Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 1015: Section 653: Caucasus Trip (Part 5)

Chapter 1015: Section 653: Caucasus Trip (Part 5)

The center of Sagareggio Town wasn’t at the inn but rather on the small hill to the east of town—there stood a circular hall constructed from logs. Compared to the ruins of Tbilisi, Sagareggio’s remnants were sparse, so the biochemically altered beings here mainly used wood to build their homes. Most were single-story buildings, with only the circular hall boasting a second floor.

The news of Malin’s visit had already been disseminated—Malin had seen the messenger riding on a war dog, confirming the existence of wild war dog nests and communities in this area.

Malin hadn’t ridden a war dog to get here because he wanted to identify the local flora and fauna. Along the way, however, Malin discovered that his aura made even ordinary animals flee in panic, not to mention the spirits. Only Milani could spot small birds and creatures, such as relatives of hers, in the trees.

It could be said that any creature with a bit of intelligence had already fled, leaving only the less intelligent and the fearless.

This left Malin feeling rather embarrassed.

Carrying a mixture of helplessness and a tinge of sadness, Malin led the team, following Quetos into the hall. They were welcomed by a small biochemical human who, like the others of his kind, was difficult to classify as truly human. Yet he stood proudly, clothed in a linen robe, and when his eyes fell upon Quetos, a smile spread across his face: "Dearest Quetos, you’ve come! Are these your guests?"

"Yes, they are my guests," Quetos replied, introducing Malin and the others and then formally presenting this individual: "This is Konen, the third son of Chief Miryan."

"Hello, Konen," Malin said, extending his hand.

"Hello, Malin." Konen tried hard to suppress the corners of his mouth, wary that showing his sharp teeth might alarm the guests: "We very rarely see humans with tender skin around here. Apologies; I’m still not very good at smiling."

"It’s fine; you’re the most hospitable biochemical human I’ve ever met," Malin said, flashing him a smile.

"The fact that you mention biochemical humans proves your remarkable knowledge. When Quetos called you a sage, I was both curious and doubtful, fearing she might have been tricked."

"Indeed, there are many swindlers in this world," Malin remarked, just as the inquiry from behind a slightly ajar door at the hall’s entrance reached everyone’s ears: "Konen, my child, why haven’t you brought your sister and the guests inside?"

Urged onward by the voice, Konen awkwardly led Malin and his group further into the hall.

Upon entering, Malin’s gaze landed on the massive figure seated in the oversized chair—a standard large-sized biochemical human.

· Large biochemical humans are rare mutations, appearing in approximately one in ten thousand. These individuals are stronger, possess greater endurance, and were originally intended to be transformed into living battle armor—until the Great Cataclysm occurred.

Sostak No.3 promptly explained this to Malin.

The biochemical human identified as Miryan squinted his eyes. When Malin removed his hood, this colossal being scratched his bald head: "Wanda truly brought me a monumental surprise. Child, are you the son of Raphael, the sage who mentored me?"

As expected, the big guy’s intelligence wasn’t predisposed to keeping secrets. Malin shook his head: "I’m sorry, Mr. Miryan, but I’m an orphan. I don’t know who my father was, nor do I know my mother. My apologies."

The giant hesitated momentarily but soon stood up: "No, I’ve caught the scent of the mentor’s bloodline in you. You must be Raphael’s child. You say you’ve never known your father... I can only presume the mentor has departed from this world. However, he left a journal for me, instructing me to pass it to anyone who may one day come looking for him. I believe I should give it to you."

With that, he turned to his son, Konen: "Konen! Go to the Meditative Hall on the second floor and retrieve the red metal box. Give it to your mentor!"

"Yes, father," Konen replied before turning and running up the stairs to the second floor.

"Mr. Miryan, I’m not currently a sage, and I’m sorry that I’m not qualified to waste this child’s potential." Malin hesitated not because having a biochemical apprentice seemed overly audacious, but rather because he felt incapable of properly educating such a student—biochemical humans were physically stronger than ordinary humans. Teaching him methods suited for mortals would only harm him, while advanced teachings might exceed his abilities.

"That doesn’t matter. My eldest and second sons are already adults; they’ve inherited my bulk. On this land, strength is the foundation of survival. But Konen inherited his mother’s traits; he’s a clever child, though he unfortunately didn’t inherit her beauty."

What did he mean?

Malin was still puzzled when a woman descended from another staircase. She appeared to be somewhat aged but unmistakably human, dressed in an ordinary mage’s robe full of patches. Despite the wear, she had not abandoned the pride of a mage.

Was she someone who left during her apprentice years? Malin mulled this over, then took a second look. No, she wasn’t legendary.

Recognizing the emblem on Malin’s chest, the mage hesitated: "You... are you a member of the Church of the Goddess of Harvest?"

She appeared unsure, likely due to having spent many years away from the Western Human World, making it difficult for her to verify the badge’s authenticity.

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