“As you wish, Sire.”

The Fifth Seat acknowledged the Principal's command with a bow before rising fully.

“The ‘Dark Plague’ was the original name of what we have come to call the Darkness, or Plague of Darkness.”

She paused, allowing the words to settle.

“The name was derived from the art's ability to invade and overwhelm the core of all living energy, devouring its host bit by bit.”

“It is somewhat similar to our Lord's energy in certain respects, particularly in its ability to leave any living creature it tames in its present state. However, its effect becomes the reverse when it encounters something stronger.”

“The knowledge of how the...