-Ring!

The alarm bell rings, piercing through the quiet of the early morning.

“Ngh…”

Arthur groans, his eyes still heavy with sleep. He instinctively reaches out from under the covers, fumbling mindlessly toward the noise.

His fingers brush against the cool surface of the nightstand, knocking over a book and nearly toppling his water glass. He mutters something incoherent as his hand continues its sluggish search for the source of the aggravating sound.

Finally, his fingers find the alarm clock. With a clumsy swipe, he silences the ringing.

Arthur sighs in relief, his hand flopping back onto the bed. He lies there for a moment longer, savoring the brief return to quiet, but the world is already intruding on his rest. He knows he can't ignore it.

Groggily, he blinks and squints at the dim light filtering through the curtains, trying to gather the will to wake up fully.

He turns his head to the side and notices the calendar hanging on the wall. The date is circled in red—today is the day he and Dominic will go to the 'Temple du Sceptre Lié.'

Emotions swirl within him as he stares at the marked date. He wants to hang out with Dominic, but his father's words from before still linger in his mind, casting a shadow over his anticipation.

-"At this point, that Manaless will surpass you again."

Arthur frowns, the words cutting deeper than he wants to admit. Uther has been like this for as long as he can remember, always comparing him to Dominic and pushing him to be better, stronger, and faster. For a decade, he has lived in Dominic's shadow despite his magical abilities, and it has always been a source of frustration and resentment.

But this time feels different. Something about Uther's recent remark gnaws at him more than usual. He doesn't understand why it bothers him now when he has endured similar comments for years. And he can't comprehend why, despite everything, he still wants to spend time with Dominic.

‘Why now?’ Arthur thinks, frustration bubbling up inside him.

Without realizing it, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, the knuckles turning white. Anger and confusion well up in his chest, momentarily making breathing hard. Why can't he push it aside like he always does?

Arthur takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The tension in his fists slowly releases as he forces himself to relax. He doesn't have the answers but knows he can't let these feelings control him—not today. Not when he has plans with Dominic.

With a sigh, Arthur pushes the covers aside and swings his legs over the edge of the bed. He rubs his face with both hands, trying to shake off the lingering traces of sleep and the sudden emotions that have surfaced. Today will be long, and he needs to be ready for whatever it brings.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Dominic stands in front of the local train station, his bag slung over his shoulder and a determined look on his face. He has packed everything he might need: swimsuits, extra clothes, and even some larger clothes for Arthur, just in case. The 'Temple du Sceptre Lié' is known for its water-filled chambers, so bringing a swimsuit seems prudent.

The quiet roar of an approaching vehicle draws Dominic's attention as Arthur's limo pulls up to the curb. The door opens, and Arthur steps out, dressed perfectly for the occasion in a red aloha shirt, blue swimming trunks, and sandals. He looks ready for a day of fun and adventure. Still, something flickers in his eyes—an emotion he quickly pushes aside.

As Arthur's gaze falls on Dominic, conflicting emotions surge within him. Seeing his best friend standing there, ready for their day together, brings happiness and uncertainty. It's a simple moment they've shared countless times, but now it feels different after everything is said. Uther's words still linger in the back of his mind, and despite his efforts to shake them off, they gnaw at him.

But Arthur practices hiding his emotions. With a deep breath, he buries those thoughts, forcing a smile as he approaches Dominic.

"Hey... Dominic," Arthur calls out, his voice softer than usual.

"Hey, Arthur," Dominic greets him with a nod. He notices the tiredness in his friend's eyes but chooses not to comment on it.

Arthur scrutinizes Dominic's outfit for a moment, then raises an eyebrow. "Dominic... are you sure you're going to wear that? Aren't you going to get sweaty in those clothes?"

He gestures to Dominic's tight dark grey shirt, black shorts, and black rubber shoes. The dark colors aren't ideal for the Emerald Coastline's warm environment.

Dominic understands Arthur's concern but shrugs it off with a smile. "Don't worry about it. Besides, it's not like we're heading to Ember Citadel."

Arthur sighs, still unconvinced but resigned to his friend's choice. "If you say so, Dominic."

Dominic claps him on the shoulder with a grin. "Let's go; we don't want to miss the train."

Arthur nods, his smile returning more genuinely as they head toward the station. As they walk side by side, Arthur finds comfort in the familiarity of their friendship, even as the lingering doubts try to creep back in. Today is about adventure and spending time with Dominic—everything else can wait.

Together, they walk into the station, ready to embark on their journey to the Emerald Coastline and face whatever challenges await them at the 'Temple du Sceptre Lié.'

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

After a two-hour journey, they finally arrive at the Emerald Coastline's main train station, 'Gare d'Émeraude.'

The interior of Gare d'Émeraude exudes Belle Époque elegance, with soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and polished marble floors creating an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.

Sunlight streams through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the waiting lounge, adorned with plush velvet sofas and Art Deco accents. The architectural design is nothing short of impressive, blending the grandeur of the past with the vibrant energy of the present.

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'It's no wonder Célestin and Lumi often chose this place for their dates in the web novel,' Dominic thinks as he looks around.

The ambiance here is relaxing despite the crowds of tourists that visit daily, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting environment.

"Doms, let's go outside," Arthur suggests, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Sure," Dominic replies, taking in the breathtaking surroundings.

They walk through the grand halls of Gare d'Émeraude and step outside. As they emerge, the refreshing sea breeze of the Emerald Coastline greets them, brushing against their faces and filling their lungs with the crisp scent of saltwater.

They take in their surroundings. They are now in 'Émeraude-sur-Mer,' the main city in the Emerald Coastline region. The cobblestone streets are lined with palm trees and pastel-colored buildings, their façades bright and welcoming under the clear blue sky. Charming cafés and restaurants spill onto the streets, offering panoramic views of the azure sea that stretches endlessly before them.

Once again, Dominic is struck by the stunning architecture of Verdant Haven. The author of 'A Magician's Path' mentioned that 'Émeraude-sur-Mer' was inspired by Menton, France, and it's easy to see the influence in the city's design. The blend of old-world charm and coastal beauty makes it a perfect setting for their adventure.

“Hah!” Arthur yawns as he stretches his arms upward, slightly unbuttoning his aloha shirt to let in more air. "It's so hot."

He glances over at Dominic, concern flickering in his eyes. "What about you, Doms? Are you feeling okay with that outfit?"

Dominic waves his hand dismissively. "Nah, don't worry, I'm doing fine so far."

-Growl!

Suddenly, a loud growl echoes from Dominic's stomach, breaking the moment's tranquility. His cheeks flush with embarrassment as he holds his stomach, trying to silence the noise.

Arthur laughs softly, unable to resist the humor in the situation. "How about we eat lunch before heading to the 'Temple du Sceptre Lié'?"

Dominic smiles at him, grateful for the suggestion. "Sounds good."

As they begin to walk, Dominic's thoughts wander to the culinary specialties of the Emerald Coastline. Perhaps something fresh from the sea? The idea alone is enough to make his stomach rumble again, and he can't help but look forward to the meal that awaits them.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Arthur and Dominic sit at a restaurant perched on the shoreline, offering a fantastic ocean view. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore provides a soothing backdrop, while the enticing aroma of barbecue wafts through the air, adding a sense of anticipation to their meal.

"What do you want to order, Doms?" Arthur asks, scanning the menu himself.

"Uhh..." Dominic hesitates, his eyes darting over the extensive list of unfamiliar dishes.

Dominic's stomach growls loudly, and Arthur chuckles. He has noticed a drastic change in Dominic's eating habits over the past week. From being somewhat indifferent to food, Dominic has become decidedly more enthusiastic.

"Uhh... I want the grilled lobster with herb butter," Dominic finally decides, his choice influenced by the tantalizing smells wafting from the kitchen.

"Okay," the waiter notes, scribbling down Dominic's order.

"And for you, Monsieur?" the waiter turns to Arthur.

"I'll have the chef's recommendation, please," Arthur responds with a relaxed smile.

Dominic's eyes widen. He had struggled to pick just one item, yet Arthur confidently left his choice to the chef's expertise.

'I wish I had thought of that,' Dominic muses internally.

The waiter nods, confirming Arthur's order. "I will now take this to the chef. Your meals will be ready in about thirty minutes."

With a polite nod, the waiter departs, leaving Arthur and Dominic alone at the table.

The atmosphere grows quiet, a bit too quiet for comfort. Arthur, usually the more talkative of the two, finds himself at a loss for words. The recent conversation with his father has left him unsure of how to interact with Dominic as freely as he used to.

Oblivious to Arthur's recent troubles, Dominic senses the unusual tension but isn't sure how to address it. If only he had Dominic's memories from before his transmigration, he might have known how to bridge the awkward silence.

Looking to break the ice, Dominic ventures into a topic. "The view here is amazing. I've read about the Emerald Coastline, but seeing it in person is something else."

Arthur nods, seeming grateful for the conversation starter. "Yeah, it's beautiful. The beach here is comparable to the beaches in Lumina Falls."

"Lumina Falls, huh?"

"Yeah..." Arthur's response trails off into another stretch of silence, leaving the air between them thick with unspoken thoughts.

Dominic shifts uncomfortably, searching for a way to bridge the gap.

"So," Arthur finally breaks the silence, "how's Clark doing?"

"Oh... uh, he's doing great, actually. He's bonded with Mum and Dad."

"Is that so? Have you found his parents in Celestria yet?"

"Not yet. We're—the police are still looking through the files."

Dominic lies again but protecting Clark's true origins is necessary.

"I see..." Arthur replies, his voice barely above a whisper.

The conversation becomes silent again, the awkwardness hanging heavily between them.

Dominic feels beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He wipes them away, berating himself internally.

'Why is this so awkward?' Dominic thought.

For the first time since arriving in Sylvestria, Dominic experiences profound discomfort in Arthur's company, a stark contrast to their usual easy camaraderie. He struggles internally, trying to find a way to navigate this unexpected tension.

Arthur closes his eyes, his heart heavy with turmoil. 'Should I tell him how I feel?'

For years, Arthur has suppressed his feelings toward Dominic, hiding behind a facade of indifference and forced smiles. He has been afraid—afraid that if he reveals the depth of his jealousy, frustration, and inadequacy, Dominic will see him differently.

He fears that Dominic will pity him or, worse, pull away entirely. After all, Dominic has always been the one who shone brighter and succeeded without even trying. Arthur has learned to live in that shadow, but it has never stopped hurting.

But now, the weight of those unspoken feelings has become unbearable. The more he tries to ignore them, the more they consume him, filling him with a sense of isolation and self-doubt that he can no longer endure.

With a deep sigh, Arthur opens his eyes, the weight of his unspoken words pressing down on him. He must confess to unburden his soul of the feelings that have shadowed him for over a decade.

"Dominic..."

"Yeah?" Dominic is concerned, sensing Arthur's unusual seriousness.

"You're a genius, you know?"

Dominic blinks, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. "What do you mean?"

Arthur hesitates, his heart pounding in his chest. 'How do I even begin to explain?' he thought.

The words feel heavy on his tongue, tangled up in years of suppressed emotion. But now, as he sits across from Dominic—the friend he has spent so long envying yet can't bear to lose—Arthur knows he can't keep it all bottled up any longer.

Taking a deep breath, he begins. "Remember when I wanted to be a Magitist when I was younger?"

Dominic blinks in surprise. That's news to him. Since his arrival in this world, he has always thought Arthur aspired to be a Stargate Raider. He doesn't know much about Arthur's past, a past not covered in the web novel where their lives were intertwined yet unspoken.

"I stopped that dream because..."

Arthur hesitates, fear gnawing at him. He worries about Dominic's reaction. Despite his unresolved feelings, the last thing he wants is to endanger their friendship, which he treasures deeply.

"Because?" Dominic prompts gently.

"Because..." Arthur stammers, but the waiter arrives with their food before he can continue.

"Bonsoir! Here are your meals, Monsieurs!" The waiter's timely arrival cuts through the tension.

Dominic blinks, taken aback by the swift service. "That was fast."

The waiter smiles proudly. "Yes, speed is the number one priority of this fine establishment."

Arthur lets out a quiet sigh of relief as the waiter departs, his heart still racing.

'I'm not ready yet...' Arthur thinks.

He postpones his confession at that moment, waiting for a better time to reveal his complex feelings.

"Anyways, here's your food, Monsieurs. Enjoy!"

The waiter sets down their plates with a flourish and leaves them for their meal.

Dominic turns back to Arthur, his curiosity piqued by the incomplete confession. "What were you trying to say, Arthur?"

Arthur hesitates, then forces a casual smile. "Oh, it's nothing. Forget about it."

"…Okay," Dominic replies, though his expression shows he isn't entirely convinced.

Turning his attention to the food before him, Dominic's mood lightens. The grilled lobster with herb butter looks inviting and perfectly prepared, and he can hardly wait to taste it.

"Bon Appétit!" he announces with genuine enthusiasm.

Arthur manages to smile and nods. "Bon Appétit!"

With that, the two friends begin to eat lunch, the earlier tension temporarily forgotten as they enjoy the delicious food and the stunning seaside view.