To the rescue!

Before Ark left the arena, he was handed a token with a particular mana signature engraved on it. This was his token to get into the palace since anyone with a mask would just be able to waltz right on in if they didn't add a way for him to verify himself. Ark had no idea about what Oscar had planned for him, and even if he knew, he wouldn't care at all. They would probably have no future interactions with each other after today, and Ark would gladly let it stay that way. 

Before going to the palace, Ark made sure to buy some refreshments, he wanted to be in good condition if he was to go through a mission like this. After buying a lemonade just like the day before, Ark headed off to the palace. Comparing it with the palace of Steoteya made it seem a little lacklustre, but in reality, the palace of Estridsen was truly splendid, yet a little ordinary at the same time. The true splendour of the palace lay in its sheer size, not the actual design.