Shoreside Shipwreck:

When Alastair opened his eyes, he was in the middle of an alleyway, a foul stench nearby.

'Another chance at judgment, huh? Fine, I won't waste this one.' Alastair thought, remembering his departure from the afterlife.

Alastair then looked down to assess his new body's condition coming to a stop when he saw the dried blood all over his shirt and the unnaturally pale complexion of his skin.

It looked like the previous owner had been stabbed and died from blood loss.

Through a hole in the shirt, he noticed a large wound was still open and rotting.

**********

[Assimilation complete]

[Scanning current body's health status...]

[Scan complete]

[Highlighted results:]

[Severe physical trauma present]

[Physical rotting present]

[Total organ failure present]

[Malnutrition present]

[Dehydration present]

[Host is recommended to open their status window immediately]

[This can be achieved through thought alone]

**********

While Alastair's mind was highly intrigued by how he was 'alive' despite the body he was inhabiting clearly being dead, he chose to set it aside and prioritize the system's warning.

In response to Alastair's actions, the original light royal purple screen was replaced with his status window.

**********

[Name: Alastair Davis]

[Age: 18]

[Status: Deceased]

[Strength: (-100%)]

[Dexterity: (-100%)]

[Agility: (-100%)]

[Vitality: (-100%)]

[Charisma: (-100%)]

[Magic: Hypnos' Seedling (Unique)]

[Perks: (Locked)]

[Starter pack available]

**********

Seeing the status window, Alastair took note of the use of percentages and the lack of an MP stat as he clicked on the starter pack button since it was glowing a golden shade and was clearly the thing the system was pointing him to.

As Alastair pressed the button, another window replaced his current one again.

**********

[Starter pack claimed]

[Health is being restored to its recorded peak condition]

[Perks unlocked]

[In order to maximize the effect of restoration, the process must be done in a semi-natural fashion]

[Based on Host's condition, the procedure will be excruciatingly painful]

[Best of luck \(^-^)/]

**********

Reading the last three lines, Alastair could guess what would happen next, and he instinctively attempted to run, instead, losing complete control of his body.

As he tried to get up, Alastair fell to his knees and faced downward before he felt what could only be described as sludge exiting through his major facial orifices.

Alastair screamed like a madman, but the exiting sludge muffled the sound.

The muffled screams didn't last long, though, as soon, Alastair lost consciousness.

==========

When he regained consciousness, Alastair got up from the puddle of mush that was once his new body's organs, blood, and other miscellaneous chemical substances.

He then laid his back against a nearby wall and looked into the sky, noticing the sun.

It was midday.

Not long after, Alastair began examining his body, noticing that the body's light but still healthy complexion had returned, and the stab wound had healed up completely, revealing a flat stomach.

As his new body had become healthy again, Alastair opened the status window to better assess his situation.

**********

[Name: Alastair Davis]

[Age: 18]

[Status: N/A]

[Strength: (100%)]

[Dexterity: (100%)]

[Agility: (100%)]

[Vitality: (104.5%)]

[Charisma: (100.75%)]

[Magic: Hypnos' Seedling (Unique)]

[Perks: (4)]

**********

Seeing that he had 4 new perks, Alastair inspected them.

**********

[Page 1/1 (Max perks per page = 10)]

[Edit order]

[Tip: Perks can be obtained through specific actions, and the general way to improve the completion percentage of a perk is by using it repeatedly]

----------

[1. Back From The Grave]

[Completion Rate: 100%]

[Bonus: Allows Host to remain responsive in the face of death]

----------

[2. Novice Regeneration]

[Completion Rate: 9%]

[Bonus: Increases vitality by 4.5%]

----------

[3. Commoner's Will]

[Completion Rate: 1.5%]

[Bonus: Increases charisma by 0.75%]

----------

[4. Fool's Danger Sense]

[Completion Rate: 0.3%]

[Bonus: Allows host to sense danger within a 0.3-meter radius]

**********

After reading the perks, Alastair saw that the increase in his stats was due to them as expected.

He also wanted to inspect his stats, but rather than a new window, he got a pop-up instead.

**********

[Stats are percentages because they enhance your base functionality]

[For example, if without the system's bonus Host can carry 10 kg of weight and they have a strength stat of 110%, when they have their stat bonuses active, they will be able to carry 11 kg or weight]

[Stat bonuses given by the system can be toggled between active and inactive]

[This is so that Host can train their base stats]

**********

After reading through all that, Alastair smirked slightly as he saw the potential within the system he had received.

It wasn't the only blessing he had received, though, so Alastair then checked out his magic as well.

**********

[Page 0/0]

[Notice:]

[Host's body has no magic potential and, therefore, can't learn magic other than that which they were given]

[Hypnos' Seedling (Unique)]

[Description:]

[Hypnos is the god of sleep and holds control over powers residing in the mind as well as the subconscious]

[As their seedling Host possesses the same potential as them, however, being only a seedling, Host's current capabilities are lacking]

[Spells:]

[Sub-page 1/1 (Max spells per page = 10)]

[Edit order]

----------

[1. Slumber]

[Tier: F-]

[Completion Rate: 0%]

[Effect range: 0-10 minutes]

[Cooldown: 1 hour]

[Notice:]

[Cooldown only applies for using the spell on the same target again]

[Description:]

[The spell put's the target to sleep when activated]

[The effect range depends on the target's willpower, current state of mind, magic capacity, magic quality, and resistance to mental attacks]

[Extra Information:]

[The spell currently requires the use of a visible magic circle]

[The effect range will be displayed above an individual when Host's intention to potentially cast the spell on them is detected]

----------

[2. Synthesis]

[Tier: F-]

[Completion Rate: 0%]

[Description:]

[The spell synthesizes any object related to Hypnos' abilities and allows Host to either receive a boost to related magic equal to 10% of the item's capabilities or unlock new related magic]

[Extra Information:]

[If items can be synthesized, they will have a poppy symbol appear above them]

[These symbols are only visible to the Host]

----------

[3. Mental Scan]

[Tier: F-]

[Completion Rate: 0%]

[Description:]

[The spell allows Host to scan the minds of people]

[The spell allows Host to reap only as much desired information as you can undetected]

[This depends on the target's willpower, current state of mind, magic capacity, magic quality, and resistance to mental attacks]

[Extra Information:]

[It is possible to get no information from using the spell]

[The spell requires no use of a visible magic circle]

**********

Finally grasping everything, Alastair was slightly disappointed by his lack of magical potential.

He wouldn't let it stop him, though, jumping up from the wall and leaving the alleyway, being met with a bustling fish market near the shore.

'Well, since I know what I can do now, my priority's finding where I am. Fairy Tail is a big world, after all. I could be anywhere. Hell, I could even be in a completely different continent or time period from canon.' Thought Alastair as he began to blend among the people, still vigilant despite his lack of resources to rob.

"Oi! Oi! Get your fresh trout here. Only 900 jewel the kg! Best fish this side of Hargeon!" A distant voice at the market could be heard.

'Or not. That's not a bad thing, though. At the very least, I know I'm not far from Magnolia, regardless of the era.' Continued Alastair, changing his plans as he walked, leaving the crowd behind and trying to see if he could find someone alone and out of general public view to 'borrow' funds from for his journey.

As he was walking through, he heard some commotion occurring nearby, the words said being barely indecipherable, so Alastair went to investigate.

==========

"Lovely!"

"Cool!"

*Wave of random muttering and undeserved praise*

In the middle of an intersection, a horde of women surrounded a man with ash blue hair and a purple mage's cloak as he posed, casually entertaining their apparent advances.

"Haha, captivated, aren't you?" The man said as he continued with his charade.

Afterward, a blond emerged from the crowd, seemingly entranced by the man as she hopped over to him.

"Igneel. Igneel!" Another voice appeared from the crowd, breaking the man's flow as he turned to see the pink-haired young man who interrupted him alongside his blue cat.

These, of course, were Natsu, Lucy, and Happy.

The interaction then went on to occur as it was set out to, and eventually, the fake salamander flew off, leaving the three main characters to their natural introduction.

Alastair had seen all of this happen from the corner of a nearby street.

A smile was present on his face as a tinge of greed emerged from his eyes.

Having not only discovered the time period he was in but also found his way into Fairy Tail and two synthesizable rings, Alastair began formulating a new plan of action as he saw a perfect loan target walk past him.

==========

Time passed, and the sky started to tinge orange as a cloaked figure wearing a shy-guy-like mask walked up to a port, where a large and nice-looking teal boat was anchored.

"Hey! What's your business here, employees only!" A tall man with stitches across his face and spiky blue hair said as he walked up to the figure.

Behind the mask, Alastair was smiling as he had already scanned the man, as well as everyone else on deck, and got all of the information he wanted from them.

They all had a timer of more than 9 minutes above their head.

"I am an employee Hayate. Bora hired me recently, so it makes sense you haven't heard of me." Alastair said as he bowed lightly.

His actions didn't convince Hayate entirely, though, so Alastair continued, making a strange sign with his hand before walking up to him and whispering, "Don't worry, the Salamce of Providence has no rivals, plus, I'm just here to ensure the cargo arrives at Bosco without issue, Bora knows how you guys can get when it comes to controlling yourselves."

In response to Alastair's words, Hayate stiffened and bowed, saying, "I apologize for my rudeness. I just needed to confirm your status. Also, if I may be so bold, it would be highly appreciated if you could help us set up the ship so we can be entirely ready on time."

Alastair nodded in agreement and joined the men, with Bora completely unaware as Alastair had waited until he had locked himself in his private room to prepare for the party.

==========

Soon the ship had set off, and the party had started, with Bora too busy enjoying himself as he took Lucy to his private suite for some fun to notice Alastair's presence.

In the meantime, Alastair had managed to sneak in some adjustments to Bora's plan.

He got the henchmen to fortify the room the women on board would be put in, as well as agreeing to send them there earlier than in the original plan.

The room was now walled up with mattresses and clear of all decorations, or clutter in general, under the pretext of minimizing potential damage to the 'cargo' on the trip to Bosco.

This, of course, was done with the hindsight that the ship would crash as it did originally.

Why? Because Alastair was helpless in that regard since the timer over Bora's head was only 30 seconds.

Regardless, as Alastair was gazing at the stars in the sky from the back of the ship, he saw two henchmen set off, and he knew that the kidnapping had started.

In a mere five minutes, all of the women had been sent to the ship's 'cargo room,' and Alastair was given the honor of closing the door before they all set off to reconvene with Bora.

==========

"What's the meaning of this?" Lucy said as she whisked away floating liquor.

"That's magic to knock people out, Sleep." She continued.

"Huhu, you're pretty sharp," Bora replied, striking one of his poses.

As the two continued their confrontation, Alastair looked around the room, finding his go-to spot for when the wreck happened.

'It's fairly far away, but I could make it. Plus, I could use the sidebar and stool cushion to support myself on impact.' Alastair thought to himself until he heard Bora cue the henchmen to come in.

"Welcome to my ship. Please be good until we reach Bosco, missy!" Bora said as he revealed his true colors and tried to act threatening.

"Bosco?!" Lucy retorted as she began to look around the room, her eyes briefly meeting Alastair's.

"What about Fairy Tail?" She then turned back towards Bora and questioned him in disbelief.

"Give it up! You're our merchandise now." Bora responded domineeringly as he looked down on Lucy.

"That's..." Lucy said as she began to fully understand her current position.

"Then, the other girls..." She continued.

Knowing what was about to happen next, Alastair pondered on whether or not he should stop Bora from throwing Lucy's keys overboard, but he knew that the key to defeating Bora was Natsu, and as long as the ship stayed on water, that wasn't happening.

"Why, you..." Lucy said, irritated, as she reached for her keys.

Next, after retaliating and stealing them, Bora monologued a bit before tossing the Gate Keys off the ship.

"Using your magic for evil and tricking people..." Lucy said as her voice began to shake.

"That's the worst kind of wizard there is!" She continued as tears began to fall from her face.

Afterward, Alastair mentally prepared himself for what was to come when he saw Natsu break through the roof and make a fool of himself while Lucy escaped with the help of Happy.

Following Bora's orders, everyone ran over to the deck, and Alastair took advantage of Bora focusing on his Prominence Whip to get close to him.

The firework-like explosion then went off in the distance, and Alastair smiled as he knew everything was set in place now.

============

"Hey..." Natsu mustered as he barely kept himself on half a knee by the door to the deck.

He was about to foolishly try to rush into battle despite his senses being a mess when he saw everyone but a man in a cloak and white mask collapse to the ground.

Natsu saw the man quickly grab something from Bora before he rushed toward him.

He didn't think twice, preparing for battle, mustering a "Hey-" being cut off when the grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into a hallway against his will.

Natsu tried to break free, but by the time he was about to succeed, the man slammed both of them against an inner wall, put a cushion behind his left shoulder, held on for dear life, and shouted, "Hold on tight!"

Not sensing any danger from the man and hearing the genuine panic in his voice, Natsu held on to the railing, about to say something when a massive wave hit the boat, practically sending it flying back to shore.

By the time the movement stopped, Natsu took a second to regain his footing, and he felt his strength return since he was back on land.

Natsu then turned to see the masked figure, but no one was there anymore.

==========

*Huff* *Huff*

Nearby Natsu's location, Alastair was catching his breath after avoiding the walking timebomb, hoping he'd go after Bora first while preparing to execute plan B if he didn't.

He knew staying on the ship wasn't an option regardless, though, as it would go up in flames soon enough, so Alastair slowly made his way out, approaching the unexpecting Lucy and Happy as they watched the now livid Natsu prepare to fight Bora.

"Take a good look at this face." Natsu said, having burnt a hole in the top of the sideways ship as he took off his coat.

"Natsu!" Lucy shouted in response to his rash actions, utterly unaware of her surroundings.

"Don't worry. I should have told you sooner, but Natsu is also a wizard." Happy said, equally clueless as he munched on a fish, eliciting a shocked response from Lucy.

"I'm Natsu of Fairy Tail!" Natsu declared as he slapped the life out of two henchmen.

"And I've never seen you before!" He continued.

"Fairy Tail?" Lucy said in disbelief.

"Natsu is a Fairy Tail wizard?" She continued.

Bora's henchmen then freaked out, allowing Happy to explain Bora's background to Lucy as Natsu began moving toward him.

"I dunno whether you're a bad guy or a good guy..." Natsu said, his tone serious as rage began to build up.

"But I ain't gonna let you get away with pretending to be from Fairy Tail!" He exclaimed, ready to thrash Bora.

"And what do you plan to do about it, boy?!" Bora retorted before he shot a Prominence Typhoon at Natsu.

"Natsu!" Lucy shouted as she began moving toward Natsu when Happy stopped her using his wings.

"You should have more confidence in him, you know. It'll take a lot more than that to kill a Dragon Slayer. The flames will probably taste disgusting to him, though." Alastair said as he stood barely out of Happy and Lucy's peripheral view.

"AAAH!" Lucy and Happy yelped out in surprise as they noticed Alastair standing almost right next to them.

"You're one of Bora's men! Open, Gate of the Golden Bu-" Lucy began chanting until slumber activated.

Alastair then swiftly grabbed the keys and took a step away from Lucy, scanning her mind to gauge her reaction once she woke up, which happened soon after.

"...What happe-Hey give my keys back!" Lucy demanded once she realized Alastair had taken them.

She knew she stood no chance of immediate escape anyway since Happy was still asleep, so she went for a hail mary.

"Sure, but you should really find a way to better secure them onto yourself. That's twice you've lost them now." Alastair said as he threw the keys back to Lucy, who caught them and stared at Alastair incredulously.

"I'm also not one of Bora's men. I just got on his ship to steal something valuable from him. As for attacking me, you can certainly try, but if I wanted to, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. Plus, isn't there someone else you should be worrying about?" Alastair continued as he put on an air of confidence.

"Right, Natsu!" Lucy exclaimed, remembering that Natsu had been engulfed in flames moments prior, making even more space between herself and Alastair before she quickly glanced toward the ship only to see he was gone, followed by Natsu punching Bora from the sky into the city.

"...How did he escape the fire?" Lucy muttered, her eyes wide as her attention was drawn to the spectacle.

"He ate it." Alastair answered nonchalantly as he sat cross-legged on the sand and got comfortable watching the fight.

"Huh?" Lucy responded as her brain failed to process the absurdity of her situation.

"Like I said, he's a dragon slayer. It's his magic. His element is fire, so he can resist it, eat it to replenish his energy, and use it to attack." Alastair said, improving her understanding.

"Is that really magic?" Lucy continued, choosing to believe Alastair's words as the circumstantial proof was right in front of her.

"Sure is. Now enjoy the show. It's not every day you get to see something like this." Alastair told her, becoming engrossed in the battle as he knew Lucy posed no real danger at the moment.

==========

"Damn you!" Bora shouted as he shot a massive orb of flame toward Natsu.

"I'm getting a pretty good meal here!" Natsu replied after consuming the orb.

"Listen up, jerk." He continued, wiping his face as though finishing a real meal.

"I'm going to smoke you to a smoldering crisp!" Natsu then declared, freaking out Bora as he hit his fists together and used his Iron Fist of the Fire Dragon to blast him into a nearby Church's bell.

==========

"Wow..." Lucy muttered as she stared at the destruction caused by the two's fight.

"Well, that's my cue to leave. Take care." Alastair said as he began walking away from Lucy and the still-sleeping Happy, making his way toward the destroyed city.

"Wait, where are you-The military?" Lucy tried to stop Alastair before she heard the approaching hoard of guards.

"Like hell you're leaving, mask guy!" Natsu shouted as he began rapidly dragging Alastair with one hand and Lucy, who was now carrying Happy, with the other.

"Why are you taking me with you?" Lucy asked Natsu in a panic, coming back to her senses after realizing she too had been dragged along.

"Well, you wanted to join Fairy Tail, right?" Natsu answered.

"Come with me!" He continued, giving her a wide smile as she let go of her but tightened his grip on Alastair.

"Sure!" Lucy answered as she began running on her own, and the whole group set off to evade the authorities.