The expo hall was a spectacle in itself. Towering screens displayed vibrant images of inventions from across the globe, while sleek robots zipped around, assisting attendees and providing information about the exhibits.
The floor hummed with the energy of innovation, each section showcasing groundbreaking technology.
As we made our way through the hall, I could hardly keep up with the flood of creations on display.
One of the first booths we approached featured something called "Nano-Skin"—a cutting-edge armour made of nanobots that could adapt to any threat in real-time.
The lead scientist demonstrated by having the armour shift from being lightweight and breathable to a dense, nearly impenetrable shield.
He invited me to try it on, and I watched in fascination as the suit wrapped itself around me, the tiny bots shimmering like liquid metal before hardening to a smooth, black sheen.
"Perfect for protection, especially with the kind of responsibilities you carry, Prince Aiden," the scientist said, clearly trying to impress.
I moved my arm, and the suit responded instantly, bending like cloth yet feeling solid as steel when I tapped it. "Definitely not something you see every day," I muttered, intrigued by the flexibility and power the suit held.
Mum watched with quiet interest, nodding in approval, while Dad leaned in closer, muttering something about its potential in our military.
As we moved on, the next section showcased advancements in transportation. Hover cars, some sleek and aerodynamic, others sturdy and built for rugged terrain, hovered silently on invisible force fields.
The demo had a vehicle zoom across the room, weaving effortlessly through obstacles without making a sound. They even had a personal flying device—a jetpack, if you will—that could fold into a small backpack when not in use.
"Think we could add one of these to the royal fleet?" I joked to Dad.
He chuckled, eyes twinkling. "Already ordered five."
Further down, we encountered a massive hologram displaying a futuristic city built entirely from eco-friendly materials. Buildings constructed from self-repairing bio-glass, and roads made from recycled plastics that generated solar energy were just the tip of the iceberg.
A representative explained how this city could sustain itself indefinitely, recycling everything and producing zero waste.
It was a vision of what the future could be—clean, efficient, and advanced beyond anything we had back in Paradis.
Mum seemed especially interested in this one, asking several questions about how such technology could be applied back home. "We could use some of this in the outer districts," she said thoughtfully.
In the medical wing, things got even more impressive. One exhibit showed off a new type of gene-editing technology that could eliminate hereditary diseases in a matter of hours.
Doctors were using it to target specific genes responsible for illnesses like cancer, removing them with surgical precision.
I even overheard one of the scientists say they were on the verge of eradicating blindness.
We stopped by another booth where a woman demonstrated a device that could heal wounds almost instantly. With a flick of her wrist, she activated the small, handheld machine, and within seconds, a deep cut on a volunteer's arm closed up completely, leaving behind only smooth skin.
"Perfect for battle injuries," Dad commented. "Imagine if we had this during the old wars."
I nodded, impressed. It made me wonder how these advancements could have changed Paradis' history, how many lives might have been saved with this level of technology.
As we continued walking, we stumbled upon an exhibit that caught my personal interest—mechanical limbs, but not just any prosthetics. These were limbs that could feel. The scientist explained that their team had managed to connect nerves to artificial limbs, giving people the sensation of touch.
Watching a volunteer pick up a ball and describe how it felt—rough, smooth, warm—was something surreal.
I couldn't help but think about my tinkering projects back home. Maybe I could incorporate some of these ideas into the new ODM gear I was working on.
"I think I've found your next hobby," Melissa said, nudging me with a grin. She had been quiet for most of the tour but clearly enjoyed watching me geek out over the inventions.
The royal procession continued, and we stopped by another notable booth, where a group of engineers had created an entire artificial ecosystem. Plants that generated their own energy, trees that could filter pollutants from the air—it was a marvel of bioengineering.
Dad leaned in, fascinated, as the engineers explained how this technology could be used to reclaim barren lands.
"Could solve a lot of problems back home," Dad mused.
There was also a massive robotic exoskeleton, a hulking figure designed for construction. It allowed its wearer to lift hundreds of tonnes with ease, and watching the demonstration was something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The operator manoeuvred the machine with the grace of a dancer, despite its size, stacking heavy beams and even performing delicate tasks like tightening bolts.
"I could use one of those for building my new ODM gear," I said half-jokingly.
The scientist laughed. "Who knows, one day you might build something even better."
By the time we reached the final section of the expo, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of groundbreaking technologies I'd seen. Every booth had something new, something revolutionary.
It wasn't just about innovation, though—it was about changing the world. Every invention seemed aimed at making life easier, safer, and more sustainable.
-
-
-
Melissa's demonstration took place in a smaller, more intimate section of the expo, reserved for VIPs and high-profile guests. The room was filled with anticipation as attendees gathered, eager to see what the young inventor had in store.
I could sense her nervousness as she stood before the crowd, but she masked it well with a confident smile.
Dad, Mum, and I took our seats at the front, right next to David Shield, who beamed with pride. The lights dimmed, and a large holographic display lit up behind Melissa as she stepped forward.
"Thank you all for being here," she began, her voice clear and steady. "Today, I want to show you something that could change the way we approach everyday life—an invention designed to improve mobility, comfort, and safety all at once."
With a flick of her wrist, a sleek, compact device unfolded in her hands. It looked like a small bracelet at first glance, but as Melissa activated it, the device expanded into a full-body exosuit.
The suit shimmered with a metallic sheen, its contours smooth and ergonomic. It was far from bulky, and yet it looked as though it could provide immense strength.
"This," she said, "is the Adaptive Exosuit, designed for individuals in high-stress environments—whether that's the battlefield, construction sites, or even rescue missions. It's lightweight, easy to operate, and offers enhanced physical abilities without limiting movement."
She slid her arm into the suit, and the material seemed to mould to her body, responding to her touch and commands. Within seconds, the exosuit had enveloped her entirely, leaving her fully mobile but with a distinct air of strength and protection.
"The suit enhances muscle movement, making heavy lifting and strenuous activities effortless. It can also withstand extreme temperatures and impacts, offering unparalleled protection."
To demonstrate, she walked over to a nearby platform where a series of weights had been set up. The crowd watched in awe as Melissa effortlessly lifted what appeared to be several hundred kilos, moving it as though it weighed nothing.
But that wasn't all. She tapped a panel on her wrist, and the suit began to change. The once solid metal turned transparent, blending in with her surroundings.
"As you can see, the suit also has a cloaking feature, ideal for stealth operations or emergency evacuations in dangerous environments."
I leaned forward, impressed. This was more than just an ordinary exosuit. It was a game-changer.
Melissa continued the demonstration by showing off the suit's defensive capabilities. A volunteer approached her, wielding a hammer. As he swung, the suit reacted instantly, hardening in the area of impact to absorb the blow.
The hammer bounced off harmlessly, leaving Melissa unscathed.
The crowd murmured in amazement, and I could see Dad nodding his head, clearly impressed.
"As you can see, this suit is adaptable to almost any situation," Melissa concluded, stepping out of the suit with ease. "It can be used in rescue missions, combat scenarios, or even in construction, and it's designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of their physical abilities."
The room erupted in applause as Melissa smiled and gave a small bow. Her father, David, clapped enthusiastically beside us, his pride evident.
"I must say, Melissa, that was quite the demonstration," I said, grinning as I stood to join the applause. "You've really outdone yourself."
She looked over at me, clearly relieved that the demonstration had gone well. "Thanks, Aiden. Coming from you, that means a lot."
As we left the demonstration room, I couldn't help but feel inspired. Melissa's invention was a perfect blend of creativity and practicality, and I knew it would have a lasting impact on the world.
But more than that, it showed me that even at our age, we had the power to change the future.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=