"What you're telling me now makes sense", he started, "but if that's how it is, then -- why is it that I haven't read anything about this? Most books about magic that I've read only touch on Darkness magic as something that shouldn't even be discussed...".

"Well", Val started, "the Darkness is the unknown. To use Darkness magic, you have to delve within yourself, towards your deepest truths... by definition, this is not a comfortable process. People can be so frightened of their own unknown that they would rather deny it completely, and so they shut out Darkness magic as a whole. As a result, not many sorcerers are willing to explore it and understand it, and even fewer are open about practicing it. My publisher didn't even let me write about it any further than as a theoretical subject...".

Adrien lowered his head. "I see", he said. He looked up at Val. "...You won't get in trouble with the Council for teaching me Darkness magic, right?".

"Oh -- no, don't worry", Val smiled. "Many master sorcerers agree that Darkness magic does not deserve its common treatment. We had a vote, a while ago -- now the teaching of Darkness magic is recommended as part of the official apprenticeship program".

"Recommended, even!", Adrien grinned. "I didn't know that".