So it appears that our twenty-eight missing members did not spontaneously return to their homeworlds; rather we are dealing with a kidnapping. I had to dig a little deeper into the rabbit hole to figure out what exactly was happening, but it was thanks to someone there who is not one of us that we are aware of their situation at all.

Regardless, the information is vital and as far as the rest of the populace knows, for our eyes only. Pay attention, and make sure you listen well as I will not be repeating myself.

I have...--ahem--- tools available to me. No, I am not telling you what exactly, it's rather a secret affair, to put it lightly, but the point is, I was able to confront certain officials and learn more of the entire picture.

You see, there's a truce between the Government and the more...powerful demonic members of Hinoti-Ri's society. Perhaps you may have noticed that, apart from the Zodiac monsters, most of our issues have been with lesser demons. Nothing too powerful that we can't handle, apart from a runaway hooligan or two. Now, one would think that this is rather unusual, and if so, then yes, you would be quite correct.

Established a few years ago, the demons hold an underground fighting ring where they used to kidnap civilians to test out their Persona powers. However, one can easily assume that the government was none-too pleased about its disappearing populace and staged an operation that would have dismantled the entire thing, had intensive negotiations not reached an agreement where civilians would not be harmed. In exchange, demons could continue to operate these underground fighting rings among themselves and a relative peace would be established.

However, our arrival caused an anomaly. If you hold up your card, you may notice something. We are Guests. Visitors. Technically, as far as bureaucratic issues are concerned, we are not civilians. And even demons will notice an opportunity when they see one, although one may have to wonder who gave them this idea and why now. However, we have been slowly tested before, what with the Pixie, Frost and Pyro Jacks.

Now, before you go running off playing heroes like they expect, keep in mind that these are very powerful demons. At this very moment, they could be testing our allies in life or death situations. Therefore, we must move quickly, bu we must also move intelligently.

Rather difficult when we are not sure where they are.

This is a mission that we'll need to do on our own. I suppose it may seem strange for me to ask you not to fight for the city, but rather for us, but that is what we'll need to do today.

Finding the kidnapped is our primary objective, combined with a stealth infiltration and rescue team. We have a few leads, but nothing concrete, and there is no doubt everything will be filled with traps.

However, we do have an ace up our selves. In no way related to this task at hand, I have obtained a list of the most well-known rumormongers of the city. With them, we'll be able to spread a little planted information about the tournament, and hopefully aid us to at least figure out their Ringleader. Combined this with our own effort and we may be able to find the entrance much more easily and at least know what to expect.

Rumors are of quite a fragile and strange nature here. You can't make them too unbelievable nor too strong, otherwise no one will believe them. Saying the hidden lair is at a certain area or easy to enter would cause nothing to happen. It has to be vague enough to be believed, ergo, let us concentrate on narrowing it down to the sex of the demon, and a small part of the underground lair itself.

Then we can plan accordingly. Therefore, I would like you to mention the following to the listed rumormongers so that they may spread it around for us;

> The Underground Demon Fighting Ring still exists. Word is that the Ringleader is Female and the entrance is close to an Abandoned Factory.

That should gather enough interest to aid us sufficiently.

And remember: don't do anything stupid.

...At least not yet.