The "Delicacy" in the Gears

Xia Lin strode toward the lock's management station.

It was a small building beneath the tall tower on the left side of the lock. Its outer walls were painted the Empire's standard white, and a bronze plaque hung above the entrance: "Capital Circle Lock Management Office."

Two guards stood at the entrance. When they saw Xia Lin approaching, they immediately stopped him.

"Sorry, sir, this is a restricted area."

Xia Lin took out his Silver Rank adventurer's badge and New Stefan's Medal of Honor.

"My name is Xia Lin · Tolemo, one of New Stefan's saviors," he said. "I'd like to see your person in charge and learn about the lock malfunction."

The two guards exchanged glances.

"Please wait."

One of the guards turned and entered the building. Less than a minute later, he came running back out.

"Please come in, Mr. Tolemo. The administrator is willing to see you."

Xia Lin entered the building.

The interior was larger than he had imagined. The first floor was a broad hall, its walls covered in charts and diagrams displaying the lock's structure and operating principles.

Several staff members were busy at work. Some were reviewing documents, while others were arguing about something.

"Mr. Tolemo?"

A shrill voice came from the depths of the hall.

Xia Lin turned his head and saw a dwarf hop down from behind a desk before hurrying toward him.

He was a typical dwarven engineer.

He was only about a meter tall, with a thick brown beard divided into three braids by copper rings at the ends.

He wore an oil-stained work uniform, with all sorts of tools sticking out of his pockets—wrenches, screwdrivers, calipers, and gauges. Most striking of all was the magnifying-lens spectacles on his head. The glasses had seven or eight lenses that could