The elves revealed to the mages of the Ministry everything they had managed to learn regarding the magical chalice, yet they also informed them of a significant problem.
— The vessel contains enough aetheric magic for us to seal the Veil. However, the issue of how to recapture the Onia remains, as they have escaped in great numbers and are now roaming our world.
— And where exactly lies the problem, Lord Elanor?
— The same magical ritual that was performed twelve thousand years ago must be carried out once more. After trapping them, we must then seal the magical rift in the sky of Dora.
— Very well, then let us undertake this endeavor again, as before. If necessary, we too shall assist with our own magical powers.
— We would need to recreate that enormous white sphere of magic, yet two obstacles remain. The first is the need to obtain an extremely large quantity of aether in order to form the white magical sphere. And even if we succeed, it is almost certain that we will exhaust all—or nearly all—of the vessel's magic, leaving us with nothing to seal the breach in the Veil.
— I understand… and the second problem, what is it, wise Elanor?
— The second issue may be an even greater one, for it concerns the knowledge of the ancient ritual, a knowledge possessed solely by the monks of the Oracle of the Eslons. The mages of the Oracle knew how to transform an aetheric source into that luminous sphere capable of imprisoning all the nymphs scattered across the world…
— And why do you not ask them to perform the ritual themselves? Or better yet, propose that they carry it out if they refuse to reveal their secret.
Elanor smiled, remained silent for a moment, and then replied to Depate and the other lords of the Ministry that the Oracle of the Eslons and its monks no longer existed.
— Today, only ruins remain of the Oracle of the Eslons; it has long been abandoned. As for the existence of those ancient mages, we have no idea whether they still survive somewhere or whether they have vanished entirely as an order and organization.
— But for what reason? What happened?
— Several thousand years ago, a dreadful war ravaged our world, and among its many victims was the powerful Oracle of the Eslons. Thus, with the fall of the Eslons, all their knowledge of ancient magic was lost as well—everything those ancient and wise mages once knew and possessed.
— So you truly have no idea how to perform the ancient ritual of the magical sphere?
— No. No one in Knosaion holds this knowledge. It was known only to the mages of the Oracle, and only they knew how to successfully complete the ancient magical ritual.
— I see. Then the fact remains that we still face grave difficulties before we can permanently defeat the Vyrsonians…
The mages of the Ministry then questioned the elves about the cause that led to the destruction of the Oracle's mages and the origin of that ancient war, yet the elves avoided elaborating and chose not to satisfy their curiosity.
— So, my friends, the problem of the Vyrsonians persists, despite the fact that the magical chalice contains a vast amount of ancient magic…
— Indeed, if we make use of it, we could unleash terrifying and powerful spells against the Onia. However, our enemy is immortal. Therefore, no matter how fiercely we fight them, time will always be on their side, and one day the vessel's magical energy will be depleted—and then…
— Yes, but today we defeated them; therefore, there is hope…
— I would not be so certain, Mr. Depate. Today, I believe the Onia attacked us with not even half the strength of their battalions. And we defeated them—without wishing to boast—thanks to the unexpected support you received from our own armies of Knosaion. I am certain they did not anticipate this when they attacked Jerusalem, so as you can understand…
— It is true that had you elves not appeared, the outcome of this battle might have been very different.
— Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, the Onia can continue to wage war for centuries, whereas we possess neither the resources nor the advantage of immortality that they do.
— Then, Elanor, what do you propose? That we continue this guerrilla war and protect major cities such as Jerusalem until we find a true solution against the Onia?
— Unfortunately, for the time being, my friends, this is the only course available to us. As for the protection of the magical chalice, if you trust us, we can safeguard it in our city, where the Onia have no means of locating us.
The Minister of Magic replied to Elanor that they would consider it, but for the moment they believed it preferable for the relic to remain in the secret crypt of Jerusalem. Thus, after some time, their discussion came to an end, and the elves returned to Knosaion, leaving behind several dawn-guard platoons to assist in Jerusalem's defense.
Another pleasant development for Foskir was that Enali decided to join the Cyans Corps under Commander Jonathan—a decision accepted by both Depate and the elves. Thus, the two siblings were reunited and now fought side by side against the Vyrsonians during their customary sudden raids on major cities of Southern Europe.
Meanwhile, the young mage's reputation continued to grow, earning him many admirers and supporters both at the headquarters in Rome and among the allied armies. Yet this phenomenon also had its darker side, as several Cyans commanders feared that the child might steal their role and authority within the command structure. Consequently, some of his superiors began secretly accusing and undermining him before Commander Giovatori, reminding him that the young mage had concealed his connection to the elves.
On the other hand, Foskar showed no interest whatsoever in the behavior of these officers, nor did he feel any concern. The gifted mage was now exceedingly happy, for his beloved sister was by his side, and thus nothing could trouble him. As a result, many of his comrades sought his friendship in hopes of drawing closer to the ethereal presence of the beautiful Enali. At times, the two siblings would secretly discuss the attempts of the Cyans soldiers to court her and burst into laughter, as the fair-haired Enali tried to reject them politely while leaving them with the hope that she might one day change her mind.
Time passed, and eventually the Ministry of Magic decided to allow the elves to keep the magical vessel under the safety of Knosaion. In exchange, the Ministry requested that a group of its mages accompany the relic during its transport to the elven kingdom. Thus, they instructed their representative, Nofeivos, to inform the elves of their decision and to report back whether the people of Knosaion agreed.
The news of the Ministry's proposal was delivered personally by Mr. Depate to the young mage, who asked that his sister accompany him on the journey. However, Giovatori refused.
— It is better that you go alone, Nofeivos. After all, you are our official representative, and you must undertake this duty without the company of your beloved sister.
Thus, the now seventeen-year-old Foskir set out on his journey to the elven kingdom to announce the Ministry's decision. Foskar teleported to the Rotunda of Greece's co-capital and from there flew by means of his asovi magic to the forested region of Echedon, where the elves resided. He approached the great rock of Knosaion's secret gate, took out the metal coin, uttered the spell "Asikaor," and thus the elves became aware of his arrival.
A few seconds passed, and then the coin bearing the embossed unicorn teleported him into the royal assembly hall of the palace. King Begalor and his council asked the newly arrived mage for the reason behind his visit.
— Honored council and King Begalor, I have come to inform you of the Ministry of Magic's decision regarding the Horn of Amalthea…
Begalor appeared imposing, for on this occasion he wore his official attire: a white tunic adorned with intricate golden designs and a golden crown that was itself a work of art.
— Tell us, Nofeivos, what is the decision of the Ministry of Mages?
— The Ministry has decided to entrust you with the protection of the magical chalice, while also granting you the opportunity to examine whether it possesses additional magical properties beyond the known one of transmuting liquids into gold.
— Wonderful! It would be our great pleasure to hold this exquisite artifact of ancient magic. However, I suspect there is a request on the Ministry's part… am I correct?
— Indeed, my king. They ask to deliver the magical vessel to Knosaion themselves. Among those transporting it will be the Minister of Magic himself, Agemond Dobek. It is his wish to behold your legendary kingdom.
The elves deliberated for a long time, and after much disagreement they were divided. In the end, however, the decision to accept the Ministry's request prevailed. The temptation to possess such a powerful artifact of ancient magic and to study it within Knosaion was too great to resist. Thus, they announced to the young Foskar that they accepted the terms of the human Ministry of Magic.
— Nofeivos, return to your headquarters and inform them that we accept their offer. Tomorrow, I—King Begalor—shall send an embassy to Rome to meet Minister Agemond and his escort. Once we meet, our elven delegation will guide the Minister and the other mages to our kingdom. If they agree, tell them to be at Saint Peter's Basilica tomorrow morning at ten o'clock.
— Very well, King Begalor. I shall convey everything you have told me and keep you informed.
— At the end of their visit, we ourselves shall escort them back out of Knosaion and return the Ministry's delegation once more to Rome, to the very place where we shall meet.
— Understood, my king. I shall explain everything as you instructed; I believe there will be no issue.
Thus, the elves escorted the young Adathos beyond their city, and he set out on the road of his return.
The sun had begun to set, and luminous, multicolored spheres hovered above five lifeless, beast-like bodies—the corpses of Onia. The radiant spheres descended to the ground and took the form of angels, some with white wings and others with black.
— This curse was so powerful that it cleaved our warrior in two. It was strong enough to sever even his bones…
— Whoever cast this curse must have been a highly capable mage. The spell was "Zapeiron," but in a far more potent and flawlessly executed form.
The leader of the Vyrsonians approached a fallen wand and observed that it had been split cleanly in half lengthwise.
— During the synchronization of his own wand with that of our unfortunate companion, this mage managed not only to defeat him but to completely destroy the magical staff as well. He is undoubtedly an exceptionally powerful mage. Had I known our enemies possessed such a formidable sorcerer, I would have personally joined the ambush against this dreadful mage.
— But commander, which of their mages could single-handedly annihilate five of our warriors?
— Certainly a most powerful and terrifying mage… He did not merely kill them; he eradicated all five without granting them the slightest chance to react. It is evident that he is not only strong, but also remarkably swift and highly skilled in the use of magic.
It was dusk when Foskar departed from Knosaion, and just as he was about to take flight, a group of Vyrsonians suddenly attacked him. It was almost as if they knew he was there in the forests of Echedon and had laid an ambush for him. However, the young mage was on full alert and swiftly dealt with the first attacker, incinerating him with the magic of a powerful lightning spell—"Telaunor"—before he could react.
Next, a second Onio assaulted him with a curse of fire, but Foskar countered it effectively with "Protecto."
Foskir responded at once with the spell "Zapeiron," slicing the Vyrsonian cleanly in two. A third Onio attempted to destroy him with "Nefulso," yet once again the seventeen-year-old Foskir reacted in time, countering with the spell "Vomvarda." The curses were cast simultaneously, and their wands connected; nevertheless, without difficulty, Nofeivos overpowered his opponent's magic and blasted him apart, scattering his limbs in all directions.
The explosion was so immense that the remaining two Onia were forced to shield themselves from the flames with the spell "Protecto." One of the nymphs, having successfully repelled the blast, counterattacked with a green flame. Foskir, however, deftly evaded the curse using the dark shadow leap taught to him by Eskeinthos. Immediately after, he executed a second magical leap—the Cyans one—surrounded by a blue aura. Now Foskir stood directly behind the unfortunate nymph, whom he too cleaved in half with "Zapeiron."
The final Vyrsonian summoned a demon to his defense, one bearing the form of a minotaur. Yet Nofeivos did the same, calling forth the dark demon Eskeinthos. The shadow spirit cast the spell "Sevadia," and from a dark gateway erupted countless blades of magic, instantly obliterating the Onio's minotaur. At the same time, Foskir summoned two additional spirits—Skogisa and the magical creature Mamanta. Thus, the duel did not last long, and the Onio soon fell to the power of the young and gifted Nofeivos.
The battle had ended before nightfall, and young Foskir had already departed from the blood-soaked site. Nofeivos arrived at the headquarters in Rome and reported that for the second time he had fallen victim to a Vyrsonian ambush in the region of Echedon. Upon learning this, Giovatori expressed his concern to the young mage and the other commanders, suggesting that there might be a traitor among them. From that moment onward, they decided to act with greater caution and to refrain from spreading their plans further.
The following day, Minister Agemond Dombek, his personal guard, and Foskir were gathered at Saint Peter's Basilica, awaiting the elves. The elves arrived shortly thereafter, dressed in attire similar to that of humans so as not to arouse suspicion or draw undue attention. After meeting Foskar and the other mages, they descended into the underground gate and from there teleported to Thessaloniki.
Upon arriving in Greece's co-capital, they emerged from the Rotunda and, using teleportation magic, boarded chariots that hovered high in the sky. These chariots were harnessed to strange and fearsome creatures—each the size of a horse, yet bearing wings upon their backs. The creatures flew at great speed, and soon they all reached the forest of Echedon. There, they landed, and the elves teleported everyone before a hill. Using their metallic coins, they transported all of them into the imperial assembly hall, where they were awaited in welcome.
Minister Agemond and his escort of mages stood in awe at the architecture and the splendor of the beautiful statues adorning the hall. The minister and his companions were even more enthralled upon beholding the city of Knosaion itself—a place of elegant buildings and verdant parklands. Within these parks flowed springs and fountains, above which various statues had been magically placed. These statues often depicted animals or mythical creatures, such as unicorns and dragons. Around the fountains stood benches of stone and marble, where passersby could sit, admire the scenery, and enjoy the cool water of the springs.
Before guiding their guests to the palace's magical research center to examine the enchanted chalice, the elves first gave them a tour of their city, showing them all its landmarks. Among these were museums, as well as centers of art and athletics. Once they had seen all they wished and the ice between them had been broken, they were finally transported to the research center. There they were met by Elanor, accompanied by his former young apprentice, Foskir.
Together, they examined the Horn of Amalthea, yet without notable success in uncovering any new properties beyond its known ability to transmute liquids into gold. What was certain, however, was that it emitted an immense amount of aetheric energy—this was evident to the elven mage-researchers, as indicated by its white aura. The Ministry's mages could not perceive this peculiar aura themselves, yet they did not dispute the elves' claims, knowing them to be more powerful and knowledgeable in matters of magic.
The elven mages then attempted, using the ancient knowledge of the spell "Doliso," to draw a quantity of aetheric magic from the artifact—and indeed, they succeeded. They informed Minister Agemond and the Ministry's mages that it was possible to extract aetheric magic from the vessel and to make use of it for various purposes, should the need arise. Shortly thereafter, the elves proposed that Minister Agemond and his escort accompany them to the Ekavol Arena, where a friendly match had been organized in their honor for entertainment. In this way, the elves could continue examining the magical chalice at their leisure, while the minister and his guests would not grow bored.
Meanwhile, all members of the Ministry were deeply impressed by the aesthetic grandeur and immense size of the Ekavol Arena upon beholding it. At the same time, the elves began deciphering the inscription engraved upon the magical vessel. The Ministry's mages had noticed the inscription as well, yet they had no idea in which language it was written and thus could not uncover its meaning. The elves, however, reassured the minister and his party, explaining that it was an ancient runic script recorded in their library and that they would therefore be able to determine its message.
After studying the inscription for some time, the elves finally succeeded in interpreting it and revealed its meaning:
"When the Moon appears in the sky, fill the cup with water of Styx, to draw forth the essence of the Gods."
Upon reading this riddle, the elves were filled with excitement and explained to the Ministry's delegation that this vessel might indeed be capable of bringing them victory over the Onia—now and forever.
"What do you mean—how could such a thing even be possible?!"
"This vessel clearly possesses the ability to produce the substance of the Gods; that is, what we call ancient magic, or aether magic. If we manage to interpret this riddle correctly, then we may finally have reason to hope that we can defeat the Onia. For many centuries our race has been searching for a way to produce new sources of aether, yet without any success."
"So you truly believe, Elanor, that it is possible with this magical chalice?"
"If we succeed in interpreting the riddle of the cup correctly, then I believe—without a doubt—that we will succeed! 'When the Moon appears in the sky' clearly refers to nighttime, when the moon is visible. The question is: where will we find the water of the Styx…"
"Why is that?"
"As far as I know, the water of the Styx is mentioned only in myths, without any other reliable source indicating where such water might exist. Is there perhaps, in your own libraries, any reference that speaks of a spring or a river containing this mythical water?"
Adineos then took the floor and replied to Elanor that myths claim the river Krathis, on Mount Helmos near Kalavryta, is where the water of the Styx may be found.
"I do not know how much we can rely on such a myth. In general, there are many different myths, but I believe these are merely mythological tales… Still, we could send someone to retrieve some water from the source, just in case."
Thus, two mages of the Ministry were chosen to collect water from the river Krathis. The elves escorted the two mages outside Knosaion, and along with them they sent a Knosian, who carried a metal unicorn coin in order to guide them back to the secret Kingdom of the Elves once their task was complete. At the same time, while the two mages and the elf were away, the remaining mages at Knosaion began researching various sources in the library regarding the water of the Styx.
Foskar and Elanor led their guests to the great library of Knosaion to conduct their research there, while the elves studied in the royal library of the palace. Upon arriving at the majestic library of Knosaion, the visiting mages beheld a beautiful marble structure. The entrance of the library was adorned with two marble statues, one on the right side and one on the left.The statue on the left depicted a tall tree, beneath which sat a man holding a fox in his arms. The man gazed directly toward the second statue. That second work was also a marble tree, beneath which sat a young woman of extraordinary beauty, reading a book.
After admiring the architecture and the beautiful exterior decoration of the building, they ascended the steps and entered the library. They walked for a short while inside the hall and, under Elanor's guidance, sat on a wooden bench at the back, where no one would disturb them. Elanor sat with them and, drawing his staff from his belt, spoke the word "Styx." Immediately, volumes of books began to fly through the air and magically arrive upon the large wooden bench where they were all seated.
"There you are, my friends—you may begin your reading now…"
"We will certainly need quite some time, Elanor…"
"That is the only certainty… In the library of Knosaion we possess a great multitude of books, so we will need time to research all these texts. However, simply by speaking specific words or phrases with your staff, you can magically search through the books and have them open exactly at the relevant entry you mention."
"That is a very clever magical trick you have in your library; it must save you an incredible amount of research time."
"Indeed, my friends, it is a very useful technique, one which we here at Knosaion use quite often when seeking information in texts and volumes."
Meanwhile, the friendly match of Ekavol had ended, and so Minister Agemont Dobeg began asking the elves beside him whether there were any new developments regarding the magical vessel.
"Indeed, Minister, there are positive developments. We have even sent a team at this very moment in search of the water of the Styx…"
"The water of the Styx? For what reason?"
The elves explained everything they knew and then told him that they would have to wait until nightfall, when the moon appeared in the sky, to carry out the experiment they wished to perform in order to uncover the secrets of the magical chalice. Thus, Minister Agemont asked whether it would be possible for him and his group to remain until night, so that they too could be present during the experiment. Seizing the opportunity, King Begalor—who was also present during the conversation and the conduct of Ekavol—replied to Lord Agemont that it would be their pleasure for them to stay and even spend the night, should they wish.
"You may stay in the chambers of my palace for this night, if you so desire, and tomorrow, after the midday meal, you may depart."
"Thank you very much, my King. You honor us—thank you again for your warm hospitality."
Thus, a few hours later, when the envoys returned from the river Krathis, they all went together to the research center. They waited a little longer, and when the Moon appeared in the sky, they poured the water of the Krathis into the magical cup and awaited the results. However, nothing unexpected occurred; as always, the water transmuted into gold. All those present were visibly disappointed, although they had somewhat expected it, as deep down they knew this could not be the true water of the Styx.
Elanor then suggested they make one more attempt when the moon stood higher in the sky, in case its specific position played a role. The elves had ensured that they had collected plenty of water from the river Krathis, so when the moon rose high, they repeated the experiment. Moreover, they attempted the ritual while simultaneously uttering various transmutation spells, yet the water always turned into gold. They tried many times, until midnight, and when at last they saw that nothing would change, they all agreed that they were trying in vain. They were now certain that the water did not possess the properties of the Styx described in the inscription on the magical vessel.