*CASTLE CORRIDOR AND ROOMS, MOMENTS AFTER LEAVING THE THRONE ROOM*
The attendants lead the group to their respective quarters, chatting politely about castle amenities.
Kai, Ryan, and Chris are guided to lavish suites with grand furnishings and sparkling chandeliers.
Yui, Hana (Divine Mercy), Akira, and Nao share a spacious suite together - their room features serene water views and gentle candlelight.
As they enter, Hana turns to the others:
"That appraisal ceremony was quite... eventful. I'm worried about Mark."
Mark, meanwhile, is led down a separate corridor by the attendants...
He enters his simple room and turns to them:
"So, what's the plan for us tomorrow? Will we discuss the quest against Malum with the King?"
The attendants exchange blank glances, clearly unprepared for his question.
One of them clears his throat:
"Uh, I believe... arrangements will be announced in the morning, sir."
Mark raises an eyebrow:
"Arrangements? That's vague. Can you tell me anything more specific?"
The attendants shift uncomfortably, remaining silent.
*MARK'S ROOM, DOOR CLOSED*
Mark lays down on the bed, exhausted from the day's events:
"The appraisal ceremony was humiliating enough... now I'm stuck in this simple room away from everyone."
He closes his eyes, trying to process everything.
Just as he's about to drift off, he hears muffled voices outside his door:
The attendants who escorted him to his room are talking in hushed tones:
"...can you believe that Commoner thought he was actually going to be a hero?" one says, chuckling.
Another attendant snickers:
"I know, right? 'Extremely high HP' – like that's a real skill. I've seen tavern brawlers with more impressive abilities."
Mark's eyes snap open, his face warming with embarrassment and anger.
A third voice joins in, mocking his exchange with the King:
"'Arrangements will be announced in the morning, sir...' Yeah, like anyone cares what he thinks."
*MARK'S ROOM, LATER*
Mark lays still, his anger slowly fading as the attendants' mocking voices disappear into the night.
The silence is broken by a gentle knock on his door:
"Enter," Mark says, his voice neutral.
A middle-aged man with a kind face and worn leather armor steps inside:
"Greetings, Mark. My name is Viktor – I'm one of the castle's outdoor instructors.
I've been sent to inform you of tomorrow's schedule."
Mark's curiosity piques:
"Schedule? I thought we were discussing the quest against Malum with the King tomorrow."
Viktor smiles:
"Actually, the King has arranged for the Heroes – Kai, Ryan, Chris, Akira, Yui, and their companions – to gain experience and levels outside the castle walls tomorrow."
Mark's eyes narrow slightly:
"What about me? Am I joining them?"
Viktor's expression turns thoughtful:
"Honestly, Mark, the King's instructions were clear: only skilled Heroes were invited for tomorrow's level grind.
But... your unique appraisal results caught some attention.
As a Commoner, you're typically expected to have no combat skills – yet your profile suggests otherwise.
Some might consider you have potential to assist the Heroes, but I'm not sure if they'll accept you."
*MARK'S ROOM, LATER*
Viktor hands Mark a thick, leather-bound book:
"'The Hero's Guide to Combat and Strategy' – normally only readable by registered Heroes...
But I'll hope for the best. Maybe your... unusual status will allow you access to some information."
Mark takes the book, curiosity piqued.
"Thank you, Viktor. I appreciate this."
Viktor nods and smiles:
"Good luck tomorrow, Mark. East castle gate at dawn."
He turns and exits the room, closing the door behind him.
Mark waits until he hears Viktor's footsteps fade away, then opens the book:
"'The Hero's Guide to Combat and Strategy'
He looks down, surprised to find that some pages are actually readable:
- A guide on "Checking Your Current Status and Abilities"
- Lists of "Known Hero Classes" and their brief descriptions
- A "Monster Compendium" with limited entries
Most of the book remains blurred and unreadable.
*MARK'S ROOM, LATER*
Mark turns to the "Checking Your Current Status and Abilities" page eagerly:
The instructions are simple:
1. Focus your mind
2. Say "Status" aloud
Mark follows the steps, feeling a bit silly:
He clears his mind, takes a deep breath, and says:
"Status"
Suddenly, a blue translucent screen flickers to life before his eyes:
**NAME:** Mark (Commoner) (Unique)
**CLASS:** Commoner
**LEVEL:** 1
**HP:** 2,733/2,733
**STRENGTH:** 12
**AGILITY:** 8
**INTELLIGENCE:** 6
Mark reviews his status, then wonders what skills he possesses...
He pauses for a moment before saying another command.
*MARK'S ROOM, LATER*
Mark's hand is poised to say "Skills" aloud when:
A loud knock at the door startles him.
He feels a sudden sense of unease and wonders who could be visiting at this hour...
Cautiously, Mark opens the door:
His eyes widen in horror as he's met with hostile glares from:
*MARK'S ROOM, LATER*
Mark's eyes widen in horror as he's met with hostile glares from:
Kai and Ryan - two of the strongest Heroes he met earlier today!
Kai's voice is low and menacing:
"Mark. We've been discussing your...
unexpected arrival in this world."
Ryan's eyes narrow:
"You're the 'Commoner' who somehow transferred in with us, aren't you?
Our intel suggests your presence has triggered a 'Penalty Mode' –
Accelerated timeline for Malum's awakening."
Kai's face twists in rage:
"You've doomed our quest from the start! How could one useless person like you cause so much chaos?!"
Kai's anger boils over – he raises his foot to kick Mark:
"Today's beating will be just the beginning. You won't escape punishment that easily!"
Mark tries to raise his hands to defend himself as Kai's foot connects with his stomach.
He doubles over in pain, gasping for air.
Ryan closes the door behind him, trapping Mark inside:
Both Kai and Ryan advance on Mark, their faces twisted in fury.
Fists and feet rain down on him – Mark tries to defend himself but is brutally overwhelmed.
Kai punches his jaw, while Ryan kicks his stomach. Mark doubles over in agony.
They continue the relentless beating –
Mark collapses to the floor, helpless
Kai delivers a vicious kick to his ribs, while Ryan slams his fist into Mark's already swollen face.
Mark's vision blurs, ears ring – he barely feels the next blows.
His lips bleed profusely, eyes swell shut – he whispers barely audibly:
"...why..."
Kai stands over him, chest heaving with exertion:
"You're a curse to our quest... and you'll pay for ruining our chances."
Ryan kicks him once more before turning to leave with Kai.
The door creaks open, then shuts – Mark lies alone, broken and silent.
*MARK'S ROOM, LATER*
Mark tries to crawl towards the bed, desperate to escape the agony:
His blurry eyes lock onto the "Hero's Guide" book lying open on the bed...
He stretches out a trembling hand, hoping to reach it – maybe it holds some salvation.
But his body betrays him – a wave of pain washes over Mark...
His hand falls short, slamming onto the cold floor as
Mark's head hits the stone ground with a sickening thud.
Everything goes black.
**TIME PASSES...**