22 Controlling the White Saber (1/2)
”Arnin, are you truly a five-year-old, or are you disguising as one?”
A question that Arnin never thought would be thought of, was asked of him at that moment. He maintained his calm appearance and only smiled at Xillar, however, a killing intent began to brew inside of him. He now wanted to get rid of the overly smart Xillar.
”If you want to consider me as someone who has disguised as a five-year-old, then you are welcomed to do so.” Arnin looked dead into the eyes of Xillar. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes carried a hint of murder. Xillar felt a chill run down his spine. For some unknown reason, he wanted to get on his knees and apologize. He didn't understand why he felt this way, but the more fear he felt, the more he thought Arnin to be abnormal.
”Don't get me wrong, I just think that your fighting style is not something one would see in a five-year-old, plus your demeanor greatly differs from those around you.” Xillar pulled himself together and casually spoke with Arnin. He found the feeling to be weird and frightening, but it also left so suddenly that he couldn't completely understand it.
”Whatever, since you asked me your question, let me ask you mine. What is Mark Masters? How do I become one?” Arnin, although uncomfortable with Xillar's question, wanted to continue asking his own. He wanted to learn more about these Mark Masters that had similar techniques to his own. Xillar didn't show much surprise to hear Arnin's question, he only nodded and began to explain.
”Well, Mark Masters are very important people in Afloria. They are able to insert different marks into our body that help with restoration, strengthening and much more. Not only that, they are able to concoct pills as well, although not as well as Alchemists, they aren't that bad either. They are very important, it is harder to find a Mark Master then an alchemist. It is just more difficult to become one.” Xillar released a sigh of reluctance. He shook his head and continued his explanation. ”Now, to become one, a person needs especially high Mental Strength. Without it being strong, then people can forget about it. We can do a test for your Mental strength soon if you would like.” Xillar didn't go into a detailed explanation but did talk about the some of the important parts. Arnin remembered that his Mental Strength was considered extremely high. No one knew that, but when he judged Nekaia's strength and how Avian spoke about it, he assumed he was high as well.
”Let's do a test then. I want to know if my Mental Strength meets the mark. If it doesn't, I won't ask anything more about Mark Masters.” Arnin decided that he would only ask more if he could become one. If he couldn't pass the test, then there wasn't a reason for him to ask about them.
Xillar nodded and waved at Arnin to follow him. ”Usually, mental strength, or Animo, is tested for before cultivation. It would allow for a person to see the Animo someone has before their strength begins to grow, however, there is an alternative test.” Xillar didn't stop talking while they walked towards an open area. The place was brimming with people who showered in the intense light of the sun. (Author note: I am going to call the star giving them light the sun as well. Just makes it easier to understand :] ) ”This alternative requires one to be in a place full of sunlight. This is the best place we got down here.”
Arnin nodded and proceeded with Xillar. The people in the place ignored Arnin's presence because they didn't recognize him, but they allowed Xillar through unhindered. His teacher robe had a good effect on the people who were yet to be in the academy. The crowd also made room for Vilis; he was just too scary and gave off a very strong aura.
”Well, what do you want me to do now?” Arnin turned around and looked at Xillar after he stood in the center of the place. It was very bright where the sun spat most of its brightness, mostly because there were little buildings nearby.
”Now that there is a good amount of sunlight, we can begin the Animo test. This is going to be somewhat rough, but it is an accurate test. Here!” Xillar pulled out a book from his robe and threw it towards Arnin. It was a brown book with scratches and craters. The book was in terrible shape and looked like it was extremely old. Arnin caught the book and looked at Xillar in confusion. He knew that the book was for the test but he didn't know how to use it for the test.
”Do you want me to write in it or something? What do I do with this?” Arnin asked simply. He was getting a little excited because he would find out whether he could use Animo or not, but his dull face and undetermined eyes showed otherwise.
”That was a great guess. Yes, we will write something, but not inside the book. The book lists a series of marks that a beginner Mark Master must be able to draw. I want you to draw as many as you can on the ground.” Xillar smiled towards Arnin when he mentioned drawing the marks. Arnin nodded his head and was ready to begin drawing, but he paused. The test seemed too easy, there must be a catch. Arnin placed the book on the ground and look towards Xillar. He had wondered since the mention of this test as to why Xillar always looked so reluctant about the test and how he had possession of the book of marks. Arnin had a feeling that not every teacher carried the book around, so why did Xillar?
”Teacher, I have a few questions before we begin.” Arnin could start the test in a few minutes, but he wanted to know more and possibly pick up some hints about the test.
”You can ask me anything, but I will not explain the test details and ho to go through with it. I already told you everything that I can, but go on. What is your question or questions?” Xillar put on a meek smile when he first heard Arnin wanted to ask him some questions. He felt that Arnin was very smart to not start the test right away and gather some information. This was an important skill to have, but somewhat difficult to develop. One needs to know when to ask and what to ask exactly. Now he needed to see whether Arnin knew what to ask exactly.
”My first question is this, have you ever tried this test yourself?” Arnin didn't hold back and went for his first question. It was a question that didn't dig too deep into his past, but well enough for Arnin to derive more clues. Xillar smiled and then nodded.