To the right, a wide plaza stretched out, adorned by crystal-clear fountains that seemed carved from pure crystal, sparkling in the sunlight. The marble pillars that marked the entrances were artfully carved, with details so refined that they resembled independent sculptures.
The waters danced in meticulously calculated geometric patterns, dividing and reuniting at angles impossible without the help of advanced engineering. Each drop reflected the colors around it, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
The floor, covered in polished porcelain tiles, reflected the sky like a mirror of water, giving the plaza the illusion of floating among the clouds. The fresh air brought a mixture of the perfume of exotic flowers with the light mineral aroma of granite. The soft sound of the water intertwined with the melody of local musicians, whose instruments seemed designed to harmonize with the city itself.
Moving on, Edgar spotted an even more impressive construction: an immense open-air theater. Its structure balanced grandeur and fluidity, with organic curves that echoed the vibrant energy of Avaris. The chairs, upholstered in fine, colorful fabrics, formed a vibrant mosaic, inviting spectators to lose themselves in performances that blended magic and reality.
The pure white marble columns were adorned with gold and blue details that sparkled in the sun, supporting a ceiling that seemed to defy gravity with its lightness. The stage, covered in iridescent porcelain tiles, seemed suspended in midair, as if some invisible force were keeping it afloat.
Its dynamic design allowed for instant transformations, adapting to the needs of each show. The piece on display explored the fusion of technology and magic in such a fluid way that the boundaries between the real and the illusory disappeared.
As the carriage moved forward, the scenery changed. Sophisticated shops began to spring up along the streets, reflecting the pragmatic nature of the city. Its facades, though functional, displayed bright colors and a touch of understated sophistication. Large display cases revealed merchandise that blended technology and design, from enchanted devices to pieces with a minimalist and functional aesthetic.
The art studios followed this same philosophy. Inside, interactive sculptures molded themselves to the touch, made of lightweight metals and synthetic stones that seemed to respond to the viewer. Paintings displayed pigments that reactive to light, changing color and texture throughout the day.
Avaris was not only aesthetically impressive—every detail was designed for efficiency. The heat of the day was dissipated by a natural ventilation system built into the architecture itself, while holographic signs at intersections indicated the best routes and peak times, transforming the city into a living network of dynamic calculations.
As one moved away from the center of Avaris, the opulence of the monumental architecture gave way to a different but no less imposing urban landscape.
The largest area of Avaris, the residential area, stretched for miles, a vast patchwork of neighborhoods interconnected by well-planned avenues, elevated roads, and public transportation channels. The environment here was dynamic and functional, reflecting the diversity of the city in every detail.
The heart of this area was made up of densely populated neighborhoods, where medium-sized residential buildings mixed with small terraced houses and self-sufficient villages. The buildings were sturdy, made of durable materials that withstood the changes in climate and the passing of time.
Some streets were decorated with colorful murals painted by local artists, while community squares served as meeting points for residents.
Despite being a popular area, the infrastructure was efficient. Public transportation consisted of cable cars and trains on rails and dedicated lanes for automated vehicles and horse-drawn carriages, ensuring that even the most distant points were easily accessible.
The sidewalks were wide, designed for many pedestrians, and often shaded by large trees, providing a refuge from the heat on the hottest days. Small markets and fairs occupied strategic corners, offering everything from fresh produce to various goods and products.
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In the mornings, workers from different sectors filled the transport stations, while children in uniforms walked together to schools and learning centers.
The youngest studied in institutions spread throughout the district, which ranged from traditional schools to centers focused on practical training in specific skills, such as manufacturing, technology and martial arts.
During the day, the neighborhoods were active. Blacksmiths and carpenters worked tirelessly, tailors displayed their creations in makeshift storefronts, and mechanics offered repair services for vehicles and equipment.
The streets were always full of street vendors—Tieflings selling exotic fabrics, Tigrinus selling rare spices, Goblins trading in peculiar mechanical parts. Commerce pulsed like the lifeblood of the city, and the interactions between the different races formed a spectacle of diversity and negotiation.
At dusk, the region took on a new rhythm. Children played in parks and tree-lined squares, some enjoying climbing structures, others playing sports or fighting in makeshift martial arts arenas.
Young people sat on benches and steps to chat, swapping stories or listening to street musicians play lively melodies on flutes, violins, and tribal drums.
On the sports fields, groups practiced everything from soccer to hand-to-hand combat, varying between traditional techniques and hybrid styles developed by the city's different species. Lupunus demonstrated their speed and agility in obstacle courses, while Oni and Orcs displayed brute strength in endurance exercises.
It was common to see Elves instructing students in the arts of precision and balance, while other races practiced alongside them, each drawing on the strengths of their bloodline.
Although the residential area was dense, it was not monotonous. Each neighborhood had its own identity, reflecting the predominant culture of its inhabitants.
Some blocks were composed of single-story houses with large courtyards and communal gardens, where Lepunus and Elves cultivated herbs and vegetables for local consumption.
Other areas were dominated by vertical housing complexes, well-planned buildings where life was shared in large communal spaces.
There were also light industrial zones, where artisans and engineers produced equipment, weapons, and magical artifacts.
Some streets specialized in the trade of technology, while others were devoted to second-hand markets, where anything could be found at a negotiable price.
There were workshops specializing in the improvement of weapons and armor on the outskirts, especially frequented by warriors and hunters.
On the outskirts of the residential area, the first factories and shipyards began to appear, connecting this region to the city's industrial sector.
Large warehouses and distribution centers ensured a continuous supply of markets, while underground docks and freight canals facilitated the transport of goods without interfering with the daily lives of the residents.
Academies for aspiring fighters, from beginners to combat experts, could be seen along the main avenues.
These academies were open to all races, with instructors of different origins sharing their techniques with anyone willing to learn.
The contrast between the cultures was evident: while traditional martial arts schools emphasized discipline and technique, improvised arenas allowed for exhibition combats where savage and brutal styles were tested without restraint.
What caught Edgar's attention most, however, was the richness of the races and cultures present in the district. The neighborhood did not belong to a single people, but to all. Tieflings with bright eyes and exotic skin tones walked side by side with Vulpinus with flashy fur and sharp fangs.
Lepunus moved nimbly along the sidewalks, avoiding Goblins who were negotiating their latest inventions. Catnus with feline tails watched the action lazily, while Orcs, Onis, and Lupunus competed in displays of strength in the public arenas.
There was no apparent pattern or hierarchy—each group coexisted, maintaining their traditions but also absorbing new customs of the city. To Edgar, this district was a pure reflection of the essence of Avaris: a place where individuals of all backgrounds found a space to grow and prosper.
It was a chaotic environment, but full of life. A place where simplicity and complexity intertwined in a rhythm of their own, making this immense residential area the true beating heart of the city.
As the carriage passed by a high school, Edgar noticed a large grassy field surrounded by a thin net that allowed everyone to see what was going on there. The space seemed to serve as an outdoor training arena, and luckily for him, he was able to observe what was happening.
In the center of the field, a large group of girls were lined up, moving in perfect synchrony. Each of them rigidly followed the movements of the instructor in front, a woman of imposing appearance.
She was an Oni, with blue-gray skin, well-defined muscles, and horns curved back. Her dark hair was tied in a tight bun, and tribal markings ran down her arms, giving her an even more severe air.
The instructor moved with absolute precision, her blows cutting through the air with strength and discipline. Her students imitated her with visible effort, sweating under the intensity of the training. Her every command was short and direct, her powerful voice carrying authority, without the need for threats or aggression. Her presence alone was enough to command respect.
Edgar leaned forward slightly, watching with genuine interest. He could not resist his curiosity and asked:
“What are they doing?”