Of the Holy City's three mountain peaks, the heart of the one on the left, named "Iscent," had long been hollowed out. It now formed a vast, magnificent, domed space brimming with modern industry.
This was the site of the Holy City's core workshops and research institute.
Bright, steady electric lights ran along the towering rock walls and steel framework, illuminating this mountain Kingdom as if it were day.
The passageways were wide enough for several small steam locomotives to travel abreast. On either side were laboratories, assembly workshops, and materials warehouses, each separated by reinforced glass or metal grilles.
People in various uniforms bustled about, moving with purpose and order.
In this space filled entirely with adults, one figure was particularly conspicuous.
It was a girl of about eight, slightly taller than her peers, dressed in a small, well-tailored black clerical robe with silver trim.
