Introduction
"Automara," the infamous Paragon Forge, had never shone so bright—actually looking like how it was described by *him*. Yes, the greatest innovator, also known as the "madman" by scientists.
What is the event that can trigger the dome that looked so cold yet so bold, so close yet so far? A myth or no? What does it have in store?
Who was the madman?
Someone with such fame—what did he do? What made him a genius? What made him a devil? Shall we slowly dishevel?
From the city below, Automara was near but far. The distance was less, but the tech was afar. Both places lay below the horizon.
The event was caused by a boy from a town who managed to do something even the madman gave up on.
Who was he, and what did he do?
Civitas looked human, unlike Automara. It looked bright, warm, and bustling with people. Markets thrived, families gathered, and children played, while Automara looked barren and cold, surrounded by a dome one couldn't get in or out of. No one knew what was inside the dome.
Civitas wasn't as good as it seemed deep down. The government, which appeared kind, was a fiend. They feared change and technology. Automara scared them, and they outlawed going near it, nor did Automara ever open its doors. Involvement with robots or AI was seen as wrong.
The alleys were scary, and food was scarce in the lower districts of the town. There were two orphans who always stayed together: one was Lucian, the other was Viril. They slept on streets, shared food, and dreamed of living a better life.
Each had their role: Viril was a smooth talker, taking things out. Lucian was strong and determined, doing the heavy work. They were together, and that's all that mattered.
A Pocket of Light
Even when living the harsh life, they were kids. They found a pocket of light in the dark world. Otto nearby was very sweet. He gave them leftovers and told them stories. He was the reason they knew humanity. He taught them to read and write. He taught them cooking.
They enjoyed the vivid stories he had to tell. His stories were a doorway for them to learn about the world they couldn't explore. While they liked all the stories, Automara and the madman remained their favorite.
Curious about the place, they asked Otto about Automara. Otto said, "The place is a mystery and might be dangerous. Who knows if what it contains is dangerous? It might actually be nothing, just empty inside, but who could tell? But anyway, you lads shouldn't think about such things now. Focus on what is ahead of you—surviving the Civitas."
Otto was popular; even the officials came. The food was good, and the stories were vivid. He was a great talker, and Viril was thrilled. Otto was the closest thing to family they had. Otto was impressed by Viril's skills, his smooth talking, and Lucian's determination.
Otto was strict, and Lucian was sloppy. Sometimes, he dropped things and got a beating. But he never complained and learned to cook. His determination gave him good results. Viril was learning, and Otto made him better—his talking was smoother than butter.
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