SUMMONER'S JOURNEY

January 10, X784

Ironclad Train Station

The cool morning air carried the faint scent of metal and coal as Richard stood on the platform of Ironclad Station, watching as the steam engine released a loud hiss. His luggage—a sturdy backpack enchanted with lightweight magic—rested over his shoulder. His long black cloak, newly enchanted for defense and magic resistance, draped over his figure, fluttering slightly in the breeze.

He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

"This is really happening."

For three years, he had remained in the safety of Ironclad, training alone, keeping himself detached from the world outside. But now, he was stepping into the unknown.

A few members from Dwarf Gear had come to see him off, including Bran, the tall, muscular enchanter who had been like an uncle to him.

"Oi, kid," Bran smirked, crossing his arms. "This is your last chance to change your mind. Stay here, and I'll teach you how to forge magic swords. Maybe even make you the next master of Dwarf Gear."

Richard chuckled. "Tempting offer, but I think I'll pass."

Bran let out a hearty laugh before ruffling Richard's hair. "Fair enough. Just don't go getting yourself killed, alright? And remember—if you ever need a place to return to, Dwarf Gear's doors are always open."

Richard nodded. "Thanks, Bran. And… for everything."

The train whistle blew loudly, signaling final boarding.

With a final glance at his former guildmates, Richard turned and stepped onto the train.

His journey had begun.

---

As the train left Ironclad, Richard found an empty seat near the window. He placed his backpack beside him and let his eyes wander across the passing landscape. Rolling green hills, forests, and distant mountain ranges painted a picturesque view.

"This world really is beautiful."

The train ride to Magnolia would take approximately two days, with one overnight stop at a junction town. It wasn't the longest journey, but it gave him time to think.

As he absentmindedly traced the silver ring on his finger—his father's spatial ring—his mind drifted to his magic training.

His Summoning Magic had improved over the years, but it was still far from perfect.

The main limitations were:

His total mana capacity. (Currently 3,620 MP)

The duration of his summons.

His lack of battle experience.

Currently he has contacted 5 summoned beast and they were all powerful them.

Summoned creature can also grow stronger by absorbing magic power from air .

And more magic power he give them more sturdy their body would thus taking more damage before disappearing.

Although in terms of raw power, flexible and durability he quite strong due to his various summons but his actual battle experience was close to zero.

Though all the Guild Members of DWARF'S GEAR praises him for his magic and he often practice with them , that was just sparing and thus they go easy on him and he also doesn't go all out therefore he has no idea of his actual power.

The train car was mostly quiet, aside from a few passengers chatting. Taking advantage of the peaceful atmosphere, Richard closed his eyes and focused on his mana flow.

He was trying his luck today has he has still 1 slot left for his contract summons

A faint silver aura surrounded his fingertips as he channeled Summoning Magic. Slowly, a small magic circle appeared in front of him, glowing faintly.

With a thought, he activated Random Summoning Magic.

The air shimmered, and a fox-like creature with ghostly white fur and glowing blue eyes appeared, curling up beside him.

It was about the size of a German Shepherd and had a chilling aura.

[Arctic Ice Fox]

Magic Power: 3,000 MP

Element: Ice

Abilities: Ice Manipulation, Speed Boost

As he summoned the creature he can also know some basic information about them.

Richard smiled slightly. "You're new."

Although not weak , Artic Ice fox was not upto standard for contract summon.

For him as slots were limited for he wants creature that have atleast 3-4 times his magic capacity.

As more magic power means more powerful.

But fox was quite beautiful and elegant.

The summon yawned before flicking its ears and curling up into a ball of soft fur.

However, his peaceful moment was interrupted by an voice.

"Excuse me Sir but magic inside the train!"

Richard looked up to see a train officer with a strained smile was looking at him from a distance.

"Crap."

Because he had spent three years in Ironclad, he had forgotten about public transportation rules.

Fortunately, the summoned creature was small and elegant, so the officer

Only reminded him instead of kicking him off the train.(Although they would not do that to a mage)

"First day outside town, and I already got into trouble. Great start."

Fortunately, summoned creature this time was not big and quite beautiful therefore he just got remained otherwise it the summon creature was something big big he didn't know what to do about that.

After saying sorry to all the passengers and officer Richard sit in his seat with the fox siting beside him

---

As the train rolled along, Richard kept his eyes closed, feeling his magic circulating. However, his quiet meditation was interrupted by the sound of someone approaching.

"Whoa! Is this your pet big brother?!"

Richard opened his eyes to see a young girl, around twelve years old, staring at his summoned fox with wide, curious eyes. She had short brown hair, and her clothes suggested she was traveling with her family.

Richard nodded. "Yeah, kind of."

The girl's eyes sparkled. "That's so cool! but I've never seen such beautiful pet before! Big brother where did you buy it from i also want to buy it?!"

Richard chuckled and explained " This my summoned creature that i summoned using magic."

She looked disappointed, but her curiosity didn't fade.

"What's its name?"

Richard blinked. He hadn't named it yet.

"Umm… it's just a temporary summon, but you can name it if you want."

Her face lit up. "Really?! Then… how about Lumi?"

The fox's ears perked up, and it let out a soft yip.

The girl giggled. "Lumi! That's a cute name!"

Before Richard could respond, an older voice called out.

"Mira, stop bothering people!"

A teenage boy, probably the girl's older brother, approached with an apologetic look.

"Sorry about that. She gets excited when she sees magic users."

Richard waved it off. "It's fine. She's just curious."

After chatting a little more, the siblings left. Lumi vanished a few minutes later.

"Ordinary people still not very used to magic afterall ." Richard sigh.

After 30 min passed summoned creature also dispersed.

After that his journey passed peacefully as he enjoyed the scenery.

---

January 12, X784

Magnolia Train Station

After two days of travel, the train finally slowed as it entered Magnolia Station. The bustling city spread out before him—tall buildings, busy streets, and a lively atmosphere unlike Ironclad's quiet, industrial feel.

Richard grabbed his backpack, stretched his legs, and stepped off the train.

"So this is Magnolia."

The city had a warm, welcoming energy. People bustled about, shops lined the streets, and magic-powered carriages moved through the roads.

The city spread out before him—tall buildings, bustling streets, and a warm atmosphere.

The center of Magnolia featured a large cathedral, surrounded by marketplaces and restaurants.

And north of the city, by the a small clif behind that was a big lake, stood his destination.

Fairy Tail.

After asking for the direction from a kind shopkeeper and people Richard started walking towards the guild

After some walk he finally find it .

It stood proudly in the distance, a massive wooden structure with a large guild emblem displayed at the top. The closer he got, the louder the sounds of laughter, shouting, and the occasional explosion became.

Richard sighed. "This is going to be a headache, isn't it?"

He adjusted his cloak and started walking toward the entrance.

---

Richard pushed open the guild doors… and immediately froze.

Tables were flipped over, food was flying through the air, and a group of muscular men were brawling in the center of the room.

A few mages were chugging beer, while others were laughing at a joke that involved a levitating chicken.

Suddenly—BOOM!

A giant man crashed down, crushing the brawlers beneath him.

Richard blinked, slowly closed the door, and stepped back outside.

"Did I get the wrong building?"

After double-checking the address, he hesitated for another twenty minutes before inhaling deeply and reopening the door.

This time, the chaos had subdued.

Everyone was happily drinking together, as if they hadn't just been fighting minutes ago.

At the bar counter, a silver-haired woman in a blue dress greeted him with a gentle smile.

Mirajane Strauss.

"Welcome to Fairy Tail!" she said cheerfully. "How can I help you?"

Richard hesitated for a moment before inhaling deeply.

"No turning back now."

"I'm here to join."

.....