Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

Hoffman coughed, placed the test paper in his hand onto the desk before the old man who slowly lifted his eyelids to glance at the half-human instructor standing in front of him, "Sir Karlmo, have you already seen this test?"

"I have, and it's impeccable," the half-human's expression was a bit uneasy as she glanced at the spell formation instructor beside her, "But, just like Clark and the instructor Ramir, I have my doubts about teaching Malin. This child is too outstanding that..." her voice trailed off, and then she looked up at old Hoffman, "Your Excellency, this child, he reminds me of my own youth."

"You're a survivor of the Sheflin Town incident, so it's natural for you to have such concerns, but I think this child has already put the complete range of his moral choices on that test paper," Hoffman said, looking at the half-human and the two humans, "Clark, as the instructor of blessing spell formations, how many spell formations have you taught to Malin this month?"

"Apart from Divine Gift, there have been the Fortitude Blessing, Wound Closure, and the Banishment of the Dead," the elderly Clark quickly recited the names of the spells, "I've been deliberately controlling the speed at which this child learns spell formations. His capacity to learn and enhance Divine spell formations exceeds all imagination. Take Wound Closure, for example; a first-level Divine spell that should only handle small wounds, yet he can smooth over large wounds with it, and his spell formations consume only half or even less of the spiritual energy than normal."

"And what about you, Instructor Ramir?" Hoffman looked toward the other instructor.

"The child is also exceptionally talented in curse spell formations. He has learned from me Weakness of Flesh, Weakness of Mind, Touch of Agony, and Touch of Greed," said the middle-aged man with a somewhat darkened complexion.

"Touch of Agony and Touch of Greed! Those are second-level spell formations!" Karlmo, the half-human, shrieked.

"Yes, second-level spell formations. The child is particularly selective about curse spell formations. Originally, I intended to teach him other first-level spells, but he felt that some spells might make him as unkempt as me... He, he even said I smell..." The middle-aged man began to break down in tears, and Hoffman shook his head with an expression of compassion, "Dear Ramir, why don't you take the day off? Go have a good bath and then spend some time in the sunshine, how about that?"

"Thank you, Your Excellency," the middle-aged man said between sobs as he left.

"I've mentioned this issue to Instructor Ramir, but he always prefers working in the basement without adequate ventilation, and everything down at the morgue will eventually ruin the holiday you've arranged for him," Clark said, checking his own robe with great care before nodding in satisfaction.

"At least I have made him change, Clark. Do not mock Instructor Ramir."

"Indeed, Your Excellency. I went too far," he replied.

After this exchange, Hoffman turned to Karlmo, "Sir Karlmo, I am aware of the child's dangerous potential. He is immune to psychic spells, which makes him an exceptionally suitable force in our fight against Chaos and the different kind. Therefore, I look forward to you all educating him well."

"Your Excellency, I understand. But still, I would like to personally ask him the final three questions." This time, determination filled Karlmo's face.

......

"Teacher, you wanted to see me?" Malin was called over from the training ground, where he was supposed to have a combat training session with second and third-year levels, where the third years could still make an impressive show against him.

"Yes, your instructor Karlmo has been wanting to ask you some questions." Malin's teacher, old Hoffman, gestured with a smile for Malin to come over.

So, Malin approached and stood before his half-human instructor at the old teacher's signal.

"Malin, I've been wanting to know, what drives you to study so hard?" Instructor Karlmo sat on a small chair, asking him with a very sincere tone.

Malin did not hesitate, bluntly giving his answer, "Ever since encountering The Cutter, I've been thinking. This time I was lucky to have encountered trouble that wasn't too troublesome. But what if the next time I face trouble, it isn't the same kind of trouble, but a deadly encounter instead? That's why I must work doubly hard to learn how to wield weapons as soon as possible, to protect myself and my sister."

Old Hoffman clapped his hands with a smile and made a welcoming gesture.

Then Karlmo asked her question once again.

"Malin, if one day you become the most powerful being in the Supernatural World, how would you treat this world?" The half-human seemed to fear something.

Malin did not understand the fear, but he knew that such a question would never trouble him, "To give Mortals a way forward, to bring fortune to the innocent, to ensure that all the youngsters under the sky get enough to eat."

These were words he had read in a novel, very straightforward and simple, but they had always been Malin's favorite.

Having come to this world and witnessed the Transcendent, Malin had never considered himself a superhero.

This question made Instructor Karlmo lift her head, and Malin saw the tear streaks on her face, feeling a bit at a loss and somewhat overjoyed, the half-human instructor finally smiled, "One last question, when you grow old, will you regret the decisions you made in your youth, will you feel that what you've done in the past was too cheap?"

This question made Malin frown. He glanced at Clark in the corner and then at his teacher, Mr. Hoffman, and eventually, Malin smiled as well, "I might. I think when I'm old, my perspective on things will definitely differ from what I think now, so I cannot say I will never regret."

"Really..." Sir Karlmo furrowed her brow.

"But I've always believed that everyone has to pay the price for their choices, Madam. That's my principle. Even if I end up with regrets in the years to come, at least at this very moment, I have worked for this answer, and that is enough."

With this answer, Karlmo stood up in silence, bowing to old Hoffman, "Your Excellency, I have received my answer."

"I hope this answer lets you see the value in what you've put in today," old Hoffman said as he picked up a candy from the desk and handed it to Malin.

"Yes, Your Excellency, I truly understand now," the half-human lady replied with a smile.