The next day robin accompanied by Andrew and Oliver went to see the industrial zone of the city of valtheron. He gave the Marla raylan couple a vacation and sent Norman Silas and elric on an errand to buy an energy core for the ship.
Robin wanted to see how normal people live and that's why he told Oliver, he wanted to take the public transport. Three of them choose to dress casually to blend with the locals.
They took a public transport that looked like a big capsule that was connected with the tube like transportation system. He saw people will all gender and age board the public transport and it doesn't need any tickets or anything. Oliver said the transportation in the city is free. After traversing the mountains and tunnels they reached the industrial zone of valtheron.
The whole industrial zone is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains.
The valley stretched out below them, a massive expanse of factories, warehouses, and airport surrounded by towering mountains. The sound of machinery and the constant movement of vehicles filled the environment. Huge clouds of smoke covered the sky.
"Why did they build their city in the mountains?" Robin asked, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "Wouldn't this valley have been a better place? It's flat, spacious, and seems far more practical."
Oliver offered a smile. "the city is thousands of years old. When Valtheron was first established, practicality was not a matter of convenience but survival. They built it in the mountains to protect themselves from enemies. Back then, the land was rife with dangers invading clans, roaming beasts, and even unpredictable natural disasters. The mountain served as a natural barrier, a fortress that shielded its people from harm.”
“They never thought to relocate the city once the threats disappeared?” Robin questioned, glancing at Oliver.
“Not at all,” Oliver replied, shaking his head. “Over generations, they simply expanded within the mountain. The infrastructure grew, layer upon layer, blending with the rock as if the city were part of the mountain itself. Relocation would have been a monumental task, and by the time such an idea might have seemed feasible Valtheron had already become deeply entrenched in its ways.”
He pointed toward the valley, “Besides, this flat land wasn’t always an industrial zone. It used to be farmland. You see, you can’t grow crops in the mountains, so the people relied on the fertile soil of the valley to sustain themselves.”
Robin’s eyes widened slightly. “So they had a system of farming in the valley and living in the mountains?”
“Precisely,” Oliver said, nodding. “For centuries, the valley was the lifeblood of Valtheron. But with the advent of modern science and technology, things changed. Advances in agricultural techniques meant that food could be grown in controlled environments, even within the city itself. The need for vast farmlands diminished. The valley, with its accessibility and space, was repurposed into what you see now"
Robin asked with a serious tone " I mean couldn't they just flatten all the mountains,just look at Ignisara They transform a whole ass desert into a forest."
"Perhaps they could have done so in the past, but after the disaster in Ignisara, followed by the civil war, widespread death, and rampant mutations, the family imposed a strict law prohibiting any nation from altering its terrain without an absolute necessity. This decision was made to prevent further catastrophic consequences and maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The policy ensures that any attempt to reshape the land must undergo rigorous evaluation and be justified by dire needs, such as preventing a greater calamity or ensuring survival. Besides these people embarrass the mountains as their home so maybe that's the reason." Oliver replied sincerely.
As they're walking in the busy sidewalk of industrial zone,their casual dress allowed them to blend in seamlessly as they explored the area. Large airships hovered above, docking at factory airports to load or unload cargo. Smaller drones flew through the air, delivering packages and assisting workers. On the ground, a network of autonomous vehicles carried raw materials to production sites and finished goods to distribution centers.
They passed a huge factory producing energy cells. Robin noticed the giant metal structures, each connected to massive pipelines that transported raw materials directly from the mountains. The factory had a dedicated landing strip where airships lined up like birds on a power line, waiting for their turn.
Further along, they observed a vehicle assembly plant. Robots worked tirelessly alongside a few technicians, who monitored the operations from glass-walled control rooms.
The trio also ventured into a section dedicated to recycling and waste management. Massive sorting machines separated materials with pinpoint accuracy, and the smell of processed metals and plastics filled the air.
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As they strolled, Robin noticed workers of all genders and ages moving efficiently. Though many tasks were automated, human workers were still present, ensuring the systems operated smoothly. The camaraderie among them was palpable, with laughter and conversations cutting through the mechanical din.
Everywhere they went, holographic signs control traffic, both on the ground and in the air. They glowed with a soft light, displaying updates and instructions in real-time. "It’s like an entire city within a city," Andrew remarked, nodding at the organized chaos around them.
By the time they reached the far end of the industrial zone, Robin felt a newfound appreciation for the intricate systems that powered Valtheron. It wasn’t just the advanced technology or the efficient logistics that impressed him it was the harmony between humans and machines, working together to create a seamless industrial ecosystem.
The group continued their exploration of Valtheron after the industrial zone. Their next destination was the city's residential areas, a sector that intrigued Robin as much as the factories. He wanted to see how the people of this mega-city lived, from the affluent citizens who basked in luxury to those who struggled in the shadows of prosperity.
As they boarded the capsule-like public transport, the tube offered panoramic views of the city as it ascended toward the residential districts. The scenery shifted dramatically from sprawling industrial complexes to towering residential buildings nestled against the mountains.
The residential area of Valtheron was a huge piece of a puzzle. Buildings stretched upward, clinging to the steep mountainsides like ivy. The wealthier people lived in the upper side of the city, where natural sunlight poured down, and the air was fresh and cool. Meanwhile, the lower districts were damp ,dark and humid, illuminated only by artificial lights that mimicked the sun.
Robin’s gaze was drawn to the architectural contrast. In the upper district, the buildings are gleamed with futuristic designs, their balconies and roofs filled with greenery. Hovering platforms connected skyscrapers, and personal airships darted between them. It was like a futuristic paradise, carefully maintained and overflowing with life.
By contrast, the lower district sprawled beneath, a dense cluster of buildings stacked chaotically atop one another. The streets below were narrow, bustling with activity, and enveloped in a constant sound of machinery. Giant fans installed on towers worked tirelessly to circulate air, while artificial light panels bathed the streets in a pale glow.
“It’s like two different worlds,” Robin murmured.
Oliver nodded. “It’s more than just geography. Access to natural sunlight, fresh air, and better infrastructure makes a world of difference. Up there, life is easy. Down here, it’s a daily struggle.”
After a round trip around the city the capsule stopped at one of the central hubs in the upper district. The streets were wide and spotless, lined with vibrant greenery. The garden dotted the landscape, their paths winding through blooming flowerbeds and artificial streams.
Robin noticed a rooftop garden on nearly every building, some hosting small orchards or swimming pools. Private airships hovered above, docking at balconies that served as personal landing pads. Pedestrian walkways hovered mid-air, crisscrossing between skyscrapers and creating a multi-level urban experience.
The people here moved at a leisurely pace. Their clothing was stylish yet understated, exuding quiet wealth. Robots accompanied many of them, carrying groceries or walking pets. Some even carry robotic pets.
Cafes and boutiques lined the streets, their modern designs blending seamlessly with the lush surroundings.
Robin watched a group of children playing in a park under the watchful eyes of robotic nannies. The air was filled with laughter and the scent of fresh flowers. “It feels so peaceful,” he remarked. “Almost too peaceful.”
Oliver smiled knowingly. “That’s the price of perfection. It’s beautiful, but it feels disconnected from the rest of the city.”
The streets were quiet, almost serene, as though insulated from the chaos of urban life below.
Their next destination was the lower district. As the capsule descended, the atmosphere shifted. The light grew dim, and the hum of the fans became audible even within the transport. When they arrived, the contrast with the upper district was immediate.
The lower district was a labyrinth of narrow streets and buildings, their exteriors worn and patched. The air was heavy, tinged with the smell of machinery and waste. The streets were alive with activity, bustling with vendors, workers, and children playing in the alleys.
Massive light panels installed on building facades cast an artificial glow, mimicking daylight. Fans circulated the air, but the district lacked the refreshing quality of natural breezes. The constant sound of machinery and chatter of residents created a cacophony that was both overwhelming and strangely comforting.
Like the upper district dojos are also common here. But the quality seems not as good as those from the upper district. Dreams are everywhere you just need an opportunity.
Robin observed a group of workers returning home, their clothes marked with grease and sweat. Despite their exhaustion, they greeted one another with smiles and shared laughter. “They seem happy,” Robin said, surprised.
“The community thrives where resources are scarce,” Oliver replied. “They may lack luxuries, but they have each other.”
Further exploration revealed the ingenuity of the lower district’s residents. Small businesses thrived in every corner, from food stalls to repair shops. Children played in makeshift playgrounds, and the city offered free education and healthcare. Autonomous cleaning bots roamed the streets, maintaining a semblance of order amidst the chaos.
Robin noticed, however, the challenges these people faced. The proximity to the city’s sewer system posed health risks, and the lack of natural light affected both the mood and well-being of the residents. Despite the efforts to simulate a natural environment, the lower district felt oppressive, as though the weight of the city above bore down on it.
Robin thought about the difference in the lifestyle of different people . In the upper district, life was leisurely and luxurious, with access to nature and state-of-the-art technology. The residents had the freedom to pursue hobbies, leisure, and self-improvement. In the lower district, life was about survival. The residents worked tirelessly, and dreamed maybe one day they could move to the upper district.
After their venture they returned to their lodging. As Robin stepped into his luxurious hotel , he couldn't help but admire the stunning view of the city lights stretching out into the night. It was the kind of scene that made him pause and feel truly lucky. "Thanks, Grandpa," he thought, knowing it was his grandfather's work that made this life possible, he also thanked fate or whatever it was out in the universe that gifted him this opportunity.
But then, a familiar pang of guilt crept in. Here he was, enjoying the high life, he is one of the wealthiest men in this part of the gellaxy that the family controls. Just a fraction of his wealth could change the fate of the poor people of the world yet his hands are tight.
He couldn't change their fate, it's in their hand, let nature go at its own pace.
It felt a little hypocritical, it felt like playing a god but doing nothing.
Still, as he sank into the plush sofa, Robin decided maybe it was time to stop just thinking about it.