Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

"Those are the troubles the Western Pioneer Corps faced, aberrant wasps turned into humanoid figures, each averaging two meters tall, with extremely sharp mandibles and abdomens with venomous stingers. Before the age of widespread firearms, these wasp people were the greatest obstacle to reclaiming the Western regions, but now they’ve almost become rare creatures."

Through Sage Sima’s introduction, Malin understood that these wasp people were no longer a problem. The Thananians even discovered some smaller wasp people, only about a meter tall or less. Although they are smaller in size, they prefer peace, feeding on honey from giant fruit trees during bloom and migrating seasonally. Humans only need to avoid invading their territory to avoid issues. Some queens in these hives even choose to trade with humans—via spiritual energy dialogue.

These smaller wasp people are likely the result of aberrant domesticated bees, with large wasp people as their natural enemies. Human assistance in eliminating these large wasp people is a boon for them.

"It makes me a bit sad, as if humans are no longer the rulers of the planet beneath our feet," Malin lamented.

Sage Sima nodded with empathy: "Since the Great Catastrophe, we humans have no longer been the elevated rulers once on this planet. That humanity, once taking from this planet as they pleased, is long extinct." At this point, Sage Sima looked at Malin with bright eyes, saying: "But, Mr. Malin, we successors are reconquering this world. Perhaps we have to share this world with subsequent races, but we believe that the value of humanity will ultimately be the common value for all intelligent life on this planet, regardless of how difficult the future is, or how terrifying the upcoming Chaos invasion may be. I believe that my successors and I will continue to fight, and we will never give up, whether it’s the great attempt to unite the globe before the Great Catastrophe or reigniting the flame of civilization in this world... What do you think?"

"Well said, I feel the conviction and sincerity in your words, we must rekindle the flame of civilization," Malin extended his hand, and Sage Sima extended his as well.

"Right, I am in charge of the Western regions. Once the mundane issues here are resolved, please come visit the Western provinces. Although it’s not as prosperous as the southeastern provinces, it still has endless fields and beautiful homes." Sage Sima’s invitation was noted by Malin, and after agreeing, Malin reached out to hold the large tree falling towards them with spiritual energy.

Nearby, a big-headed soldier was getting reprimanded as Malin set the tree aside.

"By the way, Mr. Malin, I’ve always been curious about how you view having faith," Sage Sima’s question made Malin pause for a moment, then he smiled wryly: "Speaking of which, I’m actually an atheist. In the past, this was a very materialistic view, because no one has witnessed a miracle, nor has a deity come to save anything."