We finally reached the crowd.
At the center stood a confident-looking man with deep blue hair and two rings on his right hand, striking poses and soaking in the attention from the surrounding girls. This was the so-called "Salamander."
Without hesitation, Natsu pushed through the crowd with a big smile on his face. He clearly planned to confront the man—maybe confirm if it was Igneel or not. I didn't stop him. I just watched.
Natsu: "Igneel!"
The two locked eyes. Natsu's smile slowly faded.
Natsu: "...Who are you?"
The man jumped back, clearly surprised.
Salamander: "If I said 'Salamander,' would that ring a bell?"
Natsu: "Let's go, John. This guy's a fake."
John: "You shouldn't have said that."
Natsu: "Huh? Why not? It's the truth."
John (Thought):Bad move.
Suddenly, the girls around them turned aggressive and lunged at Natsu.
Girls: "How rude! Yeah! Salamander-sama is an amazing wizard! Apologize!"
Natsu: "What's wrong with you people?!"
Salamander: "Now, now… Let's not escalate. I'm sure he didn't mean any harm."
Immediately, the girls switched back to fawning over him.
Girls: "He's so kind!"
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
John (Thought):Is this guy really that impressive? He just looks like a showoff. Feels like I've seen him somewhere before... Nah, probably not.
Then I noticed a girl with blonde hair in the crowd—unlike the others, she didn't seem charmed. My eyes narrowed slightly.
John (Thought):At least not every girl here is like the rest.
Salamander then pulled out a board, dramatically writing his name on it, and tried to hand it to Natsu.
Salamander: "Here, my autograph. Feel free to show it off to your friends."
Natsu: "No thanks."
The girls immediately flew into a rage again, beating Natsu up while he shouted for help. I stood there, watching, refusing to get involved. Moments later, Natsu lay on the ground, twitching.
Happy: "I guess we got the wrong guy."
John: "I knew that from the start."
I said it plainly, staring down at Happy. He looked disheartened.
Happy: "Sorry..."
John: "No worries. I had fun, at least."
Salamander: "Now then, I have business at the next port. If you'll excuse me…"
Girls: "What?! You're leaving already?"
Salamander: "Red Carpet!"
He snapped his fingers, conjuring a glyph beneath him. A spiral of purple flames lifted him into the air.
Salamander: "I'm throwing a party on my ship this evening! Everyone, please come!"
He vanished in a burst of flame, the girls screaming in excitement.
Girls: "Of course!"
Natsu: "Who the heck was that guy?"
John: "Like I said—a con artist. I have no idea how he got this popular."
Just then, we heard a voice.
Blonde Girl: "More like a scumbag. Thanks for the help."
She waved at us cheerfully.
John: "What did we even do?"
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from Natsu's & Happy stomach.
Natsu: "Ugh... I'm starving!"
Happy: "Same..."
The girl chuckled.
Blonde Girl: "How about I buy you guys some food to repay you?"
Natsu & Happy: "Really?!"
John: "Like I said... What did we even do?"
Blonde Girl: "I'll explain it later. So, do you accept?"
I was about to decline, but Natsu and Happy had already jumped at the offer.
John: "Hey, we don't even know her."
Natsu: "What's the problem? She doesn't seem shady—and unlike you, she's offering us food."
John: "Fine. I don't even know what we did to earn your thanks, but I appreciate the offer. Just know—if you try anything suspicious, you'll regret it."
Blonde Girl: "Wow, you're really cautious."
John: "I'm just not the type to trust people easily."
John (Thought):Past or present... That hasn't changed.
Blonde Girl: "Don't worry, I'm not a bad person."
John (Thought):Yeah, right. Like I'd believe that so easily. If you were a threat, I would've already taken you down… Not like I can kill anyone here—knocking you out would've been enough.
We followed her to a restaurant. Once seated, she introduced herself.
Blonde Girl: "I'm Lucy."
We introduced ourselves as well.
I was about to ask what exactly we did to help her, but she stopped me.
Lucy: "I'll explain after we eat."
Natsu and Happy ordered enough food to feed a small army. I just got a coffee and an egg sandwich—I wasn't really hungry.
When the food arrived, Natsu and Happy tore into it instantly, devouring everything in sight. Lucy just watched, a look of disbelief on her face.
John: "Sorry about them. Are you sure you can cover this?"
Lucy: "It's fine! I've got enough money. You could order more too, you know."
John (Thought):You say that, but your face says otherwise...
John: "Nah, I'm good."
Lucy: "If you say so."
She sighed in relief.
John (Thought):She's trying. I can tell she really wants to repay us—even if I don't get why.
John: "Anyway, thanks again. Sorry if I came off as doubtful earlier. I just tend to be cautious."
Lucy: "It's fine. We only just met—it's normal to be wary."
As Natsu and Happy devoured their food like wild animals, bits flew in every direction. Other customers stared in disbelief, while the poor janitor looked horrified at the mess he'd soon have to clean. I couldn't help but feel a wave of secondhand embarrassment.
Lucy: "John, Natsu, and Happy, right?"
Natsu: "You're really nice."
Lucy: "Okay, just... slow down. Food is flying all over the place."
She flinched as a blob of something orange hit her forehead.
John: "Sorry."
Lucy: "It's fine. It's fine…"
She said that, but the tick mark on her head told a different story.
After the meal, Lucy finally explained everything.
Lucy: "So that Salamander guy? He was using a Charm spell—it's a type of hypnosis magic. Makes people attracted to you. That kind of magic was banned years ago. He really went that far just to be popular? What a creep. But thanks to you barging in, the spell broke. So this is my way of saying thanks."
John: "Oh, I see... That's why."
Natsu: But we weren't trying to save you or anything.
Happy: Aye. I still feel kind of indebted, though.
Lucy: It's okay—even if you didn't mean to, I'm still thankful. I hate pretending like nothing happened.
John: Just accept it, guys.
Natsu: But… Wait, I've got something! That's it! You can have this! (He proudly holds out Salamander's autograph.)
Lucy: Who'd want that?!
(John sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.)
John: Let's not make a big deal out of it. It was her choice. We didn't ask for her help—she offered.
Lucy: John's right. It was my decision. Let's just say we're even how about that.
Natsu: "Uh… if you say so. But I still feel like we owe you. So if you ever get into trouble, we'll be there to help."
Lucy: Well, that settles it!
John: By the way, how did you know that guy was using Charm Magic? Are you a wizard too? Part of a guild or something?
Lucy(excitedly): Oh! So you do know about those! That makes things easier—no need for a long explanation. Yes, I'm a wizard too! I haven't joined a guild yet, though. The one I want to join is full of amazing wizards! I really want to get in, but… I bet it's going to be tough!
John: You've got a clear goal. That's cool.
Lucy(beaming): You really think so? I just know if I get in, I'll land some great jobs, make a name for myself, and—
(She keeps talking passionately until she realizes she's been rambling.)
Lucy: Oh! I'm sorry… I've been talking way too much, haven't I?
Natsu: Nah, it's fine.
Happy: Aye. But you do talk a lot.
John: Gotta agree with Happy on this one.
(Lucy looks a little embarrassed, scratching her cheek before quickly changing the subject.)
Lucy: Oh, right! You guys looked like you were searching for someone?
Happy: "Aye! Igneel!"
Natsu: "I'd heard a 'Salamander' came to town. Thought it might be him. Guess not."
Happy: "He didn't look like a salamander."
Natsu: "Fire dragons are salamanders, so I thought it might be Igneel."
Lucy: "What kind of human looks like a fire dragon?"
John (Thought):You're literally talking to one right now...
Natsu and Happy stared at her, confused.
Natsu: "He's not human. Igneel's an actual dragon."
An image of a massive, fire-breathing dragon appeared in Lucy's thoughts.
Happy: "Aye! A real dragon!"
Lucy: "Something like that wouldn't just be walking around town!"
Natsu and Happy started to respond but just... froze.
John: "Yeah, we know. But apparently, Igneel can turn into a human too—according to this guy."
Lucy: "Even if that's true, dragons are super rare. Most people go their whole lives without seeing one."
John: "Yeah, we know. But like Natsu said, even if there's just a 1% chance, it's worth checking."
Lucy: "Well, you guys have a bigger goal than mine. All I can say is good luck!"
Natsu: "Yup, Thanks!"
Happy: "Aye!"
John: "It's not my goal, but thanks anyway."
Lucy: "Anyway, I've gotta get going. Feel free to take your time."
John: "Thanks again for the treat."
Lucy nodded, smiling, and turned to leave. Before she leave she said this.
Lucy: Good luck with your goal.
Natsu: You too!
Happy: Aye!
As she walked off, I suddenly realized something.
John (thought): Come to think of it… I forgot to ask which guild she wants to join. Eh, whatever.
John: So, what now?
Natsu: Hmm… We've only been here for a short time, so we want to explore the town a bit more. Maybe we'll find something interesting, right, Happy?
Happy: Aye, sir!
John: Well, alright. I plan to visit the town's magic shop—see what they've got.
Natsu: I thought you said we only had enough money for the train.
John: I'm just looking. Not planning to buy anything.
Natsu: Oh, got it then.
We explored the town for a while and saw all kinds of things. Eventually, I made my way to the magic shop. The store was filled with interesting items, but when the shopkeeper asked if I planned to buy anything and I said I was just browsing, he kicked me out. I kind of expected that.
After a long day, evening came. It was time to head back.
John: Alright, enough exploring. Time to go home.
Natsu: Yeah, you're right.
Happy: Aye!
But then Happy spotted a ship nearby.
Happy: Oh yeah… Is that the ship where Salamander's party is?
Natsu immediately turned pale.
Natsu: Gonna hurl…
John: Oh, come on. Don't be so dramatic.
Happy: Stop getting queasy just from thinking about it.
Then Happy noticed a small group of girls nearby.
Girl 1: Look at that! That's Salamander-sama's ship! I wish I had gone!
Girl 2: Salamander?
Girl 1: You don't know him? He's the famous Fairy Tail wizard that came to town!
The three of us reacted at once. Natsu's eyes narrowed.
Natsu: Fairy Tail?
John: I can't believe this… I was planning to ignore it, but he's using our guild's name. That's a big no-no. Right, Natsu?
Natsu: Yeah!
We both looked over at the ship.
John: You know what we've gotta do, right?
But before Natsu could answer, he turned away again, looking sick.
John: Oh, come on… Fine. I'll handle it. Happy, can you carry me to the ship?
Happy: Aye, sir!
Then Happy used his Aera magic to sprout angelic wings, granting him the ability to fly. Though small, he's strong enough to carry objects—or even one person—for a limited amount of time.
Natsu: Wait—I'm going too!
John: Just rest here, Natsu. Besides, I haven't been on a action in a while. Let me take this one.
Natsu: Tch… Fine. Just this once.
Happy flew me up to the ship, grumbling the entire way about how heavy I was. I just told him to deal with it. As we got close, I told him to toss me onto the roof—I was ready.
I pulled out a flashbomb I'd made myself: a Lacrima infused with light magic that triggered a blinding flash on impact. No deafening bang like a real flashbang—just pure, disorienting light. "Flashbomb" felt like the more accurate name.
I retrieved it from a hidden storage device—my custom-made magic bracelet. Unlike Requip magic, it doesn't consume mana and instead responds purely to willpower—thankfully, a trait shared by many magic tools. Its capacity is limited, though, which is why I've installed two of them beneath my coat—one on the left, one on the right.
Normally, I wouldn't try something this reckless—but hey, this is an anime world. Our bodies are tougher here. So why not?
I crashed through the roof and landed in the middle of the room. Several men were restraining a girl—Lucy among them. So this was the crime.
The so-called Salamander looked stunned, about to cast a spell, but I was faster. I hurled the flashbomb to the floor—glass shattered on impact, and a burst of blinding light filled the room. I was fine—I had sunglasses on. While everyone else was disoriented, I charged straight at Salamander. I could've just shot him... but Makarov's words echoed in my head: "Never kill unless it's absolutely necessary."Fine by me.
Instead, I equipped my brass knuckles and went straight for him—landing punch after punch to his face until he was out cold. He didn't even get the chance to cast a spell.
As the flash faded, the crew and Lucy stood frozen in stunned silence, staring at the so-called Salamander, knocked out in mere seconds.
Lucy (Thought):Did… John do all that?
Happy:Wow, you took care of that fast, John!
John:I'm not like Natsu. I prefer sneak attacks over charging in head-on.
Crew Member:Bora-san?!
Happy:Did he say Bora? So he is Bora the Prominence… He got kicked out of the Titan Nose Guild a few years ago.
John: So that's why he looked familiar. I saw his face on a wanted poster back in the guild before.
John (Thought):Nice. Free money. Guess coming with Natsu wasn't such a bad idea after all.
Lucy: John…
Happy: Lucy? What are you doing here?
Lucy: Happy! I was tricked. He said he'd help me join-. Wait—since when did you have wings?
John: "Save the questions for later. Happy, take Lucy and fly her out of here. Find someone from the council or the army and report the situation. I'll handle things here."
Happy: Aye, sir!
Happy took off, tail wrapped securely around Lucy.
The crew started to move, but I quickly used my magic bracelet to summon my revolver. One of them tried to make a run for it—so I fired a shot straight into his leg. The gunshot echoed across the deck, loud and sharp.
Crew Member:"GAAAAAAH!"
The others froze, staring at me in pure fear.
John:"Alright, let's not do anything stupid. Your captain's down. Are you going to surrender, or do I need to make an example out of you guys?"
I pointed the barrel of my gun directly at everyone who tried to move.
John: "If anyone tries to run or fight back, you'll end up like him. And next time, it won't be the leg—it'll be the head. That was just a warning. Oh, and don't even think about using a hostage—try it, and I'll drop you where you stand. Anyone still holding a girl, let go. Now."
The men who were holding the girls immediately let go. No one dared to move. Not a single one of them was armed, and they clearly weren't wizards. Looks like they'd put all their faith in Bora… and now they were terrified without him.
John (thought): Thank god Bora was the only wizard.
I pointed my gun toward the ship's steering wheel.
John: Drive us to the beach near the port. Don't even think about heading to anywhere else.
The man at the wheel obeyed nervously. As we made our way toward the beach, I heard a low grunt—it was Bora, starting to regain consciousness. Before he could figure out what was going on, I stepped on his face several times, knocking him out again. His face was already a mess from the punches, and now it looked even worse—but hey, at least he was still alive.
The girls who had been put to sleep earlier finally woke up. When they saw me stepping on Bora's face, they screamed.
Girls: Salamander-san!?
John: Shut it. This guy isn't Salamander. He's a fake—he used that name to trick you and tried sell you off as merchandise. Be grateful you're safe. Now stay quiet.
The girls stayed quiet, too scared to anger me further. When we reached the beach, they quickly got off the ship without a word. I dragged Bora down with me, while holding my revolver to his head. Even if he still unconscious is not wrong being cautious.
By then, the army had already surrounded the ship—Natsu, Lucy, and Happy were there too.
Natsu: "Man, I didn't even get a chance to fight. You wrapped it up way too fast!"
John: "I'm not like you—that's all there is to it."
The soldiers moved in quickly, arresting the crew one by one. I handed Bora over without a word. When one of them asked me to identify myself, I simply said I was a real member of Fairy Tail. To prove it, I lifted my shirt just enough to reveal the guild mark on my chest, then let it drop back down just as quickly.
Soldier: "A Fairy Tail member, huh? Interesting—I haven't seen you around before. And you actually managed to finish the job without leveling half the town. That's a first." "You really did a number on that guy's face, but hey—he's a criminal. He had it coming." "I'll file a report and make sure you get official credit for this… John Dreyar, was it? Dreyar... that name sound familiar."
John:"Yeah, yeah—shut up and take him and give me the money of this wanted person and then we be on our way."
John (Thought): "I don't care about the achievement anyway"
Soldier:"Alright, alright. Relax. We'll get you your reward."
A few minutes later, the soldier handed me the money and then left. After that we stood back and watched as the soldiers rounded up the rest of the crew. Lucy glanced at Bora's face—it looked even worse than before. She felt oddly satisfied… but also a little scared at how brutal it had gotten. Still, she turned to John with a grateful expression.
Lucy: "Thank you, guys."
John: "Don't mention it. We're even now. But seriously, why were you on that ship? I thought you hated that guy. Don't tell me you got kidnapped."
Lucy: "No, it's not exactly like that… Well, I almost got kidnapped, but not quite."
Lucy then begins explaining everything.
John: "So, so… you boarded that ship hoping to join Fairy Tail, huh? Didn't you notice he was a fake? I mean, it was pretty obvious—he didn't even have a guild mark."
Lucy: "Yeah… I can't believe I fell for it. I'm sorry for causing you all this trouble."
Natsu: "Nah, it's fine. This was our problem too. Even if that guy wasn't a criminal, we still would've beaten him up. He had the nerve to use our guild's name—we're not gonna let that slide."
Lucy: "Wait… your guild name? So that means…"
Natsu: "Oh yeah, guess we forgot to mention—we're members of Fairy Tail."
Natsu shows off the guild mark on his shoulder.
Lucy gasps, eyes wide with surprise.
Lucy: "So then… you're a member too?"
John: "Yeah. My mark's on my chest, though."
Lucy: "Oh… that explains why you lifted your shirt earlier when you were talking to that soldier."
John glances at Natsu, who still looks annoyed.
John: "Still not satisfied, huh?"
Natsu: "Obviously. It all ended way too quickly."
John:Sigh "You know, if you were the one who fought him, the town probably would've been wrecked—just like that soldier said."
Happy:"Aye!"
Natsu:"Hey! That's not true... And Happy, don't agree with him so easily!"
John: "And isn't it better to end things quickly? Who knows what could've happened if we dragged it out."
Natsu: "Still… I heard from Happy that you used a sneak attack. That's not fair at all!"
John: "Yeah, yeah. Say what you want—I don't really care."
Natsu: "What!?"
John: "Anyway, we're done here. Let's head back."
Natsu, still sulking, eventually lets it go.
Natsu: "Tch... yeah."
Happy:"Aye!"
We started making our way to the train station, but then they suddenly stopped and looked back.
Natsu:"Hey, you're not coming?"
Lucy:"Huh? Why?"
Natsu:"Didn't you say you wanted to join our guild?"
Lucy (surprised): "Really?"
John:"Fairy Tail doesn't judge people by strength alone. It's about your actions—and I think you passed. My father would've thought so too."
Happy:"Aye!"
Lucy:"But I haven't really done anything…"
Natsu:"Just buying us food without any bad intentions is already a pass in my book."
Happy:"Aye!"
John:"What he said."
Lucy:"Really?"
John:"Yeah, really. So, you coming or not?"
Lucy's eyes lit up with excitement. She paused for a moment, then smiled brightly.
Lucy:"Sure!"
And with that, we headed back to the train—bound for the Fairy Tail guild, with a new member in tow.