Well, that is more what the worship is. The mark does literally place a mark of the AC on people, but it is to control their ability to buy and sell.
So, many people claim refusal of the mark means you will be killed but that isn't what the bible says. It says refusal to worship the image of the beast will result in death. Does not say that about the mark. Paul said some will be alive and remain, and they will be made immortal and raptured. They survived the trib and did not take the mark.
Note scripture states those who did not receive the mark upon their foreheads or hands were beheaded. Also, Rev 14 indicates those who do accept the mark will drink of the wine of the wrath of God being tormented for eternity.
Rev 20:4
And I saw the
souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, AND for the word of God, and
which had not worshipped the beast,
neither his image,
neither had received his mark upon their foreheads,
or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev 14:9-11
If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.