"So, this is the uniform," I say to myself as I admire my reflection.

I’m wearing a crisp, navy-blue blazer adorned with silver trim, matching trousers, and a white shirt underneath, complete with a cobalt blue tie—a classic French school uniform reimagined for Sylvestria.

I exit my bedroom and make my way downstairs, each step bringing me closer to the heart of the home. As I descend, an aromatic scent wafts through the air.

It's probably Mother's breakfast.

Guided by the inviting smell, I head to the dining room, where my mother is seated.

"Ah, Dominic, let's eat some breakfast, shall we?"

I nod, my appetite piqued, and approach the table. A delightful array of breakfast cuisine is spread out before me: a freshly baked baguette, golden and crisp, a selection of cheeses, and a bowl of fruit.

There’s also a pot of rich, aromatic coffee and a plate of buttery croissants, their flaky layers practically inviting me to indulge. A small dish of soft-boiled eggs completes the ensemble, offering a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.

The sight of the breakfast confirms my whereabouts. It seems I'm in Verdant Haven, a region of Sylvestria inspired by France's charm and culinary finesse.

It's fascinating how each of Sylvestria's five nations draws inspiration from different cultures and locations on Earth.

Verdant Haven mirrors France's elegance and gastronomic excellence.

Ember Citadel, with its majestic pyramids and vast deserts, echoes the ancient mystique of Egypt.

Celestria, with its advanced technology and serene mountainous landscapes, is reminiscent of China.

Frostheim, home to rugged landscapes and hardy folk, is inspired by the Scandinavian region.

Lumina Falls, with its vibrant festivals and lush landscapes, brings to mind the Philippines.

I quickly sit down, overcome by the sight and smell of the sumptuous breakfast before me.

Without thinking, I grab the fork and eagerly stab it into the food, my actions more reflexive than deliberate.

"Dominic, where are your manners?!" My mother's exclamation snaps me back to reality.

Oops, I didn’t mean to do that.

I realize that my actions are driven by a past in which luxuries like this breakfast were beyond my reach. In my previous life, French cuisine was something I could only dream about, a symbol of a lifestyle far removed from my own.

"I'm sorry, Mum," I apologize genuinely, scratching the back of my head and offering her a sheepish smile to convey my remorse.

Carefully, I pull out the fork, now mindful of my manners. Sitting here, in this new life, I’m reminded of the simple joys and privileges I once longed for.

"Dominic, are you okay? It's unusual for you to stab the food and proceed to eat without saying 'Bon appétit.'"

Her observation takes me by surprise. So, Dominic is known for his good manners.

It dawns on me that my actions might raise suspicions, and maintaining the façade of being Dominic is crucial.

"Yes, Mum, I'm fine. I'm just excited to eat breakfast, that's all."

My response is measured, aiming to reassure her while reflecting on the enthusiasm a young boy might have for a delicious meal laid out in front of him.

"Fufufu…" Mother lets out a soft, amused chuckle, and her smile widens. "I'm glad you're excited to eat, Dominic. It's not often you show such enthusiasm for meals."

That comment makes me pause.

So, Dominic isn’t much of an eater? That explains his slender frame.

To smooth over my earlier faux pas, I quickly add, "Well... I'm especially looking forward to your cooking today, Mum. Something tells me it's going to be exceptionally good."

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"Oh, so my food only looks appetizing today? Is that why you don't usually look forward to meals?"

Despite her smile, I sense a hint of mock offense in her tone, and her smile seems a bit strained. Suddenly, I feel a bead of sweat trickle down my forehead under her gaze.

Did I just step into a minefield?

-Creak!

Just then, the sound of the door creaking open provides a welcome distraction. Turning around, I see the man from the photo in my bedroom.

"Celine, I'm home!"

His presence immediately fills the room with warmth and familiarity, unmistakably marking him as Dominic's father.

So, Dominic's mother is Celine. The pieces of my new life are slowly fitting together.

"Ah, André, welcome back home!" Celine’s voice carries a blend of affection and relief.

So, my father's name is André.

Noticing me, André's face breaks into a welcoming smile as he approaches me. He ruffles my hair with a friendly gesture.

"Good morning, Dominic. How are you?"

His question, simple and filled with genuine concern, offers me another glimpse into the kind-hearted nature of the family I have found myself a part of.

"I'm doing okay, Dad. How about you?"

"I'm also doing okay," André replies, settling into a seat. Celine, looking interested, leans forward. "How was the Stargate raid, André?"

"It went well, and the Shadow Sentinels rewarded us handsomely for our performance."

Wait, Dominic's father is a Stargate Raider? These elite Magicians are tasked with the dangerous job of raiding Stargates, portals known for allowing challenges and threats to pass through.

This revelation sparks an idea in me. "Dad, can you train me?"

In Sylvestria, I learned from the web novel that there is a lesser-known way to become a Manaficial: defeating monsters in ancient temples or Stargates and extracting their essence orbs, which are key to their powers. However, consuming these orbs directly is dangerous, as they could corrupt a human due to the incompatibility between human and monster souls. Fortunately, I remember someone in the story capable of purifying these orbs, making them safe to absorb and gain mana and magical abilities.

My question seems to surprise both André and Celine, their expressions a mix of curiosity and astonishment.

"Why?" André asks.

"Well, I want to enroll in Verdant Arcanum!"

They exchange glances, seeming to weigh my sudden declaration.

I’m not surprised they have this reaction. I don't know what kind of aspiration the original Dominic wanted, but someone changing their aspiration overnight is not normal, even in the world of Sylvestria.

"Dominic, what happened to your dream of becoming a Magitist?" Celine asks.

So, Dominic aspired to be a Magitist? Magitists are like scientists, but they focus on blending magic with their studies, a noble and respected path indeed. However, given the challenges ahead for Sylvestria, I feel a more direct approach to strength is necessary.

"I thought about this for a long time and realized that being a Magitist isn't the right path for me."

My words are chosen carefully, aiming to maintain my guise while steering my new life toward a direction that could make a difference in the times to come.

Their exchange of glances transforms into smiles of agreement. "If that's the case, I'll start training you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Dad."

"However…"

André's voice trails off as he reaches for an apple from the fruit bowl and flicks it swiftly towards me.

"Gah!"

Caught off guard and unable to react in time, the apple makes a direct hit on my forehead. The impact sends me back in my chair, more from surprise than pain. Rubbing my forehead, I see André's serious yet concerned face.

"Since you're Manaless, I will train your physical status to the max so you can catch up with the Magicians and Manaficials."

From the web novel, those who are Manaless can attend Verdant Arcanum. However, they would encounter significant challenges and prejudice, given that the curriculum heavily revolves around the use of magic.

After the surprising apple incident, I quickly stand up, brushing off my clothes, a determined spark igniting within me.

"I will take on whatever you throw at me, Dad."

My goal is clear: to gain strength and prepare for the challenges outlined in the web novel's future events.

"I'm glad you want to become stronger, Dominic, but you should eat breakfast first." Celine's gentle reminder nudges me back to reality.

"Okay, Mum." Acknowledging her advice, I reposition the chair and sit again. "Bon Appetit!"

This time, I remember the proper etiquette for signaling the start of the meal and my commitment to adapting to this world and its customs. Gently, I pick up a piece of the croissant, pausing to appreciate its flaky exterior before biting. The taste is sublime, perfectly blending buttery richness and delicate texture. It is, in a word, delicious.

-Munch!

Unable to resist the temptation, I eagerly consume the rest of the croissant in one go and reach for another, my enthusiasm momentarily overshadowing decorum.

"Dominic, what did I tell you about manners?"

Celine's voice cuts through my culinary bliss, a reminder of the balance I need to maintain between my old self and the role I’m now stepping into as Dominic.

Holding a croissant halfway to my mouth, I pause, forming a sheepish smile. Once again, I’m reminded of the small yet significant adjustments I need to make to fully adopt Dominic's identity.

"Hahahaha! It looks like Dominic is finally at that phase, huh?"

My father's laughter fills the room, and his comments are light and understanding.

I know exactly what he’s referring to. It's common knowledge that teenagers, especially during puberty, tend to have increased appetites to fuel their growth spurts. And at 15, I’m right at the age where such changes start to manifest.

However, my eagerness to indulge in the breakfast before me isn't just about satisfying the typical teenage hunger. It’s also about experiencing the French cuisine I had never enjoyed in my previous life. Moreover, this new body of mine seems to have its demands, compelling me to eat more than expected.

-Munch!

Unfazed by the light-hearted teasing, I continue to enjoy the meal before me. Each bite is a delightful experience, a celebration of flavors I have longed to taste.