Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

Malin, of course, understood that the final battle was essentially the last stand. Once subspace made full contact with this world, the entire planet would descend into ruin.

"Even though those Astrologers or Astromancers say there’s still hope for the world...we Sages have long known the world will inevitably fall. No matter how hard that Lady tries, she cannot change the course of human history. Ever since those bastards summoned the Chaos, the bells of doom have been tolling for eight millennia...we humans are merely waiting to meet our end."

Sage Yu sighed as he said this, then turned off the recorder and tucked it into the pouch at his waist: "All this is based on the calculations of the giant computers. We Sages believe in science...even if, Mr. Malin, you are the one chosen by the Lady, she herself should understand that while human Fate can be changed at whim, the destiny of civilization cannot be altered by anyone."

"I don’t like your defeatist talk. My world sacrificed three whole generations to resist the Tide of the Dead until the tide destroyed everything." Noticing Sage Yu looking at him, Ails sighed: "Don’t look at me like that. I was in despair until I found myself again by following Lord Malin."

"I know, I also know the pain of witnessing your homeland’s destruction by your own hands." Sage Yu turned to Malin: "Mr. Malin, do you want to return to your homeland and take a look?"

"I want to, but I dare not, because I know everything there has changed beyond recognition." Malin said, leaping over another crack. As the group walked past a corner, the wreckage of a heavy chariot gradually came into view.

"This is the Road of Death. During the Great Destruction Era, to cover the civilians’ retreat, a Union troop from Earth was entirely lost here. From this point to the unknown destroyed city over there, we’ll encounter the longest stretch of the Road of Death in this area." Sage Yu gestured for the team to stay away from the cliff: "Though the Wraiths don’t frequently appear in the present world at noon, we should still be cautious of them emerging from the cliffside. Lord Malin, have Konen watch out under the vehicles, there might be stray rogue living dead."

After speaking, Sage Yu jumped onto the vehicle roof.

Malin turned his head just in time to see Konen brushing past a rogue living dead...or rather, a zombie.

Konen looked puzzled, clearly baffled as to why this odd thing wasn’t attacking him.