Author of The Multiverse

For the first time since waking up in this world, Lin Xian took a proper look at his surroundings.

He had been too preoccupied with writing, managing his points, and figuring out the system to actually stop and observe the place he now called home.

Now that he had stepped outside, the full grandeur of the Cosmopolis hit him like a tidal wave.

---

The Heart of the Galactic Civilization

Towering skyscrapers of gleaming alloy and translucent crystal stretched high into the sky, their peaks vanishing into the clouds. Some were so massive that entire ecosystems flourished within them—hanging gardens, artificial waterfalls, neon-lit pathways spiraling up their sides like veins of light.

The streets were an intricate web of hover lanes, packed with anti-gravity vehicles gliding smoothly above a second layer of traditional pathways. The roads weren't made of concrete but some self-repairing, energy-absorbing material that adjusted its texture in real time based on traffic density.

Above it all, the sky was a living canvas.

Massive holographic billboards displayed everything from entertainment shows to cutting-edge technology ads. A gigantic projection of a silver-haired idol danced in midair, promoting the latest intergalactic concert.

> "Damn..."

Lin Xian took a deep breath, his eyes darting from one marvel to the next.

The people—if they could even be called just 'people'—were even more diverse.

Humans walked side by side with beings of all shapes and forms. A tall, four-armed merchant argued with a holographic assistant over pricing. A group of beetle-headed scholars hovered in midair as they discussed quantum metaphysics. A child with iridescent wings chased a floating, jellyfish-like pet that emitted soft chimes with every movement.

> "This place is like—" Lin Xian started, then stopped.

He had an immediate comparison in his mind, but he hesitated to say it.

The system, of course, didn't let him go.

> [Would you like a translation? That will be 5 points.]

Lin Xian: "…"

Was the system really trying to charge him for his own thoughts?

Still, curiosity got the better of him.

> [Transaction complete. The Cosmopolis you are in can be likened to 'New York' on ancient Earth—but on a galactic scale.]

Lin Xian nodded to himself. That was exactly what he had been thinking.

New York—the beating heart of the world, where cultures, languages, and dreams collided.

But this…

This was New York, if New York was expanded to the entire galaxy.

---

Navigating the City

Lin Xian was still getting used to walking again.

Back in his old world, he had spent most of his time indoors, barely venturing out. But here? Here, everything was designed for movement.

He passed a floating walkway, where commuters simply stepped onto platforms that carried them toward their destinations.

On the ground level, sleek autonomous shuttles rolled past, their exteriors changing colors to match the environment, ensuring perfect aesthetic harmony.

A nearby plaza was packed with street performers—some human, others shapeshifting their forms into fluid displays of art.

> "I really am in another world, huh..."

It was a surreal feeling.

For all his years of reading sci-fi novels and web stories, nothing could have prepared him for the real thing.

---

Getting Food for Himself

Up until now, the system had been the one feeding him.

Every meal was just randomly assigned based on 'nutritional balance.' No choice. No input. Just delivered to his table like a prisoner's ration.

Lin Xian had had enough.

Now that he had starcredits—even if it was just 500 of them—he was going to buy food like a normal person.

His eyes landed on a floating food stall.

It was run by a six-eyed alien with a head that resembled an octopus. Each of its tentacle-like appendages worked in perfect synchronization, chopping ingredients, grilling meats, and stirring broths—all at once.

> "Hey, system, what's this place?"

> [Tour guide services activated. 5 points deducted.]

> [You are looking at a 'Star Skewer' vendor. These stalls originated from the desert planet Al'Zahara and have since become a staple of urban street food in major galactic hubs. The skewers are made from various interstellar meats, paired with exotic spices that adapt to the consumer's biology for optimal taste.]

Lin Xian blinked.

> "Adapts to my biology?"

> [Yes. The skewers will automatically adjust their flavor profile based on your genetic makeup and taste preferences.]

Lin Xian raised a brow.

That sounded... strangely advanced for street food.

Still, he approached the stall.

> "One skewer, please."

The vendor's six eyes locked onto him.

> "Human?"

> "Uh, yeah."

The vendor snorted.

> "Then you'll want the Flame-Spiced Drakara Meat. Tender, juicy, and—" the vendor's tentacle flipped a spice jar, sending a spray of glowing red powder over the skewer, "—perfectly balanced for that weak human stomach of yours."

Lin Xian narrowed his eyes.

> "Weak human stomach?"

Still, he paid the 15 starcredits and took a bite.

The moment the meat touched his tongue, his mind went blank.

Then—

> "Holy—!"

The flavor exploded in his mouth.

It was like biting into fire and silk at the same time.

Juicy, smoky, with just the right amount of heat—but instead of burning his tongue, the spice spread a warm energy through his body, like a small burst of qi.

He immediately understood why these things were so popular.

> "Damn, this is actually good."

The vendor smirked.

> "Of course it is, kid. Now get lost, there's a line."

Lin Xian chuckled, stepping aside to let others order.

As he walked through the pulsing streets of the Cosmopolis, he couldn't help but feel a strange excitement.

> "This place… it's not bad at all."

For the first time since arriving in this world, he truly felt alive.