Dominic and I step out of the café into the bustling streets of Tokyo after enjoying our meal.

"Man, that Maki was delicious!" Dominic exclaims, rubbing his stomach contentedly.

I smile, pleased to see him enjoying the local cuisine. Despite everything, some things remain universally comforting, and good food is one of them.

Dominic turns to me, his grin still wide. "How about you, Clark? Did you enjoy your food after being away for a week?"

I stroke my chin thoughtfully. "Well, I did miss the food at that café."

Even though I experienced incredible things in Sylvestria, some of the comforts of home are irreplaceable. The familiar taste of the food here in Tokyo brings back a wave of nostalgia.

Tokyo's familiar sights and sounds surround us as we walk toward the main street. Even though it's only been a week, I miss this place more than I anticipated.

"Clark," Dominic says, breaking the silence and pulling me out of my thoughts.

I look at him, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

"Would it be okay if you gave me a tour around here?" he asks, almost hesitantly.

"Sure..."

I'm surprised that Dominic has yet to explore the city more during his week here. But then again, Tokyo is vast and can be overwhelming, especially for someone new to it.

Showing him around will also be a good way to get my mind off things.

As we start walking, I feel a mix of emotions. The bustling streets of Tokyo feel both familiar and foreign now, especially after everything that's happened. But, even in this strange situation, Dominic makes the city feel a little more like…home again.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

We hop on the train, and I decide to start our tour in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts. It is known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling business center, and dazzling nightlife. As we walk through the crowded streets, I point out landmarks and popular spots and explain their significance to the city's daily hustle.

Dominic listens intently, eyes scanning the buildings and crowds of people with fascination. It’s as if he’s trying to absorb everything at once, his gaze flickering from the towering buildings to the endless sea of people.

"It’s so different from Verdant Haven," he notes, clearly drawing comparisons between the technological marvels around us and the more natural, magical landscape of Sylvestria.

Next, we move on to Shibuya, passing through one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. We stop at the famous Shibuya Crossing, where I explain how it’s one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Dominic is amazed by how people flood the intersection from every direction, moving in an organized chaos that feels overwhelming and hypnotic.

"You’ve never seen anything like this before, huh?" I ask with a chuckle.

He nods, still mesmerized by the spectacle. "It’s like watching a magic spell, but with people."

We continue wandering the trendy streets, window-shopping in front of boutiques, and soaking in the urban culture.

We skip the high-end restaurants and opt for street food instead. The aroma of freshly cooked Takotaki draws us to a nearby vendor, and Dominic, always eager to experience everything Tokyo has to offer, orders a plate.

He wastes no time, popping one of the octopus-filled balls into his mouth.

"O-Ouch! Hot!" he yelps, his face contorting as he realizes he’s bitten into it too soon.

"Pfft! HAHAHA!" I burst out laughing.

It’s the classic rookie mistake, but seeing someone who hails from a world of magic struggle with a simple food experience cracks me up.

"Y-You could’ve warned me, Clark!" he protests, still fanning his mouth.

After his encounter with the too-hot Takoyaki, we board another train and head to Asakusa. The district is a blend of the ancient and the modern, and as we approach Sensō-ji Temple, Dominic’s eyes widen in awe.

The temple's intricate architecture, with its brilliant red and gold colors, stands proudly against the sky, and the sight of it seems to take his breath away.

The place is bustling with tourists and locals, creating an energetic and reverent atmosphere. As we near the temple’s entrance, Dominic notices the crowds tossing coins into a large wooden box and bowing their heads afterward.

"Why are they throwing coins?" he asks, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"It’s an offering," I explain. "People throw coins, make a wish or a prayer, and hope the gods will bless them in return."

I hand him a few coins, and we approach the offering box together. We toss our coins, bow our heads, and make silent wishes. The temple’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with the traditional ritual, has a calming effect, and I can tell Dominic is soaking it all in. His face softens, reflecting his deep respect and wonder for this new experience.

As we head back towards the station, we walk through Ueno Park. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, their pink petals fluttering gently in the breeze. Dominic pauses to take it all in, a soft smile on his lips.

"Pretty," Dominic mutters, his eyes tracing the pink blossoms dancing in the wind.

I glance at him and then at the cherry blossoms. It’s funny—coming from Verdant Haven, where nature’s beauty is so magical and grand, I expected him to be less impressed by something as ordinary as cherry blossoms. But perhaps this simplicity is what draws him in.

"Clark."

"Yeah?"

"I… feel like I belong here, even though I've only been here for a week." His words are soft but contain a sincerity that makes me pause.

His words hang in the air between us, heavy with meaning. I understand what he’s saying. Back in Sylvestria, Dominic, being Manaless, was always an outsider. But here, in a world where magic doesn’t dictate your value, he’s just another person—no one to look down on him, no need to prove himself.

"What about Arthur, Celine, and André? Wouldn't you miss them?"

Dominic's gaze drops to the ground, his expression conflicted. "I do miss them… but despite their love and support… I still feel like I don't belong there. I tried everything I could as a Manaless in Sylvestria—studying to become a Magitist, pushing myself to be as strong as I could…"

He trails off, and I stay silent, allowing him to continue when he's ready.

"…But despite all that, I was still ostracized. The bullying got so bad that I couldn't take it anymore…"

His words hang in the air, heavy with the pain he’s been carrying alone for far too long. And then, a chilling thought creeps into my mind—had his despair pushed him to a point where he made a choice he couldn’t take back? Did Dominic… kill himself? Could his death have been the reason we switched places?

"I…also don't want to repeat that same scenario repeatedly. It's mentally exhausting." He continued.

His words are heavy with the weight of the struggles he'd been forced to bear alone for far too long.

Then Dominic turns to me, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "What about you? Do you miss them?"

His question catches me off guard, and I struggle to respond momentarily. Do I miss them? It’s a simple question but one that feels unexpectedly loaded.

I've only been in Sylvestria briefly, yet the people I’ve met—Celine, André, Arthur, and Maurice—all left an impression on me. They've shown me kindness and acceptance, treating me as if I truly belonged, even though I was living in someone else's body, carrying secrets that weren’t mine to share.

I think back to the times spent with them: Arthur’s genuine friendship, Celine’s warmth, André’s quiet strength. They made me feel part of something bigger, like I wasn’t just an outsider in a foreign world.

"Yeah," I finally say, my voice soft. "I do miss them. I haven’t been there as long as you, but... they made me feel like I was part of a family even though I’m not really…well…you, and it’s hard to leave that behind."

Dominic listens quietly, his tears on the verge of falling. I feel he understands the conflict.

"But I get it," I continue. "Here, you’re not a Manaless. You don’t have to prove your worth constantly. No one’s judging you for something you can’t control."

Dominic nods slowly, absorbing my words. His expression softens, and momentarily, I see a child needing comfort. I can't help but want to take care of him.

I ruffle his hair. Dominic blushes slightly, gently pushing my hand away.

"Stop that. I’m not a kid. I’m only a little shorter than you."

I chuckle. "Can’t help it!"

We walk a little farther in silence before I grin at him. "Come on, let's continue the tour."

Dominic smiles faintly, and we continue down the busy streets of Tokyo.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

We hop off the train, stepping into the bustling heart of Akihabara.

As we emerge from the station, this electric town's vibrant sights and sounds immediately envelop us.

"Woah!" Dominic exclaims, his eyes wide with wonder as he takes in the colorful chaos of billboards, anime posters, and crowds. "I didn't know there was anime in this world, too!"

"Yeah, on Earth, anime originated in Japan," I explained.

I guide him through the lively streets of Akihabara, pointing out various iconic shops and attractions. However, we don't make any purchases. Dominic seems utterly fascinated, his gaze lingering on the intricate displays of anime merchandise, electronic gadgets, and game stores that define this otaku paradise.

Next, we head to the Tokyo Anime Center. Having worked part-time here before, I know the layout well, which makes it easy to show Dominic around. The center is a hub of anime culture, showcasing exhibits and selling merchandise related to popular series. Dominic absorbs every detail, his excitement palpable.

After walking around for a while, I felt a wave of tiredness wash over me. Glancing at Dominic, I could tell he was also feeling fatigued.

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"How about we rest for a bit?" I suggest, seeing the need for a break in his eyes.

Dominic nods gratefully, "Sounds good."

We wander around, searching for a place to sit, and soon find a bench near two vending machines. We make our way over and sit, settling into a brief respite.

"I'll get us some drinks," I say, standing up and heading toward the vending machines.

"Thanks, Clark. Get something refreshing!" Dominic calls after me, managing a tired smile.

At the vending machine, I select two cans of a famous Japanese soft drink known for its crisp, refreshing taste. Once the drinks are dispensed, I grab them and return to where Dominic is waiting.

"Here," I say, handing him one of the cold cans.

"Thanks, Clark," he replies, popping the drink open.

-Click!

The sound of the can opening is a small comfort in itself.

As we sit there, the sky begins to paint itself in the warm hues of sunset, casting a soft glow over everything around us. I hadn't even noticed how much time had slipped away.

"I didn't realize how much time had passed," I murmur, a bit taken aback by the swift passage of the day.

"Yeah…" Dominic responds, his tone thoughtful and distant. Then, without warning, he turns to me and asks, "By the way, what was your experience in Sylvestria like?"

The suddenness of his question catches me off guard, and for a moment, I stare at him, unsure of how to begin. His gaze is expectant and curious, and I can tell he genuinely wants to know. It isn't just idle curiosity—it was his life, his world, and he's asking me about something deeply personal.

"Well…" I finally say, looking up at the sky as I try to find the right words. "It was eventful. Arthur was friendly, and André and Celine were supportive. They made me feel welcome, even though I wasn't really… well, you."

Then, I can't help but add, with a small, wry smile, "Oh, and Renard is an ass."

Dominic sneers, the reaction almost instantaneous. "Yeah, fuck Renard."

I can't help but chuckle at his reaction. It's unexpected, especially considering what I've gathered about Dominic in Sylvestria. He strikes me as the shy, well-mannered type—someone who wouldn't usually curse so openly.

But his disdain for Renard is clear, and seeing that unfiltered emotion from him is both surprising and oddly amusing. It's like catching a glimpse of a side of him he doesn't often show, a side that feels a little rawer, a little more real.

"Didn't expect that from you," I tease lightly, the tension easing between us as I grin.

“Renard brings out the worst in me,” Dominic shrugs, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “So, what else?”

I glance down at my hands, the weight of everything pressing heavily on my chest. How do I even begin?

“Well, I decided to train to become a Stargate Ra—"

I stop mid-sentence, the words catching in my throat. Suddenly, the dream of being a Stargate Raider feels so distant, as if it belonged to someone else. Do I even want that anymore?

“Clark?” Dominic’s voice is soft and concerned as he watches me closely.

Gone is his usual carefree demeanor, replaced with a serious intensity. Should I tell him the truth? Seeing his worried look, I should.

"I... used to want to be a Stargate Raider," I finally admit, the words barely above a whisper.

Dominic’s brows furrow slightly, the surprise clear on his face. "A Stargate Raider? But wouldn’t that be hard for you, especially since you’re... Manaless in my body?"

I nod, looking down. "It was difficult… but I managed."

Dominic leans in, curiosity filling his blue eyes. "Managed? How?"

I hesitate. Should I tell him everything? About the System, the rituals, the ancient artifacts? He deserves to know what I did in his world and body. He has every right to know my choices while living his life.

"Well, I have something called 'The System'..."

“And?”

Dominic doesn’t seem surprised. He leans in, his interest deepening. I was expecting confusion or a barrage of questions about the System, but he listens as though he’s piecing everything together.

“I…also know how to become Manaficial without spending billions of Camilliums,” I say carefully, watching his reaction.

His eyes widen in shock. "You what? How?"

I let out a soft, rueful chuckle. "All I had to do was retrieve three magic artifacts from ancient temples… not exactly the safest journey."

Dominic leans back against the bench, eyes wide in disbelief. "Temples? Do you mean you went inside those places? With all the traps and everything?"

I chuckle, shaking my head. How did he know about the traps without me even mentioning them? Dominic may act like a naive child, but he's sharper than I gave him credit for. Seeing those gold medals in his room back in Verdant Haven makes sense now.

"Yeah." I chuckle softly, remembering the dangers. "The first temple I did alone. For the second one… Arthur came along to help."

His gaze narrows with interest. "What else happened?"

I let out a long breath, staring up at the sky. The memory of the massive stone spear flashes through my mind—Arthur’s terrified face, his voice calling my name as I lay there bleeding. At that moment, I regretted everything. I thought I could be strong and handle future events from the web novel. But I was so, so wrong.

“…I was stabbed,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “And now… I’m here.”

The silence between us feels thick, weighted by the gravity of what I’ve just revealed. Dominic sits up straighter, his expression shifting from curiosity to something more serious.

"You… were stabbed?" His voice is low, uncertain.

I nod, the knot in my chest tightening. "Yeah. I thought I could get stronger to face whatever was coming. But I made a mistake. Now, I don’t know if I even want to return."

Dominic’s gaze softens, and for a moment, the intensity fades from his eyes. "You regret it, don’t you? Choosing that path."

I stare down at my hands, my fingers trembling slightly. "Yeah… I do."

We sit there silently for a long time, the world around us distant as we share the quiet moment. Dominic doesn’t push me for more. Instead, he leans back, offering a sense of quiet comfort, a silent understanding I didn’t know I needed.

"You know…" Dominic starts softly after a while, his tone thoughtful. "It’s okay to feel relieved being back here. It’s okay not to want to go back. But it’s also okay to miss it—the people you met, the bonds you made there."

I glance at him, and for the first time, I realize he’s right. Some of me miss Sylvestria—Maurice, Arthur, Lumi, André, Celine—even the thrill of adventure.

But just as I processed this, Dominic’s hands suddenly grabbed my shoulders, his eyes wide and frantic.

"But... please…don’t give up!"

I blink, startled by the sudden shift in him. "Dominic, why are you—"

"P-please, Clark, don’t give up!" His voice trembles with desperation, his grip tightening.

I blink, startled by the urgency in his words. Why is he so desperate?

"I..." I try to speak, but his words cut through me.

"You’re stronger than this!" His voice cracks as he pleads. "You have to keep going, Clark! You have to get stronger!"

I can feel the weight of his fear in every word, as if he’s begging me to hold onto something I’m not even sure I want anymore.

"You didn’t make a mistake!" His voice is hoarse now, his hands trembling on my shoulders. "Please… just promise me you’ll protect my family and friends."

He extends his right pinky toward me, the gesture childlike but full of desperate hope.

I stare at his outstretched hand, my heart pounding in my chest. Promise to protect his family? How can I do that from here? I’m back on Earth. How could I possibly—

"And I’ll promise to protect your family here," Dominic adds, his voice steady, full of conviction.

I look into his eyes, seeing the depth of his sincerity. Despite my confusion, despite everything, I feel a pull—a need to take his hand, to promise him this, even if I no longer want to return to Sylvestria.

With a deep breath, I hook my pinky around his.

“Alright,” I whisper, my voice barely steady. "I promise."

Relief washes over Dominic’s face, a small smile tugging at his lips. But as I sit there, I can’t help but wonder: What have I just agreed to?

Then, suddenly, my vision fades to black.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Clark’s body slowly disintegrates into ash, fading into the air like a whisper of smoke. Dominic stands over the remains, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"You don’t have a choice but to get stronger, Clark," Dominic whispers. "You are too important to my plan. You must stop the cycle and free Sylvestria from its chaotic future."

His right hand begins to glow, an ethereal sky-blue light emanating from his palm. A black vase materializes in his grasp with a faint shimmer—the same vase that stored Clark’s ashes, the one Clark saw when he woke back on Earth.

Dominic extends his left arm, the same sky-blue glow surrounding it.

Slowly, the ashes scattered around him also glow, bathed in the same light. The fragments of Clark’s body lift gently into the air, floating toward the vase. They swirl with a soft hum, the glowing ashes twisting and turning under Dominic’s telekinetic control.

The ashes flow into the vase like dust, returning to their rightful place. Glimmering a final faint blue before settling inside, Dominic watches with an unflinching gaze.

Dominic, your acting was quite effective.

"Thanks, Ninhursag," Dominic replied, his tone casual yet calculated.

Earlier, he had carefully crafted the facade of an innocent, clueless child—feigning confusion, engaging in idle conversation about Earth, playing dumb about the situation, and even leading Clark around Tokyo under the guise of a simple tour. All of it had been a carefully constructed act.

The tour, his hesitant questions, even the moments of warmth—it was a charade. The only genuine moment had been the Takoyaki incident, where Dominic had let down his guard momentarily, genuinely enjoying the food for what it was.

But when Clark began to waver and showed signs of abandoning the path of strength, Dominic knew he had to act swiftly.

Internally, Dominic panicked. Clark was crucial to his plan and Sylvestria's future. He couldn’t afford to let him falter, so he played his part: desperate, emotional, pleading with Clark not to quit.

Manipulating Clark’s emotions had been easier than he expected. Clark’s empathy and insecurity made him vulnerable, and Dominic exploited that to ensure he stayed on the right path.

Standing in the quiet aftermath, Dominic looked at the bustling streets of Akihabara beyond. The contrast between the peaceful urban scene and the chaotic machinations in Sylvestria was stark.

“Ninhursag, since Clark is already gone, I assume you’ve fully healed the body of my duplicated body?” Dominic asked, his gaze never leaving the streets below.

Yes, Dominic. The duplicate body in Sylvestria has been fully restored.

When the stone spear stabbed Clark in the duplicate’s body, Ninhursag alerted him on what happened, and Dominic temporarily revived Clark on Earth. At the same time, Ninhursag pulled Clark’s soul and mind to the resurrected body and healed the duplicate body back in Sylvestria.

“Good.” He nods in satisfaction, turning his attention back to the holographic display. “Ninhursag, when Clark finally reaches [D+] rank in Speed, Strength, Agility, and Endurance, make sure that the next update to his 'System' includes the ‘Skill’ section.”

Yes, Dominic. What skill would you like to give him first?

A faint smile plays on Dominic’s lips. “Give him the ‘Chronicle Insight.’ That should motivate him to become stronger."

...

The screen displays only a row of dots, which is unusual. Dominic raises an eyebrow, sensing something off.

"What’s with the silence, Ninhursag?" he asks, his voice laced with curiosity.

Dominic, something unexpected occurred when you transmigrated Clark’s mind and soul into your body duplicate in Sylvestria. Clark’s past self—his original body, mind, and soul—was also transmigrated there. Unlike the present Clark, whose consciousness and soul were moved, his past self was also sent, complete and intact.

This anomaly means there are now two versions of Clark in Sylvestria.

Dominic furrows his brows, the gears in his mind turning. This is entirely unexpected. He had carefully orchestrated Clark’s mind and soul to be transferred into the clone body in Sylvestria, but the fact that Clark’s past self had also been sent there—body, mind, and soul—was a phenomenon he hadn’t anticipated.

"How...?" Dominic mutters, trying to make sense of the situation.

A fracture in time? What are some unintended consequences of the endless regressions he and the specific person experienced in Sylvestria? He had failed countless times to defeat that Demon, each failure triggering another cycle of regression. Perhaps those constant disruptions had finally caused a rift, tearing through the fabric of time itself.

‘Could this be a temporal fracture caused by the repeated failures in Sylvestria?’ Dominic theorizes. ‘That friend and I have been regressed so often… the strain must have finally broken something in the timeline.’

Is this part of your plan, Dominic?

Dominic shakes his head slowly, his mind racing through the implications. “No, it’s not. This was… unexpected.”

Why do you think this happened?

He thinks for a moment, eyes narrowing in deep contemplation. “It must be due to the countless fractures caused by our continuous regressions. The cycle of failure, trying to defeat the Demon over and over—it’s destabilized time itself. That’s the only logical explanation.”

I see... then would you like me to retrieve the 'past' Clark and bring him back to Earth?

Dominic pauses, deep in thought. His mind is playing through the possibilities. Could this past version of Clark be an asset? If the anomaly worked in his favor, it could enhance his plans.

A slow smile crept onto Dominic’s face. "No. Leave him in Sylvestria. Perhaps this ‘past’ Clark will inadvertently help advance my plan."

Understood, Dominic.

Dominic gave a satisfied nod, his eyes gleaming as he looked toward the future.

‘Perhaps this unforeseen twist will give me the edge I need.’