Steam Alchemy Frenzy

Carlos awoke from his dreams inside the carriage.

It was the administrative district of Eastern Cyprus in March, the morning mist just dissipated. On the desolate wilds outside Saltwell Town, two crows cried mournfully before darting like arrows into the sky, vanishing into the forever overcast heavens.

A newspaper, still fragrant with fresh ink, was tightly clenched in a pale, delicate hand. Bold strokes outlined a large and striking black headline.

—Breaking! Emergency Demon Invasion!

Carlos turned his head to gaze at the distant decaying woods outside the carriage window, a faint trace of melancholy on his face. A gentle breeze drifted into the carriage.

After taking a breath, he felt the restlessness in his chest ease, but he grew weary again of the eternally gray sky outside. He withdrew his gaze and spoke to the iron wire mesh barrier at the front of the carriage:

"Uncle, the usual place!"

The elderly coachman gave a slight nod, responding respectfully, "Alright, young master."

Carlos was lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, a tall man riding a chestnut warhorse approached at speed. The carriage and the armed horse brushed past each other. Through the window, Carlos saw a shotgun tucked into the leather holster at the man’s waist, and noticed the shrewd eyes beneath the man's brown hair quickly sweep through the carriage, lingering briefly on his own face.

It was only a fleeting encounter.

Then, as dust billowed, a powerful gust of wind swept into the carriage, lifting Carlos’s black ha