"Ugh.." Eron opened his eyes and found himself laying on the ground with withered grass and dead trees surrounding him. Above, the sky looked dim with the moon starting to rise and the air which touched his skin felt cold.

"Hehehe." Near a tree almost charred black from passage of time, a goblin who was staring at him intently while laughing maniacally said in a raspy voice. "I think he’s up." Eros frowned as he observed the goblin keenly and said. "Goblin Ald, is that you?."

"Hahaha. He called you bald!" A loud voice from another figure at the opposite tree from the goblin said. This time what he saw was not a goblin, but instead a huge orc toting a giant lumber at its shoulder. Its fangs protruded outside of its mouth and in its face, a large scar from its forehead, run between its eyes and further down to its neck. Eros trembled at the sight of the orc. He knew that orcs were wild, and kills humans at a whim, so he stood up and opened his palm towards the orc as if trying to intimidate it with a spell he could unleash anytime he wished.

"Woah.. Kid, I got nothing against you, it’s goblin bald over there who kept messing with your stuff while you were out cold."

"Shut up you idiot. He said goblin Ald, not bald." The goblin said furious. "And, I just looked at his stuff a bit."

"So it’s not you goblin Ald. You resemble a goblin I know. Maybe you know him?" Eros said while still holding his guard towards the orc. "Hahaha." The orc laughed uproariously and said. "Kid. You're a funny one. We all know that all goblins look alike, but that was a good insult to goblin bald."

"Shut up you brute! My name is not goblin bald; it’s the great goblin Fryr! And goblins does not look alike, other goblins look nothing like me!" Eros could not tell what was happening between the two, but it seems like they are fighting like kids and would probably make the situation worse, so he asked. "Where am I?"

"Eh.." The orc scratched its head while staring at Eros weirdly and answered. "We are at the Stints Covert."

"Stints Covert?" Eros thought deeply, but the place doesn't sound familiar, so he asked again."What country is this?"

Again, the orc scratched its head and answered. "Uh. Country of Wros."

This time, he thought more deeply, but still, the name does not ring a bell. He knew that he was quite smart and was already familiar with the geography of Chorias, but it was his first time hearing the country of Wros. So this time, he glanced at the goblin with firm expression while still holding his hand up towards the orc and asked the goblin. "Tell me the truth! I never heard of any country called Wros in the plane of Chorias!"

The goblin simply blinked its bulging eyes, and the orc scratched its head more, then it said. "Did the boy hit his head?"

Goblin Fryr stared at him with discerning eyes while saying. "Plane of Chorias.. hmm.. I wonder where is that..?"

"Stop playing tricks on me!" He gritted his teeth and raised his other arm towards the goblin.

"I guess he really hit his head." The orc then hefted the massive lumber from its shoulder and said “I think I should hit him in his head for him to regain his memory or something. Eros' eyes went wide; right in front of him the orc was preparing to smash him with the gigantic lumber in the pretense of helping him regain his memory. "Here goes."

"No!!" goblin Fryr shouted before Eros vociferate the same. "You idiot! He will die if you do that." 

The orc then stopped midway of his massive swing. "Eh. Alright, but, he could not even remember that he is in the plane of Eunos. So I think something is wrong with his head." The orc said while looking at goblin Fryr innocently.

"Shut up you brute, the one whose head is not right is yours." Then walking towards Eros he continued."All you know is to smash things. Let us wait for the boy to calm down."

While the two was still on debate, Eros on the other hand was already breathing heavily from almost being mangled by the massive lumber. Then he thought about what her mother said."So was I really sent that far away and into another plane that I never thought that even exist?" 

"See. Now he's talking to himself. I told you I should have just hit him in the head lightly." The orc said while walking towards Eros, lugging along the lumber at his shoulder."Idiot, there's no way that will work." The goblin said while climbing up the body of the orc and resting on its shoulder.

Eros then sighed and looked at the two, then he said. "Now I understand what's happening, I apologize for earlier. I am Eros, a mage, pleased to meet you. May I know your names?"

The goblin laughed and tapped the head of the orc. "See. Now he's good." Then he leaned towards Eros while saying. "As I said, I am the great goblin Fryr of the Stints Covert of the country of Wros! And this orc is the immortal orc Hagu! Together we are the invincible mercenary of Stints Covert!" When he finished, his face was so close to Eros that his left bulging eye looked directly at the eyes of Eros waiting for his response.

Eros backed off awkwardly while feeling creeped out as he said. "Ok.. Nice to meet you guys. But, I think I should get goi.." Before he could finish, the goblin raised its grubby finger and blocked Eros' lips. "Shh." Then he glanced around."Can you hear that? Quickly hide!"

Eros does not know what happened, but he knew that this time the goblin looked serious, so without hesitation, he ran along with the orc who even left his lumber behind and jumped up into a cliff face nearby concealing themselves in a crevice. "Ughh. It’s so narrow in here." The orc said while pressing Eros much into a much more cramped space. The goblin then pulled out a red stone and said "Krupto!".The red stone glowed and completely covered the whole crevice concealing them from the outside.

"So you can use magic."Eros said in amazement. "Of course I can. Why do you think I have been called the great goblin Fryr."

While chattering, a boy who seemed to be a young elf suddenly came rushing in the direction of the cliff face. Upon reaching the cliff face, the boy stood beside a tree and pulled out a brown dried leaf. "This is the last one." Upon saying those words, he blew on the leaf causing it to turn to dust which started to waft around him. After which, he touched the tree, which made him vanish completely without trace!

Only a few breaths after that, several black robed figures flew past the cliff face and the tree, as if they were rushing to catch someone. After some time, Along with sinister laugh, goblin Fryr pulled back red stone and said. "This seems interesting." Then hopped out of the crevice directly landing in front of the tree where the boy hid. "It’s safe now little elf." goblin Fryr said while grabbing the tree and pulling the boy out of it.

In an instant, the boy was pulled out of the tree, face pale. "Who are you?" He asked.

With a face full of excitement and arrogance, goblin Fryr said. "I am.."

"He's goblin Fryr, this is orc Hagu, and I am Eros." Walking towards the boy, he continued. "May I know your name and where you're from?

"Boy! How could you steal my spo.."

"I am Elas from this country of Wros." The boy said looking at Eros firmly. When Eros heard this, he was now sure that he really is at the country of Wros. So, without a word, he walked away and sat beside a tree looking glum.

"How dare you little kids ignore the great goblin Fryr!" Throwing a tantrum he climbed back up to the shoulder of Hagu. "Little elf. Those who were chasing you seem to be demon apparitions. It seems like you're someone important." Rubbing his chin, goblin Fryr thought deeply and said. "So, since you are being chased, do you wish to seek the assistance of the invincible mercenaries of Stints Covert?"

Elas' brows furrowed as he looked at goblin Fryr and the Orc deeply, trying to see through their intentions. Unfortunately, the expression of the orc was unreadable, so he thought he might actually be someone formidable. Goblin Fryr on the other hand obviously looked that he was only after the rewards. Eros, however was despondent on the side lost in thought.

This situation made Elas hesitate, but the incredible presence of the orc made him think otherwise. Having not much option and believing the orc was someone amazing, he nodded and said."Help me reach deep in the capital of Wros into the House of the Marx."

Orc Hagu's expression remained stern; however goblin Fryr's eyes went wide. "The House of Marx is not palace anyone would wish to visit." He said while hopping down from Hagu and directly appearing in front of Elas. As his long dried nails touched Elas' face he continued with a deeper tone. "You piqued my interest young elf. Hehehe. I will ask no more, and simply accept the task as long as the pay is as interesting as the job."

He then tapped a small pouch tied in his waist which then opened and where a small branch was spat out. The branch radiated a boundless life force which immediately made the grass below Elas to sprout with life.

Goblin Fryr who was looking at the entire scene, could not help but reach his arm toward the branch as he said full of greed. "A part of the long lost tree of life!"

Pulling the small branch of the tree of life back and keeping it at his pocket, he then replied. "Yes that was a part of the tree of life. I will hand it over if you can assist me."

"Indeed, a reward worthy of huge task to offend the house of Marx. My eyes did not fail me, you are truly someone important." He said along with a raspy laugh.

Then he continued eyes filled with murderous intent. "What if I kill you right now? And take your pocket away."

With a condescending smile, Elas answered. "My master have sealed my pocket, there is no way someone like you can open it. And if I perish, the pocket will also disappear never to be found again."

Again the goblin laughed and simply said. "With that confidence, I would not dare." Then he looked at Elas with decisiveness. "We, the invincible mercenaries of the Stints Covert accept the task."

With that, goblin Fryr walked towards Eros and said. "How about you little boy, what's your plan?"

Eros did not respond; with downcast expression, he continued to be lost in thought.

"Mother.. Father... Why?"That’s the only thing that came out of his mouth.

"Oh.. Did you lose your parents." goblin Fryr said mockingly. "Did they die?" Then he laughed.

Eros eyes suddenly moved, looked directly at goblin Fryr, filled with anger, he said in an extremely cold tone."Do not insult my parent’s death!" His left eye turned pitch black and a blood colored mark appeared within. Natural energy surged from him which made even Elas slightly shiver, and the grass below his feet to be swept away into nothingness.

At the sight of it, goblin Fryr trembled. “Orcus..” He said while stepping back away from Eros. When Eros heard this, he came back to his senses and slowly, the mark faded and his left eye turned back to its former blue color. “How did you know of that name?” Eros asked.

“Name? Orcus is not a name. That symbol in your eye is an ancient symbol for the word Orcus. “ Goblin Fryr said who was now several steps away from Eros. “Seems like you’re as interesting as the little elf; so how about it boy, do you wish to come with us?”

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Eros thought deeply and said. “I have no wish to get into other affair. I only seek to get back at the plane of Chorias.”

“..Chorias.” Elas said. “By Chorias, do you mean the plane of Chorias?”

This time, it was obvious that Elas knew something about the plane of Chorias which made Eros quite enlivened. “Yes! Do you know something about it, and how to get there?”

“I do know some legends about it, and I also know of a clue on how to get there. However, I am not sure if it is true, since it is only a legend passed through our clan from generation to generation.”

“So, how do I get there?” Eros asked with enthusiasm as if he had not heard that the information might be false.

“Help me reach the House of Marx, and I shall tell you.” Elas said. Then he continued. “With the energy, I saw earlier, you can be of some help to achieve my goal. Currently, I need to gather a much aid as I can, so I’m afraid I could not tell you without assisting me first.”

Quickly, Eros nodded. There was no hesitation in his eyes, only deep thirst for revenge. With that, Elas have gathered a group of three in his quest to go to the House of Marx. The one he has most regard for was Orc Hagu who has been staring at him with completely stern face while the whole conversation was ongoing.

“So let’s do the contract then.” Goblin Fryr pulled out his pocket and shoved his hand in it and got a piece of scroll from the small pouch. After which, he opened the scroll dripped his blood and said. “I, goblin Fryr of the Stints Covert pledge upon my soul to aid Elas in his goal, towards the House of Marx where with pride, we shall march. His life, shall be my life, and his death shall cause, my mortal form to become no more. This scroll shall bind my soul, for me not to betray our goal. My life shall wither if my resolve in this task dwindle. And if I fail this duty, my flesh shall be smite with heavens fury!”

“Here, it’s your turn.” He said while handing over the scroll to Elas with a sinister smile.

Dripping his blood, Elas also said the words. “I, Elas, pledge to offer, a branch of the tree of life to goblin Fryr. As reward for his aid; in his pledge, for me reach the house of Marx safe. When the contract is fulfilled, I shall do my deed, to handover the treasure which I have offered to give. If I betray my words, my flesh shall be ripped to shreds. My soul shall churn until it burn, nor shall I be allowed to reincarnate, back to the peaceful place of my own race.

After that, the scroll crumbled and turned to red dust forming a red thread connecting Elas’ heart from goblin Fryr’s and after which it also instantly disappeared. Then again, goblin Fryr pulled out a scroll and passed it to Elas while saying. “It’s time for you and the boy to do your contract, so we can start the task.”

Again, Elas dripped his blood to the scroll and said. “I, Elas, pledge to give, information to Eros, on how to reach, the plane of Chorias, he wish to breach. If he could assist us, in our task, to reach the house of Marx with all his might. My body shall disappear If I don’t fulfill, my end of the deal which I placed my seal.” He then passed the scroll to Eros with a smile.

This time, Eros bit the tip of his finger and dripped it as he started saying. “I, Eros Libera from the plane of Chorias, with all my might, shall assist Elas. For us to reach, the destination he wished. In case my words are but a lie, I shall die in a blink of an eye. My soul shall never come back to life, to walk on the land shall never again be my right.”

Again, the scroll turned to dust and formed a thread between Elas and Eros which connected their life together. Both of them knew that the pledge they have given is absolute and can never be broken even in death.

"How about him?" Elas said looking at Hagu.

"Oh! Hagu. Don't mind him; we can't get his blood so it’s impossible right now. He's practically indestructible."

Hagu then gazed at everyone with complex expression, pulled out a blade which his enormous hands could barely handle properly, then stabbed onto his own finger with all his might! However, the blade simply shattered and not even a scratch could be seen in his flesh. "Uh.. I guess I'll just do my best to help." was the only thing he could say while scratching his head.

"See.. He's stupid by the way. But strong enough to help you on your way." Goblin Fryr said in mockery.

Elas was flabbergasted on what he saw. "He's stupid!? But, what was that stern expression earlier which made him seem an incredibly terrifying existence!? How could I fall for my own misunderstanding?" Those were thing that immediately came to his mind.

Eros on the other hand felt a bit better knowing that there’s way return to Chorias. However, his mood was still sullen and filled with rage. All he could think about was revenge.

They all waited for the night to pass, the whole night Eros could only look at the sky and remember the tragic event his parents ended up with. His previously luxurious lifestyle, his well respected status, his loving family, all of it was gone in a single moment. What was worst was that he could do nothing about it, and could do nothing to help both his mother and father. He blamed himself for being weak and being the one inflicted by the curse. However, there was nothing he could change.

...

The next day, their newly formed team casually strolled at the Stints Covert. Actually, not many could simply wander around in such place. It is filled with mystery unexplainable by anyone even those who lived in the place for a century.

However, finding their way out was something that goblin Fryr could do easily, but dangers along the way is still eminent.

"It has been ten days since we started walking yet you say that we still got a long way to go!? Eros said peevish. "How big is this Stint covert exactly!?"

"Boy, the Stint Covert is a place even I am unsure of the boundaries. I only know how to get in and out. It is one of the most mysterious places in the plane of Eunos." Closing in his face to Eros', filled with grim vibe, he continued. "Many even simply vanished here, never to be seen again. So be careful of your steps kid."

"Enough! Stop playing around and hasten the pace. Eros is right, we have been wandering around and dawdling for ten days, yet it seems like we’re nowhere close to our supposed location." Elas said.

"Such querulous kids.” Goblin Fryr said while pointing above. “You have to catch one of those Eterofir first.”

Several giant birds are flying up above the sky aimlessly. Four wings keep them afloat, two at each side, occasionally flapping but without noise. Its talon’s were long and sharp, extremely jet black, and appear to be extremely sturdy. In its beak there were unusual saw like fangs that seemed more threatening when it appear to be screeching, but oddly no sound is made. What seem to be more peculiar is that it has no eyes; however, it is clearly able to navigate its own in the sky.

“Why is it not attacking us?” Eros asked, slightly shocked by the humongous birds above.

“Because it could not see or even hear us, only darkness fills it vision and never a speck of light. Legends state that it was once a greedy type of bird that attacks anything in sight, it loves the terror and fear its prey feel. So a God cursed every single one of it, affecting even its offspring to not see ever again, for it not to continuously attack anyone on its sight. Even any sound from it was removed, making it unable to even scare a person nearby. However, even without sight, they could still clearly feel fear in anyone, so the slightest fear could attract them to attack and devour their prey instantly.” Goblin Fryr explained while smirking from time to time.

“Kruos Oistos.” Elas said assuming an archer stance; while a bow made of natural energy slowly materialize in his hands. Then he pulled it causing wild energy to erupt, creating a crystal arrow that he unleashed, quickly in to flight.

The arrow quickly flew towards one of the Eterofir freezing the air on its path. When the arrow hit it, it simply shattered; however, the shattered pieces of the arrow attached itself to the body of the Eterofir, rapidly freezing it.

With a screech, the Eterofir flew at an amazing speed seemingly flustered of its freezing body. The direction it flew was the direction where the arrow came from, directly towards Elas. Below, Elas’ eyes went wide, but he remained calm as he tried to run away from his previous location. However, suddenly, when he thought that he will be able to simply dodge the Eterofir, he saw Eros’ expression which was with dread. “Eros! Snap out of it! They can feel us if you get scared!” Elas shouted.

Suddenly, more of the Eterofir up in the sky came flying towards Eros and the group. It was five of those giant birds attempting to devour them.

Goblin Fryr simply chuckled as he hopped on orc Hagus’ shoulder watching the gigantic bird come. “Hagu, we need one alive.” He said.

“Ouranus Pyr!” Eros qickly said, engulfing one of the Eterofir in flame. However, it wasn’t much effective in stopping its advance. It ignored its body being burned and simply rushed towards Eros, while seemingly filled with voraciousness which pained it more than the flames in its body.

This time, he felt more scared of what to come. It made the Eterofir wilder than ever, as if devouring Eros could satiate its years of hunger.

“Kruos Oistos.” Elas fired another arrow towards one of the bird rushing to Eros. Quickly he pulled his bow and fired another one. Nonstop, he fired a barrage of arrow draining all his energy on the process.

Even Eros tried his best to run and attack the Eterofirs. “Notos Kopis!” He chanted frantically, creating wind blades that slashed towards the Eterofirs. This was more effective and somehow knocked it off course, but still it quickly came back to shot towards him.

“You idiot! Calm down and do not get scared!” Elas shouted again while trying his best to support Eros.

This time, when Eros heard those words, he quickly regained his senses and when the Eterofir was about to snatch him with its talon, his left eye quickly turned pitch black as the blood red symbol of Orcus appeared. He waved his hands saying the same incantation, “Notos Kopis!” creating a gigantic blade of wind slashing the Eterofir, completely decapitating two of its wings and the attack even flew towards another Eterofir far away cleanly cutting it into two.

Elas was shocked from the attack of Eros. It was a simple wind magic, yet, the effect was extremely terrifying. “That was strength of a Wizard.” was all he could say.

The Etorofir stumbled to the ground hitting trees, bleeding severely from the attack. On the other hand Eros also fell on his knees coughing out blood and his left eye tearing up blood. Also, his body felt heavy, and moving was impossible. Currently, upon him, there were three more Eterofir, charging without stopping, even though their bodies are covered in ice caused by the arrows of Elas.

A talon almost as big as Eros body was quickly in front of him, Elas was helpless now and could only watch as the Eterofir completely snatch Eros away or possibly even crush him instantly.

However, before the Eterofir could close its talon, a figure appeared in front of Eros who grabbed the talon and swing it to the side, slamming the Eterofir to the ground. Quickly followed by several punch to its head, the Eterofir quickly died.

Also the remaining Eterofir suffered the same fate infront of orc Hagu’s terrifying strength. With the freezing effect of Elas arrows, the onslaught of orc Hagu was easier as the bodies of the Eterofir simpy collapsed to pieces. Nevertheless, the Eterofirs were not a match for the rampaging orc who seemed to be completely invincible.

“Hehe, you kids are strong, especially you Eros.” The goblin said while laughing. “The strength you just displayed was of a Wizard and not someone a Khalkos mage could manage to do. I think that symbol in your eyes is something special.” Then he tapped Eros’ back, allowing natural energy to slightly heal Eros from his injuries.

Eros’ breathing slowly came back to normal, as he lay on the ground face pale.

“What was that?” Elas could not help but ask Eros.

“I’m not sure myself. However, they say it is a curse.”

“Well, that’s some nice curse you got there.”

“I have no energy to get mad at you. So please let us not talk about this curse.” Eros said helplessly.

“Alright kids. We got what we need. After you rest, we shall proceed.” Goblin Fryr said while casually sitting on orc Hagu’s shoulder, while on orc Hagu’s other shoulder, the talon of the Eterofir Eros attacked could be seen, which orc Hagu was using to tow the gigantic body of the unconscious creature.

"Even I am amazed by your curse little boy." Goblin Fryr said while leaning close to Eros and staring deeply at Eros' left eye. "Such magnificent curse; in your current state I can't even feel it. What does trigger it boy?"

"I am unsure myself. Probably rage? Or when my life is threatened?"

"Really?... Fascinating." Goblin Ald said while pointing at Eros' forehead while saying "Nusso" Then a red light appeared on goblin Ald’s finger which quickly formed into a small red needle that attempts to pierce Eros' forehead.

Eros was filled with shock as he edged his head backward attempting to dodge the attack. Then his eyes suddenly turned pitch black, however before it could continue, he coughed out blood which completely stopped the symbol from forming, but still, it was able to release enough energy to block goblin Fryr's magic.

"So it does save your life." Goblin Fryr casually said while withdrawing his magic. "Seems like it would be useful if you could control it."

"Are you insane? Why did you attempt to kill me? What if it did not activate?" Eros shouted while still moving away from goblin Fryr.

"Oh come on kid. I would’ve pulled my magic back before it reaches your brain." Glancing at Hagu, Fryr continued. "Nothing serious. right Hagu?"

"Uhh... Yeah, he tried to pierce my head every day back then, but I never get hurt. So it’s ok."

"You heard it. It’s completely safe." with a chuckle goblin Fryr opened his palm; there a flame the size of a fist flickered with a face of a skull at the center of it. "Here boy, touch this flame. You interest me, so I’ll give you this for free."

Eros did not immediately touch the flame; instead, he stared at goblin Fryr sharply full of caution.

"Do not worry; he's attempting to pass on a magic skill to you. Even masters and disciples do not do that unless necessary." Elas said casually as if the matter wasn't of much importance to him.

Eros then turned his head towards Elas who was simply sitting at a rock uncaring about the whole situation. Then after a while, he glanced at Hagu, who simply nodded several times which did not ease Eros' worry one bit. Looking back at Goblin Fryr whose expression was filled with malice, he could not help but sigh, and say. "I don’t know what you’re up to, but I think I should accept this." Then he reached out towards the flame and touched it.

The flame suddenly swirled in his arm and through his whole body. Information flowed in his mind. Abundant amount of information regarding magic he never even heard about. Magic that was terrifying that sane people would never use.

"Curses..." Eros murmured softly, as his consciousness entered a trance.

Then only after some time, he regained his senses. "What happened?" Was the first thing he asked, as the night breeze brushed through his face and up above, and the moon has already risen illuminating the darkness of the night.