Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

Jason followed him toward the trench, then turned back and raised an eyebrow at Malin — compared to Sostak No.3’s cautious attitude toward biochemical humans, Jason seemed to have a natural fondness for Konen, as if an elder toward a younger generation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Meng walked up to Malin: "This child... A child born of humans and biochemical humans, has a natural curiosity about firearms. Unlike his predecessors, he doesn’t seem bad at handling firearms."

"Are you worried the biochemical humans might start mastering firearms?" Malin asked.

"Yes, their physiques are already naturally stronger than humans. If they gain mastery of our technology, perhaps the era of biochemical humans will truly arrive."

"They can’t even forge an axe without bending the blade, and yet you’re worrying about such distant possibilities. Yes, this child is a half-blood, but think about it, Mr. Meng — how many humans would truly fall in love with them? In this world, people mostly follow their ’five senses’ when it comes to the ’three views’ of humanity. That’s still the mainstream, isn’t it?" Malin was not entirely dismissive, and his words made Mr. Meng reluctantly acknowledge some truth in them.

"You’re right..." Mr. Meng replied, then looked up alongside Malin, as both of them heard the sound of gunfire.

Jason’s reprimanding voice rang out at the same time: "I told you to aim along three points in alignment, and you did that — but how did you manage to shoot the ground beneath your feet on such a short distance? Fire another shot."

Malin watched the child raise the firearm and fire another round.

Very steady, with no trembling due to recoil.