As Arun has matured, so has Shizi. The city had undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. What was once a poverty-stricken, war-torn country had evolved into a thriving metropolis. Its population had surged from just over 1 million to over 4 million, driven by the post-war baby boom. New housing estates and schools sprang up rapidly to accommodate the growing number of families.
Shizi was now dominated by new industries. MagiTech manufacturing and container ship building had largely replaced the traditional farming and fishing sectors. The use of covenants with spirits, initially utilized by armies during the war for communication and coordination, had been released for civilian use. This innovation revolutionized various aspects of daily life.
One of the most prestigious professions to emerge in this new era was that of the spirit mage. Previously unknown, spirit mages had risen to prominence, their status on par with that of doctors, lawyers, and engineers. People clamored to learn how to contract with spirits, regardless of whether they had any innate talent or not. Schools and institutions dedicated to training spirit mages popped up across Shizi, attracting eager students from all walks of life. The allure of becoming a spirit mage was irresistible, promising not only prestige but also the ability to wield incredible power.
Rumors of a worldwide MagiNet being built in MeiKok on the other side of the world had reached Shizi, fueling excitement. The MagiNet was rumored to use spirit nodes to ferry letters faster than the postal service. It was said that the MagiNet would allow copies of letters to be maintained and indexed in the spirit world, enabling them to be retrieved and manipulated by multiple collaborators. Enhancements to the MagiNet were also on the horizon, with the promise that crystal balls would soon be able to display previously recorded still and motion pictures with sound.
The completion of the main segment of Shizi's subway system, the Magic Rail Transport (MRT), was another milestone. Running from East to West, the MRT had been widely lauded as a success, making travel within the city more efficient. Additionally, the introduction of Boeing 747 Super Capacity Rocs in the late 1970s revolutionized international travel. Avian breeders continued to develop more efficient rocs, capable of carrying more passengers and cargo with less food and mana crystals.
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Shizi's new Zangyi Roc Port, located to the east of the island, quickly became operational and was acclaimed as the third-best Roc Port in the world. Shizi Airline, the national airline, gained a reputation for being one of the best-run airlines globally, renowned for its exceptional service quality.
Efforts by the Housing Development Agency (HDA) had largely resolved the homeless issue. Low-cost rental apartments were made available to the lower-income population, providing them with much-needed stability. However, despite the glitz and glamour, Shizi still had its dark side. Underground gangs and rogue mages operated in the shadows, and illegal drug use and human trafficking persisted.
To combat these issues, Shizi implemented draconian measures, mandating the death penalty for drug and human traffickers. This harsh penalty significantly reduced the incidence of such crimes but did not eliminate them entirely. Mental illness was also on the rise, with some individuals struggling to adapt to the rapid societal changes.
The combined efforts of the Economic Development Bureau (EDB), various religious groups, and the HDA helped prevent societal fracturing. The HDA's policy of enforcing a racial mix in government-subsidized housing forced different ethnic groups to mingle and build connections, fostering greater cohesion among mid-to-low-income families.
The wealthy, on the other hand, purchased mansions in the most desirable estates, walling themselves off from the masses. They enjoyed the luxury of live-in servants and chauffeurs, and although the education system was centrally managed by the Education Ministry, the rich benefited from sending their children to schools with the best teachers and facilities.
While everyone seemed to be prospering, the growing wealth gap was becoming increasingly apparent. Although not yet a significant issue, tensions were slowly building.
However, all of these changes in Shizi and the world had nothing to do with Arun. He remained largely an observer of these societal changes, focusing on doing his best as a primary school teacher, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation.