In Serrea, a drunken Cerebus chances upon a valuable gem. He believes his luck has taken an upturn, but the jewel is actually the Chaos Gem, and Death wants it for itself. Death begins sending monsters at Cerebus to herd him towards his doom, but Cerebus is too strong-willed. Seeking a weaker mind, Death finds Elrod of Melvinbone, prince of a distant people (and an arrogant buffoon). Elrod manages to get himself and Cerebus thrown in a dungeon, but Cerebus manages to escape, happily leaving Elrod behind to rot. Sensing the gem is the cause of all these troubles, Cerebus tosses it down a well.