Half-step Purgatory

For a long time, Malin always felt that Fate had been quite generous to him. Although he had to face that life-threatening job every day, as long as he had the lovely Leopard Girl cooking delicious food for him daily, and as long as there was meat to eat and cats to stroke, life wasn't too unbearable. Working a bit harder and facing some difficulties on the job weren't really an issue for a man.
Moreover, being able to live two lives meant one shouldn't have too high demands, right, Mr. Different-Kind?
Having said that, and without waiting for an answer, the young man snapped his fingers, and the white flame on his fingertip lit the tobacco in his other hand, then he flicked it towards the non-human entity on the stake.
Welcome to Abield, to witness the last splendor of the steampunk era.
And the madness.

Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

"Your Grace, you said that our homes lie just behind us." Despite the unease and fear of his first battle showing on his face, the young man replied to Malin with the most unwavering voice. After he finished speaking, he knelt on one knee before Malin: "Your Grace, we will definitely not let you down. Sacrifice is for the better lives of our families. We understand, and we know why we give our lives."


This was the child of a Knight, instinctively adopting the Noble's manner in addressing Malin, while Malin patted his shoulder: "Every one of you will be a Knight of this city, so stand up, and face the enemy with me."


This time, the young man's face showed more pride and arrogance: "Am I a Knight too, Your Grace?"


458: Trouble Comes to the Home (Part 2)_2