Days passed without battle. In this short interlude, Eros remained in his tent, passive. It was cramped and damp, yet he preferred it than a spacious dwelling Hearthenfire offered.

In truth, even he knew that Hearthenfire owed him a life, he still trusts him like a stranger. He had many secrets, and many plans which he prefers to keep to himself.

Of course, Eris stayed with him, there was barely room for a proper rest, yet she didn’t voice out a complain and instead sat at one spot focused on her training.

Being both a wizard, sleeping wasn’t even necessary for them. Absorbing natural energy was enough to dispel any fatigue and weakness, so Eros wasn’t worried about Eris complaining. He simply watched her face. It wasn’t the prettiest, or more like close to average, yet the gentleness of her features was what truly made him want to stare more.

Time passed and never had he averted his eyes. Only when a rustling sound from the tent entrance did his face flicker and blushed. “Who’s.. there.?” He said stuttering.

But as opposed to his startled response, Fryr simply said, “It’s me kid. Keep your guard up and use magic to watch what’s around.” Then Fryr raised his head haughtily and added, “I thought you have grown up, but it seems you still lack vigilance.”

Fryr then pulled out something and threw towards Eros, “That pocket contains your share. I hope this partnership brings us more wealth.” While laughing, he didn't waste time and quickly turned and left, but as Fryr walked away, his he continued talking, "In just a few days we'll earn more."

Eros also didn't bother exchanging words with Fryr. He was too embarrassed to be caught staring at Eris with adoring eyes. When Eros checked what’s inside the pocket, his expression completely turned from embarrassed to a face filled with joy and greed. Even though the magic stones inside wasn’t enough to make him rich, it was still an amount he needed much effort to normally get.

He knew nothing where Fryr traded their loots, but it wasn’t of much importance. Fryr had too many secrets and is very mysterious so trying to dig up where all the magic stone he received came from would simply be a waste of time. The best to do was enjoy the fruit of his hardships.

While he was submerged in greed, he failed to notice Eris sneaking up just behind him, “Hey, what are you and Fryr upto.

Eros was again startled; No voice came from his mouth, but in his mind, he was repeatedly saying, “Vigilance. Vigilance!” He quickly realized that he might have gotten too comfortable with Eris that he failed to even put his guard up from her. “Uh. Fryr gave me some of the share from the loots of the previous battle.”

Eris frowned upon hearing Eros’ words, “Fryr and Give. That name and that word can never be joined together in a single line. So please speak the truth.”

Eros scratched his head in guilt; He realized, he could never lie in front of Eris. Without a choice, he explained everything that happened.

Eris could not help but shake her head. She knew Eros’ character quite well, so the revelation wasn’t even shocking at all. Without giving it much meaning, she decided to drop the matter and go back to her training.

However, Eros’ and Eris’ peaceful days wasn't meant to last long. Without warning, a voice sounded in their head. It was an order from an unknown elf. Eros wasn’t sure why he was receiving commands from the elf, but from the message relayed, he is tasked to move forward with a group to push forward the boundaries of their camp and eliminate more enemies on the path.

Having special treatment from Hearthefire, elves shouldn't be able to easily order him around, so he quickly stood up to inquire as to why he was included in such a dangerous task. However, he suddenly remembered Fryr's words about earning more in a few days’ time. At that moment he knew what' up, "Fryr!" He exclaimed and sighed.

"Did Fryr enlist us to join this campaign?" Eris asked, curious.

“That idiot is obviously getting greed control his decisions.” Eros answered while shaking his head, “It was obviously him. It’s unlikely for Hearthenfire to force us in a dangerous mission.”

Clearly, Eros’ guess was spot on. On his own tent, Fryr had a wide smile on his face while snuggling with a pocket filled with magic stones. ”Oh, war is always such a beautiful occasion. Right Hagu?”

“No. The enemies are too soft. They easily break when I punch.”

Fryr simply laughed at Hagu’s response, and said, “Don’t worry. I think there’ll be better enemies this time.”

Meanwhile, Flerodome had a frown on his face as he hurried towards Eros’ tent. When he reached the tent, he quickly entered and began complaining, “Eros! Why did you join the mission? This will be very different from the previous defense we did. You will be basically marching into enemies’ traps and backing out will be hard to do!”

“Uh.. I understand.” Eros said helplessly. He didn’t bother explaining how and why he was enlisted. All he inquired about was the details of the mission, and if Rhaks’ were included.

Fortunately, Flerodome was still able to enlist himself when he got news that Eros joined the campaign. He was specially tasked by his master, Hearthenfire, to protect Eros during the war, so he had no choice but to do as ordered. Normally, he was always calm, but this time, he was slightly confused why Eros seem to be seeking danger purposely.

After a short explanation by Flerodome, he now knew the real danger of the new mission. Also, it wasn’t a single time battle, it would be a continuous effort to push forward as far as they could and reclaim more territories around the kingdom. It might take years or even not end until they annihilate the traitors from the kingdom.

Flerodome also explained that it wasn’t simply the Varel family and the Rhak’s who decided on this mission. It was the whole kingdom itself and agreed upon by all families, so backing out would cause for suspicion and might be considered treachery by the other families. Even with Hearthenfire’s influence, it would be hard to have Eros and Eris pulled out from the mission.

He wasn’t much worried about his safety, but for Eris’. He knew quite well that even inside his tent, he could be attacked any moment, and the best way to keep Eris safe was to get stronger. He knew this by experience, and it is also the reason for his search for power, so considering all the possibilities, Eros sighed and said, “I guess we need to just push forward with the mission. Since you and the Rhak’s will be joining us, it would be relatively safer. Also, even if we stay in this camp, it is impossible to predict our safety with the war all over the place.”

Hearing Eros’ response, Flerodome left with a complicated expression. It wasn’t clear what he was thinking, but Eros could tell that Flerdome was worried he might fail Hearthenfire’s orders.

….

“Why did you join this mission?” Pyria stood up from a boulder and flew towards Lensa, “It’s far too dangerous. Your goal is to simply gather fighting experience.”

“I feel that simply defending won’t help me grow.” Lensa answered with her eyes fixed on Pyria.

Seeing unyielding determination in Lensa’s eyes, Pyria simply sighed and said, “Is it because of Eros and Eris that you seek to hasten your growth?”

This time Lensa remained silent, but that very silence was a clear answer to Pyria’s question. “Do not allow yourself to be controlled by envy. Everyone has their own time for growth. Just because you just recently became a wizard it doesn’t mean you are inferior to us.” Pyria then paused and stared at Lensa deeply and before continuing, “Never forget that you are more talented than me.”

Lensa slowly shook her and turned to leave. She didn’t leave any word, but it was clear that she didn’t believe what Pyria have said.

“I hope that drive will aid you instead of destroying you.” Pyria murmured as she stares at Lensa’s figure slowly vanishing in the woods.

Only after a long period of time did Pyria avert her eyes. She looked at the sky and the trees around, “Just further ahead is where blood will be spilled.” She said. Her eyes filled with complex emotions.

Then with heavy steps, she walked the same direction Lensa took. Trees and vines covered her sigh, but she knew exactly where to go. When she emerged from the thick forest, she saw many mages, wizards, and even grand wizards. They all seem to be gathered in order waiting for someone. There she even saw Eros and Eris. Lensa was also with them, surrounded by many Rhaks.

Pyria only glanced at them for a moment before proceeding in front of the crowd. She then slowly floated and stopped beside a very handsome looking elf. Most of his features were clearly identical to Lensa, and even his straight expression looked exactly the same.

In the crowd, Eros asked curiously, “Lady Lensa, is that your father?”

Eris was equally curious, and shifted all her attention to Lensa. However, Lensa didn’t answer immediately and simply stared at the man. Only after a few breaths did she say, “No. My father is no more. He is Pyria’s father. The younger brother of my late father.”

Hearing Lensa, both Eros and Eris felt great sadness on Lensa’s usual emotionless tone. Knowing that it wasn’t the time to speak more, Eros and Eris remained silent.

Fortunately, the man in front began a short speech, “I am grateful that many from the kingdom are still with great valor. This mission is filled with unknowns, yet you all still decided to join. However, even with the unknown in front of us, we need to push forward and open a path. A path for us and our comrades to take so we can have hope to regain peace. There is a high possibility that most of us here may not see the end of this path, but I am sure that with our combined strength this will simply remain a possibility!” The man then raised his hand into a fist and said, “I, Vulen Valer, pledge to lead you all into glory. Join me to regain peace for the Kingdom of Sheles!”

Everyone also raised their fist and began cheering. From their voice, eagerness to protect the kingdom could be felt. However, as opposed to the fervor, Eros’ group seem to be devoid of such excitement. Only Fryr seem to join along but he was shouting “For the treasures.” and nothing more.

With the group’s morale reaching its peak, they didn’t waste time and quickly departed. Of course, Eros and Eris tagged along with the Rhak’s, and Lensa went back to Pyria’s side. Vulen Valer, who leads the group opted to smartly divide them into smaller groups which formed a network that could support each other swiftly.

They carefully made their way to the possible enemy ground, and as expected, traps began to activate at various locations. Magic formations of high level quickly stopped their advance and presence of enemies appeared, not far.

Of course, their group wasn’t unprepared. Even with the numerous magic formations of the enemies it didn’t cause any death in their ranks.

“This is it!” Fryr said, excitedly, “Eros prepare yourself.”

BOOM!

A strong explosion started the battle. Numerous magic attacks bombarded their group, but fortunately, each one of them were capable enough to defend. Then roars of battle erupted at every corner. Many elves flew in and began fighting.

Hagu was so excited that he began his usual massacre. Fryr was also exhilarated as he defends himself while occasionally glancing at Eros.

Eros also didn’t delay and did his task. Without stop, he began stealing pockets from the Rhak’s dying enemies. This time he was more careful since there were allied elves. Unlike Rhak’s, elves are quite sensitive to all elements, so any movement in the earth might be noticed by them, revealing Eros’ petty tricks.

As the fighting continued, he remained nailed on his spot beside Eris. Fortunately, he was already used in stealing that he can occasionally cast a magic attack to brush off any suspicion from him.

Noticing that Eros wasn’t gaining much, Fryr glared at him. Eros could not help but smile wryly. He himself was eager to get more pocket, but he was too nervous that the Varel family might find out and get offended.

Looking at Fryr again, Eros swallowed a mouthful of saliva ad gritted his teeth. He knew that Fryr would nag him if he couldn’t earn as much as last time, and elves would be always there in this long journey, so as early as now, he decided to risk it and try robbing an elf from the Varel.

With all his focus, he controlled the flame of the elf and made it seem that the enemy pocket was burnt. As usual it was stolen by a soul and buried in the ground.

Amazingly the elf didn’t notice a thing. This made Eros think that he might have gotten very good at stealing that even elves can’t see past his methods. He knew that it was wrong, but it still made him feel very proud and ecstatic. This gave him a boost in confidence and allowed him to do another test. This time, he robbed a stronger looking elf. Shockingly, the elf noticed nothing.

“Am I really born to be a thief?” Eros pondered.

In the third attempt, it was smoother than ever. Even Eris who knew that he was stealing barely noticed it. Knowing that he was doing better, Eros continued stealing from the Varel family elves.

Fourth, Fifth,…. Tenth,.. and it came to a point that his confidence was at its peak. His stealing method got extremely flawless that he thought, “Maybe there are also realms in stealing, and I have reached the next realm!”

Eros could not help but chuckle mischievously and continue his crime. He didn’t look for another answer as to how he was doing theft easily, since he was convinced that he had made a breakthrough in thieving. However, the reason for his sudden improvement might be linked to his newly found confidence or even curses.

Back then, when he was stealing only from the Rhak’s, he was still too nervous. However, now that even elves could not notice his elemental magic, all his nervousness was gone, and nothing held him back anymore. Actually, back then, the Rhak’s should have noticed him controlling the flames, if it was actually possible to notice his tricks. Rhak’s were clear embodiment of flames, and thus their control over it is extremely high, yet they failed to notice Eros’ elemental control. This rare occurrence might have been due to his elemental curse. It was very profound and mysterious that even elemental spirits could not fight it. So, if Eros willed it, it should possible to mask his elemental powers.

Soon, Eros’ eyes were glimmering with excitement and greed. They weren’t only gaining the upper hand in the fight, but he was also gaining more pockets.

When their advantage was extremely obvious, the enemies started to flee. He couldn’t help but grumble from the lost opportunity.

Winning the skirmish, everyone’s morale again heightened. Only a short rest was enough for them to march forward again. Vulen Valer was a smart elf, he knew that momentum is important, so he didn’t delay clearing out more lands.

Not even three days, and another encounter occurred. As usual, Eros didn’t miss the opportunity to steal. However, it was noticeable that the enemies were more careful and didn’t suffer much losses.

On the ninth day, they suffered a loss. They were forced back, and many were either dead or injured. However, the enemies didn’t escape unscathed. They were also forced to stop assault and reorganize their ranks.

Even though they lost, it always felt a win for Eros. Especially for Fryr who was smiling from ear to ear. In the three battles, the number of pockets Eros stole reached more than a hundred.

As usual, Fryr did the secretive trade and got a crazy amount of magic stones. This time however, Eros was slightly worried. In the last battle, he noticed Lensa kept glancing at him. He wasn’t sure if she was getting suspicious, but it made him very cautious to the point that he considered stopping theft for a bit.

However, when the fourth battle occurred, Eros was so tempted by so many possible treasures that he took a gamble and ignored the possibility of Lensa keeping an eye on him.

As the battle progressed, he noticed that indeed, Lensa was still glancing at him from time to time. In response, he did the same.

Of course, Eros had a good impression of Lensa, so instead of showing a hostile gaze, each time he glanced at her. He would always nod as if giving encouragement.

This in turn made Lensa slightly confused. The reason why she kept stealing a glance at Eros was because she noticed Eros wasn’t fighting properly in every battle. She was very eager to compete with him since she felt left out by both Eris and Eros. Especially when she watched Eros dominate in Genna. She couldn’t help but feel inferior. Eros was almost the same age as her and supposed to be a good rival, but shockingly, he defeated her and everyone in their batch, and even went as far as defeat those slightly older than them including her peerless cousin, Pyria.

She joined this mission for the sole reason of pushing herself to get stronger to gain her lost confidence, and also compete with Eros. However, seeing competition, giving her a look of encouragement made her feel not only confused but also annoyed. It has been a long time since she felt such, so in a short instant, she lost focus. Unfortunately, that short instant gave her enemy a chance to give her a dangerous blow!

Her enemy suddenly pulled out a very powerful and peculiar golden sword. For an instant It exuded an aura that is almost comparable to a grand wizard. With such power, Lensa was clearly defenseless! Fortunately, Pyria wasn’t far away. Without hesitation, she pulled out her shield and threw it towards the golden sword.

She shield quickly activated a barrier of wind similar to what Pyria used to fend off attacks at Genna. But the wasn’t enough to stop the sword given its grand wizard might. The wind barrier dissipated, and the shield was deflected.

Fortunately, even though the shield failed to block the attack, it considerably lowered its power. In the end, Lensa was struck by the sword, causing a large cut in her body but it failed to take her life.

Being the nephew of the one in lead, many elves quickly attacked Lensa’s enemy to ensure Lensa’s safety. Eros was one of the few who almost leapt to save Lensa. However, he didn’t proceed after realizing that Pyria was there to save her. Instead, Eros eyed the elf who almost took Lensa’s life and his sword in hand.

The elf was strong, but given that there were two elves subduing him, he quickly perished in battle, but what was notable was that before he died he quickly kept the sword in his pocket and attempted to destroy it!

Realizing this, Eros quickly did his trick and was able to steal the pocket before everyone noticed. In the eyes of everyone, the pocket was burned to cinders.

After which, Eros quickly took a glance at Lensa. Seeing that she was safe, he heaved a sigh of relief. Near him, Eris also did the same. She got a more worried look than everyone else in the entire group.

“Don’t worry. Sir Vulen won’t allow her to fall, and besides she’s a very strong woman.” Eros said to Eris comfortingly. As response Eris simply nodded and quickly got back to fighting, but the worried expression never left her face.

Soon the battle ended, and as usual, Eros completed his deal with Fryr. This time, the amount of magic stone was also high. Eros felt that if this continued it might come to a point that he will be richer than a great family. When that time comes, he can even look down on the Virrels

Even though it was years ago, he still remembered how Alre insulted him because he was poor. With his new-found wealth, he dreams to create a very lucrative and powerful magic formation that could trap the whole Virrel family. If he could do so, he would be basically slaughter the richest family in the Kingdom of Sheles using wealth alone. And that idea excites him the most.

He wished to gain power, and for Eros, wealth is also power, so it doesn’t matter if it is superficial power. For him, anything that can display dominance, gain respect, and protect his love ones, is power.

Again, he didn’t miss a moment to revel on his wealth. Eris who was always beside her could only shake her head and close her eyes to train.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much time for Eros to bask in his feelings. In only three days after the previous battle, another exchange occurred. Of course, Eros hurriedly joined the battle. Astonishingly, Pyria, and Lensa were also present. Lensa’s injuries also seem to be completely healed, and her vigor is even stronger than ever. “It seems she’s really loved by her family.” Eros thought. “That injury wasn’t simple, yet it was gone just like that.”

As opposed to his reaction, Eris were all smiles. Lensa who was always serious also gave a slight smile towards Eris to show that she is in good health. With that simple exchange in gestures, Eros affirmed how special the friendship of the two is.

However, the battlefield wasn’t kind enough to allow them to exchange pleasantries. In no time, each one was indulged in their own fight. Eros who had already mastered his stealing techniques could now fight seriously and steal at the same time. Even Eris was shocked to see Eros fighting fully for the first time. She even thought that Eros might have decided to stop his looting this time, but when she saw Fryr’s grin, she simply dismissed such thoughts.

While Eros was fighting, something unexpected occurred. If one wasn’t paying much attention, it would be ignored. However, for Eros, Eris, Pyria and especially Lensa, it was something that caught their attention in an instant!

In the battlefield, an elf suddenly pulled out a sword. The sword was golden and extremely familiar to Lensa. At first, she doubted if it was a different sword, but after more time of observation, she could not help but frown. She saw with her own eyes how the pocket of the elf who previously wield the sword was burnt, but now, an identical sword appeared before her. No matter how she looked at it, it was the same sword. Everything about it was the same, she could never forget the very weapon that almost took her life.

Even Pyria kept observing the sword. It also didn’t escape Vulen’s notice as he himself also eyed to golden sword. Seeing that even Vulen Varel was noticing something odd, Eros started to feel nervous. He doesn’t know why the elf have the sword, but he was sure Fryr collected the pocket containing it. He also considered the possibility of it being just a duplicate of the previous sword but being able to duplicate such seemingly rare treasure is unlikely to happen. More importantly, it has a very unique aura to it which means that it was most likely a weapon that gained a soul, and an aura of a soul is impossible to copy!

Eros quickly shifted his eyes towards Fryr. He was eager to know how the treasure ended up in the enemy’s hands, but Fryr simply dodged his glance and acted as if nothing was out of the ordinary. At that moment, Eros knew Fryr was the reason for this.

When the battle ended, Eros sat on his tent, thinking. He knew that if he confronted Fryr, he would get nothing. So, he had to think up of a plan to know how was Fryr trading their loots into magic stones. If it was any other moment, Eros would have not cared, but they were at war, and something like this might affect the result of the fights.

Not long, he came up with a plan and immediately rushed to Fryr. As expected, Fryr acted as if nothing unusual happened. He even kept praising how Eros was able to improve in his ability to steal pockets.

Knowing that nothing would result from their conversation, Eros interrupted Fryr, and asked in a bashful manner, “Its like this.. Fryr.. I noticed that I am still very weak, and I suddenly realized that the reason is because I lack a weapon. Let me look through our loots, maybe I can pick a weapon from them.”

Fryr slightly frowned, but in an instant, it was replaced with a smile. Clearly, Fryr had his doubts but Eros and him were in the same boat so why worry.

In no time, many pockets were presented to Eros. Each one of them contains various weapons and treasures. Eros checked each one carefully as and even pulled out some weapon give it a try. When he finished it was already dawn.

“Uhmm.” Eros said, as he handed all the pocket back to Fryr, “Sadly I don’t think any of those weapons fit me. Maybe I’ll be more fortunate next time.” Then without pushing for more talk, he turned and left.

Of course Fryr was suspicious, but it was natural for someone to want a weapon some time in their life especially at war where a little increase in power might change the outcome of the battle, so even with great suspicion Fryr decided to dismiss the matter. He again reminded himself that he and Eros are in the same boat so why worry?”

What Fryr didn’t notice was that Eros slipped in a soul in a certain item. Some treasures have somehow developed souls like the golden sword which injured Lensa. It might not be a complete soul that could allow a weapon to gain sentience, but it was enough to give an item more power than it usually have. Being able to control souls, Eros used his abilities to force a soul into an item. With this, Eros would be able to monitor the movement of the item and who’s hands it would end up with. Also, without a sokai, it would be impossible for an elf or another race to notice that the soul is something forced upon it. With this, Eros felt confident in finding out the truth without asking Fryr for answers!