The party officially began with Rio's opening words.
The sound of violin resonated in the grand ballroom. It was the start of Dan's spectacular solo performance.
Rio: "I've never heard such a beautiful melody before"
Rune: "Dan's really amazing. He's able to capture everyone's attention"
Dan's solo performance ended with a round of applause
The atmosphere of the entire ballroom changed, it felt lighter somehow.
Dan: "Rune! Is Marx Miller here?"
Rune: "He's not here. I have confirmed it multiple times but the system didn't register his name in the attendee list."
Dan: "No way. . This was our last chance. I really did my best to perform for him"
Rune: "You did your best, Dan. We really enjoyed your performance"
Rio: "Yes! You were absolutely amazing!!"
Rune: "It can't be helped. The access will expire soon. We have no choice but to board the airship tonight."
********************
After retrieving the luggages from our rooms, it was time to say goodbye to the Palace in the Sky.
It was a shame we were not able to meet Marx Miller. Rio tried to request for an extension but it was denied.
By the time we arrived at the air terminal, it was already past 10pm however there were still a lot of people boarding the airships. Rio seemed a bit anxious when he saw the large crowd.
"Is it always like this?"
"No, this is quite unusual"
Dan didn't look too well but he assured us that he's fine. Rio said he will need to report back to the Cyber Auction House.
The trip to the Palace in the Sky came to an end and we went our separate ways.
**************
As for me, I went to pick up my pet robot and other stuff from the storage locker then checked in at the hotel afterwards.
It's scary how fast I'm getting used to living in 2126. Everything is extremely convenient here as long as I have this smart glasses.
After turning on my pet robot to keep me company, I spent the rest of the night watching robot break dancing competitions.
**************
The next day, Dan accompanied me to find a portal and we tried to search possible locations.
The first portal was inside an aquarium.
The second portal was at an outdoor park.
If we go by this logic then third portal should also be located at a public place.
"I will be able to sense a portal if it's nearby, maximum of 300-400 meters away"
"Let's try to look at the alleyway where you first came here"
When we arrived at the dark alley, I tried to look around but couldn't sense a portal anywhere.
"Shall we take a break first?"
"I want to drink coffee"
Dan suggested to go to the Vintage Cafe. Future food tastes unexpectedly delicious however it's just flavored jelly. Nothing beats freshly made food.
"It's amazing how this cafe can still operate even though they don't have any customers except us"
"They can't shut down until I say so"
According to Dan, there was a time when this cafe almost closed down due to the gradual decline in customers which resulted in low profits.
Dan's grandfather was devastated when he found out about this and impulsively bought majority of the shares.
"Doesn't that mean you're the owner of this cafe now?"
"Well, yeah. I can't let grandpa's effort go to waste. I wanted to meet Marx Miller to help me organize a new orchestra.
My dream is to revive classical music in the 22nd century. I want more people to appreciate music that touches the soul. It will also help me earn more money to sustain this cafe. But at this rate, I might have to close this cafe soon"
Now I understand. I thought Dan was just a person obsessed with the past but he was doing everything for his grandfather. He is following his grandfather's footsteps by pursuing classical music and preventing this old cafe from closing down.
"My goal is to find a portal and go back to my original time. I will never give up until I achieve this goal.
No matter how hopeless the situation looks like right now, you never know what the future holds. I hope you find the strength to keep going"
Dan kept quiet but he looked like he was about to cry.
In a far distance, I could see someone running towards us.
Rio: "Haa ha. I finally found you"
Dan: "Rio? What are you doing here?"
Rio: "I couldn't contact you both. Why are you not wearing your smart glasses??"
Rio: "Nevermind that. We received a message from the Palace in the Sky. They want Dan to perform at the party tomorrow!"
Dan & Rune: "Whaaat??"
Rio explained that one of the guest who attended the masquerade party was actually a big shot and much more influential than Marx Miller.
They couldn't forget about Dan's violin performance and requested the Cyber Auction House to invite him again and even offered a permanent contract.
Rio: "Will you sign the contract?"
Dan: "Of course!"
It was the first time I saw Dan smile brightly like that. I wonder why he was even worried in the first place.
Someone born with natural talent like him are destined to stand on the stage after all.
Rio: "Hurry and get your belongings. You should head to the Palace today"
*******************
The same day in the afternoon, we arrived at the air terminal facing heavy crowds.
"What's going on?"
"Why are there so many people?"
"I knew it. You don't have any idea what's going on, do you? I had a hunch since you two were not wearing smart glasses and calmly sipping coffee while the entire city is in chaos"
It all began with a random post online. The post went viral due to the claims that the world is going to end soon.
This was mere speculation and no one believed it until a certain incident happened.
The shocking news that an entire country was completely submerged underwater overnight.
The sea levels continue to rise at an alarming rate. As of today, there are more than 9 countries submerged in water including neighboring country.
In other words, Orbis Vortex is doomed.
The only places safe in this situation are the Palace in the Sky and the Skyscrapers.
Rio tried to issue another pass for Rune however the request was denied by the Cyber Auction House.
"Rune, I checked every record and couldn't find any information on you. Who exactly are you?"
"I'm . ."
"Here, you should wear this bracelet. Go with Dan to the palace"
"What are you saying, Rio? We're all going together. I refuse to leave anyone behind!"
"I've done bad things in my life. This might be my punishment. You can take my place, Rune.
"No, I will stay here"
"Rune?"