Fairy Tail: Picked up Erza At The Start

Taking a deep breath, Erza's voice trembled. "Can I… can I join?"

Makarov smiled warmly and nodded without hesitation. "Of course. Fairy Tail always welcomes anyone."

"Hm!" Erza nodded eagerly, her joy impossible to hide. At just eleven years old, she lacked the composure to mask her emotions.

Nearby, Darius stood silent, deep in thought.

"Fairy Tail…" he murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I never imagined to join Fairy Tail."

He knew of the guild's reputation—renowned, powerful, and respected. But to have Makarov, the guild master himself, extend an invitation? That was beyond his expectations.

Makarov chuckled. "Fairy Tail welcomes good-hearted people. So, what do you say, Darius? Will you join us?"

Makarov had recently heard about Darius's story—a boy who had lost his parents but remained kind and selfless. Even if Darius lacked magic or combat skills, Makarov believed in nurturing potential.

"Darius, there's nothing to worry about," Erza added gently. "You should come with us."

Her gaze softened as she spoke. This was the boy who had saved her from the sea—a debt she hadn't voiced but deeply felt.

Darius's expression was unreadable, but after a moment, he replied, "Alright… but first, I want to test your strength."

Makarov blinked, surprised. "What?"

Even Erza was caught off guard.

"You're just an ordinary person, aren't you?" Makarov asked, puzzled. Why would a young boy challenge him—a seasoned wizard and guild master?

Darius smiled faintly. "I still want to try."

Makarov hesitated but eventually nodded.

The three soon found themselves on a quiet coastline, far from the bustling streets to avoid collateral damage.

Makarov looked down at the boy with a confident grin. "Alright, kid. I'll give you three free shots. I won't move a muscle. Sound fair?"

Darius didn't hesitate. "Deal."

A few meters apart, the two faced off. Erza, watching from a safe distance, was skeptical. In her mind, this match would end in seconds. How could an ordinary boy stand a chance against a seasoned magician

The breeze stirred their clothes, and a charged tension filled the air.

"Shave!"

Darius vanished.

Dust swirled where he had stood, leaving both Makarov and Erza wide-eyed in disbelief.

He's fast!

Neither had expected the boy to disappear in an instant.

Boom!

Darius reappeared in front of Makarov, his fist colliding with the guild master's stomach.

Makarov staggered slightly, nausea washing over him. Reflexively, he prepared to counterattack but paused. This was a 12-year-old boy.

How is this possible?

The thought echoed in Makarov's mind. How could someone so young possess such speed and strength?

Regret seeped in as he recalled his earlier confidence. He had underestimated the boy. Still, his pride kept him rooted. He hoped that punch was Darius's best.

Nearby, Erza watched in awe.

Incredible!

She had always assumed Darius was just a regular boy. But the way he moved—disappearing and reappearing in an instant—was something she herself couldn't replicate.

"Shave!"

Once again, Darius vanished, returning to his original position.

He locked eyes with Makarov. "I hope you're ready. I'm serious now. If you're not, you might get hurt."

Makarov raised a brow, suppressing a grimace. That earlier punch had stung more than he cared to admit. This kid isn't ordinary as he thought.

"Alright, kid. Bring it on," Makarov said, steeling himself.

"Rankyaku!"

Darius leaped, slashing his legs through the air. Crescent-shaped energy blades shot toward Makarov, tearing through the ground.

Makarov cursed under his breath. He's not holding back!

With a quick motion, Makarov extended a finger. A golden light erupted, colliding with the energy blades.

Boom!

The clash exploded into a burst of energy, leaving behind smoke and debris.

But Darius wasn't done.

"Shave!"

He reappeared behind Makarov, his fingers poised like daggers.

"Finger Pistol!"

Darius unleashed a barrage of strikes, his hands moving faster than the eye could follow. Each jab was precise and forceful, targeting Makarov's body.

The guild master gritted his teeth, enduring the onslaught. But as the attacks continued, he found himself losing composure.

Finding an opening, Makarov swung his fist. His hand enlarged to an enormous size, aiming to crush Darius in one blow.

The boy crossed his arms and braced himself. "Iron Body!"

Makarov's massive fist slammed into him, the impact ringing out like steel meeting steel.

Darius skidded back, his feet carving trenches into the ground. Dust settled around him as he stood upright, unyielding.