Lore Scroll: Adaptive Alpha Mold

The heavy bang of a fist on a steel table shook Levo from his stupor. He had been studying the thermodynamics of the alpha engine for some time, trying to understand the peculiar timings he was seeing from his experiments. The Distinguished Teklovossen was not pleased with the latest results.

Hurriedly prancing over wiring strewn about the floor and pushing some old prototypes aside, Levo joined his Master at the table. Adjusting the light overhead with the foot pedals below, Levo wasted no time in diagnosing the issue. He was immediately engrossed in the project, understanding the kinetics of the joints, identifying potential avenues for improvement. He hardly noticed his Master's disapproving glare.

"You don't even know why I banged my fist," Teklovossen started, "the micro-engine seems to..."

"...short out every time it ramps past 2 million RPS?" Levo said, not even looking up, already adjusting a few plates and moving around some wires, "that's only the symptom of the problem. The real issue is the dynamo and the modulator, adjusting the spin and the balance at the wrong time. It should be ready right, now." Levo pushed a few buttons on the controller next to him.

"I'm not sure..." Teklovossen partly groaned before the Alpha Mold bolted itself onto Levo's forearm. The stunned protege student staggered backwards and over the wire he had nimbly dodged moments before. As he fell, the mold shifted quickly, covering Levo's chest, back and shoulders. He landed hard on the mess of parts but was immediately grateful for the protection.

"...that's such a good idea." Teklovossen finished, but he had a grin on his face. Levo was one of Metrix's finest tinkerers. To think that his family was one missed payday away from being in the streets. The chance encounter with Levo's gadgets provided more innovation and inspiration for Teklovssen than all of the gilded halls that Metrix University could provide. Teklovssen reach out with his arm, and hauled up Levo, dusting him off and giving him a satisfied pat on the shoulder.

"With him working for me," Teklovossen thought to himself, "maybe there is hope for this damned city after all."