Gen then said, "How is that possible? The dome is too high."
And the woman said, "Well, I don't know. As long as I can remember, the elevator to the dome has always existed. So I don't know how it was made."
"I see, but won't it take a long time to get up to that height?"
"Not really. It's pretty quick from here to there."
"But how-"
Raja then said, "Gen, stop bothering her. There's no way she knows all this. She just works here. She didn't build it, and besides, I think you're making a big deal out of nothing."
"Out of nothing? Have you ever stopped to think how high this elevator goes?"
"No, but have you ever stopped to think that it lands on a huge ball of water, full of fish, that is floating in the sky?"
"... Well, when you say it like that, the elevator doesn't really seem like such a big deal."
Lina then said, "Enough of this talk. Let's go up already."
And the woman said, "OK, get ready. Usually, people are a little uncomfortable the first time they use the elevator."
Lina then said, "Don't worry, we already used one earlier today."
"Good. I'll start the way up then."
"No problem."
Raja then said, "What do you think it's like up there?"
And Lina said, "I bet it will be just as nice as the other aquarium."
Gen then said, "Normally, I would say it wouldn't be possible, but looking at the dome, I get the impression that maybe it's even better than the other one."
And Lina said, "Hopefully. I really am-", but she was interrupted as the elevator suddenly started to rise very quickly.
The three of them almost fell to their knees on the floor, and Raja said, "What's going on? Isn't this elevator too fast?"
And the woman said, "No. This is its normal speed, and it looks like you have actually ridden in another elevator. Most people fall to their knees the first time they ride it."
Gen then said, "Isn't that a little unnecessary? We didn't fall because we are awakened. If a normal person were in our place, he would surely fall on his knees or even have his whole body to the ground."
"Don't worry about that. Normal people can't climb up to the dome."
"They can't? Why?"
"Precisely because of the reason you said. It used to be that anyone could go up there as long as they paid, but that started to create problems, so we restricted the use to people from diamond rank upwards."
Raja then asked, "What kind of problems."
And the woman said, "There are several, such as fainting, light and serious injuries, sickness, and many more."
"Hmm, I see."
Lina then said, "You mean there are only diamond-level people up there?"
"Exactly."
"Interesting."
Gen then said, "But if that's how it works, why didn't you ask us our level before we got on the elevator?"
"That's because you've already been tested before you got here."
"We've already been tested?"
"Yes, the boat you came on is ours. They serve as a test to determine the level of people. A normal person could never stay on it without getting sick somehow."
"Hmm, got it."
"Well, we better stop talking, or you won't be able to enjoy the view."
"What view?"
"We're getting there."
Suddenly, a really bright light appeared around them, making the three of them close their eyes temporarily.
Raja then said, "You could have warned us this was going to happen."
And the woman said, "I'm sorry. That's also a form of testing."
"Hmm, okay then."
"And I kind of like to see how people will react at this point, hahaha."
"..."
A few seconds passed, and their eyes got used to the brightness. They then opened their eyes and started looking around, and what they saw made them speechless for a few seconds.
Raja then said, "Wow, I thought we were high before."
And Lina said, "What a beautiful view."
Gen then said, "Wow, this is amazing."
They had reached a part of the elevator that was outside the building. Below them, through the transparent wall of the elevator, they could see several rivers like the one where they had taken the boat earlier, several parts of the city crowded with people who looked like ants in the distance, and several distant beaches with their golden sands.
Gen then said, "Wow, Tólis really is beautiful."
And Lina said, "Beautiful and huge. Compared to it, the desert cities are just a few villages."
Dehji then said, 'She only says that because she's never seen the capital of the empire. It would make this city look like crap.'
'It's not like that either, Dehji. You're exaggerating.'
'No, I'm not, but it's a shame that it no longer exists ...'
They continued to watch the view for a while longer, and then the elevator arrived at the dome. The woman then said, "Get ready. The view here is not like it was just now, but it's still excellent."
They then entered the dome and started to look around. It was as if they were in the sea, many fish were swimming around, and you could see many others in the surroundings. They stayed there for a while and then entered a dark tunnel.
The woman then said, "What did you think?"
And Gen said, "It's beautiful."
Raja then said, "That's right, I think it's pretty too."
And Lina said, "Well, it's beautiful, but I still prefer the other aquarium."
The woman then said, "Do you prefer the view from an aquarium compared to the dome?!"
"Yes."
"But how is that possible? The dome is the best aquarium in the world."
"Well, the best in the world is kind of strong. I'd say it's not even the best in the city."
"What?! Are you telling me you've seen a better aquarium than this in town?"
"Yes."
"Where is it then? I'd make a point of going there to see for myself."
"It's hard to explain. It's located-"
Gen then interrupted her and said, "Let me explain. It is in a clothing store that we passed by."
And the woman said, "A clothing store?! You've got to be kidding."
"It's true, but the dome really is the best aquarium in the world. It's just that, unfortunately, Lina doesn't like the feeling of being underwater. That's why she said she found the other one better."
"That's true. That has happened a few times. I always forget that there are people who don't like that feeling. Forgive my lack of understanding."
Lina then said, "No problem. I'm used to these two idiots."
They then exited the tunnel, and again, there was a flash of light in their eyes, but it was much dimmer than before, so they didn't need to close their eyes.
The elevator door opened, and then the woman said, "We have arrived. Please step out of the elevator."
The three then stepped out, and the woman said, "Enjoy your stay.", and then the door closed, and she went down with the elevator.
They then looked around and saw that they were in what looked like a fancy house.
A man approached and then said, "Welcome. What can I do for you?"
And Gen said, "Is this the Deep Sea Inn?"
"Yes. This is our establishment."
"Good. I want to rent three rooms, please."
"Unfortunately, that's not possible, sir."
"What? Why not?"
"We are booked up at the moment."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
"You don't have any rooms?"
"Well, we have one room, but it's much more expensive than normal."
"How much is it?"
"It's costing one silver coin a day."
"One silver coin?! What's in this room to cost all that?"
"Well, it has several benefits. We can start with the view from the room, which is overlooking the hotel's exclusive beach. There is also the royal bed, with a mattress that will make you not want to get up and a pillow that hugs your head."
"..."
"Other than that, there's also-", but Gen interrupted him and said, "Wait a minute. When I asked, I didn't really want to know what was in the room."
Raja then said, "That's right. You could have said it was really good. You're taking all the fun of finding out what it's like."
And Gen said, "It's true ... no, wait! Be quiet, Raja!"
Lina then said, "Do you think the three of us would be uncomfortable in this room?"
And the man said, "Yes. The room is fully capable of accommodating up to five people."
"Good. We'll take this one."
"Okay. I'll get everything ready for you."
The man walked away, and Gen said, "Lina, what was that? Didn't you hear the value of the room?"
"I heard Gen, but what did you want to do? This was the only room they had, and besides, it was only one silver. If we need it, you, Raja, and I can easily earn it."
"... All right."
The man then came back and said, "Everything is ready. Come with me. I'll take you to the royal room."