RISE OF EROS

Zaros' words were sincere, as Andrew's Eros eyes could prove it, but Andrew was still not gullible. Deceiving his eyes was almost impossible, but one could never be too cautious with these ancient monsters.

"Elder Zaros, I understand the situation, but I hope you understand me as well. Both you and Elder Elidyr, two powerful demigods suddenly appear in front of me offering friendship, it is hard to believe," Andrew said bluntly.

He had assessed that with these powerful characters, it was better to be honest and in that way be able to generate more trust. Andrew did not believe that they were deceiving him, but still, he could not trust them so easily.

Zaros sketched a smile that did not reach his eyes and calmly began to speak, "I understand your caution. You have been chosen as a candidate for god. The essence of Eros runs through your veins. However, it is not your lineage that interests me, but the future that lies ahead."

Andrew frowned, feeling a chill run down his spine as he asked, "What future? The fallen god?" Zaros stepped closer, the air between them filled with a palpable gravity.

"The fallen god, an ancient being whose unbridled ambition and thirst for vengeance brought an end to our ancient continent a thousand years ago. His shadows are rising again, and his return will bring with it a series of unspeakable horrors," Zaros said as if remembering the past.

Andrew felt the weight of the conversation crushing him, but an undeniable interest pushed him to continue inquiring. Zaros paused, as if weighing his words, then continued.

"In the war a thousand years ago, our world was laid waste. The ancient continent, a land rich in magic, culture, and civilization, became a battlefield. The gods in their haughtiness, mortals abusing their powers, the wrath of the elements… we all played a part in that tragedy. But it was that fallen god that unleashed the true horror."

Andrew had a grave look on his face as he listened to the ancient vampire recount the past and couldn't help but ask, "What happened?" Andrew had heard rumors of atrocities and the fact that an entire continent was devastated was obvious proof of the calamity, but he had never heard details and he wanted to know.

With a bitter smile, Zaros began to tell the story, "Imagine a sky blackened by dark magic, clouds absorbing the light of the sun. Cities burned, and the screams of the fallen were the only song that echoed in the air."

Zaros paused and the look of melancholy on his face made the story more vivid, then he continued, "The creatures that dwell in the shadows, called by that being to sow chaos, set upon our people. The war not only destroyed our home, but many of us, including demigods and gods were forced to flee to this new continent."

Zaros' words were like daggers sinking into Andrew's mind. Stories of wars and battles, legends he had heard, took on a new visceral level when he lived them through the voice of the eternal vampire.

"Everything we built here, in this new land, is threatened," Zaros continued to whisper, adding, "The fallen god has not forgotten his grudge. He has gathered strength in the shadows, his followers are more daring. Whispers of his return have begun to circulate, and those who feel his call are preparing for the end of our peace."

Andrew now began to feel the weight of his responsibilities. Fluffy had already told him that he would most likely have to face it, but he had always treated it as a distant issue even though he felt the urgency to get stronger quickly.

"How am I supposed to help with this?" Andrew asked, trying not to show his growing uneasiness. It wasn't that he was trying to escape his responsibility because he knew there was no way out, but he couldn't lie when he said he wasn't terrified by the idea.

Zaros stepped closer, his eyes ringing with an intensity that made her shiver, "You are not simply a mortal. You are the heir to a powerful bloodline. If we can join forces, you could ascend to a deity and gain the power necessary to counteract their influence. But first, you need to understand the true meaning of the alliance."

Andrew felt that every word of the vampire was intertwined with his destiny. "And what is the purpose of your alliance with me?" Andrew asked. Somehow he felt that Zaros was more genuine than Elidyr.

It wasn't that the ancient liquid spirit was a liar, it's just that, unlike this vampire, he didn't ask for anything in return and that made Andrew a little suspicious of him, so Andrew preferred those like Zaros who sought something in return for their help.

Zaros tilted his head, his expression changing from cold determination to one of deep seriousness and said, "My interest in you comes from a shared vision. If the fallen god is resurrected, not only will the peace we've achieved on this continent be ruined, but the cycle of hatred and destruction will repeat itself.

I've been a lonely observer for a thousand years, but I'm tired of seeing tragedy die and be reborn. We need a leader willing to make difficult decisions."

"Like what?" Andrew asked not quite understanding and Zaros said, "Like sacrificing comfort for the greater good. Magic in the ancient world was a weapon that led many to their downfall, and today many of those tools are still hidden. You must delve into forgotten knowledge and prepare for a war that could end everything we know."

Andrew gulped. The story Zaros was telling him was quite dark, even though he didn't go into details, but Andrew knew that this was the future, otherwise he would stand up and fight.

Zaros, unaware of Andrew's thoughts, continued to say, "I offer you my wisdom and power. The first thing I will advise you is to unlock your fifth divine seal and visit Elidyr."

The mention of the elder Elidyr made Andrew wrinkle his eyebrows, but before he could say anything, Zaros spoke again as if he knew his thoughts, "I know you distrust him because he offered you something in exchange for nothing, that is not common in this world."

Zaros paused and continued, "However, that is not because he wants to deceive you." Andrew, not understanding, asked, "So?" Zaros let out a sigh and said, "That old man has a lot to protect."

As Zaros did not clarify, Andrew asked, "Why should I trust him?" As you said, offering something in exchange for nothing is not normal, especially what he wants to give me."

Zaros showed a slight smile and answered, "Boy, there is not a single person, regardless of race, who having survived that war would want to experience it again."

"Unlike the liquid spirits, I built my family and everything I have after fleeing the lost continent, so my family is unaware of the horrors, but the people of Elidyr are different," Zaros concluded.

Without letting Andrew ask, he continued speaking, "You see, the liquid spirits as well as the dragons were one of the few races that managed to flee in large numbers. Don't be mistaken, although I say large numbers, this is in comparison to the others."

"What you mean is that his people are well aware of the horrors that are approaching and would not skimp on making sacrifices to avoid them," Andrew said interrupting him and Zaros smiled sadly proving that his inference was correct.

"You are not a god candidate with combat capabilities, but you have the purest divinity in this world, that I can assure you. If you absorb the domain of the remains of the deceased gods held by the liquid spirits, we will have a chance," Zaros said.

"A chance, huh?" Andrew said bitterly. Fluffy had already told him that with his power as the god Eros alone, it would be difficult to defeat the fallen god, and although he had assured him that if the fallen god revived, the gods of the divine land would intervene, there were still risks.

It didn't hurt to gain more power, was what Andrew thought. Zaros, who looked at Andrew thoughtfully, smiled and said, "There is still some time before the calamity arrives. The dragons have not been inactive and the survivors like Elidyr and I have not either, but, even so, we must not rest on our laurels."

Understanding his words, Andrew nodded. He still did not trust these elders unconditionally, but his instinct told him that they were not lying to him. Then he began to ask in more detail what had happened 1,000 years ago.

Zaros did not hide anything from Andrew. He told him about the horrors he had experienced, the deaths and destruction he had witnessed. He also explained how the gods and spirits had helped them, but the magnitudes of power were enormous, so everything was destroyed.
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The gods and spirits helped them, but at the same time they destroyed everything and that was what they wanted to avoid. Zaros did not want Andrew to become strong so that he could defeat the fallen god if he revived, but to do so before it happened and to be able to eliminate the threat before it appeared.

He also told him how the body of the fallen god had been divided into 6 parts and how the dragons guarded 3 of them. He talked about the hidden strength of the survivors of the war 1,000 years ago and the dragons.

Andrew was surprised that so many powerful forces were hiding and were waiting for the right moment to act. The conversation lasted for several hours and although Andrew still had many doubts, Zaros did not tell him everything.

The justification for this was that, if he told him, Andrew would be conditioned by his thoughts and that could limit him when increasing his strength, so the conversation ended and Andrew was dismissed.

As he left Zaros' room, a vampire in a butler's suit was waiting for him. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Mr. Andrew, the others are waiting for you in the dining room. Please follow me."