As they ate—Alan suddenly realizing how hungry he had been—Marcus explained more about Ironhammer's political position within Ethera.
"The city maintains independence through economic necessity," he said. "Their metalwork and mechanical innovations are unmatched, and even the Academy relies on Gearsmith creations for certain applications. This gives them leverage to resist direct control."
"But not enough to openly defy the Academy," Alan surmised.
"Precisely. It's a delicate balance. Steelheart can protect you under the guise of a visiting consultant, but if Darkblade provides evidence of your otherworldly origin or connects you directly to the Void incursions, even Ironhammer's autonomy might not be sufficient."
Alan considered this as he finished his meal. "So we need a more permanent solution than just hiding. I need to understand how I got here and if there's a way back."
"And perhaps why you were brought here," Marcus added. "I still believe your arrival at this specific moment, coinciding with the Rift expansion and the Void entities' unusual behavior, is significant."
Before Alan could respond, a section of wall slid open, and Steelheart returned, accompanied by a younger dwarf carrying several large rolls of parchment.
"Ah, good, you've eaten," Steelheart said approvingly. "Allow me to introduce my apprentice, Torbin. He'll be helping establish your cover identity."
Torbin, a dwarf with a neatly trimmed beard and intelligent eyes, nodded respectfully. "Master Raven, Dr. Chen. The Forgemaster has explained your situation—in general terms," he added hastily, seeing Marcus's concerned expression. "I'm here to help create technical documentation that will support your role as a visiting energy consultant."
He unrolled one of the parchments on a table, revealing detailed diagrams of what appeared to be Ironhammer's energy distribution system. "We've been experiencing efficiency issues in the northern quadrant's steam conduits. A visiting specialist examining these problems would have legitimate reason to access most areas of the city."
Alan studied the diagrams with genuine interest. The engineering was fascinating—a hybrid of mechanical principles he recognized and energy manipulation techniques that were entirely new to him.
"These conduit junctions," he said, pointing to specific areas on the diagram, "they're using crystals as some kind of energy transformer?"
Torbin looked impressed. "Exactly. They convert thermal energy to a more refined state that can power our more delicate mechanisms. But the conversion ratio has been declining in the older sections."
"Probably crystal degradation from prolonged heat exposure," Alan suggested, his scientific mind already analyzing the problem. "The molecular structure would gradually realign under constant energy flow."
Steelheart and Torbin exchanged pleased glances. "You'll make a convincing consultant indeed," the Forgemaster said with satisfaction. "Torbin will work with you to develop a plausible analysis approach and documentation trail."
He turned to Marcus. "Now, for less pleasant news. Darkblade and three Academy enforcers have entered the city. They've formally requested the council's assistance in locating 'dangerous fugitives'—specifically, an exile named Marcus Raven and an unidentified male with unusual energy signatures."
Marcus frowned. "Have they presented evidence of any actual crimes?"
"Only vague claims of 'unauthorized dimensional manipulation' and 'potential Void contamination,'" Steelheart replied. "Serious charges, but without specific incidents to cite. The council has agreed to 'remain vigilant' but has not authorized any searches or restrictions beyond standard visitor monitoring."
"How long can the council maintain that position?" Alan asked.
"It depends on Darkblade's persistence and what evidence he presents," Steelheart said grimly. "If he connects you to the Rift expansion or produces a direct order from the full Arcane Council rather than just Shadowveil, the political pressure would increase significantly."
"Then we need to work quickly," Marcus decided. "Alan needs access to information about interdimensional travel and the physics of this world. The Academy libraries would be ideal, but obviously inaccessible under the circumstances."
Steelheart stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Guild maintains its own library, including some rare texts on energy manipulation that the Academy would rather we didn't possess. Not as comprehensive as their collections, but perhaps useful." He turned to Torbin. "Arrange access to the restricted archives for our 'consultant.' Use my personal authorization."
Torbin nodded and made a note on a small pad he carried. "What about practical experimentation? If Dr. Chen is to maintain his cover, he'll need a workspace."
"My secondary workshop in the eastern quadrant," Steelheart decided. "It's equipped for energy flow analysis and isolated enough for privacy." He looked at Alan. "It would also give you legitimate reason to examine our crystal refinery, which might provide insights relevant to your situation."
The conversation was interrupted by a chiming sound from a device on Steelheart's belt. He checked it and frowned. "The council requests my presence. Likely regarding our Academy visitors." He rose, straightening his formal vest. "Torbin will continue working with you on your cover documentation. I'll return when I can with news of Darkblade's movements."
After Steelheart departed, they spent the next several hours working with Torbin to establish Alan's fictional background. They created a detailed history of his supposed previous work, technical reports that incorporated enough actual physics to be convincing while using terminology consistent with Ethera's understanding of energy, and a schedule of inspections and analyses that would provide legitimate reason for his presence in various parts of the city.
Throughout the process, Alan found himself genuinely engaged with the technical challenges presented in the Ironhammer systems. The fusion of mechanical engineering and energy manipulation was fascinating from a scientific perspective, and he quickly grasped the underlying principles despite the unfamiliar terminology.
"You have a natural aptitude for Gearsmith concepts," Torbin commented as they finalized a diagnostic procedure for the crystal conduits. "Most magical practitioners find our methods too... physical. They prefer direct energy manipulation over mechanical interfaces."
"Where I come from, we don't have the option of direct manipulation," Alan explained. "We have to build devices to harness and direct energy. So your approach actually feels more familiar to me than traditional magic."