Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 1016: Section 653: Caucasus Trip (Part 5)_2

Chapter 1016: Section 653: Caucasus Trip (Part 5)_2

Malin nodded. "Yes, madam. I see you are human. How did you end up here?"

Hearing Malin’s question, the lady let out a somewhat embarrassed sigh. "I am Elana Farhi, the daughter of a minor noble from the Western Human World in Sydney. Due to a teleportation mishap, it’s already by the mercy of the Goddess of Fate that I survived. And fortunately, I met Miryan here." As she spoke, she walked to stand beside Miryan, the leader. "He took me in, and I was captivated by how this group of... Skinless Beings were so different. They had not lost themselves and were still fighting Chaos. I wanted to help them."

And eventually, you even had a child with this leader?

Speaking of which, it’s truly a pity that Konen did not inherit your appearance. However, Malin could sense some mage talent in the child. Hopefully, his potential won’t disappoint himself.

On another note, it proves again that women are truly beautiful and enchanting creatures of emotion, especially this lady. Time has not erased her beauty.

Malin, being a rational oddity, really cannot compare.

"My dear, this is Malin, the child of my mentor." Miryan’s introduction left Elana very surprised. Upon confirming Malin’s status as a Legendary Mage and Psychic, she immediately performed the mage’s greeting.

Malin returned the gesture with the same formality. "No need for that, madam. I would like to ask, do you wish to return to your homeland?"

"What would I do there? Thirty years have passed. The lover I once had has likely already gotten grandchildren by now. My father and mother did not possess high Sequences, and they are likely long dead. As for the younger generation of the family, I doubt they would recognize me, a woman who has already become an outsider. Forget it." After saying this, the woman shook her head. "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Malin."

"No need to thank me. If you were being forced, I would definitely take you away. But here, I can see the steadfast love between you and Mr. Miryan." At this point, Malin smiled gently and placed a hand over his chest toward Miryan. "Sir, congratulations—your love is as enduring as gold."

"Thank you, child of my mentor. Elana’s arrival has rekindled the heart that had died when I lost my wife. I am glad she chose to stay and live with me. Here, Malin, child of my mentor, I ask you to take Konen with you, please. I know he has the talent of a mage, but my wife, Elana, is not a good teacher. Staying by her side, his gifts will only be dulled by monotonous days." Miryan earnestly pleaded again.

This time, Malin finally nodded. "Very well, he can come with me. But I will be heading to the Eastern world of the Thanan, a far and perilous journey. Konen looks different from us—are you truly at ease?"

"If it were someone else, I would worry. But if it’s you, it should be fine. You are a Legendary Mage, after all." Elana looked at Malin and smiled in response.

It seemed she truly had great faith in Malin’s abilities.

Since that was the case, Malin did not wish to disappoint these parents. "I will do my best to train him. Traveling with me may change his fate—or it may lead him to an early death... There are many uncertainties, but I will teach him to the best of my abilities."

"Then I entrust him entirely to you, Malin, child of your mentor. You will undoubtedly teach my child as your father taught me. Have no worries. Please take Konen to see the world." Elana said as she looked toward their son, who had returned to the hall. "Konen, my child, give Mr. Malin the item your father wished to pass on to him, and then come to me."

Thus, Konen handed the box to Malin, who accepted it while watching the child—about the same size as Quetos—walk over to his mother.

"Mother, what is it?"

"Your father and I have decided to make you an apprentice of Malin."

At this, Malin saw the boy quickly grow displeased. Though hairless, he somehow seemed ready to bristle. "What? That’s not fair! He’s not even older than me!"

"Konen, this Mr. Malin is a child of my mentor, the Sage Raphael. He is a Legendary Mage with a lineage as powerful as my mentor’s, capable of maintaining a youthful appearance for centuries." Miryan’s words were convincing. His child immediately dropped his displeasure and instead looked at Malin. "Is he really a Legendary Mage, Mother?"

"Yes, far stronger than your mother. Now, won’t you give your salutation to your mentor?" Elana’s words had the final impact, and the young boy eventually stepped forward to perform the mage’s greeting to Malin.

Malin returned the gesture. "Konen, since you’ve chosen to be my apprentice, you must understand one thing. I will be traveling to the Eastern world of the Thanan soon. It will be a long journey. Once we depart, we will be gone for a long time. If you are attached to home, I suggest you stay here and wait until I return to take you."

Malin was testing the boy’s resolve, but to his surprise, the boy named Konen shook his head. "No, I want to go with you. I want to see the outside world. Mother told me the human world is far more beautiful than here, though more dangerous. But I believe by your side, I will be very safe."

"Very well, then you are my apprentice. You’ll have several senior brothers. When we return, I will introduce you to them. Miryan, Elana, I will stay at your place tonight. Tomorrow morning, we shall depart."

"Of course, Mr. Malin. Konen, show our guest to the tower—it’s clean and well-kept."

With Miryan’s approval, Malin followed Konen away.

Before leaving, Malin opened the box and took out a journal, then handed the box back to Miryan. "This must be a gift my father left for you. I won’t take it."

"Thank you, child." Miryan looked genuinely pleased.

It seemed... he truly listened to his mentor.

Was my father really his mentor?

Malin reflected inwardly but found no answers.

......

After seeing them off, Mrs. Elana’s face was full of sorrow. She turned to look at her husband. "A follower of the Lord of Justice once mentioned Malin’s name. He said he was the dual god’s champion. Following this man, will our child truly be safe?"

"Why not, my love? Have you ever considered why we biomechanical beings must live beyond the borders of the world? It’s because we biomechanical beings are not united. When the Treaty of Civilization was signed, our great chieftain was still dreaming of ruling the world, unaware that humanity’s technology had transformed. Humans were no longer weak soft-skins. Their firearms had become capable of killing us from dozens of steps away." Her husband gazed at her with some worry. "And did you see those followers of the Lord of Justice a month ago? Their guns can now kill prey and Chaos from hundreds of steps away. My love, if we don’t let our child follow this man now—if we don’t show the civilized world that, although we look different, we biomechanical beings can act as humans do—we will forever be abandoned by civilization. Why do we fight against Chaos? Is it not so that one day we might be recognized by the civilized world? That we, too, are part of it? The mentor taught Wanda, me, and our kin exactly this. That’s why we brought our people here."

"...Can we truly achieve this, my love?"

"If we don’t try, we will never succeed, my dearest."

The massive figure reached out, embracing his beloved, while Lady Elana leaned against his chest. "May your dream come true, my love."

"It will, my dear. We biomechanical beings will someday become part of the civilized world, eternally raising the banner against Chaos." Her love lowered his head. "Our mentor taught us that welcoming a friend is always easier than making an enemy."