The guild door was heavy, creaking as I gently pushed it open. Warm light, the sound of laughter, and the aroma of food greeted me as I stepped inside.
However, I just stood still in the doorway.
The atmosphere inside was a stark contrast to my life so far. Everyone was laughing, shouting, joking, and even throwing chairs as if the chaos was routine.
I stared at them silently.
—
"Hey, hey! There's a new kid!" shouted a black-haired man wearing only trousers. From the rumors I'd heard, he must be Gray Fullbuster .
"Eh? New Kid?" a blonde girl with golden locks around her waist turned around. It was Lucy Heartfilia , I recognized her face from the conversations of the people at Magnolia.
But the loudest voice came from a pink-haired young man, with flames burning in both his hands.
"Wooooiii! Who are you?!" he shouted as he ran towards me. "My name is Natsu Dragneel! If you want to join Fairy Tail, let's spar first!"
I stared at him. My eyes were cold and expressionless. I didn't answer, just walked past him to an empty table in the corner of the room.
"Huh?! You didn't even answer me?!" Natsu exclaimed, the veins in his neck tensing.
Lucy slapped her forehead. "Natsu, leave it alone. That kid looks tired."
—
I sat quietly, taking a deep breath. All eyes were on me, curiosity evident. I could hear small whispers.
"Who is he?"
"His face is really scary…"
"His eyes are red, like a devil's…"
I just lowered my head. Ever since the night my parents died, I'd grown accustomed to those stares. A mix of suspicion, fear, and admiration.
Then, a small, old man jumped onto the table in the center of the guild. His hair was white, his eyes sharp but warm. Makarov Dreyar , Master of Fairy Tail.
"Hohoho, so you want to join Fairy Tail?" he asked, looking directly at me.
I paused for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Yes."
My voice was flat, almost emotionless.
Makarov studied me for a long moment. It was as if he could see deep into my heart. "Your eyes… the eyes of a child who has lost something. But also eyes that refuse to give up."
I lowered my head. Those words were too close to reality.
—
Suddenly, Natsu stepped forward again, this time with a wide smile. "Then prove it! Fight me first, then we'll accept you!"
Before I could answer, my left hand throbbed. The green gem on the Boosted Gear shimmered faintly, as if responding to the challenge.
"Partner… I think this is a good time to show off a little of your abilities. Don't worry, I'll restrain your power output."
I took a deep breath. I stood up. I looked at Natsu with blank eyes. "If that's the condition… I don't mind."
The guild immediately erupted in cheers.
"Fight!"
"Finally, something exciting to watch!"
We stood in the middle of the hall. Natsu had already conjured flames from his fists. "Come on! Show me what you can do!"
I looked down at my own hand. A red glove slowly appeared on my left arm, glowing faintly. A burning aura flowed from it, but it was different from Natsu's flames—it was like the power of a sleeping dragon.
"BOOST!"
The green gem on the Boosted Gear spoke, its voice echoing throughout the room. My magical aura surged, my body feeling lighter, stronger.
I stepped forward, my fist swinging slowly.
BAM!
Natsu was thrown back, smashing into a wooden table. Everyone was silent, shocked by what he saw.
I lowered my hand, looking at Natsu who got up excitedly.
"WOOOO! YOU'RE GREAT! I LOVE IT!" he exclaimed, laughing out loud, even though his head was bleeding a little.
I just stared at him coldly. "You're weird."
Makarov sighed, then laughed loudly. "Hohoho! I already know the answer. Boy, starting today… you're part of our family. Welcome to Fairy Tail!"
Everyone cheered. Some patted my shoulder, some laughed, some remained wary.
I just nodded, sitting back down in the corner chair.
"Partner… even though you try to hide yourself, I can feel your heart. You need a family. And now… you've found it."
I closed my eyes. For the first time in years, my chest felt a little warm.
But I remained silent. Remained silent, remained alert.
Because I know… this world is not done testing me.