Steam Capital, Bridge of Gears and Brass
Early morning. The morning mist over the Steam Capital had yet to disperse when Tiandao arrived at the underground parking garage of Gear Tower with Vivian.
Before long, a convoy drove out of Gear Tower, traveling along the concrete road embedded with gear patterns and leaving the Steam Capital's bustling commercial district.
When the last row of shops fell behind them, Vivian looked out through the iron bars. A colossal bridge spanning the Sea of Steam slowly unfolded in its entirety before her eyes.
Dark-yellow brass plates formed the bridge deck, while twelve interlocking giant gears made up its skeletal frame.
The enormous gears below turned slowly, endlessly producing heavy, clacking sounds.
This was the only route to the Garden Above the Clouds, where the Twelve Brass Conference hall stood—the Bridge of Gears and Brass.
"Stop."
Once the convoy reached Gear Pass on the bridge, two guards clad in steam armor blocked their way. The lenses beneath their helmets flickered red, as though they were wary of the convoy's arrival.
In response, Tiandao's voice came from the back seat of the lead vehicle.
"The Fifth Squad is escorting suspect Vivian to stand trial before the Brass Council."
Hearing this, the two Steam Guards stepped forward and checked Tiandao's documents.
After confirming Tiandao's identity, they insisted on inspecting every vehicle, eventually arriving at the prison van holding Vivian.
To cooperate with the inspection, the door of Vivian's prison van was deliberately opened.
Behind the iron bars, she lowered her eyes. The star-patterned shackles around her wrists glimmered with an eerie blue light.
They were special constructs capable of sealing a Star Envoy's abilities.
But just as everyone assumed this was merely routine business for the two Steam Guards, a sudden change erupted.
"Move!"
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