Killing Kei: Dark Helmets in a Light Room
What was above the soil? Fletcher Rowe, a good Fellden boy, often wondered.
The Fellden were beings of pale white skin, silver hair, and one with an attunement to darkness. They built their empires beneath the soil by harnessing the power of metals and steam. However, not even their mechanical strengths were enough to win a war.
Fletcher and his parents, who all wore the black suits provided for their protection, were seated in a passenger car of a steam-powered train. He was anxious but also excited. This train led to a whole new world with the promise of a better life. Maybe there, where the sun shined, he would find the two things that mattered: a place to call home and a normal life.
*This is the 2nd of 4 one-shots before I get to the main story. The 1st is already up and called Killing Kei: Shotgun from the Sky. If you're interested, check it out~
https://ko-fi.com/theychimirollin
This is a beautiful one-shot with engaging dialogue that can set the scene and atmosphere on its own. The worldbuilding is intricate and see** through naturally through the character interactions with one another and the built environment. I will be patiently waiting for future stories set in this world. I found it most interesting that you chose to include the narrator as a character in that way. It made him appear as if speaking directly to us and the character at the end. However, I found it somewhat confusing at times in the narration. But is likely due to limitations of inkstone. I hope you continue to experiment with this technique in the future.
Aww this is only a one-shot? This is a well written story and I'm itching to read more. Cool world building too. Good job on this story, author!
Well paced story, cool races, interesting world building with a right mix of mystery and a bit of humor. Author also made me FEEL for the main character in just a few chapters. Definitely worth reading!