ELyRIA'S TWISTED WELCOME
Kai grabs Yui's hand, pulling her close as he glares at Mark:
"Stay away from my sister."
Mark nods slightly, eyes fixed on Kai before shifting to their surroundings:
They stand within a grand, eerie castle courtyard surrounded by towering spires...
The hooded mages surround them in the grand castle courtyard:
The lead mage steps forward, voice low and formal:
"Greetings, travelers from afar...
You have been summoned to the kingdom of Elyria as heroes...
By ancient lore, all heroes must present themselves
to King Malakar for appraisal..."
The mages bow slightly:
"To verify your claims of heroism and worthiness."
Kai stands tall, expecting honor:
"We are indeed heroes from another world."
Hana and others nod in agreement.
Nao whispers nervously:
Yui clings to Kai's hand, eyes wide with fear.
*WHISPERS IN THE CASTLE COURTYARD,*
The group exchanges nervous glances, surrounded by hooded mages.
Kai looks around cautiously, saying nothing about his abilities yet.
Mark leans in close to Hana and whispers:
"Do you think they'll tell us what's going on?"
Hana glances around nervously before focusing on Mark:
"Actually... I think I might know something. I received a... vision before we were brought here."
Mark's eyes widen slightly:
"What kind of vision?"
Hana whispers:
"It showed me my abilities here. But that's not all - it also showed me how to check our... statuses."
Mark's curiosity is piqued:
"How do I check mine?"
Hana discreetly takes Mark's hand and guides his fingers to his wrist:
"Focus on your inner self... and say 'Status' silently."
Mark does as instructed, and his eyes widen in surprise:
"It worked! I see my name, class... and abilities listed!"
Mark's eyes lock onto Hana, about to share his status:
"Hana, my class is... Commoner, and I have some unique skills listed-"
Hana's expression changes from curiosity to surprise and worry:
"Commoner?! Oh Mark, what does that mean for your abilities here?"
Her voice is barely above a whisper, filled with concern.
But before Mark can respond, the lead mage interrupts:
"Enough discussion for now, travelers. King Malakar awaits your presence."
The mage gestures towards a grand hallway:
"Please, follow us to the throne room. The King wishes to speak with you immediately."
Hana grabs Mark's arm, her eyes still filled with worry:
"Mark, we need to talk about this later... What if your abilities aren't strong enough?"
Mark tries to reassure her with a gentle smile:
"I'll be fine, Hana. Let's hear what the King has to say first."
But Hana's grip on his arm remains tight.
The mage clears his throat, prompting them to move:
"Please, travelers, the King awaits. Time is of the essence."
The group follows the mages down the grand hallway, approaching heavy double doors adorned with royal crests.
Kai walks beside the mage, eyeing him intensely:
"What does the King want with us?
The mage's expression remains neutral:
"All will be explained in the throne room."