The stadium had not yet calmed.
Even after the final match ended—after Todoroki had been forced out of bounds and Midnight's voice had declared the winner—the air still vibrated with noise. Chants echoed from every direction, layered over one another in a chaotic wave of excitement. The massive screens replayed key moments from the tournament: Bakugo's sudden defeat, Momo's calculated advance, Todoroki's overwhelming control, and finally—Ren standing at the center of it all, breathing hard but unbroken.
Students lined up on the field, gym uniforms worn and damaged in places. Dirt clung to shoes, sleeves were torn, and exhaustion showed clearly on every face.
Ren stood near the front, shoulders loose, medal-less for now. His body ached deeply, but his mind was clear.
He had won.
The realization still felt… unreal.
A tall, familiar silhouette stepped forward.
All Might.
"YOUNG HEROES!" All Might boomed, raising a fist. "YOU HAVE ALL DONE MAGNIFICENTLY!"
Applause surged again.
Ren glanced to his left.
Todoroki stood straight-backed, expression unreadable, but there was no bitterness in his eyes—only thought. On the other side, Bakugo was rigid with fury, hands clenched into fists, jaw tight enough to crack stone.
Farther back, Momo stood with composed dignity, hands folded calmly. She looked disappointed—but proud. Midoriya wasn't present, still confined to the infirmary, but Ren could almost imagine his wide-eyed excitement through the walls.
All Might continued.
"This year's Sports Festival was extraordinary—not merely because of power, but because of growth. Adaptation. Resolve."
His gaze passed slowly over the students.
"And now… it is time to recognize those who stood at the top."
Midnight stepped forward beside him, whip resting casually against her leg, eyes gleaming with theatrical delight.
"Presenting the final rankings of the U.A. Sports Festival!"
The massive screen behind them lit up.
Third Place — Shared
"Third Place—" Midnight said, drawing out the pause, "—is shared by MIDORIYA IZUKU and YAOYOROZU MOMO!"
The crowd erupted.
Loud cheers rose immediately, accompanied by surprised murmurs at the shared placement—but no one argued it.
Midoriya's name drew thunderous applause even in his absence.
Momo stepped forward gracefully, accepting her bronze medal from All Might with a respectful bow.
"Thank you very much," she said softly.
All Might smiled warmly. "Your composure and intelligence were exemplary, Young Yaoyorozu."
Momo flushed faintly but held her head high as she stepped back into line.
Midnight gestured toward the infirmary wing. "Midoriya Izuku will receive his medal shortly due to medical treatment."
All Might turned and pointed anyway.
"YOU FOUGHT BRAVELY, YOUNG MIDORIYA!"
Second Place
Midnight turned back toward the field.
"Second Place—TODOROKI SHOTO!"
A ripple passed through the stadium.
The reaction was less explosive than earlier—but deeper. Respectful. Heavy.
Todoroki stepped forward, silver medal glinting as All Might placed it around his neck. He bowed once, formally.
"All Might," he said.
All Might met his gaze. "You showed us more than strength today."
Todoroki nodded, fingers brushing the medal briefly as he returned to his position.
He didn't look disappointed.
He looked… resolved.
First Place
The stadium fell quiet.
Midnight's smile widened.
"And now—First Place."
The pause felt endless.
"—REN."
The eruption of sound was immediate and overwhelming.
Ren stepped forward as the cheers crashed down on him like a physical force. Camera flashes fired rapidly. Pro heroes leaned forward in their seats. Whispers spread like wildfire.
All Might laughed as Ren stopped in front of him.
"HA! YOU REALLY DID IT!"
He placed the gold medal over Ren's neck, the weight of it solid and real.
Ren bowed slightly. "Thank you."
All Might lowered his voice just enough for only Ren to hear.
"You didn't win by force alone. You won by strategy ."
Ren met his gaze—and for once, didn't look away.
Midnight stepped forward again.
"That concludes the competition portion of the U.A. Sports Festival for first year students !"
She swept her arm toward the stands.
"But remember—this festival isn't just about victory."
Her eyes flicked toward the students.
"It's about being noticed."
Ren felt it then.
Dozens of eyes. Calculating. Interested. Measuring.
Internships would follow. Offers would come. Expectations would rise.
For the first time—
He didn't feel pressured.
All Might raised his fist.
"GO BEYOND!"
The crowd roared back.
"PLUS ULTRA!"
Ren closed his eyes for a moment.
This wasn't a story anymore.
It was reality.
And today—
He stood at the top of it.