The following day, Eldric stood before the grand doors of the Dark Element division, a mix of anticipation and determination swirling within him. The encounter with Caden Valerius the night before had solidified his resolve. He was ready to face whatever challenge awaited him in the Dean's examination.

The doors opened with a slow creak, revealing a vast, dimly lit chamber. The walls were lined with ancient tomes and relics, each emanating a faint aura of dark mana. At the center of the room stood a tall figure, draped in black robes that seemed to blend with the shadows. His presence commanded the space, and his eyes glinted with an otherworldly light.

"Eldric Thorne," the Dean's voice echoed through the chamber, deep and resonant. "Step forward."

Eldric approached with steady steps, feeling the weight of the Dean's gaze on him. The man before him was none other than Archmage Malakar, the Dean of Dark Element Magic—a figure shrouded in mystery and whispered legends. His mastery of the dark element was unparalleled, and it was said that he could command the very shadows to do his bidding.

"Before we proceed with the examination," Malakar began, his voice measured, "I must commend you on your encounter with Caden Valerius. It was not officially part of your assessment, but it served as a useful prelude. You demonstrated control, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the darkness within you. However, what lies ahead will test you in ways you have yet to imagine."

Eldric nodded, his expression resolute. "I am ready, Dean Malakar."

The Dean's lips curled into a faint smile, a gesture that seemed more ominous than reassuring. "Very well. This examination will consist of three parts. The first will be an evaluation of your mana core, to determine its stability, capacity, and alignment with the dark element. The second will assess your affinity with the dark element through a series of challenges. The final part will be a test of your willpower—a confrontation with the deepest shadows of your own mind."

As Malakar spoke, he raised a hand, and the chamber responded to his command. The floor beneath them began to shift, revealing an intricate array of runes that pulsed with dark energy. Eldric felt the atmosphere grow heavy as the arcane symbols glowed with a malevolent light.

"Place your hand on the center of the array," Malakar instructed.

Eldric complied, extending his hand toward the glowing sigil at the heart of the array. The moment his palm touched the symbol, he felt a surge of energy course through him, resonating with his mana core. The array began to hum, its light intensifying as it interacted with Eldric's mana.

For a few tense moments, the chamber was filled with the sound of the array's hum, the light flickering in response to Eldric's mana. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the light dimmed, and the array's hum subsided. Malakar observed the results with a keen eye, his expression inscrutable.

"Your mana core is stable," he finally declared, "and its capacity is impressive, especially given the recent formation of your cores. The dark element has begun to take root, but it is still in its nascent stages. You have potential, Eldric Thorne—potential that will need to be cultivated with care."

Eldric exhaled quietly, relieved that he had passed the first part of the examination. But he knew that the real test was only just beginning.

"Now, we move on to the second part," Malakar continued, with a wave of his hand, causing the array to vanish as quickly as it had appeared. "To truly master the dark element, one must prove their affinity with it. This challenge will require you to navigate through a realm of shadows—a place where the light cannot reach, and where only the strongest wills can prevail."

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The Dean gestured toward a doorway that had materialized at the far end of the chamber. "Beyond that door lies the Shadow Realm, a pocket dimension where the darkness is alive, sentient, and unforgiving. Your task is to find and retrieve a fragment of pure shadow—a substance that embodies the essence of the dark element. But be warned, the shadows will test you. They will attempt to consume you, to overwhelm your senses. Only those who can maintain their focus and resist the allure of the darkness will succeed."

Eldric steeled himself, knowing that this would be no ordinary trial. The Shadow Realm was a place of legend, a domain where many had ventured but few had returned unscathed. But he was determined to prove himself, to show that he was worthy of the path he had chosen.

"I understand," Eldric said, his voice firm. "I will not fail."

Malakar nodded approvingly. "Remember, Eldric, the darkness is not your enemy, but it is not your ally either. It is a force that must be respected and controlled. Go now, and may the shadows guide you."

With those final words, Eldric stepped toward the doorway, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he crossed the threshold, the world around him shifted, and he found himself enveloped in a void of utter darkness. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, and the ground beneath his feet felt unstable, as if it could vanish at any moment.

Eldric took a deep breath, focusing on his mana core. He could feel the dark element within him stirring, responding to the presence of the Shadow Realm. He knew that the key to success lay in embracing the darkness, not fighting it.

He began to walk forward, his senses on high alert. The shadows around him seemed to pulse with life, whispering in a language he could not understand. The further he ventured, the more disoriented he became. The darkness was absolute, and without any visual reference points, it was easy to lose his sense of direction.

But Eldric pressed on, his mind focused on the task at hand. He reached out with his mana, trying to detect the presence of the shadow fragment. It was said that the fragment would resonate with those who were attuned to the dark element, and Eldric hoped that his connection to the Grimoire would give him an edge.

After what felt like hours of wandering through the inky blackness, Eldric felt a faint tug on his mana. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was enough to guide him. He followed the sensation, moving deeper into the heart of the Shadow Realm.

Finally, he saw it—a faint glimmer in the distance, a shard of pure darkness that seemed to absorb all light around it. Eldric approached cautiously, aware that the shadows around him had grown more agitated. The fragment was within reach, but he knew that claiming it would not be easy.

As he extended his hand toward the fragment, the shadows surged toward him, their whispers growing louder and more insistent. They sought to distract him, to fill his mind with doubt and fear. But Eldric was prepared. He focused on the Grimoire within him, drawing strength from its vast knowledge.

The shadows writhed and twisted, attempting to envelop him, but Eldric's resolve held firm. He reached out with his mana, creating a barrier that pushed the darkness back. With a final, determined effort, he grasped the fragment of pure shadow.

The moment he touched it, a surge of dark energy flowed through him, resonating with his mana core. The shadows around him recoiled, as if acknowledging his victory. Eldric felt a deep connection to the fragment, as if it had become a part of him.

The trial was over. The Shadow Realm began to dissolve around him, and Eldric found himself back in the examination chamber, the fragment still in his hand. Dean Malakar stood before him, a look of approval in his eyes.

"You have done well, Eldric Thorne," the Dean said, his voice filled with a rare note of respect. "You have proven your affinity with the dark element, and you have shown that you have the strength to control it. The fragment you hold is a symbol of your achievement and a key to unlocking greater power. Guard it well, for it will guide you on your journey as a dark mage."

Eldric nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He had passed the second part of the examination, but he knew that the final test was yet to come. The Dean had mentioned a confrontation with the deepest shadows of his own mind—a challenge that would test his willpower and resolve in ways he had never experienced before.

But Eldric was ready. He had faced the darkness and emerged victorious. Whatever lay ahead, he knew that he had the strength to face it.