The fact that Karla was plummeting through the sky registered instantly, her fear of heights [/i]and[i] falling making damn well sure of that. Anyone who could handle being taken from the safety of their room and into a freefall without panicking was a better person than poor Karla, who could only scream at the approaching ground. She crashed into the ground front first, a painful thump coming from the unceremonious impact. Lucky for Karla, she actually passed out just before hitting the ground.

She rolled over onto her back, her short ginger hair comically spiking backwards still from the fall. There was no groan or cry of pain, just the skyward squinted and cynical gaze of a young girl who didn't really know what she was expecting by answering yes to a text box. Karla slowly moved to stand, first sitting up then getting onto her feet, taking in her surroundings. The sight of other people having seemingly gone through the same experience both pleased and worried Karla.
.
Although both in pain and shaken from the fall, Karla smiled pleasantly to Shujiko and then to the rest - not letting the sight of Tamara and Miranda's... predicament distract her at all.

"Hello. I assume you all also accepted a rather strange offer?" Karla said, her voice being something that could only be called siren-like in its majesty. She wasn't all too pleased with their current condition, but that was not betrayed in her tone in the slightest. If anything, she sounded somewhat amused by the situation they found themselves.

That [Charisma] ability was a subtle thing, most of the time.

She opened her mouth to speak once more, but was forced to stop by a surge of pain from her shoulder, wincing rather suddenly.

"Ow..." Her hand clamped down on her shoulder, trying to pressure the pain away.

"Oww..." August wasn't quite sure what was going on except that he had fallen down, been hit on the head with his own crutch and definitely wasn't in the garden anymore. In fact, he wasn't anywhere he recognized at all! Even stranger, floating text was telling him that he had been reborn as a Maou. It probably had something to do with the dialogue box he pressed, really. The next box even said something about his body and mind being different, which he guessed explained why he wasn't panicking nearly as much as he thought he should be in this sort of situation. A shame they couldn't actually fix my body while they were at it, but basically being an RPG character's pretty good too really...but why were we given all of this stuff anyways? There are definitely wider implications... [Tutorial Quest: What the Heck is Going On?!] <Journey into the Abandoned Castle for the obligatory exposition and synopsis!> Well, that sure was convenient...still, who knows what dangers and hidden complexities lurk in this new world? I'll have to stay completely focused and-

"COOKIES!~ Yay!~" His subtle scans of the area having picked up on Miranda's baked goods, August scooted and scuttled forwards from his seated position while beholding the treats with sparkly eyes of wonderment. and he instantly lunged to nom on the cookies like a predator pouncing on prey, oblivious to his previous wary train of thought and the others around him as he obsessed over the sweets in a completely carefree manner, practically radiating happiness as he did.

"... A-ah... wh-wha..."

Miranda had tried to greet everyone... and then, suddenly, there was a girl's face... in... in her chest... she was back on the ground... and face in her chest... The girl's cheeks reddened deeply and she sat in mute embarrassment as the other girl withdrew and apologized, offering her a hand to help her up. Miranda took it, getting to her feet and continuing to blush deeply. She'd... just planted her face directly into her chest... it was so embarrassing! Miranda shook her head, trying to regain her senses, and then realized that someone had jumped onto her cookies.

"... A-ah! You... um, those are... well... you can have two if you like but... they're... er... for... everyone..." Miranda looked around. She didn't know if anyone here would really want fresh chocolate chip cookies. And she was still so embarrassed after that fall... well... maybe she should try introducing herself instead! That might help... and also might distract from the incredibly awkward and embarrassing moment that had just occurred.

"Um... my name is Miranda," she began, trying to sound as calm as she could, "... Since... er, we're all here... we should know names..."

"...So cute..." Ran was definitely amused and a more than a little interested at the shenanigans happening nearby, finding it to be a rather pleasant distraction from the forced dimensional kidnapping that had occurred to her and all the other people in the general vicinity. Walking near the group after the marshmallow hell and the cookie monster incident happened, the San Francisco native waited and then introduced herself to the individuals and the group at large. "Heya! Name's Ran Hoshigane!" The girl exuberantly stated, her good mood having been recharged by the cuteness and funniness that had transpired. "Are all you guys Maous too or is that just me?" She said with good humor, flashing her pearly whites at the group. Though a part of her was fishing for information too, since she was rather curious if they were all in the same boat or if everyone was different. "Cause I think I accepted my invitation by accident..." This time she was a bit more nervous due to having punched the accept button.

Meanwhile as the group was busy exploring the environment and interacting with each other, life in the castle stirred. A figure was then standing upon the battlements, looking at the faraway group with a knowing smile. Soon, they would come and then the various plans would be put into motion. The figure smirked, imagining just how the legions of Light would take it when they found out that quite a few Maou were born. Granted they were weak and helpless right now but with the right training... Turning away, the individual moved deeper into the castle in order to prepare the property for habitation. Yes, the Maous' legacies will continue upon this day and Darkness will return to the lands once more...

Nine in total, eight others beside him. His quick look around told him he was probably one of the older individuals here, with the majority being young adults… if barely. He only recognized Yuno, who was beelining for the castle at the moment, which was a relief in itself. Considering they were right next to each other when this had happened, it didn’t seem too odd that she had ended up here. If everyone else had been someone he recognized as well though? That would have just been too odd. Not that the situation in itself wasn’t odd enough… Sighing, he cut himself off before his thoughts could run wild and refocused.

He raised a hand and nodded towards the brunette as a reply to her greeting, but what was supposed to be a pleasant expression darkened quickly. Turning away from the girl, he hadn’t meant to direct it towards her after all, he found himself looking at the castle that was supposed to be his destination. Call it an instinct, but he had a distinct feeling of being watched. Logically he knew there was no way for him to notice anything at such a distance, but he scanned the walls nonetheless. A flicker caught his attention, and though Adam knew he had seen the gleam of light the moment he had blinked it’d disappeared. “Tch.” Displeased, he schooled his expression before turning back to the group.

Ignoring the little spectacle with the three on the ground, he let his eyes pass the group by before settling on another individual. She was young, probably one of the younger, but he didn’t judge her solely on that. If he were to comment on his impression, he’d probably liken her to an officer cadet. Not quite there yet, but nonetheless deserving of respect. Not that any of that bled through when all he did was give a shrug that said, “Basically," as an answer to her question. He would have turned for the castle at that moment, wanting to figure out what this was all about and settle the uneasiness that had seeped in after his little observation, but he didn’t. Instead, he walked up to the orange haired young lady; just calling her girl didn’t seem appropriate. "Can I take a look?” With hands in his pocket, a cool tone as he asked, it wouldn’t be hard to see Adam as being indifferent. He did care though and hoped it was nothing more serious than a bruise. Anything else would most likely have her resting the arm for a few days.

"You're not the only on who pressed "Yes" By accident." Toru admitted walking over to group, bucket in other hand. "Toru Fukui, nice to meetcha." He introduced himself other hand hangin by his side holding the empty bucket while other one was resting on his hip. Toru had a tired look on his eyes, early wake up, no breakfast and trip through a portal with addition of jacket getting wet from splashed water, it was not a great start for his day. "Also If Gaining a mind and body of Maou means of becoming a maou.. yes, I believe I've become one." He replied to Ran.

Having by now climbed to her feet, Alice was well aware that one of her normal daily problems had followed her even here--everyone else was taller than she was. By appearances, also far lighter than she happened to be, which was mildly frustrating but still less annoying than being so damn tiny. Someone was going to try and make a joke out of her height, she could tell. Then she'd punch them in the face for being a jerk.

Internal grumbling aside, the girl happily adjusted her glasses and shamelessly paid more attention to Tamara and Miranda's "introduction" than to the group, the scenery, or any other useless tutorial messages that might have shown themselves. This was far more important than noticing people had showed up could ever be, after all. Then, though, it was onto the 'give your name' phase, which was unpleasant enough that she said as little as she could get away with.

"Alice. Pressed yes intentionally."

With a determined grimace, Rolf hit the ground, the mountain of muscle landing on his feet and looking around. It seemed like they were introducing themselves, and it wouldn't do to leave them unaware. This did not, however, mean he would stop moving towards this new challenge at the castle.

"MEIN NAME IS ROLF VAN EISENFAUST! I AM HERE BECAUSE A MAN NEVER REFUSES A CHALLEEEEENGE!"

Tamara Winters, Miranda's cleavage

"Um, um, well, um..." Tamara wasn't usually one to get so flustered, but this had taken her off guard. And Miranda was so soft... "Well, um, I'm, um..."

Her spine suddenly turned rigid as she heard a booming voice erupt amongst all the introductions. Rolf's overly enthusiastic statement blasted away all of her embarrassment, such was the power behind his words and voice. Standing to attention, the redhead decided that she should probably introduce herself too...

"I'm Tamara! Tamara Winters!" Grinning wildly, she seemed to have forgotten to let go of Miranda's hand. "And this is one weird dream, ahah!"

Miranda wasn't sure what to say, really. Everyone was introducing themselves so quickly, it was really kind of surprising! and... some had come here by accident... to be fair, she didn't really realize this was what the strange floating menu had been talking about. It should have said more, really, if it was expecting people to go do this... but maybe this would be fun? There were plenty of other people... and one of them seemed really hotblooded! That was amazing! What else could an introduction like that mean? Miranda felt a bit less embarrassed after hearing that, even...

"It's nice to meet you all, even if... oh, ah..." Miranda realized that the other girl was still holding her hand. But before she could do much to mention it, the girl introduced herself very energetically. With a yelp, Miranda suddenly began to topple forward, her balance thrown off as she stumbled over and landed directly on the ground, face-down.

"..."

"... Ow..."

August looked up from the plate of miraculous sky-cookies and noticed Miranda for the first time while still crouched in sort of an odd position with a cookie halfway to his mouth. She had said something...about the cookies...maybe she was the person who made them? What was it she was saying about the cookies, though? He could barely hear her considering he was still gnawing on one like a dog with a bone...the cookies were...for everyone! That was it!

...oh.

August dropped the cookie he was holding back onto the plate and practically wilted with the sort of expression more suitable on a scolded puppy than a human. It wasn't that Miranda had been particularly mean, but the thought of denying people awesome cookies when they were supposed to be shared was pure horribleness in his mind! He had denied those cookies their destiny of spreading joy in the world, and now others would never taste them! He was practically tearing up at the thought of it! Oh sure there were still some cookies left, but those particular ones were gone forever and ever!

As people introduced themselves one by one August continued to mope until the giant Germanic man started screaming about manliness and challenges, which distracted him almost completely from why he was sad in the first place. Then Miranda fell over onto her face. Well, that seemed pretty lousy. If nothing else August knew by experience that falling flat on one's face wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. With that in mind he held one of the cookies out to their original maker as she sprawled their on the ground.

" 'm August! Want one of the cookies I stole? I also do hugs and/or first aid, I guess."

Well it was true, if not entirely usual.

Well, what a colourful cast that had been assembled. With the introductions underway, Shujiko figured she should join in, and chimed, "Shujiko Ishi! I guess I'm a Maou?"
So everyone had more or less done the same thing Shujiko herself had, and responded to the weird writing in their head. So everyone was either insane and on the same wavelength... or it was a dream like that Tamara girl said. One of those options was certainly more appealing than the other.

With the bombastic guy and someone else heading for the castle, Shujiko looked between them and the rest of the group, wondering what to do next. Staying near the cute g- larger group seemed sensible enough... but did any of them really have an idea of where they were? Shuji sure didn't.
"So... anyone know what this 'Maou' stuff's about, anyway?" she asked the group, "it sounds cool enough, but I ave no idea what I'm doing, ehehe..."

"Ngh.." Toru felt a ting of frustration how some just pressed yes and being all happy and clueless.How could they be so calm about their choice. "I guess it's to the castle then.." He muttered to himself and looking at castles general direction."Feel free to chit chat as long as you want, i'll see you all when I see you at castle." He announced already following the road to castle giving a farewell wave at those left behind without turning. Trusty metal bucket at his side, following paved road to castle.

He felt slight uncomfortable with situation being at unknown location but there was nothing else he really could do but follow the "Quest" and get sense of the situation.

Those who went along into the castle would notice that they went into the castle there was already an occupant. She was small and slight, dressed up in a most curious set of clothes that brought to mind flightless aquatic birds. Looking at the people with a gimlet eye, the penguin imitating girl tsked and simply sat back upon her gleaming obsidian throne that entirely dwarfed her by a magnitude. "You don't look all that much useful for this grand and glorious cause... but it'll have to do since the offer was final." Sighing, the mystery girl in the pageboy haircut looked rather put upon. Those who who continued to stare at her would see words popping up above her head to denote her name and various other information: [Ruby Eyed Shannaro IX, Last Living Maou of the Previous Generation].

August regarded the alleged ruby-eyed demon lord with the same sparkly-eyed wonder he had seemed to look at everything with so far. After all, this whole situation was exactly the sort of break from the monotonous parts of his life he'd been dreaming of up until now and it seemed not too different from a trip through an amusement park themed after JRPGs so far.

"Lady...did you know you're a penguin!? I mean seriously, you're like the most adorable little penguin at the aquarium I've ever seen! Are all demon lords in this world so adorable!? And- wait, whatsis about a grand and glorious whatnow? Also my name's August, and um...I kinda sorta just assumed this was all a really weird vacation offer. Or a dream...it isn't after all, huh?"

He supposed that might change things a little, if there really was some big mission to go along with all of this. But he really didn't have much to do these days, so if they were going to save the world well...it was still better than boredom right?

Miranda sat back, onto her rear. Falling on the ground hurt like that... and it was embarrassing, doing something like that surrounded be people she didn't even know... Of course, then she saw something that completely distracted her. It was a little girl! A little girl dressed to look like a penguin somehow! This was... completely adorable! Miranda's pain was forgotten at the sight of such extreme, over-the-top levels of utter adorableness right there. And she was on a throne that was too big for her oh that was just so cute... There was a bit of confusion when the name and title of the girl appeared. She was a Maou too?

What was really going on here...? Was the adorable little girl in the penguin outfit going to explain things to them? But that seemed like a silly source of exposition! ... In the best way possible, but was that really going to be it? ... Well it wouldn't be a problem at all!

"... A-are you going to explain why we're here...?"

"Penguin?" Toru said out the word when he saw The Last Maou. He was dumbfounded by the scene in front of him. She did have overwhelming presence around her but still gave a bit of sense of joke. He was still slowly intaking the information about his current situation along with other people. "Hey Ran... that's.... a penguin right...? I'm not the only on whose seeing this right...?" He asked pointing with blank face at little Maou penguin girl.

He also felt huge second hand embarrassment because of August loud remark. Well, each one had their own way of handling the situation he guessed.