Arcadia - Sky Castle

"Dimensional Chat Group... Such an organization exists? So other worlds actually exist and not as mere fantasy?"

I muttered to myself.

I, Velian Vikran, received an invitation to join this group along with some interesting individuals.

"The First Emperor and the founder of the empire... Is it really him?"

I feel worried how he'd view me. Especially after all I've done.

"Well, it should be fine to explain. He shouldn't be able to easily affect the situation down below."

I walk to the window and look over the horizon.

I see a large clouds right outside my window.

I am living in my Sky Castle. One I built myself. It's my home and base of operations.

No one knows of this place and I doubt they can imagine.

Even the people searching for me believe I am hiding down in the surface somewhere.

Those blind and ignorant fools would never think to look above the skies.

Then again, even I was surprised when I saw an island floating up high above the skies beyond the clouds.

I proceeded to transfer various resources here on my airship and built a castle and other facilities here.

And now I'm living here in a self-imposed exile.

"Well, I still have contact in the outside world. They have no idea who I am though or who they work for. They'd be shocked and in disbelief if it happened. Still, I took care to work on my background and everything... They won't be able to connect anything to me."

I walk to my bed and proceeded to lie down.

"Everything here is over... And things should be fine even without me. I suppose it's fine to join in on a new battle. Should prove fruitful to me. Other worlds... Imagine the possibilities... And to think I'd be able to meet the First Emperor. If its really him. He should be able to help me once I properly explain to him."

I hope this Lost Garden is real.

"It's really fascinating. I can simply send out my thoughts and it'd be written here. And these people... Are they using the same language as me? Different worlds, different cultures, different languages."

I have a solid grasp on the technology in the surface world and what they're capable of.

This is beyond their ability.

Not them either. I'm sure of it.

Ash: I'm back! I can confirm Lost Garden is safe. I was instantly transported to this mansion with rather elegant and luxurious designs.

Oh?

A reply already?

Velian: Transported?

Ash: Yes. I saw a blue light cover me, felt the space around me change and now I'm here. I'm actually still here.

Laura: Seriously? I'm sure it's real. This Dimensional Chat Group. This seems right out of an anime movie or a video game.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Ash: Anime? Video Game? Those exist in your world too? Hm. Seems your world is similar to mine. I have those things too. Well, just recreations of things though.

Laura: Really? I'm a gamer... I'd like to try out games in other worlds.

Agent: Are you two kids? This must be some kind of attempt to fool me by some foreign nation. I won't be fooled by this.

Augustus: It seems your world is quite advanced.

"Hm... His world has something similar to this?"

I began thinking.

Believe what you see and experience with your own eyes and ears and experienced yourself.

So, if their worlds are different.;

"It's a given some worlds might have technologies superior to our own. But Augustus... The First Emperor... Is that world he's in more advanced than his home world?"

I began to grow curious.

That said, I had thought.

"How about I try visiting this Lost Garden myself?"

While thinking that, I saw a new update.

Announcement! We notice some members do not believe in the authenticity of the Dimensional Chat Group due to their advanced technology and advancements of science or magic in their respective worlds. Hence, we've decided to invite everyone to the Lost Garden in 30 minutes! Please make your preparations. For this abrupt announcement and forceful summoning... We will be granting each member an Potion of Youth!

"What?"

Summoning us to the Lost Garden?

"Well, this is a sudden turn... Still, I had the idea of going there myself. Let's make some preparations. Before that..."

Potion of Youth: A potion created through alchemy using water from the Fountain of Youth. Can make one younger by 10 years.

"Restoring one's youth..."

I was shocked.

I hurriedly calmed down.

"It seems this Dimensional Chat Group is more than what I assumed to hand out something like this so cheaply. Who knows how many people would do anything to get this kind of thing."

Then, I saw a blue screen flash by my eyes.

Potion of Youth given by Dimensional Chat Group. Do you accept it now? It will be transferred to the inventory if you refuse.

Inventory? It seems this Dimensional Chat Group allows you to store things too?

Each member is given an inventory to store a certain amount of materials. The Inventory can only store inanimate objects and these objects will not change and be frozen in time during storage. Anything living such as plants or etc cannot be stored. If you wish to access the inventory, please open the Dimensional Chat Group and access your profile. You will find the storage there.

"Fascinating... What a convenient function. Still, I'm interested in it. Accept."

A flash with violet liquid appeared in front of me.

It began floating in the air and so I grabbed it.

I held it up and began to examine it closely.

"...Hm... Let's store this somewhere first. I'm still young... I don't need it."

I placed in on a shelf.

Hm?

"Seems everyone has been alerted."

Agent: What? How can you transport me there when I'm in a secret base with anti-space defenses installed!?

Laura: Wow. That's a interesting term. Still, summoning us there... I'm still a young teenager... I don't need this...

Ash: Seems I'm going back there again? Well, it'd be nice to meet you people face to face.

Augustus: It appears we have no choice here. This 10 year potion won't be that effective to me... But I could use it. I will have to inform my vassals first however.

Velian: Once an emperor, always an emperor. Seems you still rule over one there too?

Augustus: Indeed. I formed a new empire here in this land. I'm quite interested in speaking with you myself. But I must prepare first...

Velian: I have matters to discuss with you myself. Our world went through some trials on it's own. I would like to speak to you about that.

Augustus: Oh? I'm looking forward to that.

Agent: How are you all so calm!?

Ash: It's because we believe in its authenticity. The one that doesn't believe should only apply to you. But... We all have our doubts I suppose. Still, you did receive that potion right?

Agent: I did... How it suddenly showed up in front of me when we have spacial defenses to prevent that from the beginning is beyond me...

Ash: Well, calm down. Let's make our preparations and meet later. Little we can do anyways and we might stand to benefit further. You should admit that there is some proof to this Dimensional Chat Group and more right?

Agent: Very well. I will see for myself.

"Aha. Seems this Ash believes in what he sees and experiences for himself as well."

I think I can get along with this fellow.

"I suppose I should prepare. It would be nice to be able to speak as an equal with someone else after so long..."

I murmured.

"Well, let's get ready."

I left my room to make my preparations.