Chapter 9: Erza Scarlet

A scuffle broke out in the Fairy Tail guild, quickly escalating into an all-out brawl involving everyone present.

Gildarts carefully navigated through the crowd to reach Makarov and Alex.

"Ah, give me your strongest drink. I'm exhausted," Gildarts called to the bartender.

The bartender smiled politely, "Sure, and what would you like to drink, little Alex?"

Alex found the nickname strange but didn't correct her. "I'll have a glass of milk."

Gildarts burst out laughing, "Alex, you're such a strong mage, yet you like milk?"

"Real men drink the strongest alcohol, right, Master?" Gildarts said, clinking his glass with Makarov.

Makarov shook his head, "Alex is only twelve. Don't teach him bad habits."

Alex nodded and retorted, "Mind your own business. Drinking milk makes you grow taller. What do you know?" He remembered his previous life's struggles with height and vowed to reach six feet tall this time.

Soon, the milk arrived. Alex took it with thanks, eagerly anticipating a refreshing drink.

Suddenly, Gray flew past, crashing into a wall and spilling Alex's milk all over the table.

Seeing the spilled milk, a surge of anger rose within Alex.

Gray, oblivious to what had happened, stood up and shouted about seeking revenge on Macao.

"Gray~~~" Alex's icy voice reached Gray's ears, making his hair stand on end. Seeing Alex's furious expression, Gray immediately bolted, understanding that fleeing was the only option.

"Stop right there!!" Alex's enraged shout echoed across the guild, as Gray was launched skyward, breaking through the roof and screaming as he flew over Magnolia.

"Everyone, stop it!!" Alex's voice, filled with cold fury, made the brawling members freeze in place.

They hastily picked up overturned chairs and sat down obediently, not wanting to end up like Gray.

After establishing his dominance, Alex turned to the bartender with wide eyes and a pout, asking, "Is there any more milk?"

The bartender, charmed by his expression, quickly replied, "Yes, I'll get you some right away."

…

Time flew by, and Alex had been with Fairy Tail for several months. Makarov had fully acknowledged his strength, suggesting he was ready for the S-Class Mage trials but wanted to observe him a bit longer due to his lack of experience.

During these months, Gildarts embarked on a Ten Year Quest. Before leaving, he teased Alex, saying, "Don't let me come back and find you still aren't an S-Class Mage, haha!"

This spurred Alex to work harder, balancing missions and training.

Gray also made significant progress, now capable of handling simple tasks.

Reflecting on the past few months felt surreal to Alex. From having nothing in his previous life to joining Fairy Tail, he now had a rowdy, loving family.

Sitting by the seaside, watching the sunset, Alex smiled.

After completing his mission nearby, he decided to camp by the beautiful seaside sunset. He even bought a tent.

Checking the fire pit and the two strange-looking fish roasting over it, Alex couldn't help but drool. Since tasting the sky-flying fish, he discovered that many creatures in this world had delicious flavors. He now tried to cook every unfamiliar animal he encountered.

Would he get poisoned? Alex had tested his strong body and found it immune to toxins, earning the nickname "monster" from his guildmates, who were amazed by his daring culinary experiments.

Alex checked the fish, seeing they were almost done, and relaxed against a seaside rock. Suddenly, he noticed an old, rickety boat struggling in the waves, on the verge of capsizing.

He saw a girl with scarlet hair aboard.

Without hesitation, Alex dived into the sea, swimming toward the boat to rescue her.

The little girl had fallen unconscious. Without hesitation, Alex dove into the sea, determined to rescue her and bring the fragile boat to safety.

"Am I still alive?" Erza slowly opened her remaining eye, recalling the horrific storm she had faced at sea. The violent storm, accompanied by lightning and thunder, had worn her down. She had tried her best to steer the boat, but the endless battles had drained her small body of energy. Facing such a natural disaster, she had no strength left to resist.

Her vision blurred. "Maybe I'll die here," she thought, yet there was no fear—perhaps death would be a relief.

Erza soon fell unconscious again. When she next awoke, she saw a sky tinted gold by the setting sun. The sea was calm, and seagulls occasionally flew overhead, exuding a peaceful feeling.

"You're awake?" A gentle voice broke the silence. Erza slowly sat up and saw a boy bathed in the twilight's glow, smiling at her.

Alex, seeing the girl awake, approached and pointed at a fish roasting over the fire. "Are you hungry? Would you like some?"

As the boy came closer, Erza instinctively tried to retreat. The man's jacket she was covered in slipped off, revealing her thin slave uniform, sending a chill through her.

Alex immediately stopped and spoke softly, "Don't worry, I saved you. I mean you no harm." Seeing the frightened girl with an eyepatch and scars, Alex guessed she had endured a painful past, possibly kidnapping or slavery.

"I'm Alex Blaze. What's your name?" Alex sat down by the fire, stoking it, and asked gently.

After a moment, she replied, "I'm Erza... Erza Scarlet." She paused, then added, "I didn't know you saved me, so..."

Alex laughed, "It's fine, don't worry about it."

Erza sighed in relief, "Thank you!"

"Eat something. You're very weak and need to regain your strength." Alex handed her the remaining fish from the fire.

Erza hesitated, "But it's the only one. Aren't you going to eat?"

"Haha, I've already eaten. This one's for you."

Her stomach growled at the sight and smell of the fish, so she took it, whispering, "Thank you, Alex."

"Eat up!" Alex turned back to the horizon, watching the sun set over the sea.

He knew that Erza, like a scared rabbit, needed time to adjust. Talking to her too much now would only frighten her more.

...

The next morning, Alex extinguished the fire and stretched his stiff limbs. His plan had been to camp there, but with Erza's arrival, he had given her the tent and stayed up by the fire to ensure her safety.

Erza initially refused, grateful for Alex saving her, but not wanting to take his tent. However, seeing her weak condition, Alex insisted, pushing her into the tent, knowing she wouldn't survive a night in the cold.

Watching the sunrise after a night by the fire wasn't too bad.

Hearing movement from the tent, Alex knew Erza was awake. Soon, she emerged.

"You look much better today. Did you sleep well?" Alex asked, noticing her improved condition.

"Yes, thank you." Erza's usual reticence worried Alex, but he pressed on.

"Where's your home? I'll be leaving soon, but I can take you back first."

Erza's remaining eye shimmered with sadness, "I don't have a home."

Alex was taken aback, remembering how he had felt similarly when he first joined Fairy Tail. Gildarts had given him hope then.

"Join Fairy Tail!" Alex declared earnestly.

Erza's demeanor shifted instantly, grabbing Alex's arm. "Did you say Fairy Tail?"

Confused by her reaction, Alex nodded, "Yes, Fairy Tail. Why? Why are you so excited?"

"Can I see your guild mark?" Erza asked, her voice steadying.

Though puzzled, Alex rolled up his sleeve to reveal the red Fairy Tail emblem.