Paragon stood in front of the merchant's warehouse, the notice for his first mission crumpled in his hand. The task was simple: deliver a heavy crate of metal parts to a shop on the other side of Magnolia. After a week of training, he had gained a small mastery of Wind Magic, capable of producing a light breeze, but Muscle Enhancement Magic remained out of reach. With his current status—Strength E / Speed E / Magic Unknown / Magic Control E—this mission was a perfect opportunity to push his physical limits and earn some jewels. One step at a time, he thought, his favorite mantra anchoring his logical determination in the face of this new challenge.
Back at the guild that morning, the usual chaos reigned. Natsu shot flames, challenging Gray, whose bursts of ice sent debris flying. Lucy, exasperated, dodged a frozen projectile while shouting, "You're going to break everything again!" Erza, enjoying a slice of cake, calmed the two mages with a stern glance. Paragon carefully skirted the conflict to reach Mirajane at the bar, who was registering his mission.
"First mission, huh?" she said with a warm smile. "You'll manage."
Paragon nodded, his analytical mind already focused on the task. "Thanks, Mirajane. I'll do my best."
Before leaving, he allowed himself a training session in the guild's courtyard, where Levy awaited with a grimoire.
"Let's refine your Wind Magic before your mission," she suggested, adjusting her glasses.
Paragon stretched out his hands, visualizing the air as a flowing current. A stable breeze lifted the dust, stronger than in previous days.
"Good!" said Levy. "Now, try directing it."
He aimed at a wooden target, but the breeze scattered, sending a lock of Levy's hair into her eyes. She laughed, brushing it aside.
"Sorry," Paragon said, a sheepish smile on his face.
"You're improving," she replied. "Focus on smoothness."
He noted the sensation mentally, determined to improve his control.
For Muscle Enhancement Magic, he lifted a weight, attempting to channel magical energy into his arms. Nothing happened, but he persisted, his logical mind structuring each attempt. He moved on to sprints, running until his legs shook, hoping to trigger the Limit Breaker System. The interface remained silent, but he felt his muscles strengthening slightly from the effort. Not yet, but I'm on the right track, he thought, alert and focused.
At the warehouse, Paragon faced a massive crate filled with metal parts. Heavy, but I can do this, he assessed. He tried using Wind Magic to lighten the load, creating a breeze beneath the crate, but it wobbled without lifting. Too weak for now. Opting for brute strength, he hoisted the crate onto his shoulder, his muscles protesting under the weight.
The bustling streets of Magnolia were a challenge, but he advanced carefully, avoiding passersby. Halfway there, Cana, bottle in hand, called out: "Hey, newbie! You look like you're sweating! Need a hand?"
Paragon, out of breath, politely declined. "Thanks, but I want to try on my own."
Cana laughed. "Stubborn, huh? I like that!"
Her teasing tone made him smile, and he pressed on, his arms burning from the effort.
At the merchant's shop, he set down the crate, receiving a pouch of jewels and a grunt of approval. Mission accomplished. The physical effort had exhausted him, but he felt progress. This must count for the system, he thought, analyzing every sensation.
Back at the guild, he trained again, refining his gusts to move small objects. Lucy, watching from the hall, called out: "You're almost less destructive than Natsu now!"
Paragon laughed, enjoying the joke. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said sincerely.
The next day, Paragon intensified his training. Levy had him run sprints while conjuring breezes to increase his speed. Gray, passing by, offered advice: "Think of the air like water flowing. Smooth, not forced."
Paragon tried to apply the idea, but his gust sent dust into Gray's face.
"Argh!" he coughed, laughing. "Not bad, rookie, but aim somewhere else!"
Paragon apologized, taking note of the advice. Smoothness. I'll get it.
By the end of the week, his gusts were more stable, capable of moving light objects. Muscle Enhancement Magic remained out of reach, but his physical efforts—weightlifting, sprints—brought him closer to his limits.
The decisive moment came when Natsu, ever hungry for a challenge, called him to the courtyard.
"Hey, Paragon! You did a mission, now show me what you've got!" Flames crackled around him, his grin provocative.
Paragon hesitated, aware of his inexperience, but Erza nearby encouraged him: "Face him. You grow by surpassing yourself."
The fight began with Natsu unleashing a Fire Dragon Roar, a wave of flames roaring toward him. Paragon dodged, his Speed E tested to the limit, and summoned a gust to push back the heat. The breeze mitigated the flames, but Natsu charged with a Fire Dragon Iron Fist. Paragon attempted Muscle Enhancement Magic without success, yet his determination drove him to sprint, dodge, and counterattack with bursts of wind. His arms and legs burned, his breath short. Natsu intensified his attacks, forcing him to run across the courtyard, speed nearing its breaking point. He summoned a stronger gust, pushing Natsu back a step, surprising the onlookers.
"Not bad!" Natsu shouted, laughing.
Paragon felt a physical barrier break. The interface flashed:
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.
In a final surge, Paragon released a powerful blast of wind, staggering Natsu. A wave of energy surged through his body, amplifying his muscles and speed. The interface confirmed: Barrier broken. Strength increased to Rank D. Speed increased to Rank D.
Natsu stopped his flames, impressed. "You just got stronger all at once! Nice fight!"
Erza nodded. "You pushed past your limits. That's the spirit of Fairy Tail."
Panting, Paragon felt the difference in his body. Rank D. I did it. He smiled, exhausted but triumphant.
That evening, Paragon planned his next mission, confident in his new abilities. Sitting in the hall, surrounded by laughter and guild chaos, he stared at his blue mark, Makarov's words echoing in his mind: Protect your own.
I'm getting stronger, one step at a time, he thought, ready to continue his journey.