In the kingdom of Fiore, in the bustling city of Magnolia, just outside the gates of the Fairy Tail Wizard Guild, a young figure weaved his way carefully through the crowd, making a deliberate effort to avoid physical contact with any of the passing magicians.
This was Zhou Xin—a time traveler who had found his way into this world. Though he looked no older than twelve or thirteen, he carried a secret far beyond his years.
As a transmigrant, Zhou Xin wasn't without his advantages. He possessed a "golden finger," a special ability unique to travelers like him. However, his was limited: he could only select a magical ability native to this world. No cross-world powers, no borrowed skills from other universes. The silver lining? He could choose any magic he liked—as long as he made physical contact with someone who used that kind of magic. Upon contact, he could evolve a similar version of their magic as his own.
But there was a catch.
The choice could only be made once. After that, his magic was locked in. For this reason, Zhou Xin was exceptionally cautious, avoiding all unintentional touches with unfamiliar magicians.
"Damn it, where are they? Natsu, Mirajane, or Erza… If none of them show up, Gray will do. Anyone would be fine, just come out already," Zhou Xin muttered under his breath, hiding behind a pillar at the guild's entrance, trying to avoid the chaos and noise spilling from inside. The sheer effort was mentally exhausting.
Just as he allowed himself a moment's rest, a hand suddenly clamped down on his shoulder.
"Hey, who are you? Why have you been hanging around here so long? If you've got something to say, come into the guild and say it," said a friendly voice.
Zhou Xin's heart dropped. He turned his head slowly, mechanically. Standing behind him was a young man in a white shirt and black vest, a hat perched on his head, smiling warmly.
"Pardon me, but who are you?" Zhou Xin asked, inwardly panicking, silently praying that this person possessed some rare or powerful magic—preferably a lost or ancient art.
"I'm Lidas, a wizard with the Fairy Tail Guild," the man replied cheerfully.
Lidas? No... it's over, Zhou Xin thought with a sinking heart. He remembered now—Lidas was indeed a member of Fairy Tail, but his magic was... painting. A whimsical art form that brought drawings to life. Far from the rare, powerful magic Zhou Xin had hoped for.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, he activated his golden finger to scan the magic. The results hit him like a slap. Painting magic it was.
Zhou Xin nearly collapsed.
"Hey, are you okay? You still haven't answered me. Do you need something from the guild?" Lidas asked kindly, unaware of the emotional devastation he'd just dealt Zhou Xin.
With a deep sigh and a crushed spirit, Zhou Xin replied weakly, "I'd like to join the guild... if that's allowed."
"Oh, that's all? No problem! Come with me," Lidas said, perking up. He grabbed Zhou Xin by the arm and led him inside.
The Fairy Tail Guild felt more like a lively tavern than a guild hall—crowded, loud, warm. Near the counter was a request board, bustling with activity.
Lidas took Zhou Xin straight to the counter where a tiny figure sat—none other than Makarov, the guild master, sipping on a drink, looking slightly inebriated.
"What's this? Lidas, who's the kid?" Makarov asked, squinting at them.
"Master, this little guy wants to join our guild," Lidas answered promptly.
"Oh? What's your name, kid? And what kind of magic do you use?" Makarov asked, his interest piqued.
"My name is Zhou Xin. I use... painting magic," Zhou Xin replied nervously.
"Hey, you use painting magic too?" Lidas exclaimed. "That's great! We can exchange techniques sometime!"
"Huh? Really? But I've never trained in art or anything. I just doodled something on the ground..." Zhou Xin explained, surprised by Lidas's enthusiasm.
Lidas suddenly understood Zhou Xin's earlier hesitation. "Ah, that's why you were hanging at the door all this time. You were worried we wouldn't accept you, right?"
Zhou Xin quickly turned to look at Makarov, eyes full of tension. He knew that if he was turned away now, he might never get another chance with Fairy Tail.
Makarov saw the fear in his eyes and chuckled. "Of course you can join!"
He turned and shouted, "Macao! Come stamp this kid with our guild seal!"
Makarov had already sensed the magic within Zhou Xin. It was faint, but real. His loud voice attracted attention, and soon the entire guild turned to look at them.
As Macao fetched the stamp, Makarov stood beside Zhou Xin and addressed the guild. "Everyone, this is Zhou Xin. He uses painting magic. Let's welcome him to our family!"
"Wooooah!" the guild roared, cheering and clapping as the room erupted with enthusiasm.
Macao returned with the guild seal. "Alright, kid, where do you want the guild mark? And what color?"
"Back of my right hand. White. I want everyone to see it," Zhou Xin answered immediately, holding out his hand with joy.
Macao smiled and stamped the emblem onto Zhou Xin's hand.
"Alright, kid, you're one of us now," Makarov said with a grin. "But listen up—no dangerous missions for you yet. You'll need my approval before taking any job, got it?"
"Yes, I understand," Zhou Xin replied, nodding earnestly. He knew Makarov's caution came from a place of care—and it warmed his heart to be welcomed into a place that felt like family.