The Architecture of Indraprastha was a symphony of Advanced Design. The city's infrastructure was a blend of ultra-modern engineering and aesthetic brilliance. From their hover-transport, Joe could see Holographic Skylines – Massive city-wide projections displayed dynamic art, cultural expressions, and information about ongoing events. These digital murals were seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric, transforming entire districts into living canvases. There were Bio-Integrated Skyscrapers – The towering buildings weren't just inert structures; they breathed. Adaptive bio-surfaces ensured constant air purification, adjusted internal temperatures, and harvested solar energy while supporting lush vegetation that ran along their vertical facades. These were surrounded by Aerial Traffic Highways – Suspended layers of graviton-powered transportation arteries allowed seamless movement across districts. Automated transport pods moved with precision, directed by AI-driven traffic control centers, eliminating congestion or inefficiencies. One could also see Quantum-Powered Bridges & Walkways – Floating pedestrian corridors connected different levels of the city, their crystalline surfaces shimmering with energy conduits that allowed real-time adaptation to structural shifts.
Despite being a planet-wide urban ecosystem, Indraprastha was meticulously divided into specialized districts, each serving a critical function in the balance of civilization.
Residential Districts
Designed with adaptive living environments, these regions utilized intelligent housing equipped with neural AI assistants that catered to personal preferences, regulating air quality, temperature, and even moods through subtle environmental adjustments. Neighborhood spheres floated within designated climate-controlled zones, ensuring a perfect balance between luxury and livability. Even most common living spaces were equipped with basic AI ecosystem ensuring their seamless integration with the entire ecosystem of the planet.
Commercial Districts
The heart of trade, economics, and corporate leadership, Indraprastha's commercial zones were pulsating hubs of technological commerce. Towering trade centers showcased real-time holographic stock markets, while digital trading floors allowed instant transactions across interstellar economies. Trodeau Industries had its prime financial headquarters here, monitoring ship-production contracts and material acquisitions across human space. For shopping one could visit these districts physically or virtually depending on their choice.
Industrial Districts
Spanning vast territories, the industrial sectors were marvels of production efficiency. Smart assembly plants constructed starships components, urban infrastructure modules, and even experimental interstellar outposts. Automated drone fleets-maintained efficiency, producing high-tech materials with precision. Zero-Gravity Fabrication Zones optimized component construction for advanced exo-atmospheric vessels. Orbital Resource Refineries extracted rare elements from surrounding space, fueling Indraprastha's technological dominance. Major industries were still located on surrounding planets, moon and even orbiting one of the stars.
Entertainment Districts
Home to galactic-scale arenas, immersive theaters, and experiential virtual worlds, this was where technology and art merged into fully interactive experiences. Holographic stage performances blurred the line between reality and simulation. You can enjoy this performance live from anywhere in the galaxy through immersive virtual networks. Neural-linked gaming zones allowed players to step into dynamic story-driven experiences as if living within them. Cultural simulation centers recreated historical moments, alien civilizations, and theoretical futures, allowing visitors to step into any era they desired. There also were arenas for some extreme physical sports which were very famous in this era.
Shopping Districts
At Indraprastha's shopping district, technology met sheer opulence. Augmented reality mirrors allowed customers to virtually try on outfits, adjusting styles instantly. AI-assisted tailoring centers designed custom wardrobe selections based on body analytics, personality traits, and social status considerations. Luxury merchandise hubs housed bespoke clothing infused with nanotech fabrics that adjusted their form based on climate, occasion, or individual mood. Accessories made from some of the rarest gems and metals known to humans. Gems shinier than diamonds, Metals more valuable than platinum, gold and silver were used commonly in accessories displayed.
Health Districts
In the heart of medical innovation, Indraprastha's health districts were centers of biotech excellence. Here, the planet hosted research dedicated to Genetic advancements that improved longevity (though immortality was still a dream), cellular regeneration, and cognitive enhancements. Cybernetic integration facilities, where neural implants and augmentations were perfected for peak human performance. Interstellar disease research laboratories, which worked alongside alien allied races to combat unknown pathogens.
These zones ensured that human civilization remained at the forefront of survival and augmentation.
The Central Biosphere Reserve: A Living Legacy
Despite being an advanced urban planet, Indraprastha had a central sanctuary—a vast, forested biosphere known as the Ethereal Preserve.
Nestled within the heart of the metropolis, this forest was a paradox—a sprawling untouched wilderness, protected by ancient treaties and regulations that forbade intrusion beyond observation zones.
What made the Ethereal Preserve astonishing was its population of extinct and exotic creatures, species once thought lost to time but now carefully preserved and protected. Biologically reconstructed megafauna, such as Earth's lost species—majestic beasts that had been revived using genetic engineering.
Alien creatures from forgotten worlds, existing in delicate harmony with the human-formed ecological structures. A mysterious phenomenon—the animals never left the forest, as if bound by an unspoken law or natural inclination, remaining untouched despite the thriving civilization surrounding them.
It was a testament to Indraprastha's commitment to preserving nature alongside progress, a physical embodiment of balance between expansion and conservation.
Upon entering Opal Heights, Joe was met with a dazzling display of wealth and innovation.
Here, fashion wasn't merely fabric stitched together—it was a statement, an identity crafted by the most advanced tailoring technology available. As Silviya led him through the shops, Joe noticed the diverse clientele—diplomats, corporate heads, high-ranking military officials, and powerful aristocrats, all engaged in selections that ensured their outward image reflected their inner influence.
Adaptive Clothing Studios scanned biometric data before crafting custom attire tailored to personality, profession, and genetic composition. Neural Fabric Integration Centers allowed patrons to select garments woven with smart-thread technology, which could adjust based on climate, mood, or even social settings. Augmented Reality Fitting Chambers eliminated the need for physical trials—holograms projected the wearer's form in precise simulations, testing movement and aesthetics before purchase. Fabric and materials used were far stronger and resilient than those available during the earth era.
Despite Joe's innate disinterest in appearances, he had to admit—Indraprastha had perfected the science of presentation.
As they entered Verdane Atelier, one of the district's most exclusive tailoring houses, Silviya wasted no time. She knew precisely what Joe needed, "A balance," she said, her eyes gleaming with experienced wisdom. "You must not seem excessively traditional, nor fully engrossed in technological vanity. You require attire that speaks of refinement but retains an air of accessibility."
Within moments, the AI-assisted tailoring system had produced an array of choices:
A sleek, high-collared formal coat embedded with subtle luminal accents—sophisticated but not ostentatious. Dark, tailored trousers lined with graphene-composite fibers for durability and comfort. Minimalist yet elegant boots reinforced for flexibility and traction in diverse environments. A lightweight inner suit infused with nanotech threading, ensuring temperature regulation without sacrificing style.
Joe remained unconvinced. "It's just clothing," he muttered, glancing at Samuel.
Samuel finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "It is never just clothing, young master. It is the first impression that speaks before you do. Even before you enter a room, people will judge you by how you carry yourself."
Joe sighed but nodded. He understood the lesson—it wasn't about vanity. It was about control. How others perceived him would play a role in how much influence he wielded.
Silviya smiled approvingly. "You will wear this for your introduction to the University of Heritage. You must leave an impression—even on those who think themselves indifferent to power."
They also bought some simple casual wear clothing for his daily wear. But due to habit most of the clothes were monochrome in appearance without any prints or texts on them. Maybe, Joe was still rigid from his formal training in Vashara.
Hours later, as the shopping excursion concluded and they returned to the mansion, Joe found himself staring at his newly crafted attire. It wasn't a burden—it was a tool. A symbol.
And he needed every advantage to carve his place in a world that judged before it listened.