The forest that day was covered in a light mist, the trees swaying gently as if breathing with the wind. Raven, still not yet ten years old, felt something new stirring within him—something he had never experienced before. It was only the beginning of a long journey through the layers of darkness.
Emma walked beside him, holding his hand tenderly, her eyes full of care and support. "Raven… remember, what you feel now is only the beginning. The darkness inside you requires patience and awareness."
Raven looked at her with his violet eyes, "I feel something moving inside me… as if a power is waiting to emerge."
Among the trees, a small shadow darted quickly—not yet frightening, but enough to test his instincts. Raven felt a moment of uncertainty. He took a deep breath and focused, beginning to see delicate threads of dark energy intertwining around him, adjusting to his new sense.
Curiosity mingled with a hint of anxiety, but Emma's presence reassured him. "Every step brings you closer to understanding what is inside… do not let fear control you."
Raven tried his first deliberate movements. He moved his hand slowly, and the first threads of darkness responded. They were not strong yet, but they felt like an extension of his will. His intuition became clearer. Small things around him—the leaves, the branches, even the dust in the air—began to move in harmony with his gestures.
Emma smiled, "Good… this is only the beginning, but you are starting to understand how the darkness within you moves."
The chapter continues to document Raven's first experiences with the first layer of darkness, hinting that eleven more layers lie ahead before Absolute Darkness. It also leaves an impact on his thinking and strengthens the bond with Emma, who remains his guide and support throughout the long journey.
Raven sat by a small stream after training, gazing into his violet reflection, "Darkness isn't just something to fear… it's part of me."
Emma pressed his hand, "And with time, you will learn to control it more and more… every step brings you closer to true power."
Chapter Sixteen ends here, marking the first practical trial of the first layer of darkness, confirming the real beginning of Raven's long journey through twelve layers of darkness, with continued emotional support and guidance from Emma.