Mark's arm is gruesomely skewered by the Goblin's sword:
Yet, fueled by adrenaline and desperation to save Nao:
He grits his teeth, summoning strength to push the Goblin away:
With a Herculean effort, Mark shoves forward, arm screaming in agony:
The sword slides further through his flesh, but he manages to:
Push the Goblin backward, creating a small distance between Nao and danger:
Nao stares, horrified, as Mark staggers backward, arm still impaled:
His face contorted in pain, Mark collapses to one knee:
The Goblin lies on the ground, sword still connected to Mark's arm:
Chris rushes to Mark's side, but first targets the Goblin:
With a swift slash, Chris ends the Goblin's life, freeing the sword's grip slightly:
Then, he turns to Mark, horror etched on his face:
"Oh gods... Mark, no..." Chris trails off, stunned.
Hana rushes over, her eyes wide with shock and terror:
She raises her hands, casting a healing spell immediately:
"Vitalis Restitutio!"
A soft blue glow envelops Mark's mangled arm, slowly stabilizing his wound:
But the damage is severe – Mark's face remains pale, sweat dripping from his brow:
He looks up at his friends, voice barely above whisper:
"Is... Nao safe?"
*EAST CASTLE GATE, HERO TRAINING GROUNDS*
Nao nods slowly, shock frozen on her face, grasping Mark's uninjured hand:
Her eyes well up with tears as she stares at Mark's mangled arm:
The blue glow of Hana's healing spell continues to stabilize his wound:
Just as the last Goblin falls to Chris's sword:
Viktor's voice booms across the battlefield, authoritative and wise:
"The lead Oni has escaped into darkness... a troubling sign.
The enemy is routed here, but this battle is far from won.
Fall back to the castle IMMEDIATELY.
Our wounded need healer's attention – Mark's life depends on it."
Hana's magic continues to glow softly around Mark's arm:
After a few tense moments, the wound begins to close, skin knitting together:
Mark's eyes still widen in pain, but relief washes over his face as he flexes his healed arm:
The guards and heroes watch in awe of Hana's powerful healing magic.
A few moments of stunned silence pass...
Then Kai speaks up, tone mocking:
"Nice job, Mark. Idiot move blocking Ryan's shot."
Ryan nods in apparent agreement, drawing guards' curious glances:
"Yeah, I had that Goblin in my sights... Kai here just blocked my view."
Chris notices the guards' changed attitude towards Mark and confronts Kai:
But words fail him - he glares at Kai, silent fury in his eyes:
The guards react loudly:
"Looks like Mark's bravery was actually blindness..." one guard mutters.
Another chimes in, "Aye, nearly got himself killed blocking a clear shot."
A third guard adds, "And we lost sight of the lead Oni because of the chaos he caused...
If that thing escapes and warns its lord, our kingdom is doomed."
Hana's eyes fill with worry as she focuses on Mark's distressed face, her hand reaching out to comfort him:
She seems oblivious to the guards' accusations.
Kai adds fuel to the fire:
"If only I didn't lose sight of the lead Oni because of that ridiculous action...
We might still have it captured."
The guards nod vigorously in agreement, their voices rising:
"Aye, Mark's mistake may cost us the entire kingdom!"
"Do we even want him fighting alongside us?"
Nao steps forward, as if to defend Mark:
But she freezes, meeting the guards' scornful stares:
Their disapproving eyes seem to bore into her soul, making her shrink back:
Nao's face burns with embarrassment and anxiety as she takes a step backward:
Then another, her eyes cast downward in silence:
The guards continue to glare at Mark, their criticism unrelenting:
Kai crosses his arms, a smug expression on his face:
*EAST CASTLE GATE, HERO TRAINING GROUNDS*
Mark's voice cracks as he admits:
"I... I made a mistake. My judgment was clouded by inexperience."
He hangs his head in defeat, expecting further scorn:
The guards murmur among themselves as they walk behind Mark:
"He's not fit to train with the Heroes... too weak for elite training."
"Commoner class doesn't belong learning alongside future lords like Kai and Ryan."
The group approaches the castle gate, guards still discussing Mark's worth:
Once inside the castle courtyard, Viktor catches up to Mark:
"Mark, go rest. I'll investigate this incident and report to the Superiors."
Viktor's serious tone implies Mark's future training with the Heroes is uncertain.
*CASTLE INTERIOR*
Kai and Ryan watch Mark leave, exchanging smug and relieved glances:
Hana quickly moves to follow Mark, concern etched on her face:
Nao reaches out and gently grasps Hana's arm, then shakes her head slightly:
A silent warning: "Don't follow him."
Hana's eyes meet Nao's, questioning, but Nao's gentle yet firm headshake repeats:
Hana nods almost imperceptibly, understanding the unspoken message:
She stays back, watching as Mark disappears into the castle corridors:
Mark reaches his personal quarters, pushes open the door, and slips inside:
Then, with a soft click, he locks the door behind him, shutting out the world.
*MARK'S QUARTERS, CASTLE INTERIOR - SUNSET*
The room is dimly lit, only faint orange hues of sunset peeking through the window:
Mark sits on his bed, elbows on knees, lost in thought:
The sound of gentle knocking breaks the silence:
Mark rises slowly, approaches the door, and opens it slightly:
Two castle attendants stand outside, dressed in formal attire:
One attendant bows respectfully and hands Mark a sealed parchment:
Mark breaks the Instructor Viktor's wax seal and reads:
His eyes widen in despair as he sees the words:
"Investigation results:
Your training with the Heroes is hereby terminated.
Your skills and judgment deemed not suitable for combat.
You are reassigned to assist with agricultural development in
Brindlemark Village, focusing on crop management and harvest support.
The village's annual Harvest Festival will begin in approximately 2 months.
You will depart for Brindlemark Village in 2 weeks' time.
Until then, you are relieved of all duties and free to move about the castle
or visit outside as you wish.
Instructor Viktor"
Mark's face falls, his dreams of becoming a part of Heroes Party shattered:
He feels a mix of emotions - disappointment, relief, and curiosity about this new path.