The sun had slowly begun set by the time Ace returned to his apartment. Shadow s pooled along the cobbled streets, and the last traces of twilight clung weakly to the sky.
He walked into the quiet building, move d past the main chamber, and made his way towards the adjacent room, the alchemy room.
As he pushed open the door, the familiar scent of dried herbs and faint medicinal smoke greeted him like an old friend.
Rows of tightly sealed jade bottles lined the walls, each glimmering softly under the gentle glow of a suspended spirit lamp.
In the center of the room stood a black cauldron, its surface etched with faint, ancient runes that shimmered as if it was breathing.
Ace stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him.
Next he walked towards where the drawers were at.
His fingers brushed along labeled drawers, reading each sorting names before pulling out a few ingredients from them: Bloodroot, Moonpetal, and Star Anise Vine.
