As we approached UA, the towering gates of the prestigious academy came into view. The sight was awe-inspiring. The gates themselves were massive, with the letters "U.A." emblazoned in bold, silver metal. Beyond them, the campus sprawled out like a city within a city. The buildings were modern and sleek, with a futuristic design that screamed innovation and excellence. The main building, a towering structure with a glass façade, reflected the morning sunlight, making it look almost like a beacon of hope. This was the place where the greatest heroes in the world had trained. And now, I was here.
I stepped through the gates, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The campus was buzzing with activity. Hundreds of students milled about, each one radiating confidence and determination. I observed them carefully, noting the variety of Quirks and personalities on display. Some students were already showing off their abilities—a guy with elongated fingers was stretching them like rubber, while a girl with glowing hands was creating small orbs of light. Others were more reserved, quietly reviewing notes or psyching themselves up for the exam. The air was thick with anticipation, and I could feel the competitive energy crackling around me.
I followed the instructions on the signs and arrived at a huge hall where all the applicants were gathered. The space was enormous, with high ceilings and rows upon rows of seats. It felt like a stadium, and the sheer number of students was overwhelming. I found a seat and settled in, my mind racing as I prepared for the first part of the exam.
At 9 AM sharp, the written test began. The exam was divided into three sections: normal academic questions, situational hero scenarios, and problem-solving exercises. The academic portion was straightforward—math, science, and literature questions that tested our general knowledge. The situational questions were more challenging. We were given scenarios where we had to act as heroes, making split-second decisions to rescue civilians or neutralize threats. One question asked how we would handle a collapsing building with limited time and resources. Another presented a hostage situation with a villain who could manipulate shadows. I answered as best as I could, drawing on my training and the knowledge I'd gained from the system.
The test lasted two hours and ten minutes. By the end, my brain felt like it had been put through a wringer, but I was confident I'd done well. We were given a 20-minute break afterward, and I used the time to stretch and clear my head. The real challenge was yet to come.
After the break, the students were separated into different groups and directed to various auditoriums for the practical exam orientation. I found myself in a large auditorium with Kendo, and we sat together near the middle. The room was packed, and the atmosphere was tense. I noticed that no two people from the same school were assigned to the same battle center, which meant Kendo and I would be separated for the practical exam. She gave me a reassuring smile, and I nodded back, silently wishing her luck.
A couple of minutes later, the lights dimmed, and Present Mic burst onto the stage with his usual energy. "HEY, HEY, HEY! WELCOME TO THE UA HERO COURSE PRACTICAL EXAM!" he shouted, his voice booming through the speakers. He presented the exam like it was a concert, complete with dramatic gestures and sound effects. Unfortunately, the crowd didn't seem to share his enthusiasm. The room was dead silent, save for a few awkward coughs.
Present Mic explained the rules of the practical exam, which were exactly as I remembered from the anime. We'd be fighting robots in a simulated urban environment, earning points based on the types of robots we defeated. There were also rescue points, though he didn't mention those outright. As he wrapped up his explanation, Iida Tenya raised his hand and asked about the fourth robot type, which was worth zero points.
"Just ignore it!" Present Mic replied cheerfully. "It's more of an obstacle than anything else!"
The room erupted into murmurs, some students looking confused, others nervous. I stayed quiet, focusing on the task ahead.
After the presentation, we were instructed to change into clothes we felt comfortable fighting in. Support gear wasn't allowed without prior approval, so I stuck to the gray tracksuit with black lines that my dad had given me. It was simple but effective, and I appreciated the durability and breathability of the material. As I changed, I noticed a few curious glances in my direction—probably because I'd been seen with Kendo earlier. Thankfully, my average looks and unassuming outfit helped me blend in.
Once we were ready, we boarded the buses assigned to our groups. I found myself in a vehicle with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces. Fumikage Tokoyami sat quietly in the corner, his dark aura making him seem almost otherworldly. Kaminari Denki was chatting nervously with Mineta Minoru, who kept glancing around like he was expecting trouble. Ashido Mina was bouncing in her seat, her pink skin and cheerful demeanor standing out in the otherwise tense atmosphere.
No one was talking to each other, though. Everyone seemed to be sizing up the competition, their eyes darting around as if trying to gauge who the biggest threats were. I stayed quiet, focusing on my breathing and mentally preparing for the exam.
After a short 10-minute ride, we arrived at Battle Center C. The area was a sprawling mock city, complete with buildings, streets, and even fake cars. It looked like a movie set, but the tension in the air reminded me that this was anything but pretend. This was where I'd prove myself. This was where I'd take the first step toward becoming a hero.
I stepped off the bus, my heart pounding in my chest. The exam was about to begin.