Holy Ring

As Han Dong looked up at The Column of Steam, an energy supply source comparable to a large nuclear power plant, he spotted a ring of massive auxiliary structures suspended in the air.

They stood midway up the column, roughly four hundred meters above the ground.

With The Column of Steam as their center, 10.2-meter-diameter Connecting Pipes extended outward, wide enough for vehicles and living creatures to pass through.

There were twelve Connecting Pipes in total, arranged in a spiral around the middle section. They connected to and supported the Ring Fortress encircling The Column of Steam as an auxiliary structure.

The Ring Fortress's surface was engraved with highly conspicuous Gear Cross patterns in dark brass.

Several Whale Landings were also attached to the outer perimeter of the Ring Fortress, allowing Rust Whales of various sizes to land.

"Is everything here managed by the Gold Master?"

"Although this place is also under the council's control, the true authority is indeed the Gold Master. There is no doubt about that.

"The Gold Master's authority could be said to be the greatest among the Thirteen Knights. For certain reasons, the Holy City's economic system cannot be separated from the Gold Master, and the entire operation of Steam City is likewise dependent on him.

"If this place is the heart of the Holy City, then the Gold Master is also the heart of Steam City... This Steam City, designed and built by our predecessors, officially entered its 'golden age' with the Gold Master's arrival.

"However.

"Though the Gold Master holds power here.

"The one truly managing and monitoring Steam City from the shadows is someone else—the Gold Master's most trusted adjutant, the Vice Commander of the Steam Knight Order.

"The founder of the Mechanical God Cult—Congreve Newton.

"The Mechanical God Cult is a