Strax entered the bathroom with a quiet step, the door sliding smoothly to close him off from the outside world. The room was a quiet haven, with a minimalist Japanese style that brought a sense of peace and introspection. The dark wooden floors and smooth tiled walls created a relaxing, almost meditative atmosphere. He approached a wooden stool, the hot water beginning to fill the bathtub next to it.
He sat down, the steam beginning to rise around him as the hot water approached his skin. The heat soothed his tired muscles and helped calm his mind, but his thoughts were far from any sense of comfort. What really consumed him was the thought of reaching the Emperor stage, a goal that, although within reach, seemed further away than ever.
