The night passed without a hitch. Stirling dozed off against the kitchen wall later that night. He woke up at dawn the next day.

  Upon waking, Stirling first glanced at the thin thread tied to the doorway. Finding nothing amiss, he breathed a sigh of relief and slowly stood up.

  Stirling took a thin thread and wove it into a spiderweb shape. It covered most of the door frame.

  Even if that witch slipped in last night, she couldn't have got in without brushing these threads.

  Stirling adjusted the manual between his thighs, recalling yesterday's haul. A smile crept onto his face.

  Although only one night had passed, he differed from the inside out. From now on, Stirling will walk over all these god-worshipping bitches and spread his fame throughout the world! Stirling's grin widened. Then, he heard a faint noise from the next room, and his face returned to calm.

  Stirling walked to the door. He picked up the bottle near the wall. Then, he pulled down the thin string that was binding the door and hid it in the firewood pile in the kitchen. Then, he strolled out of the kitchen.

  "My lady, I must go to check in." Stirling said, bowing to the closed bedroom door.

  A few moments later, a clear voice came from inside the room. "Go ahead, darling. Lilith will take care of the household!"

  Stirling's eyelids twitched again upon hearing this. He cursed the witch inwardly, then turned and walked towards the courtyard.

  Once outside the courtyard, Stirling sighed with relief. He shifted his right leg, bound with the manual, to a more comfortable spot. Then, he headed towards the Night Watch.

  When Stirling arrived at Night Watch, he saw the gate was open. Three or four of his colleagues were already in the courtyard.

  Stirling jogged into the courtyard. He hung his badge on the position and heard surprised voices nearby.

  "Luis Chilavert, you actually made it today?"

  Stirling turned around and saw everyone in the courtyard staring at him in surprise. He paused for a moment, then said:

  "I took leave on my first duty day; I definitely can't do that again today."

  "Ah? Then, did the lady of Yearning Palace give you any trouble?" One of them glanced at the gate and then asked cautiously.

  "No," Stirling said.

  "Incredible!" Another person stole a glance at Stirling's lower abdomen and exclaimed.

  "I told you; this kid has been getting a lucky life!" A rough voice came from the side. Stirling glanced over and saw William picking his teeth while staring at him.

  "What? Is this kind of thing dangerous?" Stirling asked somewhat puzzled.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  "Not quite, hehe."

  "Hehe."

  The group chatted as they walked, weird eyes.

  Stirling, though puzzled, followed the others out of the courtyard.

  Carlos looked down today. But when he saw Stirling enter the courtyard, his round face twitched.

  "Go about your business, everyone. Luis Chilavert, come here!" This time, Carlos said little, simply waving to the others and leaving Stirling alone.

  After everyone dispersed, Stirling approached Carlos, bowed, and said: "Boss, you called me."

  "Hmm, did you meet any… um, special needs yesterday, from the young lady?" Carlos asked.

  "No." Stirling was confused.

  "Ahem, that's good. Luis, for the next few days, you only need to take good care of the young lady from Yearning Palace. No need to come here every day." Carlos said, rubbing his hands.

  "Boss, you misunderstand. She has just gone to investigate some matters." Stirling explained.

  "Luis, your walking is like a duck today. Don't explain; I fully understand." Carlos said in earnest, shaking his head and turning to leave.

  "Boss, I came today to ask if there are any particularly dangerous tasks." Stirling hurriedly stopped Carlos as he was about to leave.

  "Dangerous? All the work at Night Watch is dangerous and needs us to sacrifice, like what you're doing now." Carlos said with a forced smile.

  "Boss, that's not what I meant. Is there anything that can clean up outer malice?" Stirling asked.

  "Hmm?" Carlos hadn't expected Stirling to say.

  "Boss, to be honest, I fled here from out of state. The outer malice killed my whole family…". Stirling clenched his right fist in a vice-like grip, almost shedding silent tears.

  Carlos remembered that Stirling was an outsider. He frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said: "Luis, while I sympathize with your plight, you must act within your capabilities. Where the outer malice passes, there danger lurks. You're a newcomer; we can talk about it another time."

  Carlos patted Stirling on the shoulder. He then ignored Stirling's next words and left the courtyard.

  "Get off on the wrong foot." Stirling watched Carlos's retreating figure, dissatisfied.

  However, Stirling didn't give up. He followed Carlos out of the courtyard and headed towards the Kim dojo.

  If one path fails, try another.

  Upon entering the dojo, Stirling heard the familiar sounds of training from afar.

  Stirling straight made his way to the backyard. There he spotted the apprentices hard at work, practicing Kim's boxing.

  Stirling's appearance naturally attracted everyone's attention.

  "Hi, Senior Brother Luis!"

  Sean was the first to call out.

  "Senior Brother Luis…"

  "Good morning, Senior Brother Luis!"

  The others, unwilling to lag, shouted in unison.

  Stirling, standing at the front, smiled at Figo and asked,

  "Seven, what brings you here today?"

  "Senior Brother Figo, I'd like to ask Master some advises," Stirling replied.

  "That's right. Learning has no end. Master should be getting up now. You should go straight there."

  Figo nodded with a smile, then shouted at the group behind him:

  "See that? Junior Brother Luis became a samurai in only one month, yet he remains humble and eager to learn! What excuse do you have for slacking off?!" The shout surprised Stirling. He hurried to walk through the connecting corridor, avoiding the others' faces.

  Now Stirling understood what it was like to be grilled on the fire. He felt as if he were under constant scrutiny.

  When Stirling arrived at the back room, he saw Master Kim just coming out of a side room and bowed, saying:

  "Master."

  "Eh? Why are you here so early today?"

  Master Kim was surprised.

  "I encountered a problem and would like to ask the Master for advice."

  Stirling lowered his head and replied.

  "Hmm, ask the questions later. Come on, spar with me a few times; let me see your strength." Master Kim beckoned to Stirling, speaking with gusto.

  "Huh?" Stirling hesitated. He was busy practicing "King Kong Boxing," which differed a lot from Kim's style. If he made a move, he would definitely be discovered.

  "What's wrong? Underestimating my old bones, are you afraid of hurting your master?" Master Kim's expression hardened upon seeing Stirling's troubled look.

  "Master, I'm only skilled with a blade." Stirling pondered for a few moments before finally finding an excuse.

  "I don't care what you use; come on, unleash your full power!" Master Kim rolled up his sleeves and strode towards Stirling.