The atmosphere hung thick with awkwardness. Kevin and Gali locked eyes until Kevin finally broke the silence, magically altering his voice to sound casual as if nothing had happened.

"Hey Gali, what’s wrong? You look completely out of it. Feeling sick?"

He nonchalantly lifted his wineglass, downed the strong liquor in one gulp, and set the empty glass down with a soft *clink*. The alcohol hit hard—his head spun—but he didn’t let a single flicker of discomfort show.

"Oh... I—I must’ve misheard. After all, he’s long dead."

Gali’s raw emotion surged from deep within, twisting into a bitter, self-mocking laugh. He withdrew his half-raised hand and sank back into his seat.

"By the way, Gali," Kevin’s voice drifted from beneath his impenetrable cloak, utterly serious. "I’ll be in seclusion for a few years. Don’t disturb me. The consequences could be severe if something goes wrong."

"Understood. Take care of yourself."

Gali quietly refilled his glass, not a trace of suspicion in his tone. He knew Kevin never joked about such things. *Probably just a health issue*, he thought, swallowing another mouthful of liquor. *Pity. I’ll miss my drinking buddy.*

*Such a waste. Such a waste.*

"Oh, and Gali—take my finest wines."

Kevin winced inwardly at parting with his stash but needed Gali gone. Every extra minute risked exposure. Sweat slicked his perfect body beneath the sweltering cloak—like an oven—trailing down enticing thighs to the floor. Yet no stench clung to him; only a faint, clean fragrance lingered.

As he spoke, a slender hand slipped from the cloak. A tiny spatial rift opened above Gali’s head, raining down stacks of wine bottles. Glass clattered across the hall as Gali began chugging—*glug, glug, glug*—his scruffy face alight with pure bliss.

Kevin’s heart ached. *This was the man who once gave everyone hope... and I can’t fix him.*

"I’m entering seclusion now."

Kevin’s magically altered voice turned icy. Alcohol flushed his flawless face, dizziness threatening to overwhelm him. He rallied, waved a hand, and teleported Gali—wine and all—to the mountain’s base.

"Got it! Call if you need me! *Glug*... *glug*... damn fine wine, hahaha—"

Silence reclaimed the hall. Kevin’s sweat-soaked cloak thudded to the floor, revealing his unobscured form. Steam rose from his skin. Silver hair, soaked through, clung to his body, tracing every curve as water dripped from his collarbone. He sighed wearily.

"That’s over. Need to figure out how to change back... but first—a hot bath."

Bare feet padded softly across the floor. He smoothed his damp silver hair, pale blue eyes darting warily toward the entrance. *What if Gali changes his mind?* There was no explaining this. Only returning to his true body would erase the mess. *This woman’s form... it’s unbearable.*

Meanwhile, Gali trudged home with his beloved wine, drowning his sorrows in drunken oblivion.

【Host, please complete the task promptly.】

"Seriously, System—why can’t I magically disguise my original face? Are you sabotaging me?" Kevin’s voice brimmed with suspicion. Without his true visage, everything grew complicated. The System dodged, replying with robotic evasion:

【This system has no idea. No idea. No idea. Host, please complete the task.】

"Fine. Got it."

Irritation sharpened Kevin’s tone. Uncomfortable from the sweat, he shuffled toward the spacious bathroom. Staring at his reflection—the flawless, unfamiliar body—he clenched his fists in frustration.

"Damn it... I’ve never even touched a woman."

He’d obsessed over breaking through cultivation realms, compensating for his mediocre talent. At the peak, he’d dabbled in forbidden magic. Any free time? Dragged off by Gali for drinks. Romance? Never crossed his mind.

*Regret tastes bitter.* Tears pricked his eyes. Gently, he massaged the generous curves of his chest, seeking solace for his wounded soul.

*Back when I first came to this world, I dreamed of a harem...* The shower’s rush drowned the thought.

Later, the water stopped. Wrapped in a white towel, Kevin hesitated in the doorway. His spatial ring held no clothes for this body—what man stored women’s wear?

Then—a memory sparked. He rummaged through his storage and pulled out a maid dress with delicate fingers.

"Meant for my future girlfriend..."

He covered his face. Tears slipped through his fingers. His voice turned resigned:

"Doesn’t matter. It fits. I’ll find proper clothes later."

After a struggle, the dress settled perfectly on his frame. *Who’d have thought I’d wear this?*