A/N: Hey ya'll, IWAEHypeMan here. I just want to inform you that progress is going smoothly...is what I wanted to say. The good news is that I managed to salvage a few drafts And this is one of those drafts, the bad news is that I need to write them all over again. And the worse news is that I broke my wrist. That means I'm typing this shit with only my left hand. Doc said my wrist will be good in a few months, so basically I got delayed...HARD. Anyway, here's the chapter. Adios.
U.A. High School – Gym Alpha
Gym Alpha had been transformed into something far removed from its usual clean, metallic training grounds. Towering stone walls rose toward an artificial ceiling, etched with ancient hieroglyphs that glowed faintly with a cursed, golden hue. Torches burned with unnatural blue flames, their flickering light casting long, warped shadows across the sand-covered floor. The oppressive heat of the simulated desert pressed down on everyone watching.
This was the Pyramid of Seth—one of the most unforgiving simulations ever introduced into U.A.'s training curriculum, imported directly from the Grand Chase's archive of trial environments. Even veteran heroes had failed within its depths.
From the elevated Observation Deck, Class 1-A and Class 1-B stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes fixed on the massive holographic display. Eraserhead leaned against the railing with his usual tired posture, capture weapon loosely draped around his shoulders. Beside him, Vlad King stood tall, arms crossed, watching intently. All Might, no longer in his muscular form, observed silently, hands clasped behind his back.
Nearby, separated slightly from the students, stood the observers from another world.
Ciel, Lu, Ara, Add, and Lithia—members of the Grand Chase—watched the simulation with trained, analytical eyes. To them, this environment wasn't just a test. It was a battlefield they understood all too well.
Inside the simulation, Team Midoriya moved cautiously through a massive antechamber filled with crumbling pillars and scattered debris. The sand beneath their boots shifted with every step, threatening to give way at any moment.
Then, without warning, the silence shattered.
The walls groaned as hidden panels slid open, releasing a low, guttural chorus of growls. From the shadows emerged mummies—dozens of them—wrapped in decaying bandages, their eyes glowing a sickly crimson. Some carried rusted blades, others jagged spears, and a few moved with unnervingly swift, almost graceful motions.
Midoriya Izuku didn't hesitate.
"Uraraka-san! Tsuyu-chan! Assist Iida-kun while I secure the Treasure of Osiris!" he shouted, already sprinting forward.
His voice cut cleanly through the chaos, snapping his team into motion.
A mummy with a slender, feminine frame slipped out from behind a collapsed pillar, twin daggers flashing as it lunged toward Uraraka. She barely had time to gasp before—
"I have it handled!"
Iida shot forward in a blur of speed, his engines roaring as his foot connected with the mummy's head. The impact sent the creature crashing into the stone wall, its body collapsing into dust.
"Do not freeze under pressure!" Iida barked, adjusting his glasses. "You heard Midoriya-kun!"
Uraraka inhaled sharply, steadying herself. Her eyes flicked across the battlefield—and landed on a pile of loose stone bricks scattered nearby.
An idea sparked.
She rushed forward, planting her hand against the debris and used her quirk on it.
The bricks lifted into the air, floating weightlessly above her. As more mummies closed in, Uraraka gritted her teeth.
"Tsuyu-chan!"
"Ribbit."
Asui's tongue shot out like a whip, striking the floating bricks with pinpoint accuracy. The stones launched forward like artillery shells, smashing into the advancing mummies and knocking them off their feet in a spray of sand and bandages.
Meanwhile, Midoriya weaved through the battlefield, narrowly dodging grasping hands and slashing blades. His eyes were locked onto his target: a massive, ancient construct standing at the center of the chamber.
The Treasure of Osiris.
Unlike a typical treasure chest, it was a towering, armored machine—its golden exterior scarred by time, its legs thick and mechanical, designed for walking rather than rolling. A relic of ancient engineering far beyond what anyone would expect from a pyramid.
Midoriya skidded to a stop at its base, scanning it rapidly.
"There!" he muttered, spotting a hatch near the top.
Using the machine's protruding joints, he climbed quickly and forced the hatch open. Inside, the cockpit was cramped but shockingly advanced—levers, glowing glyphs, and control panels humming with dormant power.
"Whoa..." Midoriya whispered. "For a treasure... this is incredible."
His mind kicked into overdrive.
Okay, movement controls here... energy output there... weapon systems—found them.
His fingers flew across the controls. The Treasure of Osiris shuddered, then slowly rose to its full height. Its eyes ignited with blinding light.
A moment later, beams of blue energy erupted from its arms, tearing through the mummies with devastating precision.
"Whoa—what the—?!" Uraraka stared upward. "Deku-kun! Is that you?!"
Midoriya's voice crackled through the machine's external speakers. "Yeah! Took me a second to figure it out, but I've got control now! Let's finish this together!"
Hearing that, the team's morale surged.
"Right!" Uraraka said, pumping her fist.
"Let us proceed efficiently," Iida declared.
"Let's go, ribbit!" Asui added.
From the Observation Deck, reactions erupted immediately.
"Whoa, look at them go!" Kirishima leaned forward, fists clenched. "That's manly as hell! You've got this, Midoriya!"
"For a second, I thought he'd freeze up like during the Entrance Exam," Jiro commented, idly tugging on her earphone jacks.
"And he's not even using his Quirk yet," Kaminari noted. "He's piloting that thing instead."
Yaoyorozu nodded thoughtfully. "That decision makes sense. Among the four of them, Midoriya-san possesses the greatest raw power. Conserving his Quirk while leveraging environmental assets is a very rational approach."
Eraserhead let out a quiet hum of approval. "He gathered information first. Made a plan. That's the right call. Remember this—information is a weapon. What you do with it determines the outcome."
"Yes, sensei!" the class responded.
Not all reactions were positive.
Bakugo stood rigid, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. His teeth ground together as he watched Midoriya command the battlefield without a trace of hesitation.
"Tch..."
Beside him, Todoroki remained silent, eyes fixed on the screen, expression unreadable.
Behind the students, the Grand Chase observers remained composed.
Ciel's gaze followed every movement Midoriya made, her crimson eyes sharp and calculating. Lu stepped closer, folding her arms with a small, intrigued smile.
"He's doing quite well," Lu said quietly.
"Mostly," Ciel replied. "I expected hesitation. Fear. Instead, he adapted."
She paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
"But this is only the opening act. The Pyramid of Seth doesn't test strength alone—it tests endurance, coordination... and resolve."
Her gaze shifted toward the looming passage that led deeper into the structure.
"The Boss Area is where most teams fall apart," Ciel continued in a low voice. "That is where true cooperation is tested—and where past weaknesses resurface."
Lu followed her line of sight, sensing the weight behind those words.
Below, inside the pyramid, Team Midoriya pressed forward—unaware that the real trial had yet to begin.
And somewhere deeper within the simulation, something ancient stirred, waiting patiently for challengers bold enough to step into its domain.
Back within the Pyramid of Seth, the team continued to push forward with remarkable efficiency.
The oppressive heat never truly faded, but their movement had become smoother—more deliberate. Midoriya remained stationed within the Treasure of Osiris, hands steady on the controls as beams of condensed light fired in precise intervals. Each blast tore through clusters of mummies, turning ancient curses into drifting sand and torn bandages.
"Iida-kun, opening on your right!" Midoriya called out.
"Understood!" Iida answered instantly.
Using the laser barrage as cover fire, Iida surged forward, engines roaring as he weaved through enemy lines. His movements were sharp and disciplined—each kick and chop calculated for maximum effect. He struck weak points with practiced efficiency, shattering mummies before they could regroup.
Uraraka and Asui stayed mobile on the flanks.
Uraraka darted across broken stone, using Zero Gravity to disrupt footing and send enemies drifting helplessly into walls or ceilings. Meanwhile, Asui's tongue snapped out in rapid succession—yanking mummies off balance, binding limbs, or slingshotting Uraraka into better positions.
"Nice teamwork, ribbit," Asui commented calmly as another enemy crumbled.
"Same to you!" Uraraka replied, breathless but smiling.
Deeper and deeper they went.
The pyramid revealed its true nature soon enough.
Pressure plates disguised as sand collapsed beneath careless steps. Walls suddenly bristled with darts tipped in glowing poison. Floors shifted and tilted, attempting to throw intruders into hidden pits lined with spikes.
But this time, the pyramid did not claim them.
Midoriya raised a clenched fist inside the cockpit. "Wait. Stop."
The team froze immediately.
His eyes traced faint grooves in the stone wall—almost invisible unless one knew what to look for.
"Trap. Pressure-triggered. Don't move."
Remembering Ciel's earlier advice, they began inspecting every surface—walls, floors, ceilings—before advancing. With careful coordination, they disabled mechanisms one by one. Some required brute force, others precise timing.
"This place really doesn't want us here," Uraraka muttered.
"That means we're doing something right," Midoriya replied.
Soon after, the air changed.
A dark mist rolled through the corridor, swallowing the torchlight whole.
"Careful, our vision's limited here," Iida warned.
Shapes moved within the fog.
"Warlock Mummies," Midoriya muttered.
As expected, silhouettes flickered in and out of existence. Hallucinations bloomed at the edge of their vision—false enemies, shifting walls, phantom blades.
Before confusion could take hold, the Treasure of Osiris fired.
Golden beams pierced the mist, guided by Midoriya's analysis of the distortions. Each hit dispelled the illusion, forcing the warlocks into visibility. Once exposed, they fell quickly.
"That was... surprisingly easy," Uraraka said.
"Only because we stayed coordinated," Iida corrected. "A single mistake would have cost us."
At the Observation Deck, the mood was tense—but optimistic.
"They're adapting faster than expected," Vlad King observed.
Eraserhead nodded slowly. "Midoriya's leadership is stabilizing the team. They're listening to each other. To think that a stuttering mess like Midoriya is leading like a pro hero, that's an improvement."
All Might—in his muscular form—grinned broadly, fists clenched in pride. "Young Midoriya has learned when to rely on others. That alone makes this a victory."
Class 1-A watched with rapt attention.
"He's not rushing anymore," Todoroki noted quietly.
Bakugo said nothing, jaw tight, eyes locked on the screen.
As the team approached a massive stone door etched with golden hieroglyphs, the atmosphere shifted again.
This time, even the observers felt it.
Ciel exhaled slowly, her expression darkening.
"Beyond those doors," he said, voice steady but heavy, "is where they will truly be tested."
Every hero and student turned toward him.
Eraserhead's eyes narrowed. "Chevalier. Be honest. What are their chances?"
Ciel considered he answer carefully.
"If everything goes perfectly—sixty percent," he said at last. "If one of them hesitates or misjudges at the heat of the moment... at least two will be forcibly ejected from the simulation."
A murmur rippled through the students.
"The boss inside isn't just strong," Ciel continued. "it will depend on them on how they'll deal with it."
His gaze unfocused briefly, memories resurfacing.
Bandages tightening around his eyes. Lu shouting warnings. The mocking laughter echoing through the throne room.
"...Lu and I had to challenge this place three times when we were rookies," he added quietly. "And each failure hurt more than the last."
Back inside the pyramid, the Treasure of Osiris let out a low, mechanical hum before falling silent.
Midoriya frowned. "Looks like this is as far as it goes...I used all of its reserves."
He climbed down from the cockpit, resting a hand against the warm metal.
"At least it carried us this far," Asui said, stretching. "Kero."
Uraraka stared at the massive door ahead, nerves creeping in. "So... this is it."
"The final area," Iida confirmed, adjusting his helmet. "Once we enter, there is no turning back."
Midoriya inhaled slowly, grounding himself.
"Alright," he said. "Here's the plan."
He turned to Uraraka and Asui. "Uraraka-san, Tsuyu-chan, you two focus on support. If there are torches to light, mechanisms to activate, or environmental hazards—handle them. Iida-kun and I will engage directly."
Iida nodded. "Understood. And Midoriya-kun—make every shot count."
Midoriya glanced at his hand, flexing his fingers.
Ten attempts. That's all I've got.
"Let's go," he said firmly.
Together, they pushed the doors open.
The throne room stretched out before them—vast and ornate. Piles of gemstones glittered under dormant torchlight. Twin statues of massive jackal-headed dogs sat at either side of the room, unmoving.
Too unmoving.
"This place..." Uraraka whispered.
Then a voice echoed through the chamber—ancient, amused.
"Kukuku... who would've thought you brats would make it this far."
From the shadows emerged an elderly goblin draped in a dark brown cloak, leaning heavily on a twisted cane. In his gnarled hand rested an ornate crown, pulsing faintly with cursed energy.
For a brief moment, silence reigned over the Observation Deck.
Then it shattered.
"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!" Bakugo roared, slamming his palms against the railing. "You're telling me the final boss of that nightmare pyramid is a damn goblin?!"
Several heads snapped toward him, but not a single student disagreed.
"That thing looks like it'd crumble if you poked it too hard," Tetsutetsu added, squinting at the screen. "I thought the boss would be some giant undead monster or something."
Even Kirishima looked confused. "Uh... yeah. That doesn't really scream 'final boss,' does it?"
A low, amused chuckle came from behind them.
"Kukukuku... kids, kids," Add said, adjusting his headphones with a grin that bordered on malicious delight. "Haven't you ever heard the saying don't judge a book by its cover?"
The students glanced at him warily.
"That goblin," Add continued, eyes glinting, "is one of the nastiest surprises the Pyramid of Seth has to offer. Trust me—this is where the plot twist kicks you in the teeth."
Ciel remained silent, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the screen. His expression had hardened—not with fear, but with memory.
Back inside the pyramid, Midoriya and his team stood frozen, eyes locked onto the hunched figure before them.
The goblin leaned heavily on his cane, his back curved with age. His wrinkled face twisted into a grin far too confident for someone so frail.
Midoriya swallowed.
"W-What are you?" he asked, voice steady despite the knot in his chest. "And why are you doing this?"
The goblin laughed, the sound dry and rasping.
"Kukuku... my name?" He shook his head. "is irrelevant. What matters is that you have come to die."
The goblin slowly raised the object in his hand.
The Crown of Horus.
Dark gold light seeped from its jagged edges, pulsing like a living thing.
"With this crown," the goblin continued, "I shall obtain unlimited power. The power of a god!"
He threw back his hood and placed the crown upon his head.
The throne room exploded in light.
A blinding surge of dark gold energy engulfed everything—walls, torches, statues. Midoriya and the others cried out, shielding their eyes as the floor trembled beneath them.
At the Observation Deck, students instinctively raised their arms, even though they knew it was only a simulation.
"Holy—!" Kaminari yelped.
Only the members of the Grand Chase remained unmoving, eyes narrowed, expressions grimly familiar.
"Here it comes," Lu muttered.
The light faded.
Where the goblin once stood, something far worse now loomed.
A massive, sphinx-like beast towered over the throne room—its body plated in brown, black, and gold armor etched with ancient symbols. Enormous wings unfurled from its back, scattering sand and debris with a single motion. A translucent blue barrier shimmered around its body, humming with divine energy.
Midoriya felt his blood run cold.
"Kuhahahaha!!!" the creature laughed, its voice echoing unnaturally. "This is it! Power overflowing within this body! I can't believe it... the power of Horus is far greater than I imagined!"
It spread its wings wide.
"This," it declared, "is the power of a god! And your deaths shall be my perfect offering!"
Uraraka stumbled back a step. "D-Deku-kun... what do we do?!"
Her voice trembled—but before panic could take hold, Asui placed a firm hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down, Ochaco-chan," Asui said evenly. "Panicking won't help."
She turned toward Midoriya, blinking once—twice. "Midoriya-chan. What's the plan?"
Midoriya took a breath.
Think. Don't freeze. You've gotten this far.
"Same strategy as before," he said, forcing steadiness into his voice. "Uraraka-san, Tsuyu-chan—you focus on the environment. Torches, traps, mechanisms. If there's anything that can weaken him, it'll be in this room."
Iida nodded sharply. "And we will handle direct engagement."
Midoriya clenched his fists.
"First, we observe. Learn his pattern. Then we counterattack."
Inside, fear clawed at his chest.
This is nothing like a villain fight. This thing feels... ancient. Overwhelming.
But quitting wasn't an option.
All Might is watching. And so are they.
The monster tilted its head, eyes glowing beneath its helm.
"Kukuku... are you finished discussing?" it sneered. "If so—allow me to strike first."
It raised one clawed hand.
Two glowing blue orbs materialized at its sides, humming violently.
"Move!" Iida shouted.
The orbs fired simultaneously.
Twin linear lasers ripped through the air with terrifying speed.
Asui reacted instantly, her tongue snapping out to grab Uraraka and yank her clear. At the same time, Iida seized Midoriya by the collar, engines roaring as he launched them both sideways.
The lasers scorched through the stone where they'd stood moments before, carving molten lines into the floor.
They landed hard on an elevated platform overlooking the throne room.
Panting, Midoriya looked down at the destruction.
One hit and we're done.
The monster laughed again, clearly amused.
"Oh? Still alive?" it taunted. "Excellent. Entertain me more."
At the Observation Deck, the mood had shifted completely.
"...That thing's no joke," Kirishima muttered.
Eraserhead's eyes narrowed. "That barrier... physical attacks won't do much until they figure out its gimmick."
Ciel spoke quietly. "The Crown of Horus grants divine protection. They'll need to break the system supporting it—or exhaust its energy source."
Bakugo clicked his tongue, fists clenched. "Tch. Damn it... don't screw this up, Deku."
Back on the platform, Uraraka steadied herself, eyes darting around the throne room.
"I see torches," she said. "They're not lit."
"And symbols carved beneath them," Asui added. "Might be important, kero."
Midoriya nodded. "Good. Focus on that."
The monster raised its wings again, gathering energy.
"This is going to be rough," Iida said grimly.
Midoriya met his gaze, determination burning through the fear.
"Yeah," he replied. "But we're not backing down."
Below them, the godlike monster spread its wings wider, blue energy crackling around its barrier as the throne room trembled once more.
The real battle had begun.
The throne room had become a maelstrom of chaos—what Midoriya could only describe as hell incarnate. The sphinx-like beast, Barakhufu, unleashed fury without pause: linear lasers carving molten furrows into stone, wings beating gusts that scattered dust like vengeful spirits. Mummies shambled from shadowed alcoves as reinforcements, their decayed forms clawing relentlessly, forcing the team into a desperate rhythm of dodge and strike.
Uraraka and Asui darted across elevated platforms, fingers and tongue working in tandem to relight flickering torches. Flames roared to life on the room's flanks, their glow piercing the blue barrier around Barakhufu. The monster staggered, movements turning sluggish as cursed energy waned.
"Now!" Midoriya shouted from below, heart pounding against his ribs like a trapped bird.
Iida's engines ignited. "[Recipro Burst!!]" Flames jetted from his calves as he rocketed forward, armored legs blurring into a whirlwind of kicks that shattered mummy reinforcements.
Midoriya channeled One For All into his left forefinger, the familiar burn of power surging through veins. One shot—make it count. Can't afford a break yet. "[Smash!!]" Compressed air erupted like a cannon blast, slamming into Barakhufu's flank.
The beast roared, barrier flickering as chunks of armor cracked away. Relief washed over the team—damage landed, tangible and real.
"We hit it hard!" Midoriya winced, cradling his bruised finger, the throb a sharp reminder of his limits.
"Don't drop your guard, Midoriya-kun! We haven't—" Iida's warning cut short.
Barakhufu vanished in a shimmer of light, reappearing beside them with predatory grace. "Courting death, are we?"
It leaped, paws slamming down like thunder. The platform shattered.
Iida scooped Midoriya up, engines flaring as they vaulted clear. Uraraka floated herself to safety; Asui's tongue yanked her teammate mid-air. Below, the impact crater smoked, debris raining like judgment.
Uraraka's breath came in gasps, panic edging her voice. "Deku-kun—it's too fast! We can't keep this up!"
Asui's calm gaze steadied her. "Focus on the torches, Ochaco-chan. They're our edge. Relight if they dim—buy the boys time."
From the observation deck, the remaining students watched in stunned silence, holographic feeds capturing every desperate dodge and counter.
"This is insane..." Ojiro whispered, tail twitching nervously.
"Scary... the Grand Chase fights stuff like this daily?" Mineta whimpered, shrinking behind classmates.
Kendo clenched her fist, staring at her palm. As Class 1-B's leader, the sight ignited a spark. "If this is their standard... can we rise to it?"
Shiozaki clasped her hands, eyes closed. "Lord, grant them strength and wisdom. Guide their path through this trial..."
Vlad King's voice boomed, frustration cracking his composure. "This is madness! Villains are one thing, but ancient horrors? And you claim to face them routinely?!"
Ciel turned slowly, a dark blue aura flickering around him like restrained storm clouds. The air grew heavy, suffocating. "Do you think we chose this? The moment we awoken our powers, this responsibility is thrusted to us. This is a sliver of our hell. Don't presume we had it easy."
Vlad King recoiled, breath catching under the pressure.
Ara placed a gentle hand on Ciel's shoulder, her spirit energy flowing like a soothing river. "Ciel-kun, enough."
The aura dissipated. Ciel exhaled, tension easing. "Thanks."
Lithia's voice lightened the mood, her gemstones orbiting playfully. "They're holding strong~ Midoriya-chan and Iida-chan sync like pros—Iida-chan distracts with speed, Midoriya-chan hits the weak spots. Uraraka-chan and Asui-chan aren't just bystanders; they're the eyes, calling out attacks. For fresh Hero Course kids, it's impressive~"
The Grand Chase nodded in unison, surprising the teachers. Eraserhead's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. All Might's grin widened. "Young Midoriya's growth shines!"
Add checked a holographic readout of vitals. "Looks like they're wrapping up soon. The barrier's cracking."
Back in the throne room, Uraraka and Asui reignited the torches, flames blazing brighter. Barakhufu staggered, barrier thinning to a fragile veil.
Iida shattered a pillar with a kick, sending stone fragments hurtling like shrapnel.
Midoriya channeled One For All again, aiming for the crown. One more—end this. "[Smash!!]" His middle finger flicked; air compressed into a devastating blast, striking the crown dead-center.
The artifact shattered in a cascade of golden shards.
"No... no... NO! THE CROWN!! MY POWER!!!! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Barakhufu's roar echoed as its form unraveled—armor crumbling, wings dissolving into dust. The beast collapsed into a mound of glittering sand, the throne room falling silent.
----------
As the last echoes of Barakhufu's disintegration faded into silence, Midoriya and Iida slumped against the throne room's cracked floor, chests heaving. The air hung heavy with the acrid scent of scorched stone and lingering curse energy, the gems in the walls now dull, as if the pyramid itself had exhaled its final breath.
"Haa... Haa... We... we did it," Midoriya gasped, collapsing onto his back. Pain throbbed in his shattered fingers, but adrenaline dulled it to a distant ache. "Can't believe... we took it down."
Iida leaned against a pillar, helmet vents hissing steam. "I... can't even stand. Legs are numb."
Uraraka descended from her platform, ladder rungs creaking under her hurried steps. "Deku-kun! Iida-kun!" she cried, Asui hopping down beside her with amphibian grace.
"You're both okay, kero," Asui said, her croak laced with quiet relief. "That was close—too close."
Midoriya managed a weak smile through his pants. "Sorry for the worry... But we cleared it. No ejections. We actually... did it."
Pride flickered in their eyes—Uraraka's grin shaky but bright, Iida's posture straightening despite exhaustion, Asui's nod firm. For a moment, the weight lifted, replaced by the warm glow of shared victory.
Then the room shimmered, edges blurring as the simulation unraveled. Stone dissolved into gym flooring; shadows retreated to reveal fluorescent lights. They were back.
On the observation deck, applause erupted—sporadic at first, then swelling.
"That was so manly!" Kirishima and Tetsutetsu bellowed in unison, locking eyes in surprise. Grins split their faces; fists bumped in a wordless pact of camaraderie, a brotherhood forged in mutual respect.
Yaoyorozu smiled softly. "Midoriya-san pulled through—adapting without overrelying on his quirk. Impressive."
Eraserhead hid a faint smirk beneath his scarf. "Not bad, problem child. Not bad at all."
All Might's laugh boomed, heroic form towering. "HAHAHA! OUTSTANDING, YOUNG MIDORIYA! IIDA! URARAKA! ASUI! YOU EMBODIED TRUE HEROISM!"
Bakugo's grip crushed the railing, explosions sparking at his knuckles. "That damn nerd... cleared it? That fucking pebble?!" Rage boiled, veins pulsing—how dare Deku shine when he, the prodigy, watched from the sidelines?
Ciel and the Grand Chase exchanged subtle nods, faint smiles breaking their stoic facades. Midoriya's team had surpassed expectations, turning peril into proof of potential.
Lu snapped her fingers. A blue magic circle bloomed beneath the exhausted quartet, swirling with ethereal light—a bridge between worlds, pulling them upward in a gentle whirl.
They materialized on the deck, disoriented but intact.
Ciel stepped forward, hands in pockets. "Congratulations. You cleared the Pyramid of Seth without a single ejection—a first in simulation history."
Midoriya's eyes widened. "W-We were the first?"
Add chuckled, pulling up a holographic timer. "Kukuku... yeah. Your clear time of the pyramid is 21 minutes, 54 seconds. Kinda solid for rookies. Though the commander clocked in 7:40."
"Seven minutes?!" the students chorused, jaws dropping.
Ciel shrugged. "I mean the old goat managed 13 minutes on his first run. Took him time to grasp the gimmicks."
All Might laughed heartily. "WHAT CIEL-SHOUNEN SAYS IS TRUE! THEIR SIMULATIONS WERE BRUTAL—BUT THEY SHARPENED ME INTO THE SYMBOL I BECAME!"
Ara's gentle voice cut through the awe. "Now then... who's next?"
Her tone was soft, almost inviting—but beneath it lurked steel. The words hung like a challenge: step forward, or admit defeat before starting.
The deck fell silent, eyes darting. Pride warred with fear. Who would volunteer after witnessing that grueling triumph?
----------
Ara's words hung in the air like frost on glass, chilling the observation deck into stunned silence. The question lingered unspoken: who would dare step forward next? The Pyramid of Seth's echoes still reverberated in their minds—its relentless traps, the raw exhaustion etched on Midoriya's team. Bakugo shifted, muscles coiling like a spring, his glare fixed on the field below. He opened his mouth—
"My team and I will go next."
Todoroki's voice sliced through, neutral as fresh snow. He stepped forward without fanfare, heterochromatic eyes steady, his proposed team—Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, and Tokoyami—falling in behind him with varying degrees of resolve.
Bakugo's explosion fizzled into a snarl. "Oi, Half-and-Half—"
Ciel's gaze narrowed, a flicker of something darker crossing his features. Lu noticed immediately, her hand slipping into his with quiet firmness. The warmth steadied him, pulling him back from the edge of old memories—flames that consumed without mercy, egos that burned everything in their path.
Ara regarded Todoroki evenly. "Are you certain? This isn't a decision to make lightly."
Todoroki nodded once, expression unchanging. "We are."
Lithia's grin returned, playful yet edged. "Alrighty then~ Todoroki-chan, spin the roulette! Let fate decide your playground~"
The holographic wheel materialized before him, images blurring in a hypnotic whirl: crumbling ruins, shadowed forests, volcanic chasms. Todoroki's hand reached out, giving it a firm twist. The spin slowed, icons flickering past until it locked on a crystalline temple encased in perpetual ice, auroras dancing above its spires.
The Grand Chase's reactions were immediate—subtle, but telling. Lu's wings twitched; Ara's serene mask cracked with a faint wince; Add's grin faltered into a whistle.
"Oh wow... talk about drawing the short straw," Lu murmured, her voice laced with reluctant sympathy. "Todoroki... your team's headed to the Altar of Balance."
The name evoked no immediate recognition among the students, but the Grand Chase's tension spoke volumes. One of Xenia's six Divine Domains—the continent of gods—the Altar belonged to Juriore, the Goddess of Balance. A frozen hellscape where breath crystallized mid-exhale, platforms shattered under misplaced weight, and stillness invited frostbite's cruel embrace. Slippery inclines demanded flawless coordination; one slip could doom an ally to hypothermia or worse. Without means to thaw or adapt, teams crumbled—not from enemies, but from the environment's indifferent cruelty.
(A/N: You noticed that I used Juriore and not Yamini. That's because back in the early days of Grand Chase here in the Philippines, Juriore is her name here and the place is called the Altar of Balance, not Altar of Judgement. So some of you might get confused. So yeah, I'm a GCPH oldhead. Played since 2010.)
"Like with Midoriya, you got five minutes to strategize," Ciel said, tone indifferent but eyes sharp. "Lithia—provide them the intel."
"Roger~" Lithia summoned the tablet with a flourish, its screen glowing against the deck's sterile lights. "Here you go, Todoroki-chan. Monster profiles, hazards, relics—all yours. Remember: knowledge is your warmest coat in there~"
Todoroki accepted it without a word, retreating to his team. The four huddled, Yaoyorozu's creation quirk already sketching thermal gear prototypes on a conjured notepad, Kaminari fidgeting with static sparks, Tokoyami murmuring to Dark Shadow as it coiled restlessly.
At the deck's edge, Ciel analyzed silently. Todoroki's dual elements—ice for traversal, fire for thawing—were ideal, a natural counter to the Altar's bite. Yaoyorozu's creations could insulate against the cold, fabricating coats or tools on demand. Kaminari's electricity offered paralysis for foes, though overuse risked turning him into a liability. Tokoyami's Dark Shadow provided versatile support—scouting, shielding, striking—but the perpetual twilight might amplify its volatility.
Lu leaned against him, voice soft. "Ciel... do you think Todoroki can pull it off?"
"No." The response was immediate, laced with quiet disdain.
Add arched a brow. "Harsh. Kid's got the tools—fire and ice? Perfect for a frozen deathtrap."
Ciel shook his head, gaze lingering on Todoroki's impassive face. "It's not the abilities I'm concerned, it's his eyes. He's planning something reckless—stubborn, like that man. The Altar demands balance; and ego tips the scales toward ruin."
Ara sighed, her spirit energy a faint, calming hum. "We've seen it before—power without harmony leads to isolation. Let's hope his team bridges the gap."
Lithia chuckled darkly. "Or they freeze trying. Either way, a lesson learned."
The observation deck thrummed with lingering energy, the holographic feed flickering out as Midoriya's team materialized below. Exhaustion painted their faces—sweat-slicked brows, heaving chests—but triumph gleamed in their eyes, a quiet fire that cut through the fatigue. Midoriya and Iida slumped against a wall, their limbs heavy as lead, while Uraraka fussed over them with water bottles, Asui crouching nearby with her trademark calm.
Ara approached softly, her footsteps silent on the deck floor, as if the air itself parted for her. She knelt beside Midoriya, her presence a soothing balm amid the chaos. "You boys are spent, aren't you?"
Midoriya nodded weakly, cradling his left hand where bruised fingers throbbed like distant thunder. "Yeah... I'm so tired, I can't even feel the pain anymore."
Iida shifted against the wall, helmet vents hissing faintly. "I... don't have the strength to stand. My legs are like jelly."
Ara's gaze softened as she examined Midoriya's injury. "Hold still." From a hidden pouch, she drew a paper talisman etched with flowing runes. Placing it gently on his hand, she whispered an incantation under her breath. The talisman glowed orange, warm as a hearth fire, threads of light weaving into his skin like mending threads.
Midoriya's breath hitched as the pain ebbed, colors shifting from purple-black to healthy pink. After a few heartbeats, the glow faded. "Now—try moving them."
He flexed tentatively. No ache. No resistance. "I... I can. Thank you, Ara-san."
She smiled faintly, peeling away the talisman. "Think nothing of it. Pain like that shouldn't linger."
Uraraka tilted her head, curiosity overriding her fatigue. "Ara-san, what kind of hero are you? A healer type?"
Ara shook her head, rising gracefully. "Not precisely. I'm agility-focused, like Rena—swift strikes, evasion. Healing came later, as it is born from necessity."
Asui blinked twice, her frog-like eyes thoughtful. "How so, kero? What pushed you to learn it?"
Ara's expression turned distant, as if peering into a storm-swept memory. "During one of our campaigns, we stumbled into a ravaged district—civilians maimed, quirks too weak or 'villainous' to draw hero aid. Severe wounds everywhere. Some locals had healing quirks that could ease the suffering, but... licenses. Rules. They stood by, helpless, tears freezing on their faces as loved ones faded."
Uraraka's brow furrowed. "But... weren't there heroes nearby?"
Add's voice cut in from behind, hands in pockets, tone laced with bitter amusement. "In the slums? Authority's a joke there. Heroes skip patrols—too gritty, no spotlight. Those people with weak quirks, 'villainous' mutations, they're hiding in shadows, scraping by day to day, while the 'real' world looks away."
The words landed like stones in still water, rippling unease through the nearby students. Vlad King and Eraserhead frowned, gazes dropping—knowing the truth but bound by the system's chains. All Might sighed softly, broad shoulders sagging under unspoken regret.
Ara continued, resolve hardening her gentle features. "Seeing their desperation—their will to survive despite everything—I couldn't stand idle. So I delved into my family's archives, unearthing the ancient art of Spirit Healing. After years of study, trial, failure... but I mastered it. Now, I channel spirits to guide, protect, fight—and mend. As head of the White Fox Sect, no bureaucrat dares stop me."
Uraraka's eyes widened in admiration. "That's... amazing. You're saving lives heroes can't reach."
Asui's deadpan stare held steady, her quirk's amphibian traits lending an unblinking intensity. "But... doesn't that make you a villain? Using powers without a license—breaking the rules?"
The deck froze.
Ciel's aura shifted first—a subtle darkening, like storm clouds gathering. Even with Lithia and Lu at his sides, their hands on his arms in quiet restraint, the air grew thick, oppressive.
"You think villains honor your precious rules?" Ciel's voice was low, edged with frost. "Those monsters we face daily—they slaughter without hesitation, unbound by paperwork or protocols. Standing idle when you could act? That's complicity in death."
Asui blinked, unfazed. "The law exists to prevent chaos. Without it—"
Ciel's eyes flashed, hair tips bleaching white as demonic energy seeped through. "Chaos? Your 'law' is killing the very people it claims to protect! How many die waiting for heroes bogged down in reports, approvals, warrants? How many rot in slums because patrols prioritize fame over forgotten corners?"
His aura flared darker blue, suffocating the space. Students recoiled; Mineta whimpered. "Crime rates below 1% in Japan? You think I'm blind!? Real numbers creep higher while entitled pros chase rankings and pockets swell. 77% death rate from delays—heroes too late, too selective. You call that heroism?!"
Iida stepped forward, voice steady but strained. "But the committee mandates—"
"Bullshit!" Ciel roared, hair whitening further, aura coiling like living shadows. "Committees don't bleed in the dark! While you play by books, innocents perish. What's your excuse?!"
Lu squeezed his hand tighter, Lithia whispering calming words, but the surge built—demonic power threatening to eclipse reason.
Then, a firm hand clamped his shoulder. Black aura surged, suppressing the blue storm like ink quenching flame.
"Ciel," Sieghart's voice rumbled, steady as ancient stone. The commander stood behind him, presence unyielding. "That's enough for today. I forgot—this topic triggers you. Head back to base; Rose needs you and Lu for a project."
Ciel's aura wavered, then receded, hair returning to navy. He exhaled shakily. "Commander.....Alright."
Lu held his hand firm. "I'll go with him."
Sieghart nodded. "Dismissed."
A teleportation circle bloomed beneath them—swirling blue light enveloping the pair. In a flash, they vanished, leaving the deck in stunned silence.
The observation deck lingered in a suffocating hush after Lu and Ciel's teleportation circle faded, leaving only the faint hum of holographic displays and the distant echo of gym fans. Todoroki's gaze remained fixed on the empty space where Ciel had stood, his heterochromatic eyes unreadable—shock, perhaps, or the faint stirrings of recognition in the raw fury of someone who had seen society's cracks up close. The air felt thicker, charged with unspoken questions and the lingering chill of Ciel's aura, as if the room itself held its breath.
Sieghart cleared his throat, the sound casual yet commanding, like a thunderclap muffled by clouds. "Well, that happened. Apologies for Ciel—he carries scars deeper than most. But he's a good soul at heart."
All Might snapped back to the present, his heroic form straightening with surprise. "HIGHLANDER! YOU'RE HERE?"
Seighart grinned, a flash of white teeth against his weathered face, his claymore shifting slightly on his back. "In the flesh, Mighty-boy! Sorry for dropping in unannounced—I felt the tension from across town."
The students blinked in unison, processing the irreverent nickname. Bakugo's eye twitched, but before he could erupt, Iida stepped forward, posture rigid as ever. "W-Who are you? And how did you enter U.A. without clearance?"
All Might raised a massive hand, his voice a steady rumble. "Hold, everyone. Whatever you do, do not provoke this man. This is Sieghart Ercnard—the leader of the Grand Chase. And he's the strongest man alive."
Gasps rippled through the deck. Kaminari's jaw dropped. "Stronger than... you?"
All Might nodded solemnly. "Indeed."
Bakugo's denial boiled over. "Bullshit! How's some scrawny man like him supposed to be the strongest?!"
Sieghart's grin widened, but his eyes darkened—a predator amused by prey. "Scrawny, huh? Care to test that, kid?"
He drew his claymore with fluid grace, the blade humming as if alive. A deep black aura erupted, coiling like smoke from a funeral pyre. Pressure descended—heavy, unrelenting, as though gravity had tripled. Students gasped, knees buckling; Mineta whimpered, collapsing to the floor. Even the teachers strained—Eraserhead's capture weapon twitched involuntarily, Vlad King bracing against a rail.
Bakugo choked, hands clawing at his throat as invisible chains tightened. Sieghart watched impassively, the aura targeting him like a noose.
Then it vanished. Air rushed back; students panted, some on their knees.
"W-What... was that?" Vlad King rasped, wiping sweat from his brow.
All Might exhaled steadily. "That was Highlander's [Mocking Blade]. By merely unsheathing his sword unleashes an oppressive aura—suffocating enemies without a single swing. He controls it at will."
Kamakiri from Class 1-B stared, his bladed arms trembling. "So... he could beat us all just by standing there?"
All Might's tone grew grave. "Precisely. I've sparred with him countless times—and never won even once. Beyond the aura, his strength rivals mine. He's the one figure every top hero treads carefully around."
Yaoyorozu's voice was measured, analytical. "All Might-sensei... isn't that biased? Preferential treatment for one man?"
All Might sighed, shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of history. "Listen closely. Highlander isn't just strong—he's the origin. If there's a title beyond Number One, it's his: the First Hero. For decades, he's stood at the pinnacle, guiding from the shadows. We respect him because he's earned it—through battles that make our villains look like playground scuffles."
Sieghart chuckled, sheathing his blade with a metallic click. "Aw, Mighty-boy, you're making me blush! But yeah, kid—bias? Call it survival instinct."
The students absorbed it in stunned silence—whispers of awe, flickers of doubt. Bakugo seethed quietly, pride bruised but curiosity piqued. Todoroki's gaze lingered on Sieghart, a shadow of something personal crossing his features—flames of legacy, perhaps, mirroring his own burdens.
Sieghart turned to Add and Ara, posture relaxing. "So, what'd I miss before the fireworks?"
Add scrolled through a holographic display. "Midoriya's squad just cleared the Pyramid of Seth—no ejections, 21:54 on the clock. Impressive for greenhorns."
Sieghart whistled low. "Damn—not bad. Who's up next?"
Ara gestured toward Todoroki. "Up next is Todoroki-kun's team. They drew the Altar of Balance."
Sieghart winced, rubbing his chin. "Oof—rough pull. Kid, listen up: stay moving, stay warm. Frostbite creeps fast, platforms shatter without warning. But here's real advice—clear your head. Don't let personal baggage drag your team under. Focus on the goal, or the Altar'll freeze you solid—literally and figuratively."
The words landed variably—some students nodded thoughtfully, taking notes mentally; others shifted uncomfortably. Bakugo scoffed under his breath, but even he absorbed it. Todoroki met Sieghart's gaze briefly, expression unchanging, though a flicker of defiance sparked in his eyes.
Lithia clapped her hands, gemstones orbiting her like excited fireflies. "Alrighty! For the Altar of Balance, your objective: take down the guardian, Shark Aron. Bag him, and you're golden. But if you're feeling bold and tackle the true boss... we won't stop you. Lose to it? It's still a win if Aron's down. Got it?"
The four nodded—Todoroki impassive, Yaoyorozu analytical, Kaminari fidgety, Tokoyami murmuring to Dark Shadow.
"Head to center," Add directed. "Just give me the signal when ready—I'll project the field."
They moved out, the deck watching in tense anticipation.
As they positioned themselves, Sieghart leaned against a rail, voice low to his team. "That Todoroki kid... something's off. Eyes like his scream unresolved fire."
Ara nodded solemnly. "Stubbornness blinds. The Altar demands equilibrium—power without harmony invites collapse."
Add smirked. "Let's see if ego thaws or shatters them."
The four raised a collective hand.
Add's fingers danced over controls. "Altar of Balance—activate."
Light flared. The gym warped—air turning crisp and biting, frost creeping across floors like living veins. Winds howled, auroras twisting overhead in ethereal mockery. Platforms materialized, slick with ice, the chill seeping through even from the deck.
Todoroki's team shivered—save him. "Like he said: don't linger. Move."
Yaoyorozu conjured thick jackets for Kaminari and Tokoyami, insulating fabric materializing in her hands. "Here—thermal weave. It'll hold for now."
Kaminari zipped his up gratefully. "Ah... you're a lifesaver, Yaoyoruzu. Feels like Antarctica already."
"My thanks," Tokoyami said, Dark Shadow coiling tighter against the cold.
Yaoyorozu turned to their leader. "Todoroki-san—what's our strategy?"
Todoroki's breath fogged the air. "You and Kaminari will support—disrupt and paralyze in any way you can. Tokoyami will be the vanguard with Dark Shadow for scouting and strikes. I'll restrain with ice... and provide heat as needed."
A beat of silence.
Kaminari blinked. "Heat? You mean your fire side?"
Todoroki's gaze hardened. "For warmth only. Not combat. I'm confident in my ice."
The team exchanged glances—Yaoyorozu's brow furrowed in concern, Kaminari's optimism faltering, Tokoyami's expression shadowed. Why refuse half his power? But the simulation's chill pressed in, demanding action. They shoved doubts aside, following as Todoroki pushed toward the altar's gate, frost already nipping at their heels.
From the deck, Sieghart sighed. "Kid's got fire in his veins—literally—and he's freezing it out. Stubbornness like that... it'll cost them."
Ara's voice was soft. "Or teach them balance the hard way."
The trial had begun—cooperation tested against the Altar's icy indifference, and one boy's unyielding will.
-----------
The observation deck buzzed with a mix of awe and unease as the holographic feed captured Todoroki's team navigating the Altar of Balance's frozen gauntlet. Winds howled across the illusory landscape, whipping snow into blinding flurries that stung like needles. Platforms glistened under a perpetual aurora, their surfaces treacherous mirrors reflecting the team's strained forms. Ice-breathing beasts—hulking yetis with crystalline fur and maw-like vents exhaling blizzards—lunged from alcoves, while smaller, agile foes hurled razor-sharp shards that whistled through the air like deadly whispers.
Todoroki stood as an unyielding bulwark, his right side summoning glacial walls that shattered incoming projectiles in cascades of frost. "Keep moving," he commanded, voice steady amid the gale. A Freezing Kencru—a diminutive lizard on hind legs, scales shimmering bluish-white—darted low, jaws parting for an icy breath.
Kaminari seized the opening. "Gotcha!" Electricity arced from his fingers, paralyzing the creature mid-exhale, its body locking rigid as sparks danced across its form.
Yaoyorozu followed seamlessly, her quirk manifesting a compact flamethrower from lipids drawn from her arm. Flames roared, melting the Kencru's defenses and slowing nearby threats to a sluggish crawl. "That buys us time—Tokoyami-san!"
Dark Shadow erupted from Tokoyami's cloak, a writhing abyss of claws and tendrils. It surged forward, smashing frozen foes against platforms with brutal efficiency. "Revelry in the dark," Tokoyami murmured, guiding the entity through the storm.
Yet the terrain fought back—slippery slopes tilting at cruel angles, platforms cracking under weight or wind. The team leaped from one to another, breaths fogging the air, the cold gnawing at their resolve like an unseen predator.
Ara leaned against the railing, her serene gaze dissecting every misstep. "They're struggling—subtly, but it's there."
Hagakure's invisible form shivered, her voice quavering. "Eh? Struggling? They look okay to me!"
Ara pointed to the feed. "Todoroki-kun's movements are lagging. See the hesitation in his blocks? The cold's seeping in, even for him."
Students peered closer—Kaibara from Class 1-B nodded. "You're right... he's slowing down."
Add pulled up a data overlay, holographic vitals flickering. "Todoroki Shoto. Quirk: Half-Hot Half-Cold. Fire and ice—perfect for this hellhole. But he's only using flames to warm his team, not fight. Stubborn choice."
Bakugo's scoff was venomous. "Half-and-Half's holding back. Idiot."
Sieghart crossed his arms, expression thoughtful. "Like the bomb kid said. Peppermint is holding back. And it'll bite them—hard."
Midoriya, still catching his breath from his own trial, turned toward Sieghart. Exhaustion weighed on him, but curiosity burned brighter. "Sieghart-san... about Ciel-san earlier. What happened to him? His outburst—it felt... personal."
Sieghart's grin faded, replaced by a somber shadow. He glanced at the feed, as if drawing strength from the ongoing struggle below. "Ah, that. Ciel's story isn't mine to tell fully—but since he's not here, I'll give you the bones. Kid's past is a minefield. Years ago, Heroes... betrayed him and his family when he was young. And that cost his parents their lives."
Gasps rippled through the deck. Uraraka's hand flew to her mouth; Iida stiffened, glasses flashing. Bakugo remained silent, but his scowl deepened. All Might's heroic form seemed to dim slightly, memories stirring.
"Betrayed?" Iida echoed, voice tight. "So why he turned to vigilantism?"
Sieghart nodded, leaning on the rail. "Well, he became a vigilante not for revenge, he is not that petty, but to prove the system wrong. To show what real protection looked like. Then, he found Lu—who suffered as much as Ciel. As a duo, they carved a legend in Europe. Even the European Hero Union couldn't touch them—as they're twenty times more efficient than licensed pros. Some pro heroes tried to take them down, but it wasn't their best choice to do it as they were folded instantly. Feeling overwhelmed, they association called me in to take care of it. When I saw their powers were, I took them under my wing, and became one of Grand Chase's core members."
Midoriya's eyes widened. "And their powers... Lu-san and Ciel-san—they share something, don't they? Like halves of a whole."
Lithia chimed in, gemstones orbiting her like playful satellites. "Spot on, Midoriya-chan. Their abilities are intertwined—one half fueling the other. Their attacks acts like puzzle pieces snapping together. There was a flaw at first: If both of them are at a certain distance weakened them. But close? They're basically unstoppable. Now, they sync even apart—the longer the fight, the deeper the harmony."
Ara smiled faintly. "And they're called the Golden Pair—seamless. My own synergy with Seiker-kun... still needs polishing. But those two? They mesh like fate intended."
The students absorbed it in hushed reverence, glimpses of the Grand Chase's world cracking open like forbidden tomes. Midoriya murmured notes to herself; Kirishima clenched a fist in quiet admiration.
Sieghart's gaze returned to the feed. "Enough history. Looks like Todoroki's crew is hitting the fun part."
The hologram showed the team reaching a vast chasm—hundreds of suspended platforms hovering over an abyss that swallowed light whole. Winds screamed through the gap, frost riming edges like hungry jaws.
Students gulped audibly. Midoriya, Iida, Uraraka, and Asui exchanged relieved glances—grateful their pyramid hadn't demanded such precarious leaps.
"They're climbing that?" Kirishima whispered.
Add nodded with a smirk. "Yup. And pray they don't slip. But luckily for them, in this simulation, they got three tries if they fall. But lose all of them, then you're out."
Relief tempered the fear.
Todoroki acted first, right foot stamping down. Ice bloomed outward—a crystalline pathway bridging the void, sturdy yet glistening treacherously.
Yaoyorozu conjured ice cleats from her arm, distributing them swiftly. "These should grip—non-slip soles with thermal lining."
Kaminari strapped his on, shivering less. "Yaoyorozu, you're a goddess."
Tokoyami nodded gratitude, Dark Shadow coiling protectively. "The abyss hungers—let us not feed it."
They advanced—Todoroki leading, ice extending with each step, the team following in careful file. Winds battered them, but the path held, cleats biting deep.
From the deck, Sieghart sighed. "Smart adaptations. But that kid's fire could melt hazards ahead—why hold back?"
Ara's voice was soft. "Stubbornness veils wisdom. The Altar will teach... or break."
The team pressed on, the gateway looming atop the platforms like a frozen promise.
Todoroki's team crested the final icy ridge, breath fogging in crystalline plumes as they reached the towering gateway at the Altar's summit. The wind had grown sharper, slicing through their makeshift jackets like invisible blades. Even the auroras overhead seemed colder, their swirling colors casting pale, mocking light across the frost-glazed stone.
Kaminari hugged himself tighter, teeth chattering. "Is it just me, or did this place crank the freezer up another notch?"
Tokoyami glanced sideways, his cloak fluttering like a wounded raven. "Dark Shadow, how are you holding up?"
The quirk materialized in a swirl of shadow, shivering dramatically. "I'm freezing my nonexistent butt off, Toko! This cold is personal!"
Tokoyami sighed, patting the entity's head. "Stay close. We'll push through."
Todoroki noticed the tremor in their postures. Without a word, he raised his left hand. Gentle flames bloomed along his palm, radiating warmth that pushed back the biting chill. The air around them softened, frost melting from their boots in soft drips.
"Thank you, Todoroki-san," Yaoyorozu said gratefully, biting into an energy bar she had created moments earlier. The sugar hit helped steady her nerves.
Todoroki kept his gaze fixed on the massive doors ahead, flames flickering steadily. "Beyond this gateway is the guardian's chamber. Once we defeat whoever waits inside, we clear the simulation."
Tokoyami's voice carried a note of caution. "Todoroki... if we beat the guardian, are you planning to face the true boss as well?"
Todoroki's expression remained impassive. "Midoriya's team managed it. We can too."
Kaminari pushed himself up from where he'd been kneeling, still shivering slightly. "You sure, man? We don't even know what's waiting in there. Midoriya fought a sphinx thing—this could be worse."
Todoroki didn't turn. "I'm sure. We've rested long enough."
The doors groaned open with a sound like cracking glaciers, revealing an open-air court ringed by floating platforms. No ice coated the ground here; instead, polished stone gleamed under ethereal light. At the center stood their opponent—a colossal figure at least thirty meters tall, clad in sparse armor plates over a muscular frame. A black helmet obscured its face, while brown woolen pants and red-and-black boots completed the imposing silhouette. In one massive hand, it gripped a spear whose blade was pure, razor-edged ice. Beneath it loomed its mount: a gigantic bear-like beast with dark blue fur, glowing red eyes, and tusks of jagged ice that dripped frozen mist.
Todoroki's team froze in place, the sheer presence of the guardian slamming into them like an avalanche.
"WE'RE FIGHTING THAT?!" Kaminari yelped, voice cracking with fear.
"Todoroki!" Tokoyami snapped, Dark Shadow bristling. "Orders!"
"Todoroki-san!" Yaoyorozu called, already forming defensive constructs in her mind.
The guardian's roar shook the court. "WHO DARES ENTER THE ALTAR OF BALANCE?!" A wave of icy breath exploded outward, slamming the doors shut behind them with finality.
Up on the observation deck, the students stared in stunned silence, the holographic feed capturing every terrifying detail.
Bakugo's jaw tightened as Kirishima leaned over. "Bakugo—if that thing came at you, you'd win, right?"
Bakugo's answer was quieter than anyone expected, almost grudging. "If the temperature's that brutal—where Half-and-Half has to keep warming those extras—my explosions would freeze solid before they even left my palms. I've got no ranged options, no nothing. I couldn't take it."
The deck went dead quiet. Ashido took a cautious step back. "Whoa... that's the first time we've heard you admit you might not win."
Bakugo glared, but there was no real heat in it. "The fuck are you all staring at?!"
Add chuckled from the side, scrolling through vital-sign data. "The walking grenade's right, for once. Explosions don't play nice in sub-zero temps—the moisture in the air freezes the nitroglycerin on contact. You'd need a way to stay warm constantly, like peppermint over there."
Seighart crossed his arms, grinning faintly. "Oya... looks like things are about to get interesting."
On the field, the guardian—Shark Aron—raised its spear, red eyes burning with ancient fury. But just as it prepared to charge, it froze mid-step. Its helmeted head tilted, as if listening to a voice only it could hear.
"Bring them to the inner altar," the voice commanded, calm and resonant. "I will pass judgment myself."
Shark Aron lowered its weapon. "My master wishes to see you. She will decide your fate for trespassing."
With that, the colossal rider turned his boar mount and leaped away through a side passage, leaving the court eerily empty.
Kaminari blinked rapidly. "What... just happened? He ditched us?"
Yaoyorozu lowered her defensive stance, equally stunned. "I... have no idea."
Tokoyami looked to their leader. "Todoroki?"
Todoroki stared at the now-vacant gateway. "He said his master wants us. That means the boss chamber is next."
Before they could process it, a violet holographic screen materialized in front of them. Add's face appeared, smirking. "Well, that just happened. Since the guardian basically handed you a free pass, your run counts as cleared. But if you're feeling brave and want to finish the Altar completely, head inside. Progress will be recorded. Your call."
Todoroki glanced at his teammates. "I'm going. What about you three?"
Kaminari, Yaoyorozu, and Tokoyami exchanged looks—nervous, determined, unified. Kaminari grinned shakily. "We're with you. Let's finish this and get it over with."
Yaoyorozu nodded. "We've come this far."
Tokoyami's Dark Shadow coiled tighter. "The darkness beckons. We answer."
Todoroki turned toward the inner gate. "Very well. Let's go."
They stepped forward as one, the court's chill pressing against them like an unspoken warning.
On the observation deck, the Grand Chase watched in silence. Sieghart exhaled slowly, arms still crossed. "Kid has no idea what he's walking into."
Ara's voice was soft, almost pitying. "The inner altar isn't guarded by a monster anymore. It's watched by something that normal people couldn't comprehend. And her judgment... tends to be rather unforgiving."
The team crossed the threshold. The gate sealed behind them with a final, resonant boom.
What little did Todoroki Shoto know was that he and his team were about to stand before a true deity—one who would weigh their hearts, their balance, and their stubborn pride in the most devastating way possible.
Todoroki's team stepped through the final gateway and into the heart of the Altar of Balance. The chamber stretched upward into an open sky, its ceiling replaced by swirling auroras that cast cold, mocking light across hundreds of floating platforms. Walls gleamed with perpetual ice, and a biting wind whispered through the void like a warning from the goddess herself.
"Get ready," Todoroki said quietly. Frost already coiled around his left side, a defensive shield against the deepening chill.
Kaminari's sparks crackled along his arms, static dancing nervously. "Yeah, no pressure or anything."
Yaoyorozu manifested an RPG launcher from her arm with practiced focus, the weapon humming to life. Tokoyami exhaled, and Dark Shadow swelled beside him, tendrils twitching against the cold. The four of them formed a loose circle, eyes scanning the empty expanse above.
A feminine voice drifted down from the heights, calm yet carrying the weight of centuries. "I commend your courage in reaching this far. But your journey ends here."
The figure descended through the auroras—a colossal blue serpent, scales shimmering like frozen sapphires, golden weighing scales balanced on either flank. Atop its head stood a woman with short, snow-white hair and a blindfold of black and gold silk. On her left hand is a sword, and on her right hand is a scale. Her presence filled the chamber, ancient and absolute.
"I am Juriore," she declared, voice echoing like cracking ice, "the Goddess of Balance. I shall pass judgment upon you."
The serpent's eyes gleamed with otherworldly light.
On the observation deck, jaws dropped in unison. Shiozaki Ibara let out a strangled gasp and collapsed with a thud, eyes rolling back. Kendo rushed to her side, fanning her frantically. "Shiozaki!"
Uraraka's voice trembled. "Ara-san... they're really facing a goddess?"
Ara nodded, her usual serenity laced with quiet gravity. "Indeed. Juriore is the Goddess of Balance. She holds dominion over balance itself—she weighs hearts, measures sins, and enforces equilibrium. Ice is her domain; cold is her judgment."
Iida adjusted his glasses, processing rapidly. "If ice is her element, then—"
Lithia leaned back against the wall with a sigh. "Todoroki-chan's ice won't do a thing. He'll have to use his fire if they want any chance."
Bakugo's scowl deepened, arms crossed tightly. "Tch. That damn Half-and-Half will finally have to stop playing favorites with his left side."
Sieghart tilted his head, watching the feed with mild amusement. "Kid's about to learn that balance isn't optional."
Midoriya, still scribbling notes despite his lingering exhaustion, looked up at the commander. "Sieghart-san... you mentioned the Grand Chase fought things beyond our world. Does that mean... you've faced actual gods?"
Seighart scratched the back of his head, casual yet carrying the weight of old battles. "Yep. Gods, demons, aliens, Henir horrors—you name it. Fighting a deity is like playing chess while they rewrite the rules. We're always at a disadvantage. That's why we train like this."
He paused, then dropped the next revelation with a smirk. "Oh, right. I forgot to mention—every simulation has difficulty settings. From what I'm seeing on peppermint's run... this is easy mode."
The deck went deathly silent.
"D-Did you just say... easy mode?" Monoma stammered, voice cracking in disbelief.
Add spun the holographic display, chuckling. "Yup. The Altar of Balance and the Pyramid of Seth earlier? Both were set to easy. You kids had a rough time on beginner difficulty."
Uraraka's scream was half-horror, half-exasperation. "We almost died in easy mode?!"
Add's laugh echoed. "Kehahahaha! Imagine very hard—500 mummies in the first room alone. You'd have been buried before dinner."
Midoriya, Iida, Uraraka, and Asui exchanged pale glances, the memory of their own trial suddenly feeling far more merciful. Fortunately for them, Add didn't include the "Luto" difficulty or Champion Mode, or else they would've just given up on being heroes.
Eraserhead's voice cut through the stunned quiet, serious as ever. "Highlander. About Todoroki—what exactly is going to happen to him and his team?"
Seighart's smirk softened into something almost sympathetic. "Juriore will judge them. Especially the peppermint kid. She's going to offer him a choice—one that tests his pride, his balance, everything he's been avoiding. Just watch. It's going to get messy."
All eyes turned back to the screen.
Down in the chamber, Juriore's serpent form coiled gracefully, scales glinting like frozen stars. The goddess's blindfolded face remained serene, yet the air grew heavier, as if the very concept of equilibrium was pressing down upon the four students.
Todoroki's flames flickered brighter on his left side, but his expression stayed cold and determined. The real test had only just begun—and the Goddess of Balance was waiting to see if they could truly stand equal before her scales.
The inner sanctum of the Altar of Balance stretched upward into an endless open sky, its floating platforms suspended like fragile glass over a void that seemed to swallow light itself. Icy walls glistened with an unnatural sheen, and the wind carried a faint, crystalline chime—like distant bells tolling judgment. Todoroki's team stood ready, breaths visible in the frozen air, quirks humming at the edge of control.
Juriore descended slowly through the auroras, her colossal blue serpent coiling beneath her with regal grace. Golden scales balanced on either flank gleamed like living metal. The goddess herself was striking—short white hair framing a serene face hidden behind a pure silk blindfold. Her presence pressed down on the chamber, ancient and absolute, as though the very concept of equilibrium had taken form.
"You four have trespassed my domain," she said, her voice cold enough to frost the air itself. "Slaughtered my servants. And now you stand before me expecting mercy?" The words pierced like winter blades. "That is what the old me would have declared—death a thousand times over."
Todoroki's fist tightened at his side. The others tensed, waiting for the strike.
"But I am not the goddess I once was," Juriore continued, her tone softening into something almost weary. "I will grant you a trial. Pass, and you leave unharmed. Fail... and the cold earth will claim you alone. There will be no negotiation. You have no choice."
Yaoyorozu stepped forward first, voice steady despite the knot in her stomach. "Todoroki-san, we have no other option. Fighting her outright would be suicide."
Kaminari and Tokoyami nodded in grim agreement. Todoroki exhaled slowly, the vote three-to-one. "Fine. We accept your terms."
Juriore inclined her head. "Very well. Let the trials begin. The young lady of noble bearing—step forward."
Yaoyorozu took a deep breath and advanced. The goddess regarded her silently for a moment.
"I sense a noble soul within you," Juriore said, her blindfolded gaze somehow seeing everything. "Despite your privileged upbringing, you choose to wield your power for others. That is admirable. Yet I also see the weight you carry—an endless need for perfection no one demanded of you. That mindset will lead only to poor choices and deeper wounds."
Yaoyorozu's breath caught. The words struck true, sharper than any blade.
"But growth is still possible," the goddess added gently. "You have time to mend your path. Therefore, I will not judge you harshly. You may step back."
Yaoyorozu blinked, stunned. "You're... letting me go? Just like that?"
Juriore's lips curved in the faintest smile. "Yes. The next—the young man with the yellow hair. Come forward."
Kaminari swallowed hard and shuffled ahead, sparks flickering nervously around his fingers.
"Your power harms you more than it helps," Juriore observed. "I feel your soul's longing—to be seen, to be valued. And beneath that... a shadow from your past. Family, perhaps?"
Kaminari's eyes widened. How could a simulation know?
Back on the observation deck, the students were frozen in disbelief. Vlad King leaned forward. "Highlander, what exactly is happening here?"
Sieghart shrugged casually, though his eyes stayed sharp. "The goddess is testing them—peeling back their desires, their pride, their reasons for becoming heroes. Yaoyorozu got off lightly; she only needs to fix her mindset. The others? That's harder to predict. Each trial is personal."
All Might's voice was low. "Todoroki-shounen is Endeavor's son. Does that mean his trial will—"
"Exactly, Mighty-boy," Sieghart finished. "Peppermint's is going to be brutal. If he breaks, it's on him."
Classmates exchanged worried glances. Midoriya's notebook trembled in his hands.
Down in the chamber, Juriore sighed softly at Kaminari. "One day you will master your power—you simply need the right guidance. As for that lingering shadow... you will face it eventually. With that said..."
She raised one golden scale. It tilted. Kaminari suddenly jolted as though struck by lightning—his own electricity surging wildly through his body.
"GAHHHHHHHH!!"
Yaoyorozu reached for him instinctively but was repelled by the crackling field. "Kaminari-san!"
Tokoyami's eyes widened. "What is she doing to him?"
The surge faded. Kaminari dropped to his knees, panting. Todoroki's voice cut through the silence, sharp with anger. "What did you do to him?"
Juriore's tone remained perfectly calm. "I punished him because he was looking at me thewrong way. Even though I'm a divine being, I am still a woman."
The entire team stared in stunned silence.
Up on the deck, the reaction was immediate—half the students face-planted in classic anime fashion. Sieghart burst out laughing, head thrown back. Add chuckled beside him while Lithia and Ara shared amused smiles. The rest of the group could only sweatdrop, wondering whether the Grand Chase were simply messing with them.
Sieghart wiped a tear from his eye. "That kid's got guts... or terrible luck. Either way, this is getting good."
The inner sanctum of the Altar of Balance felt heavier now, the floating platforms suspended in a vast, open-roofed void where auroras twisted like watchful eyes. Juriore's serpent form coiled lazily below her, golden scales catching the cold light as she regarded the four students with unseeing yet all-knowing grace.
"The young man who commands darkness," she said, her voice echoing like wind through frozen caverns, "step forward."
Tokoyami advanced without hesitation. Before he could speak, his quirk surged forward on its own—Dark Shadow bursting from his cloak with a startled hiss.
"What the—Dark Shadow! I didn't summon you!" Tokoyami exclaimed.
"I don't know, Toko! Something yanked me out here!" the shadow replied, looking equally confused.
Juriore tilted her blindfolded head. "You wield a power most call evil, yet you bend it toward good. You embrace the darkness... and reject it in the same breath."
Tokoyami's eyes widened. "I... accept it and reject it?"
"Yes," the goddess replied calmly. "You treat your shadow as a separate being. But remember—you are the darkness, and the darkness is you. When you truly accept that unity, nothing will be able to stop you."
The words landed like a quiet revelation. Tokoyami stared at Dark Shadow, seeing it anew—not as a tool or a burden, but as part of himself. A small, genuine smile touched his lips. "I see now. Thank you, mighty goddess. Your words have given me a new perspective."
He bowed deeply. Juriore nodded once. "Your humility and noble heart shine through even in shadow. You balance light and dark well. You may step back."
Tokoyami returned to the group with a quiet sigh of relief, Dark Shadow shrinking back into his cloak with a satisfied murmur.
Juriore's tone grew heavier, the air itself seeming to thicken. "Now... the last one. Come forward."
Todoroki exhaled slowly, stepping ahead. In an instant, ice surged from the goddess's will—encasing Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, and Tokoyami from the waist down in solid, crystalline prisons. They couldn't move.
"Whoa—what the—?!" Kaminari yelped, struggling uselessly.
"I-I can't move!" Yaoyorozu gasped, trying to create something to break free.
Tokoyami's voice was low. "It seems the light at the end of the tunnel was an illusion..."
Todoroki's eyes narrowed, staring directly at the goddess. Flames flickered faintly along his left side, ready.
Up on the observation deck, the students and teachers froze in collective shock. Even All Might's heroic form tensed. The Grand Chase, however, remained composed—Seighart watching with calm interest, as though he had expected exactly this.
"HIGHLANDER!" All Might called out. "What is happening?!"
Seighart didn't look away from the screen. "Peppermint's real trial just started. This one will show whether he's truly a hero... or still carrying chains he refuses to break."
Midoriya gripped his notebook tighter, worry clear on his face. Bakugo stayed unusually quiet, arms crossed, but his scowl betrayed the tension he felt. The rest of the class leaned forward, hearts pounding as they waited to see how Todoroki would respond.
Down in the altar, Juriore's serpent shifted, its golden scales catching the icy light. The goddess's blindfolded face remained serene, yet the weight of her presence pressed down like an invisible hand.
Todoroki stood alone now, ice still forming on his right. The goddess's scales gleamed in the distance, waiting.
The true test had begun—and the Goddess of Balance was ready to weigh his heart against everything he had been running from.
To be continued...