"we will begin with the basics of your power: control over darkness and intangibility. These abilities are extensions of my own, but they are tied to your will and emotions, making them yours. The first lesson is to command the darkness within and around you."

Kuro spread his wings slightly, and the shadows around them seemed to pulse in response.

"Close your eyes," He instructed.

"And feel the darkness. It is not merely the absence of light–– it is a living force, one that you must learn to command."

Azure listened closing his eyes, steadying his breath as he tried to focus. At first, all he could sense was the cool night air and the faint rustling leaves.

But as he concentrated, he began to feel something else–– a faint, almost imperceptible pulse, like the heartbeat of the shadows themselves.

It was cold, but it carried a strange comforting familiarity, as if the darkness was a part of him, waiting to be unlocked.

"Good," Kuro murmured. "Now reach out to it. Will the shadows bend to your command, to move as you desire?"

Azure furrowed his brows, extending his hand as if trying to grasp the intangible. He could feel the darkness responding, but it was like trying to catch smoke–– it slipped through his mental grasp dissolving into nothingness.

Frustration bubbled up within him, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to give up.

"Focus," Kuro's voice cut through the fog of Azure's thoughts.

"Do not let your emotions cloud your mind. The darkness is not a tool of anger or frustration; it is a reflection of your will. Calm your mind and try again."

Taking a deep breath, Azure pushed aside his frustration, clearing his mind. He concentrated once more, reaching out with his senses, and this time, he felt a slight shift in the shadows.

*WRRR

They moved, ever so slightly, in response to his will. a small tendril of darkness curled around his hand, obedient to his command.

"There," Kuro encouraged.

"You're beginning to understand. But this is only the first step. Control requires practice, and practice requires patience."

Azure opened his eyes, watching the tendril of darkness dissipate into the night. He felt a small spark of accomplishment but knew that he had an extremely long way to go.

"What's next?" he asked, his voice steady but tinged with eagerness.

"Next," Kuro continued.

"We will focus on your intangibility. This ability allows you to merge with the shadows, rendering you untouchable. However, This requires complete synchronization with the darkness–– both within you and your surroundings."

Azure nodded, though uncertainty gnawed at him. Intangibility sounded far more complex, but he steeled himself for the challenge.

"How do I start?"

"Just as you did before, close your eyes and connect with darkness," Kuro instructed.

"But this time, instead of commanding it, you must become one with it. Let the shadows envelop you, merge with you, until there is no distinction between where you end and they begin."

Azure closed his eyes again, his breath ready and controlled. He reached out with his senses, feeling the familiar pulse of the darkness.

This time, he didn't try to command it. Instead, he let it wash over him, allowing the shadows to blend with his form.

At first, nothing happened, but slowly, he felt a change–– a lightness, as if his body was losing its solidity.

The sensation was disorienting, like he was floating in a void. He tried to move, but his limbs felt like they were made of air, intangible and weightless.

"Wha–?!"

Panic surged within him, but he fought it down, focusing on maintaining the connection with the shadows.

"Do not resist," Kuro's voice came, calm and steady.

"Let the darkness guide you. Trust in it, and yourself."

Azure took a deep breath, relaxing into the sensation. Gradually, he felt his body becoming more fluid, his form blending seamlessly with the shadows around him.

He opened his eyes, and to his amazement, he saw his hands fading in and out of existence, merging with the darkness.

"I... I did it," Azure whispered, a mix of awe and relief in his voice.

"You're making progress," Kuro acknowledged, his tone still calm.

"But remember, this is only the beginning. True mastery will take time and relentless effort."

Azure nodded, though the effort of maintaining the intangibility was starting to strain him. Slowly, he let go of the connection, feeling his body solidify once more. He was exhausted, but a sense of accomplishment filled him. He was one step closer to his goal.

Kuro, sensing Azure's fatigue, decided it was time to demonstrate the next part of their training.

"Before we continue, there is something you need to see."

*GRRRR

With a low growl, Kuro opened his haws, and a dark flame began to form at the back of his throat.

It was a terrifying sight–– an inky black fire, streaked with veins of crimson and violet, swirling with malovent energy.

With a powerful exhale, Kuro unleashed the flame in a controlling burst, sending it soaring into the night sky.

*FSSSHHH

The shadow fire seemed to devour the air around it, leaving behind an eerie silence as it dissipated.

"This is shadowfire breath," Kuro explained.

"It is a flame that consumes not just physical matter, but spiritual energy as well. It is a deadly weapon one that requires precision and control to wield effectively."

Azure watched in awe, the display of power inspiring and daunting.

"Can I... use it too?" He asked the potential of such power exciting him.

"No, the powers I have you won't be able to use."

Azure looked in disappointment but understanding.

Azur nodded.

"Another ability I possess that I can show you right now is Darkness Infusion," Kuro began.

"It allows me to channel the power of darkness into objects and you, enhancing its and your strength and resilience. it is a subtle power, but one that can turn the tide in battle."

To demonstrate, Kuro extended one of his claws and touched a nearby stone. The rock instantly darkened, its surface shimmering with a faint, shadowy aura

*FRRR

Kuro lifted the stone and crushed it effortlessly.

*KRAKK

The darkness infusion has made it both more durable and more brittle under the right force.

Azure watched closely, absorbing every detail.

"And curse Absorption?" He asked, recalling the third power Kuro mentioned.

"I can't show you my curse absorption since there are no curses around, but once I absorb curses, I become stronger, grade four through two don't do much, but grade ones and special grade classes significantly grow my power."

Azure nodded, taking in the information. The powers Kuro possessed were incredible, far beyond anything Azure had imagined.

As the night wore on, Azure continued his training, pushing himself to try and control his abilities.

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