Give chase.

Similar to that of Barkis' tower, a set of stairs curve around the circular room though these descend. You can't see Candy anymore, but you, Eva, Amara, and Catherine keep up behind Niki as you all make your way swiftly down the steps. It arcs for a long moment before finally hitting a wall, where a door is present into whichever room this lower floor has. You don't have to think much about it, because your warrior grabs the knob and pushes it open, leading you all into your destination.

The room is just as wide as the previous, but there's a big, round, black table in the center with a dozen cushioned seats around it. Even more clutter covers the counters and shelves here, and there are a number of maps, strange trinkets, and more, and much of it is lit by one vibrant chandelier directly in the middle. Six of the chairs are filled, and each figure turns to you as you enter.

Niki pants, and her eyes meet with Candy sitting ahead, though now with the Circle staring back, even she would rather not attack... for now.

First, you see Vazeela Sulta. No longer must she wear the office-lady-like uniform of Redbloom Academy, and now she appears much more like when you first met her at the Golden Sword tournament. She's a stunning woman with dark skin and red eyes, as she is a Sunheart, just like Niki. Her wavy raven hair flows past her shoulders, and in addition to eyes made bolder by dark lashes and lips painted a shiny red, she's further decorated by a gold circlet through her hair, as well as several rings and bracelets. The black robe she wears is hardly a robe at all, as it's completely open on the front aside from at her waist where it's held by a gold belt. It's a miracle her full, perky breasts remain covered at all, and below there's nothing more than black bikini bottoms covered in even more jewellery. Her feet are slipped into a pair of sandals fit for a queen. You know her as a mighty transmuter--an elite class of mage that specializes in augmenting people as well as the world around them.

Next is another familiar face--Drev Barkis. He may be bald, but the hair on his face extends down farther with more volume than most have on top, and his brows above his chestnut eyes are just as bushy. He's garbed in a golden robe trimmed with black as well. He's helped you a few times now, and was the first to bring to you the concept of Isekai Theory. Not only that, but he identified Lauo back in the day too. You know him as a high level enchanter, which is an elite class of mage which focuses on the manipulation of one's mind, whether that mean entering somebody's dream or simply putting them in a daze.

Rada Beela is next, aka Eva's father. His hair is long and lavender just like his daughter's, though he has a short beard and dresses in a dark red robe. He has the same bright blue eyes as his daughter too. A wooden staff clutching a pearl at the end rests against the table beside him. While he may have been out of Eva's life for long enough to cause quite a bit of tension between them, their relationship has at least improved somewhat, though after his explanation about the identity of Eva's mother, you can see that the tension certainly persists by how they look at one another from across the room. You know him as a mighty pyromancer--of course an elite class of mage which is all about fire magic.

But now, you also see the so-called Candy Cane as well. The mischievous clown girl has her staff resting beside her as well, and she kicks her feet back and forth impatiently as she watches your room enter with a smile. By what you've seen, as well as what she called herself before, she must be an illusionist, which is an elite class of mage that focuses on... well, illusions. The one she created to fool you seemed so real too.

There are two others, and these you haven't met.

The first in a dwarven man. He wears a deep blue robe with silver patterns, and with a hood resting over long, black hair. His beard is braided and decorated with three golden bands. A short steel staff covered in symbols rests through his belt almost like a sword. His eyes are deep green, and when the two of you make eye contact, he gives a silent nod.

Next to him is a far more rare sight to behold. While everyone here is rather unique, there are certain species, or races, that aren't nearly as common as elves or catfolk or something similar. Rising up behind her against the back of the seat is a cloud of gold--nine tails, each tipped white, which matches the fox-like ears atop her head. She has long, blond hair with bangs parted to cover one eye. The one you can see is silver. Her nails are sharp but well-manicured, and painted red, which contrast not only to her fair skin, but also to the green grape she pinches between her index and thumb. There's a bowl of more on the able right in front of her. They also match her bright crimson kimono which she wears only loosely over her body, which reminds you of Masumi, though unlike her, it isn't in a way where a pair of massive melons could fall free at any time. In fact, this woman is rather slender, with a physique far more like Amara's.

She's leaning back on her chair, giving her room to rest one bare foot onto the tabletop--those nails painted as well. Though from what you can see below, a sandal still hangs loosely off the other. Her missing sandal is simply below. As the two of you meet eyes, she places the grape upon her tongue, and she slowly takes it into her mouth before biting down to eat.

Barkis is the first to nod his head and begin speaking. "Welcome, Demon King and allies. You stand in the official meeting chamber of the Underhorn, a subterranean tower built long ago. Its true location is a closely held secret, though I hope Lady Cane did a proper job in guiding you here. I trust it wasn't too difficult," he says with a quick glare of judgement in her direction.

Candy leans back in her chair as well, though almost so far it looks as if it's an inch away from falling. "Naah! It was as easy as pie. I even gave him a special greeting."