Hierarchy

When Leus heard that he became confused

"Seclusion?"

"Yeah, Seclusion, What else would you call it?"

Leus felt slightly scared

'How long have I been inside ...'

"How long was I inside?"

"5 days"

"WHAT? 5 DAYS?"

Leus didn't shout loudly, But he said it in a louder-than-average voice, Causing everyone in the library to simultaneously look at him.

No one ever dares to speak loudly inside, Matter of fact, they're so afraid of Arno that they only whisper to each other if it's not regarding research.

Leus felt embarrassed, He lowered his head and muttered

"Sorry sorry, I didn't mean to be loud"

Arno waved his hand to the people who were looking at them and immediately everyone went back to whatever they were doing, Then he said Leus

"Be careful next time.

Anyway, Yes, 5 days

The room is made to make time feel elusive, especially in the Third Realm where things like sleep and food matter less. But still, 5 days? What have you been doing? I thought you'd be dedicated, but you've gone above and beyond. I didn't expect you to be this serious right from day one."

'What dedication are you rambling about ... I need to go home'

Leus stuttered a bit

"I - I didn't know it has been this long ... I was training to silently cast Light Magic"

"How is your progress so far?"

"I feel the progress .. Maybe 20%? Something like that"

Arno's eyes gleamed

"Mastering elements one isn't attuned with is a great privilege that comes with great effort, But the reward is worth it ... Continue"

Leus nodded, Feeling a bit composed

"Yes, Master"

Then Leus said in a slightly worried tone

"I need to go home now"

"Sure, But why are you worried?"

"I didn't tell them that I'll take this long, They must be very worried about me"

Arno snickered when he heard that

"Worried? About YOU? Worried?"

Leus didn't seem to get what Arno meant so he elaborated

"Leus, Perhaps because of your lack of experience you're not understanding your position in the .... Hierarchy.

Well, it's my job to teach you that, Listen to me."

Leus stepped closer to Arno and focused

"At the pinnacle is Ignatius, and politically, I'm on par with him. However, practically, there's a distinction; he's a Royal Mage, and I'm an Elite Mage.

Following Ignatius are the Elite Mages, individuals like myself and Ishaan. Naturally, not all Elite Mages possess equal power – for instance, I am the strongest among them in the city.

Yet, while differences exist, all Elite Mages are crucial.

Afterward, we have the Elite Knights. While they share the same level as Elite Mages, there's a greater number of them, making them less important individually.

They work for the Guild, act as Crimson Guards, military personnel, or as Ignatius' personal Knights, regardless, their roles are vital.

The catch is that ALL these individuals are under strict surveillance.

They must follow the law. Consequently, it's not expected for them to openly commit wrongful acts, such as public killings."

Arno took a breath and continued

"Now After all these people, Come you.

You're not a Knight nor a Mage, You're a Warrior-Mage, One who already unlocked an Abstract, It's not in its full power but it's still very effective, And both the quality and quantity of your mana are vastly higher than average.

What this means is that harming you is only possible by either Elite-level individuals, Which is very unlikely to happen, Or a group of Knights or Mages, Which is not a normal occurrence.

Do you understand what this means?"

Leus nodded but didn't say anything, So Arno continued

"Worrying about someone like you is simply ludicrous, It's more worrying that someone like you with a lower than average regard of life holds this much power at this age, So no, They are not worried about you, Leus, If they were they'd have come here, But they know better."

Leus scratched the back of his neck

'This (Regard for Life) thing again ... I need to create a Moral Code soon'

After thinking that, Leus said

"Thanks for the information Master, I understand"

'It makes sense actually, Mother already said that she expects me to be away for long, That's why they have given me the money, Still, I want to go home'

'I miss Mom'

While Leus was thinking that to himself Arno asked

"When will you come back?"

Leus thought about it for a second

'I need to come back soon, I still have a lot to train on.'

He decided

"Tomorrow. I'll eat and spend the night home then I'll come back early tomorrow"

Arno nodded

"See you then"

Leus nodded and turned around heading toward the exit

Leus noticed that the same two guards he spoke with when he came were standing at the door

When their eyes met both of them looked confused

'He was still inside?'

They saw him enter but missed him leaving. As time passed, they forgot about him. Now, as he comes out, they remember and realize he'd been in the library the whole time.

One of them was about to say something but Leus stepped forward and they saw his emblem, Both the guards looked at the emblem in shock, Then at Leus' face, Then at each other

For a couple of seconds, there was only silence

After the initial shock, One of them spoke in an overly polite tone

"Hello Young Master, Do you need something?"

Leus was confused by their behavior

'What the hell?'

When Leus didn't reply the other knight asked

"Is there something we can help you with, Young Master?"

"No ... Thanks? I'm just going home"

The knights nodded and stepped aside

Leus walked out and walked toward his home

'Is that what Arno meant by gaining control over the guards? It's kinda too much'

Leus didn't really feel comfortable about it but he didn't specifically mind it either

'Whatever, Arno knows better'

'I'll get used to it, tho, I'd rather if they just call me Leus.'

And headed home.