A full day had passed.
Finally, Ace emerged from the system space, his expression unreadable, save for the faint twitch of irritation at the corner of his mouth.
"I really have to punish Lily for that tea," he muttered, rubbing his temple as he made his way to the Sect Master's private chambers.
Stripping off his outer robes, he stepped into the bathing chamber. Steam curled gently in the air.
The marble tub gleamed, filled to the brim with warm, soul-infused water. With a soft sigh, he eased himself in.
Peace. At last.
Or so he thought.
"Master! It's urgent!" a voice rang from beyond the door.
Ace groaned inwardly, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around himself before stepping out of the bath.
"Come in," he called, already bracing himself.
The door slammed open. Elder Akha stumbled in, breathless, face pale.
Ace blinked.
"Wait… what's with your hair?"
She reached up sheepishly. "Oh! It's a wig," she muttered, tugging it into place.
