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

King Manheim had been informed of the incident at Chaofeng Tower just ten minutes later. As he was enjoying his lunch, he glanced at the Hagelberry family's old hound, who showed no expression upon hearing the news, as if everything was expected, much like their family's cooperative firearms workshop with Lord Malin.


The Hagelberry family, Great Craftsman Antoine, and Lord Malin, the only exceptional existence—rumor had it that the Artisans' Guild was discussing the creation of a new title for Malin.


Master of the Divine Craft—yes, that's how impressive it was.


"Lord Hagelberry, one of my Marshals has died, so many major Merchants in the city are dead, won't you say something?" King Manheim, seated at the head of the table, addressed his subject.


The latter looked up, his old blurry eyes staring at his King: "Your Majesty, isn't this a good thing."


Section 543: Me at This Moment (Part One)