24 Mark Master (1/2)

Arnin became confused after Xillar's exclamation. What was pink level? He could also see that his mark was pink, but what did that mean? Was it strong, weak, or extremely rare? Xillar noticed Arnin's blank face. He couldn't help but sigh at Arnin's talents.

”There are different levels of Mark Masters and marks. This is something that you should have already guessed. 'Being a demon talent'.” Xillar whispered something under his breath that Arnin couldn't catch, but he decided to ignore it. ”The marks one creates are separated into eight strengths: orange, pink, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, silver. The first is the weakest and the last is the strongest.” Arnin began to understand what was going on. He was able to create a pink mark which was the second type of mark one should be able to create.

”Then what I created is not something a beginner should be able to make? That's understandable. My method is unorthodox so things would of course be different. I am also guessing that each level of mark determines the strength of a Mark Master.” Arin basically understood how a Mark Master's strength was determined.

”Umm… yea. Arnin you are a little too smart for your age, you should make sure that you are careful though. Some don't like the smart.” Xillar gave out a friendly warning. He didn't want Arnin getting killed prematurely because of his wits. (Author note: Didn't you just want to kill him? Faker!)

”What? Are you saying that there may be people who want to get rid of me? If they come after me, they might not be able to return, so I don't mind. Now, back to the test. What is the strength of my Animo?” Arnin knew he could handle many people, but that could only happen if he relied on his sealed strength. He wasn't worried about his life, rather he was worried that he would have to one day release his powers, which would ruin his whole reason to reincarnate.

Xillar couldn't help but widen his mouth because of Arnin's confidence. However, after he felt Arnin's terrifying aura, he knew that Arnin was not as weak as he seemed.

”Of course! So the way Animo is measured is very similar to cultivation levels. Just as the first level of cultivation is Orb Birth - Earth, the first level for Animo is Animo Birth - Earth.” Arnin nodded his head when he understood this. Although both Animo and the Orb were related to an individual's power, they were still separate systems. Animo was spiritual power that used the mind, while the orb was more physical that used the whole body.

”Well, what level would I be at?” Arnin understood the basics', so he just wanted to know where he stood.

”Your Animo is difficult to understand because of the way you made the mark. Usually, Animo is unseeable until one reaches a frightening stage, however I was able to see a form for your Animo.” The more Xillar spoke, the more Arnin understood the saber. He didn't know what the blade was at first, but it seemed like it was related to Animo. If the orb was his power, then that could only mean that the tattoo were his Animo. If his orb and Animo were able to mix to create the saber, then that blade was possibly something frightening that could use the powers of both Animo and the orb.

”The what about my Mark Master level? We can discuss Animo later, but what I want to know is whether I am able to be called a Mark Master.” Arnin figured that his tattoos were his Animo holders, which explained how they had the ability to control other things. Animo was based around one's ability to control the essence and other powers.

”Your Mark Master rank is pink. Just the like the eight colors for marks, the Mark Masters are also differentiated through those colors. You really are a talent Arnin, I have never heard of someone skipping Mark Master levels on their first trial. You are the first.” Xillar couldn't help but praise Arnin's talents. Not only did Arnin create his own method of mark making, but he also skipped a level of Mark Masters. Xillar couldn't help but self-mockingly laugh. He wasn't able to even pass the test, let alone skip a level. Arnin was just too talented.

”Oh yes, Arnin. I got a message from Kelnorin saying that the three conditions don't have to be discussed anytime soon. He said to just proceed into the academy after you finish with your test here. You are officially a student of Lepidoptera Academy!” Xillar took his hand out and brought it in front of Arnin for a shake. Arnin raised one eyebrow, but didn't move his hand.

”What happened? What's with the sudden change?” Xillar was surprised that Arnin didn't shake his hand or even seem happy.

”I don't know what happened, but it seems like the three conditions are to be given at a certain age. You are not of that age, so you don't have to receive them yet.” Xillar went ahead and made up a lie. He couldn't tell Arnin that the principal made the decision when he saw him.

Seeing that Xillar wanted to hide something, Arnin thought that he would investigate the issue himself. For now, he was considered a student of the academy so they had to have some resistance towards him. Arnin brought his small hand into Xillar's and moved it up and down.

”Well, thanks then. You can explain the rules of the academy tomorrow. I have to wait for some people who will be arriving tomorrow, so I am going to find a place to stay. Unless you have a place that students can reside in?” Arnin questionably looked at Xillar. As an academy, they must have a place for students to stay, at least in the town that they protected.

”Of course we have a place for students. I will have a student lead you there. I am going to go and get you a student robe and identity card. I will come back tomorrow.” Xillar quickly explained the plan. Arnin was okay with being led by a student. He didn't mind who led him, as long as he made it to his destination.

”Just to clarify with you, my beast, Vilis, will be staying with me in the academy and in the student houses. This is not me asking you, but telling you.” Arnin didn't give Xillar an option when it came to Vilis. Xillar didn't hesitate and nodded.

”That is no problem. We will just need to assign a 'tamed beast' card. It will tell others that Vilis is under your protection.” Arnin nodded.

Xillar turned around and rushed to find a student to lead Arnin to the student quarters. Ten minutes passed when he came running with a group of students. When Arnin saw the group, he couldn't help but release a smile. It was Dane's group.

”You guys are already heading over to the student housings, so take him there as well. Tell the people from the front desk that he will be getting a free room, and put it under teacher Kelnorin's name. Hehe!” Xillar smirked when he thought of using Kelnorin's name for the housing and how he would react.

Dane looked at Arnin and couldn't help but nod. He already knew about what happened between Arnin and Brajus. Dane understood that Arnin was extremely strong, and Brajus didn't have the same hate that he did before. Brajus only disliked Arnin because he assumed that Arnin was a danger, but he later found out that Arnin was actually going to attend the academy. Dane's group however, did not have the same thought process. They only remembered surrounding Arnin and getting ready to attack him.

”Teacher, this kid is dangerous. We can't take him to the student house. We found him alone in the forest that was under our school's protection. He is too suspicious.” The young boy with the spiky black hair spoke out. He was the one that looked similar to Brajus and was the one that Arnin heard when he was by the lake.

”Student Lekro, this is Arnin. He has passed the requirements to join the academy and is now a fellow student of yours. You will treat him the way you treat your other classmates, do you understand?” Lekro shook under the yell of Xillar. He never thought that Arnin would become a student of the academy.

”Yes, teacher Xillar.” His voice came out like a whisper. Lekro couldn't help but glare at Arnin for getting him trouble.

”Dane, you will be in charge of Arnin until tomorrow. I know I can trust you, so make sure he gets his room and comes to the academy after meeting with whoever.” Xillar spoke to Dane with seriousness. He understood Dane's quiet but mature personality.

”Got it.” Dane agreed without any hesitation. He didn't have hate for Arnin, only suspicion, but now that Xillar was able to confirm that Arnin was a student of the academy, his suspicions dropped.

----------------------------------------------------

Arnin and Vilis silently followed the behind the group.