Is there something wrong with real axle for my Al5 Gen4? How do I remove it?

I bought a used 2025 model Al5 Gen4 few weeks back. Today I was trying to remove the rear thru axle and do some cleanup and lubrication but found myself puzzled what to do.

Basically, all instructions I read said use a hex key to remove from non-drive side. But my non drive side is just a round hole without hex head. There's a hex head on the drive side, I can plug in a hex key and turn maybe 1/4 turn each direction then it becomes very tight, I didn't force through in fear of breaking something.

Also, on the non-drive side, there were some scratches on the surrounding hole, like someone was trying to pry something. Can I get help about:

1. Did the previous owner did something bad to the bike?
2. How do I remove the rear axle with a hex key?

thanks,