Discuss things back at Castle Phoenix.

Like a towering plume of lifting black flames high atop the Pecho Peaks, the majesty of Castle Phoenix rises much like its namesake--a new beginning for all who seek refuge under the shadow of the walls, and the protective arms of Demon King Kyle Warren. While many are against you, and they've tried to smite you down, you've stood back up from the pile of ashes along with a family of intertwined invisible strings. You never fall together, because you stand together, whether it be against Elok Daven, Hero-King Thadius, or the wild cards that are Lady Vex and especially William Cresswell.

"Monsters and other foes alike haven't taken us down. In fact, my title aside, we've saved the people more times than I can count. The previous Demon King here, Sa'dis. The spirit of the coast just east of the capital. Crabs. Golems. Demons." You stand before Eva, Niki, Amara, and Vivi near the foot of the throne. Peony is here as well, though she isn't necessarily apart of the conversation specifically. She just really enjoys being near you while indoors. It's still a new, exciting experience for her. "So it's time for us to demand some answers. We've gotta have some way by now. So let's start in the meeting room. Come."

As you lead the way through the door behind, it isn't Peony who is the odd one out. Apart from your main party of three, Vivi is who steps behind nervously.

The door shuts quietly. Soon you're left in silence with five girls standing around the table with you.

"First matter of business," you begin. As your eyes fall upon your witch, she squirms in place. "Vivi... Please. I know it's difficult to speak about this, but what you tell us about your strange family may save our lives. You've been with us ever since you emerged from your little forest cottage. Why did you do it again?"

"... Because I was tired of being bored and alone," she replies quietly.

You step closer. Gently, though not to frighten her in such a **** state, you place a warm hand on her shoulder, and you speak as kindly as you're able. "I hope you no longer feel alone, Vivilia. Please. Tell us what you can."

She takes a deep, stuttering breath as she places her hand on the edge of the table. "Fine. Forgive me if I don't speak on every detail, and I'd rather you not all gossip about this either. My life has been a long, strange one, and I've tried my best to forget my past."

Eva looks over with caring eyes. "I understand what you mean. But I think that our past is an important part of us, even if it's stuff we don't like. Even if it's stuff that doesn't even seem like part of us anymore. We can't make it not have happened."

Vivi sighs. "Of course." She does speak, though she tucks her eyes behind the brim of her pointed hat. "It was centuries ago."

"You're old!" Niki blurts out.

"H-Hey, I'm trying to pour my heart out here!" she barks back.

"Sorry." The warrior bows her head.

"We were raised by my father. The three witch sisters, Vivilia. Callisto, and Breiah, you could say. Though one could also say my father believed in... drastic improvements to humanity. The right set of circumstances to provide the most optimal output. There may have been other siblings before me. Perhaps even after me. I don't know. But I remember my two sisters with hair as white as mine, the same blue eyes as mine, and the same talent for magic as well. See, my father was a terrible man, but an incredibly brilliant one as well. I may be a human... but barely. I've seen people and places come and go. Eventually I decided to live in solitude, away from their influence, away from anybody but the trees and frogs. My heart races when somebody came near. It reminded me of times before, or times I dreamed about before.

"We aren't immortal in that we can't die. You saw what happened to Callisto. Unfortunately, my two sisters were much witchier than me, you could say. Breiah eventually went to assist a certain mage with becoming Demon King, as you know. I hardly spoke to her over many years, however, so I don't have much that may be helpful. My father is long gone. His research, however, I fear is coming back to haunt me. How that Elok Daven manipulates the things he does. It reminds me of unfortunate times. I was born already manipulated by his inventive magic, and now I walk Absoterra as a freak for many years to come. And when I thought I was at least free from my father for good, I saw the work of this newfound Demon King, and I started to realize that Breiah isn't just continuing our father's work, but it's become even more dangerous than ever."

"Vivi." You squint and inspect her closely before locking onto her eyes with your own. "You're not a freak. Not anymore than I am," which is quite true all things considered. "Or any of us. We'll stop your sister and her little boyfriend somehow. No haunting shadow can supersede the darkness of these walls."

"That sounds so cool," whispers Eva loudly.

"Eva."

Her ears perk up as she stands straight, like a student called out in class. "Yes?"

"Please tell us what you know of the Circle of the Unicorn."

"R-Right. I can do that. I mean, everybody knows the Circle is the most powerful guild of mages around. Many magic users fall under their banner, though a specific, smaller circle of Chairmen are who run it. A council. Their identities are far less known, though let's see. We've met a few of them actually. There was Vazeela Sulta, a transmuter who was also serving as Acting Grand Master of Redbloom Academy while we were there. Then there was Drev Barkis, an enchanter, and owner of that tower out in the plains. Lastly there's... Well, my father, Rada Beela. Pyromancer."

"How many of these Chairmen are there?" asks Niki.

"Nobody knows that either. It can't be that many more. If the council consists of the region's most powerful mages, there couldn't be dozens kept secret. Many talented sorcerers and sorceresses make themselves known one way or the other."

"Do you know how we could find your dad, Eva?" you ask.

"If you find out, make sure to let me know," she replies with a bit of spice.

"Right. Well, we can always go to the Chairmen whose house we've actually been to before. With him also being the most interested in Isekai Theory, surely he'll wanna hear from us, even if we show up uninvited again. Barkis identified Lauo back in the day, and he and your dad worked together to peer into my dreams. Time to call in another favour."

"One could ask a lot from someone like him," Vivi says. "What are we asking in particular?"

"We're gonna grill Eva's dad until he tells us what Lepo meant about her blood. Between these Bunny Hops and speaking with deities though, I'm gonna need a quick rest and a sandwich. But we'll head out today. I don't wanna wait any longer."

Eva smiles. "... Thank you, Kyle."