Responses
I did not read the novel but a lot of spoilers have been said here. Yes he did dabble on dark mgic because he wants lucas attention and i think because of this dark magic that cause their unique eyes as well. Cause remember that lucas commented that his eyes were dull.
I think it was Aeternitas who was calling young Anastacious in the woods. Think about this... Lucas refused to teach him when he was child because his weak.. But according to the history books of Obelion, he's the greatest emperor they had. Maybe he delved into dark magic and got so powerful. Or i might be wrong too ε=ε=(ノ≧∇≦)ノ