As Joe is pushed out of the simulation, he finds himself sitting on the hover chair in front of his archaic looking laptop. He looked at clock and was shocked to find that only one hour had passed. That means Lumi was capable of controlling 4th dimension of time within the simulated space. Thinking about all the things happened in the simulation, Joe finished his night routine and laid down on his bed. This bed was far more comfortable than his rigid bed at his home in Vashara.
He found out during the day that his grandparents' house was much bigger than his own home in Vashara even though his father was an Archon. Thinking about all this things Joe drifted to a dreamless sleep waiting for the new day to begin.
The dawn broke over Indraprastha, bathing the futuristic city in a soft glow that mingled with the vibrant hues of advanced holographic skylights. Nestled in this technological marvel was the opulent mansion of his grandparents—a sprawling estate that married the best of tradition with cutting-edge modernity.
Joe's grandparents' mansion was a marvel in itself. Every inch of the estate was a showcase of modern technology and luxurious comfort:
Holographic Interfaces: The entrance hall featured dynamic holographic displays that changed with the time of day—rising sun animations in the morning and starlit skies at night—all adjustable by voice commands. They could also display latest news and also answer your queries via the butler AI of the house.
Artificial Windows: Instead of ordinary glass windows, the mansion had smart panels that provided panoramic views of Indraprastha's skyline, adjustable in transparency for privacy or clarity depending on the weather. Only windowpanes were artificial, windows could be opened like in historical mansions to allow the wind from outside.
Climate-Controlled Gardens: Outside, sprawling gardens maintained ideal microclimates, complete with robotic horticultural systems that ensured the blooms were always in perfect conditions. Lush greenery, carefully cultivated with nutrient-rich recycled waters, provided a serene escape from the urban sprawl.
Integrated AI Butler: The household was managed by an AI butler system that orchestrated daily routines—from regulating the ambient music through high-fidelity speakers to summoning automated cleaning bots that maintained immaculate floors and surfaces. There were both robotic servants for basic routine maintenance of the mansion. While real human maids and support staff was also present. This was a shock to Joe who had stayed on Vashara thill date. On Vashara all the work was carried out by the robotic servants only. Maximum automation was present in all the aspects of Vashara. This created most efficient and optimal conditions for humans. But on Indraprastha humans were present in all the aspects of life to specifically provide personalized touch which was sorely lacking on Vashara. Joe found this approach very refreshing.
Entertainment and Learning Hubs: A dedicated interactive chamber offered immersive virtual reality experiences, where residents could explore historical epochs, scientific marvels, or even futuristic design concepts—all available with a simple query.
Joe's day began as the mansion's intelligent alarm softly played a gentle tune. He rose from bed, splashing his face with holographically enhanced water that was filtered by nano-purification systems—each detail hinting at the sheer scale of technological prowess available at his fingertips.
Before heading downstairs, Joe caught a glimpse of his shadow guard in the mirror—a reminder of his lifelong protector. His sworn guardian, Samuel Black, had been with him since birth. He was assigned from Black family since his birth. All the members of Maya family born in the main descendant line were provided with shadow guard. When Joe moved from Vashara, Samuel was told to stay back, but Samuel declined and chose to follow Joe and thus broke all his ties with Blacks and Mayans. all his privileges were revoked. Even his current salary and other perks were provided by his grandfather though Joe was unaware of this fact.
Samuel was not just any protector; he was an elegant figure clad in a sleek, dark uniform woven with adaptive fibers that allowed for both form and function. His presence was as constant as the northern star, silently following Joe's every step wherever he went. Today, Samuel waited in the main foyer, his eyes ever watchful and calm, providing silently the reassurance that had always steadied Joe.
Their brief exchange was wordless—a simple nod, a small gesture that conveyed that Samuel was ready to ensure Joe's safety during the day ahead. With that silent covenant reaffirmed, they moved toward the heart of the mansion: the expansive dining hall.
The breakfast table was a dazzling display of culinary excellence and technological finesse. The table itself was encircled with digital menus, allowing the chef-AI to custom-tailor each dish with precision. But, another intriguing aspect was presence of a human chief chef. Upon asking his grandmother he came to realize that human chef was present to provide disticnt taste to all aspects of food and not jujst serve them ultimate and perfect dishes as deemed by the AI. Dishes were served that combined organic ingredients with molecular gastronomy techniques—platters of nutrient-rich fruits, delicately arranged pastries, and steaming cups of freshly synthesized herbal tea engineered not only to taste exquisite but also to optimize cognitive performance.
At the table, Joe sat between his grandparents. His grandfather, Silvester Trudeau—a former military general with eyes like deep, collected wisdom—leaned forward as he initiated their morning conversation. Across from him sat Eleanor Trudeau, his gentle and nurturing grandmother, whose warm smile was the antithesis of the strict discipline he'd grown up with. Her presence alone softened the edges of the burdens he carried.
During breakfast, an earnest discussion unfolded. Joe, still carrying the weight of a destiny that made him a reluctant heir, looked to the horizon beyond his plate and confessed his inner turmoil.
"Grandfather, I want to live a normal life for a while," he began, his voice trembling slightly but filled with determination. "I need to understand humanity, to feel what it's really like without all the responsibility. Just for now, I want to be a regular kid, to learn and grow without the constant pressure of being an heir. I know you want me to inherit Trodeau industries now that I am removed as an heir of Maya family. But for now I want to live as a normal kid."
Silvester's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He sensed something different in Joe. It felt as if he had matured overnight with lot of burden on his shoulder. The man was a strategist at heart—always measuring potential, always calculating both risks and rewards. He replied with a measured tone, "You have the mind to lead, Joe, but leadership is not solely about command. It is about understanding both the triumphs and the trials of ordinary life. Perhaps a brief respite, a grounding period in a school environment that fosters diverse thought without the rigid impositions of our past, could indeed serve you well."
Eleanor interjected softly, "Your heart is guiding you, dear. There is strength in vulnerability and wisdom in knowing when to step back and learn."
Together, they discussed the potential academic institutions available in Indraprastha. Silvester mentioned a few prestigious schools known for their cutting-edge curricula—institutions where students studied futuristic sciences, humanities that bridged technology and art, and courses designed to spark creativity alongside methodical thinking. He elaborated on how each institution encouraged an independent approach while also instilling a sense of responsibility toward society. The suggestions carried the dual promise of nurturing conventional growth and sparking innovation that could one day help humanity face challenges beyond the ordinary.
This discussion gradually made Joe put the burden of humanity to back of his mind. He was apprehensive as well as excited about this new chapter in life.