I am the travelling alchemist Mei. After lazing around at the mountain city Toria for around a week, like a flash I suddenly recalled the floating city.
According to Aque, this is the period it should pass by Toria.
I am somewhat interested and since I am already here, saying my farewells to the mountain city I brought myself to the peak of the tallest mountain.
[Let's see, it should be around this area......]
In actuality, the floating city that is as high up as the cloud been captured by the all-purpose map from time to time. However, as it doesn't stay in one spot, it leaves the range of the map in no time. Due to that I ignored it as it didn't seem feasible to go.
Withstanding the gale that is common to mountain peaks, I opened the all-purpose map. Just like what Aque said, the floating city was moving in a route as if it is attempting the graze this place. I should see the city in a few moments.
Incidentally, even though this is a world of fantasy with swords and magic, there isn't a hint of excitement in the means to get there such as via spatial magic or a flying ship.
......Simply, jumping.
[...I see it! I-it's big!?]
Eventually the clouds cleared and in front of me was what seemed to be the shape of a giant top. At the upper portion was flat ground covered by plants that seemed to cover it like a carpet. The appearance gave me the impression that it was artificial-like.
In the middle of said flat ground was gray ramparts. The town must be inside it.
How did they manage to make something like this would have been my thoughts if I wasn't overwhelmed by the size. I retract my previous statement. This is definitely a fantasy world.
[D-don't me scared, me! I already decided to go!]
Boosting myself who was getting weak-willed, I matched the timing and prepared to dive out at full speed with the wyvern's boot.
Not only am I interested in what the floating city would be like, there is also the matter of unknown materials which could be an unexpected business chance, since I doubt merchants would come here.
[Well then! My curiosity is stronger than fear. Hop, step and jump!]
Using a protruding rock as stepping stone, I made the leap.
It's a little too late but even if I make the jump safely, what about the return trip......the unsettling is trying to form but, well, I am sure it will work out somehow!
◯◯◯
[That was close]
Taking the leap of faith, I successfully made across it.
Even with the leaping ability of the wyvern's boot, I barely made it. The gap between the mountain and the floating island was so great that my sense of distance was getting distorted.
[Oh, I managed to get on somehow]
Watching as the mountain got further, I took the time to regain my composure.
Could this island be shrouded in some form of magic as the strong gale that was brewing outside couldn't be felt here at all. It was at the level of a small breeze around the low grass. How serene.
[It's as if it was an alternate world]
Murmuring that unexpectedly, there was a door I spotted faraway. Patting down my clothes to get rid of the grass and soil, I carried my legs to the enormous gate.
[Excuse me-!]
Leaving it to momentum I called out. Afterwards, from beyond the sturdy door was a surprised [Uwaah!?].
That was followed by the gigantic door opening, and from it the faces of two boy stuck out. From what I could tell, they are around 10. What's more, the same face so perhaps they are twins.
[Onee-chan, where did you come from?]
[Could you be a person from the outside world?]
I was caught off guard by the two who was speaking almost at the same time. Barely managing to make out what they were saying but still they are on perfect beat.
[Errm, I am]
[Hey, you two, don't open the door for fun! It's dangerous!]
As I prepared to answer the question, another girl stuck her head out on top of the twins. From her features she seemed to be older than them. But she is also a child.
[Uwaah!?]
While processing my own thoughts, the girl noticed me and cried out. I understand that due to the nature of the island, visitors are rare but still, is it that shocking?
◯◯◯
Afterwards, the gatekeeper trio led me to the assembly. As visitors are uncommon, the rule is that they have to meet the leader of this town.
However, said leader wasn't present so the trio went searching for him, leaving me alone at this place.
Then, the children who were playing nearby took an interest in me and approached me with great curiosity. I readied myself by reflex.
[Onee-chan, are you an adult!?]
[That appearance, are you a magus!?]
...The barrage of questions has fell. [I am 17 years old at heart so I am not really an adult. Incidentally, I am also not a magus but an alchemi......wagya!?]
Despite trying my best at answering, I could not stop the momentum of the children and soon found myself surrounded. What is this reaction......as I wondered and surveyed the situation, as if I was having a nervous breakdown, I realized it was a bunch of the same faces. Could these children all be twins?
The gatekeepers were twins too, does this town have a race that give births to twin easily I wonder. As expected of another world.
[Alright alright! Everyone, stop! You are troubling the guest!]
At that moment, from the entrance a voice echoed. When I turned to look, it was a pair of girls calling out. They too were twins.
[Traveler, welcome to the floating city]
Once the children have dispersed, the twin welcomed me and introduced themselves joyfully. Both of them have cream-colored hair, the one on the left sporting a ponytail is called Lala, and the one on the right with twin tail is called Lulu. Mmm, I memorized it.
[Could it be that, the two of you are the leader of this town?] as I probed them and was met with a [Yes]. They seemed to be around fifteen or sixteen, I think? Isn't it impressive being a leader at that age?
[Well then, please allow us to be your guide. This way please]
The twin brought be outside with a welcoming expression. While I still haven't fully grasped the situation, I obeyed.
...During the tour with the two, I did not spot a single adult.
Exiting the residential district from the assembly, countless field and aviary were lined up along the rampart.
Those who were doing harvesting work or taking care of the livestock were too, all children.
There wouldn't be a branch of the adventurer's guild in such a place. It goes without saying, neither a bulletin board.
Request......doesn't seem like there would be any. I got disheartened for a bit but seeing the pair of boys working hard at the field, a feeling of wanting to help brew up in me. Seems like I like grown children too, they are cute. It's healing me.
This place is floating paradise were only children lives in.