*ROYAL COURT COLLECTIVE SHOCK, Senpai*
The Appraisal Pillar's voice echoes through the room:
"Yui... Class: Maiden (Light) ... **DIVINE DESIGNATION REVEALED**"
The crowd's reaction is instantaneous and bizarre - they gasp, cover their mouths, and stare at EACH OTHER in shock.
King Malakar's eyes widen as he looks around at his courtiers, seeming to ask silently "Did they expect this?"
The courtiers and guards exchange disbelieving glances, whispering to each other:
Divine Mercy's eyebrows rise in curiosity, watching the crowd's strange reaction.
Akira leans over to Kai and whispers, "What's going on? Why are they acting like this?"
Kai shrugs, equally perplexed, and whispers back to Akira:
"I have no idea. They're acting like they knew something about Yui's appraisal already."
The crowd's murmurs grow louder, a buzz of shocked conversation sweeping the room.
Mark's eyes narrow, watching the crowd with suspicion, as if thinking:
"They're not surprised by the 'Divine Designation' itself... but by the fact it was her."
Nao leans in close to Chris and Ryan, whispering:
"Do you think they knew something about Yui Status?"
*ROYAL COURT DESCENDS INTO CHAOS*
King Malakar's hands drop, and he slowly sinks to his knees, eyes fixed on Yui with a mix of reverence and desperation.
The entire crowd follows, kneeling and bowing their heads:
"We have found the Vessel of Salvation..." King Malakar whispers.
"...the Goddess of Sacrifice, foretold to save Elyria."
The group's eyes widen in horror as they grasp the implication:
Yui is to be sacrificed to create a powerful magical barrier around the kingdom!
Mark and Kai instantly step forward together, shielding Yui with their bodies.
Akira, Chris, Ryan, and Nao form a tight circle around them, fierce determination etched on their faces.
Divine Mercy wraps protective arms around Yui from behind, holding her close.
Mark's voice is low and deadly:
"You'll have to kill us all first."
*ROYAL COURT TWISTED REPRIEVE,
King Malakar's tears slow as he looks up at the determined group:
"No, no... we won't take her life. That was a desperate misconception."
The crowd murmurs in surprise, seeming to accept the King's sudden reversal.
King Malakar continues:
"However, the prophecy also warns that if Yui steps outside these kingdom walls, her divine essence will summon darkness and demons to destroy us all."
Yui's eyes widen in fear as the King explains:
"So, we propose a different protection: Yui will reside safely within the castle walls, under our constant guard."
He turns to the Heroes:
"And to ensure her safety and our kingdom's survival, we offer YOU our fullest support –
* Elite knights as allies
* Unlimited magical resources
* Our best strategists to aid your quest against Malum
Will you accept our proposal and protect Yui alongside us?"
Mark's eyes narrow, clearly weighing the King's words.
The other Heroes exchange cautious glances:
- Kai's expression is thoughtful.
- Akira's eyes remain suspicious.
- Chris and Ryan seem inclined to agree.
- Nao looks at Yui, concern etched on his face.
- Divine Mercy observes the King intensely.
Mark finally breaks the silence, his deep voice firm:
"We need to discuss this among ourselves. Alone."
King Malakar nods understandingly:
"Very well. You may use the eastern chamber adjacent to this throne room. Yui... will wait here with me, under guard."
Yui's eyes widen slightly at being separated from her friends, prompting Mark to add:
"With Divine Mercy staying beside her."
But before then,
Yui stands tall, a determined look on her face:
"I'll stay willingly, but on one condition: I want the freedom to move around the entire kingdom as I please."
King Malakar's eyes widen slightly, then he nods thoughtfully:
"Agreed. You shall have unrestricted access within our kingdom walls. Our guards will ensure your safety everywhere you go."
The Heroes nod in unanimous agreement, supporting Yui's decision:
- Kai smiles approvingly.
- Akira gives a slight nod.
- Chris and Ryan look relieved.
- Nao grins.
- Divine Mercy places a gentle hand on Yui's arm.
King Malakar smiles:
"With that settled, let us proceed. Mark, you are next for appraisal."
Mark steps forward, curiosity etched on his facing the Appraisal Pillar
Yui smiles at Mark as he steps forward, curiosity etched on his face.
Mark touches the Appraisal Pillar, his eyes fixed on it expectantly...
A brilliant light envelops him, and the court falls silent in anticipation.
The Heroes lean in slightly, wondering what Mark's class and abilities will be...
- Kai's eyes are narrowed slightly, intrigued.
- Akira's gaze is intense, analyzing.
- Chris and Ryan exchange hopeful glances.
- Nao grins encouragingly.
- Divine Mercy watches with gentle interest.
- King Malakar's expression is neutral, awaiting the result.
The Appraisal Pillar's voice is about to reveal Mark's class and status...
*ROYAL COURT ERUPTS INTO MOCKERY,
The Appraisal Pillar's voice echoes through the room:
"Mark...
* Class: None
* Ability:
- Extremely High Health Points (HP)
- Passive Regeneration: Recovers full HP through sleep
**COMMONER**"
The crowd's anticipation turns to utter shock, then erupts into laughter and mockery:
Gasps of disbelief give way to snickers, guffaws, and outright ridicule.
People point at Mark, doubling over in laughter:
- "A Commoner with no skills whatsoever?!"
- "Sleeps to regain HP... does he plan to nap during battles?!"
- "High HP just means he can take punches longer... big deal?!"
King Malakar's face turns bright red with embarrassment.
The Heroes stand frozen, shocked expressions slowly turning to amusement:
- Kai bursts out laughing.
- Akira wipes tears from her eyes.
- Chris and Ryan high-five each other, grinning.
- Nao giggles uncontrollably, holding his stomach.
- Divine Mercy tries to stifle a smile, but her eyes sparkle with amusement.
Mark's face turns beet red with humiliation and anger:
The crowd's laughter grows louder, with some people even crying from laughing so hard.
King Malakar finally raises his hands, attempting to restore order:
"Enough... let us not be rude to our guest. Mark... uh... may we discuss your... unique abilities in private?"
But before the King can continue, Yui steps forward, a fierce glint in her eye:
"Leave him alone! He's still my friend, no matter what that pillar says!"
*ROYAL COURT ERUPTS INTO HYSTERICS*
Yui's fierce defense of Mark:
"Leave him alone! He's still my friend, no matter what that pillar says!"
Backfires hilariously as the crowd bursts into EVEN LOUDER laughter:
People are crying, holding their stomachs, and wiping tears from their eyes:
- "Oh my god, the little Goddess is protecting the big Commoner!"
- "This is the most adorable thing I've ever seen!"
- "Does she think he's a lost puppy or something?"
- "Wait, is she his guardian or his friend?!"
The Heroes are laughing uncontrollably too:
- Kai is bent over, holding his knees.
- Akira has tears streaming down her face.
- Chris and Ryan are high-fiving each other repeatedly.
- Nao is giggling so hard he's snorting.
- Divine Mercy is laughing politely, but clearly amused.
Mark's face turns from gratitude to utter mortification...
King Malakar holds up his hands, still chuckling himself:
"Enough, my subjects... let us compose ourselves."
The crowd gradually calms down, still snickering and glancing at Mark with amusement.
King Malakar clears his throat, attempting dignity:
"A grand welcome to our esteemed Heroes and the noble Goddess Yui! May your stay be comfortable and your quest successful."
He bows slightly, then gestures to his attendants:
"Please escort our guests to their respective chambers. Rest and preparation for tomorrow's briefing."
The Heroes and Yui nod, still smiling about the earlier commotion:
- They begin to follow the attendants out of the throne room.
As soon as they disappear from view:
King Malakar bursts into laughter AGAIN, holding his stomach:
"Oh dear heavens... the little Goddess defending the Commoner... I've never seen anything so priceless!"
His courtiers and guards erupt into laughter alongside him...