The scroll in Eldric's hands felt heavier than it should have, the weight of responsibility settling in as he walked through the bustling corridors of the University of Arcane Studies. The echo of footsteps, the hum of magical energies, and the chatter of excited students filled the air, but Eldric's mind was focused on what lay ahead. The words of Professor Seraphis, the man who would guide him through the dark arts, echoed in his thoughts.

As he approached the dormitory assigned to students of the Dark Element, the atmosphere shifted. The light seemed to dim, and the air grew cooler, carrying with it a faint, eerie whisper. The Dark Wing, as it was known, was a secluded section of the university, far from the lively courtyards and open spaces. The walls here were lined with dark wood and cold stone, and the windows allowed only slivers of light to penetrate.

Eldric found his room easily enough—Room 13, marked with the same crescent moon insignia that was on his scroll. As he pushed the door open, he was met with a small, modest space. A bed, a desk, and a single bookshelf lined with old, worn tomes. A single window looked out onto the forested area beyond the university grounds, the trees swaying gently in the twilight.

He set his belongings down and unrolled the scroll once more, his eyes scanning the list of classes. The first class, as expected, was "Introduction to Dark Element Magic," with Professor Seraphis himself. It would take place in one of the oldest classrooms at the university, located deep in the catacombs beneath the main building.

A knock on his door startled Eldric from his thoughts. He turned to find a young woman standing in the doorway. Her eyes were a deep, piercing green, her hair as black as the shadows that seemed to cling to the corners of the room.

"New student?" she asked, a slight smirk playing on her lips.

Eldric nodded. "Eldric Thorne."

"I'm Seraphina," she replied, stepping into the room with an air of confidence. "Also a student of the dark element, but a year ahead. I was sent to show you around. They always assign us the new ones."

Eldric sensed something familiar about her presence, an underlying connection to the dark element that resonated with his own. "Thanks," he said, closing the door behind her.

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Seraphina glanced at the scroll on his desk. "You've got Seraphis for your first class, huh? Tough start. He's one of the strictest professors, but if you impress him, it's worth it."

"What should I expect?" Eldric asked, curiosity overcoming any nervousness.

"Expect the unexpected," she replied cryptically. "Dark magic isn't like the other elements. It's not just about power or control; it's about understanding what lurks in the shadows, both around you and within you. Seraphis likes to test that understanding… in ways that aren't always pleasant."

Eldric nodded, absorbing her words. He had chosen the dark element for a reason, drawn to its mysteries and the challenge it presented. But hearing Seraphina's warning only fueled his determination.

"Come on," Seraphina said, gesturing for him to follow. "I'll show you the catacombs where your first class will be. You don't want to get lost down there."

As they made their way through the dimly lit corridors, Seraphina explained more about the University and the Dark Wing. Most students avoided this area, considering it ominous, but those who studied the dark element found it comforting, a place where they could explore the depths of their magic without judgment.

Eventually, they arrived at a large, iron door engraved with runes that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. Seraphina pushed the door open, revealing a winding staircase that descended into the darkness below. The air grew colder as they descended, the walls damp with age.

"These are the catacombs," Seraphina explained as they reached the bottom. "A lot of dark magic is rooted in ancient practices, so this is where we study. The darkness here is… different. It has a mind of its own, so be careful."

They walked through a narrow passageway, lit only by faint, flickering torches. The path twisted and turned, and Eldric realized how easy it would be to get lost down here. Finally, they arrived at a large, circular chamber. The ceiling arched high above, disappearing into shadows, and the walls were lined with ancient symbols and inscriptions.

"This is it," Seraphina said, stopping at the entrance. "Your first class will be here. It's said that the catacombs were once used by an ancient order of dark mages. Their magic still lingers in the air. You'll feel it when you start your lesson."

Eldric took a deep breath, his senses heightened by the charged atmosphere. He could feel the darkness around him, not just as an absence of light, but as a presence, something alive and waiting.

Seraphina turned to leave. "Good luck, Eldric. You're going to need it."

With those words, she vanished into the shadows, leaving Eldric alone in the chamber. He took another look around, taking in the details—the worn stone floor, the strange symbols etched into the walls, and the oppressive silence that seemed to hold the room in a tight grip.

He could feel the challenge that lay ahead, but he was ready. Whatever tests Professor Seraphis had in store, Eldric would face them head-on. The darkness no longer scared him; it was a part of him now, and he was determined to master it.