Chapter 11
He spends most of his time after that exercise recreating his Ironman armour.
He searches for Invisible girl during his breaks, when he thinks to take them, but honestly, she is invisible and he is having trouble finding her. He will probably ask Iida to help him out there, at some point.
Because he hasn't got much time left. The Sports Festival is always planned at the beginning of the year and he needs a decent armour to impress the teachers enough to allow him his double mayor, or whatever they want to call it here.
He has created his workspace, updated it as much as he can, given the limited time he has to get his first suit up and running. He will need to upgrade it more afterwards. No projection screens just yet, all his contact with Shield-san is done via ordinary phone when it happens during school hours.
He needs all the time he can get to work on his suit. Because while he can remember in detail how the basics of all his suits were made, that doesn't mean he doesn't need to do any testing.
His body is much smaller now, and still growing. That needs to be taken into account. And say what you will, but those suits are heavy. And he is still growing. If he doesn't want this to stunt his growth, he better keep to his calculations.
Also, he needs to get used to flying again. While the basis is impossible to forget, it does take his new body a awhile to get used to the feeling.
Just yesterday, he had hovered for the first time, using his flight stabilizers. He had scorched part of his workspace while working on his balance and relearning how to steer with them.
Now he is working on some last minute adjustments and tightening some last parts as Tadashi warns him.
"Chief, on your five o'clock."
The music in his earpieces turns less loud. He looks up in time to see his sensei reach for him.
"Midoriya, did you not hear the alarm?" even with his hero costume on (And does Izuku have some … thoughts about that design) the man looks and sounds both concerned and exasperated.
Tony blinks at the machine man, and takes out one of his ear pods. "What?"
"Did you not hear the alarm? What are you even doing here during lunch time? Did you eat at all?" Sensei asks incredulously.
"Oh, I did. Hear the alarm, I mean. I haven't eaten yet. I was too busy. And the alarm got annoying so I had to turn the volume of my music up." He shrugs.
The man twitches. "You are supposed to evacuate when the alarms go off. Why didn't you?"
He points to the computer on the desk a bit further. A layout of the school can be seen on the screen.
"I hacked into the system to see what the damage was." He shrugs again. "I couldn't find anything wrong, so I assumed it was a drill."
"Even so, you are supposed to evacuate during a drill as well. Not only during in a real emergency!"
"Huh. I'll keep that in mind for the future. Can I keep working now?" Izuku asks the angry man.
The man sighs in a very Rhodey-like way. "So you haven't eaten yet? Lunchbreak is almost over. You should get going."
Tony shrugs again. "Not hungry. I want to get this done, before class starts again."
"You need to eat." The man grabs him by his collar and gently drags him away from his work.
Tony sighs, but he doesn't struggle. He does protest though, loudly. But it's somewhat nice to know that someone keeps an eye on him, makes sure he eats and all that. His mom does it as well, but it still feels strange. Pepper and Rhodey had tried, but neither had been around enough to really succeed. Both had their own work. He'd loved them both all the more for trying, even after all those years of knowing him.
Of course as soon as Izuku is dragged out of the lab, the school bell rings. He grins widely at his sensei, who has stopped walking. He can see the man twitch in irritation. But the man doesn't move otherwise. He keeps a tight grip on Izuku.
"Euhm, sensei, you can let go now. Class is going to start soon."
The man grunts.
Oh wow, maybe Izuku overdid it a bit? Has he reduced the man to grunting already? That has to be a record, right? As Tony, he often annoyed people to such heights of frustration they hadn't been able to form words anymore, but he hasn't managed that yet as Izuku.
Good to know he hadn't lost his touch.
Mei comes bouncing up the hallway.
"Midori, sensei! Were you waiting for me?" she calls out with a grin.
"Yes, Hatsume, keep yourself busy for a while. I am going to make sure your fellow student gets something to eat. And yes, Midoriya, I'll take lunchtime overworking out of your scheduled lab time! Hatsume, don't make me regret this and please don't set the lab on fire or I'll banish you from said lab for a week!" Sensei tells her with a strange undertone in his voice, before he starts walking again, dragging Izuku behind him.
What??!!
Sensei does end up dragging him to the lunchroom. Once there he explains to Lunch Rush what happened, makes Izuku bow to the cook and sits before him to watch Izuku eat with sharp eyes. Lunch Rush joins them, and having both adult men watch him like that makes him feel uncomfortable.
It is quite embarrassing, and Izuku takes his sensei's lesson to heart. No more skipping lunch. This is the worst. Next time he wants to work through lunch he'll first come get some food and work while eating. That will be easier.
At least mom would approve. Which means he can never tell her about this. She might get … Ideas.
He eats at a moderate pace. Not too fast (because Sensei is sitting next to him, watching him with narrowed eyes), yet not too slow either, because he has stuff that needs to be done.
Making a suit is taking a lot longer than it had in his old life. Which is somewhat logical, given everything.
Tony Stark had had the best of the best. In technology, money, space and time. Tony Stark could spend entire days in his lab, with multiple Ai's helping him out, not really caring if he had to start over and if stuff blows up or not.
Midoriya Izuku has none of that. He has an AI, of course. Tadashi is great, and smart, but he is still very young. He can't tip to Jarvis, who helped him with his very first (or rather, second) suit. His room at home is too small to get much work done. The lab at school is better, but the tech is so far behind what he had before. This world is so far behind, and he has to play catch up.
Not to mention, he is bound by budgetary restrictions. He is not a billionaire.
So, yes, it is all taking a lot longer than it once had.
He doesn't really mind, all in all. True, he gets impatient a lot. That is just who he is. In both lives. Once he has an idea, or makes a decision, he doesn't like sitting around twirling his thumps.
So, he eats as fast as he dares under the watchful eyes of his sensei, and then hurries back to the lab.
The sports festival is about a week away, and he does need to get a suit ready to go. Nano tech is still too complicated, for now. His first suit is too bulky. He can only bring what he can carry, after all, and that suit is not it.
So, he is trying to get the suitcase model ready to go. It is still one of the first models he ever made, but it is light, compact and while not the strongest and most durable he ever made, it should be able to handle the powers of the other students. Mostly.
He ends up working hard on that for the rest of the day.
So hard in fact, that he is surprised when Mei is the one to tug at his arm.
He blinks, once again looking up and feeling a strange sense of deja-vue.
Mei looks worried, just as sensei has been.
"What's wrong?"
"Sensei left. Shut the lab down behind him." She replies.
"He locked us in? Why?"
"There was an alarm. Nedzu-san summoned all the teachers and basically put the school in lock down."
Another alarm? That is twice in one day, and for some reason, he didn't hear it this time. What is even stranger, is that Tadashi never notified him? He will need to address this issue later.
"Why? What happened?" he asks instead.
"Neither sensei nor Nedzu-san said." She shrugs, looking very subdued.
It looks wrong on her.
"Hmm..." He wonders what is going on. For the teachers to take such measures,...
"Tadashi, can you find out what is going on?"
"I can certainly try." His AI chimes in, sounding a bit unsure.
And that is fine. Tadashi is not very old yet. He hasn't tried to really hack into UA's systems since that day he looked for the entrance exams, which feels like years ago now.
He waits patiently, ready to step in and do a manual hack if necessary. But he won't unless Tadashi admits there is a problem. He needs to grow confident in his skills, and he won't manage that if Izuku constantly takes over the moment he shows some uncertainty.
Mei fidgets next to him, and the silence in the workshop is almost like a heavy weight on his shoulders.
"I am not sure what is going on, chief, but one of UA's training ground seems to be completely offline. Which is strange, as class 1A is scheduled for training there right now."
"That sounds... wrong." He mutters in reply to that. "Can you get it back online?"
"Probably, but it might take a while." Tadashi replies honestly.
"I will help, that should speed things up a bit." Izuku mutters, as he grabs his keyboard and moves the computer screen towards him.
It takes them a while, even with the two of them, but then suddenly he is inside the system and the whole building goes back online.
"Hah!" He yells out in victory, only to freeze as the cameras come back online and the visuals fill his screen.
"Tadashi, call the police. And some paramedics." He whispers, as he sees the fighting going on. Adults, criminals, are fighting the students of class 1A, kids his age. All might is there too, and he seems to be struggling. He doesn't immediately spot the other teachers that should be there.
Mei is very silent as she watches over his shoulder.
"Also, unlock the doors. We need to get those kids out of there."
"Yes, chief. I am on it." Tadashi replies, sounding more sure of himself now than before.
It takes a while to get the kids out, mostly because they don't immediately realize the doors are now unlocked. But they manage. And by then, the police and two ambulances are entering UA's grounds, Tadashi guiding them towards the affected buildings.
The teachers arrive at the training ground at around the same time, and the criminals flee. Mostly, All Might's opponent is punched so hard he flies off through the roof.
"Team Rocket's blasting off again." He whispers to himself, being reminded of an anime cartoon he sometimes watched a while back.
"Damn, why would villains attack UA?" Mei whispers behind him, her wide eyes not leaving the screen.
"I have no idea." He admits as he leans back in his chair and rolls his shoulders.
Chapter 12
Izuku spends the next day fine-tuning the last parts of his suit, his fingers moving in quick, practiced motions. The soft whir of the lab equipment and the occasional hum from Tadashi make for a surprisingly calming background. Tadashi's voice chimes in periodically, offering diagnostic updates or responding to Izuku's muttered questions. Despite the primitive tech compared to what he once had, there's something comforting about the process.
"Chief, power output in the left stabilizer is fluctuating slightly," Tadashi informs him, sounding both focused and slightly worried.
Izuku frowns, narrowing his eyes at the offending part. "Yeah, I see it. Tadashi, isolate the problem area and recalibrate the thrust vector. We're aiming for stability here, not a fireworks show."
"Acknowledged, Chief. Recalibrating…" Tadashi's soft, mechanical voice trails off as he runs the necessary adjustments, and Izuku nods approvingly, diving back into his work.
Just as he's beginning to feel a spark of satisfaction—his mind already running through the calculations for potential suit upgrades—a loud knock interrupts him. He sighs, reluctantly looking up from his suit to see Mei bouncing into the lab with her usual energy.
"Midori! Sensei's looking for you again!" she calls out cheerfully, waving a wrench in one hand like a trophy.
"Great. Just what I need," He mutters, disconnecting his tools from the suit with practiced ease. He's halfway out of his chair when he hears a click at the lab door.
Sensei strides in, looking both exasperated and slightly triumphant, as though he's finally caught the elusive creature he's been hunting.
Izuku feels slightly offended at that. He has done nothing to deserve such a look. If anything, as he is always in the lab, he should have been easy to find.
"Midoriya, are you planning on eating anything today, or is the plan to work yourself to exhaustion, again ?" Sensei's tone is hard, but Izuku can pick up the underlying concern there, almost begrudging in its intensity.
"Oh, I meant to grab something later," Izuku replies casually, waving his hand dismissively, but sensei's eyes narrow, his patience clearly waning.
"Chief," Tadashi's voice pipes up quietly in his ear. "Maybe… eating would be advisable. We don't want to repeat the incident from last week."
Izuku's eyes flick to the AI's small icon on his screen. Traitor, he thinks with a slight smirk, but he knows Tadashi has a point.
"Fine, fine." He raises his hands in surrender, and Sensei steps aside, clearly relieved that Izuku isn't going to put up much of a fight this time. They walk together toward the lunchroom, Izuku only half-listening as his teacher lectures him about self-care and the importance of maintaining energy levels.
"Oh, by the way, I was hoping I could get permission to use one of the training grounds — preferably Training Ground Beta — for a flight test," Izuku says, maintaining an innocent expression. "I've been working on some stabilization tech, and I need open space to ensure it functions properly."
Power Loader crosses his arms as they keep walking, looking skeptical. "Flight test, huh? You sure you're ready for that?"
Izuku grins. "More than ready, sensei. I've been doing the prep work, and I've double-checked all the calculations. I just need space — unless, of course, you'd rather I do it in my lab and risk a few scorch marks?"
Power Loader snorts. "Yeah, not a chance. I don't need you blowing up my lab with that project of yours. I've seen some of those parts you're working with."
"So…?" Izuku trails off, hopeful.
Power Loader sighs, giving in. "Alright. Training Ground Beta is yours for an hour after the last class of the day, but you better be careful. I don't want you damaging school property. And you better not skip any safety protocols — one toe out of line, and I'll pull the plug on all your projects."
Izuku's grin widens. "Wouldn't dream of it, sensei. I'll keep it safe, promise."
"Good," Power Loader says, but there's a faint twitch of a smile at the corner of his mouth. "And remember, lunch break means lunch. No more skipping."
Izuku holds up his hands in mock surrender as they finally reach the cafeteria. "Scout's honor, sensei."
The man eyes him warily. "Maybe I should come and watch you, just to keep an eye on things."
"If that is what you wish, sure, sensei. I don't mind." Izuku shrugs.
Sensei hums in acknowledgment, but doesn't say anything else. He steers Izuku directly toward the counter, and Lunch Rush is there, practically beaming at the opportunity to feed him something substantial. The hero holds out a tray of food for him, a wide grin on his face.
Izuku hesitates, eyeing the tray with a hint of discomfort. The old, ingrained aversion to being handed things—the strange instinct left over from his life as Tony Stark—flashes through his mind. He tries to brush it off, but his fingers don't reach for the tray.
Sensing Izuku's reluctance, Lunch Rush raises an eyebrow. Izuku clears his throat and awkwardly gestures to the tray. "Um... Could you just set it down for me?"
Lunch Rush blinks but quickly adapts, setting the tray on the counter with a patient smile. "Of course, Midoriya. Here you go."
Izuku lets out a small sigh of relief, picking up the tray himself. He makes his way to the nearest empty table and sits down, eyeing the food with a bit more interest. He glances at Powerloader, who's still following him and is watching him closely, arms crossed, looking every bit as if he intends to stand guard until Izuku has eaten every last bite.
"Come on, Chief," Tadashi chimes in, trying to encourage him. "It's just a few minutes. And I can monitor the lab systems while you're away."
"Fine. But only because you asked so nicely," Izuku mutters, shooting a wry smile at the small icon that represents Tadashi. He digs into the food, the flavor actually surprising him. UA's cafeteria might lack the extravagant meals he once had access to, but there's a homey quality to the cooking that feels… comforting, in an odd way.
As he eats, he absentmindedly chats with Tadashi, running through potential adjustments for the suit. His AI dutifully records his ideas, occasionally offering a suggestion or counterpoint. Even though it's nothing like the fully autonomous assistance he once had, there's a budding intelligence in Tadashi's responses that fills him with pride.
Once he's done, he stands, tray in hand, looking toward Sensei with a satisfied (and slightly smug) expression. "Happy?"
Sensei rolls his eyes but nods, clearly relieved. "Now get back to work, Midoriya. And don't make me drag you out of the lab again."
Izuku grins, giving a mock salute before heading back. As he walks, he murmurs under his breath to Tadashi, "Alright, let's get back to it. Prep the systems, and get ready to run another diagnostics on the stabilizers. I've got a feeling we're close to cracking this, and we do have our test flight later today, so we better be done by then."
"Already working on it, Chief," Tadashi replies smoothly, a hint of warmth in his tone. For an AI still in its infancy, Tadashi is learning fast, adapting to his quirks and demands with surprising efficiency. Izuku can't help the rush of satisfaction at seeing his creation's growth.
Once he's back in the lab, he's immediately immersed in his work again, recalibrating parts, running simulations, and testing each component. Hours pass, the world outside fading as his focus narrows. The Sports Festival is just around the corner, and if he's going to make a splash—show them exactly what he's capable of—then this suit has to be flawless.
"Stabilizers are functioning at optimal capacity," Tadashi reports after their latest test, sounding as pleased as an AI could manage.
"Good. And let's get one last power reading on the repulsors." Izuku's fingers fly over the controls, his mind a whirlwind of calculations, diagrams, and upgrades. The suit is still far from what he had in his previous life, but it is just as good as the last suitcase model he had made.
"Looking good, Chief," Tadashi says, giving voice to Izuku's thoughts as he sees the statistics.
Izuku's grin widens, the excitement bubbling up as he finally takes a step back from the lab bench, his gaze fixed on the neatly folded suit nestled within its suitcase form. Every test, every recalibration, every painstaking adjustment has led to this moment. The thrill of anticipation thrums through his veins as he snaps the suitcase closed, feeling the satisfying weight of his creation in his grip.
"Shall we go test this baby out?" he asks his AI, the eagerness in his voice a stark contrast to the quiet of the lab.
Izuku checks the time—it's late in the afternoon, the golden light of the setting sun spilling through the high windows of the lab. Perfect timing, he thinks. He'll have just enough daylight to run his test before dusk. Taking one last deep breath, he lifts the suitcase and sets out to make his way outside.
"Midoriya! You weren't planning on running this test alone, were you?" Sensei calls out from further down the corridor, just as Izuku leaves the lab.
Izuku scratches the back of his head, chuckling. "Well, I wasn't sure you'd show up, sensei, so…"
Power Loader shakes his head, but a glint of pride shines in his eyes as he looks at the suit. "Kid, you've got a real piece of work here. No way am I missing this. Let's make sure it actually stays in one piece—and you with it."
Izuku grins, before focusing on the suitcase in his hands.
With a practiced motion, he presses a button on the side of the suitcase. It responds instantly, the sleek matte-black surface folding open in smooth, fluid movements. The panels retract, revealing the inner components, gleaming with a faint metallic sheen. Every piece is meticulously organized, waiting for activation.
The suit begins to deploy from the top down, starting with his hands. A set of gauntlet pieces rises from the open suitcase, magnetic connectors aligning as they hover near his palms. He extends his hands toward them, and the gauntlets snap into place around his wrists and fingers with a satisfying click. A faint hum vibrates through the material, responding to his movements as he flexes his fingers.
As soon as the gauntlets lock, the chest piece emerges from the suitcase, hovering toward him. It splits seamlessly in the middle, each half aligning to his sides before closing around his torso with a quiet hiss. The suit syncs automatically, and he feels the subtle pressure as it wraps snugly around his chest and shoulders.
Izuku barely has a moment to appreciate the sensation before the rest of the suit begins to assemble itself, each segment rising from the case in precise sequence. The arm and leg pieces slide out, moving with a fluid grace as they attach themselves to his limbs, one after the other. The pieces click together seamlessly, aligning perfectly along his arms and legs as if they were made just for him—which, of course, they were.
With every new connection, the suit's internal systems hum to life, calibrating and adjusting to his body. He feels the power of the exoskeleton coursing through him, each joint moving with uncanny responsiveness, amplifying his strength and speed without a hint of resistance.
Finally, the helmet lifts from the case, pausing in midair for a split second before it lowers itself around his head, the visor closing over his face with a soft whoosh. The HUD (heads-up display) flickers to life, faintly illuminating the inside of the visor with readouts of battery life, altitude, stabilization metrics, and other critical information. The helmet interfaces with the suit, linking directly to his earpiece so that Tadashi's voice comes through, clear as day.
"Helmet secured," Tadashi announces through the comms, a hint of excitement in his tone. "All systems are now online. You're looking sharp, Chief."
Izuku smiles under the helmet, reaching up to tap the side, initiating a quick test of the voice controls. "Tadashi, initiate a full diagnostics."
"Running diagnostics now," Tadashi replies, as a series of green lights flicker along his HUD, indicating each subsystem activating in sequence. Izuku watches as each one confirms it's readiness, from the thrusters in the legs to the stabilizers embedded in his boots and gloves. The data streams by, every piece of the suit checking out perfectly.
Finally, Izuku stands up, feeling the weight of the suit settle comfortably around him, but not heavy. Every piece was carefully designed to distribute weight evenly, keeping the balance as close to natural as possible. He tests his movements, shifting his weight from side to side, feeling the suit respond instantly. The joints in the suit allow him to stretch, crouch, and twist with barely any restriction—each motion as fluid as if he weren't wearing armor at all.
Satisfied, he rolls his shoulders, feeling the gentle hum of the repulsors embedded in the back and soles. The repulsors were a particularly tricky part, built to lift him smoothly off the ground without any sudden jerks or imbalances. The stabilizers kick in as he moves, making micro-adjustments to maintain his equilibrium. Izuku can't help but smile; the suit feels like a second skin, an armor he can trust, a blend of tech and design that holds the essence of his vision.
Izuku takes one last look at Power Loader, who watches him with a broad grin, obviously impressed by the elegance of the suit's design. Clearly, the man realizes this isn't just an armor suit—this is a statement, a culmination of hard work, ingenuity, and resilience. The man claps his hands together, practically bouncing with anticipation.
"Alright, Midoriya!" Power Loader shouts, unable to hide his excitement. "You're suited up. Now, let's see this thing fly!"
Izuku takes a steadying breath, letting the exhilaration build. He lowers into a crouch, feeling the suit's repulsors start to hum, thrumming through his body as they build up power. He glances down one last time, watching as his HUD confirms that all systems are green. He's ready.
With a final nod, Izuku murmurs, "Tadashi, initiate the thrusters."
The repulsors blaze to life, a low, controlled thrumming as they come online.
"All systems green," Tadashi chimes in his ear, breaking his focus. "Chief, stabilization and propulsion are ready for activation. Power levels are at eighty percent capacity."
"Eighty percent?" Izuku quirks an eyebrow, smirking. "We can do better than that, Tadashi. Boost it up to ninety-five. I want to make sure we're pushing this as close to the limit as we can."
"Understood," Tadashi replies, the suit's internal systems humming louder as the power shifts, the thrusters heating up and settling into a steady rhythm.
Izuku rolls his shoulders, feeling the suit adjust and calibrate with each movement. He flexes his fingers, the repulsors in his palms humming in response. Everything feels right. Everything feels like it's ready.
He takes a deep breath, steadying his excitement. "Alright. Tadashi, initiate first stage thrusters."
The AI responds instantly, the thrusters in his boots kicking on with a burst of energy, lifting him slowly off the ground. Izuku wobbles slightly, the balance tricky at first, but he adjusts his stance, tightening his core, and quickly finds his equilibrium. He does this immediately, and almost automatically. As if it was just yesterday he stepped into his last suit, instead of a lifetime ago.
THis feels right.
Izuku grins, glee bubbling up inside of him and with a laugh he is off. The ground grows smaller beneath him as he finally flies once more. The wind rushes past as he rises steadily into the sky, feeling weightless and powerful in equal measure.
He can't help but laugh, brightly and a bit maniacal as well, as he finally regains his ability to fly. it is just as awesome as it was the first time around.
Power Loader's laughter echoes through the training grounds, mirroring Izuk's laugh as he soars high above school grounds, and the test flight truly begins.
"Stabilization is holding at ninety-seven percent," Tadashi notes. "Adjusting thruster output for vertical lift."
Izuku grins. "Perfect. Let's take it higher."
He increases the thrust, rising higher into the open air. The cool wind rushes past his face, and he has to resist the urge to punch through the sky at full speed. He needs to take it slow, one step at a time, even if his instincts are screaming at him to let loose. Testing the limits now could mean catastrophic failure — and he's not about to crash and burn a few days before the Sports Festival.
"Bring up the HUD," he orders, his vision instantly filling with a digital display as Tadashi overlays the readouts in front of him. Altitude, velocity, stabilization — it's all there, flickering in real time as he hovers. He raises his hand and adjusts his course slightly, feeling the suit respond to his movements like a second skin.
"So far, so good," he mutters, more to himself than to Tadashi.
"Shall we attempt horizontal flight, Chief?" Tadashi prompts.
Izuku hesitates, glancing at the empty field stretching out in front of him. This is it — the real test of the suit's flight capability. He's confident in the thrusters, but horizontal movement requires a whole different level of stability and control. He takes a steadying breath, adjusting his grip on the suit's internal controls.
"Yeah," he says, voice steady. "Let's go for it."
Slowly, he leans forward, shifting his weight and engaging the forward thrusters. The suit responds smoothly, propelling him forward at a cautious pace, just a few meters per second. It's not fast, but it's steady — and that's what matters right now. He feels the balance in the suit holding, the stabilization systems compensating for every slight movement, keeping him on course.
As he gains confidence, he starts to pick up the pace, pushing the suit's limits bit by bit. His surroundings blur slightly as he speeds up, and a grin spreads across his face, unable to hold back his excitement. He feels alive, like he's truly flying , not bound by gravity or limitations.
"Velocity is increasing to ten meters per second," Tadashi informs him. "Stabilization holding at ninety-five percent."
Izuku laughs, the sound echoing through the open training ground. "Not bad, Tadashi! Not bad at all!"
For the next few minutes, he tests the suit's maneuverability, weaving back and forth, testing different angles and turns. It's clunky at times, a few close calls as he narrowly avoids overshooting a turn or losing altitude. But the suit holds, the systems responding as they should, and he feels the potential radiating from every movement.
Finally, after a series of careful loops and dives, he brings himself back to a hover in the center of the training ground, breathing heavily, exhilaration flooding through him.
"Alright," he pants, grinning. "Time to wrap this up with one last test. Tadashi, engage maximum speed thrusters. Let's see what this baby can really do."
"Are you certain, Chief?" Tadashi's voice is cautious. "This test flight is unmonitored, and exceeding the recommended speed may result in system instability."
Izuku smirks. "Oh, come on, Tadashi. Where's the fun in playing it safe? Just keep an eye on the stabilization — if anything dips below ninety percent, we cut the test."
"Understood," Tadashi replies, though there's a hint of reluctant approval in his tone.
Izuku braces himself, feeling the energy surge through the suit as Tadashi activates the full thruster capacity. There's a momentary jolt, and then he's rocketing forward, the training ground blurring around him as he accelerates. Wind rushes past his face, and he feels the sheer power of the suit thrumming through every fiber of his being.
He laughs, the sound carried away by the speed, his heart pounding in time with the thrusters. This is it — this is the feeling he's been chasing. Freedom.
"Velocity at thirty meters per second," Tadashi chimes in. "Stabilization at ninety-three percent."
"Keep going," Izuku says, his voice a mix of excitement and focus.
He pushes harder, reaching the training ground's edge, and executes a sharp turn, feeling the suit's stabilization systems working overtime to keep him balanced. It's exhilarating, the thrill of testing the limits, but he knows he can't push it too far. Not yet.
"Stabilization dropping to eighty-eight percent," Tadashi warns, a note of urgency in his tone. "Recommend reducing speed to avoid destabilization."
"Got it," Izuku replies, easing back on the thrusters. He slows down, descending gradually until his feet touch the ground. He powers down the suit's systems, the hum fading to silence as he stands there, breathing heavily, adrenaline still buzzing through him.
He removes his helmet, letting the cool air hit his face, and grins up at the sky. This suit might just be ready.
"Good job, Tadashi," he says, patting the side of his helmet. "That was one hell of a first flight."
"Thank you, Chief. I am glad the test was successful. Shall we proceed with any further adjustments before the Sports Festival?"
Izuku nods, his mind already racing with ideas. "Yeah, a few tweaks here and there. But this is going to work, Tadashi. We're ready."
With the successful test flight under his belt, he heads back to the lab, already visualizing the changes he'll make before the festival. There's no doubt in his mind — this suit, this power, it's going to blow everyone away. The Sports Festival is only days away, and Tony Stark, reborn as Izuku Midoriya, is going to make sure his debut is unforgettable.
Chapter 13
Izuku wakes up early on the morning of the Sports Festival, his heart already racing with anticipation and a hint of nerves. The first light of dawn is filtering through his window as he meticulously goes over his preparations one last time. His gaze lingers on the sleek metal suitcase sitting on his desk; the one he spent countless hours refining. He may not have access to Tony Stark's nanotech yet, but this suit—built to be as compact and efficient as possible—represents his own ingenuity and hard work.
As his hand hovers over the case, running along the cold metal, he can almost picture the nanotech suit that he's been designing in his sketches and notes. It's a long way from being realized, but the idea fuels him with hope. One day, he'll make that vision a reality.
"Ready for the big day, Chief?" Tadashi's voice chimes in his earpiece, a touch of warmth in his tone.
Izuku smiles to himself, adjusting the case in his grip. "Ready as I'll ever be, Tadashi. Today's the day we finally test this baby in the field. I've run simulations and we did a test flight the other day, but… it's different when you're really out there."
"Indeed. Just remember," Tadashi says smoothly, "this suit is already a technological marvel, even if it isn't nanotech—yet. It's light-years ahead of anything most could dream of, all thanks to you. But keep your head in the game, alright? Precision and caution."
Izuku feels a warmth in his chest at Tadashi's words, appreciating the confidence his AI has in him. He is proud of this suit—the countless hours of work he poured into it, the late nights hunched over blueprints, the delicate calibration of every component. It's a marvel of engineering in its own right, something that most people could only dream of building. But despite the pride, there's a lingering sense of frustration that tugs at the back of his mind.
The suitcase suit is amazing, but it feels like a step back—a reminder of where he had once been as Tony Stark. The technology feels bulky and dated compared to the nanotech he used to wield so effortlessly, technology that could deploy at a thought, reshaping itself with a fluidity he can't replicate in this life yet. Sometimes, he feels like he's barely making progress, always one step behind the potential he knows is just out of reach.
In moments like this, he can feel the weight of his past life's memories. As Tony Stark, he had reached the pinnacle of scientific achievement, wielding technology that felt like an extension of himself. Now, he's clawing his way back up to that peak, piece by piece. One day, he reminds himself, one day he'll make it there again.
But today, he'll have to make do.
"Thanks, Tadashi," Izuku replies, feeling a swell of gratitude. "I won't let us down."
A knock at his door startles him, and he turns to see his mom standing there with a soft smile. She steps forward, her hands clasped together as if she's holding back an overflow of emotions.
"Izuku," she begins, her voice thick with pride, "I just… I wanted to tell you how incredibly proud I am. You've worked so hard. No matter what happens today, just remember that. You're amazing, my hero."
The words hit Izuku harder than he expected, and for a moment, he feels his throat tighten. His past self had rarely experienced this kind of unconditional support; Tony's life had been complicated, relationships often tangled and strained. But here and now, his mother's pride is a reminder of how lucky he is in this life.
He swallows hard, nodding as he fights to keep his emotions in check. "Thanks, Mom," he manages, his voice soft and shaky. "I… I'll do my best."
She gives him a final, encouraging squeeze on the shoulder. "You're going to do great things, Izuku. I know it."
Once she leaves, Izuku takes a deep breath, gathering himself as he heads out the door. Tadashi, sensing his contemplative mood, speaks up quietly in his earpiece. "You alright, Izuku?"
Izuku nods to himself, feeling the steadiness return. "Yeah, Tadashi. Let's do this."
By the time Izuku reaches U.A., the atmosphere is electric. The air crackles with excitement as students and teachers bustle about, each preparing for the highly anticipated Sports Festival. The stadium looms large in front of him, and though the crowd is still building, there's a palpable energy buzzing from every direction. Inside the Support Course's preparation area, however, it's quiet, almost unnervingly still—a calm before the storm. Izuku places his heavy suitcase on the floor with a soft thud, the weight of it grounding him in the moment. He takes a breath, focusing his mind on the task ahead.
Changing into his gym uniform, Izuku smooths out the fabric, the familiar motions comforting in their simplicity. He runs over his plans again, mentally rehearsing every step. The suit—though not perfect—was built for this, and he's put every ounce of effort into making it a reality. This is his chance to show everyone that he belongs here. That he's more than just a quirkless kid from the Support Course.
When he steps into the main arena, the roar of the crowd hits him like a wave, overwhelming and deafening. The sound shakes the ground beneath him, but instead of intimidating him, it fuels him. This is the moment he's been waiting for. He can feel the weight of the eyes on him—students, teachers, even the spectators in the stands. But that only strengthens his resolve. Today, he proves his worth. Today, he shows that a quirkless student can fight among the best.
He breathes in deeply, refocusing. The memory of Vanco and all those dangerous, chaotic moments in Monaco flashes in his mind, but this time, there's no immediate danger pressing down on him. This is different. He doesn't have to fight for his life today. But still, the stakes are high. He can't afford to fail, not after everything he's sacrificed to get here. Not when so many people—teachers, classmates—believe he doesn't have what it takes.
Izuku moves through the empty preparation room, his eyes briefly scanning the quiet surroundings. The silence feels almost out of place, so starkly different from the noise of the crowd just outside. It reminds him of how separate the Support Course feels from the rest of the students. It's just him and Mei Hatsume, two students with different paths, but both just as driven. He sets the suitcase down carefully, adjusting the straps of his gym uniform. His fingers brush over the familiar seams, checking for comfort and fit. He can't afford to be distracted by something as small as an ill-fitting uniform when the challenge ahead is monumental.
The stillness presses in, making the seconds feel heavier as they tick by. Izuku sits on one of the benches, taking a moment to settle his thoughts. His mind runs through the countless checks he's already made—mental simulations of the suit's systems running in the background of his thoughts. His heart beats a little faster as he anticipates the race ahead. The countdown to the event has already begun in his mind. Every detail is crucial, and every possible outcome is playing out in his head, each one more intense than the last.
Finally, a signal crackles through the intercom, a clear, concise announcement that it's time for all competing students to make their way out. Izuku stands up. He rolls his shoulders, trying to shake off the last remnants of tension, and grabs the suitcase. His hands tighten around the handle, steadying himself before he walks toward the exit. He takes a deep breath to calm the fluttering in his chest. The time to prove himself has come.
The instant he opens the door, the deafening roar of the crowd crashes over him like a tidal wave. Thousands of voices cheer and chant, filling the air with an energy so intense it's almost overwhelming. Izuku stands for a moment, taking it all in—the scale, the magnitude of the event, and the knowledge that he's about to step into the spotlight.
A flicker of doubt stirs in his stomach. What if this goes wrong? He shakes his head. He's prepared, he's calculated every variable he can, and besides—this is his chance to prove that "quirkless" doesn't mean "helpless."
As Izuku steps into the main arena, the vastness of the space and the noise of the crowd make his pulse quicken. Competitors from all courses are gathered at the starting line, each one wearing an expression that ranges from steely determination to barely-contained excitement. The Hero Course students, in particular, exude an intense focus, the weight of their ambition clear in their stances and expressions. Izuku finds himself both awed and a little anxious at the sight.
His gaze flickers over the crowd, catching sight of one familiar face—Tenya Iida. Standing tall and composed, Iida looks as serious as ever, adjusting his glasses with that sharp, precise motion Izuku has come to recognize. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, Iida's usual stern expression softens into a brief, encouraging smile.
"Midoriya," Iida calls out, walking over to him with his usual brisk stride. "I see you're ready for the festival. Best of luck out there."
Izuku returns the smile, feeling a surge of confidence at the unexpected support. "Thanks, Iida. Good luck to you too!"
They exchange a nod, a silent acknowledgement of the challenge ahead. Iida claps him on the shoulder before moving to join the rest of his classmates, leaving Izuku feeling a little more grounded amidst the chaos of the arena.
Izuku takes his place near the back of the starting line, close to Mei. She's barely paying attention to the crowd, her gaze darting between her own gadgets and muttering calculations under her breath. She glances at Izuku with an excited grin, clearly just as thrilled to test her creations.
"Hey, Midori," she says, her eyes gleaming with that familiar enthusiasm for innovation. "You think they're ready to see what we can do?"
Izuku shakes his head, the edges of his lips curling up in a small, confident smile. "I think they're going to be surprised."
Before he can say anything else, the booming voice of Present Mic crackles through the stadium speakers, capturing everyone's attention. The crowd's cheers rise to a fever pitch as he welcomes everyone to the event. "Welcome, everyone, to U.A.'s Annual Sports Festival! I hope you're all as pumped as I am because today, we're going to see who has what it takes to stand at the top!"
The excitement is palpable, buzzing through the crowd like an electric current. Midnight steps forward, her sultry voice cutting through the noise as she explains the rules for the upcoming events. "Listen up, contestants! The Sports Festival is divided into three rounds, each one more challenging than the last. The first round will test your endurance and resourcefulness. You'll be running an obstacle course through a gauntlet of challenges designed to push you to your limits. There are no disqualifications for falling behind, but you'll have to be quick if you want a chance at victory!"
Midnight's explanation leaves a ripple of tension across the field as the students exchange glances.
The hero then gestures to the crowd of students. "And now, let's hear a few words from the top scorer in the Entrance Exam—Katsuki Bakugo!"
A murmur ripples through the crowd as Bakugo steps forward, a ferocious grin splitting his face. He strides up to the front, his eyes blazing with fierce determination as he looks around at his competitors. Without missing a beat, he raises his voice, each word dripping with his usual brand of intensity.
"Listen up, extras!" he growls, his tone sharp and filled with unshakable confidence. "I don't care who you are, or how hard you think you can try. I'm here to win. I'm taking first place, and none of you are gonna stand in my way."
He glares at the crowd, his gaze sweeping over his classmates like a challenge, daring anyone to prove him wrong. "So stay outta my way," he sneers, "and watch how it's done!"
A mixture of reactions ripple through the field—some students scowl in irritation, others tense with newfound determination. Bakugo just stands there, looking entirely unfazed, as if he's already envisioning himself at the top. His words hang in the air, setting the stage for what promises to be a fierce competition.
Izuku watches him, exasperation flickering across his face. Typical Bakugo. He rolls his eyes. He's heard this kind of declaration before, back when they were kids. Bakugo's words carry the same unshakeable confidence and a hint of disdain for anyone he views as weaker than himself. There's no point in arguing—Bakugo's ego is as immovable as a mountain.
With Bakugo's declaration still ringing in his ears, Izuku tightens his grip on the suitcase, taking a steadying breath as he prepares for what's to come. The countdown echoes across the stadium, the seconds ticking down as his focus narrows on the case in his hands.
"Three… two… one—GO!"
As the starting signal blares, the stadium erupts into chaos. Students surge forward in a scramble of limbs and quirks, but Izuku stays back, calm and focused. With a swift motion, he sets the suitcase down and activates it. The sleek black case whirrs to life, unfolding and snapping into place piece by piece as his suit envelops him, starting at his hands, then quickly connecting to his chest and spreading over his body. Gasps ripple through the crowd as they watch the smooth transformation—armor snapping into place around him, sleek and almost seamless.
A few spectators in the stands stare in awe, murmuring to one another as Izuku's suit finishes deploying. A flash of green energy bursts from his thrusters, and with a powerful kick, he launches himself into the air.
In an instant, Izuku is above the fray, his suit carrying him high over the heads of his classmates, who are stuck trying to squeeze through a small tunnel doorway.
He accelerates, gliding smoothly as he surveys the course below. Todoroki is already freezing the ground beneath him, trapping dozens of students in a sheet of ice as they slip and struggle to keep their footing. Meanwhile, Bakugo is blasting forward with explosive speed, his fierce determination and reckless propulsion launching him near the front of the pack.
But Izuku has his own advantage. As he adjusts the thrusters, his suit propels him forward, each burst of energy propelling him faster as he gains on the others. With the crowd's eyes glued to him, Izuku surges ahead, effortlessly soaring over the initial obstacle that others struggle to overcome. He can feel the thrill of the moment, the excitement building as he quickly closes the distance to the leaders, ready to make his mark on the Sports Festival.
Chapter 14
The stadium roars with excitement, and as Izuku's suit powers on with a flash of green energy, he takes a moment to let the thrill of the moment settle. With a final, determined glance at the surging crowd, he blasts forward, soaring over the fray below. He watches as students jostle and push, each vying for a spot through the bottlenecked tunnel entrance, but he has no need to join the scramble.
From the commentator's box, Present Mic's voice booms over the arena speakers, his excitement palpable. "And there it is! Midoriya from the Support Course just launched himself into the air! What a move! Talk about making an entrance, am I right, Eraser?!"
Aizawa lets out a barely interested grunt. "That's… unconventional, for sure. He's technically allowed to use whatever he's built, but I doubt the teachers or his classmates expected him to pull off something like this. He's aiming to win—not just participate. It's a bold statement."
Izuku can practically feel Aizawa's calculating gaze even from this distance, but he pushes it to the back of his mind as he adjusts his thrusters, rocketing forward with renewed focus.
His attention shifts to the ground below, where Todoroki is freezing the tunnel floor, creating a slick sheet of ice that sends students slipping and sliding. Bakugo blasts past them, his palms sending him rocketing forward with violent bursts, his face twisted into a fierce scowl of determination.
"Look at that teamwork—or rather, the lack of it!" Present Mic shouts, half-amused. "The Hero Course students are pulling out all the stops to make it past this tunnel. But Midoriya… he's way ahead already! Is this Support Course kid trying to show up our future heroes?!"
"It seems he didn't come here to make friends." Aizawa replies through the microphone.
Izuku's lips quirk into a small smirk as he listens to the commentary.
He's aware of how he must look to the crowd—a Support Course student, quirkless, daring to outmaneuver the best of U.A.'s Hero Course students. His suit thrums with power beneath him, and he can feel the weight of every curious, skeptical, or outright shocked gaze on him as he speeds forward.
Soon, he reaches the Zero-Pointer obstacle zone, where towering robots stand guard, mechanical behemoths programmed to block and challenge the students. Izuku knows he could simply bypass them, but something compels him to give the crowd a bit of a show. After all, he wants them to see what he can really do.
From above, he selects the closest Zero-Pointer and lowers himself into its line of sight. The robot's sensors activate, and it turns with a heavy, grinding motion, its massive metallic hand swinging toward him. Izuku lets the giant hand come close—closer than he would have ever dared without the suit—before he pulls up just out of reach, twisting nimbly out of its grasp. The crowd gasps as he effortlessly evades the attack, weaving around the mechanical arm with the precision of a practiced aviator.
"Midoriya's putting on quite the show!" Present Mic crows. "Look at him go! That's some advanced maneuvering—almost like he's done this a hundred times before! But as far as we know, this kid's quirkless, right, Eraser?!"
Izuku hears Aizawa's voice crackle through the stadium speakers, low and thoughtful.
"Quirkless, yes. But that suit… it's not your average support gear. His control, his reaction time—they're refined, almost like he's been training with it for years." There's a pause, then Aizawa speaks again—sharper this time, more focused. "This isn't some ordinary support project."
The thrill of the challenge sharpens Izuku's focus as he blasts out of the tunnel ahead of the pack, the wind screaming past his helmet. For a moment, it's just him and the open field—until a flash of white catches his eye below.
Todoroki.
A trail of ice fans out across the rubble beneath, smooth and fast, carrying him effortlessly through the wreckage. Even from above, Izuku can tell he's gaining ground, calm and composed as ever. Not far behind, an explosion rips through the air—Bakugo rockets out of the tunnel with a wild snarl, smoke curling behind him as he charges ahead like he's got something to prove.
Of course they'd be right behind him.
Izuku adjusts his flight path, pushing the suit harder. No time to get complacent.
Leaving the robots (and the other students) behind, he speeds toward the next challenge: The Fall.
The sheer drop stretches across the course, wide and intimidating, forcing the ground-bound students to grapple with how to get across. Some use ropes or quirks to bridge the gap, others hesitate at the edge, calculating if they even have the strength to attempt the leap.
For Izuku, though, it's merely another patch of open air.
"Midoriya doesn't even have to think twice about this one!" Present Mic announces, practically bouncing in his seat. "He's clearing the abyss like it's a casual stroll in the park! But let's not forget—this is the same challenge that has our Hero Course students working overtime!"
Aizawa's comments thoughtfully. "If he can maintain this lead without mistakes… he might actually make it to the end first." The faintest note of intrigue colors his voice. "But he'll need more than technology to navigate the final stages."
Izuku barely hears them as he clears the abyss, his suit's thrusters flaring as he effortlessly soars across. Behind him, he can almost feel the tension on the other students' faces.
He looks back, watching the struggle. The determination as each of them tries to make their own way across is clear to see, even from this high up. He knows how that feels… Feeling like you're at a disadvantage… but finding a way to overcome it anyway.
The Minefield sprawls out beneath him like a patchwork of chaos—cracked earth, jagged terrain, and glittering sensors just barely visible under thin layers of dust. It's the final stretch. The end is right there.
Izuku hovers high above it all, engines humming steady as he surveys the field.
They designed this course assuming no one could fly.That realization hits him like a spark to dry kindling. No quirks in the first-year roster scream "aerial mobility." They never expected someone to just… go over it.
Which means they left a loophole wide open.
He could blast straight to the finish line right now. Bypass the mines entirely. It would be within the rules. Legal. Efficient. Smart.
But also... hollow.
They'd call it cheating. A shortcut. They wouldn't see the brilliance—they'd see a hack.
Izuku activates his HUD, a familiar voice crackling to life in his earpiece.
"Tadashi, do a scan, just to be sure. Is there anything I could trigger by flying over the field?"
The AI responds with its usual smooth, confident tone, "Right away, Chief. Scanning now."
For a few seconds, there's a soft hum as the system analyzes the minefield below. Izuku hovers there, waiting. The seconds stretch on, but he trusts Tadashi—he's never failed him before.
"All clear, Chief," Tadashi reports. "No aerial traps detected. You're good to go. Just don't do anything reckless up there."
Izuku grins. "Got it."
With a push of his thrusters, he lifts higher into the air, gliding effortlessly above the maze of mines. His HUD lights up with the flashing red markers below, but there's no risk now. No stepping on traps, no uncertainty. He's flying over it all.
As he glides past the final obstacle, he hears the crowd's murmur ripple through the stadium. It's not as loud as when he crossed the other hurdles—there's hesitation in the air.
Present Mic's voice rings out, filled with enthusiasm. "And look at that! Midoriya's just flying over the minefield! Who needs to walk when you can soarthrough the course?!"
Aizawa's voice speaks up as wall, dry and … is he amused? "It's efficient. It's smart. And it's a clear demonstration of control."
With a final burst from his thrusters, he rockets toward the finish line. His heart pounds with exhilaration, every eye in the stadium on him as he crosses the line—faster than anyone could've expected.
The crowd falls silent.
The mix of shock, confusion, and disbelief hangs in the air like a heavy fog. No one speaks. No one moves. It's as if they're all trying to process what just happened— a quirkless student from the Support Course... beating the Heroes?
He can almost hear the thoughts of the audience, all trying to reconcile the fact that he's not the flashy, explosive type. He didn't do anything 'cool.' Just a clean, efficient glide to the finish. But isn't that the point? He tries to shake off the doubt creeping in.
Then, slowly, the first few hesitant claps begin. The sound is faint at first, unsure. A couple of people exchange glances, trying to figure out if it's okay to applaud.
And then, like a wave rolling across the shore, the cheering begins—reluctantly at first, a little uncertain, but building in volume. Slowly at first, then gaining strength, until the entire stadium is roaring with applause.
Izuku stands there, heart pounding, still hovering just above the ground, his mind reeling. Some cheer because they're impressed. Others cheer simply because they can't deny the truth anymore—he won. He beat them all.
The realization sinks in—he, a quirkless Support Course student, has made it to the end faster than the Hero Course students. And that, somehow, has made him the hero of the moment.
He grins, allowing himself to bask in this victory for a moment, before he focuses on the other students who are still racing.
The other students are still making their way through the final obstacles, their struggles visible from where he stands.
Todoroki is the first to cross, his expression unreadable as always, but Izuku can see the flicker of acknowledgement in his eyes.
Bakugo follows immediately after. He's glaring at Izuku, but there's no verbal confrontation.. Izuku can feel the weight of Bakugo's stare, but he doesn't back down.
As Izuku stands there, the other students start arriving, finally making it across the finish line, one by one. It's Iida who is next to reach him, his usual intensity softened by a proud, approving grin.
"Midoriya!" Iida calls out. "Your performance was truly extraordinary! Taking to the air was a stroke of genius. The rest of us were struggling just to get through the obstacles, but you looked as though you were gliding above it all with ease."
Izuku rubs the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed by the praise. "Thanks, Iida! I thought that staying above the crowd would be the safest bet. I didn't want to get tangled up in the chaos down there." He chuckles, trying to downplay it, but the grin on his face gives him away. "And, well… it's good to know all those hours of tinkering paid off."
Iida adjusts his glasses, nodding thoughtfully. "You've certainly set a high bar, Midoriya. I must admit, I hadn't anticipated that you'd go quite this far with your Support Course gear. Truly, a testament to your ingenuity!"
"Thanks, Iida," Izuku says earnestly, his eyes brightening. "I want to prove that I could keep up, even without a quirk, … maybe even show people what someone like me is capable of."
Before Iida can respond, Mei bounds over, her eyes practically sparkling as she stops in front of Izuku.
"Midori!!" Mei exclaims, her voice practically bubbling with excitement as she spots Izuku. She gives him an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "That was amazing ! I knew that suit had potential, but seeing it in action? Pure genius! The way you took off with those thrusters and avoided the crowd— chef's kiss ! You really know how to push your support tech to the limit!"
Izuku laughs, a little flustered by her praise but used to it by now. "Thanks, Mei. I mean, I've been working on the suit for months, so it's good to see it finally pay off."
Mei grins widely and steps closer, practically inspecting every inch of the suit, as if she's already seen it a hundred times before in class and lab but is still fascinated by it. "oh, oh, we need to work on some project together! That would be so much fun! Or, we could brainstorm together for some improvements on yoursuit!?"
Izuku rubs the back of his neck, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Thanks, Mei. I'll definitely keep your offer in mind if I need upgrades I can't handle myself."
"Oh, you better!" Mei says with a wink, clearly not worried in the slightest that he might take a while to call on her. "You'll have to if you want to keep up with all the crazy ideas I've got brewing for that suit of yours."
Iida clears his throat, looking at the clock on the stadium wall, a bit more formal than the others. "While your enthusiasm is… appreciated , Hatsume, I believe Midoriya needs to focus on the next round. After all, this is the U.A. Sports Festival, not a Support Expo."
Mei just grins and waves him off with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Alright, alright! But don't forget, Midori, when you're ready to make that suit unstoppable , I'll be here, waiting to help!" With a final, confident wink, she skips off, already deep in thought about the next iteration of Izuku's tech.
Izuku can't help but chuckle as he watches her go. Her boundless enthusiasm reminds him a bit of himself when he first started studying hero analysis and combat tactics. She may be intense, but she's certainly inspiring in her own way.
Iida turns to him again, a knowing smile on his face. " I must say, I look forward to seeing what strategies you'll employ next, Midoriya."
"Thanks, buddy." Izuku replies.
As the chaotic energy from the last round dies down, the students gather around Midnight once more, awaiting her announcement for the next event. Izuku's heart is still pounding, but he takes deep breaths to steady himself, assessing the remaining competitors and trying to anticipate the upcoming challenge.
Midnight steps forward, her voice echoing throughout the arena. "Congratulations on making it through the first round, everyone! But don't get too comfortable just yet, because now it's time for the Cavalry Battle!"
The crowd roars, and Izuku's eyes widen slightly as he hears the rules for the Cavalry Battle. Each team will be competing for headbands, each one representing the points they earned in the previous round. With his first-place finish, Izuku's team will be worth a daunting 10 million points.
10 million points???
Everyone's going to target him. He swallows, realizing the gravity of it. If he's not careful, he could lose it all in an instant.