Stirling sat up in shock, realizing he was sweating all over, as if he'd crawled out of the water.

  Stirling recognized right away, thanks to the experience in Rock Village, that his dream was unusual. After all, even in his dreams, it was impossible for them to be that realistic. The moment the woman touched his face, he could even feel the warmth of her hand!

  But what made Stirling even more certain of a problem was his Aether skill. Just now, the Aether inside him sparked and flowed faster. It woke him from that strange dream.

  Thinking of this, Stirling daredn't delay any longer. He opened the package in a hurry next to him in the dark and pulled out the oil lamp inside.

  This oil lamp was something he had brought back from Rock Village. Even after being strengthened, it had only half of its oil left. There was no telling how much longer it would last. Stirling took out his tinderbox. He grabbed the fire steel and flint, struck them a few times, and lit the oil lamp.

  The dark red flame flickered on the lamp, and notifications popped up before Stirling.

  [Refined a trace of Yearning Malice, lifespan +0.1 days...]

  [Refined a trace of Yearning Malice, lifespan +0.1 days...]

  ...

  Looking at the notifications before him, Stirling felt as if he had fallen into an icy cave. His eyes widened, and a faint pain surged in his temples. Even the sleepiness he had felt vanished completely. He had gone through hardships to leave Rock Village. He hoped to find a safe place to live in peace. But he never thought this would happen again on his first night here! Stirling stared at the lamp with a blank mind. In the dim light, he felt like a clown, as if surrounded by many shadowy figures from the dark, mocking him.

  Stirling bit his lip. He wanted only a quiet place to grow up under the radar. How could such a simple wish be impossible?! Only then did Stirling realize that this strange world was full of dangers. Every day felt like a risky existence. From now on, he would have to live his life with every step taken carefully and cautiously...

  Taking a deep breath, Stirling abandoned his frustration and panic. He got out of bed, lamp in hand, and walked step by step into the living room. Then, gingerly, he went to the window and observed what was going on outside. But to Stirling's surprise, there seemed to be no movement outside. The whole Three Rivers district was quiet. Only the bright moonlight filled the courtyard with calm.

  Stirling's face was gloomy, thoughts racing through his mind. But the news wasn't all bad. At least Stirling felt better knowing the oil lamp worked here as well. It would help him refine the yearning malice to gain longevity; pity that the oil was not so plentiful. After observing for a few minutes, Stirling found nothing. He returned to the table, lost in thought as he gazed at the oil lamp. Stirling remained awake the entire second half of the night, only blowing out the lamp at dawn.

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  After all, he has a PhD; his way of thinking is very rigorous.

  Stirling rubbed his swollen temples, feeling a wave of fatigue in his mind. Although he had awakened in time from that gentle trap last night, he was still somewhat affected. He cannot imagine if he hadn't had the Aether skill to protect him, whether he could have gotten up today.

  Stirling glanced at the lamp's oil again, his brows knitted together.

  Stirling decided, sat down in a chair, closed his eyes, and activated his Aether skill. Now, Stirling felt it was becoming more and more important. It had saved him from danger countless times. He must practice anytime, anywhere. After an unknown amount of time, Stirling opened his eyes. He could hear a ruckus coming from the street outside. Glancing at the clepsydra in the hall, Stirling was startled.

  Stirling, puzzled, stood up and went to the front yard. Pushing open the gate, Stirling saw a steady stream of people passing by. Some pushed two-wheeled carts. Others carried two baskets, while some had baskets on their backs. They looked as if they were going to the market. Stirling noticed, however, that their faces all looked dazed, as if they hadn't woken up yet. His brow furrowed, as if something had occurred to him.

  Then, the door to the house next to Stirling's opened, and a young man in a long-sleeved green shirt emerged. The man glanced around and immediately spotted Stirling, standing at the gate too. He smiled, shook his right hand, and said, "Ah, you must be a new neighbor."

  Stirling turned and saw the blue-shirted man bowing to him. Out of courtesy, he then returned the greeting. After greeting him, Stirling turned back to observe the people passing by.

  To his astonishment, the man next door, acting self-familiar, trotted towards him. "Hey, man, you look strange. Where are you from?" The man approached Stirling, a look of curiosity on his face.

  Stirling glanced at the man, feeling a little wary. This proactive communication reminded him of old Larry. But given the circumstances, Stirling's expression remained unchanged. Instead, he said, "From out of town."

  "From out of town? Incredible!" The man opened his mouth wide and gave a thumb-up.

  "I heard the out-of-state is like hell right now. You're lucky to be here alive, man!"

  "Well, a high sect like Yearning Palace is good. At least you have something to look forward to. If you were born in Brocklin Kingdom, where the Vajra Temple is, you'd die without knowing how!" The man sighed. Stirling's eyebrows shot up at the man's words and asked, "Brother, do you know this place?"

  "Hey, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Romeo, and I'm the bard at Sean's Lounge!" The man said this with a look of pride on his face.

  Stirling looked Romeo up and down and asked with some surprise, "Bard?"

  "Yes!"

  Stirling's eyes lit up as he looked at Romeo. While he didn't know why a bard existed in such a crappy place, he had to admit he needed someone like him right now!

  "My name is Luis Chilavert, Mr. Romeo. I am glad we hit it off immediately. Why don't you come in and have some tea? I have some questions to ask you!" Stirling said with a warm invitation. "Luis, it's getting late. I'm going to Sean's Lounge to tell stories. If you're interested, come with me. I'll tell the owner, and I'll charge you for the beer only!" Romeo suggested.

  "That's great! I am a newcomer here, so it's a good time to go around today," Stirling said. Then he turned and locked the door, ready to go out with Romeo to Sean's Lounge.