Pumpkin Scissors

Three years after the Royal Empire’s war with the Republic of Frost ends, the scars of conflict still run deep. Alice L. Malvin, an earnest young officer, leads Pumpkin Scissors—an imperial unit tasked with postwar relief—bringing aid to communities struggling to rebuild amid lingering instability.

On an operation to help a village held by renegade soldiers, Alice encounters Randal Oland, a heavily scarred ex-soldier whose troubled history contrasts with his quiet compassion. Moved by Pumpkin Scissors’ work, he joins their efforts, but during the ensuing clash he’s overtaken by a trance triggered by a strange blue lantern, unleashing terrifying strength that tears through the enemy.

Even after witnessing that unsettling change, Alice welcomes Randal into her squad, trusting that his better nature will guide him—and that he can still belong among those devoted to saving lives rather than taking them.