As if on cue, Natsu landed the final blow, sending Bora crashing through several buildings. The fire dragon slayer stood triumphant among the wreckage, grinning despite the destruction he'd caused.
Happy flew down to join him, and both turned their attention to Lucy and Shiro as the sound of approaching Rune Knights filled the air.
"We should probably run," Natsu called out cheerfully, extending a hand to Lucy. "Want to join Fairy Tail? Better decide quick!"
Lucy's face lit up with joy, but she glanced back at Shiro, hesitating for just a moment.
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
I could see the conflict in Lucy's eyes as she looked between me and Natsu. The System chose that moment to ping again, more insistently this time.
[ New Quest Generated! ]
Quest: Join Fairy Tail
Difficulty: Common
Reward: 2 Common Tickets
Bonus Objective: Arrive with Lucy and Natsu
Additional Reward: 1 Rare Ticket
Well, that made my decision easier.
"What are we waiting for?" I grinned, pushing myself to my feet. "Unless you want to explain all this to the Rune Knights?"
Lucy's answering smile was brilliant. Together, we ran toward Natsu and Happy as the sound of armored footsteps grew closer.
---
The group fled through the streets of Hargeon, with Natsu leading the way. Happy flew overhead, occasionally calling out warnings when he spotted Rune Knights. Lucy couldn't stop smiling despite their situation, and even Shiro found himself laughing as they ducked through alleys and vaulted over fences.
"I'm Happy!" the blue cat introduced himself as they ran. "You're both weird, but I like you!"
"Weird is relative coming from a flying blue cat," Shiro muttered, earning a giggle from Lucy.
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
As we sprinted toward the train station, I finally had a moment to check my earlier rewards.
[ Would you like to use your Common Tickets now? ]
[ Current Tickets: 2 Common ]
[ Plinko Machine Available ]
"Yes," I whispered between breaths.
The familiar holographic display appeared in my vision, showing the Plinko board with its various multiplier slots at the bottom. I let the first ball drop as we ran, watching it bounce between pegs.
It landed on a 2x multiplier.
[ Rewards Generated! ]
[ Basic Stamina Enhancement (Passive) ]
[ Basic Agility Enhancement (Passive) ]
The second ball dropped, hitting a 3x multiplier.
[ Rewards Generated! ]
[ Basic Combat Stance (Active) ]
[ Basic Magical Sensitivity (Passive) ]
[ Basic Physical Endurance (Passive) ]
I felt the changes immediately—subtle but significant. My running became smoother, my breathing more controlled. And there, at the edge of my awareness, I could feel something new: the magical energy flowing from Natsu and Lucy.
This was just the beginning. Soon, I'd be strong enough to stand beside them as a true member of Fairy Tail.
---
They barely made it onto the last train out of Hargeon, collapsing into their seats as the whistle blew. Natsu immediately turned green, his motion sickness kicking in as the train began to move.
Lucy watched the city lights fade into the distance, her keys jingling softly at her hip. "I can't believe it," she whispered. "I'm actually going to join Fairy Tail."
Happy curled up in her lap, already half-asleep. "Aye... you'll love it..."
Shiro leaned back in his seat, watching his new companions with a quiet smile. The first chapter of his journey was ending, but the real adventure was just beginning.
The train rolled on through the night, carrying them toward Magnolia—toward Fairy Tail—and toward whatever destiny awaited them all.
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
The rhythmic clacking of train wheels provided a steady backdrop to my thoughts as I watched the moonlit landscape roll past. Natsu was passed out across from us, his face a concerning shade of green, while Lucy dozed with Happy still curled in her lap.
[ System Status ]
[ Quest "Join Fairy Tail" - In Progress ]
[ Current Location: En Route to Magnolia ]
[ New Skill Integration: 87% Complete ]
I flexed my fingers experimentally, feeling the subtle differences in my body. The Basic Magical Sensitivity was the most interesting change—I could now feel the warm pulse of Natsu's dragon slayer magic even in his unconscious state, and the gentle starlight resonance of Lucy's celestial keys.
"Can't sleep?" Lucy's whispered voice startled me from my thoughts.
---
Lucy shifted carefully to avoid disturbing Happy, her brown eyes curious as she studied her new companion. There was something different about Shiro—something she couldn't quite put her finger on. The way he had handled himself during the fight, how he seemed to know exactly what to say to break Bora's charm...
"Just processing everything," Shiro replied softly. "It's been an interesting day."
"That's putting it mildly," Lucy smiled. "How did you know? About Bora's charm magic, I mean?"
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
I had prepared for this question, but it still made my heart skip a beat. "Let's just say I've had some experience with people who aren't what they claim to be," I answered carefully. "Plus, any wizard strong enough to be called Salamander wouldn't need tricks like that to get attention."
Lucy nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. I should have realized sooner." She glanced at Natsu's sleeping form. "Though I guess the real Salamander isn't exactly what I expected either."
I chuckled. "Something tells me Fairy Tail is full of surprises."
"We'll find out together," she said, her smile warm and genuine.
[ System Alert! ]
[ Relationship Status Updated: Lucy Heartfilia - Initial Trust Established ]
[ Bonus Objective Progress: 75% ]
I returned her smile, ignoring the System's notification. This wasn't about quests or rewards anymore. For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I might actually belong somewhere.
The train continued its journey through the night, carrying us toward what I knew would be the beginning of something extraordinary. I just hoped I was ready for it.
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
The first rays of dawn were breaking over Magnolia when our train finally pulled into the station. The city sprawled out before us, and there, rising above the rooftops like a beacon, stood the Fairy Tail guild hall.
[ Quest Update! ]
[ Final Approach to Fairy Tail Guild Hall ]
[ Bonus Objective Status: Active ]
[ Warning: First Impressions Matter ]
"You okay?" Lucy asked, noticing my hesitation as we helped a still-queasy Natsu off the train. "You look nervous."
I forced a smile. "Just wondering what it takes to join a guild like Fairy Tail."
---
The streets were just coming to life as they made their way through the city. Merchants were setting up their stalls, and the smell of fresh bread wafted from nearby bakeries. Lucy couldn't contain her excitement, practically bouncing with each step.
Natsu, having recovered from his motion sickness, led the way with his usual enthusiasm. "Just wait till you meet everyone!" he grinned. "Though maybe stand back when I tell Gray where I've been. We've got a score to settle."
"Aye!" Happy chimed in. "Gray's probably been crying without Natsu around to fight!"
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
I had to suppress a knowing smile. If things followed the pattern I remembered, we were about to witness our first Fairy Tail brawl. My enhanced senses could already detect the chaotic swirl of magical energy emanating from the building ahead.
[ System Status ]
[ Basic Magical Sensitivity detecting multiple powerful signatures ]
[ Recommended Action: Observe and analyze ]
"Just... try not to destroy everything on your first day," I suggested to Lucy, who looked both thrilled and terrified as Natsu kicked open the guild doors.
The scene that greeted us was pure chaos. Tables flying, magic flaring, and in the center of it all, a half-naked Gray Fullbuster demanding to know who stole his pants.
Welcome to Fairy Tail.
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
The chaos of the guild hall was even more intense in person than I'd imagined. Magic crackled through the air as Gray and Natsu immediately collided, ice and fire exploding outward. Cana barely looked up from her barrel of wine as a table sailed over her head.
[ System Alert! ]
[ Multiple Magical Signatures Detected ]
[ Combat Analysis Available ]
[ Warning: High-risk environment for non-magic users ]
Lucy stood frozen beside me, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and disbelief. "Is it... always like this?"
"From what I've heard," I said, smoothly pulling her aside as Elfman went flying past, "this is actually pretty tame."
---
The brawl expanded rapidly, drawing in more guild members. Mirajane approached the newcomers with her characteristic smile, seemingly unbothered by the fighting around her.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail!" she beamed. "Are you here to join?"
Before either could answer, a massive figure loomed over the chaos. Master Makarov, currently in his giant form, bellowed, "YOU BRATS! KNOCK IT OFF!"
The fighting ceased instantly, guild members freezing mid-punch. Natsu, still gripping Gray's collar, had the decency to look sheepish.
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
I watched carefully as Makarov shrank back to his normal size, delivering his speech about the Magic Council's complaints. This was a crucial moment—the Master's first impression of us would matter.
[ Quest Update! ]
[ Guild Master Encountered ]
[ Objective: Make positive impression ]
[ Bonus Available: Display proper respect and potential ]
As Makarov finished berating the guild, his sharp eyes landed on Lucy and me. I met his gaze steadily, letting him see both my respect and determination. This wasn't just about joining a guild anymore—it was about proving I belonged here.
"So," Makarov said, his tone lighter, "Natsu brought us some new recruits, eh? Well then, let's hear what you've got to offer Fairy Tail."
The entire guild's attention turned to us. This was it—our moment of truth.
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
The weight of dozens of eyes felt heavy on my shoulders. Lucy stepped forward first, her voice clear and confident as she introduced herself as a Celestial Spirit mage. Perfect—let her go first while I figured out how to explain my... unique situation.
[ System Alert! ]
[ Critical Decision Point ]
[ Choose response carefully ]
[ Warning: Cannot reveal System existence ]
"And you, young man?" Makarov's keen eyes seemed to look right through me. "What kind of magic do you practice?"
I took a steadying breath. "My name is Shiro," I began, keeping my voice even. "I'm... still discovering the full extent of my abilities. But I know I want to grow stronger, and there's no guild I'd rather do that with than Fairy Tail."
---
A murmur went through the crowd. Most new recruits loudly proclaimed their magical specialties, trying to impress. This measured response was unusual.
Makarov stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Honesty about one's limitations is a rare trait," he noted. "But Fairy Tail isn't a magic school. We take jobs that can be dangerous. Are you prepared for that?"
Before Shiro could respond, Natsu jumped in. "He helped us take down that fake Salamander in Hargeon! You should've seen him figure out the charm magic and help Lucy break it!"
---
First-person (Shiro's POV)
I felt a surge of gratitude toward Natsu. His endorsement carried weight, even if he didn't realize it.
[ Quest Progress: 95% ]
[ Master's Evaluation in Progress ]
[ Bonus Objective: Maintain humble confidence ]
"I may not have flashy magic," I said carefully, "but I know how to think on my feet and work with others. I won't let the guild down."
Makarov's serious expression suddenly broke into a grin. "Well said! Besides, half these troublemakers didn't know what they were doing when they started either!" He raised his mug. "Welcome to Fairy Tail, both of you!"
The guild erupted in cheers. As Mirajane went to get the guild stamps, Lucy grabbed my arm, her face glowing with excitement.
"We did it!" she whispered. "We're really joining Fairy Tail!"
I smiled back, feeling the System ping with quest completion notifications. But for once, I didn't care about the rewards. This moment—this feeling of belonging—was worth more than any ticket or skill boost.
"Yeah," I said softly. "We're home."