Connor was a longtime childhood friend of Lyra's. As orphans, the two of them grew up together at the orphanage in the Downtown district, and their relationship endured even after they left.
At the age of 16, unadopted children were eligible to leave the orphanage and start making a life for themselves. They would still receive a certain level of support from the home, but it wasn't substantial and was more of a nominal backing.
Lyra set out to become a Hunter, while Connor, already a tech enthusiast, sought to explore and advance his career. He was something the current era called a Crafter, or Forger—at least, on the surface.
But the truth was, Connor's skills lay in versatility.
Forging? Check.
Robotics? Please.
Biochemistry? Haha, are you even trying?
Rocket science? What's a rocket?