The first ray of sunlight barely penetrated the thick layer of clouds that encircled the Sanctuary of Shadows when Kito and Lysar awoke to begin their training. Strangely, upon closer inspection, it wasn't really a sun. It seemed to give off much less light, and the light it did emit was a dark red, providing little illumination in the end. The oppressive atmosphere of the place had not left their minds during the night, and the shadows seemed to have crept even into their dreams. Despite the fatigue weighing down their eyelids, the two friends rose with determination, ready to face the challenges that awaited them.
Myria was already up and waiting for them, impatiently, in the courtyard of the sanctuary. Her blue eyes shone with an intense glow, revealing her power and experience. She watched them approach with an air of calculated coldness, evaluating their resolve to face the training she had prepared for them.
"Rising well before dawn is a tradition at the Sanctuary of Shadows," she explained. "It allows you to familiarize yourself with the darkness and strengthen your control over it. We will start every day this way."
Kito and Lysar nodded, mentally preparing themselves to follow this routine. They were aware that the path they had chosen would be filled with trials, but they were ready to overcome them to reach their goal. Even though Kito enjoyed waking up early, here it was different. The atmosphere and the dim light made him simply want to curl up under a blanket and sleep.
"How will you teach us dark magic, Myria?" asked Kito, curious about their mentor's method.
Myria sketched a mysterious smile and replied, "We will begin by learning to channel your inner energy to connect with the darkness. Then, we will work on your mastery of this connection so that you can tap into this energy and use it to your advantage."
Lysar, slightly worried, interjected: "And what if we can't master this connection? Dark magic is known to be dangerous and uncontrollable." Although dragons were a proud and confident race, Lysar had only been born a few weeks ago, so she doubted her own talent. She had just learned to communicate telepathically thanks to the many recent battles and her level gains.
Myria fixed her gaze on Lysar and, in a serious tone, replied: "It's true, dark magic can be dangerous if not controlled. However, I am here to guide you and ensure that you progress safely. You will not be alone in this adventure."
The first lesson Myria had prepared for Kito and Lysar focused on physical strengthening. She knew that before they could master dark magic, they would first need to develop the strength and endurance required to withstand dark energy.
She led them to a large training room where various equipment was designed to build their muscles and resilience. She showed them how to use each piece of equipment and then watched them closely as they trained.
Kito and Lysar sweated and panted, feeling their muscles contract and relax with each effort. They supported each other, encouraging one another not to give up, even when fatigue threatened to overtake them. Myria, on the other hand, constantly pushed them to exceed their limits, reminding them that physical strengthening was crucial for mastering dark magic.
After a short break, Myria announced that it was time to move on to the second training: mental strengthening. She led Kito and Lysar to a separate, quiet, and dark room where they could focus on their thoughts without distraction.
"Dark magic is powerful, but also demanding," Myria explained. "To master it, you will need to learn to control your mind and resist the temptation to let your fears and doubts rule you. Mental training is just as important as physical training, as it will allow you to better control your powers."
Myria taught them various meditation and concentration techniques, tailored to their nature and experience. For Kito, this meant focusing on his thoughts and emotions, learning to recognize when his fears and doubts threatened to overwhelm him. Lysar, as a baby dragon, needed a different approach: Myria helped her develop an awareness of her body and mind, encouraging her to explore her own instincts and intuitions.
Although Kito and Lysar were exhausted from the physical and mental training, Myria gave them no rest. She explained that the third lesson would be crucial in developing their mastery of dark magic.
"Now that you have strengthened your bodies and minds, it is time to familiarize yourselves with the theoretical foundations of dark magic," Myria declared. "It is essential that you understand this magic well, for the more you know, the more powerful and easier it will become to control."
Kito nodded and replied, "I understand, Myria. But how exactly does dark magic work? Where does it come from?"
Myria explained, "Dark magic is an energy that comes from the depths of the world, from hidden forces and dark emotions. It can be used to perform powerful spells and enchantments, but it must be handled with care."
Kito, intrigued, asked, "And how can I tap into this energy without being overwhelmed by it?"
Myria smiled slightly. "That's where the key lies, Kito. You must learn to control your emotions and balance the light and dark within you. Don't let fear, anger, or hate control you. Instead, channel these emotions to fuel your magic and use their power wisely."
Kito nodded, understanding the importance of this balance. "I see. So, I must learn to accept and understand my emotions in order to control dark magic."
Myria nodded. "That's right. Dark magic is neither good nor bad in itself, it is how you use it that determines its character. That is why it is so frowned upon and even forbidden in many realms. In the pursuit of power, many people using this magic have succumbed to darkness, madness, or worse, and have decimated entire cities. It is imperative to have absolute control over your body and mind before you seek to develop it further. Keep this in mind as you train, and you will soon be able to master this force with wisdom and discernment. "
Many questions came to Kito, why was it forbidden if it came not from magic but from power hungry people who used it in the wrong way? Why was Myria using it freely and the whole village knew about it? And why teach it to her if it was forbidden?