Explore.

"While we wait for Lady Vex, I implore you to truly absorb the might of our land," says Masumi. "Go wherever you wish, of course within reason, though if you get yourself into trouble of your own doing, it will be upon you to get yourself back out. Remember that all here serve our mighty Demon King. Not that I plan to eliminate you during your stay, but you best keep your wits about you."

I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable. She's been nothing but sweet, though it's easy to forget what kind of woman she must be to serve a Demon King. I get the feeling that I wouldn't want to actually cross her. That being said, I'm apparently a Demon King, and there are girls that serve under me who I wouldn't necessarily be afraid of... That's different though.

The opulent Amara puts her hands together and smiles. "Let us make the best of our time away," she suggests. Then she twirls around, fluttering her beautiful, exotic dress like the petals of a flower. While she stands, you gaze upon her radiant visage, especially the subtle hint of her bare legs through the translucent-fading material.

"Sounds good to me," you reply. "I admit, it is pretty nice here. I haven't been able to enjoy something more akin to a city since I was banished."

Eva giggles and skips over towards you. Her tightly squeezed chest bounces within the blue top. Given how much interest she'd had in becoming exposed in front of others, you can't help but envision yourself grabbing that shirt and yanking it right down, popping her out. "So is this what it was like for you growing up?" she asks as she casts her eyes to Niki.

"Not exactly." She self-consciously tugs on her crimson tube top--adjusting the skimpy piece of fabric. But then she looks down over herself with a smile. Normally she carries herself like a tomboyish warrior, though with her body decorated in silks like a dancer, even she seems to be enjoying it. "Where exactly in the Oraang Desert are we? I've never seen this place before. Kyle can tell you too, but my home town is not nearly this grandiose."

"Where are you from?" Masumi asks.

"Althudiyu."

"Far, far south west from there."

"Good." She crosses her arms. "Like I said before. You invade my town, I come for you."

Masumi chuckles. "All right, well come now, Farin. We're going to follow our guests around as they see the sights."

You depart from the building and begin your way down the streets. It isn't bustling like a city. While it is expansive within the walls, it's more like a fortification made of sandstone, and decorated with black and gold. There are likely more people here than you have in Castle Phoenix, however. You do still spot various people as you go, likely each with their own role within her society. You can't help but wonder how she chooses to run things--where her supplies come from, who her allies are, etc. It isn't stuff you really thought you'd ponder before, but now you understand.

The pathway is nicely pathed with stone of the same colour as all others. Along the sides are magic lanterns, though they're currently off.

As you continue, your party finds itself within a residential area of buildings built closely beside one another, and because of where the sun is up in the sky, the shadow of the great walls around you partially cloak this area with a blanket of dim light.

I wonder how much time Vex needs before she talks to us. Maybe she's trying to get Aris. As nice as this place is, I just feel really uncomfortable. People look at us strangely. In a way, we're trapped, surrounded by potential enemies. We might not be wanted here at all.

You're shaken from your thoughts to the sound of a man screaming for help.

Niki is the first to dash forwards. By the sound of it, something is happening between two buildings to your right. She hurries into the darkness of the alley as quickly as she can, and of course, you and the rest of your party follow suit. Though you rush to help, you can't shake the feeling of deja vu.