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Chapter 4 - The Golden City

From the name alone one can manifest a vision of what the city would look like, but for some reason people associated the term "gold" with prosperity instead of the actual element. They imagine that the name is just to showcase the city's greatest and to make it known among others as a wealthy and stable nation ; but the truth is, that is only the second reason why it was given such a name. The real reason is because the city is literally made out of gold — not pure gold of course since it's too soft. The weakness of view gold is compensated by other stronger metals added into the shiny substance for it to gain strength while maintaining its colour and value. The buildings may be reinforced with stone and steel but the outlines, roofs and other artistic structures that give the city its unique appearance are made of gold. From the fountains to the statues, the colour runs through the city like both vein and organ. It is rumoured that not even a single civilian of the city is below average in terms of living standards. Everyone has the money to survive and every house has sufficient food. No homeless person and no thieves inhabit the space, making it a dream land for outsiders.

This is not just a happenstance but the result of cooperation and stability. The people function along with their government and the union creates an equal and stable city where in everyone is satisfied and fed. The people of the golden city are all high-class individuals, they lack ferocity but have an inherent elegance within them all. They often resort to verbal conflict rather than the physical struggle, they do not like getting dirty or injured simply because it wounds their sense of perception. One might say that they are some spoiled people, but these traits are exactly why their home is so successful. Their favorite colours include : Red, white and gold — which are often found in their clothing, homes and other fabrics. They are like one big family , with each member being dedicated to their chores and performing without any complaints ; rare yet possible and the inhabitants prove that. The real name of the city is Arzu, but its moniker is way more recognizable and impactful. Some don't even know its true name, they have only heard that The Golden City is paradise on earth.

" A city this successful must be loved by all, if not , then this world truly is as complex as you said "

Xari still could not believe that gold ( something people would kill for)was being used to build houses and to decorate. The amount of it used to decorate the outside wall was probably enough to feed all homeless people in the world, he couldn't even begin to imagine what he would do if he was in possession of such a large amount of money. Once he managed to fit his head outside the window to get a better view of the structure, his eyes were met by gold carvings engraved on stone. The wall stretched endlessly fading into the horizon, its height was estimated to be 150 meters tall ; all smooth stone that none can climb and gold that slipped on touch. The gate was nothing short of amazing as well, the symbols engraved on it were much more clearer and even depictions of mythic animals were made. In comparison to the wall, the gate was more symbolic and held greater meaning and significance. Both have stood for centuries without being bordered but more activity has been recorded near the gate than any section of the wall.

After a few seconds of admiring the two giants in front of him, his eyes caught a glimpse of something more incredible than what he had already seen. They were on a trail made of soil and around them were crops of all kinds separated into square areas. People regularly come outside to water the plants and harvest them once it's time, but it's hard to imagine a resident of Arzu working hard.

" OPEN THE GATE!! " People shouted from afar at the sight of the travelers approaching. After the utterings, the gigantic gate slid open, both sides sliding to the sides to make room for the vehicle and horses to enter. After crossing the gate they found themselves in a dark tunnel, where the sound of stomping horses and rolling wheels was intensified by the echoes. Already he had gotten back inside of the carriage, staring from afar as the city revealed itself to him. Once the light hit his eyes his jaw dropped faster than he could scream in excitement. The glimmering element added a soothing feel to the atmosphere of the city and the polished stone was the perfect touch to complete it all. The buildings were large, stable and decorated to perfection. The streets were made of neatly packed stone blocks that seemed to be glued together by cements that grew stronger as time went on. People walked around wearing their favorite colours like they were the only ones they knew, they ruled the streets like how the green in auroras rules the northern sky. Everyone seemed to be minding their own business, yet guards still patrolled the streets. It confused him at first but he hesitated to ask why, he found the question to be a little stupid and thought she might ridicule him for it ; but unfortunately she had already seen the confusion in his eyes and easily guessed its source. So she spoke without him asking, answering what was on his mind before another question flouted above for him to focus on.

"They might have everything they need but humans are always hungry, once they get what they want, they will still want more. Sometimes verbal disputes arise and cause an admirable stir in the city, so having guards patrol to settle little arguments helps in many ways "

At first he was surprised by how quickly she caught up, but then the words reached his mind like a flame devouring darkness. It was as if he had uncovered something he thought he would never find. These people had everything they could ever want but still they find a way to cause trouble and even pick fights against each other, that is what she meant earlier when she explained how dangerous humans can be. All the doubts he had about her left his brain immediately after that realization, he was ensured that all her actions and statements were made to protect him from this world's cruelty, so he made a promise to himself — to stay by her side until forever comes.

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