The next morning, sunlight filtered through the garrison streets, casting long shadows as the city stirred to life.
Floki strolled through the bustling streets of the garrison, his new staff resting lightly against his shoulder, his staff tapping lightly against the ground.
The map from the cartographer was rolled and tucked into his belt, its edges sticking out like a teasing promise of adventure.
He had his next move set, his path chosen.
Master Sho-Nuff, the Shadow cultivator in the Western Region, would be his first target.
But before leaving, Floki had an itch to scratch, and extra Spirit Shards to burn.
His grin widened as his eyes fell upon the glowing red lanterns hanging from a building down the street.
The Bath House loomed ahead, its entrance guarded by soft laughter and the scent of incense.
He adjusted his staff on his shoulder, his steps quickening as he reached the ornate double doors.
A young attendant in a flowing robe greeted him, bowing low. "Welcome, honored guest. How may we serve you today?"
Floki smirked, tossing a shard into the air and catching it. "I'd like a bath. And perhaps some... enhanced relaxation."
The attendant's expression didn't falter, her practiced smile widening. "Right this way, sir."
He followed her through a series of softly lit corridors, the sound of splashing water and quiet murmurs growing louder.
The Bath House was a sprawling sanctuary of indulgence, with steaming pools and private rooms hidden behind silk curtains.
Floki's sharp eyes caught glimpses of the "Wash Ladies," their laughter tinkling as they attended to patrons.
Some offered sponge baths, their hands working with delicate precision.
Others whispered into their clients' ears, their intentions clear as they disappeared behind curtained alcoves.
The attendant led Floki to a private room, its centerpiece a large, steaming tub carved from smooth stone.
"Please make yourself comfortable," she said, bowing again before slipping away.
Floki set his staff against the wall, his grin never fading as he began to disrobe.
Moments later, a "Wash Lady" entered, her hair pinned up elegantly, her robe sliding off one shoulder.
"Good evening, honored guest," she purred, her voice warm. "My name is Mae Ling. Shall we begin?"
Floki sank into the steaming water, sighing as the heat eased the tension in his muscles. "I wouldn't say no."
Mae Ling knelt beside the tub, dipping a soft sponge into the water before running it over his shoulders.
"You carry a lot of tension," Mae Ling said, her touch light and teasing. The sponge moved over his shoulders in deliberate circles, the heat of the water amplifying the sensation. Floki let out a low sigh as the stress in his muscles began to melt away under her skilled hands. "Have you been fighting?"
Floki chuckled. "You could say that. The beasts in the forest were less than welcoming."
Her laughter was soft, almost musical. "And now you seek rest before your next battle?"
"Something like that," Floki replied, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Though, I'm not here just for rest."
The sponge slid down his chest, her hands moving with practiced grace. "What else do you seek, traveler?"
Floki opened one eye, his grin sharp. "Power. And perhaps a bit of fun along the way."
Mae Ling smiled, her fingers lingering as she dipped the sponge back into the water. "You've come to the right place."
For a time, Floki allowed himself to relax, the tension melting away under her skilled hands.
But his mind never truly rested, thoughts of the journey ahead stirring like embers in the back of his mind.
"You seem deep in thought," she observed, her tone curious.
"Planning," Floki said simply, his grin fading slightly. "The next steps are always the hardest."
Mae Ling's hands didn't stop as she leaned slightly closer, her voice dropping to a softer tone. "And where do those steps lead, honored traveler?"
"West," Floki replied, his voice dropping. "To shadows and secrets."
Her hands drifted lower, the sponge tracing slow, deliberate paths along his chest. Mae Ling's lips curled into a sly smile. "Perhaps I can help ease your journey, then. A man as ambitious as you deserves proper attention."
Her movements became bolder, she leaned in close to Floki's ear, and whispered, how does this feel, as she gently licked and nibbled on his ear.
The sponge now forgotten as her hands pressed against his skin, lingering and traveling further down his chest, passed his belly button and finding her goal between his legs.
Mae Lings intimate touch, moved ever so smoothly, back and forth, up and down
Floki let out a soft moan, enjoying her skilled touch. She knew exactly how to relieve tension and stress.
He finally released, his body tensed, just for a moment, as he felt free of any other thoughts.
By the time Mae Ling had finished, Floki leaned back against the tub, a lazy grin playing on his lips. Her final touch lingered, her fingers brushing against his arm before she stepped back, bowing slightly.
"Your journey west will not be easy," she said, her tone laced with something close to admiration. "But you seem the type to overcome anything."
Floki chuckled, standing and reaching for his clothes. "I am. And with service like yours, perhaps I'll even return someday."
He dressed quickly, tossing an extra shard onto the tray beside the tub. "For your excellent service."
Mae Ling bowed deeply, her voice soft. "Safe travels, honored guest."
Floki stepped out into the night, the cool air a stark contrast to the warmth of the Bath House.
The staff in his hand pulsed faintly, a reminder of the power waiting to be claimed.
He pulled the map from his belt, studying the route to the Western Region.
The journey would be long, but the promise of Master Sho-Nuff's teachings made it worthwhile.
As he started walking, a faint glow appeared in the corner of his vision.
The system interface pulsed to life, overlaying the map with additional details.
It highlighted potential dangers along the route, bandit camps, the areas teeming with spirit beasts, as well as a small village that was reported to be under the control of bandits.
Floki smirked. "Always so thorough. What would I do without you?"
The system responded with a new notification, the text floating before his eyes.
[New Mission: Seek Master Sho-Nuff]
- Objective: Reach the Western Region and secure training in the Path of Shadow.
- Challenges: High risk of ambush and hostile spirit beasts.
- Reward: Enhanced Path Compatibility and Access to Advanced Techniques.
Floki read the details, his grin widening. "Let them try to stop me."
The interface shifted, displaying a recommended route that avoided most of the dangers.
Floki scoffed. "Avoiding trouble isn't my style."
He closed the interface and set off, his steps steady as he left the garrison behind.
The road ahead was dark, the horizon painted with the faint glow of distant mountains.
Floki's thoughts drifted to the Shadow cultivator he sought, his mind racing with possibilities.
What would Master Sho-Nuff demand of him?
What trials awaited in the Western Region?
Floki's grin returned, sharp and eager. "Whatever it is, I'll be ready."
The night deepened as Floki pressed forward, the shadows around him thickening with every step.
For the first time in a long while, Floki felt truly alive.
And the world, once again, had no idea what was coming.