Unlike most big towns in Mainland Errarion, Soban rarely gets stopped by or even considered for those who are willing to travel despite the dangers of demons lurking on every step, but many factors contribute to this statistic.

Firstly, Soban is deep underground and hard to find for someone without a map or clear directions pointing to the passages, and unlike the beginning of the Aria Caves (now dubbed this way after Bancho's explorations), the passage is reported to be one of the few places where lots and lots of dangerous creatures lurk, obviously easily countered by Demonears, but not by normal citizens.

Secondly, Mirillis is often overlooked because people believe there is nothing special about it. In the case of Magna, it's the buying and selling culture of Handulia, and in Saphrith, the quaint, white and vined streets and the sheer idea of living in a town dubbed the epicentre of all important historical events. But then again, this problem only arose since people weren't interested enough in the first place. That mainly stemmed from a certain aversion to Mirillians which grew ever since the first Errarion war ended.

Back then, Mirillians were everywhere, and unlike most races, they didn't have a defined home or region. Adding insult to injury, they looked just a little different than Paladians and had these long ears, so oftentimes they were somehow confused with those of Paladian royalty. Their appearance has changed drastically over the years due to evolution and adaptation to new environments, which was initially caused by others.

This wasn't a problem to most people, but the royalty quickly got their heads heated after a Mirillian, thought to be of peasant blood was spotted on a date with the daughter of the royalty. Then, more reports came in from the same people, sometimes from Tributals as well.

Their hate for the race grew exponentially with each action, and that bigotry still hasn't faded over the years. They don't hate certain individuals for doing wrong but blame their origins instead. Even to this day, when Mirillians found themselves chased away and locked up underground, certain people were not afraid to state their strong beliefs.

Now, putting all of that into context, you have Chyuuichi. He hasn't personally experienced much hate coming from those around him, (except for the obvious and unfortunate bits) yet, sitting here, amid all the royals, Morians, Paladians, Erans and Tributals, he felt at ease, seldom looking around and checking the expressions on people's faces, sometimes even ignoring Bancho's words which Atomu kept scolding him for.

Chyuuichi much like any other Mirillian simply wanted to be like the others and having an opportunity such as this barely gave him a moment to contain his excitement and smiles. Hearing certain words, and announcements of heading into Mirillis, his eyes lit up, and excitement overrode any troubled notion. Atomu patted his back a few times.

After Bancho's statement, instead of a sudden hush, conversations were sparked, and people whispered to one another. Concerns included the danger of this entire ordeal, his ridiculous plans, and if this would've been a thing that involved only himself, or other people as well.

"This is ludicrous! In the caves below Morta?!" A voice asked.

"You'll get killed!" Someone else responded.

"You can't defeat Shi Hon! He's unkillable!"

"But we'll be going through Mirillis!" Chyuuichi added as well, hoping to ease the tension. The person sitting next to him buried themselves in their chair, avoiding the drama.

Morio's heart kept beating fast, and stress grew, pinching his back. Jyuzou glanced at him, unsurely.

Finally, Zenon sighed, taking a stance, and putting his hands together behind his dark, olive green overalls. "If you think what we established is simple tomfoolery, then fine," he uttered. "Let go and leave this palace, if you vow to call yourself a coward and a person who believes in despair."

He stepped into the middle, and everyone eventually hushed down.

"There's a reason why of all the people in Errarion..." he pointed around with his finger. "These few were invited. The great Demonears, as well as noble people, are willing to take on this world's cruel challenges."

"Thank you, Zenon." Bancho nodded, signalling him to sit down, but Kashmir kept going.

"Why not reach for the light if it shines brightly in your face? Why do you want to stay in the darkness?" Kashmir clenched his fist.

"So you're willing to wrap more people into your crazy plans?" Anna-Pom whispered to Bancho.

"I can't do it myself," Bancho added.

"Well, there's always someone by your side." she folded her arms, with a small smirk.

He glanced at her, then sighed, and stood up too, almost trying to make himself bigger in front of Kashmir. "Our plan is not ludicrous or suicidal. It's how things go, how life and fate decide for words to be said or actions to be taken. So please, if all of you would listen, I'd be grateful. Then, we can debate whether things are wrong or right."

Some nodded, and one even responded with a loud "Yes". Bancho turned on his heel to Kashmir.

"...and you, please refrain from trying to scare them into doing something they don't want to do."

"I wasn't, Mr Bancho," Kashmir spoke. "You couldn't hush them."

Bancho shook his head, and sat back down, essentially letting Zenon take his place for the time being.

"Plans were set in stone long before the temple was discovered," Kashmir explained. "We as humans, have longed for a chance at reclaiming the freedom and lands taken away by the filthiest of demons." he clenched his fists, and Atomu scratched his forehead.

"Such were in full swing for seasons." Bancho nodded. "...and I'm sorry that you have to learn so late. But it was for the best."

Morio glanced at him for a second.

"Sitting on those chairs and around this circle is a group of the people I analyzed as the most suitable to set out in the first group, the Star Cave Troupe, as well as those who will be joining as the Discoverers." Kashmir skipped around. "As you might have already guessed, the troupe will go through the caves below Errarion, finding a way into Shi Hon's temple. While the second group will scout around Morta."

"Morta?!" Rowan yelled out. "Don't be ridiculous!"

"Please, Rowan," Kashmir muttered.

"Oh, well then!" Rowan stood up. "I'm assuming it's gonna be those two again!" they pointed at the Morians.

"E-Excuse me?" Jyuzou seemed a little offended.

"If they came back to tell the tale, then they're the reason why this was even considered in the first place," Kashmir spoke. "...and we've already decided. It's going to consist of four Tributals. Ace, Damien, Kukhi and you, Rowan."

"WHAT?!" Rowan seemed devastated, while the other Tributals Zenon named shrugged their shoulders. One even bumped fists with someone else, excited to finally do something.

"I know my maps better," Kukhi whispered.

"No, I do," Damien smirked, while Ace forcefully separated them.

Rowan was fuming, however.

"You won't be stepping onto those lands. Instead, a ship is being built. Ace is an amazing captain, as from the stories I've heard."

"Yes, Mr Kashmir!" Ace put their hand over their forehead. "You can trust me with everything!"

"Agh." Rowan coughed out.

Kashmir took a deep breath in. "Your task is to be on the lookout if things were to go haywire and prove support if so."

Rowan rolled their eyes.

"Assuming from stories, maps and predictions, there are going to be lots and lots of exits out of the caves and into Morta, and it will be your task to locate the troupe and take them back home. As days pass through the planned timetable, your boat will advance further and further. All will be given to you."

"Ridiculous," Rowan angrily muttered again, shaking from fury. "You're sending us howling towards death."

"After all that has happened, we can't consider stepping into Morta for a good while an honest possibility. Slim chances don't appear for everyone. Don't even think about it, use everything else to make haste."

"Yes, Mr Kashmir!" Damien raised their voice, pointing their fingers to their sharp eyes, and Rowan sighed, definitely annoyed. They glanced at Morio, though, who seemed equally stressed out of his mind.

"We may finally move on, then." Bancho rubbed his hands together. "To the Star Cave Troupe." he leaned in.

"Why isn't the name Star Sun Cave Troupe?" Atomu raised his hand.

"It would be too long to be cool."

"Oh."

"Assessing Demonear's knowledge, we have picked exactly eight people who are to join, willingly, of course. If someone were to-"

"Bancho, I'm still glad you're thinking of this entire ordeal as willingness," Rowan muttered. "No one has a choice here, do they?"

"You can still reject Kashmir's proposition." Bancho shook his head. "But that would go against your Tributal pride, wouldn't it?"

"Pf." Rowan looked away, with their eyes eventually meeting Ambrosia's glimpse. They huffed, before staring up.

Bancho chuckled a little and continued. "Firstly, I'm the person who assumes leadership of this entire troupe."

"Bancho M. Vitaglia." Kashmir read from a piece of paper. "Guardian Demon, Saxyo, and the demon resting inside, Khuna. Your element is water, your class is, obviously, Vitaglia, and your magic spells are of both enchantment and abjuration."

"So cool!" Chyuuichi muttered, clapping his hands, but no one else did. He gave Atomu a mean look, and the Paladian followed in his footsteps.

"The second pillar to this operation is certainly someone to guide us through the caves, into Soban, and out of Mirillis towards the Shi Hon's temple. Be it, simple intuition, or actual knowledge for that matter."

"I could be good for that!" Chyuuichi quickly whispered again, and Atomu recalled their pathfinding in Mount Aria, as a frown appeared on his face. Bancho glanced at them for a moment, with a weak smile.

"Chyuuichi Gamma." Kashmir continued.

"Me?" Chyuuichi asked, beaming. "That's my surname?"

"Guardian Demon, Morgana. A great scythe, cutting through the air, forged by Elton himself. The demon that rests inside is..." he squinted his eyes.

"Slidix," Elton whispered, albeit very loudly. "...and Morgana's not the name I chose."

"Slidix... and your element is ice." he sighed. "Gotta work on your handwriting."

"Ahh!" Chyuuichi couldn't contain his excitement.

"Your class is Skamander, and I've heard you were already way ahead of the curve, learning a conjuration spell," Kashmir smirked, putting his hand on his chin. "Very impressive, Ska Chyuuichi."

"Oh, so that's what it stands for." Jyuzou thought, before turning over to Morio again, who seemed a little too quiet to be Morio. He pushed on his shoulder, and the other gave him an unsure glance, before staring at the ground. "What's going on?" Jyuzou whispered.

"I don't know," Morio answered. "I'm stressed."

"A jack of all trades, a guide..." Bancho counted, attributing a very nice trait to himself. "...and we certainly need a strong fighter. Not necessarily someone willing to bash their heads in to accomplish their goals, but someone with a hefty tool that handles things even if its user may not be as confident as the blade's brutality." Bancho signalled, clenching his fist, smiling with excitement again.

"Atomu Turon." Kashmir continued.

"Me?" Atomu made a strange sound, with a confounded look on his face.

"Knrhum's Blade, huh?" Kashmir eyed the Paladian, and Atomu looked away, playing with his hair.

"E-Elton gave it to me." Atomu quickly answered.

"It's a very powerful weapon, and Knrhum himself lay waste to those below him. Some say he once competed against Shi Hon, lost three hundred seventy-seven fights, but one was considered a draw." Kashmir continued. "I don't think you realize what you're holding onto, dear Dra Atomu." Zenon sat back. "Element, ground, class, Dracona. Magic, divination. It's a formality at this point." he signalled with his hand.

Atomu laughed nervously, giving him a thumbs up.

"Another venture for the both of us, buddy!" Chyuuichi slammed his back, and Atomu fell face-first onto the floor.

"Now, we need someone who can help in the most dire of situations. Be it, a great toolsmaker who can whip anything out at a moment's notice, or someone with more physical and human strength than the others."

"Me." Chyuuichi raised his hand. "Wait, never mind."

"Not Mirillian strength, but the power of simple men. Men, as in, not a Demonear. Finishing off the category of the three who sit there, the fourth member of the troupe is none other than Elton." he pointed.

"Huh?" Elton sounded, with glassy eyes. "HUH?!" he suddenly raised his voice.

"You're not a Demonear, but you're well-skilled in crafting Guardian Demons, and an amazing craftsman of both worlds. It's a skill only acquired by some, Elton Kasper." Kashmir explained.

"Oh boy..." Elton breathed out, swinging his hands back and forth. "Alright, I'll do it." he smiled.

"It's not a common thing for someone to simply find Knrhum's Blade lying around. There's a spark in you that doesn't gleam in others." Kashmir informed.

Atomu turned to Elton, with a light beam, and the other quickly mirrored. Anna-Pom squinted her eyes, before chuckling, subtly.

"You don't need to be a Demonear to be special," Bancho uttered, and Chyuuichi quickly looked at him, then at Elton, multiple times. "Continuing..."

The old Morian took a quick glimpse at all the people sitting on the chairs or surrounding those who were already chosen, analysing the expressions on their faces.

"Four more to go," Kashmir added, snapping his fingers, somewhat impatiently.

"A warrior, a guide, and a craftsman, and what else does a troupe like this need? An analyst, my dear friends." Bancho raised a finger. "Someone brainier than the others to spot things going wrong, perhaps to help the others sort out ideas or put motion into still thoughts," Bancho said, putting both hands on his thighs.

Jyuzou's heart skipped a louder beat, and with one last gulp, the things that he expected suddenly came.

"Jyuzou Junya." Kashmir read, with a sudden grin on his face. He took a quick look at the Morian and continued through with the list. "Guardian Demon, the Great Kowitzer, the demon that rests inside is Noda. Element, air, and class Vitaglia, so much like Bancho's, your magic is enchantment. However, Vit Jyuzou, I don't think your strength lay in your talent as a Demonear, even though it is, undoubtedly, there." he pushed his fingers on his cheek, scratching.

"I-I'll do my best!" Jyuzou, holding on to his kneecaps, yelled.

"Now, my troupe, is everybody alright with being chosen?" Bancho asked, extending his arms, the question arising from the courtesy of Rowan's smirk.

Chyuuichi quickly nodded, Atomu hesitantly gave a thumbs up, Elton stared down but gave him a rather shy and unsure look of a forced smile, and Jyuzou grabbed Bancho's hand, violently shaking it.

Morio sat still, shaking his head left and right, looking at everyone in the room.