The Automaton lumbered forward with surprising agility for its size, Alexia clung to the sides of the cockpit, a mix of awe and trepidation written across her face. The mechanical giant moved with a fluidity that defied its hulking frame.

Elara, controlling the massive creation with apparent ease, turned to Alexia with a grin. "See, it's not as intimidating as it looks, is it?" She flicked a switch causing the ceiling to open up and the platform beginning to rise.

As the massive Automaton ascended through the opened ceiling, Alexia clung to the sides of the cockpit, her wide eyes fixed on the expanding view of the city below. The rhythmic whirring of the mechanical limbs and the hum of the systems filled the air.

Elara, in the pilot's seat, manipulated the controls with practiced precision. However, the initial instability of the ascent caused a jolt, and the Automaton swayed, prompting a gasp from Alexia.

"Don't worry, . It takes a bit of getting used to, but soon you'll feel as comfortable as I do." Elara said as she pushed the Automaton forward.

As the mechanical giant stabilized, Elara continued to guide it across the cityscape. The panoramic view of the city stretched out before them, a mosaic of buildings and structures bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.

Despite the mesmerizing scenery, a knot of anxiety still lingered in Alexia's chest. "Elara, I can't help but feel a bit... scared. This is unlike anything I've ever experienced." She realized that feeling was a common experience throughout her time in Gear Gate.

Elara's expression softened, and she patted the side of the cockpit reassuringly. "It's okay to feel that way. The unknown can be intimidating, but it's also where the most extraordinary discoveries are made. Trust me, you'll adapt quicker than you think."

Alexia, her fear slowly giving way to a sense of wonder, couldn't help but be captivated by the city's beauty from this vantage point. It was a scene so familiar yet different. She had often looked over Felucia atop her palace and yet at this moment she felt more free than ever before. “It's breathtaking," she admitted, her eyes tracing the familiar landmarks below.

As they navigated above the city, Elara turned her attention back to the controls. "You know, Alexia, piloting this Automaton is a thrilling experience and all but what if I told you there's a way to make it even more exciting?"

Alexia, intrigued but cautious, asked, "What do you mean?"

With a few expert manipulations of the controls, Elara initiated a series of mechanical processes, and the massive Automaton began to fold in on itself. Gears shifted, pistons retracted, and steel plates folded until, before Alexia's eyes, the colossal machine shrunk down to a more manageable size.

Elara grinned at Alexia's amazed expression. "Impressive, isn't it? Now, let me show you something even more extraordinary."

Leading the way, Elara guided Alexia out of the workshop, the small mechanical companion following them. As they walked through the familiar twists and turns of the corridor, Elara's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

As Elara and Alexia stepped through the concealed doorway, the workshop's familiar ambiance gave way to the pulsating glow of neon lights. "Welcome to Luminastra," Elara said "It's a city of contradictions, where the brilliance of science collides with the shadows of the underworld."

“The hidden city is what we call it. As the legend goes thousands of years ago an Archwizard seeking to create a place where Scholars, Artisans, philosophers, and the like came to the place where Gear Gate would one day be founded” Elara began. “He created a world within the hills around the city and filled it with brilliant minds where they could all converse creating something truly special”

As they walked through crowded streets, Alexia noticed the diverse inhabitants — not the scholars and artisans Elara described, but a motley assembly of individuals with a hint of mischief in their eyes. Luminastra was a place of outlaws, rebels, and those who thrived on the edge of legality.

The vibrant signs of various establishments advertised everything from magical contraband to illicit enchantments. Street vendors peddled mysterious wares, and shadowy figures moved in and out of concealed doorways.

"This isn't what I expected. What is this place, Elara?" She walked carefully beside Elara

Elara sighed, "Luminastra was once a beacon of innovation, but over the years, it fell into the hands of those who sought power through less honorable means. Criminal organizations now vie for control, and the city has become a haven for those operating outside the law. This is where most go when the curfew sets in"

"Despite its darker side, Luminastra still harbors remnants of the magic and machinery fusion that once defined it. There are pockets of brilliance if you know where to look."

They arrived at a dimly lit establishment with a flickering sign that read "Arcane Hideaway." Elara gestured for Alexia to follow her inside. She leaned closer to Alexia, her voice dropping to a hushed tone.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"There's something else you should know about Luminastra, something that allows me to keep our workshop running."

Alexia, still bewildered by the city's dual nature, listened intently. "What is it?"

Elara hesitated for a moment, her gaze searching Alexia's eyes. "There's an underground Automaton fighting ring here, and I've been participating in it."

"Automaton fighting? I thought the Mech was for construction purposes. Why would it be used in something so dangerous?" She asked slightly hurt by her lies

Elara sighed, her gaze momentarily lowered. "I built the Mech with construction in mind, yes, but to keep our workshop running and maintain the semblance of normalcy, I've had to participate in the Automaton fights. It's a way to earn money and ensure the survival of our shop." She looked up again excitement in her eyes. “With this, I can easily dominate the field and earn enough gold to make our workshop even grander”

Alexia's eyes flashed with anger. "Survival or not, using something meant for construction to harm others is unacceptable! People could get seriously hurt, Elara."

“Oh please how can you still believe that it’s only used for “construction purposes”. The people want to be entertained and doing so gives me coins. Coins to build a better life for myself and Gramps. I would expect someone like you to understand, I thought you were one of us.” Elara said each word like sharp blades

Alexia wanted to say something but held back. She didn’t know about her nobility background and she certainly wasn’t going to now. She looked down at her attire, a midnight blue cloak over a dark green tunic. It was a far cry from the gowns she wore as a princess that could light up even the brightest of rooms.

"If you don't want to stay, you can go. But if you're going to stay, then follow me," Elara declared, her frustration abundant in every stride as she angrily stormed off.

She glanced back at the exit, a fleeting temptation to retreat to what she knew. The pull of Luminastra's underworld, with all its complexities, seemed daunting. Then, her gaze returned to Elara's retreating figure, a lone silhouette against the neon glow of the city.

“I knew you would come to your senses” Elara grinned as she saw Alexia come beside her. “Whatever just show me what you’re so excited about,” Alexia says while panting.

As they approached the entrance, Elara exchanged a few words with the bouncer, who granted them passage with a nod. As they navigated through the crowd, Elara continued, "Luminaforge Arena, this fighting ring is where people create Automatons and battle for supremacy.”

Alexia's gaze was drawn toward a cage where two Automatons clashed with mechanical precision. The crowd roared in response to every strike, "But aren't these Automatons sentient? Is it right to make them fight like this?"

"They're constructs, Complex machinery, yes, but not truly sentient. It's a fine line, I admit, but they're tools. And in Luminastra, tools have many purposes."

She gestured toward the battling Automatons. "This is their purpose here, Entertainment, Competition, and, truth be told, if the shop fails then I could always make a living here like I’ve always been doing.”

"what if they're damaged? What if they get destroyed?"

"I repair them. It's part of the deal. And it's not as if they feel pain. They're not alive in the way you and I are."

The crowd's cheers reached a crescendo as one Automaton triumphed over the other, its metallic opponent collapsing to the ground. Elara cheered along with them.

"People come here seeking escape from the struggles of living in Gear Gate. It might seem like a perfect world to outsiders but it’s just like any city run by magic only it’s gears instead. It's a way for them to forget, even if just for a moment and I provide that experience." She says as she gets into a ring.

With a confident grin, she clicks a concealed button on her mechanical gauntlet. The Mech, dormant and compact, begins to whir and grow, expanding to an impressive size without breaching the cage's limits. The audience caught off guard, erupts into cheers and gasps.

Another Automaton enters the ring with the words thunderclaws written across it. Its metallic exterior gleams with a combination of battle scars and modifications. The paint is brand new without any scratches.

Elara maneuvers herself into the cockpit. The glass canopy seals shut, and the mech comes to life. Elara's Mech takes a step forward, its massive limbs causing the arena floor to tremble. Thunderclaw, nimble despite its size, darts around, electricity sparking from its hands. The first clash sends reverberations through the arena as Elara tests Thunderclaw's defenses.

Thunderclaw seizes the opportunity, unleashing a torrent of lightning from its hands. Elara's Mech, however, weathers the storm with resilient armor, absorbing the electric onslaught. In response, Elara uses the Mech's immense size to her advantage, attempting to trap Thunderclaw within its colossal grasp.

Elara, exploiting her Mech's triple size advantage, attempts to immobilize Thunderclaw with a sweeping motion, aiming to disable its lightning-emitting appendages. Thunderclaw, undeterred, emits a deafening roar, resonating with the crowd's cheers. It charges at Elara's Mech with renewed vigor, its lightning-infused fists a formidable spectacle. Elara, in response, braces for impact, relying on the Mech's robust structure to endure Thunderclaw's powerful assault. With not much room to dodge, she takes every blow.

The arena witnesses a spectacular display of mechanical prowess as Elara's Mech succeeds in ensnaring Thunderclaw. The crowd erupts in cheers as the automatons grapple. With Thunderclaw immobilized, Elara seizes the moment. The Mech, its limbs whirring with power, delivers a decisive blow, crushing Thunderclaw's lightning-emitting hands.

Elara, triumphant, raises her Mech's colossal arms in a victorious gesture. The crowd, captivated by this new type of automaton, erupts in thunderous applause. The triumphant cheers in the Luminaforge Arena gradually fade as Elara steps down from her victorious Mech. She collects her well-earned coins with a satisfied grin, the clinking sound echoing through the cavernous arena.

She turns to Alexia, still riding the adrenaline of the battle, and with enthusiasm in her voice, she says, "Did you see that, imagine if I could do this more often. We'd never have to worry about anything again!"

Before she can revel in her victories any further, a thunderous banging on the arena's door pierces through the atmosphere. Panic spreads through the crowd as policemen from Gear Gate, stern and heavily armed, pour into the room.

"Hands up and on your knees. We've received reports of illegal activity in this establishment. You're all under arrest," the commanding officer declared.

"Quite the high-profile guests we have here Elara Forgeheart, if I'm not mistaken.," the officer remarked.

"You know me, Officer. Just trying to make a living."

The officer, however, remained skeptical "Making a living by engaging in illegal Automaton battles? That's a stretch, Forgeheart. I wonder what your uncle would have to say about that"

She scoffed “The old bastard hardly even cares about family much less me”

While officers secured the room and gathered evidence, the commanding officer directed his attention to Alexia.

"I didn't expect to find a noble in such a place. Your father won't be pleased," the officer said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I'm not under my father's control anymore. I can make my own choices," Alexia declared, defiance burning in her eyes.

The commanding officer, unswayed by her proclamation, replied, "Well, those choices just led you into a heap of trouble. We'll sort this out at the precinct."

As the cold metal of handcuffs clicked into place, Elara shot Alexia a look. “What did he mean by noble, Alexia who are you?”

The princess sighed, so much for that being a secret.