The paper introduces the concept of the *microverse*, a task-oriented, edge-scale, pragmatic solution for smart cities. Unlike comprehensive metaverses, each microverse instance serves a specific task as a manageable digital twin of an individual network slice. The microverse enables on-site/near-site data processing, information fusion, and real-time decision-making within the edge–fog–cloud computing framework. The paper presents a hierarchical microverse framework, emphasizing the physical, slicing, microverse, and application layers. A case study on smart public safety surveillance (SPSS) demonstrates the feasibility of the microverse, showcasing its ability to integrate the physical and digital worlds seamlessly. The SPSS microverse prototype, developed using Unreal Engine 5, integrates drones, sensors, and VR/AR technologies to provide immersive and interactive experiences. Experimental results validate the low latency and throughput of the system, meeting the requirements for real-world applications. The authors aim to stimulate discussions and inspire fresh ideas in the community, guiding the development of smart cities and the metaverse.The paper introduces the concept of the *microverse*, a task-oriented, edge-scale, pragmatic solution for smart cities. Unlike comprehensive metaverses, each microverse instance serves a specific task as a manageable digital twin of an individual network slice. The microverse enables on-site/near-site data processing, information fusion, and real-time decision-making within the edge–fog–cloud computing framework. The paper presents a hierarchical microverse framework, emphasizing the physical, slicing, microverse, and application layers. A case study on smart public safety surveillance (SPSS) demonstrates the feasibility of the microverse, showcasing its ability to integrate the physical and digital worlds seamlessly. The SPSS microverse prototype, developed using Unreal Engine 5, integrates drones, sensors, and VR/AR technologies to provide immersive and interactive experiences. Experimental results validate the low latency and throughput of the system, meeting the requirements for real-world applications. The authors aim to stimulate discussions and inspire fresh ideas in the community, guiding the development of smart cities and the metaverse.