The Seraph Sky Bathhouse was a spectacle of grandeur, its design echoing the opulence of the ancient Roman palaces Ery had once visited.
Polished marble floors glead under soft lighting, while intricate paintings of angelic figures and celestial scenes adorned the ceilings and walls. Statues of ethereal beings stood at attention along the corridors, each one carved from the finest stone, their features so lifelike that they seed to breathe.
Everything about the place scread luxury, from the air thick with fragrant aromas to the gentle sound of flowing water, which added a soothing ambiance to the bathhouse.
The establishnt offered an array of services, catering to the whims of the elite. So areas were designated for private relaxation, while others offered the company of attendants, ready to fulfill any request. Every service, whether a massage, a soak, or more intimate indulgences, was crafted to et the highest standards of pleasure and comfort.
Ery, with little concern for the cost, opted for the most expensive package available—500,000 spirit stones for both of them. They were led by attentive staff into a vast chamber, the stone walls carved with intricate patterns. One particular feature stood out—a massive stone relief of a woman hung above, and water trickled down from her eyes as though she wept softly into the pools below.
Each section of the bathhouse was part of an intricate formation. Over twenty secluded bathing areas were separated by strategically placed stone sculptures and lush plants, creating private alcoves while maintaining a sense of openness.
Aromatic herbs filled the air, and the scent of exotic flowers blended with the steamy atmosphere, enhancing the serenity of the place.
The baths themselves were srizing, pools of milky white water that shimred faintly under the soft light of crystal lamps. The liquid had a pearlescent quality, almost magical, and radiated a warmth that promised to soothe every muscle it touched.
Annara's eyes lit up with excitent as she took in the sight, her usual cool deanor montarily replaced by a childlike enthusiasm.
She turned to Ery, expecting so sort of playful remark, but instead, she found him already undressing, his movents casual and unhurried. Without a second thought, Ery stripped down and, half-naked, slipped into the hot water, his body sinking into the soothing warmth.
The two settled into the bath and sat across from each other, separated only by the gently swirling water and the soft veil of steam. The warm mist hung in the air like a delicate curtain, obscuring their figures from normal sight. Yet, with their heightened magus senses, they could see each other with clarity. Their bodies, though mostly subrged, were still visible to one another.
Annara's eyes widened as she took in the sight before her. Ery—so different from the mory she had clung to. His body was no longer that of a young acolyte, but a man honed through countless battles, his muscles defined and strong. The raw power emanating from his spirit aura was palpable, radiating confidence and control. It sent a ripple of unease through her, a sensation she wasn't used to feeling around him.
To her surprise, Annara realized she was blushing—a rare occurrence for soone as composed as herself. She quickly shifted her gaze, attempting to compose herself, but the heat in her face only intensified.
anwhile, Ery remained undisturbed, sinking deeper into the luxurious bath as the warm water swirled around him.
The milky liquid had an imdiate effect, soothing his skin and muscles while infusing his body with rejuvenating energy. He noticed quickly how beneficial the bath was, the water working on his physique in ways that pleasantly surprised him. Though it wasn't as potent as the academy's [Myriad Spring of Life], it still enhanced his body's natural regeneration and offered a soothing refreshnt to his soul, clearing his mind and sharpening his senses.
While Ery imrsed himself in the calming waters, his mind was far from idle.
His body might have been relaxed, but inwardly he was fully attuned to the subtle shifts happening within him. The restorative effects of the bath were undeniable, yet he focused on sothing deeper. His thoughts centered on the Khaos Gate, a crucial connection he sought to reestablish despite the formidable barrier that enveloped the Seraph Sky City.
Across from him, Annara couldn't help but notice his intense concentration. She frowned slightly, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and frustration. "Why is he always so serious these days?" she muttered to herself. "I miss the old, naive him."
Ery, oblivious to her musings, continued his effort, feeling the resistance of the city's powerful barriers pushing against him. It took him hours of silent focus before he managed to create a faint connection with his true clone, which he had left stationed at the Khaos Hub.
Though communication remained impossible, the very act of establishing this fragile link was a small victory. Ery felt a sense of accomplishnt and knew this was progress.
Still, it wasn't enough. He decided to extend his stay in the bath by two more days, hoping the additional ti would allow him to push the limits of his soul's reach.
Throughout this period, Ery remained steadfast, his mind pushing through the magical defenses that separated him from the Khaos Gate. Finally, after three days of silent, tireless effort, he managed to send a fragnt of his soul to the Khaos Hub. Though leaving his body was still nearly impossible within the confines of the city, at least he could keep an eye on the others through his connection.
By the ti the third day ended, Ery rose from the milky waters, his body reinvigorated and his spirit fortified. His battle power had increased by a few points, and his soul strength felt noticeably sharper. As he stepped out of the pool, a courteous attendant bowed. "Thank you, please co again."
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After leaving the bathhouse, Ery and Annara made their way to the nearest high-end inn, where they rented a private booth. As the food was served, Ery finally directed his full attention toward Annara.
"Now, tell everything you've learned," he said, his tone direct.
Ery's choice of the bathhouse hadn't just been for relaxation or strengthening his body—it was also a strategic move. The establishnt attracted the elite of Nephilim society, and with Annara's exceptional skill in espionage, she had used her sound-based spells and tiny familiars to eavesdrop on the high-profile patrons. The rich and powerful often let their guard down in such places, making it an ideal environnt to gather useful information.
Annara leaned back, a playful glint in her eyes. "Seems there's been quite a bit of drama lately."
She went on to share the latest gossip she had picked up. There were rumors of a clash between prominent figures in the Nephilim faction, one that had spiraled into a feud over a woman, and another incident that had resulted in a battle that led to the deaths of millions on their plant planet. The brutal infighting within the Nephilim ranks was nothing new to Ery, but it was always worth knowing where the currents of power were shifting.
Still, Ery's primary interest lay in one particular family: the Astiel. Unfortunately, there wasn't any particularly interesting news about them—at least not anything that would be useful for his current mission.
Annara smirked, knowing she still had one more news to share.
"I did hear sothing that might pique your interest," she said, leaning forward. "There's an event going on at the Nephilim temple. Six months ago, hundreds of young Nephilim magus were called upon for sothing they're calling the 'Trial of Faith.' ...and It's about to end soon."
Ery's brow furrowed with curiosity, though Annara wasn't finished. She grinned mischievously. "And guess what, your favorite Nephilim is participating."
Thinking of the few Nephilim he knew personally, Ery asked "Who?! Is Eeshoo participating?"
Annara chuckled, shaking her head. "No, no… what is it with you and Eeshoo?! I'm talking about Jinkan!!"
The ntion of Jinkan imdiately piqued Ery's interest. He hadn't heard from her in almost a year. eting her could prove beneficial. Ery hoped the Nephilim heiress could shed so light on their situation with the Astiel family and perhaps even gain so leverage.
"Alright," Ery said, standing up. "Let's check out the temple next."
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