André and I wait at a quaint train station, surrounded by the serene beauty of the countryside. Modernity meets tradition here, with holographic ads flickering in the air, showcasing various products amidst the rustic charm.

With a gentle hum, a sleek bullet train, floating inches off the ground, glides into the station. It testifies to Sylvestria's advanced technological progress, far surpassing what Earth offers.

Everything from household gadgets to transportation is powered by Aether, a unique rock imbued with mana.

"Let's go in," André says, leading the way onto the train.

Following him, I am immediately struck by the interior. It is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and enchanting magic—something you'd never see back on Earth.

-Ring!

The door seals shut behind us as we take our seats. The train hums to life, picking up speed until the landscape outside the window blurs into a swift panorama.

These trains reach speeds up to 835 mph, dwarfing the bullet trains of Earth in both speed and efficiency.

-Ding!

-Dong!

The conductor's voice chimes through the train.

"Bonjour, passengers. This is your train conductor. We will arrive in Aurelior, the capital city of Verdant Haven, in one hour and thirty minutes."

Aurelior... I should remember the name, having habitually referred to it simply as Verdant Haven City.

"Here, Dominic, have this," André offers, extending a chocolate bar towards me.

Gratefully, I accept it.

"Thanks, Dad."

I unwrap the chocolate and take a big bite.

-Munch!

The sound of my enthusiastic eating draws some disapproving looks from our fellow passengers.

Oops, I ate too loudly.

André's gentle nudge brings me back to the present.

"Dominic, remember what your mother said about manners."

I can only sigh in response. "Eat quietly and be mindful of others."

Despite feeling out of place—a grown adult in a teenager's body—I realize there is no way for those around me to understand my unique predicament.

Returning to the window, I am greeted by breathtaking views. Snow-capped mountains tower in the distance, framing idyllic fields and a village where Aether-powered cars move along the streets.

The beauty of Sylvestria is unparalleled. It is a world as vast as it is diverse, its size rivaling that of Jupiter itself. I can't help but wonder about the other regions and the scenery they hold, each with its own story to tell.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

One hour later...

André and I arrive at Verdant Haven's capital, Aurelior, specifically at its largest train hub, 'Gare des Étoiles.'

The station, a frequent destination for the protagonist of the Webnovel I remember, bustles with activity.

The grandeur of the place is overwhelming...

Crowds everywhere...

An abundance of holographic advertisements...

"Ugh..."

The sheer volume of people starts to make my head spin slightly.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Dominic, take my hand."

André's voice cuts through the din, offering a sense of grounding amidst the chaos. Turning towards him, I see his outstretched hand and gratefully take it.

We navigate through the crowds of people, eventually making our way out of the grand station and into the heart of Aurelior itself.

The city unfolds before us like a scene from an unbelievable story, mirroring the elegance of Paris but imbued with the unmistakable essence of magic.

Pedestrians walk or take to the skies on their brooms or by their magical abilities. In contrast, others prefer the convenience of Aether-powered vehicles. The hustle and bustle of the city is a harmonious blend of the old and the new, the magical and the mundane.

Amidst the cityscape, my gaze is drawn to a structure reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, except it is adorned with climbing flower vines, giving it a life of its own.

This isn't the Eiffel Tower, as one might know it from Earth, but rather, it is known as 'Tour Fleurie'—the Flowering Tower.

-Growl!

My stomach decides to voice its complaint loud and clear.

Yep, I'm hungry.

Considering we left home at 9:04 AM, took a 10-minute walk to the station, waited an hour for the train, and then spent another hour on the ride, it's now 11:14 AM.

No wonder I'm starving.

André catches the sound of my growling stomach.

"Why don't we grab some lunch before heading to Le Centre Stargate?"

The idea instantly brightens my mood. The prospect of tasting local cuisine right here in the city fills me with anticipation. If Celine's home-cooked French meals are delightful, the fare at a local café or restaurant has to be out of this world.

"Dominic, you're drooling."

His comment snaps me back to reality. I realize I have been daydreaming with my mouth open, saliva betraying my eagerness.

A rush of embarrassment heats my cheeks as I quickly wipe my mouth.

"HAHAHAHA!" André bursts into laughter, giving my shoulder a friendly slap. "Dominic, I get you're going through a growing phase, but I didn't expect you to be this... voracious."

He has a point.

Since stepping into Dominic's shoes, my appetite has grown, fueled further by my eagerness to dive into the culinary delights of this world—a luxury I couldn't afford back in my old life.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

-Ding!

Stepping into the café, we are greeted by the rich aroma of coffee and pastries.

"What would you like, Dominic?"

André's question brings me back to the present, and I scan the menu board hanging above the cashier.

The menu is a feast for the eyes, offering everything from Croque Monsieur to Quiche Lorraine, freshly baked baguettes, and an assortment of pastries.

However, one dish immediately catches my attention - Ratatouille.

I remember a specific animated movie featuring a culinary genius rat flashing through my mind. The dish had been the star of that story, winning over even the most critical of palates.

I want to try it myself.

"I'll have the Ratatouille."

André gives me a nod of approval. "Alright, find us a table."

Navigating through the busy café, the vibe is surprisingly serene despite the crowd.

Spotting an open table with two chairs, I make my way over, only to reach for a chair at the exact moment as someone else does.

Lifting my gaze, I widen my eyes as I find myself staring at Célestin Moreau, the protagonist of the web novel.

His appearance is just as described in the story: medium-length airy light blue hair, captivating sharp light blue eyes, a mole under his right eye, and a physique that is both muscular and lean, remarkably so for someone our age.

His looks are indeed striking in person, but I am not about to be swept away.

"…You can take this seat…"

His courtesy is evident as he immediately offers me the seat.

"Oh, uh, thank you."

With a friendly smile, he nods and moves on to find another spot.

"Phew."

I exhaled once seated, relieved that our interaction was brief.

Like Lumi, Célestin is a magnet for trouble. I hesitate while allying with him could provide a powerful safeguard for the turbulent times ahead.

His rare 'Time' magic attribute makes him a target for the nefarious Umbrascourge, who seek to exploit his power to unleash chaos by freeing Erebos.

The potential danger of being associated with Célestin, coupled with my current quest to strengthen myself, makes keeping a distance the wisest course of action until he navigates through his impending trials.

For now, I choose to blend into the background and focus on my growth, sparing myself from the crossfire of a battle I am not yet prepared to join.

As soon as André approaches our table with a tray of food, my eyes widen. Alongside the Ratatouille, there are croissants filled with ham and cheese—probably André's choice.

The quick service doesn't surprise me much; Sylvestria seamlessly blends magic and advanced technology, speeding up even the simplest tasks like food preparation.

"Here we go, Dominic."

André sets the tray down before taking his seat opposite me.

The Ratatouille in front of me emits such an inviting aroma that I can't help but lean in for a closer sniff.

It smells…heavenly.

-GROWL!

My stomach growls loud and clear.

My face heats up instantly, a blush of embarrassment spreading across my cheeks.

"Hahahaha!" André can't contain his laughter, which only adds to my embarrassment.

After a hearty laugh, he wipes away a tear of amusement and regains his composure.

"Alright, let's dive in, shall we?" he suggests with a smile. "Bon appétit!"

Echoing his sentiment, I reply, "Bon appétit," but not before my fork stabs the Ratatouille with an eagerness that borders on impolite.

"Dominic..."

"I know, I know—manners. But can you blame me? I'm just really excited to try this."

With a hopeful heart, I take my first bite, and it is everything I hope for and more.

DELICIOUS!

I can't help but devour the meal with gusto, momentarily forgetting André's watchful gaze.

My manners may momentarily leave me, but in moments like these—savoring dishes I've longed to try—I couldn't care less.

This new life of mine isn't just about becoming stronger but also about indulging in the culinary delights I never had the chance to enjoy.