Visit Zettanko.

After getting anything you might need, you, Amara, Eva, and Niki follow the other trio of girls through the portal. It's just as it was the last time you used a portal conjured by Kashura--like stepping through a hole in a wall, yet the other side is hundreds of miles away. The temperature immediately changes, and it's somewhat familiar. There's a wave of heat as you once again enter the Oraang Desert like you did way back along with Niki, though now your whole party is here with you.

As it shuts behind, you're left to gaze upon the majesty of Zettanko in person. You don't want to admit it, but it does appear far more visually impressive than Castle Phoenix, but it's not a fair comparison. Still, it's gorgeous. All around you are rolling dunes of sand, but among them are towering sandstone walls surrounding the fortress itself within. You've been brought to the front gates. They're pure black with crimson décor.

Did she bring me here instead of inside just to show everything off? Surely we could have just started within the walls.

The tops are black as well. It's a stark contrast to the walls as well as the pale terrain all around you. As Vex walks forwards, the gates pull open, and you begin following behind her. It's quite a sight to behold. The buildings themselves are just like the walls--sandstone with black roofs, though they're rounded on top. You can recognize a theme as you spot further black and red decorations, but you also see a couple beautiful, lush green parks. You spot a fountain with glistening water too. As the group continues along the brick road, you notice a number of different citizens of her land--sunhearts, humans, catfolk, and more. There's a lot to take in, and it isn't long before you reach a central plaza.

There's a huge obsidian statue of Lady Vex herself posing in a rather dramatic manner. Her bare foot is slammed down on a skull, and in her hand is a sword with another skull above the cross guard. Around the statue are benches, and then the path continues onwards in a few different directions. Forward, however, is the largest building of all. It looks like an Arabian Nights palace fit for a queen.

A roar rings out across the sky. When you look up, you see a huge black dragon soaring rather low. It causes a wind to pick up around you. Then it disappears somewhere into the city, which is odd considering its size. You think back, and remember how dragons can supposedly transition into humanoid forms, just like Malakae. You never did see her true form, but you imagine it must be beautiful considering she'd be golden.

"Tada! Now, we just need to wait for Aris," Vex explains. "I'm going to hangout in my palace for now. You can all do whatever you want. Just don't cause any trouble. I just want you to really absorb how amazing Zettanko truly is. Masumi, I need you to go with them, just in case."

Finally, the fox poofs into a cloud of smoke, and reappearing is the nine-tailed buxom beauty. She's dressed in a dark emerald kimono decorated with the faces of tiny white dogs. "Of course, my lady." She brings her hands back through her bright red hair. Her ears twitch, and she flashes her gaze directly at you. "It seems I get the privilege of taking care of you, Mr. Warren."

"Do whatever you want," Vex says as she's already walking away. "Come on, Kashura."

As they depart, your party is left with a busty kitsune guide. You don't know how long it'll be before Aris appears, but you might as well enjoy the fortress in the meantime. Even if you can't find anything fun to do, at least you'll be able to get some information on where Lady Vex is living. You don't want her to be your enemy, but it's never a bad idea to have information.

"Though we've met before, I feel as if I haven't properly spoken to the three of you girls," says Masumi. She smiles sweetly, like a caring mother. The way she carries herself speaks of her maturity--calm, sweet. It's hard to imagine she's so close to Lady Vex at all, nor somebody who serves under a Demon King. "My name is Masumi, as you already know. A kitsune, which I assume you also already know. I hope you enjoy your stay at Zettanko. My lady has worked hard for what we have."

"You better not be planning anything fishy against my people!" Niki shouts out as she points. "If my parents are even in a little bit of danger, I'll tear this place down with my own hands."

Masumi chuckles. "Oh dear me. Well we can't have that. Don't worry. If you haven't run into us so far, then you must surely be too far from our reach. We have no need to raid and pillage the cities of this desert. With how powerful we are, there would be little to gain. Such an action would be petty. Now please follow me. Allow me to treat you to some outfits that will be more comfortable to wear while you're here."

Eva gasps. "But don't the people of Oraang Desert mostly walk around naked?" Her face starts to flush. She places her hands on her cheeks and looks bashfully to the side. "Oh my. Can I really do something like that in front of all these strangers?"

"Of course we don't!" Niki shouts. She bonks the bunny on the head. "We went over this before."

"I would love to try on outfits from another culture," Amara says.

"Wonderful," says Masumi. Her eyes catch a green-skinned boy with two sharp protruding teeth and short pointed ears. He seems rather young, though he's armed with a blade and loose-fitting silken clothes. "Pardon me, Farin. Can you assist me with something?"

The half-orc glances over.

Before he can speak, the kitsune temptress slowly slips the soft fabric of her kimono down one of her shoulders. The fold down the center loosens, revealing a little bit more of her massive cleavage as she looks to the boy with a smile. "It's... rather hot today. Would you be a sweetie and grab a large pack, and then meet us inside that building up ahead? I'm going to need a hand getting changed."

"Yes, ma'am!" he shouts eagerly. Then he runs off as quickly as he can.

"Wonderful. Everybody please follow me."