"Guards, seize her"
The moment Atlas said those words out loud, around 10 guards surrounded Rune in a matter of seconds.
Since when did they get here? I didn't notice them at all. .
When they approached and tried to capture Rune, all of the guards unexpectedly bounced back and suddenly fell to the ground.
"Huh? What just happened-"
"Why do you have that barrier?"
"What barrier? I don't have that- "
I have no idea what he's talking about. I don't have that kind of powers . . or do I?
"Atlas. . You're not a normal kid, are you?"
Suddenly, the person who looked like the commander of the guards stepped in front of Atlas.
"How insolent! Apologize immediately!"
"That's enough, Frollo. Sorry about that, Rune. Well, I didn't know you were a human at first since your energy was almost the same as an Estolian. I was trying to guess your identity because you didn't even react upon hearing my name. There's no one here in Estolia who doesn't know my name after all"
"What are you talking about? Are you a famous child celebrity or something?"
"H-how dare you say that, human!!"
"Calm down, Frollo. Let's just leave it at that. More importantly, Rune. I finally figured out why the energy of the barrier casted on you feels familiar. I'm really curious how you managed to become friends with that stubborn lone wolf"
Why does he keep talking about a barrier? what lone wolf? Is he pertaining to one of those girls I met at the Golden Portal the other day? Anyway, this is my chance! I need to get out of here fast!
Luckily, there seems to be an event happening today and a lot of people gathered nearby so I hurriedly ran towards the crowd hoping to blend in. Victorian-style buildings filled the busy streets near the library, but I don't exactly have time for a leisure walk.
Frollo: What are you doing!? Hurry up and capture her! Don't let that human get away!
Atlas: It's fine, Frollo. It's useless to capture that human while the barrier is still active.Just continue to follow her and monitor her movements
Frollo: Will it be fine to let a human loose in Luminaria? Even if it's a high level barrier, my unit has many promising talents capable of obliterating multi-layer barriers
Atlas: Fine. If you're confident enough to destroy a barrier casted by the Harbinger of the End then go ahead.
Frollo: What?! Do you mean the Harbinger of the End casted a barrier on a human? Why would she do that??
Atlas: Who knows. Anyway, I'll leave this matter up to you for now. I'm quite busy, you see. The opening ceremony will begin soon. Take her to the castle, I'll have a talk with her later.
Frollo: Understood
**************************
It was a mistake to assume that blending in with the crowd would be a good idea.
Everyone around me was wearing a combination of white and gold, white and blue or white and light shade of orange. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice me that much even though I was wearing a combination of white and brown clothes.
The crowd cheered loudly then festive music began to play. Around eight large holographic screens floated mid-air in various areas.
Looking up the vast blue sky, I was in awe of the people confidently dancing above countless brightly colored orbs floating in the air as if the wind doesn't even affect them.
My eyes couldn't move away from this spectacular show, I will rate it 10/10!
After the show ended, all of the screens displayed the face of the young boy.
The same boy I just met earlier and the one I'm hiding from right now.
The child spoke with confidence contrary to his young appearance.
"On this bright sunny day, the citizens from Luminaria, Aurum and Winterhaven have all gathered here to showcase the latest inventions which will surely lead to further technological advancements for all of our lands"
"As the sovereign of Luminaria, I, Atlas the III officially announce the start of the Grand Fair. We warmly welcome you all to the Land of Eternal Summer"
"What did he just say? The sovereign of Luminaria? . . Does that mean he's the ruler of this land? a young child like him? Is that even possible??"
"How dare you speak of our sovereign like that!"
The voice spoke to me from behind.
"Y-you are. . the one with Atlas earlier! Froyo!"
"It's Frollo! Sigh, what do I even expect from a human? Anyway, you should come with me if you want to live. We won't allow an insolent human like you roam around Luminaria!"
"Why do you talk so harshly? Didn't your parents teach you manners?"
"W-w-what did you just say!?!"
Now that the golden portal disappeared, Rune has no way out of this foreign land called Luminaria. In order to go back to the past, she will need to find information about the green portal.
"I understand. I'll go with you on one condition. . Help me find a green portal"
"Portal?"
"Yes, I'm trying to find a mysterious green spherical portal"
"I had never heard of a green portal before but King Atlas might know something about it"
First and foremost, Rune wanted to find the green portal that will be able to transport her back to 2016. The little girl she met a while ago could see the golden portal hence it was not far fetched for Estolians to know something about portals.
Frollo boarded a nearby vehicle resembling a hybrid car and aircraft. Even though he looks like a teenager around 18 years old, I wonder if it's really alright to trust a stranger? Well, he won't be able to harm me as long as I have this barrier.
While pondering on such thoughts, my eyes wandered in the breathtaking sights of this place called Luminaria that appears to be a bizarre mix of victorian-style architecture and futuristic technologies.
Am I really in a different world? I never heard of an isekai by entering a portal before.
The aircraft began to ascend towards a large white castle floating in the air surrounded by clouds. This scenery reminded me of the Palace in the Sky.
I wonder how Dan and Rio are doing right now?
Will humanity really survive in a world submerged by such a catastrophic flood? Do they have enough resources required to maintain peace and order?
Perhaps someday we will meet again. I can't do anything except hope for their survival. But is this really the time to be worried about other people?
I got captured in a strange foreign land this time. isn't my situation dire?