Paragon clung to a shaky tree branch, perched awkwardly above a devastated square in Magnolia. Why do I always end up in such ridiculous positions? he thought, his foot slipping slightly, almost making him topple. He wanted a better view of the final battle between Natsu, Gajeel, and Laxus, but his Speed E and poor balance made the operation perilous. If I fall, I'll embarrass myself in front of an entire guild of overpowered mages. Great. He bit his lip, trying not to think about how foolish he looked—a curious stranger stuck in a tree like a scared cat.
Below, chaos reached its peak. At Kardia Cathedral, a masked figure briefly appeared—Mystogan, wrapped in his blue cloak, his face hidden by bandages. He unleashed a wave of dark magic, countering a bolt of lightning from Laxus with cold precision, before vanishing into the shadows, true to his mysterious nature. Mystogan… he intervenes just enough to tip the scales, then disappears, Paragon thought, impressed by the mage's discretion. He's S-Class for a reason.
The final battle raged in the central square. Natsu, flames roaring like a volcano, struck Laxus with unbridled fury, while Gajeel, transforming his arm into an iron spear, supported the assault. Laxus retaliated with devastating lightning, each strike illuminating the city like an apocalyptic storm. Paragon squinted, analyzing every move. Natsu is a bulldozer, but he has a heart of steel. Gajeel acts tough, but he keeps pace. And Laxus… he's starting to falter.
The magical interface flickered in his mind: Limit Breaker System: Potential for Progression: High. Push your body to its limits to break the barrier and reach Rank D. Paragon chuckled, gripping the branch that creaked under his weight. "Push my limits? I'm already risking my life just staying on this tree!" he muttered, a mix of frustration and self-deprecation in his tone. With Strength E and Speed E, he was as useful as a spectator in a gladiator match. As for magic, his Unknown Magic and Magic Control E- left him hopelessly empty. I'm a zero in a world of heroes.
Suddenly, a rumble shook the city. The spheres of the Thunder Palace, lightning lacrima threatening to reduce Magnolia to ashes, began to shimmer. Erza, requipped in her Heaven's Wheel Armor, rose into the air, her wings spreading like a vengeful angel. Alone, she charged the orbs, her swords slicing through the air with deadly precision. The Organic Link Magic reflected electrical discharges back at her, making her armor smoke, but Erza ignored the pain, destroying orb after orb in a ballet of blades and lightning. Paragon held his breath, impressed. She's facing all that alone? Her determination is inhuman… and incredible.
Her natural kindness made him whisper: "Come on, Erza, hang in there!" But his precarious balance betrayed him—he slipped, clinging to the branch at the last second, letting out an embarrassing squeak. Great, Paragon. Very heroic. If anyone hears me, I'm done for.
Erza persevered, her body trembling from the electrical backlash, until the last orb exploded in a blinding flash. The Thunder Palace collapsed, its threat dissipated. Paragon exhaled in relief, his heart racing for her. She saved the city. All by herself. That's… superhuman.
The efforts of Levy and Lucy, which had weakened Freed's runes, had freed Natsu and Gajeel for the final battle, but Erza had carried the burden of the Thunder Palace.
The battle reached its climax. Natsu, inspired by the spirit of Fairy Tail, launched a Dragon Fist of Fire that shook the ground, while Gajeel followed with a brutal iron attack. Laxus, exhausted, collapsed, his arrogance shattered by the determination of his opponents. Paragon felt a strange warmth in his chest—not magic, just genuine admiration. They fight for their friends, even after all this chaos. It's… inspiring. His kindness made him smile despite himself, even if he felt pathetically powerless.
Tension eased. The citizens of Magnolia, emerging from their hiding spots, began murmuring, then cheering for the mages of Fairy Tail. Paragon climbed down from his tree cautiously—or at least tried. His foot caught a root, and he landed on his backside in a bush, leaves tangled in his hair. Perfect. I'm a fledgling mage battling gravity. He stood up, brushing off his clothes, blushing like a child, and slipped into the crowd to watch the guild regroup. A figure of authority spoke sternly to Laxus, who turned on his heels, exiled from the guild. Paragon frowned, a pang in his heart. Harsh. Even a guy like him deserves a second chance, right?
The next night, Magnolia glowed for the Fantasia parade. Paragon mingled with the crowd, keeping to the edges to observe. The guild's floats passed by, adorned with magical lights and flamboyant figures. Erza, in her gleaming armor despite her bandages, led a float with regal presence. Lucy, radiant, summoned her spirits for a dazzling performance. Natsu breathed fire in dragon shapes, eliciting laughter and cheers. Gajeel, grumpy, reluctantly participated, sending sparkling metal shards into the air. Mystogan, true to his nature, remained invisible, probably already far away.
Paragon, amazed, tripped on a cobblestone while trying to follow the parade, nearly knocking over a skewer stand. "Sorry, sorry!" he exclaimed, red with embarrassment, helping the merchant gather his utensils with a sheepish smile. The merchant laughed, patting his shoulder. At least my clumsiness makes people nice. His kindness earned him a free piece of meat, which he nervously chewed while watching the parade. If I want to be like them, I have to learn. Their library… maybe once I find a way to join the guild, I can take a look.
The idea of learning magic, even without knowing how to start, sparked a flicker of curiosity. One step at a time. First, survive in this world without falling flat on my face.
As the parade ended, the crowd applauded, and Paragon felt a strange warmth fill him. They fight, they fall, they rise… and they laugh together. He gave a sheepish smile. This world is crazy, but maybe I can find my place… if I stop tripping.