With the GWU's discoveries + research of steel molds, they gain the essence of steel upgrades to the current bronze/copper/iron tools. 3K, being the only other nation at the time to have steel, trades with members of the Southwestern trading cycle. Reported spies from C. Isles & Smallinactie steal blueprints for steel molds from 3K & BR (Smallinactie trading with Neo-Voidia), leading to suspicion.
Lavasteam ~ 5th Cell (Game: Drawn to Life The Next Chapter) I'm not sure if Kirbyland is part of the cycle. Do y'all know?