Next, Magnus made his way to the industrial district, where the factories and workshops dominated the skyline. The air was thick with the scent of oil and smoke, and the streets were lined with steam-powered vehicles and workers clad in heavy leather aprons.
As he walked, Magnus noticed a group of Grimwardens patrolling the area. They were an imposing sight, their armor adorned with glowing runes and their weapons bristling with enchanted blades and steam-powered mechanisms. Magnus kept his distance, not wanting to draw their attention, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for their dedication to protecting the people.
He eventually found himself outside a large factory, its smokestacks belching clouds of steam into the sky. A sign above the entrance read Ironhaven Foundry: Purveyors of Fine Steam-powered Machinery. Curious, Magnus stepped inside, the heat of the forge hitting him like a wall.
The interior of the factory was a maze of conveyor belts, gears, and glowing crystals. Workers moved about with practiced efficiency; their movements synchronized with the rhythm of the machines. Magnus watched in awe as a massive steam engine powered a series of pistons, each one driving a hammer that shaped molten metal into intricate parts.
A voice broke through the noise, pulling Magnus from his thoughts. "Can I help you, traveler?"
Magnus turned to see a Drakthar foreman standing nearby, his draconic scales glinting in the light of the forge. "I was just… admiring your work," Magnus replied, his voice barely audible over the noise.
The foreman nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "We're the best in Ironhaven. If you need anything from a steam-powered rifle to a clockwork automaton, we can make it."
Magnus hesitated, then decided to take a chance. "Do you know anything about the Everbright Crystal?"
The foreman's expression darkened, and he glanced around before lowering his voice. "That's not something we talk about openly. The crystal's power is… unpredictable. Some say it's a gift from the Primordial Gods, others say it's a curse. But one thing's for sure—it's not something to be trifled with."
Magnus nodded, his mind racing. "Do you know where I can learn more about it?"
The foreman studied him for a moment, then sighed. "If you're serious, talk to the Luminarchs. They're the ones who study the crystal and its history. But be careful—they're not known for their hospitality."
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Following the foreman's advice, Magnus made his way to the Luminarchs' enclave, a towering structure of white stone and glowing crystals located in the heart of Ironhaven. The building was a stark contrast to the industrial district, its pristine walls and intricate carvings a testament to the Lumineth's obsession with beauty and order.
As he approached the entrance, Magnus was stopped by a pair of Lumineth guards, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. "State your business," one of them said, his voice cold and formal.
"I'm here to speak with the Luminarchs," Magnus replied, trying to sound confident. "I have… questions about the Everbright Crystal."
The guards exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Wait here."
A few minutes later, a Lumineth scholar emerged from the building, her silver hair and glowing eyes marking her as one of the Luminarchs. She studied Magnus with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. "You seek knowledge of the Everbright Crystal?" she asked, her voice sharp.
Magnus nodded. "Yes. I need to understand its power—and its purpose."
The scholar's eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "The crystal's power is not for the uninitiated. It is a force of creation and destruction, a fragment of the Eternal Nexus itself. To wield it is to risk everything."
Magnus met her gaze, his determination unwavering. "I don't have a choice. The crystal… it's a part of me now."
The scholar's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "Very well. Come with me."
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