Chapter 2: Joining the Flames
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. His wild pink hair whipped in the breeze, flames flickering lazily along his fists like a restless dance.
Happy swooped down beside him, the blue flying cat's wide eyes gleaming with mischief. Both turned their attention to Lucy and me as the distant sound of approaching armored footsteps echoed through the streets—a warning that the Rune Knights were on their way.
"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 me, hesitation flickering in her eyes for just a moment.
I caught the conflict in Lucy's gaze—the dream she'd carried, the danger closing in, and the uncertainty about me. The System pinged again, more insistent 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, lighting her whole face. Together, we ran toward Natsu and Happy as the sound of armored footsteps grew louder behind us.
We fled through the twisting streets of Hargeon, Natsu leading the way with reckless energy. Happy flew overhead, calling out warnings when he spotted Rune Knights closing in. Lucy couldn't stop smiling despite the chaos, and even I found myself laughing as we ducked through narrow alleys and vaulted over low fences.
"I'm Happy!" the blue cat announced with a grin. "You're both weird, but I like you!"
"Weird is relative coming from a flying blue cat," I muttered, earning a giggle from Lucy.
As we neared 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 ]
"Yeah," I whispered between breaths.
The familiar holographic display appeared before my eyes, showing the Plinko board with its pegs and multiplier slots. I let the first ball drop, watching it bounce left and right as I ran.
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—my running became smoother, breathing steadier. At the edge of my awareness, I could sense the magical energy flowing from Natsu's fiery aura and Lucy's celestial keys.
This was just the beginning. Soon, I'd be strong enough to stand beside them as a true Fairy Tail wizard.
We barely made it onto the last train out of Hargeon, collapsing into our seats as the whistle blew. Natsu immediately turned green, his motion sickness kicking in as the train jerked forward.
Lucy watched the city lights fade, her keys jingling softly at her hip. "I can't believe it," she whispered. "I'm actually going to join Fairy Tail."
Happy curled in her lap, already half-asleep. "Aye… you'll love it…"
I leaned back, watching my new companions with a quiet smile. The first chapter of my journey was ending, but the real adventure was just beginning.
The rhythmic clacking of wheels provided a steady backdrop to my swirling thoughts as the moonlit landscape blurred past. Natsu was passed out across from us, face a sickly shade of green, while Lucy dozed with Happy 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 subtle shifts in my body. The Basic Magical Sensitivity was most curious—I could now detect 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 soft voice startled me from my thoughts.
Lucy shifted carefully to avoid disturbing Happy, her brown eyes curious as she studied me. There was something different about me—something she couldn't put her finger on. The way I'd handled myself during the fight, how I'd known exactly what to say to break Bora's charm.
"Just processing everything," I 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?"
I had prepared for this, but it still made my heart skip. "Let's just say I've had some experience with people who aren't what they claim," I answered carefully. "Plus, any wizard strong enough to be called Salamander wouldn't need tricks like that."
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 ping. This wasn't about quests or rewards anymore. For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I might belong somewhere.
The train rolled on through the night, carrying us toward what I knew would be the beginning of something extraordinary. I just hoped I was ready for it.
The first rays of dawn broke over Magnolia when our train finally pulled in. The city sprawled before us, and 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 came alive as merchants set up stalls and the smell of fresh bread wafted through the air. Lucy bounced with excitement at every step.
Natsu, recovered from his sickness, led with his usual wild enthusiasm. "Wait till you meet everyone! Though maybe stand back when I tell Gray where I've been. We've got a score to settle."
"Aye!" Happy chimed. "Gray's probably been crying without Natsu around to fight!"
I had to suppress a smile. If things went as I remembered, we were about to witness our first Fairy Tail brawl. My new magical sensitivity picked up the chaotic swirl of energy spilling from the guild hall.
[ System Status ]
[ Basic Magical Sensitivity detecting multiple powerful signatures ]
[ Recommended Action: Observe and analyze ]
"Just… try not to destroy everything your first day," I suggested to Lucy, who looked both thrilled and terrified as Natsu kicked open the guild doors.
The scene was pure chaos. Tables flying, magic flaring, and in the center, a half-naked Gray demanding to know who stole his pants.
Welcome to Fairy Tail.
The guildhall buzzed with energy—magic crackled as Gray and Natsu collided, ice and fire erupting. Cana barely looked up from her wine barrel 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, eyes wide with awe and disbelief. "Is it… always like this?"
"From what I've heard," I said, pulling her aside as Elfman flew past, "this is actually pretty tame."
The brawl expanded, drawing in more guild members. Mirajane approached with her warm smile, unbothered by the chaos.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail!" she beamed. "Here to join?"
Before we could answer, a massive figure loomed—Master Makarov, giant and commanding.
"YOU BRATS! KNOCK IT OFF!"
Fighting ceased instantly. Natsu, still gripping Gray's collar, looked sheepish.
I watched carefully as Makarov shrank back to normal size, delivering his speech about Magic Council complaints. This was a crucial moment—the Master's first impression mattered.
[ Quest Update! ]
[ Guild Master Encountered ]
[ Objective: Make positive impression ]
[ Bonus Available: Display respect and potential ]
Makarov's sharp eyes landed on Lucy and me. I met his gaze steadily, showing respect and determination. This wasn't just about joining—it was proving I belonged.
"So," Makarov said lightly, "Natsu brought new recruits, eh? Let's hear what you've got."
The weight of dozens of eyes pressed down. Lucy stepped forward first, confident, introducing 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 ]
"My name is Shiro," I began evenly. "I'm still discovering my abilities. But I want to grow stronger, and no guild is better for that than Fairy Tail."
A murmur ran through the crowd. Most new recruits loudly flaunted their magic. This measured response was unusual.
Makarov stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Honesty about limits is rare. But Fairy Tail isn't a magic school. We take dangerous jobs. Are you ready?"
Before I could answer, Natsu jumped in. "He helped take down that fake Salamander in Hargeon! You should've seen him figure out the charm magic!"
Grateful for Natsu's endorsement, I said, "I may not have flashy magic, but I think on my feet and work with others. I won't let the guild down."
Makarov's serious face broke into a grin. "Well said! Half these troublemakers didn't know what they were doing either!" He raised his mug. "Welcome to Fairy Tail!"
The guild erupted in cheers. As Mirajane fetched the guild stamps, Lucy grabbed my arm, glowing.
"We did it!" she whispered. "We're really joining Fairy Tail!"
I smiled back, the System pinging quest completions. But for once, I didn't care. This moment—belonging—was worth more than any ticket or skill boost.
"Yeah," I said softly. "We're home."