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

When Malin returned to Rongma's palace, the sky was already slightly bright, and the Rat-man maids had started their final cleaning tasks in the hall. Seeing Malin, they all paid their respects to their mistress.


The nearest little corner seemed slightly terrified, forcing a smile while subtly stepping back.


Seeing such fear and trepidation, Malin didn't consider herself to be an evil person, so with a bit of confusion, but thinking it might be due to the pressure of hierarchy, she simply smiled slightly and nodded her head, then proceeded to the interior of the palace.


After carefully pushing the door open, Malin found her girls were already up, combing each other's hair in front of that huge mirror.


Indeed, girls of varying sizes, some graceful and slim, others plump and charming—truly a delightful sight to behold.


"I'm back," Malin said with a smile as she walked behind Faye, taking the red string handed to her and tying Faye's hair into a ponytail.


Section 484: Knowledge Comes with a Price (Part 2)