My mind still reeling from the sudden twist in our situation...
Several Hours have passed since our arrival in this castle...
The sun dips low, casting long shadows across the overgrown garden.
I sit alone, my mind racing with dark thoughts...
Our situation just got catastrophically worse:
Kai mentioned that if we die here, the penalty is permanent –
Our souls will be erased, meaning death in both this world AND our own.
My heart sinks thinking about my family, friends... everything lost forever.
And to make matters worse, Kai believes that because Mark was dragged in unexpectedly...
The castle's difficulty level has increased dramatically.
Traps will be deadlier, monsters stronger, and puzzles nearly impossible.
I glance up at the darkening sky, fear gripping my chest...
Do we even stand a chance of surviving this nightmare?
Just as darkness was falling over the garden...
A figure emerged from the castle shadows -
Instructor Viktor approached me in the fading garden light...
He handed over a familiar worn leather book:
"'The Hero's Guide to Combat and Strategy' - review tonight, training begins tomorrow."
I took the book, already knowing its contents would be partially obscured.
Instructor Viktor nodded curtly:
"The heroes will undergo rigorous training tomorrow to prepare for the challenge ahead."
I looked up at him, thinking of our unexpected addition:
"What about Mark? Will he be participating in the training?"
Instructor Viktor's expression turned thoughtful, pausing before responding...
Instructor Viktor's expression turned stern:
"Mark is a commoner, untrained and unprepared. He will only hinder your progress."
But I interrupted, feeling an unexpected surge of obligation:
"Wait, Instructor Viktor - let Mark join the training. It might be... beneficial for our group's dynamics."
Viktor raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical:
"What could a commoner possibly bring to your team?"
I chose my words carefully, hiding my true motives:
"Perhaps he'll surprise us. And it's better to have him familiar with our strategies... just in case."
Viktor nodded slowly:
"Very well. Mark may observe and participate in combat drills."
I added quickly:
"And, Instructor - could Mark also receive a copy of 'The Hero's Guide to Combat and Strategy'?
Maybe there's information in there that... applies to him somehow."
Viktor's curiosity was piqued, but he agreed:
"I'll instruct the scribes to prepare an additional copy. Interesting choice, hero..."
I feel a sense of relief, hoping this might be my chance to make amends with Mark...
My actions might finally balance the scales for what I did to him back then...
Instructor Viktor nods once more before turning to leave:
"I will inform the other heroes and... Mark of the updated training arrangements."
He walks towards the castle doors, his long robes swaying behind him.
The garden falls silent again, except for the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet.
I stand there, lost in thought, wondering how Mark will react to this unexpected opportunity...
And whether this gesture will be enough to redeem my past wrongdoing.
Suddenly, I hear footsteps approaching from the castle doors...
Hana steps out into the garden with Nao by her side.
I ask Hana and Nao:
"What brings you both out to the garden? Were you looking for me?"
Hana smiles slightly:
"Akira suggested we each have our own private rooms, but she wasn't sure if it was allowed.
So she sent an attendant to request permission from the castle authorities."
Nao adds:
"We were assigned to wait here together until the attendant returns with an answer."
Just then, the attendant bows to someone out of sight and then walks back into the garden:
"They have gone to request King's decree... Instructor Viktor also asked them to inform Mark of the training decision simultaneously."
I fill Hana and Nao in on the latest development:
"Instructor Viktor just agreed to let Mark join our training sessions."
Hana's expression turns concerned:
"Oh no, Chris... Mark Class is a commoner, and he's completely new in this situation. Do you think he'll be able to survive this challenge?"
She bites her lip, worrying:
"Even with our training, the trials ahead will be brutal. Heroes like us have abilities and magic to protect ourselves...
But Mark... he has nothing. Will this training even be enough to keep him alive?"
Nao looks equally worried, glancing at me for reassurance.
I try to reassure Hana and Nao:
"Maybe Mark has unknown potential or strengths we haven't seen yet. Let's wait and see how he adapts."
Hana nods slightly, still looking concerned.
Just then, the attendant returns:
"The King has granted permission for separate quarters. Please follow me to your assigned rooms."
Hana and Nao head off with the attendant, bidding me a quiet goodbye.
I follow the attendant's directions to my own room, looking forward to reviewing the strategy book.
Upon entering, I notice:
Kai and Ryan are nowhere to be seen.
A chair lies dropped on the floor.
I walk over calmly and pick it up, setting it back in place.
Wondering where they might have gone, I shrug it off and head towards one of the beds.
My eyes grow heavy as I lie down, my mind still vaguely curious about their absence...
Before I know it, my thoughts start to blur and my eyelids grow heavy...
I'm falling asleep.