Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

"What’s the matter, old Francis?" Because there was an outsider present, Malin asked in the tone used for internal Church discussions.

"There’s a little problem. Yesterday, a team of Church apprentices went on a mission to a small town south of the city to dispel some flying heads, but they did not return all night. The Archbishop found it strange, and before dawn today, he sent a team of Church guards to the town. Just now, two riders came back and reported that the town is shrouded in thick mist. Of the eight in their team, only the two who didn’t enter the town survived. The remaining six disappeared into the mist and never re-emerged."

"I’ll be ready in a moment, I need to change my clothes."

Malin returned to his room to change his attire and then went to Lulu’s room to inform the girls about the incident at the Church of the Goddess of Harvest and to wait at home, after which, Malin, equipped with his gear, followed old Francis out and mounted the carriage.

"We’re alone now; what else is there that you haven’t mentioned, comrade Francis?" Once they were certain no one was following, Malin inquired, looking at old Francis.

"My apprentice, Roben Sterling, who’s slated to succeed me, was with that team. He’s a boy I found in a pile of famine victims, a most steadfast northerner. In the past few years, I’ve always had him oversee the village assistance projects. Before I retire, I plan to recommend him as my successor."

"So, dead or alive, we need an answer, right?" Malin gazed at the elder.

"Correct, if he...if anything unfortunate has happened to him, before you perform the Purification, please make sure to capture images for me. I want to see what led to his fall." As he spoke, the old man sighed deeply: "In the ten years since the establishment of our ideals, I’ve seen many whose wills weren’t strong enough. They either chose to withdraw or thought about betraying us, and among them, some had their minds corrupted by the Evil God...This path is arduous. I have confidence in the boy Roben, but...confidence is one thing, reality another. So, if there truly is a problem, purify him. Northerners have never needed hollow mercy. For The Fallen, Purification is a better end."

"Understood, leave it to me. Considering the hazard posed by the mist, I’m going to operate solo this time." As Malin spoke, he began considering the equipment he needed: "Right, I have an assistant, Jason. Contact Eleven for me; I need help."