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

The apprentices in the corridor greeted the old lady with respectful gazes fixed on the elderly woman before them, who smiled and nodded in response, "Good afternoon, children, did you find today's food in the dining hall to your liking?"


"Of course, madam," the apprentices replied with a smile, clearly very satisfied with their midday meal.


This filled the old lady's heart with joy; in her life, there was nothing more important than ensuring the children were well-fed.


"Off you go, rest a while, you have classes this afternoon, don't you?" she instructed them.


So the children scampered off quickly after bowing their heads in respect.


The old woman known as Madam Phyll walked along the corridor, with the howling of the wind and snow coming from outside the windows.


"Madam Phyll, this year's winter is especially cold, isn't it?"


Section 521: The Choice of Man (Part 1)