Eldric felt a surge of determination as he stepped into the hall of the dark element. The atmosphere here was different from the rest of the university—thicker, heavier, as though the shadows themselves carried weight. The air was cool, and the faint hum of latent magic resonated through the stone walls. The students who had been gathered around the professor turned to face Eldric, their expressions guarded and inquisitive.
The professor, a tall man with silver hair tied back in a neat ponytail, approached Eldric. His eyes were sharp, almost predatory, and his presence commanded attention. He wore the dark robes of his branch, the fabric shimmering with faint, almost imperceptible runes.
"Welcome, Eldric Thorne," the professor said, his voice smooth but with an edge of authority. "I am Professor Zephyrus, and I will be overseeing your examination today."
Eldric bowed slightly in respect. "Thank you, Professor."
Zephyrus gave a brief nod and gestured for Eldric to follow him. The other students parted, making way as they moved deeper into the hall. As they walked, Eldric noticed the intricate carvings and symbols etched into the walls, all of them related to dark magic—ancient runes, crescent moons, and depictions of shadowy figures.
They arrived at a smaller, enclosed chamber. The room was circular, with walls that seemed to absorb the light, leaving the center bathed in a dim, ethereal glow. In the middle of the room was a large, intricate circle drawn on the floor—an arcane array specifically designed for testing affinity with the dark element.
"Stand in the center of the array," Professor Zephyrus instructed, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
Eldric moved to the center of the array, feeling a slight chill as he crossed its boundary. The runes around the circle began to shimmer faintly, reacting to his presence.
"The test you are about to undergo is one that measures your affinity with the dark element," Zephyrus explained. "Dark magic is not just about wielding shadows or controlling fear. It is about understanding the balance between light and dark, and knowing how to harness the unseen forces that lie in the shadows."
He paused, his gaze locking onto Eldric's. "This test will require you to manifest your connection to the dark element. You must draw on the deepest recesses of your mana core and allow the darkness within to resonate with the array. If you succeed, the array will amplify your connection and reveal the extent of your affinity."
Eldric took a deep breath, feeling the mana within him pulse in response to the challenge. He closed his eyes and reached inward, focusing on the mana cores he had painstakingly crafted. His mind found the core he had attuned to the dark element, a swirling vortex of shadowy energy that pulsed with power.
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As he focused, he felt the familiar tug of the dark mana, a cold yet exhilarating sensation that spread through his body. He allowed the energy to flow freely, channeling it outward toward the array. The runes began to glow more brightly, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
The room grew colder, the light dimming further as the array absorbed the dark mana. Eldric could feel the array probing his mana core, testing the strength of his connection. The shadows around him seemed to come alive, swirling and shifting as though responding to his presence.
Suddenly, the runes flared with an intense dark light, and Eldric felt a powerful surge of energy. The shadows in the room coalesced, forming into tangible shapes—figures made of pure darkness, their eyes glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light.
Eldric remained calm, instinctively understanding that these shadowy figures were a manifestation of the test. They circled him slowly, their forms fluid and ever-changing, as if testing his resolve.
Professor Zephyrus observed silently, his expression unreadable.
The shadows moved closer, and Eldric felt a strange sensation, a tugging at the edges of his consciousness. It was as if the darkness was trying to pull him in, to merge with him. He could sense the challenge in it—a test of his will and control.
Instead of resisting, Eldric allowed himself to relax, letting the dark mana within him flow more freely. The shadows responded, their forms stabilizing as they drew closer. Eldric reached out with his mind, commanding the shadows to obey his will.
The figures paused, hovering just at the edge of the array's boundary. Eldric could feel the connection deepening, the dark mana resonating with the energy of the array. He focused harder, pushing his mana outward, and the shadows began to bend to his will, swirling around him in a protective circle.
Professor Zephyrus's eyes narrowed slightly, his interest piqued. The array pulsed once more, and the shadows solidified into distinct forms—dark wolves with eyes that glowed like embers, their bodies composed of pure shadow. They stood at Eldric's side, their gazes fixed on him as if awaiting his command.
Eldric took a deep breath, feeling the strain of maintaining the connection. He knew that this was the final part of the test—to demonstrate his ability to control and command the dark element. He raised his hand, and the wolves responded immediately, circling the room with fluid grace before returning to his side.
The runes around the array glowed brightly once more before dimming to their original state. The shadows dissipated, fading back into the darkness from which they had emerged. Eldric released his hold on the dark mana, feeling the energy recede back into his core.
Professor Zephyrus stepped forward, his eyes appraising. "Impressive," he said finally, his tone carrying a note of genuine respect. "You have shown a remarkable affinity for the dark element, as well as the control necessary to wield it effectively."
Eldric felt a sense of relief and accomplishment wash over him. He had passed the test.
"You will be a valuable addition to the Dark Element Branch," Zephyrus continued. "But remember, mastering dark magic requires more than just power. It requires discipline, understanding, and the willingness to confront the darkness within yourself."
Eldric nodded, absorbing the professor's words. He knew that this was just the beginning of his journey into the depths of dark magic, but he was ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
"Welcome to the University of Arcane Studies, Eldric Thorne," Professor Zephyrus said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Your true education begins now."