The next morning, sunlight filtered through the garrison streets, casting long shadows as the city stirred to life. Floki strolled through the bustling streets, his staff resting lightly on his shoulder and tapping gently 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. His next move was set, his path chosen.

Master Sho-Nuff, the Shadow cultivator in the Western Region, would be his first target. But before leaving, Floki felt an itch to scratch, his extra Spirit Shards burning a hole in his pocket. His grin widened as his eyes caught 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.

Adjusting his staff, Floki quickened his pace and approached the ornate double doors. A young attendant in a flowing robe greeted him with a deep bow, her posture refined. “Welcome, honored guest. How may we serve you today?”

Floki smirked, tossing a shard into the air and catching it with ease. “I’d like a bath,” he said, his grin playful. “And perhaps some... enhanced relaxation.” The attendant’s practiced smile didn’t falter as she gestured politely.

“Right this way, sir,” she replied, her voice smooth as silk. She led him through a series of softly lit corridors, where the sound of splashing water and quiet murmurs grew 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 moving with delicate precision, while others whispered intimately to clients. Their intentions were clear as they disappeared behind curtained alcoves with their guests. The attendant stopped at 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 unwavering as he began to disrobe. Moments later, a Wash Lady entered, her presence commanding yet graceful. Her hair was pinned elegantly, and her robe slid off one shoulder in a way that seemed effortless. “Good evening, honored guest,” she purred, her tone warm and inviting.

“My name is Mae Ling. Shall we begin?” Floki sank into the steaming water with a sigh, the heat easing the tension from his muscles. “I wouldn’t say no,” he replied, his voice tinged with satisfaction. Mae Ling knelt beside him, dipping a soft sponge into the water before running it over his shoulders.

“You carry a lot of tension,” she observed, her touch light and teasing. The sponge moved in slow, 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, his tone dry. “You could say that. The beasts in the forest were less than welcoming.” Mae Ling’s laughter was soft, almost musical, her expression playful.

“And now you seek rest before your next battle?” she asked, her hands continuing their work. “Something like that,” Floki replied, leaning back and closing his eyes. “Though, I’m not here just for rest.” Mae Ling’s movements slowed, her tone curious.

“What else do you seek, traveler?” she inquired softly, her sponge sliding down his chest with practiced grace. Floki opened one eye, his grin sharp. “Power,” he said simply. “And perhaps a bit of fun along the way.”

Mae Ling smiled knowingly, her fingers lingering as she dipped the sponge back into the water. “You’ve come to the right place,” she said, her tone rich with promise. For a time, Floki allowed himself to relax, his body succumbing to the indulgent care. But his mind remained active, thoughts of the journey ahead stirring like embers in his consciousness.

“You seem deep in thought,” Mae Ling noted, her hands still moving with precision. “Planning,” Floki replied, his grin fading slightly. “The next steps are always the hardest.” Mae Ling leaned closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper.

“And where do those steps lead, honored traveler?” she asked, her tone carrying an edge of curiosity. Floki opened his eyes, his voice dropping as he spoke. “West,” he replied. “To shadows and secrets.”

Her sponge traced deliberate paths along his chest as she leaned even closer. “Perhaps I can help ease your journey,” she said, her tone smooth. Her movements became bolder, her hands sliding lower as she leaned in to whisper in his ear. “How does this feel?”  She gently licked and nibbled on his ear,  her hands pressed firmly against his skin, her intentions unmistakable.

Mae Ling’s touch lingered, her movements  deliberate and calculated as they traveled further down his chest. 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, his body responding to her skilled touch as the tension in him finally released. For a moment, his mind emptied, free of all thought.

When Mae Ling finished, Floki leaned back against the tub, a lazy grin playing on his lips. Her final touch brushed lightly against his arm before she stepped back, bowing slightly. “Your journey west will not be easy,” she said, her voice carrying an edge of admiration. “But you seem the type to overcome anything.”

Floki chuckled, standing and reaching for his clothes. “I am,” he said confidently. “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,” he added, his grin sharp. Mae Ling bowed deeply, her tone soft. “Safe travels, honored guest,” she said with sincerity. Floki stepped out into the cool night, the sharp air a stark contrast to the warmth of the Bath House.

His staff pulsed faintly in his hand, a subtle reminder of the power he sought. He pulled the map from his belt, his eyes scanning the route to the Western Region. The journey ahead would be long and fraught with challenges. But the promise of Master Sho-Nuff’s teachings made it worth every step.

As Floki started walking, a faint glow appeared in the corner of his vision. The system interface pulsed to life, overlaying the map with additional details. Bandit camps, spirit beast territories, and a village under bandit control were highlighted in sharp relief. Floki smirked, his voice low. “Always so thorough. What would I do without you?” he murmured, his grin sharp. A new notification appeared, 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 mission details, his grin widening with anticipation. “Let them try to stop me,” he muttered, his tone dark. The system displayed a safer route, but Floki scoffed at the suggestion. “Avoiding trouble isn’t my style,” he said dismissively. He closed the interface, his steps steady as he left the garrison behind. The road stretched out before him, dark and filled with shadows. The faint glow of distant mountains painted the horizon, a quiet promise of what lay ahead. Floki’s thoughts turned to the trials awaiting him in the Western Region.

What would Master Sho-Nuff demand? What secrets would the Path of Shadow reveal? Floki’s grin returned, sharp and eager as his excitement grew. “Whatever it is, I’ll be ready,” he said confidently.

The night deepened as Floki pressed forward, the shadows thickening with each step. For the first time in a long while, Floki felt truly alive. The world, once again, had no idea what was coming.