Chapter 18: The Hero Entrance Examination, Part I
Izuku let out a long, relieved breath as he stood at the edge of the beautiful shores of Musutafu, the warm glow of the rising sun painting the horizon behind him like a masterpiece. A genuine smile spread across his face, reflecting the quiet satisfaction of a job well done. It had taken him a whole week to turn the once-littered beach into the pristine spot it was now, the sand gleaming golden under the morning light. He could have wrapped it up sooner, but life had a knack for mixing up his priorities. Between school, mountains of homework, and the never-ending grind of preparing for the U.A. Entrance Examination, finding time to clean the beach had been tough.
A cool morning breeze danced across his face, carrying the light, salty scent of the ocean. Today was the big day he had been looking forward to—the day of the U.A. Entrance Examination. There had been moments when U.A. felt like nothing more than a far-off dream, something he thought he had given up on. Yet here he was, standing at the edge of a chance he once thought was out of reach. It took some convincing, not just from himself but from others like Nemuri, to remind him he had worth. And then there were Nezu's words, sharp but kind, lingering in his mind like a persistent reflect:
"But wouldn't it be better to atone for your sins by helping twice as many people as you've hurt?"
He spent countless nights thinking about Nezu's words. At first, it just made sense to let go of his dream. But since those words were spoken to him, his perspective changed…somewhat. It did seem a much better way to make amends. It wouldn't clean the stains from his past, but it could give others a chance to live and flourish. And maybe, just maybe, that would bring him some peace.
With one last glance at the beach he worked so hard to restore, Izuku turned around, his eyes immediately landing on a familiar figure. There, on the beachside pavement, stood the frail-looking, blonde man. The man was gazing at the ocean as if he were tied to some invisible point beyond the waves. For the past week, Izuku had seen the man visit the beach often in the afternoons, always standing in the same spot, always staring out at the sea with a hint of sadness. It had become routine, yet seeing him here this morning still felt a bit out of place. Could there be something about this spot that held a special memory for him? Perhaps a moment or someone he just couldn't move on from?
Izuku approached the man, wanting to say hello one last time. The soft sand pulled at his shoes with each step. It made walking a bit clumsy, but he pressed on, a warm smile growing on his face. The man seemed oblivious to him, lost in his thoughts.
Izuku approached Yagi with a bounce in his step, the sand crunching gently underfoot. "Mr. Yagi," he called cheerfully, breaking the morning silence. "You come here in the mornings too? I thought you only visited in the afternoons."
Yagi turned his gaze to Izuku, a warm smile creeping onto his lips. "Ah, Young Midoriya," he replied in a friendly tone. "Yes, I've been coming here for a while now." He turned back to the horizon, the ocean waves gently lapping at the shore. A wistful smile appeared on his face, as if memories were surfacing. "I have some really fond memories of this place."
"I guess we all have special memories tied to this place, huh?" Izuku said softly, turning his gaze back to the ocean. The water sparkled in the morning light, a sight that felt forever timeless.
"This beach hasn't changed much since I left for America," Yagi said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "It's nice but also a bit sad."
Izuku's interest was piqued. "When did you leave for America, Mr. Yagi?" he asked.
"Oh, about five or six years ago," Yagi replied, his voice distant as if recalling memories from another lifetime.
So, it was before I became a Vigilante, Izuku thought to himself. "Was it about a job?" he asked, digging a bit deeper.
"Sort of," Yagi replied, his voice taking on a strangely gentle tone.
Izuku hesitated to ask more. Ever since meeting Yagi, he'd felt this persistent question nagging at him, like a puzzle piece he just couldn't fit. He had been too shy to speak up, but as the ocean breeze ruffled his hair, it felt like the perfect moment.
"Mr. Yagi," Izuku said softly, trying to steady his voice. "Can I ask you something?"
Yagi turned to him slightly, a warm smile dancing on his lips. "Absolutely, young man," he replied, his tone open and friendly.
Izuku shifted his weight, glancing at the sand. He'd been wrestling with this question since their first meeting, but now it just spilled out. "What is your quirk?"
The question hung there. It seemed like Yagi froze, looking at him with an inscrutable expression. But really, Yagi was caught off guard, his mind racing with a flood of thoughts. Why was he asking this now? Had he found out my secret? How? Was the boy onto something? Is this some kind of trick? Is he following me?
"I'm a bit of a quirk enthusiast," Izuku blurted out, breaking through Yagi's stunned silence. The man's intense gaze made him uneasy. "I just like hearing about people's quirks."
That seemed to ease Yagi's tension, a silent breath of relief escaping him. For a moment, he had feared the boy knew too much and would force him to reveal secrets he wasn't ready to share. But it turned out to be nothing more than innocent curiosity.
"Well, I'm quirkless, young man," Yagi said, his tone surprisingly sharp yet gentle.
Izuku's eyes widened in disbelief, disbelief mixing with sympathy. "You're quirkless?" he asked, his voice reflecting his shock before shifting to a more somber tone. "I'm sorry if that brings up painful memories. It must be tough to live without a quirk."
Yagi chuckled, though there was a hint of sadness there. "It's okay, young man," he replied gently, his voice like a soothing breeze. "Curiosity is a good thing. And yes, it's been challenging living without a quirk, but I've managed."
He then looked at Izuku, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "By the way, are you going to the U.A. Entrance Examination today?"
"Yes, I am!" Izuku said, his face lighting up as the earlier seriousness melted away at the mention of his big day.
"You know, if I could, I'd definitely recommend you for U.A.," Yagi said sincerely, nodding in approval. He knew he could suggest Izuku, but that would expose his ties to the school too soon.
Izuku beamed with gratitude, his eyes sparkling with a mix of pride. "Thanks, Mr. Yagi. Actually, I was recommended by a hero a couple of months ago, but I decided to turn it down." He flexed his arm, muscles visibly more defined after weeks of hard work on the beach. "I wanted to show I could compete with everyone else taking the exams, that I truly deserve my place at U.A., no shortcuts for me."
Yagi's expression softened with admiration. There was respect in his gaze. "I'm sure you'll do just great," he said. "With that attitude... it's hard not to be impressed."
"Thank you for believing in me, Mr. Yagi," Izuku replied, his smile widening, radiant with determination. He turned away as he prepared to leave. "I need to get going and prepare for the examination. Have a nice day, Mr. Yagi!"
"Best of luck, young Midoriya," Yagi called after him, his voice tinged with sincerity. "You're going to need it, but I have no doubt you'll make it through."
"Thanks!" Izuku waved back, his figure slowly disappearing into the morning light.
Yagi stood there, silently observing as the green-haired boy jogged away, disappearing into the distance. Over the past week, he had found himself increasingly intrigued by the boy. It all began with that incident involving the slime villain, where he witnessed the boy effortlessly kick a flying car, a feat that few could achieve, let alone someone so young. This display of strength piqued his interest, prompting him to want to learn more about the boy.
However, Yagi had consciously chosen not to approach him as All Might, preferring instead to observe from a distance. He wanted to avoid drawing attention to himself and potentially disrupting the boy's natural behavior. This discreet approach allowed him to gather more genuine insights.
In his observations, Yagi had noticed that the boy was surprisingly kind-hearted, often going out of his way to assist others. Whether it was helping elderly people cross the road, aiding children in retrieving stuck balls, or even stopping to help animals, the boy's compassionate nature was evident. These acts of kindness were carried out without seeking praise or recognition, which made Yagi's curiosity grow even more.
Despite his extensive observation, Yagi had yet to uncover any clear signs of the boy's quirk. Typically, someone of his age would be eager to showcase their abilities, especially in a world where quirks were a significant part of one's identity. The boy's restraint was unusual and only served to deepen Yagi's intrigue.
For the last week, he would regularly come to the beach in the morning and the afternoon, indiscriminately, to watch the teen in action. He would only find the teen in the afternoon and this was the only morning he had found him on the beach. He had observed the boy lug refrigerators, couches, and televisions, with his bare hands. Was the boy's quirk strength-based? It was a possibility.
Maybe Nezu was right. Maybe he could find his successor at U.A. starting with young Midoriya. For now, Yagi wanted to keep an eye on the boy and watch his development. Maybe he could ask Nezu to let him teach young Midoriya's class once the boy got in.
Yagi turned around and walked off unaware of the conflicting thoughts going on in Izuku's head.
The boy glanced behind his back one last time and found the man walking away before he turned back to the front. Something about the man was very creepy and he did not know what to make of it. The fact that seven faint dots of light were coming from the man's body made him wonder if the man was related to All Might. All Might's dots were much brighter and fiercer than the man's. The man had said that he was quirkless and Izuku did not believe that even once. He had a feeling that the man was lying, but why?
He shook his head and decided to shift his focus to the subject that actually matters—the Entrance Examination. It wasn't like he was going to meet the man again, right?
Izuku slipped into the cozy familiarity of his and Nemuri's apartment, the clock ticking just shy of 9 o'clock. With the exams set to kick off at 11 am, he had plenty of time to wash away the day's sweat and get ready. He had made plans with Iida to meet at Gate No. 3 of U.A., so his friend wouldn't have to sit and wait at the station for too long.
Without wasting a moment, he dashed to the bathroom, tossing his gym clothes into a messy pile on the floor and flinging them into the laundry basket. Jumping into the shower, the warm water felt great as it rinsed off the sweat, sand, and grime that had stuck to him like an unwanted second layer.
Feeling fresh and energized, Izuku headed back to his room, quickly pulling on his school uniform, the cool fabric wrapping against his damp skin. He checked himself out in the mirror, making sure his sunglasses were snug on his nose.
His gaze shifted to the dressing table, where his mother's picture was framed. With a bittersweet smile, he whispered, "Please watch over me, Mom," before making his way to the dining room.
When he got there, he spotted a note waiting for him on the table, written in Nemuri's unique, slanted handwriting. He picked it up, the paper crinkling gently as he read her words.
(Nemuri's message starts)
You were late. So, I had to leave before I could give you my wishes personally.
Sorry for not being there. You know, as a teacher I have to be at U.A. as early as possible.
But I know you don't require 'Best of luck'. You are going to ace the exam anyway.
But, as a superstitious individual, I am still going to say:
Best of Luck.
Breakfasts on the table. If it becomes cold, heat it up in the microwave.
Make sure you have taken everything with you like pencils, handkerchief, and water bottle. I will not be there to remind you or run behind you to give you something you have forgotten.
U.A. will provide lunch between the exams so you don't have to worry about that.
Best of Luck again.
(Nemuri's message ends)
With a chuckle, Izuku plopped down at the table, eager to dig into the breakfast Nemuri had whipped up for him. The spread was a veritable feast, with steaming rice, crispy fried fish, savory bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a glass of tangy orange juice. He savored each bite, taking his time as he still had a few moments to spare. Once he'd polished off every last morsel, he gathered the dishes and deposited them in the kitchen sink.
Izuku strolled back to his room, before coming out with his bag in hand. "Bye, Rainbow," he called out as he made his way out of the apartment, locking the door behind him and tucking the keys safely into his pocket.
The journey to his meeting point with Iida took Izuku about forty-five minutes. As he approached, he spotted the blue-haired boy waiting with his usual punctuality and patience. Iida's gaze shifted towards Izuku as he drew nearer.
"Midoriya," Iida greeted, his voice as monotonic as ever.
"Iida!" Izuku exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "You haven't been waiting long, have you?"
"I just arrived," Iida replied, pushing his glasses further up his nose. "We should head inside. The exams will be starting shortly."
Iida pivoted on his heel and began striding towards the entrance gate. Izuku was just about to follow suit when his finely tuned ears picked up the distinct sound of a foot striking a rock. He spun around, his gaze landing on an orange-haired figure teetering precariously towards the ground.
In a flash, Izuku's reflexes kicked into high gear. His hands darted forward, catching the falling person in his arms, their faces mere inches apart.
And in an instant, Izuku found himself locked in a gaze with a...girl? Not just any girl, but an extraordinarily beautiful one. His eyes widened, taking in the striking shade of orange that colored her hair. Then, his gaze shifted to her sharp, teal eyes.
For what felt like an eternity, the two of them remained frozen, their wide eyes locked on each other. The confusion of the situation only served to heighten the tension, making the moment feel even more surreal.
Gradually, a crimson blush began to creep up their cheeks as they both became acutely aware of the intimate position they found themselves in. Izuku's eyes started to flutter, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. Despite his confidence and experience in talking with girls, he had never found himself in such a compromising situation before. No amount of advice from Nemuri or interactions with the opposite sex could have prepared him for the awkwardness that now washed over him.
Shaking his head in an attempt to clear his thoughts, Izuku helped the girl regain her balance and quickly stepped back, creating a respectful distance between them.
"Uh...sorry about that," he muttered, averting his gaze from the girl's striking features.
"N-no, I-I'm the one who should apologize...and thank you," the girl stammered, her cheeks still flushed. "I—uh—I should have been more careful."
Izuku's sharp ears picked up the faintest rustle of footsteps approaching from his left. He cast a sidelong glance in that direction and spotted a brown-haired girl making her way towards them.
"They say that if you stumble before reaching your destination, bad luck will follow," the newcomer chimed in with a cheerful smile, her cheeks permanently tinged with a rosy hue. "I think you just spared her from a bout of bad luck."
The orange-haired girl bowed her head in gratitude towards Izuku, her expression serious and sincere. "Thank you for that," she said, her voice laced with appreciation.
Izuku shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as he replied, "Um, I don't really believe in that sort of thing. I mean, it's just a superstition, right?" He had heard of a few of these superstitions from Nemuri, who was notoriously superstitious, but he never truly bought into them.
Iida cleared his throat, drawing their attention to him as he checked the watch on his left wrist. "We should head inside," he said in a matter-of-factly tone. "The exam is set to begin in ten minutes."
With a nod, the orange-haired girl and the brown-haired girl exchanged farewells and wishes of good luck before parting ways with the two boys.
Before setting foot inside the school, Izuku hesitated, casting a hopeful glance over his shoulder in search of a familiar ash-blonde head among the sea of students streaming through the entrance. Disappointment washed over him as he failed to spot anyone with that particular shade of hair. With a resigned sigh, he pivoted on his heel and trailed after Iida into the building.
Thankfully, U.A. had meticulously marked the path towards the examination hall with unmistakable clarity. Izuku's eyes widened as he took in the sheer magnitude of the field they had to traverse. He had thought Somei's field was immense, but this one dwarfed it by at least three times. It boggled the mind that an institute boasting such extraordinary facilities could afford to educate students at such minimal costs. Anywhere else, U.A. would undoubtedly be reserved for the elite, not accessible to the common man.
Izuku and Iida followed the well-defined path laid out by the U.A. faculty members, with hundreds of students both ahead and behind them, all on the same journey. The realization that he was just one among thousands taking this exam was humbling. Even more humbling was the knowledge that only thirty-six would be chosen from this multitude. These examinations were the ultimate test for students—either you passed and gained the chance to study at U.A., or you failed and faced the harsh reality that you weren't the prodigy you once believed yourself to be.
Many people had their opinions about this examination, particularly about how it seemed unfair to kids with less flashy quirks. Critics argued that U.A. was a fraud for favoring students with the most intimidating abilities—because, let's face it, anyone capable of ripping your head off with a punch was a terrifying prospect.
There had been an official announcement from U.A. stating that this year's examination would be more 'prospect-friendly.' They even opened up the application process to quirkless prospects, which was unprecedented. Izuku had no clue what they meant by this change or what they hoped to achieve. He had tried to ask Nemuri about it, but her responses were cryptic, leaving him even more confused.
"U.A. is finally doing the right thing."
Her words only deepened his confusion. He figured U.A. might be easing up on the exams, perhaps lowering their expectations. Rumors about U.A.'s entrance examinations were scarce; no alumni or current students ever divulged details about their experiences. It was impossible to predict what U.A. had planned.
The path created by U.A. led the throng of students into an auditorium of colossal proportions. The sheer size made it difficult to discern what was happening at the other end. Over a hundred rows of seats stretched out, each one slightly elevated above the last.
Prospects inserted their admit cards into a machine, which then designated their seats. Izuku followed Iida, and the machine assigned him a seat in one of the middle rows. Fortunately, Iida was seated right next to him. It seemed the machine was placing students from the same school together. The two friends quickly found their designated seats and settled in. Izuku noted the comfort of the chairs as he sank slightly into the plush cushion. These chairs reminded him of those in the five-star hotels Nemuri had taken him to. He also observed that the rows of seats faced a podium, anticipating the commencement of the event.
They settled into their seats, watching as a steady stream of students filtered through the expansive doors of the auditorium. Eight distinct entrances funneled examinees into the vast space, each likely connected to one of U.A.'s principal entry points, given that their own door was labeled with a prominent '3.'
"Some people are so unpunctual," Iida remarked from beside him, his disappointment palpable.
Izuku let out a quiet chuckle. Even ten minutes past eleven, stragglers continued to trickle in. It was no surprise that Iida, with his strict sense of punctuality, found this behavior disappointing.
Half an hour later, the auditorium doors slammed shut with a resounding, dramatic thud that reverberated through the cavernous space. The lights dimmed, casting the interior in a play of shadows and anticipation.
In an instant, the ceiling lights converged on the podium, bathing it in a warm, golden glow. The age old song 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' echoed through the auditorium, creating a weirdly soothing atmosphere. Smoke billowed onto the podium from nowhere, shrouding it completely. Within the haze, a faint silhouette began to take shape—tall and slender. Izuku squinted, his gaze piercing through the smoke, but he could not see anything. He couldn't help but admire the ingenuity; U.A. had clearly designed the smoke to thwart visual quirks.
As the smoke dissipated, the figure became increasingly distinct. First, a cowboy hat caught the light, then a red cape materialized, and finally, the entire figure emerged from the mist.
Eyes went wide and a few examinees cheered.
Because the Pro-Hero Snipe stood before them in all his glory, right arm on his hip while the other one dangled lazily on the side. The smoky air and golden lights lent him a grandiose entrance, amplifying his already commanding presence.
"Welcome examinees." Snipe greeted. While his voice was soft, it still managed to echo through the auditorium giving him an ominous feeling. "A very good morning to all of you."
"Good morning1" A few examinees spoke in response.
The atmosphere settled as the song faded away. Snipe raised his right hand—which was on his hip—and coughed into his fist, clearing his throat. "Once again, a very good morning, all of you," he began, his voice now softer but still commanding. "I hope all of you know me, and for those who don't, I am the Gun Hero: Snipe. I will be your invigilator for the first part of the exam, which is," he paused dramatically, his right hand moving behind his back before shooting forward, holding a paper. "A written test," he declared.
Groans of disappointment echoed throughout the auditorium as many examinees realized they had to tackle a written test. It wasn't a surprise, but it was still a letdown that an institute like U.A. wanted them to write answers instead of battling villains.
"I understand, I understand," Snipe continued with a light and amused tone. "You guys don't like writing tests. But what can you do? Us examiners just love making you guys write answers to our questions. It's so much fun seeing you squirm in your seats, wondering if you should cheat or write your answers on your own." He paused to laugh again.
"Before we begin the written test," Snipe said after his laughter subsided, "let me tell you that the U.A. Entrance Examination is divided into three parts." He raised a hand and began listing with his fingers. "Written Exam, Physical Exam and..." He paused and stared at the two raised fingers. "I guess there were only two exams. Sorry for that."
Izuku felt a sweatdrop at the Hero's silly mistake, while Iida just shook his head, unamused.
"Anyways," Snipe continued without missing a beat, "the written exam will involve MCQs. Right about now, you guys will be provided with a tablet."
Indeed, the table in front of Izuku split open, and from within, a ten-inch tablet rose into view. Izuku glanced to his side and saw Iida's tablet rising as well. A quick look around confirmed that every examinee had a tablet before them. Izuku peered down at his device, noticing that it was asking for details such as first name, last name, roll number, school ID, and more.
"The instructions are simple," Snipe said, once everyone had their tablets before them. "You fill in your details properly—like your name, roll number, and such. You'll find all the necessary information on the admit card itself. Once you've filled in all the details, you'll be automatically led to the exam portal. You'll have exactly a hundred questions to solve in one hundred twenty minutes. Simple, right? You can move between questions as much as you want. Some questions will have one single choice, while others will have multiple choices. So, mark your answers very carefully. Once you mark an answer and move to the next question, don't worry; you can come back and correct it if you want. You cannot submit the test before we hit the one-hour mark. If you complete it before one hour, you'll have to sit through the next hour as well. The test will automatically be submitted once we hit the two-hour mark. Got it?"
Everyone nodded quietly.
With a satisfactory nod, Snipe said, "Also, before we begin, we would like to ask all of you to sign our non-disclosure form. You see, we do this to protect students and future prospects from being misled by third parties in our name. The punishments aren't severe, but if information about today's exam is released to the public, we WILL find you, and you WILL forever lose a chance at being a Hero, even at any other Hero School. Remember this always: Heroes always abide by the law. Understood?"
The Hero's ending question was met with resounding silence.
"Fair warning," the Hero said, his tone taking a slight edge, "If you guys don't want any problems, don't cheat. If I find anyone cheating, and believe me I will find them, then your exam will be cancelled immediately. You will be banned from taking Entrance Exams at any other Hero School for two years straight. So, don't do anything that will impact your future negatively."
Snipe's words caused most to shift uncomfortably.
"Alright then. LET'S BEGIN!"
"Ms. Midnight."
Midnight paused her task, bending over her desk to arrange some papers. She glanced over her shoulder to see Toshinori Yagi standing in the doorway. Straightening up, she turned to face him.
"All Might," she greeted, offering a small nod and a smile. "What can I do for you today?"
Once, she might have laced that single sentence with innuendos, hoping to provoke the Number One hero. But she was a changed woman . A very changed woman.
"I've asked you not to call me that," Toshinori protested weakly, "especially in this form."
"You asked me not to call you that in public," Midnight countered with a mischievous grin. Just because she'd stopped constantly flirting didn't mean she wouldn't joke around. "And I'm quite sure we're not in public."
Toshinori sighed, resignation and exasperation on his face. It was impossible to win a war of words against Midnight.
"I just came to let you know that the written exam has started," he informed her. A certain hesitation lingered in his words, as if he had more to say. "According to Nezu, the practical exams will begin in three hours."
"Okay," Midnight nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll be at the observatory before the exam starts."
Yagi nodded, fidgeting in place. It was strange to see the Number One Hero acting so flustered.
"Is there something else you wanted to say, All Might?" the R-Rated Heroine gently prompted.
"Uh," All Might hesitated, pausing as if unsure how to continue, "I heard from Mic that… Izuku Midoriya is your nephew."
Midnight's eyebrow rose in surprise, and almost immediately, curiosity flashed across her beautiful face. She wondered how All Might had learned about Izuku, before realization dawned on her: The Sludge Villain incident.
"Ah, yes, he is my nephew," she confirmed, perpetuating the lie she had told everyone. At this point, she was fairly certain the lie had become truth.
"Well," Toshinori stammered, "could you tell me something?"
Midnight crossed her arms over her chest, genuinely curious about why All Might seemed so interested in her nephew. "Of course, go ahead. As long as it's nothing too personal, I'm sure I can satisfy your curiosity."
"What's he like?" Toshinori blurted out.
"What's he like?" Midnight murmured, her voice barely a whisper. She hummed thoughtfully. "He's a brilliant kid, extremely bright—brighter than his peers, for sure. He's at the top of his class in everything. And he excels at anything he tries, as long as it's not fighting. It's not that he's a slouch in combat, but for some reason, it comes harder to him than any other subject."
That wasn't precisely what Toshinori had been asking, but the information was still welcome. He wanted to ask more, but he also worried about overstepping his boundaries; and, worst of all, making Midnight suspicious of him. He definitely didn't want that.
"Did you have any other questions?" Midnight inquired. "You look like you want to ask more."
Toshinori shook his head. "No, it's alright. Thank you for entertaining me," he replied, bowing respectfully. He turned on his heel and, before leaving the office, added, "I'd love to see how your nephew performs, Midnight. Considering who his aunt is, I can only expect great things."
Midnight watched Toshinori leave her office, a frown etched on her face. Why had All Might suddenly asked about her nephew? It felt completely random.
[Two hours later…]
The written exams were finally done, and Izuku let out a long, relieved sigh. He had finished the exam forty-five minutes after it had begun. The questions were much easier than he had anticipated. Most were straightforward, though some felt like they were plucked from outside the syllabus. Still, he had attempted them all. His quirk, the Six Eyes, was practically cheating for these types of tests. Not only did it amplify his perception, it also boosted his brain's processing power, allowing him to consume and process information at an accelerated rate.
As the two-hour mark hit, the exams auto-submitted, and the tablets retracted back into the desks, vanishing from sight. Izuku marveled at the school's technological advancements. Snipe had bid them farewell, offering his best wishes for their future endeavors.
Izuku glanced to his right, where Iida sat rigidly in his seat. "You alright, Iida?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
"I am alright," Iida replied, his posture stiff and his words clipped, betraying the nervousness that gripped him.
"How was the exam?" Izuku probed gently, leaning slightly towards Iida.
"Fine…" Iida answered after a moment of pause, his eyes fixed on the now-empty desk. "Just fine…" He then glanced at Izuku, his gaze intense. "What about you?"
Izuku shrugged his shoulders, a casual gesture that belied the complexity of the exams. "I don't know. I attempted all the questions at least."
Unbeknownst to Izuku, Iida's eyebrows were twitching violently, a telltale sign of his inner turmoil. He had barely managed to tackle sixty questions in the two-hour span. The questions had started off easy enough, but by the time he reached the thirtieth, the difficulty had ramped up significantly. For students like them, the exam was brutally challenging.
"Who do you think will be the proctor for the next exam?" Izuku asked, his eyes scanning the room, searching for the familiar shade of ash-blonde hair.
Iida's response was crisp and to the point. "I have no idea. The next exam is going to be a physical one. So, probably a strength-based Hero?" His fingers tapped nervously against the desk, the only outward sign of his apprehension.
They didn't have to wait long. The podium filled with smoke once again, the overhead lights zeroing in on it. Loud rock music blasted through the auditorium, the atmosphere pulsing with each beat. As the smoke began to clear, a new figure emerged. This one was tall and slim, with long blonde hair spiked upwards, a striking silhouette against the swirling smoke.
The entire auditorium stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, as Present Mic was revealed in all his glory. His arms were raised towards the ceiling, spread wide, the lights focusing on him as the smoke billowed around him like a dramatic cape.
"HEEELLLOOO EXAMINEEEEEEEEES!" Present Mic screamed, his greeting echoing through the room.
However, if the Pro-Hero was expecting a response, he found none. The auditorium was as silent as a graveyard, the nervousness from the previous round and the anxiety of the next one weighing heavily on the gathered prospects. Izuku felt a pang of sympathy for the hero because the silence was deafening.
But Present Mic seemed unfazed by the lack of response. He went on to yell, "GIVE ME A YEAH!"
And once again, the auditorium remained silent, the Pro-Hero's cheerful greeting met with nothing but tense silence.
"Lively bunch we've got here," Present Mic commented with a genuine laugh, not missing a beat. "Anyways, for those who don't know, I am the Voice Hero: Present Mic, and I will be your proctor for the next exam, which is," he paused for dramatic effect, raising his hands wide in the air. Suddenly, a screen behind him flickered to life, displaying vibrant graphics. "PLAY THE HERO!"
Izuku's eyes locked onto the screen, his gaze narrowing as he took in the information. It appeared that the second round of the Entrance Examination would take place across seven different arenas, each designated by the first seven letters of the English alphabet.
Someone two rows below Izuku raised their hand, catching Present Mic's attention. "Yes, examinee 5-2-3-7?"
"What does that mean?" the person, a girl judging by her voice, asked.
"This means exactly what the name says," Present Mic replied with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just like when you were kids playing Heroes, in this exam, you guys will be playing Heroes."
"What do we have to do in the exam?" a guy asked from the row behind Izuku's.
"Let me get to that," Present Mic said, jerking a thumb over his shoulder towards the screen behind him. "Up there, you'll see the details of the upcoming test. In this exam, we'll divide all of you into equal numbers across eight different arenas that we call 'The Cities'. And after that, we'll simulate a game that all of you have played a lot in your childhood."
The screen flashed, and the contents changed, now displaying four distinct images. Out of the four, three were of robots crafted from metal and painted green, while the last was blacked out. The first three robots were labeled '1-pointer', '2-pointer', and '3-pointer', sorted by their size with the 1-pointer being the smallest and the 3-pointer being the largest. The blacked-out image was mysteriously marked as '?'.
"All these cities are filled with these robots that have been displayed behind me," Present Mic continued his explanation, his eyes scanning the room. "We call these robots the 'Villain Bots'. We wanted to name them Decepticons, but our lawyers said that could land us in a copyright infringement. So, we stuck with simple names for them. The names of the robots also denote the amount of points you'll receive by destroying, beating or even evading them."
"Wait! We're getting points for evading the robots?" Someone enquired from Izuku's right. "Why is that?"
"Heh," Present Mic let out an audible chuckle. "Because we don't expect you to defeat them at all. You guys don't have any experience in using your quirks. It will be a folly on our parts if we expect you to go out there and defeat robots that even the Third Years have problems defeating."
Present Mic's words caused a chill to run down everyone's spine. What kind of monsters was U.A. trying to put them against?
"Anyways, as I was saying," Present Mic continued with an unbothered tone. "For every 1-pointer you destroy, you'll receive 1 point; for every 3-pointer, you'll receive 3 points. But for every evade, you get half the points, that is for a 1-pointer, you get half point and for a 3-pointer, you get 1.5 points. You'll have thirty minutes to destroy or evade as many robots as you want. So, go wild with your quirks out there. Oh, and also, don't go playing Anti-Hero and start attacking your fellow examinees. That will eliminate you instantly."
The moment Present Mic's speech paused, Iida's hand shot up in the air, drawing the Pro-Hero's attention to him.
"Yes, examinee 7-1-1-1?" Present Mic addressed, his gaze locking onto Iida.
Iida shot up from his seat, his posture rigid. "Sir, what about the last blacked-out image with no name?" he asked, his words clipped and precise.
"Ah~" Present Mic nodded in appreciation, a sly grin spreading across his face. "I was just about to get to that."
With a nod, Iida sat down in his seat, his back straight and eyes fixed forward, awaiting the Pro-Hero's explanation.
The graphics on the screen shifted, the blacked-out image enlarging and coming into focus at the center. The audience leaned in, eager to see what was revealed.
The blacked-out image flickered and became visible, revealing the most ominous robot of the four. It looked way too monstrous to the normal candidates.
"This is the 100-pointer," Present Mic said with a grin, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Every city has only one of these beasts. But let me warn you, these guys are as big as a forty-story building. You defeat one of these, and in an instant, you'll receive 100 points."
Izuku was the one who raised his hand this time, his expression serious.
"Yes, examinee 7-1-1-2?" Present Mic acknowledged, turning his attention to Izuku.
"What's the catch?" Izuku asked directly, his brow furrowed in suspicion. "Why are you handing out points like this?"
"Ah, perceptive one, aren't you," Present Mic remarked with a mischievous grin, his eyes narrowing playfully. "Indeed, there is a catch. Actually, there are three. The first one is that since we started using robots in our Entrance Examinations six years ago, no one has been able to defeat one of these guys. The second is a specific order that we are giving you guys. It is to not engage this robot at all during the examination."
"What?! But why?" Someone in the auditorium yelled the question.
"Because we want to test how well you can follow orders," Present Mic explained. "In real life, you will intern under several Pro-Heroes and you will be required to follow their orders. Consider this a simulation of such an event. But not just that. There is a third catch. If you are unable to defeat this guy, 200 points will be deducted from your overall points."
A loud "WHAT?!" echoed throughout the room as everyone was taken aback by that information.
"But that's not fair!" a girl exclaimed from somewhere in the auditorium, her voice cutting through the murmurs.
"Life's not fair, kid," Present Mic said with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. "In the real world, there will be times when you face villains much stronger than you. In such cases, you don't fight them. You let the elders or better ones deal with them while you focus on saving the civilians. Knowing your strength is important, and knowing when to retreat is even more so. Not knowing your own limits can lead you to an early death. So, make your decisions with a cool mind because things will get heated down there. If all of you have understood, give me a YEAH!"
Unfortunately, no one reciprocated the feeling, the silence in the auditorium becoming even more deafening than before.
"I guess everyone understood the assignment," Present Mic said, recovering instantly with a chuckle. "Now, before we break for lunch, let me give you a piece of advice. A good hero is not one that beats villains. A good hero is one who has a good heart. Take this piece of advice to your heart and go out there and be the Hero you want to be. PLUS ULTRA!"
"PLUS ULTRA!" the room thundered, the atmosphere finally igniting with enthusiasm.
A smirk appeared on Present Mic's face. "That always works, eh."
Izuku trudged towards the washroom, his stomach full from the lunch served in the auditorium. Hundreds of automated bots had marched in, each carrying platters laden with bread and butter, milk, two boiled eggs, bananas, potato chips, and chocolates. The sight of the bots had been a spectacle in itself, their mechanical precision once again a awe-inspiring reminder of the technological marvels that U.A. High School was known for.
After finishing his meal, a bot had swooped in to collect his platter, leaving Izuku alone with his thoughts. He marveled at the efficiency of the school's systems, his mind still reeling from the sheer scale of the technology. It was no wonder U.A. was considered the premier institute for hero training. He had decided to take a leak before returning to the test.
As he passed a hallway, a soft sound echoed through the air. "Psst, psst."
Izuku's brows furrowed, his steps halting as he pivoted on his heels. His eyes landed on Nemuri peeking from the hallway he had just passed. Her fingers wiggled, beckoning him to follow her before she ducked back into the shadows of the hallway.
He looked around for a moment before following her, his footsteps echoing softly in the empty corridor. He kept a few steps behind her.
Nemuri stopped abruptly before a door adorned with a sign that read 'Under Maintenance.' She glanced around, ensuring no one had followed them, before gesturing for him to enter the room.
Izuku turned to face Nemuri, who had just closed the door behind them, sealing them in the empty, under-maintenance room. "Is it alright that you're meeting me like this?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for answers.
Nemuri's index finger pressed gently against her lips, shushing him softly. "I actually am not supposed to meet you before the exam," she admitted sheepishly, a hint of guilt flickering across her face, before she winked at him playfully. "This is a secret between us, alright?"
Izuku tilted his head. He looked amused. "So, are you here to tell me how to pass the next exam?"
she crossed her hands. A mischievous grin spread across her face and she said, "Nope. I am not here for that."
He quirked an eyebrow in curiosity. "Then why the sudden audience?"
Nemuri's cheeks puffed out in a playful pout. "Aw~ Come on. I thought you missed me after not seeing me this morning."
Izuku shrugged, a similar mischievous smile stretching on his lips. "I missed you, yes," he admitted, "but not that much. I could live without seeing you for another few hours."
Her hands uncrossed before she pinched Izuku's cheek playfully. "Being sarcastic, are we?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She leaned in, bending at the waist, and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. Her lips lingered for a moment, warm and gentle against his skin.
Izuku felt his cheeks flush a deep crimson in embarrassment. "What was that for?" he asked in a whisper as Nemuri's lips separated from his forehead.
Nemuri's lips stretched into a beatific smile. "I couldn't wish you good luck in the morning," she explained. "So, I wanted to give you my wishes in person." She pulled him into a tight hug. Her breath was warm against his ear as she whispered, "Also, all my colleagues and I will be watching. So, do your best, okay."