The journey through the desert mountain region to their destination had been nothing special. Mythara's landscape is filled with giant mines and transportation ships to transport goods.
After hours of over rocky terrains and weaving through jagged cliffs, their ship finally approached Valtheron, one of the four major cities in Mythara. It's one of the cities that is controlled by the Durnham family, in fact it's the city with the Durham family's main residence.
From the sky, Valtheron resembled an anthill with many peaks. Roads spiraled into the mountains like veins, connecting the city in ways that seemed almost alive. Buildings seemed to grow out of the cliffs body. The towering peaks framed the city in a protective embrace, making it appear both majestic and magical. As the ship descended closer, Robin saw that the apparent chaos was nothing more than brilliant design.
“It’s enormous,” Robin murmured, leaning against the deck. The city stretched as far as the eye could see, merging perfectly with the mountains around it. The stark contrast of industrial zones on the outskirts, bustling with giant flying cargo ships and huge chimneys that emitted smokes.
Elric nodded . “A marvel of engineering, isn’t it? The mytharan are known for their adaptability. They’ve turned this harsh, unforgiving landscape into a masterpiece.”
As the ship approached the city, Robin noticed another striking feature there were very few vehicles on the ground. Instead, tube-like transportation pods zipped along transparent tunnels crisscrossing the city. These tubes ran in every direction: horizontally, vertically, and even diagonally, connecting the various levels of the city and the buildings carved into the cliffs. It was a futuristic marvel that allowed people to traverse the vast city efficiently. From a distance it seems like a giant organism with glass veins.
Oliver, stepped up to Robin’s side. “Impressive, isn’t it? The tube system is one of Valtheron’s greatest achievements. It’s powered entirely by geothermal energy harvested from the surrounding mountains. No noise, no pollution.”
Robin nodded, still absorbing the sight. In the center of the valley, the park with a lake stood out as a perfect blend of modernity and nature. The lake reflected the sunlight, its surface sparkling like a sheet of glass. Walking paths wound through meticulously maintained gardens, and small fountains dotted the landscape. Despite the towering cliffs and industrial zones surrounding it, the park exuded tranquility, a testament to Durnhams’ s commitment to balancing progress.
Their ship finally landed on a platform built into the side of a cliff. It was part of a large hotel, its architecture blending seamlessly with the mountain. The parking area was carved directly into the cliff face. From the platform, Robin could see other parts of the hotel extending both above and below their current level, a dizzying network of interconnected spaces that made the building feel like a vertical city within the city.
“This will be our home for the next few days,” Oliver announced as they disembarked. “Valtheron is too vast to explore in a single day. We’ll stay here, experience the city, and meet Durnhams briefly before we leave. No need for another Ignisara experience.”
Robin chuckled at Oliver’s tactful reference to their last encounter with the ruling family from both sides of Ignisara. Both of them tried to oil him up so he didn't have a proper natural experience.
The Ignisara experience had been a whirlwind of politics, ceremonies, and thinly veiled power plays that had left Robin mentally drained. This time, he was determined to keep things simple explore the city, understand its people, and spend as little time as possible entangled in the Durnhams’ affairs.
The group checked into the hotel and took some time to rest and freshen up. The rooms were luxurious, with large windows offering panoramic views of the city and the valley below.
By evening, they were ready to begin their exploration. The tube system was their first stop. Oliver had arranged for a private pod, ensuring they could travel comfortably without the usual crowds. As the pod zipped through the transparent tunnels ,it was fast and quick.
Their first destination was the central park. Stepping out of the pod, Robin immediately felt the difference. The air was cooler here, the sounds of the bustling city replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hum of fountains. The park was a hub of activity, with families picnicking, children playing, and couples strolling along the paths. The lake at its center was a popular spot, with small boats gliding across its surface.
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“It’s hard to believe this place is part of the same city as those massive industrial zones,” Robin said, taking in the serene surroundings.
As they wandered through the park, Robin noticed several statues and plaques, each commemorating significant figures from the city's history. One statue, in particular, caught his eye a towering figure of a man clad in armor, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
“That’s Jack Durnham,” Oliver explained, noticing Robin’s interest. “One of Mythara’s greatest military leaders and a key figure in the Durnham family’s history. He played a pivotal role in the family's industrialization .”
Robin studied the statue, feeling a sense of awe.
As night fell, the group headed to one of Valtheron’s renowned restaurants, located on a high cliff overlooking the valley. The view was breathtaking, with the city lights twinkling like stars and the lake reflecting the moonlight. The food was just as impressive, a fusion of traditional Mytharan cuisine and modern culinary techniques.
Over dinner, Oliver discussed their plans for the next few days. “Tomorrow, we’ll visit the market. The day after, we’ll spend some time exploring the market and meeting with a few locals to get a sense of life here. And before we leave, we’ll meet with the Durnhams, just long enough to maintain good relations without getting drawn into their politics.”
Robin nodded, appreciating Oliver’s meticulous planning. Despite his initial reservations about Mythara, he was beginning to see its charm. Valtheron, in particular, was a city that defied expectations.
As they returned to the hotel, Robin looked out over the city once more. The towering cliffs, the sprawling park, the shimmering lake, and the futuristic tube system in all of it came together to form a city unlike any he had ever seen. Robin smiled in his mind He's been saying this line everywhere.
Robin woke up early in the morning to see the morning view of the city. While looking out of his window he saw people are already busy with their day to day work. He knew these people were hardworking but never expected them to be this systematic. After breakfast Robin stepped out of the hotel with his crew. The city looks more alive than yesterday evening. Another thing he noticed as he walked,it stands as a city where the ground floor might actually be on the 10th story, thanks to its terrain and position, creating a dizzying labyrinth of buildings stacked on hillsides, where navigating can feel like a 3D puzzle, with streets weaving through buildings and sometimes even passing through them, making it a truly multi-level urban experience.
Imagine walking down a bustling street, only to suddenly find yourself on a moving escalator that takes you up a steep incline, seamlessly connecting you to another level of the city, where you might encounter a traditional teahouse nestled within a modern skyscraper, offering a moment of calm amidst the urban chaos; this is the unique reality of valtheron, a city where the very concept of "ground level" can be confusing, but undeniably captivating.
As Robin started his journey into the city, his first destination was a Bazaar, a market district at the edge of Valtheron. It was a sensory overload, in the best way possible. Vendors called out to potential customers, their stalls overflowing with everything from magical trinkets to steaming bowls of food.
A vendor waved him over, holding up a glowing amulet that shimmered with faint blue light.Robin politely declined, though he couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship.
Navigating the streets was an adventure in itself. The city seemed to rise and fall with no discernible pattern, staircases leading to hidden alleys, and bridges spanning the gaps between buildings perched on opposite cliffs. At one point, Robin found himself on a narrow path that hugged the mountainside, offering a breathtaking view of the entire city. Below him, he could see layers upon layers of Valtheron’s architecture houses, shops, and businesse stacked like a chaotic but beautiful mosaic. It was a sight he could hardly tear his eyes away from.
The mid-city area was where Valtheron truly came alive. Here, the architecture shifted from rustic stone and wood to a fusion of traditional and modern styles. Buildings gleamed with crystalline accents, their surfaces catching the light of the enchanted lanterns that floated above. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, their streams diverted into aqueducts and fountains that fed the city below. Robin paused at one particularly stunning fountain, known as the Singing Cascade, where water struck enchanted crystal basins, producing a soft, melodic tune that echoed through the plaza.
Street performers added to the lively atmosphere. A group of illusionists had drawn a crowd with their floating displays dragons made of light soared through the air, dissolving into sparkling motes before reforming into phoenixes. Robin stopped to watch, captivated by their skill. Nearby, a musician played a melody on a strange, stringed instrument, its sound carrying a hint of magic that seemed to tug at the heartstrings.
Another thing that surprised robin the most was the sheer number of dojos in this city. Most of them are for children, they're here to harden them up for the future. He saw kids wearing costumes competing with one another, teachers instruct them from the sideline he also noticed some dojo specially mansion they will train you for William family soldier requirements.
As evening fell, the city transformed. Valtheron’s streets lit up with a variety of colors, neon signs and enchanted lanterns casting a warm glow over the cobblestone pathways. Food vendors set up their stalls along bustling alleys, the air filled with the sizzle of skewers grilling over open flames and the enticing aroma of steaming bowls of noodles. Robin couldn’t resist trying some of the local delicacies a skewer of spiced meat that left his tongue tingling pleasantly and a bowl of skyberry soup, a sweet yet savory dish made from a fruit native to the mountains.
The nightlife in Valtheron was just as lively as the day. Rooftop terraces offered breathtaking views of the city’s illuminated skyline, while hidden tea houses provided quiet retreats where patrons sipped fragrant brews and shared hushed conversations. Robin found himself drawn to one such tea house, its entrance marked by a simple lantern hanging from a wooden beam. Inside, the atmosphere was serene, with soft music playing in the background and the faint scent of jasmine lingering in the air. He sat by a window, sipping on a cup of herbal tea as he watched the city glow beneath the starlit sky.