Whenever You See Him Running, Run!
Aetonth would occasionally let Grey attack him and escape, before giving chase after letting him rest for twenty minutes.
Grey on the other hand didn't find it odd since he felt Aetonth was probably chasing them because it wanted its crystal back.
Unknown to Grey, the continuous back and forth battle was gradually increasing the elemental essence in his body since he had to refill it after each battle. At this rate, it wouldn't take long before he would break through to the Fifth stage of the Origin Plane.
Another two hours passed, but because of the battles, Grey was still over two hours away from his friends. He estimated that they would've gotten to the array by now since it was over three hours already. Even if they hadn't gotten there, they wouldn't be far from it.
He unfortunately couldn't use the Fusion State anymore, so he had to run quickly.
Another one hour went by, and he was attacked by Aetonth twice in that one hour.