The sun was shining brightly.
Gentle breezes danced across the sea, sending ripples over its surface.
At the shore near the entrance of the Fairy Tail guild, Darius sat on the ground with a fishing rod in hand, patiently waiting for a bite.
From a distance, Macao and Wakaba approached, their bags slung over their shoulders.
"Fishing again, Darius?" Macao called out, grinning.
"Yeah. Back from a mission?" Darius replied, turning to greet them.
Macao chuckled. "Yep! Gotta earn that cash. Unlike you, we've got bills to pay and dreams of getting married."
"Haha! It's been a year since you joined the guild, Darius," Wakaba teased with a smirk. "Don't you think it's time to start taking on some quests?"
Darius only laughed, keeping his eyes on the float bobbing in the water.
It had indeed been a year since he joined Fairy Tail, and during that time, he had gained something of a reputation. Unlike the others—Erza, Gray, or Cana—who were all actively completing tasks, he spent his days fishing, eating, and sleeping. Selling fish was his sole source of income, and he had no particular interest in missions.
"Darius!"
A familiar voice rang out from the direction of the guild.
Looking up, Darius saw Erza approaching him.
"Erza, you've grown taller," he said with a warm smile. "It's been a year. How's life treating you?"
Erza, still reserved, hesitated before answering. "It's... okay."
Among the newcomers, Erza had been the slowest to settle in. She often fished with Darius, but her relationships with others like Gray or Cana remained distant. Friendship, for her, seemed like a foreign concept.
Darius understood her hesitance and tried his best to make her feel at ease. Though he couldn't fully comprehend her struggles, he made it a point to keep her company, hoping she'd gradually open up.
"I guess that's progress," Darius said lightly, trying to encourage her.
"By the way, the president sent me to get you," Erza said, her tone a bit hurried. "He wants to introduce you to your new partner—some guy with cherry-colored hair."
Darius paused. "What year is it?"
The question caught Erza off guard, but she answered, "It's X777."
X777.
The realization hit Darius like a wave. If he remembered correctly, this was the year Natsu Dragneel—Fairy Tail's fiery Dragon Slayer—joined the guild.
"Alright, let's go meet him," Darius said, his tone cheerful.
He reeled in his fishing rod, packed up his gear, and walked back to the guild alongside Erza.
As they neared the guild entrance, something unexpected happened.
[Ding! Sign-in to the Fairy Tail guild complete. Reward: 6 skill points.]
The familiar system prompt suddenly echoed in Darius's mind.
His breath caught.
It had been silent for a year—ever since he'd first met Erza. He'd almost convinced himself that the system was gone for good.
But now, it was back.
Could Natsu's arrival have triggered it? Was it because Natsu was the protagonist of this story?
Darius smiled at the thought.
"What's wrong?" Erza asked, noticing him pause.
"Nothing," Darius said quickly, brushing it off with a grin. "I was just wondering if this newcomer is another little monster."
"I wouldn't know," Erza replied flatly, shrugging.
Together, they pushed open the guild doors.
"Idiot! I told you to stop crowding me!"
"I'm not crowding you, you exhibitionist!"
"Fire-breathing brat! I told you, I'm not an exhibitionist!"
"Blah, blah, blah! Whatever, droopy eyes!"
The moment Darius stepped inside, the chaotic bickering of Gray and Natsu filled the air.
The two were locked in yet another heated argument, their voices echoing through the guild hall as they insulted and threatened each other.
Darius raised a hand in greeting, unfazed by the commotion. "Yo~! What's up, everyone?"
The guild members turned to him, smiling warmly.
"Darius, help us out!" Wakaba called over. "Gray and this new kid, Natsu, have been at it since they met. I'm about to lose my mind!"
"Yeah," Macao chimed in, exasperated. "You're the self-proclaimed king of kids in this guild. Get them to stop!"
Cana rolled her eyes. "Tch. Who cares? Let them fight."
Darius's gaze shifted to Natsu. The cherry-colored hair, the white scarf, and that unmistakable fiery energy—it was just as he remembered.
Suddenly, Natsu walked up to him, craning his neck to look up. "Hey, are you the strongest guy here?"
Darius smirked, resting a hand on Natsu's head. "Yeah, that'd be me."
Natsu scowled and shoved his hand away. "Let's fight! If I win, I'll be the strongest from now on!"