It began as a network. Then it became a new kind of nation.
Sharath's decentralized production model—once doubted by conservative artisans—now bloomed like wildflowers across provinces. Dozens of cycle part workshops, each with their own specializations, thrived in semi-autonomous clusters.
The Axle Guild of Drahven. The Chain Consortium of Ilyor. The Framewrights of Kalmora.
Each produced components based on standardized blueprints and magical calibration crystals provided by House Darsha. But each also innovated in their own way—honing designs for their region's climate, terrain, and rider needs.
Blacksmiths who once fought over local contracts now traded steelcraft techniques. Young apprentices from rival houses shared notes at forgemoots, encouraged by Sharath's rotating fellowship program.
Even rival noble houses, wary but not blind, invested in regional hubs. What once felt like "Darshan power consolidation" now appeared as shared prosperity.
And with that came loyalty—not bought with gold, but earned with opportunity.
In quiet moments, Darshan would look at the maps—each dot representing a forge or repair house—and whisper to himself, "This… this is the architecture of power."