A week had passed since Paragon joined Fairy Tail, and the guild's joyful chaos was beginning to feel almost normal to him. The main hall vibrated with familiar energy: Natsu and Gray argued, their flames and ice clashing dangerously, while Lucy tried to calm them, exasperated. Erza, enjoying a slice of cake, watched over the scene with serene authority. Paragon sat at a corner table, observing, his analytical mind cataloging this organized disorder.
This isn't just a guild. It's a family… loud, but a family.
His initial denial gradually faded, though doubts lingered: This world is too real to be a dream. But how did I get here?
Each morning, he immersed himself in the grimoires Levy had given him, studying the complex runes of Wind Magic and Muscle Enhancement Magic. So far, he had produced no magical effects, but his determination remained unshakable. Magic Unknown, Magic Control E-. I will get there. The celebration for his arrival had anchored him in the guild, and though he stayed quiet, he felt an increasing connection to this place.
One day after his arrival, news electrified the guild: Makarov had awakened from his coma. Mirajane announced it with a radiant smile, triggering cheers of joy. Paragon remembered the whispers after the battle with Laxus: the master had risked his life using Fairy Law, a forbidden spell that had nearly killed him. His recovery was a victory, and Paragon felt a genuine surge of relief.
That same day, Makarov entered the hall, his small figure draped in a white cloak adorned with golden patterns. Despite his frail appearance, he radiated an imposing presence. Natsu leaped at him, shouting, "Gramps, you're back!" earning an amused groan. Makarov swept his gaze across the room, stopping on Paragon.
"The new one, huh?" he asked, his voice rough but warm.
Paragon stood, slightly awkward under the attention, but replied with confidence: "Yes, my name is Paragon. It's an honor to join Fairy Tail."
Makarov studied him, then nodded. "You seem inexperienced, but determined. Fairy Tail is a family. Learn, grow, and stand strong for yours." He tapped Paragon lightly on the shoulder—a small gesture, but heavy with meaning. Small, yet immense, Paragon thought, impressed. Makarov turned away to scold Natsu, leaving Paragon to reflect on his words. Stand strong for others… That's a clear goal.
Galvanized, Paragon threw himself into training. Every day, he met Levy in the courtyard behind the guild, where she guided his efforts.
"For Wind Magic, visualize the air as a current you direct," she explained, summoning a gentle gust with a fluid gesture. Paragon mimicked her movements, focusing his mind on the air. The first days yielded nothing, but he stayed attentive, noting every sensation.
For Muscle Enhancement Magic, Levy had him lift weights while visualizing magical energy strengthening his muscles. Again, no results—but he persisted. Strength E, Magic Control E-. I must continue.
He supplemented magical exercises with intense physical training: sprints, push-ups, increasingly heavy weightlifting. His muscles burned, and he pushed his limits, hoping to trigger the Limit Breaker System. On the fifth day, during a grueling sprint, he felt tension in his legs—a physical barrier. The interface flickered:
Limit Breaker System activated. Host identified: Paragon. Objective: unleash the potential of body and magic. Current status: Strength E / Speed E / Magic Unknown / Magic Control E-. Progression potential: High. Push your body to its limits to break the barrier and reach Rank D.
Panting, Paragon analyzed the message. Physical effort is the key. I'm on the right track.
By the seventh day, progress came. While training Wind Magic, concentrating on the air, a slight breeze stirred the dust around him. Is… that me? he thought, astonished. Levy clapped. "Well done! That's a start! Keep refining your control."
Paragon smiled, his logical mind recording the sensation. A small mastery. Not yet at Rank E, but a step forward. Muscle Enhancement Magic remained out of reach, but he could feel himself improving.
Adapting to Fairy Tail also came through interaction. Natsu challenged him to an arm-wrestling match—he lost in seconds, but laughed along, enjoying his energy. Lucy shared stories about her Celestial Spirits, curious about his progress. Erza, passing through the courtyard, said: "Magic comes from will. Persist." Paragon nodded, his denial fading in the face of these bonds. They see me as one of them. This world is becoming real.
With his fledgling control of Wind Magic, Paragon felt ready to act. He approached the mission board, determined to train further and earn some money. Easy missions to start—something physical to push his limits. His gaze landed on a notice: deliver a heavy package to a merchant across Magnolia. Perfect. It'll strengthen my muscles and test my Wind Magic.
He tore down the notice and approached Mirajane to register it. "Good choice," she said with a smile. "It's perfect for a beginner."
Paragon nodded, gripping the notice, a mix of excitement and determination in his eyes. Fairy Tail is my home. One mission at a time, I'll grow.
Sitting in the hall, surrounded by the guild's harmonious chaos, Paragon looked at the blue mark on his arm. Makarov's words echoed: Stand strong for yours. He held his grimoires close, thinking of his training and first mission. This world is crazy, but I'll find my place… one step at a time.