André and I walk out of the [E] ranked Stargate. As we step out, a crowd of Magicians immediately notices us, their eyes widening at seeing me.
"There goes the Manaless kid. Looks like he had a rough time."
"Check out his shoulder."
"Guess he's learning that Stargates aren't child's play. He should give up on those impossible dreams of his."
Ignoring their whispers, I shiver slightly from the cold due from the lack of a shirt. André's oversized jacket draped over me provides little comfort.
-Sling!
As we make our way out, a distinct sound catches my attention.
I see the red runes glowing on the Stargate we just left, sealing shut like some high-tech door.
With a curious glance, I hurry to catch up with André.
Eventually, we reach the bustling reception area. The same receptionist welcomes us back with a warm, inviting smile.
"And how was your adventure through the Stargate?"
"It was a decent challenge for Dominic," André replies, pulling out his wallet. "How much do we owe for the pleasure?"
"For a [E] ranked adventure, that'll be 50,000 Camilliums."
André nods, then glances at me.
"Dominic, why don't you wait outside while I settle the bill?"
Puzzled but seeing no harm, I agree and step outside.
As I turn to leave, I spot Célestin conversing with a stunning girl with vibrant purple hair and eyes, heading seemingly in my direction.
Oh great, Violette Florelle.
In "A Magician's Path," she's part of a complicated love triangle with Lumi and Célestin, ultimately not being the one chosen.
But that is different from what concerns me; like the other two, she seems to attract trouble wherever she goes.
Determined to avoid interaction, I huddle deeper into André's jacket, practically disappearing inside its oversized folds.
I might look ridiculous, but I'll take it if it helps me avoid drawing attention.
I walk past them and do a side glance; they're both having fun while conversing.
"Looks like my makeshift disguise did the trick."
Finally reaching the grand archway of the Stargate complex, I lean against a wall, sighing relief for having avoided an unwanted interaction.
-Clank!
"Hmm?"
A curious noise makes me look down. There, gleaming on the ground is a katana with a black blade and handle adorned with gold accents forming a dragon.
Wait a second, that's Célestin's weapon.
I have to get away from here; he's probably looking for it right now.
"Oh, my katana, thank you so much!"
Darn it.
I haven't done anything, yet there he is, thanking me.
Turning to face him, I watch as he retrieves his katana.
"Once again, thank you for finding my katana."
"No problem."
I keep my expression neutral.
I intend to make my reply as bland as possible so Célestin will have the wrong impression of me as a quiet guy who does not like talking.
"So, uhm… what's you-"
"Celestie, did you find it?"
Just as he is about to say something else, Violette interrupts and walks toward us.
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
"Yes, all thanks to him," Célestin replies, gesturing towards me.
Violette smiles at me, her voice sweet.
"Thank you for helping Celestie find his katana."
She then grabs Célestin's hand.
“Let’s go, Célestie.”
She proceeds to drag him away.
"Ah, wait- I haven't asked for his-"
"We have training to do."
Watching them leave, I reflect on Violette's portrayal in the web novel—a gentle exterior hiding her true nature.
Being born into a family of Magician supremacists, Violette was raised to think that Camille does not bless those without Mana and do not deserve to live.
Later in the web novel, Célestin's confrontation with her supposedly sparks a swift change, but I find the transformation too abrupt to be realistic.
Master, don't forget about your newly acquired 50 stat points!
"Oh, I forgot about that, thanks System."
Since I now have the 50 stat points, I'm curious what my stats look like.
"System, show me Stats."
INFO Name: Dominic Eñerforte
Age: 15
Title: None STATS Strength: 105.5 (E+)
Endurance: 116.5 (E+)
Agility: 95.5 (E)
Speed: 106.5 (E+)
Mana: 0 (F)
Luck: 402 (C+)
Instinct: 747 (A+)
Charisma: 362 (C)
Stat Points: 50 MANUAL ARTS Basic Gun Arts (D+) – Beginner (22%)
Basic Gun Arts encompass a wide range of basic combat techniques involving the use of firearms from range to melee. This art form requires physical dexterity to shoot and maneuver accurately and a deep understanding of the firearms themselves—maintenance, bullet types, and the physics of shooting.
Seeing the available stat points, I decided to split them equally once again.
"System, add 12.5 in Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Speed."
Strength: 105.5 > 118(E+)
Endurance: 116.5 > 129(E+)
Agility: 95.5 > 108 (E+)
Speed: 106.5 > 119 (E+)
After the adjustments, my body slightly becomes lighter.
"Dominic, there you are."
I see André approaching, a look of genuine pride in his eyes.
"Dominic, I'm pretty sure I mentioned this before, but I'm proud of you."
He reaches out, patting my head gently.
That simple gesture unearths a memory I had buried deep within—my father from my previous life, his voice warm and full of pride as he praised my academic achievements.
-"Hey, I'm proud of you; keep it up!"
The memory hits me like a wave, overwhelming and bittersweet. Suddenly, the weight of all I had lost—and the life I had left behind—comes crashing down on me.
"Dominic, are you okay?"
Concern creases André's face as he grips my shoulders, searching my eyes for an answer.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Tears begin to stream down my face, a silent testament to the grief and nostalgia that memory has stirred within me.
Embarrassed by my sudden emotional outburst, I hurriedly wipe away the tears and force a smile.
"Don't worry, Dad, I'm just…happy to raid a Stargate."
The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I hope it will ease his worry.
André's expression remains filled with concern, his eyes not entirely convinced.
"How about we buy you some new clothes to cheer you up?"
The offer takes me by surprise.
The idea of new clothes doesn't particularly excite me, but André's effort to cheer me up does warm my heart. It isn't about the clothes; it's about him trying to make me feel better.
"Sure, Dad."
NEW QUEST! Side Quest: Buy new clothes with André.
Rewards: 20 Stat Points
The appearance of a new side quest catches me off guard.
Even the System is in on trying to cheer me up, offering less for a side quest than the main quests but still a welcome distraction.
"Nice! Let's go to 'Avenue de l'Aurore'; they have the best clothing there," André suggests, his mood lightening at the prospect.
Avenue de l'Aurore—a name that sparks another memory.
That's where Célestin took Lumi on a date, a scene vividly described in the novel I remember so well.
The thought brings a small, genuine smile to my face, a reminder of the life I am now a part of, with all its challenges and adventures.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
André and I stroll down the bustling Avenue de l'Aurore, the street alive with the vibrant hustle of daily life in Verdant Haven.
Shops line the way, crowded with people. At the same time, vehicles that defy gravity float past us, a testament to the city's blend of magic and technology.
Despite the vibrant scene, I can't help but notice the looks directed at me.
"Hey, look at that guy; he's practically swimming in that huge jacket."
"But wait, girls; he's actually pretty cute."
"True, he does have a certain charm."
Their mixed reactions are hard to ignore, but I let their words roll off my back, even if some compliments are flattering.
-Clap! Clap! Clap!
Then, amidst the hum of the avenue, applause breaks out.
Curious, I stop and turn, only to find a crowd gathered, their hands busy clapping. Some are even tossing roses at Maurice, who stands across the street, bowing deeply while holding a dark blue top hat.
It seems I have just missed a performance.
Maurice's attire is equally surprising—a dark blue tuxedo paired with a matching cape gives him the air of a classic performer.
"So, Maurice is back at being a showman, huh?"
André's voice brings me out of my thoughts.
I glance at him, noting the hint of a smile, perhaps reminiscing.
"Showman?"
"Yeah. Maurice comes from a family of showmen…I thought he had given it up because he wasn't too fond of it. But it looks like he's back. I wonder what made him change his mind after all these years."
I am surprised to learn that Maurice comes from a lineage of performers. The web novel never touches upon such details, making this discovery even more fascinating.
"Anyway, let's move on. I'd rather not cross paths with that Twat today."
In an instant, André's demeanor shifts from reminiscent to annoyed, his face set in a scowl as he turns away from the scene.
His quick change of expression is almost comical, yet it leaves me wondering about his and Maurice's history and what their relationship was like before it devolved into an exchange of insults.
Following André, I can't help but feel curious about the stories and secrets that lay hidden within the lives of the characters I have come to know in this world.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
"Welcome to Gentilhomme Couturier, Dominic!"
André announces with a flourish, and I can't help but stand here, mouth agape in awe.
The store is nothing short of magnificent, exuding elegance and luxury. Suits of every conceivable design, high-end accessories, bespoke shoes, designer bags, and stylish hats are meticulously displayed, each piece seemingly calling out to the fashion connoisseurs.
The soft glow of the chandeliers adds a warm ambiance to the already opulent setting, making every item sparkle with an allure of sophistication.
The sight is overwhelming for me, who'd never had the means to indulge in such extravagance.
What on Earth—or rather, Sylvestria—am I doing here? Could we even afford a single item from this place?
A store employee approaches us; their demeanor is as polished as the surroundings, and they wear a friendly smile.
"Welcome back, Monsieur Eñeforte; how can we help you today?"
The mention of "welcome back" catches me off guard. André is a regular here?
"Hello, we're here to pick out some suits for my son."
André replies casually, gesturing towards me.
The employee's gaze shifts to me, their smile broadening.
"Wonderful! Please follow me."
I watch as André and the employee move deeper into the store, and for a moment, I remain rooted to the spot, still trying to understand the luxury surrounding me.
André glances back at me and quirks an eyebrow.
"Dominic, what's wrong?"
I walk toward André and look up to him.
“Dad, is it really okay to shop here, Dad?”
I mutter enough for André to hear me.
André raises one of his brows.
“Why are you asking that, Dominic?”
‘Well…”
As someone who grew up in poverty in my previous life, spending money on luxury feels almost wrong. I used to work multiple jobs just to get by, wearing second-hand clothes that were more practical than fashionable. The idea of buying something from a store like this felt as distant as owning a castle. Even now, the thought of such extravagance makes me uneasy.
André looks at me with a gentle smile, oblivious to my inner turmoil.
"Dominic, you’ve earned this. After all the hard work you put into raiding that [E] ranked Stargate, you deserve to treat yourself. You can't always be thrifty, you know."
His words are sincere, filled with pride and affection. He doesn't know that my past life has shaped this mentality of scarcity and self-denial.
I nod, trying to absorb the sentiment. "But, Dad, this place seems really expensive. What if it's too much?" I gesture vaguely at the rows of luxurious items.
André chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Believe me, Dominic, it's not. We've been fortunate, and I want you to experience the best. Besides, you’ve proven your skills and bravery, especially with that Stargate raid. Most people would not even dare to face a challenge, but you did. You’ve earned the right to spoil yourself a little."
I hesitate, still grappling with the idea. In my previous life, every penny was precious, and luxury was something only seen in magazines or on TV. Here, in this new world, it’s different. I remind myself that I've done more than just survive—I've excelled.
Maybe… just maybe… I can let myself enjoy this moment.
"Alright," I say softly, taking a deep breath as I try to adjust my mindset. "I’ll give it a try."
André places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "That’s my boy. Now, let’s find you something that truly reflects who you are—a young man with courage and potential."
We then continue through the store. After a while, we stop at the center of the store, where a circular glass platform awaits on the floor.
The employee turns to me.
"Monsieur…?"
"Dominic."
"Monsieur Dominic, please step onto the circle."
With curiosity and apprehension, I comply, stepping onto the glass circle.
The platform glows beneath my feet, emitting a soft, ethereal light.
-Bling!
Then, a symphony of mechanical whirrs and hums fills the air.
Around the store, items move as if possessed by an unseen force.
A sleek black vest, a crisp white dress shirt, a vibrant red tie, elegant black pants, a black fedora, and polished black shoes—all enveloped in a gentle blue aura—drift towards me as if chosen by the circle.
"Wow."
It seems this futuristic platform is designed to select the perfect ensemble for its occupant, custom-tailoring the shopping experience to an individual's unique style and needs.
The world of Sylvestria continues to surprise me, blending magic and technology in ways I'd never imagined.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
SIDE QUEST COMPLETED! You have successfully bought new clothes!
You received 20 Stat Points!
"Thank you for shopping with us. We hope to see you again soon!"
Leaving the store behind, the staggering amount André paid finally sinks in. A whopping 150,000 Camilliums, dwarfing even the cost of our [E] ranked Stargate training.
I wonder what's the true extent of the Eñefortes' wealth? But seeing the amount of Camilliums André spent just for my new clothes tells me that my new family is quite wealthy—a contrast to my family's socioeconomic status in my previous life.
As we walk, André suddenly stops.
"Dominic, before we head home, I'd like to take a picture of you."
"Uhh… okay, but why?"
I am genuinely curious. Photographs aren't something I've given much thought to, especially with everything else happening.
André turns to me, a severe yet soft look in his eyes.
"Photos are more than just images, Dominic. They're a bridge to the past, a way to hold onto the moments that too quickly slip through our fingers."
André pauses, allowing his words to sink in.
"One day, you'll look back on this photo and remember not only how you looked but also how you felt, the challenges you faced, and the victories you achieved. Memories fade, but a photo can bring them back to life."
Woah.
His words, deep and thoughtful, resonate with me, tugging at my heartstrings.
It's a perspective I hadn't considered, making the idea of a simple photograph seem much more significant.
"Come on, let's find the perfect spot for you."
André says, breaking the reflective moment and moving on.
I follow, contemplating his words and their implications.
Eventually, we arrive on a long bridge, the 'Tour Fleurie' providing a stunning backdrop in the distance.
"Dominic, stand here."
André directs, positioning me with the flower-covered tower framing the scene behind me.
"Alright."
He then pulls out his Commlink, preparing to take the shot.
"Now, Dominic, give me a smile."
I attempt a smile, but it feels awkward and forced.
Having spent my previous life jumping from one part-time job to the next, my experience with casual photography is virtually nonexistent.
André raises an eyebrow.
"What kind of smile is that, Dominic? You usually smile more naturally than that."
Feeling my face warm with embarrassment, I awkwardly scratch the back of my head.
"Try this."
André suggests as he casually slips one hand into his pocket, using his other to mimic a playful 'gun' gesture, all while flashing a genuine, friendly smile.
I hesitate before mimicking his pose, unsure if I am doing it correctly.
André's expression turns to one of mild disbelief but then softens.
"Well, that will work for now." Once again, he aims his Commlink at me. "Let's take that photo."
I nod, doing my best to hold the pose and hoping my smile doesn't look as awkward as it feels.
-Click!
André peers at the photo on his Commlink, a warm smile spreading.
"Dominic, come and take a look at yourself."
Curious, I approach him, leaning in to view the screen. Surprisingly, the image staring back at me isn't half bad.
I look... good.
The awkwardness I felt doesn't translate into the photo; instead, it has a kind of effortless charm, enhanced by the picturesque background and the thoughtful pose André suggested.
"You look great, Dominic."
Seeing myself through the photo's lens, amidst the backdrop of Avenue de l'Aurore with the 'Tour Fleurie' gently framing the scene, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
Glancing over at the Commlink screen while André admires the photo, I notice the time displayed in the corner: 5:49 PM.
The day has flown by much faster than I realized.
"Dad, I think we should go home."
André, pulled from his moment of satisfaction, glances down at his device to confirm the time.
His eyes widen slightly in surprise.
"Oh, looks like we spent too much time shopping."
A sheepish grin crosses his face as he scratches the back of his head, a gesture that speaks volumes of his mild astonishment at how quickly the hours have passed.
He tucks his Commlink back into his pocket, turning to me with a decisive nod.
"Let's go home, shall we?"
With that, we set off toward home, leaving behind the bustling Avenue de l'Aurore and its myriad of shops.