Backtrack.

It takes time to reverse direction back through the ruins of the subterranean stel'ae structure, though it's certainly easier now that you have a guide to follow. You occasionally hear movement from deeper within the labyrinth, though the guardian constructs leave you alone now that Havaea deems you worthy to pass. Though as you continue, you notice a melancholy sigh from Eva beside you.

When she notices your eyes upon her--something she's keenly aware of it seems, even for a species with exceptional hearing--she returns your gaze with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me," she explains. "It's just... I was kinda hoping we'd run into a stel'ae or something. Not that I'm ungrateful for Ms. Luadar's help of course. I guess I just got my hopes up. It makes sense a place like this would be long abandoned."

The elf in question leads the way. Her holographic body has since returned into the floating metal disc. When she speaks, the gauntlets below move as if her body is still present, and her hands are merely the only thing still seen. "Not entirely abandoned, I suppose. The slimes quite enjoy playing with intruders."

"... I've noticed," Niki grumbles.

When you finally near the exit, you turn to see the residents in question. Several slimes stand in the hall, no longer caring to hide--white, purple, green, and blue. They wave toward your parting.

"Do not worry, everybody. I will return after aiding these adventurers," explains Havaea Luadar.

Eva waves back. "Sorry for intruding, and thanks for helping care for this place!"

"When shall we rest for the night?" Amara asks. "The sun has surely set in full since we have entered this place."

"I am unhindered by darkness, and I only just woke up," responds Havaea. "Perhaps we can make progress for a few more hours before we consider rest."

"And if we sleep here, we'll wake up without a scrap of clothes left on our bodies," Niki adds.

"... You think so?" Eva asks quietly.

Masumi chimes in. "I think continuing onward is a wise decision. Our foes are surely not holding back, so we shouldn't either."

You nod. "Nyllia. Amara. Eva. Niki. Masumi. Ms. Luadar. You all ready to head out? It's time to track down these thieves. I don't know what sort of psycho would want Xavex to get stronger, but I guess a being like that probably has some kind of cult following."

One by one you emerge from the cave, though not without Niki in distress as she remembers an embarrassing reason why leading the pack right now is troublesome. You get a generous look up at her backside as she hikes up the rocky cavern entrance, but once at the top, she brings her shield down between her legs.

"With how often this happens, I am surprised you do not bring extra clothing on these adventures," Nyllia comments.

Only a few moments later, your FONE buzzes. It's coming from Party B, those tasked to investigate the forest of Silverleaf. You halt your party and bring the thin metal slab to your ear. When you do, Ms. Luadar looks at it with great interest.