As Erebus, the dark elf who had saved me, had predicted, it took one month for my injuries to completely heal. During that time, I was able to stay in his house, where I was graciously cared for by his daughter, Eris. Our time together was filled with laughter, conversation, and shared experiences. As the days turned into weeks, I found myself falling for Eris, her warmth, kindness, and intelligence captivating my heart.

Now Is time form me to leave, I gathered my courage and confessed my feelings to Eris. To my dismay, she refused my offer to join me on my quest to defeat the demon king. Her decision left me heartbroken, unsure of what to do next. After days of contemplation, I realized that my quest no longer felt right. The hatred and violence that fueled it seemed hollow, a means to an end that no longer resonated with me.

"Eris," I began, my voice trembling with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, "I've come to realize that my quest for vengeance against the demon king no longer holds meaning for me. The hatred and violence that fueled it no longer resonate with my soul.”

Eris's eyes met mine, her gaze filled with concern and understanding. "Caleb," she said softly, "I've seen the change in you, the shift in your priorities. Your heart is no longer consumed by the desire for revenge, but by something far more profound and fulfilling."

I took her hand in mine, the warmth of her touch sending a jolt of electricity through my veins. "Eris," I confessed, my voice barely a whisper, "I've fallen in love with you. You've shown me the true meaning of compassion, of understanding, and of the power of love to conquer even the darkest of foes."

As I stood before Erebus, the dark elf who had saved my life, my heart pounded in my chest. I had just asked for his daughter's hand in marriage, and I knew that he would not easily accept a human suitor.

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Erebus's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing me like a sharp blade. "A human?" he growled, his voice dripping with disdain. "You dare to ask for my daughter's hand? You know nothing of our ways, of our traditions."

I swallowed hard, my courage wavering. But I was determined to win over Erebus, to prove to him that I was worthy of Eris, his daughter.

"I understand your concerns," I said, my voice firm. "But I love Eris, and I know that she loves me. We want to spend the rest of our lives together, and I believe that we can bridge the gap between our two worlds."

Erebus's expression softened slightly, but he still remained skeptical. "Very well," he said. "If you truly love my daughter, then you must prove it. You must become one with the forest."

I nodded, eager to prove myself. "I will do whatever it takes," I replied.

Erebus explained the Tree Ritual, a sacred ceremony that would allow me to connect with the forest on a deeper level. For one month, I will have to live naked in the forest, without any man-made tools or weapons. I will have to rely on my instincts and the wisdom of nature to survive.

The first day was the hardest. I was attacked by a panther, then a wolf, and finally a bear. I had no weapons to defend myself, and I was running on pure instinct. I barely escaped with my life.

The days that followed were no easier. I was constantly on edge, always wary of the dangers that lurked in the forest. I was hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. But I never gave up hope. I kept reminding myself of Eris, of the love that we shared.

After a month, I emerged from the forest a changed man. I was more sensitive to mana, my senses were heightened, and my mana was flowing in harmony for the first time. I had become one with the forest, and I had proven my worth to Erebus.

Erebus looked at me in astonishment. "You have done it," he said, his voice filled with awe. "You have become one with the forest."

I smiled, my heart filled with joy. I have finally won the approval of Erebus, and I am ready to spend the rest of my life with Eris.