The dawn's chill seeped through Paragon's tattered cloak, a makeshift shield against the cold as he lay curled against a Magnolia alley wall. The hard cobblestones left his body stiff, and his breath formed faint clouds in the crisp air. The previous night, after the vibrant Fantasia parade, he had wandered the streets, too hesitant to approach Fairy Tail amidst the post-battle euphoria.
Sleeping outside in this cold? Not my brightest idea, he thought wryly, brushing dust from his clothes as he stood. His logical mind wrestled with lingering disbelief: This world can't be real. But the ache in my bones says otherwise.
Memories of the guild's unity stirred something within him—Natsu's blazing fists, Gajeel's iron resolve, Mystogan's fleeting intervention at the cathedral, and Erza's solitary stand against the Thunder Palace. They're a family, even with their master in a coma. I want to be part of that.
Before heading to the guild, Paragon focused on the Limit Breaker System, determined to understand its mechanics. Sitting on a nearby crate, he closed his eyes to concentrate. "System, can you clarify how to break a barrier?" he murmured, cautious and precise. Silence greeted him—the interface as dormant as a blank lacrima.Expected.
He recalled its previous message: Force E / Speed E / Magic Unknown / Magic Control E-. It only activates when I push my physical limits. Let's test that.
He sprinted across the alley, muscles straining after a few bursts. No flicker from the system. Not enough to hit my limit, he noted, cataloging the observation. I'll need to push harder, but I'll stay alert for triggers.
With the sun rising, Paragon steeled himself and walked toward Fairy Tail's towering guildhall, its pagoda-like roof gleaming in the morning light. His heart raced, but his resolve held firm. He pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping into a lively scene of mages laughing, some bandaged, others toasting despite the shadow of Makarov's coma. He lingered at the threshold, feeling out of place yet determined.
Mirajane spotted him from the bar, her smile warm and welcoming. "A new face! Are you here to join?" she asked, cutting through the din. Paragon nodded cautiously. "I'm Paragon. I saw the battle yesterday… and the parade. I'd like to join Fairy Tail, if that's possible." His words carried quiet sincerity, though his eyes betrayed lingering doubt.
Mirajane tilted her head. "With Master Makarov… unavailable, Erza handles new members. Erza!" she called.
Erza, seated at a table with a slice of strawberry cake, turned her piercing gaze toward Paragon, softened by fatigue from the previous day's heroics. "Why do you wish to join Fairy Tail?"
Paragon met her gaze, choosing his words carefully. "I saw how you fought for each other—against Laxus, the Thunder Palace, everything. It's inspiring. I want to learn magic, grow stronger, and contribute, even if I'm starting from nothing."
Erza studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Your intent is genuine. Welcome to Fairy Tail." She pressed her hand to his arm, and a blue guild mark appeared on his skin. Paragon stared in awe, disbelief washing over him. I'm really part of this?
The guild erupted in cheers. Cana raised a mug: "To the newbie!" Natsu grinned, clapping Paragon's shoulder. "You look like you'll need some training, but we'll toughen you up!" Lucy, nearby, offered a kind smile. "Welcome! It's chaotic, but you'll fit in."
The celebration began immediately. Tables were pushed together, barrels of ale rolled out, and music filled the hall. Natsu and Gray bickered over who could drink more, only for Erza to silence them with a glare. Lucy chatted with Paragon about her Celestial Spirits, her enthusiasm infectious. Paragon joined the laughter, sipping carefully to avoid mishaps, his movements deliberate to mask inexperience.
As the festivities wound down, Paragon approached Mirajane. "Mirajane, is there a place here where I can learn about magic? Like a library?"
She smiled and pointed to a staircase. "The library's upstairs. Levy's our expert—she'll help you find a magic that suits you."
Paragon thanked her and headed upstairs, navigating the crowded hall with care.
In the library, shelves towered with dusty tomes and glowing lacrima. Levy looked up from a grimoire, adjusting her glasses. "You're Paragon, right? Mirajane mentioned you. Looking to learn magic?"
Paragon sat across from her, mind focused. "I have no magic yet, but I want something that enhances my physical abilities and is versatile. Maybe something to make me faster or stronger." His thoughts flicked to the system, vigilant for any connection. If I'm to break physical barriers, the right magic could align with that.
Levy tapped her chin thoughtfully. "For a beginner, Wind Magic is solid. It lets you manipulate air for attacks, defense, or speed boosts. For strength, Muscle Enhancement Magic channels magical energy into your muscles to amplify power temporarily. Both are practical and suit someone starting out."
She pulled two grimoires from a shelf, explaining the basics: Wind Magic required fluid control to shape air currents, while Muscle Enhancement demanded precise energy channeling into specific muscles. Paragon absorbed every detail. Wind for speed, muscle enhancement for strength. Perfect for the system's focus.
He tried to channel a spark of magic but felt nothing. Magic Unknown, Magic Control E-. No surprise. The system remained silent. It's waiting for me to push my physical limits. These magics are a starting point.
Levy smiled encouragingly. "It takes time. You're curious and focused—that's a good foundation."
Paragon nodded, clutching the grimoires. "Thanks, Levy. I'll study these."
Back in the guildhall, the sounds of laughter and clinking mugs greeted him. The system flickered briefly:
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.
Paragon's eyes narrowed. Physical effort is the key. I'll find a way to trigger you.
Sitting among the guild, the blue mark on his arm a quiet reminder of his new home, Paragon felt a spark of adventure ignite. Fairy Tail. A crazy world, but I'm here now. Time to learn, step by step.