Torbin seemed pleased by this. "The Guild has always maintained that understanding the physical principles behind energy flow is as important as the energy itself. The Academy considers this view limiting, but we've achieved results they can't replicate with all their mystical theories."
As evening approached, Marcus—who had been reviewing some of Steelheart's books while Alan worked with Torbin—suggested they take a break. "You've established a solid foundation for your cover," he told Alan. "But we should also discuss our longer-term strategy."
Torbin excused himself to deliver the completed documentation to the Guild registry, leaving them alone in Steelheart's residence.
"What are you thinking?" Alan asked, stretching to relieve the stiffness from hours of detailed work.
Marcus moved to the window, gazing out at the city as lights began to illuminate the darkening terraces. "Ironhammer provides temporary safety, but we need to understand why you're here and what connection exists between your arrival and the Void incursions."
"And how to get me home," Alan added quietly.
Marcus turned to face him. "Is that still your primary goal? To return to Earth?"
The question caught Alan off guard. "Of course. Why wouldn't it be?"
"You've adapted remarkably well to this world," Marcus observed. "And your knowledge has already proven valuable here—potentially life-saving, in the case of the village evacuation. There might be a reason beyond random chance that brought you to Ethera."
Alan considered this. It was true that despite the danger and disorientation, he had found himself increasingly fascinated by this world and its different rules. The scientist in him was thrilled by the opportunity to study an entirely new set of physical laws and their applications.
"I have responsibilities back home," he said finally. "Research, colleagues, family... I can't just abandon that life, even for the scientific opportunity of a lifetime."
Marcus nodded, accepting his answer. "Understandable. In that case, our research should focus on the mechanics of interdimensional travel and the specific conditions that brought you here."
"The Void entities seem to recognize me specifically," Alan noted. "That suggests they might understand something about my transition between worlds."
"A dangerous source of information to pursue," Marcus cautioned. "But you may be right. The Void exists between realities—entities from that space might perceive the connections between worlds differently than we do."
Their discussion was interrupted by the return of Steelheart, his expression troubled as he entered through the main door rather than the hidden passage.
"The situation has complicated," he announced without preamble. "Darkblade presented evidence to the council—images captured by Academy scryers showing the incident in Clayton. They clearly show you," he nodded to Alan, "manipulating energy in ways consistent with 'foreign contamination,' as they put it."
"That's absurd," Marcus protested. "He was helping repel the Void entities, saving lives!"
"The context was conveniently omitted," Steelheart replied dryly. "The images showed only the unfamiliar energy patterns, not their purpose." He sighed heavily. "The council remains reluctant to fully cooperate with the Academy, but they've authorized limited investigation privileges. Darkblade and his team can now request identity verification from anyone they encounter in public areas of the city."
Alan felt a chill of apprehension. "So I can't leave this residence?"
"Not quite that restrictive," Steelheart clarified. "Your cover identity is now officially registered with the Guild. The documentation is thorough and bears my personal seal, which carries significant weight. As long as you remain in Guild facilities and conduct yourself as the consultant you're purported to be, the verification should withstand scrutiny."
"But we'll need to be more cautious," Marcus concluded.
"Indeed. And there's another complication." Steelheart hesitated before continuing. "The Academy delegation has been joined by another member—a senior researcher from the Department of Dimensional Studies. Someone you know, Marcus."
Marcus tensed visibly. "Who?"
"Lyra Starcrest."
The name hung in the air between them. Alan remembered the silver-haired woman who had helped them in Clayton and later warned them about the Containment Team in the mountains.
"Is she working with Darkblade now?" he asked, confused by this development.
"Unclear," Steelheart replied. "She arrived separately and presented independent credentials. According to my sources, there appears to be some tension between her and the Containment Team."
Marcus paced thoughtfully. "Lyra's presence could be either an additional threat or an unexpected ally. Her warning in the mountains seemed genuine, but her ultimate loyalty is to knowledge and the Academy."
"She requested access to our historical archives," Steelheart added. "Specifically, records relating to previous interdimensional events. The council granted limited access under supervision."
"She's researching parallel cases to mine," Alan realized. "Trying to understand what's happening independently of Darkblade's containment mission."
"Possibly," Marcus agreed. "Though whether her conclusions would help or harm our situation remains to be seen."
Steelheart moved to a cabinet and retrieved a small device that resembled a pocket watch but with additional dials and a crystal face. "This is a Guild communicator. It will allow you to contact me or Torbin if needed." He handed it to Alan. "It also serves as additional verification of your status if questioned."
He then produced a map of Ironhammer, marking several locations. "Your assigned workshop is here, in the eastern quadrant. These are safe routes between there and this residence. And this," he indicated another location, "is the Guild library, including the restricted archives I've authorized you to access."
Alan studied the map, trying to memorize the complex layout of the mountain city. "When do I start my 'consulting work'?"
"Tomorrow morning," Steelheart decided. "Maintaining a normal routine will attract less attention than hiding. Torbin will accompany you initially to establish your presence and introduce you to the systems you'll be analyzing."
As they finalized plans for the coming days, Alan felt a strange mix of emotions. The danger of discovery remained very real, yet he also felt a growing excitement at the opportunity to study this world's unique energy systems in detail. Perhaps understanding how magic functioned here would provide insights into his own situation—and possibly a way home.
Later that night, after Steelheart had departed and Marcus had retired to one of the guest chambers, Alan stood at the window of his assigned room, gazing out at the remarkable city built into the living mountain. Lights twinkled across the terraced levels, and occasional plumes of steam rose from vents in rhythmic patterns. It was beautiful in its own alien way, a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.
His reflection in the glass caught his attention—the unfamiliar clothing, the growing beard, the subtle changes in his posture and expression that had developed in just a few days in this world. He was adapting, perhaps too easily, to a reality where the fundamental laws he had spent his life studying operated differently.
From his pocket, he withdrew his phone—now turned off to conserve the remaining battery, down to 28%. It was his last tangible connection to Earth, containing photos, notes, contacts—fragments of the life he had left behind. The contrast between the advanced technology in his hand and the steam-powered, crystal-enhanced world around him was stark.
"I will find a way back," he whispered to himself, though a small voice in his mind wondered if that was entirely true. The scientist in him was already captivated by the possibilities of this world, the chance to understand an entirely new set of physical laws and their applications.