suddenly came and apprehended Eros. For a bit, he tried to struggle, but being unsure of the reason why he is being seized, he did not force his way.

“What is happening here?” Eros asked, while he was being locked in a cloud of souls. “I did not do anything to offend the tribe.”

“Your companions stole the sacred amphora, and you yourself entered a sacred ground attempting to steal the Effigy of Meya.” A sokai said, voice extremely cold, “Death is not enough to pay for such sins.”

“What?” Eros’ eyes went wide. He could not say a word upon hearing the crime he was being accused with. All he could do was massage his forehead slightly and say, “Fryr… Did you really put us in a tight spot this time?”

Knowing Fryr, and remembering the sparkle in his eyes on the day they saw the amphora, he could not help but feel that they were indeed in the wrong.

Soon, Eros was brought to a place located at a peak of a mountain. Half of which is covered by Fog up to the seemingly endless skies. There, he saw Eris obediently standing surrounded by similar souls suppressing him. As expected, Fryr and Hagu was nowhere to be seen.

Eros could only sigh and shake his head in dismay. Even though he knew that the two could never be trusted much, he still believed that they were his comrades no matter what.

As soon as Eris caught sight of Eros, her downcast expression was immediately flushed with relief. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

Eros again sighed and asked, “Have you seen those two idiots?”

Shaking her head, Eris replied, “I haven’t seen them for a while. I was too focused on my advancement the past days.”

When Eros heard her words, he was immediately jolted into shock, “Eh.. You became a wizard that smooth?”

Eris chuckled when she saw how shocked Eros was, and was about to boast a bit on how easy it was for her. Sadly, Shalon’s voice ended their friendly chat, “What do we have here… Both of you have grave crimes and yet you still not worry for your lives.

“The thing that your comrades’ stole is extremely important to the tribe, and if not returned you will be sent to death.”

“Nonsense, they would never do the crime you speak of.” Firo shouted while also being held in place by Hekka with equally worried face.

As the dispute was ongoing, an energy that surpassed them all suddenly came from above. All their voices were kept in their throat unable to be voiced out. More than twenty sokais landed on the ground, exuding energy suppressing all the wizards.

“Elders.” Shalon conveyed, “We caught two of the culprit, but unfortunately the two who carries the sacred amphora escaped.”

“Have you done the necessary measures?” Another elder voiced out.

Shalon smiled and replied, “Do not worry. Countless of souls were already sent to deliver the message. ‘If they do not surrender along with the sacred amphora before the sun sets, the lives of the remaining companions shall end.’”

The elders nodded in agreement to Shalon’s fast action. However, the guilt of Eris and Eros was yet to be proven so Firo stepped forward, bowed, and pleaded, “Elders, these two are innocent. Please be partial and judge them accordingly.”

As response to Firo, Reya gently stepped forward, she waved her hands which dispersed the souls restricting Eros and Eris. “Both of you. State your plea.”

Seeing this, Firo could only step back and hope that the elders would vote in favor of his friends. Of the two, the one who spoke first was unexpectedly Eris. Even faced with powerful grand wizards, she calmly said, “Elders, my name is Eris.” Then she bowed and continued, “I have nothing to prove my innocence, but I can say for certain that I have no ill will towards the tribe and would never plot against stealing a treasure of great importance to the tribe where our friend, Firo, belongs to.”

Adding to Eris’ extremely honest approach, Eros also said, “Our lives was saved by Firo. Stealing from his tribe would never even cross our mind.”

“Lies!” Shalon suddenly retorted, “I personally led a group to capture you right in front of the Effigy of Meya. If we were a moment too late, our sacred sculpture might have been also lost forever.”

“I was led there by a sokai. He said that I can stay at the place to gain deeper understanding in the tribe’s magic.” Eros explained. This time, he decided to not include Hekka’s name on his statement. For some reason, he felt that something was wrong.

Shalon laughed at his words, and said, “If your words are true, name the sokai who brought you.” Then with a simply gesture of his hands, a tiny soul floated from his palms towards Eros’ forehead. It was similar on how Hekka passed him the soul magic.

Faces and names of all the sokai in the tribe entered his mind. Even the elders were included and not one was left unnamed.

Everyone stayed silent for a while, while waiting for Eros to name a sokai. But as their anticipation grew, Eros' visage lost all confidence. From all the faces, none of them resembled the one who led him to the statuette.

"I believe by now you have seen the faces and names of everyone." Shalon walked towards Eros, turned around to face all the elders, and said, "His expression proves his crimes... So, elders you can ask more question if you still have doubts."

This time everyone was silent. Even Hekka could only grit his teeth and look at Eros, confused. Eros looked back at him, seemingly just figuring out something. "I fell for that sokai’s disguise and Hekka seems to have nothing to do with it.” Eros thought. Now it became clear that someone plotted against him. It was even perfectly timed after he discovered the poison plaguing the tribe chief. He realized that this time, they were truly in danger. Not even Hekka could save them.

Seeing that no one spoke, and grasping Shalon’s intent on pushing Eros and Eris to unequivocal guilt, Hekka was forced to provide assistance. “Elders, Eros have done great service to the tribe. In fact, just today, he has discovered the cause of the tribe chief’s illness. With this, we can possibly hope to find cure as soon as possible.”

Most elders gasped, however, Shalon’s cunning smile never lessened the least as he quickly retorted. “How sure are you that his words are true. As I can see it, even that action alone could be part of a scheme to cripple the tribe more.”

Firo who was watching could not hold back to voice out, “Just give us more time. We will definitely be able to cure the tribe chief. By then, he could provide proper judgement to the two of them.”

“Silence!” Firo’s statement was immediately met with harsh disagreement, “The sacred amphora is the beginning of the tribe. The fact that it was stolen is far beyond any calamity we have faced so far. We cannot waste time and wait for an unknown period for the current tribe chief to recuperate. This is a situation where the voice of the elders could represent the voice of the tribe and even the tribe chief. Since their plea have been said, we can now decide.”

“Well said, Elder Alram” Shalon added, “So for the elders who believe that Eros and Eris are guilty, please state your judgement.”

“Guilty.” One elder quickly stated.

“Guilty.” Another one quickly followed through.

“Guilty.” Alram said coldly. And when his voice was heard, most of the grand wizard also quickly said the same judgement.

Soon, even the seemingly neutral Reya closed her eyes and deemed both Eros and Eris guilty. Along with her words, her allied elders quickly followed along her decision.

With this, Majority of the elders have decided their fate. Even Hekka and Firo could do nothing but stare at Eros and Eris apologetically.

The two who heard their judgement could not help but feel cheated. Especially Eros who has a rough idea on everything that has happened. Since they were already proven guilty, and the sun was about to set, but there were no signs of Hagu and Fryr showing up, Eros smiled grimly and said, “I was framed. A sokai disguised themselves and led me to the Effigy of Meya. In fact, if you allow, I can lead you to the two who you say stole your sacred Amphora.”

Eris was shocked to hear Eros’ words. She knew that Eros have faced numerous dangerous situation and he would never allow himself to be killed in any means. “Is he really going to betray Hagu and Fryr?” She thought.

“If we capture those two, we can know the truth. If I assist you, it would hasten the process.” Eros said.

Hearing Eros next statement made Eris realize Eros’ plan. It was to buy some time. Hagu and Fryr is a very crafty duo. Capturing them would need a lot of time. Indeed, Eros’ wits far surpassed many at the same age. If the tribe chief could be slightly healed by then, and Hagu and Fryr could state their plea. They could have a chance to clear their names and even reveal the real culprits.

Hekka who seemed to grasp the plan immediately stepped forward to speak, but Shalon words was faster. “We have already found their location. There would be no need for your assistance. The fact that those after them have detected the presence of the amphora in their belonging, and that they are still fleeing without stop, proves nothing but their guilt.” Then he smiled grimly and continued, “Maybe we do not even have to wait for the sun to set.”

“I agree.” Alram said, “Since they will soon be caught. I do not want to waste time here. We shall begin their punishment.”

“No!” Firo burst into rage and attempted to free himself from Hekka’s detainment. “They are not at fault. They are friends of the tribe!”

“Your words do not carry weight.” Shalon waved his hands causing souls to lock Firo in place and shot him away without much resistance. “Our tribe believes that might is right. So, if you can fight your way to freedom, that is very much allowed. However, if you fear doing so, you can simply walk towards the endless fog behind you and conclude your own end. Chose!” Shalon’s words reverberated like thunder in Eros and Eris’ heads. They knew that it was only a few moments before their deaths.

As Eros prepared himself to burst out for a hope to escape, Hara stepped forward towards Eros. His eyes gleamed with killing intent when he said with words carrying extreme arrogance, “Elders, allow me to do the honor of eliminating them if they attempt to flee. There is no need to sully your hands with these lowly thieves.”

Shalon nodded with a smile, and some elders agreed like it was the best course of action.

Seeing that it was inevitable to fight for their lives. Eros could only throw caution to the wind and burst into action to get the upper hand!

Hara, with a conceited smile, raised his hands to receive Eros’ attack. Souls appeared around him twisting and howling. Each one of them emanating extraordinary ripples of energy revealing Hara’s actual level.

“Arguros wizard!” Eros though while shooting towards Hara at a speed beyond a Khalkos wizard. Waving his hand, he said. “Penuma Keno!”

Wind blades extremely powerful shot from his hands. The lands where it passed were shredded into dust. Seeing the extremely concentrated wind blades, Hara’s expression turned serious as he blocked it with numerous souls.

BOOM!

The ground shook when the attack collided. Everyone was shocked, including all the elders. “How is he that strong?” Hekka said, “He’s only a Khalkos wizard.”

Firo who was now at a distance, locked with souls controlled by Shalon, could only hope for Eros to escape at any cost “Eros…” He murmured helplessly, “Do not die.”

He witnessed how Eros slayed Alre at Genna, so fighting with Hara could also be a possibility. Since there is nothing he could do, he can only hope for Eros’ safety.

Even Shalon frowned with that first blow. The way it went, it seems like Eros would not lose easily against the foe, even if it was a genius known by all.

While the dust from the exchange still filled everyone’s sight. Eros never wasted opportunity to throw a second deadly attack. His voice resounded to everyone present watching the fight. “Ouranus Pyr!”

Flame suddenly Erupted from where the cloud of dust floated. In there, an enraged roar from Hara sounded. “Eros! You shall die!”

Howls of souls filled the area. The wild flame surrounding the cloud of dust suddenly lessened as if the souls were devouring them.

“He’s stronger than Alre.” Eros said, landing not far away after releasing his terrifying flames. “If this goes on, even if I manage to kill him, we will not be able to escape.”

After his words, he slightly glanced at Eris. That quick glance was understood by Eris who is also currently facing someone from the tribe, suppressing her not to interfere in Eros’ fight.

Gritting his teeth, Eros said, “We cannot die here!” After which, he exploded with abnormally strong energy. An energy far from what a Khalkos mage could muster. It was in fact drawn without the consent of nature. As someone who cut off the binding strings of nature, he could now control natural energy far from normal as long as his body can withstand the burden from such action.

“Argg.” Eros’ face twitched from pain, but he ignored such feeling. Then he said coldly, “Kruos Choros!”

Upon uttering the words, everyone was shocked, and most of them was thrown into chaos, including the elders who previously stood with might that cannot be moved.

Ice spikes appeared from the ground, from the air, and at every angle. It was not specifically aimed at Hara, but instead to everyone present in the area!

However, it was not the most shocking thing, it was instead when Eros raised his hands and did some unknown gesture. No one could see it, but in fact numerous strings were in Eros’ control. It was none other than his curse of emotion!

With Eros’ surprise attack, and magic of emotion suddenly making everyone confused and vulnerable, Eris also quickly shouted, “Madown!”

Hara was confused, he did not know what was happening, he could only feel deep rage to attack his comrades. Destroy their body and souls. Everyone was feeling the same. Even some of the Elders. This did not exclude Hekka who was now extremely shocked to experience bizarre magic unexplainable even to himself.

“Now!” Eros shouted, signaling Eris to escape as fast as she can. With all the confusion, both Eros and Eris attempted to flee, while numerous ice thorns keeping everyone busy.

However, something occurred beyond their expectations. A powerful energy swept all over the place, and countless of black souls destroyed the ice spikes into pieces. “Good, but not strong enough to save your lives.” Alram said coldly while standing several steps away from both Eris and Eros, blocking them from fleeing. His body covered by black souls giving Eros chills to the bones.

Eros’ face fell; the power Alram was exuding was even stronger the fake king at the Desert of Rawn. With his level of power, it was indeed useless to hope that their magic could restrain him.

Alram slowly lifted his arms in attempt to slay both Eris and Eros, however, suddenly, Hara’s voice sounded, filled with fury, “Father. Let me do it!”

From a distance, he came flying like an arrow released to flight. His face showed rage and humiliation from not being overshadowed by Eros’ might. He was born a genius, grew up without anyone able to match his skills, and knew that his future was limitless, but today, he was suppressed by a human boy with lower level than his own. It was the first time he felt that he lost, and he could never accept such result.

Souls swirled around Hara, and Eros’ knew it was an exchange he could not dodge. So, he pushed Eris away, and received Hara’s rage filled blow!

Numerous elements appeared in front of him. He was also drawing all the power he still can.

Thunderous sound occurred upon impact. Explosion beyond an Arguros wizard originated from the two attacks. Everyone who was still confused was brought back to their senses from seeing the exchange. Hekka quickly came to Firo to shield him from its devastating effects. “Such power.” Me murmured.

Eros who was in the midst of the battle could not help but also feel astonished by Hara’s power. However, it was a matter of life and death, and the one who shows slight hesitation would face defeat.

In the moment that both Eros and Hara was about to be thrown away from the explosion. Eros’ eyes suddenly caught sight of Alram, and for some reason he saw a somehow familiar smile… “You… You’re the one!”

Enraged, he lifted his hands towards Hara, to use the last of his powers. Even endangering his life in the process, he used a combined elemental magic; targeting Hara’s eyes!

Weakened and could not control his body, Hara’s eyes went wide. He never thought that Eros would pour all his remaining energy into an attack, rather than defend himself from the explosion. Doing so would severely injure or kill Eros for sure!

However, Eros’ eyes showed no trace of regret, and he even said, “You communicate with souls through your eyes, but this will be the last you will see a soul!”

BOOM!

Another explosion occurred directly from Hara’s face. His eyes were now shot closed, bleeding as if they were melted into nothingness.

Alram’s smile also faded. He never expected that Eros would do that to his son. He was extremely confident that after that magic collision, he could kill Eros without effort. But now, his few seconds of carelessness caused him his son’s vision!

“No!” Alram shouted, flying towards Hara at unprecedent speed.

Eros who was now powerless to defend himself, simply made sinister smile and said. “Your eyes sight is not enough payment!”

Now enraged, Alram was about to attack Eros, but, out of nowhere, Eris suddenly appeared. She dragged Eros like some unnoticeable gust of wind towards a location that no one could have imaged they would take.

“Flying towards your deaths!?” Alram said, voiced laced with fury, “Even the endless fog could not save you from being slayed by my hands!”

As response, Eris glared back at him while escaping. That single glare could have been simply ignored by someone like him. However, instead of continuing with his magic to stop Eris’ tracks, he was filled with unexplainable fear. Each part of his body was telling him that Eris was something extremely dangerous and should be avoided at any cost. He never noticed it earlier, but with this final glare, he was forced into abrupt halt.

As Eris faded into the thick fog carrying Eros’ on her arms, Alram slowly lowered his head to look at Alre who he also now held closely. Beads of cold sweat poured from his forehead as soon as he realized that his hands were clutching tight at Hara’s neck!

Veins budged from Hara, and it was apparent that he could not breath. Quickly, Alram withdrew his hands and stared at it, trembling. Then with tinge of fear, he looked back at the fog and murmured, “What is that girl...”

Everything happened only in a short instant, and those elders who just gained senses now began to gather together. Shalon who was most shocked of all, quickly flew towards Alram location and saw Hara’s condition, “How is Hara?”

Alram did not reply, instead, he laid Hara on the ground. Knowing that Hara regained consciousness, he waited for him to sit on his own. As soon as Hara did, his body trembled, he lifted his hands, attempting to see it, but he saw nothing but darkness. With all his remaining strength, he shouted as if committing an oath to himself for the heavens to bear witness, “Eros!! I will kill you!!!”