Chapter 1
The city of New Cog sprawled beneath a sky choked with smog and steam, its jagged skyline punctuated by soaring spires and whirling gears. Gas lamps flickered to life as dusk settled, casting a warm glow upon the cobblestone streets below, where the echoes of clattering hooves and low, buzzing conversations filled the air. Above, airships drifted lazily through the haze, their engines releasing plumes of white smoke that spiraled into the sky, dancing amidst the glow of neon advertisements proclaiming the latest marvels from Magnus Corp.
In a forgotten corner of the industrial district, Elara Voss labored in her cluttered workshop—a labyrinth of half-finished inventions and discarded ideas. The scent of coal mingled with oiled machinery, a comforting aroma to her, as she meticulously adjusted the inner workings of a clockwork automaton. Her fingers, stained with grease and soot, deftly connected a series of gears, her mind racing with the possibilities of steam combined with burgeoning circuitry. Above her, a ceiling of piping released a regular hiss, reminding her of the heartbeat of the city that never slept.
Suddenly, the tranquility of her work was shattered by a loud crash from the entrance. She flinched, turning her head just in time to see the door swing open, revealing a figure outlined in the dim light of the workshop. With wide, frantic eyes, Corin Drax stumbled in, his leather jacket stained and frayed, a testament to his reckless lifestyle.
"Elara!" he gasped, the urgency in his voice pulling her from her concentration. "You have to hide—now!"
"What's going on?" she asked, her heart racing as she hurried to set her tools aside. But even before Corin could respond, the telltale sounds of heavy boots echoing down the corridor sent a chill down her spine.
"Corporate Enforcers," he breathed, glancing nervously over his shoulder. "I overheard them talking about a raid. They're looking for the tech you've been working on."
Fury and fear surged through Elara. Her latest invention—a hybrid device integrating steam power with advanced cybernetics—had the potential to change their world. But such power drew attention from those who sought to control it. "They can't take it! I need more time to finish!"
"They won't give you time," Corin warned, his voice low, filled with a mixture of dread