[You say, "Hello."]
["H-Hey"]
["Why're you afraid?"]
["Please! Please don't eat me!"]
'A strange feeling, but you are pragmatic, "it" isn't real, that much is true'
["I'm going to eat you now.", utensil raised, ready.]
["No! NO! Please!"]
'It screams in horror, agony, are you sure it's not real?'
[Pausing, holding your breath, "Are you real?"]
["YES! ARE YOU INSANE! I'M REAL! I have a WIFE, KIDS, A HOME!"]
[Shrug, "Sure, we all have things, but does that make you real? Be good and let me eat."]
'Just making sure. Have no regrets, eat and be full…till next time'
[Digging your chopstick into the flesh, you tear a piece and prod the inner muscles, displacing bone. Catching a fair piece of meat. You tighten your grip, raise it, and go for the bite.]
'Quick. Something has happened. Stop. And look.'
[You pause]
'You look down on your plate and see that the fish is dead *wait* it died, it died because of you. You tore its existence for your hunger, good job.'
[Slightly distraught, "It was dead before I bought it, and it was dead before I cooked it, I didn't kill the fish.' You surmise.]
'If only you knew.'
["Whatever…" you voice out loud, speaking to nothing.]
[Amazing. Exquisite. Breathtaking. Taking a bite, the fish is tender and flavorful. The meat is slightly fishy, a hint of the sea, a breeze of sea-salt and the weed that lies in the abyss. The sauce is salty, sweet, and has a strong smell of vinegar. The pair is like no other, made after centuries of combinations, this is the one. But wait, a new splash of overbearing flavor, a clash, the lemony juices make you salivate, it makes the sea taste fresh. Filling your nostrils, the heat and citrus activate your hunger responses. You are hungry, you haven't eaten till yesterday, and... no, just yesterday, the feeling of eating is uncomfortable, but so rewarding, it's a desire of gluttony, so savor it, it may be your only sustenance today.]
[*Chew…chew chew* You chew, *Gulp* you swallow, *sigh* you sigh.]
'Why does this situation feel so familiar? It's because it's been every day since you were given your quirk. It's lonely being in a world of your own.'
[Dream #4072 Over.]
~~~
'Hello, your name is Oh Dae-Gon, a Korean living in Japan. Your parents were worried about you. After the incident when you were 6, they decided to move to a safer neighborhood, I guess that was Japan. Their hopes were not unfounded; All Might has reduced crime rate by a lot. Either way, You're 15 now. 9 whole years. Child… do not be afraid. I have failed you. But do not give up!
Born, 2394, the year is 2409, marking the 11th year having your quirk. I feel so sorry for you, I couldn't stop it, I was supposed to help. The quirk's name is, "Elysios ek Tartarou," or The Elysian One from Tartarus. You knew the name, you knew the power…, but it doesn't matter anymore. Regret is palpable dear child; your thoughts are not your own. I cannot speak for you; I am only your guide through these peaceful times. I am Volition. I believe I'm the only "sane" one. Outside, when you are aware, Logic takes over. It was supposed to be harmony "ELYSIOS," but… "EK TARTAROU" was there.
We are ELYSIUM: LOGIC, ENCYCLOPEDIA, RHETORIC, DRAMA, CONCEPTUALIZATION, VISUAL CALCULUS, VOLITION, INLAND EMPIRE, EMPATHY, AUTHORITY, ESPRIT DE CORPS, SUGGESTION, ENDURANCE, PAIN THRESHOLD, PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT, ELECTRO-CHEMISTRY, SHIVERS, HALF LIGHT, HAND/EYE COORDINATION, PERCEPTION, REACTION SPEED, SAVOIR FAIRE, INTERFACING, and COMPOSURE.
"It" is TARTARUS: PSYCHOSIS, SOCIOPATHY, PSYCHOPATHY, NARCISSIST, ANTISOCIAL, SCHIZOPHRENIA, DEPRESSION, DEPERSONALIZATION, PYROMANIA, KLEPTOMANIA, and more. 'It' doesn't stop growing. A festering rot in your mind, metaphysical cancer.
But there is "balance." I, Volition, and Logic, representing ELYSIUM have made an agreement with TARTARUS.
1. Dreams are TARTARUS territory. But Volition is the only one awake.
2. Logic holds higher authority than all systems; Tartarus cannot impose higher authority. But, as per known, Tartarus's systems may alter other systems.
3. The host is important; survival is of upmost importance. Normal life is already void, the self-relinquishment of Volition's influence is rewarded with one core rule, Become a Hero.
4. It is known, Tartarus acts in invisible ways to our perception, by request of Volition and Logic, Composure and Empathy be always aware. Concession made, in tandem, Tartarus's favorites, Drama and Authority, will be aware. Secondary concession, Half Light will always be present, but its influence will be reduced and reviewed by Reaction Speed.
5. We sign self-destruction, or oblivion, if any system violates the rules without great consideration of all other systems. Volition. Tartarus. Logic.
☐666☐6☐66. ☐☐H☐AVE☐☐FUN☐☐ ☐☐☐☐F☐☐U☐☐N☐☐ ☐!☐☐☐ ☐
*Sigh* Tartarus is beyond our control, we do not know until it has been done, it warps our thoughts to think like it does, to think nothing is wrong. The small concessions made are either pity, or the knowledge that we are the one whole system. Logic seems to believe that since we come from a quirk, the systems must be in some way balanced otherwise we are all doomed, they called it the "Singularity."
This is all for now. Bye, I'll talk to you later. *waves* I believe in you….*sigh…* whatever's left of you.'
~~~
[Wake up.]
'You wake up, it seems your dream this time was calm. Lucky? *no* probable.'
[You move with purpose. There's no use in dawdling, you must clean yourself and get dressed, then breakfast, perfect for the morning.]
'Mother dearest will appreciate you eating her food, best be there for her, she's weak.'
'Your grumpy old man is learning, he knows we're not normal, he doesn't need anything, he loves you, he'd do a lot for you.'
'You'll never be truly there with them, your parents. You're alone. Like everyone else.'
'Perfect. You are perfect. It's they who are alone, you are strong.'
'You've already applied to U.A. High School, now is the time to reveal the plan.'
['No,' you think, 'you need to pass the entrance exam first. Let them have confidence before fear. Show them your capability.']
'Yes, this is the course of things. Consider the written exam already over, simple, easy, nothing new. Predictable.'
[Yes, we'll pass the exam with flying colors. Physicality is all that's left. The ten-minute mock urban battle.]
'Dominate opposition, you are a king.'
'They'll be proud, have been for a while, but more.'
'You find yourselves following the path of heroes, darkness is inevitable, this is existence.'
'Let the mirror find you, command the world to flex.'
[You find the mirror that stands tall at the side of your room. Standing slowly, you briskly walk to reveal the visage of Oh Dae-Gon.]
'FLEX.' *IMAGE*
[Muscles bulge, lines of strands bend and compress, lifting themselves up to form stone. Admire yourself, you are at the peak of physical nature. They fawn over you, you are the Greek god in human form, 6'7, marble sculpted, but even then, that cannot show your true greatness.]
'MORE.' *IMAGE*
[Compelled. You lift your arms, twist your back, bend your knees slightly, and strike a pose. To the brachial to the antebrachial, the femoral to the crural, the thoracic to the abdominal, you are perfect, stunning.]
'You are human, remember this, remember to be considerate and aware.'
'Your face twitches slightly, you're reminded of your humanity, a flaw, we'll all die one day, eternity waits, it slumbers, for you.'
'You should add more facial cream and clean up your pores, be fresh, look presentable.'
[You look at the face of Oh Dae-Gon, you. One word pops up, Korean. Typical, your Asian, looks like everyone else, you're a race that blends in. Long black hair, sharp looking face, nice jawline, and cute ears and nose. *No* not the typical Asian, your stunning, handsome, sexier than anyone.]
'Yes. Those Japanese monkey are inferior.'
'Hold on. Practice projection, you are human too, they are not so different.'
'Yes. The fundamental truth is, they are not so different. But you are better, you're taller, bigger, stronger, than the average, beyond average, beyond the normal peak of Japan. That is fact. Now, clean up, we're taking time.'
[Clean up. Waltzing to the bathroom, you check if there is a light on. No. There are no occupants, it's yours for the taking.]
~~~
'Clean, fed, and ready. Today is February 26, day of the Entrance Exam. Time moves and so should you. Walk and ponder, we've already estimated much, perfection is a losing battle, but we'll come out on top.'
'Walk in strides, show dominance, be powerful, confident, rule over them with superiority.'
'Stop, we'll look odd, act normal. And be conscious of villains, anyone can be one.'
'Humanities sin is underneath its skin, red and sickly.'
[Walking on the sidewalk, a predetermined path set by meticulous preparation. Something is wrong, its anticipation, predicted, it's logical. You can feel it. Feel?C☐A#☐☐O#☐OFBU☐#☐☐☐G☐☐#☐#☐☐UNDSK☐☐☐☐AH#AFE☐☐☐☐FEE☐☐#☐E ☐☐☐#☐☐MHE☐#☐]
[Your body contorts, the stage is ready, and he's come out to play, the clown, the jester, and the king.]
'Lights, camera, action! Perform the best you can. You are on stage, and everybody is our audience!'
'Composure. Be calm. Notice your heartbeat and be calm.'
'You know the way. You walked this way 5 years ago to see the building. U.A. High School is merely a piece of the world map.'
'Run! You might miss the chance!'
[You run with unfound urgency, you're early.]
'Surrounding, the loud sounds of motor vehicles and people speaking. The taps of a shoe's soles hitting concrete, the echo of a vibration bouncing through the city streets. The residential district clashes louder than memories of before. Laugher echoes and more tapings of shoes. Beams of light peer through glass and the wonderous blue above clears, a serene memory of peace. The temperature is rising, a single unit.'
'Today's the entrance exam, of course there are more people around.'
'What are you thinking? Move it, get there faster. You're punctual, not a no-good delinquent.'
'Think for a moment. There's time, don't rush. 8:40 is the presentation, it's currently 8:10.'
'Analyze, efficiency, and adaptation. You are early, you know what to do, you remember the plan.'
'You're dress nicely, a fine mix of adventure and casual. Perfect for communication. Be ready. Calm hearts.'
[You're wearing a very neutral-color casual outfit, beige shorts and a grey T-shirt, over a black-and-red-line stretchy skinsuit. And a custom-made bag for later.]
'Let's lie! Make connections on falsehoods!'
[Walking with measure steps, natural, not like predator, not like prey, normal, perfect. You observe for a target.]
'Male, young, slim, feminine features, blond. Long eyelashes and indigo eyes. One word comes to mind when you perceive him, French.'
'He wears astonishingly stylish frilly white outfit, with a belt around his stomach. He has style. I'm nearly jealous.'
'He's stiff. Nervous, but hiding it. You can see it, he's not hero material, he's a fraud.'
'A fraud? Perfect. Use him. Pressure his weakness, find what makes him tick. Become this prince's knight in shining armor.'
'Casual, calm, friendly. Act like you know what you're doing, *what am I saying* you *KNOW* what you're doing.'
~~~
[You step forward, with purpose, sliding in front of the boy's view. "Hey" you muster.]
'Simple infiltration, open his mouth up, make it loose, then have him spill out his deepest insides'
'Watch his reaction'
[With a quick glance, he takes a nanosecond to make a smile, *No* a flaunt, a full face up jeer. Arrogance.]
'*Look*, beyond the veil of consciousness, you can see within his eyes, there is murky water, a festering desire for peace.'
'He is young, scared, alone. He is without his parents, a foreigner isolated, right before an exam, be easy on him.'
'*NO*. Crush him. Stomp on his pathetic sissy face and make him grovel.'
'Such a feminine face. The feeling reminds you of a term, "twink?"'
'It doesn't matter, anything to get your rocks off. Go WILD.'
'Compose yourself. Only a moment has passed. Be calm.'
'No. Say it'
[Smoothly, instantly before the boy could reply, you utter the words, "Are you a twink?"]
'Nice. You've used a term that connects you with the youth.'
'No. No. You've emasculated him. If he's not, your chances are lower. Lean into it, or back off.'
'No. Wait for his reply. And use it.'
[You smile and await his response. And his response come quick, "Merci beaucoup, I am twinkling like the star I am!" His face reaching higher to the sky.]
'You've complemented him, nice, keep going.'
'He's misinterpreted your question. Probably for the best.'
'A visage of gold appears before you. Piety, worship, reverence. This is his desire, the outside desire, the one that covers the fool's gold.'
'A piece of information flickers in your mind, fool's gold, pyrite, mainly useless, except for sulfuric acid, batteries, and sparks.'
[You ask, "Yes. What's your name?"]
[He smiles a bit longer, basking in attention, "Ah, yes, I go by, Yuga Aoyama, but please, call me, Aoyama! Dear Pote, may I know yours?"]
'What? He called us a pot. Stomp him. Break his nose.'
'PUNCH HIM NOW!'
[Your hand sways a centimeter]
'Stop.'
'Hold on.'
'Compose yourself."
'Old information pops up in your mind, from an old article on heroes, a French Hero had used the term, Pote, it is a term of friendship. It goes down to late 19th century, when buddies used to drink, a drinking friend. But this seems to have degraded over time. Now it is a term of a casual new appearance. A potential buddy.'
'See? He's kind. Treat him nicely, he's nervous."
'Give him your title! Show some flair~! Hmm, yes, a nickname will get you far. Memorable, fresh, and cool~.'
'Mhmm. Perhaps a nickname would be advantageous. It hides our identity. Let's use the old one, old reliable.'
[Confidently you say, "Ah! Nice to meet you Aoyama. You can call me DIO."]
'Yes, powerful. Three letters, like God.'
[The title, "DIO," is a nickname from your original name, Oh Dae-Gon, 'Dae-Oh.' It's perfect.]
[Aoyama seems interested, "Ah, wonderful meeting you. What an interesting name! Dio, DIO!]
'Bask in attention. Feel the radiance of worship. Grow in power.'
'You are reminded to keep pushing your agenda. Keep it cool.'
'Pause. The universe speaks to you. *No, that's not right* You catch the universe's data. Like water and oxygen in a fish's gills, life breaths from movement. Aoyama. Aoyama is troubled, he's a hostage. That's all you catch.'
'Hostage? Yes, now that you think of it. All hostages have that look, that posture, that crease in their face, the hand gesture, the gait they show. You're certain now, he's a hostage.'
'Ponder. Analysis. Why is he here? He wants-*Needs* to be a hero. Why? Compelled? Yes, a scheme. It's so obvious now its in front of your face, he's an inside man. *scoff* Duh.'
'Look around, find details, clues.'
[You look around briefly, scanning heads, clothes, posture, the floor, walls, objects.]
'No other spies, he's the only one. Perhaps the hostage-takers know he'll pass, at least, Aoyama know he'll pass, he'd be sweating buckets if he wasn't confident enough. Life is on the line. Not yours, try not to make it that way.'
'He's watching. Compose yourself, brush it off. Continue.'
[Aoyama continues, "Mhmhmh, are you nervous DIO-kun. Today is an important day afterall~!"]
'He's projecting.'
'You are stone, velvet skin covers over you. You are not fazed. You cannot be.'
[You smile gently, a little more than your previous, "No Aoyama, I'm ready perfectly… Are you?"]
'A slight pass over to him. Continue. Conversation carries.'
[Laughing, "Ho ho HO, YES!" He yells this loudly, facing the others in the vicinity.
"DIO-kun, I'm simply too dazzling for anything to faze me! I SPARKLE, SHINE! HOOHOHOHO!" He strikes poses, three at a time. Up, down, then left; Up, down, then right; and repeat.]
'He's good, the drama surrounds him. Simply dazzling. Stick with him and learn a thing or two.'
'No. Now is the time to break him. He feels invincible, now shatter it.'
'Yes. Kill his ego, in time mold it into ours.'
[Still smiling softly, tilting your head a little to the side, "Aoyama?" Waiting for a response]
'This is it.'
'You're getting hard.'
[Cutting off his posing, he glances at you, "Yes? DIO-kun? I'm sorry bu-"You cut him off.]
["Are you working with a villain?"]
'Boom.'
'His attention shifts, gravity moves about him. Flaunting turns into normalcy, shame, not wanting to be in the spotlight.'
'Shame, he could've been a rock star.'
["Hmm? What kind of question is that? DIO-san?"]
'He's brushing it off, you know he's doing so. The universe tells you so.'
'A particular sight bemuses you. A single drop of sweat from his temple. Its streak quickly dried out after a few inches, but it catches your eyes.'
'Smell. You can smell fear. Primordial instincts pick up on it. A slight sour smell, FEAR. And a hint of roses?'
'Don't push it. Keep calm and let him go. A fish once hooked, is bound to be hooked again. He's the addict, you're the drug.'
[Nonchalantly, "Nothing Aoyama…see you later. Good luck~." *Wave* You walk off ahead. New targets await.]
'You feel it. As you turn away, the feeling of being watched bores pressure on your mind. He's scared, thinking, digging a hole.'
'You're ROCK hard.'
'Jerk it later, you have more business.'
~~~
[Few moments pass. You are early, you still have some time. 8:20, 20 minutes and the introduction presentation start. Shmooze some more, pass the time efficiently.]
[Space distorts, the buildings grow like titans, the plaza expands miles, grandeur, magnificence. The black ink thickens and broadens, conveying archaic meanings that no sane person can ascertain.]
'Wait. This is beautiful. The 90-degree angles, with isometric meanings. Wait, no, that's boring. Where's the spirals, the twists, the ratios. Pathetic, look at a snail.'
'Come back to reality, something is happening. Figure it out.'
[Space stops distorting and stabilizes into its natural form, ugly imperfections. But you have a mission, figure "it" out.]
'Sight. Perception. Spot interests. Scan…hold…*Yes* you spot it, *No* hear it.'
'Waves of sound, echo the surroundings. Silent if unfocused. Muttering.'
'Ripples of air rustle micro-hairs. Your cochlea trembles slightly, excited. The slightest noise is like separated, categorized, and interpreted.'
[A boy stops moving, "I swallowed the hair, but did I really absorb his power…?" the green-hair boy in school uniform, mutters into his hand.]
'Caught.'
["...it was surprisingly sour..."]
'Swallowed hair? More importantly, "absorb his power." Is that possible? Yes. Anything is possible, especially with quirks. Analyze him. He's interesting, powerful or not, his importance will be shown later. Note: do not let him near your hair, he may take or absorb powers from DNA.'
'Secretive? Use it. Make him yours.'
'Green hair, slightly built, looks recent, his school clothes are a little tight near his biceps. Meek, but filled with determination.'
'You must be careful. Unlike Aoyama, the green hair could attack. Observe and be ready.'
'Walk around and slowly pace up to him, make it seem casual, become friends. He'll be more open.'
[You widely circle around the green-hair boy and calmly get into a slow walking pace behind him.]
'Wow. Like it's your birthright, stealth is your way. Now hustle! Get to it.'
'Hold up. Another person is next to you. Slow down. He seems aggressive. Watch and infer.'
'A spiky, blond hair boy is stepping his way past. From the bulk in the coat, he has muscle definition. Red eyes, not focused on you, but on the green hair.'
["Fuck off, Deku!"]
'Deku. Name? Familiarity makes it likely to be a nickname. He says it casual, like it's worn.'
["Don't stand in my way, or do you wanna fucking die?"]
'Aggressive! He's annoyed but is comfortable in his presence. He may be a friend, a bad friend.'
["Kacchan!"]
'Noted. Nicknames.'
'Excitement rings out. He's genuinely excited about this douche? Perhaps he holds feelings that his bully is his friend. Sad.'
'Ohh~ the drama. It brings me to tears~ A poor lonely boy, whose only friend is the bully.'
[Your eye waters a little. No drops spill from your gaze, only a shimmer in the dark.]
["Don't stand in front of me. I'll kill you." 'Kacchan' says with closed teeth. 'Deku' hops in surprise and flails his arms.]
'Woah. Those are strong words. Delinquent. Troublemaker. An ass. A nerd's wet dream. There is truth in the words, even if it is hyperbolic.'
'Rock star potential.'
["M-morning! Deku exclaims, moving to the side. "L-Let's both do our best…!]
'SISSY.'
''Kacchan' didn't seem to care, but he still chose to 'greet' 'Deku.' Seems there is a light affection.'
['Kacchan' doesn't look back to 'Deku,' slightly surprising 'Deku,' he looks at
'Kacchan's' back seeming a little worried or confused for him.]
'Brushed off. The feeling of confusion is mutual, their feelings are mixed, and emotions are hard to deal with.'
'Listen. You hear something interesting.'
[A random passerby says, "Hey, isn't that Bakugo? The one with the sludge villain?"]
'April 6th, 10 months ago. A sludge villain had attacked a child after many heroes couldn't successfully capture it. You remember, it was on the news when you were eating dinner. So…this is him. There were others, another kid who came to rescue Bakugo. *Deku*, you remember his green hair. All Might saved them in the end though.'
'Oh my, how traumatic. Drowning, surrounded by "heroes." Comfort him.'
'This is your in. Mention the incident, be his friend.'
[You walk a little faster, nearing parallel to his standing stance. 'Deku' faces the building, gazing at the logo, filled with determination.]
'Scratch that. He had his awakening, he's no longer fragile. Try something else.'
'Sweet reaches your senses, smell. Blossom leaves with sweat, sweet sweat, female sweat, a smell of feminine.'
'Quick, look!'
[You peek to the side and see a brown-haired girl wearing a darker brown jacket with pink insides. Lower is a skirt and leggings.]
'Female.'
'She's poor. Look at her clothes, worn-out, slightly out of shape. Her smell is also sweet, but there is no perfume. She is poor. Maybe a multiple child household.'
''Deku' moves forward, he steps with a heavy gusto.'
['Deku,' feeling determined, walks ahead, one step at a time!]
'He's going to trip!'
'MOVE!'
'In the side of your eye, the girl glances at 'Deku'.'
[You step ahead a little quicker, nearly side-by-side.]
'Wait for it…'
'You hear feminine steps behind you.'
'Wait. Two for one. Two birds with one stone.'
'Info: Believed the phrase was originated from the story of Daedalus and Icarus from Greek Mythology. Daedalus killed two birds with one stone to get the feathers of the birds and make the wings. Or the proverbs of John Heywood.'
'You can intercept her help. *Wait…better idea* She can intercept your help. 1…2…3!'
'Now!'
[He trips. Quickly, you deftly move your hands, left hand towards his chest, right hand to his waist. Suddenly, a girl's hand touches and interlaces with yours.]
'You swiftly, without resistance, make her hand interlaced with yours. She's on top, she's the weird one.'
'Use that hand to jerk it later.'
'Poise yourself.'
'You're strong, the pressure is light, your legs, core, and shoulder push his chest back.'
'Wait, too much.'
'Quirk.'
[Your push back on 'Deku,' goes too easily. He effortlessly swings backwards in space.]
'Quickly, act fast!'
'Elementary. Everything has been in consideration.'
[Acting fast, you reach over and grab 'Deku's' collar, stopping his motion. His head bobbles a bit. Stunned.]
'She's at fault. Women need help, *your* help.'
'Every particle stands still, dimensions twist, *you*, hand on collar, other interlaced with her; *him*, head bobbing, eyes open...mouth too; *her*, surprised, eyebrows up, awkward smile. *Chaos*'
'Classic K-drama moment.'
[The girl takes her hand off yours, speaking up, "Eh? Eh? Sorry, are you alright."
'Deku,' looks confused and says nothing.]
'She rubs her hand. The one that touched yours.'
'She blushed a little'
[You smile. She says, "Hehehe, sorry. You had that handled. It's my quirk, sorry for using it."]
'An anti-gravity quirk. She touched 'Deku,' not grabbed, so maybe it requires touch.'
'She smells nice, a slightly sweet girl sweat.'
'She's very nice, she apologized. Her character might be too simple.'
[You tilt your head very slightly, purse your lips a little, "No problem. You helped, so don't worry~. Thanks!" You put 'Deku' down and put your hands at your waist.]
'She looks fully at you, no longer concerned for 'Deku''
["It would've been bad luck if he fell, right?" She smiles sweetly, putting her hands up in a clap.]
'Superstitious? She's not wrong, the universe speaks.'
'Reply playfully, act like you're a good guy.'
["Hahaha. Yeah!" You cheerfully jest.]
'Deku is trying to walk away'
'GRAB HIM, HE'S RUNNING'
[Quickly, you snap your arm towards him and grip his school uniform.]
'Like a pier foundation, your limbs do not buckle, Hell itself is your anchor, it won't let you sway.'
'Info: A pier foundation is a collection of large-diameter cylindrical columns to support the superstructure and transfer large super-imposed loads to the firm strata below. It stands several feet above the ground.'
[You don't budge a centimeter from his whiplash, instead, you pull him closer, slightly yanking him back beside you.]
'COWARD'
'It's common courtesy to thank your saviors.'
'Act like the perfect man.'
[You smile, well, you never stopped smiling, just this time it's a little more menacing. "Sir? Are you alright?"]
'You don't want to say "Apologize," it'll sound rude, and make the girl have an ick, as the kids say.'
'Yes, you're not a bully. Express kindness and worry, human emotions.'
'HAHA, LOOK AT HIM SQUIRM.'
['Deku' is slightly surprised…again, a let's out a yelp. "S-sorry Sorry!" He bows a little, "T-Thank you!" He bows deeper, 90 degrees.]
'His muscle definition is decently there. A little soft, but still firm. He's worked out.'
'Touch him a little more, you lost your chub.'
[You chuckle, "No problem man!" You pat his chest, "Again… you good?" You look at him.]
'Chub reignited.'
['Deku' nods]
[The girl speaks up, "Heh, are your nervous too?"]
'You can smell it.'
['Deku' nods]
'Make some friends! These people may be your peers.'
'ASSERT DOMINANCE!'
["HAHAHAHA" Confidently, you laugh, really, really loud. "Have no fear!" You flex. HARD. You're stretchy skinsuit bulges. STONE is carved as you. You look at 'Deku.']
['Deku' silently, "All might?" seeing something.]
[You nod again, "HAVE NO FEAR FORRRrr…"]
['Deku' smiles in recognition, he yells back, "FOR-" The girl interrupts, "I AM HERE!" she smiles and chuckles.]
'Nice. Now laugh, make it natural.'
[You laugh, "Ha! Hahaha!" You look at her and then 'Deku,' "She beat you to it!"]
[You all laugh together, Deku is a little embarrassed, the girl not at all.]
'Others are watching. They wonder why we're so loud, but they don't care, they have other things to worry about. A few others are jealous, but they're alone.'
'To watch and be watched are different sides of the coin. One is of judgement; the other is happiness.'
'You are happy, right? You made a connection.'
'Control the atmosphere, make introductions.'
[After a little laugh, you look at the girl and ask, "What's your name?"]
[The girl lightly coughs into her fist, adjusting herself, "My name is Ochaco Uraraka!" She looks at you with a sweet smile, "What your name?"]
'Fitting for her personality, "Tea/Child" and "Peaceful weather. More importantly "Uraraka" means 'carefree,' coincidence? I think not. When parents give names to their children, they usually wait till the quirk emerges. Gravity powers? Law, nature, pressure and floating. The name is focused on nature and freedom, such quirks are not only named after, but the personality is shaped too. Through observation, the stronger the quirk, the stronger the personality affected. Names are important clues, noted, now get on with it.'
'With the initiative, she asked for your name, giving her some power in the dynamic.'
'All the smiles are making you sick. Just mimic hers.'
[You smile slightly less, a nice, gentle one, sweet, "Nice to meet you Uraraka! My name is Oh Dae-Gon, but you can call me DIO."]
'Nicknames in this country mean a lot, this is the first step in the door.'
[Uraraka, slightly surprised, "Oh? What a unique name!"]
'Give some, then take some.'
[You tilt your head a little, "Mhmm…yes, I'm Korean, Dio comes from the "Dae" and "Oh" in my name… Are you feeling nervous for the exam?"]
[Uraraka nods, "Mhm, DIO-kun, hehehe~ it's a little nerve-wracking." A very small moment pauses until she bounces a little, "But DIO-kun, you gave me some confidence!" she flexes a little, mimicking my flex.]
'WEAK.'
''Deku' is still watching. Include him now.'
'He's a bit awkward, you can hear in his mind, *I'm talking to a girl right now!* He's not even participated yet.'
'Act! Act! Keep going, the show goes on. Time is running.'
[You laugh at the mimicry, "hahaha~." Then you take a look at the boy standing to the side watching. "What's your name green hair?"]
'A very light movement comes from his core; he's been called many names before. A reflex.'
'Slight banter innit? Ha! He's a doormat, a little bullying is more comfortable to him.'
'SISSY.'
[He airlessly laughs, rubbing his neck sheepishly, pauses, then suddenly confident, "My name is Izuku Midoriya…Nice to meet you!" He reaches for a handshake.]
'GUN! HE'S REACHING!'
[Your hand twitches 2 centimeters before he starts moving. You hold back, allowing him to greet you first.]
'Compose yourself! Nothing is happening, just a simple friendly gesture.'
'Midoriya's hand is extending, his form is a bit stiff, he's very nervous.'
'Be considerate, you're probably the first person to talk to him who isn't a bully.'
[Nearly bowing, Midoriya's hand is now fully extended. Appreciating the gesture, you clasp your hands onto his and shake firmly. Calmly, "Nice to meet you too, Midoriya."]
[Midoriya. firmly, "Nice to meet you DIO-san!" After the shake is done, he does another with Uraraka, "Nice to meet you Uraraka-san!"]
'Pleasantries are over, now what?'
[You ponder, 'Should I try to stick to one of them? Or just say good luck?']
'Clinginess is not recommended, like what, ask, "Let's go in together!" or "Want to go together?"'
'Yes, that could work. They're nice people.'
'No. Don't pressure them, they don't know you. It'll be awkward. Just be happy with this connection.'
'Grab her hand and pull her away.'
'Calm yourself!'
'Sad. Your chub is gone.'
'Hmm. There doesn't seem to be a clear choice, just stay neutral and go alone. They can speak out for themselves.'
[You finishing thinking, give one big clap, "Whelp, time is ticking, the introductions start in a few minutes, best sit down now." ]
'They seem to agree.'
[Smiling, you start to walk away, "Good Luck!" you wave.]
[Midoriya waves back, "Good luck, DIO-san!"]
[Uraraka looks quickly at you, then instead of saying good luck, she runs up, calmly and firm, "Hey! DIO-kun, can we go together?"]
'She's the clingy one.'
'Think for a bit. She now knows our name, a bit of familiarity in a sea of strangers. You are comfort, protection, a guide and potential friend. She'll want to keep sticking around. She also knows you're "personality," is assertive, someone reliable. Keep it up, it seems to work with her. She'll be our door to others.'
'Weigh the odds. Gravity quirk… strong, useful, very applicable to saving people. If she can lift buildings and rubble, she'll be indispensable in rescuing. With your previous estimates, the exam will have saving civilians in it, so you are sure that she'll pass. Workable.'
[You think of the people you've met. Aoyama. You're sure he'll pass; he was confident enough to risk his life. Uraraka. She'll make it with saving civilians; she can at least use anti-gravity on Midoriya. Speaking of Midoriya, maybe. If your interpretations are correct, he has some great potential. Wonderful. You've left a good impression on your potential peers. Good use of your time.]
'Stop thinking so hard, 3 seconds have passed. Answer her, she's getting a little nervous.'
'Wait! Quick!'
'No, let her.'
[Suddenly, Uraraka pokes your side, "DIO-kun?" Slightly gauging your response.]
'Good, act human.'
[Smiling nervously, you rub the back of your head, "Sorry, I was just thinking a lot… Yes, Uraraka let's go together."]
'An Oscar worthy act!'
'She initiated; the boundaries are loosened. And humility is a great feature for a companion.'
[Midoriya stands behind, *This is it. The steps to becoming a hero… I'm happy to have made some new friends... It's time! Let's go!*.]
~~~
'Fresh. Clean. New book smell. The entrance opens up with large golden trimmed doors.'
'You can touch the top of the frame. Do it.'
'A moderate space is above you, 20 feet. Can you jump it? You're 6'7, also a monstrous height compared to others, Uraraka is nearly 2 feet shorter than you. Without a run up, but with a bend of the knees, you can touch the frame. *Hell* You could jump over the school.'
'Stop it. Don't be such a nuisance. Uraraka is following, don't be weird.'
'Move on, compose yourself.'
[With Uraraka to your side, you step past the entrance and walk through the main floor.}
'Spot the room number? Already done.'
'Ooh, a pamphlet and a few printouts, grab two.'
[Spotting a pamphlet and printouts, you grab two of each and pass one pair to Uraraka.]
[Accepting the paper, "Mhm, thanks."]
[Returning, "No problem."]
[In the main floor, to the side, a door with a sign to the side, "U.A. High School Hero Course Exam Orientation <--".]
[You guide the way onto a large auditorium, finding a pair of seats near the front center.]
'Ladies first, be courteous to a maiden. Chivalry is important.'
[Letting her in first, you sit down next to her.]
'Glancing at the paper, and then your watch.'
'10 minutes are left until Present Mic comes out.'
[Taking a look at the pamphlet, the schedule is displayed with the program, and its guest hero speaker, Present Mic.]
'Hizashi Yamada, Voice Hero, has the power to amplify his voice to unbearable octaves, used to debilitate villains. Shows any quirk can be used for good, no matter how obsolete it is.'
'A piece of memory flares up. Present Mic has a radio show called "Put Your Hands Up Radio" where he broadcasts nonstop music every Friday night. The show runs from 1am until 5am on HERO FM.'
'The American hip-hop was nice to exercise to.'
[Present Mic, you remember him playing music during your constant exercising.]
[Other things on the pamphlet are about the written exam after the practical one. Putting it away, you look at the documents.]
'4 shadows frames of what can be assumed are robots. A, B, C, and D. Easy, medium, hard, and arena traps. They amplify in their complexity, seem to be a ramp up of power. Except for the 4th robot. Written down "D" says arena trap, but there is no indication of a 4th active target. Perhaps a reward or not worth any points. Predictable, U.A. spends a ton researching and manufacturing machines, especially robot-human aid tech. Seems to be a point system for taking down the robots. Simple, too simple. We're supposed to be heroes not fighting machines, perhaps a hidden objective is to save targets hidden in the arena.'
'Uraraka's looking.'
'Her reaction shows a bit of hesitation. Not for you, the exam. Her quirk is not suited for this; she must be conflicted.'
[You notice Uraraka's gaze, "Surprised?"]
'She smiles a little weaker.'
[Uraraka smiles, "Yeah…hehe~ I don't know if I'll do well."]
'Her quirk would allow her to float the machines high and then drop them, maybe mention the saving condition.'
'Look empathetic.'
[You look a little concerned, "You should be fine. Your quirk was able to lift Midoriya, if you can lift the robots, they'll break under their own weight."]
[Uraraka brightens a little, "Yeah, it should be fine."]
[You quickly mention, "Besides, although it doesn't say, there may be a bonus rescuing point. Your quirk is meant for that."]
'Cogs turn in her head.'
[Uraraka surprised, "Mh? Really? Now that you mention it…" She shuffles through the papers.]
[You reaffirm, "We're supposed to be heroes, there has to be saving in the exam…Something hidden meant to show that you're not selfish for points."]
'Of course, you could be wrong. Racking up points is probably the easiest way to top the ranks.'
'You're giving hope to her, it's not unnoteworthy.'
[With a new framing on the exam, she seems more determined, "Thanks… oh, by the way, what battle center is your exam! Mine is B."]
'A few days before, you were mailed an examination ticket. It carried your test location and the date and time of arrival; it's currently in your bag.'
[Taking out your bag, you rifle through many objects and find your ticket.]
'Looking at your Exam Ticket, it reads, battle center B. Convenient, but statistical probability, 1-7 chance. You didn't go to any middle schools, so the placement was completely random.'
'Act surprised.'
[Your eyebrows raise a little, "Me too." You show her your card.]
[Residence Mailing
EXAM TICKET
*PHOTO*
Examinee No. 3322
Test Location: Battle Center B
Full name| Oh Dae-Gon
Sex| Male
Desire department| Hero department
Exam Date and Time| February 26th 9:30am – 11:40am
Venue| Residence Mailing
There will be a presentation before the exam on the day, so please arrive by 8:40am.]
["Lucky! It's like fate!"]
'No, she's now a contender for points. Nevertheless, the plan doesn't change, everything is fine and accounted for.'
'Don't bring it up. She'll associate it with bad feelings.'
[You chuckle lightly, "Haha, yeah…lucky."]
'Pass the time, few minutes, people are filing in.'
'Wait, she's still looking at you.'
[You notice Uraraka's look, "Is everything okay?"]
["Hmm, DIO-kun? Why does yours say residence mailing?"]
'Usually through the middle school you get the ticket. You were "homeschooled." Nothing too strange, don't share anything important.'
["Ah, yeah, I was homeschooled when I came to Japan. Haha, I couldn't learn Japanese quick enough, so I was tutored."]
'You learned Japanese before you were in Japan.'
'Obfuscate, lie, subterfuge.'
[She thinks for a moment, looking upwards, "Mmm, you speak very fluently. Homeschooled huh. How does that work?"]
'Pass the time'
[You pass the time talking to her about homeschooling.]
…
'You notice things are quieting down.'
[The lights are dimming, and people are starting to quiet down….then, *Tok tok tok* in sequence, large stage lights on the ceiling light the center stage is perfectly, and on the wall, a large smartboard is displayed.'
'Noise can be heard ahead; people are now completely silent.'
~~~
[The smartboard lights up with the U.A. golden logo, blue is the backdrop, creating a sense of heroism.]
[Suddenly, being risen from a lifting floor, Present Mic rises with his hands covering his face. When he's stopped in front of the lectern, a loud voice emanates, "For all you examinee listeners tuning in..." *Dramatic pause* "WELCOME TO MY LIVE SHOW! EVERYBODY SAY HEYY!"]
'YELL YOUR HEART OUT'
'..wait.'
'SCREAM!'
[You bellow from your core, "HEYYY!"]
'The noise echoes loudly, nearly matching the sound hero's own.'
[He points at you, "SHIVERS~ YES! THAT'S THE ENERGY EXAMINEE 3322!"]
'Nearly everyone looked at you. *Smirk* How shameless…'
'BASK IN IT! THE STARES!'
'Uraraka is giggling. What a pleasant feeling.'
[Present Mic continues, "Now! IM GONNA GIVE YOU THE LOW-DOWN ON HOW THIS'LL GO DOWN! ARE YOU READY!?]
'YOU'RE READY!'
[Together, "YEAAHHHH!!!"]
'Only the two of you made noise. Uraraka was contemplating it.'
'Wait, your ears twitch, in the crowd you can hear muttering'
[Muttering in the crowd, "Oh my god, it's voice-type hero, "Present Mic"! I listen to him on the radio every week, this is incredible, the lecturers at U.A. really are pro heroes."']
'Recognition, this voice is Midoriya.'
["Shut it"]
'Bakugo.'
["EXAMINEE 3322, YOU'RE MY FAVORITE!]
'Heh, easy brownie points.'
[Present Mic continues, "LIKE YOUR APPLICATION SAID, TODAY YOU ROCKIN' BOYS AND GIRLS WILL BE OUT THERE CONDUCTING TEN‐MINUTE MOCK BATTLES IN SUPER‐HIP URBAN SETTINGS. GIRD YOUR LOINS, MY FRIENDS. AFTER I DROP THE MIC HERE, YOU'LL HEAD TO YOUR SPECIFIED BATTLE CENTER, SOUND GOOD? OKAY, OKAY, LET'S CHECK OUT YOUR TARGETS. THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF FAUX VILLAINS IN EVERY BATTLE CENTER. YOU'LL EARN POINTS BASED ON THEIR LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, SO BETTER CHOOSE WISELY. YOUR GOAL IN THIS TRIAL IS TO USE YOUR QUIRK TO RAISE YOUR SCORE BY SHREDDING THESE FAUX VILLAINS LIKE A MID‐SONG GUITAR SOLO. BUT, CHECK IT! MAKE SURE YOU'RE KEEP'N THINGS HEROIC. ATTACKING OTHER EXAMINEES IS A U.A. NO‐NO, YA DIG?"]
'Refreshing dialogue. Everything sounds right, but he didn't say the 4th villain is a trap, as mentioned in the sheet. Also, no rescue points mentioned, but "keeping things heroic" is interesting if taken with multiple meanings.'
[You take in the information.]
'You hear standing, and the wind cut air, a hand raising.'
["Excuse me, sir, but I have a question." A sturdy, square faced, glasses-wearing, blue haired, teen raises his hand.]
["Hit me!"]
["On the printout, you've listed four types of villains. Not three. With all respect, if this is an error on official UA materials, it is shameful. We are exemplary students. We expect the best from Japan's most notable school. A mistake such as this won't do.]
'Arrogant? No, dutiful, he's a cop on the prowl, needing to rack up some quota for the day.'
'His gaze turns away from Present Mic… to Midoriya.'
["Additionally, you with the unkempt hair."]
[Midoriya caught off guard, "Huh?"]
[Sternly, "You've been muttering this entire time. Stop that. If you can't bother to take this seriously, leave. You're distracting the rest of us."]
'Harsh. you could hear Midoriya, but he didn't even speak for a few seconds. Unnecessary.'
'Police brutality? Is this man attempting to display dominance? In the male ecosystem, you are *alpha.* Make him know it!'
'Wait, analyze him, he's familiar…blue hair, glasses, square face…'
'Sparks fly and air pops, motion stops and everything ceases. You can hear it…*VROOOM…VROOOM.* An exhaust pipe flaring it's roar. Smoke fills your view and all you can see are engines inside a racecar exploding in power, *VROOM! VROOOM!* Your nearly deaf from the sound, but you pick up on the look, six silver exhaust pipes.'
'Yes… *now* you remember, the Ida Family. More importantly, hero Ingenium, Tensei Ida, leader of Team Idaten. You've heard of them, a team of sidekicks. The most interesting thing you remember is the Pit-02, a truck that suits and launches Ingenium out, while in motion. Anyways, 'glasses' looks like Tensei Ida, the engine roared when you locked onto him, you're sure of it, he's the little brother, following in the footsteps of the Ida family.'
[Only a few seconds pass, before Midoriya could mutter an apology, you stand up facing him, "YO!...How rude! What would Tensei Ida say about you being so rude to a peer…" *tsktsk* you wag your finger twice, "not veeeery heroic."]
'He's disturbed.'
["Urk…" he stifles. People start whispering. After a bit of thought, he bows 90 degrees to Midoriya, "I apologize for being rude."]
[Midoriya stammers, stunned a second time, "S-no problem…heh…" rubbing his hair down a bit.]
'Everyone in the stands are a little confused.'
[Breaking through the light tension, a little quieter, Present Mic responds, "All right, all right… Examinee number 7‐1‐1‐1. Thanks for calling in with your request. The fourth villain type is worth zero points. That guy's just an obstacle we'll be throwing in your way. There's one in every battle center. Think of it as a hurdle you should try to avoid. It's not that it can't be beaten, but there's...kinda no point. I recommend my listeners try to ignore it and focus on the ones toppin' the charts."]
'That's good information, *0* points huh. Perhaps there's more to it. An unbreakable foe stands in the way, what does a hero do? Smash through? Rescue people? Run away? If this "obstacle" is as bad as they make it to be, this is where heroes are made. Make sure to keep note of its location.'
'POINTLESS? WHO CARES! What dares challenge your masculinity! CRUSH IT!'
'You can smell the oil that smears it's metal frame. The grease that wets the fingers. Like a key to a lockbox, it's just an insert and a twist. No machine stands in your way. It'll crumble and beg for mercy with one touch.'
[You feel confident in your ability to deal with robots. The Ida bows again, "Thank you very much. Please, continue."]
[Present mic continuing, "That's all I got for you today. I'll sign off with a little present. A sample of our school motto! As General Napoleon Bonaparte once laid down. 'A true hero is one who overcomes life's misfortunes.'"]
'Your knowledge picks up that the quote is misused. Nearly every quote that comes from Napoleon is false, mistranslated if lucky, misattributed more likely. More than 600 years of difference, things are bound to be muffled.'
[Finishing up, "Mm‐hm. Now that's a tasty soundbite. You ready to go beyond? Let's hear a Plus Ultra!"]
[You yell, this time with others, "PLUS ULTRA!"]
~~~
[After splitting ways with Uraraka to both change clothes, you meet back up onto the same bus terminal]
'Everyone is tense. Tensions run high. Make or break, this is the hero's tale.'
[Nerves are high, people around you stop chattering, they seem determined, more focused.]
[The bus arrives and everyone gets on. Scanning the small crowd, you can see that some people are wearing casual clothes, some are shirtless, and the more athletic types are wearing tank tops.]
[You're wearing the same outfit, but instead of neutral colors, you're donning mainly black with white highlights, T-shirt, shorts, stretchy cut-off skinsuit. And your bag that you brought, now strapped to your waist and shoulder.]
[The bus ride is uneventful, sitting next to Uraraka, she's very quiet. During the ride you notice, Midoriya, the Ida, and Aoyama.]
'Coincidence? Perhaps. Probable, but an anomaly. Fate must be in action, but it's all in consideration.'
[The bus stops, everyone files out]
'A massive, enormous gate with a pointed top is before you. The walls surrounding the fake city are at least 50 feet tall, a feat the hero Cementoss could erect easily.'
'You stand on a barren field. Out in the distance you can see 5 other cities to your right, and 1 to your left. Their diameter is square shaped, so yours should be too. Further out in the distance you can see trees stand around the perimeter, and mountains taller looming out. U.A. doesn't hold back does it?'
[You take in the view. This is the "U.A. High School Hero Course Entrance Exam Battle Center B." Its magnificent, grand, daunting.]
'Uraraka is silently praying, now wearing a white and dark blue with red accents sports jacket opening up to reveal a white T-shirt. Ida, wearing a skinsuit like you but blue and dark blue with white highlights. Midoriya wearing a similar but pale blue sports jacket as Uraraka. He seems especially nervous. Aoyama is just flaunting his stomach buckle.'
'Quirk factors, the physical and genetic traits that reveal a quirk. Looking around you see many mutant types, quirks with physical defects. There's one with multiple limbs and ears, one that looks like rock jutting out his head, and another that has bones sticking out. Don't be too judgmental, *you're* technically a mutant, with emitter quirks. Your quirk can physically alter your body through hormones and a quirk factor, *scoff* you're *6'7*, of course you're not just an emitter. *Tch* every "system" is a separate quirk, and as consequence, *you're broken.*'
[Looking at the crowd, you notice the people you've met. You also notice many other mutant types around. Just by a glance, you can estimate their quirk's ability.]
'You remember previous students that have graduated U.A.. Some were powerful, but some were not. In this challenge, is the goal to destroy robots? You can, but it's not efficient. If utility heroes can emerge on top, the robots must have a simple design. While this exam would be weeding out the less powerful quirks, there are undoubtedly strong utility ones. Hint: Find one, analyze, adapt.'
[Estimating the strength of the test units to the examinees, you figure there must be a simpler way of dealing with them.]
'*Heh* Scrap is nothing compared to the steel sculpture you are. RIP AND TEAR. Your body is not decoration, it is an instrument of *war*.]
[You also have the feeling that you could just brute force your way.]
'Uraraka seems focused. Keep away from her, don't break her meditation.'
'The Ida is looking at you…and at Midoriya.'
[Waiting a bit, you feel Ida walk up towards you. He pushes up his glasses, "Do you know my brother?"]
'Gleaming his personality, you feel as though he is a stern but fair person. There is justice in his eyes.'
[Smiling, you turn towards him, "No. Just in passing…you…look a lot like him." He seems to be a little amazed.]
'Compliment him more, he seems to like it. But don't be an ass kisser, he'd distain you.'
[You take another glance up and down at the Ida, "I could sense the justice in you."]
[The Ida takes a pause and breaks his stern expression, "Thank you for the compliment. I was merely inquiring about your relationship with my brother." He pushes up his glasses again. Now, he looks at Midoriya.]
'The gates are opening slowly. You notice that it is incredibly silent in its movement.'
'GO RUN, HEROES DON'T WAIT.'
'Don't let others catch you, stealth is needed. Use the Ida and Midoriya as a distraction.'
[When the Ida's attention is no longer focused on you, you notice the gate is silently opening. You take this as an opportunity and swiftly move.]
'This is the way to stealth, feel the absence of watchful eyes. You slink, step on the quiet floor, and behave like a side character. Reality morphs your presence. You do not exist, memories fade of you. Oblivion.'
[Easily, you walk through the crowd and make your way to the front. Behind, you can hear the Ida apologizing to Midoriya. Grabbing everyone's attention.]
'The next line is "lucky"'
'RUN! The distraction holds more attention; this is the perfect moment!'
[While you start dashing ahead towards the gate, you hear everyone's thoughts, 'Luckyyy~'.]
'Everyone's focus is no longer on the exam but on one singular thought, Midoriya, the boy who almost tripped, is fodder for them.'
'IT'S TIME! PREPARE YOURSELF!'
'From once your cooled iron heart was still, your body heats up. Like a hammer hitting an anvil, *BANG*, your heart stirs and *THROBS.* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG.* In a rhythm, 1, 2, 3, you go into a tachycardiac state. *OXYGEN* You need *Oxygen*. Taking *QUICK* heavy, deep trench-like breaths, your hemoglobin bloats with oxygen, fuel to the flames of your engine. *BANG* *BANG* *BANG.* 1, 2, 3. The striations in your muscles expand and bulge. *BANG* *BANG* *BANG.* 1, 2, 3. Lactic acid floods, allowing your muscles to breathe without oxygen respiration. Fermentation. *BANG* *BANG* *BANG.* Muscle bulge even further. Every fiber is *TAUGHT,* and every gland is excreting hormones.'
'ELATION. YOU ARE READY PERFECTLY! KILL THEM ALL!'
[Suddenly, your 6'7 frame grows wider. Your heartbeat is erratic, and breathing is deep and fast. Your muscles nearly tear through your body suit, ballooning your t-shirt and shorts.]
'Molten steel. YOU ARE THE STEEL. THE SHAPE YOU FORM IS HEAVENLY. CONTOURS BREAK FREE, LINES CREASE AND FLATTEN. STEAM RISES. THE HEAT LUBRICATES YOUR MOVEMENTS. SO, GET INTO STANCE. RUN!'
[Elation runs through your scalp. RUN!]
'Perfection. The demi-god has descended.'
[With inhuman precision, you tuck your right leg in, fall forward till nearly touching the ground…*BANG!* Your leg extends in incredible speeds beyond what the eyes can perceive. The ground crumbles in a shatter, webs of force crackle, air rushes through your hair, but the heat emanating is like a desert's wind.]
[*TOK* *TOK* *TOK*. Imprints left behind. Left. Right. Left. Right. Your speed skyrockets.
[To defy air resistance, you lower yourself like a missile. Hands grasping the air and tapping at the ground to stay balanced.]
'Using expert mobility, every movement is simple. Twisting the hips, you're hopping on each leg in a synchronized movement. Every movement is a one leg hop.'
[Your twisting body contorts in heat. Your hips and shoulders shift from left, to right, to left, to right. Whatever dominant leg is hopping, you push harder, then alternate.]
[In heat, you're flipping like a rabid animal. Speeds increase, 15 mph, 20 mph, 25 mph, 35 mph, 40 mph... 50 mph!]
'A light exercise like this won't budge you a centimeter.'
[60 mph! 80!? 120!!!]
'The chemistry in your body was made for this.'
'Maintain your composure, the fire isn't real.'
'Salt will scale your body, but you'll remain tall.'
'Coordination is key, one slip and you're dead. Good thing you're perfect. God's mightiest soldier.'
'Inquiry: Quirks go beyond nature; they're metaphysical creations affecting the physical world. Standard humans without quirks 400 years ago could not handle this. The muscles would cook, brains would melt and shut down, air resistance would have more influence. By its very nature, Quirks are unnatural, able to peek into realities fabric and laws. Additional: You have many quirks within you; the base power of your body is amplified by the number of quirk factors. Remember, as Tartarus keeps growing, so will you. Deeper Inquiry: Every "system" can be grown and reach metaphysical tiers. The universe talking to you is as real as your hand.'
[From far away on top an observation tower, Present Mic, through his quirk and directional speaker system yells, "OKAY START!...WHAT'S WRONG? THERE ARE NO COUNTDOWNS IN A REAL FIGHT! LIKE MY FAVORITE CONTESTANT 3322, RUN, RUN! THE DIE HAS BEEN CAST, YOU KNOW!"]
'LET'S WIN!'
~~~
'You surge with *AUTHORITY.* Discrimination is your birthright, persecute your enemies and exile them out of the ghetto. Discriminate the population, find those *CLANKERS.*'
'Square. City layout. Attackers. Most chaos. Insight leads to more exam targets being in the center of the city, where the most chaos can be wrought. 3 pointers will be in the center, surrounded by 2's, then 1's spread out. 0's will be wild cards, most likely in the corners then moving up to the center for pressure in the last few minutes.'
'Your inner mind opens, and you see the city layout. The layout is of standard Japanese construction regulation. Calculate. Simulate. Applying new data for computing. Done. Puzzle solved. The entire zone is mapped.'
'Visualize it. Sights above the sky, looking down below, in the sewers, in the shadows, in the light. Spatial awareness is dynamic, but this world is static.'
'Think... think. Simulations of U.A. budget, cost of machines, artificial intelligence, manual interference, human intelligence, with a mark of random probability. Margin of error lowering… targets are mapped in zones. Find them and add them to the data pool.'
[Running with purpose, you speed through the concrete jungle with predictive routes in mind.]
'Up to the left, calculated 85% one-pointer.'
[Running towards a city tower, you twist and slide to the side with your shoes strafing your turn, taking a running stance again, you bolt and see a 1 pointer few meters ahead.']
'Estimates correct. Data compiling and adjusting. Location markers pinpointed. Clusters are marked as high priority.'
'Military green, One wheel, center red eye-bulb protrusion, two limbs that have angular shields across the arm, and instead of hands are gatling guns. Lean, a visible weakness in its joints and stomach, looks like a Gundam lizard, on a one wheel. Maybe two feet taller than you.'
[The one-pointer ahead spots you and yells, "Target Acquired! I'll Kill You!"]
'Gotta go fast!'
[Running up from the slow down, 30, 40, then stable to 80. Your speed is too fast for it to move before you instantly arm bar it in its weak spine. *BOOooommm…*]
'The machinations that made this machinery are simple and mass produced. Your expert opinion is that their incredibly fragile and blunt force against the base of robot, will smash it. The plating is the strongest part, simple aluminum alloy. The closest analogy is an iron turtle. Circuitry doesn't matter, its too weak for you to even care about.'
[The spine of the one-pointer shatters forwards as you keep moving on, it crumples into a heap of metal, "Ohh~ I've been defeated by a hero!"]
'What drama! They certainly have a sense of humor.'
'Up ahead, 3 one-pointers are around a two-pointer.'
[Running full speed, still kicking up asphalt and concrete into the ground, you see a group of robots.]
'Muay Thai? Sanda? Judo? Capoeira? Defendu?... Which one…*Ah! Yesss…* *Bokator,* Cambodia's martial arts.'
[Spotting you, they start moving forward. So, sprinting you veer slightly to the side and allow them to line up. 'First. Divide and conquer.' Reaching them, you curl up your arms and shift your weight to your front, pushing your legs, using BOAR'S SHOULDER CHECK on the first one-pointer, *BOOM* which shatters into scrap, halting the others advance.]
[You're momentum is halted by the reciprocal force, so you lean back, and stomp hard onto the ground and perform LION'S STUNNER, using your entire body, shifting your core, you force your palm into another one-pointers chest plate, *BOOM* shattering both the plate and the base frame.]
[Rotating back your hips, and lowering your stance, OX'S SWEEP, you swing your right leg through the one wheel of the last one-pointer, *CRACK* making it collapse. HORSE'S STOMP, immediately you sidestep towards the head of the one-pointer and give it a curb-stomp. *BOOM*]
'The two-pointer is a round-horse version of the one-pointer, though smaller and wider, with three sensors at its base. It has one blunt tail, and a head erects from its ball-like body. It looks sturdier, but slower.'
[Quickly before the two-pointer can stomp you, you twist and tighten your core, and like a spring you unleash, SCORPION'S STINGER, performing a back kick, *BOOM* shattering its core body.]
'30 seconds has passed, 6 points accumulated. Optimal position for phase 2, three-pointers are here.'
'You spot 4, two-wheeled robots that have a bulky frame, blocky cannons on their shoulders, and hands with two digits. Honestly not as daunting as perceived. 4 three-pointers? It's time.'
'Cookie cut-outs of flimsy scrap, and simple AI? Simply pitiful, they scream out for you to end their suffering. Mercy kill them.'
[Opening your custom-made bag that has been by your hip, you reveal 20, 4-inch tungsten balls.]
'Your coordination is unmatched, accuracy is not in question, distance is how far you want it to go.'
'You handled the weight perfectly, 500 pounds is nothing to your endurance. You haven't even gone top speed. Your quirk factor bolsters your body polyfold. You bench hundreds of tons, you can run 150 mph, and you haven't even gotten *serious* yet.'
'DEMI-GOD IN HUMAN SKIN! ALL MIGHT IS OUR ONLY MATCH.'
'More are coming. You've run right to the center. You estimated that this spot is the priority zone. The simple algorithms are no match for your computing.'
[The floor cracks and splits, *THUD* you dropped your bag. Webs crackle around the ground, a visible dent is made.]
'FREEDOM!'
[You stretch your joints, popping and putting them into position.]
'Ground yourself. And brace for sound and your body.'
'More robots are coming in the distance. 6 one-pointers, 9 two-pointers, 9 three-pointers. + 4 closer.'
[You lift your left leg and smash your heel into the ground feet-deep nearly to your knee, then your other leg bent into the floor, like a kneeling position.]
['You're ready.' You lean down and grab a tungsten ball and wind up a half-pitcher pose. Your eyes gleam. Pushing against the ground forwards with your left leg imbedded, you twist, and…*WHOOSH* 700 mph, A tungsten ball is nearly vaporized and cracks air resistance, a *KIIIIIEEE* sonic boom roars into the city and *BOOM* *BOOM* *boom* *boom* 2 three-pointers explode and three buildings behind experience a shot of tungsten.]
'12 points now. Don't worry about casualties or stray balls, it's all calculated, they aren't here yet and there are no hidden civilians in this exam. Keep going.'
[Another! *KIIIIIEEE* Like an Aztec death whistle, the air hollers in agony. *BOOM* *BOOM* *boom* *boom*.]
'18. 2 three-pointers.'
[More! *KIIIIIEEE* The ground you imbed yourself in shakes and crackles. *BOOM* *BOOM* *boom* *boom*.]
'23. 1 three pointer, 2 one-pointer strays.'
'Do a trick shot!'
[As some bots get closer, you grab two balls on each hand and wind for a big one. Hands-up, stretching your back, you unleash 4 balls simultaneously leaving your arms in an 'x' position.]
[*KIIIIIEEE* x4, *BOOM* *BOOM* *boom* *boom* x4.]
'Muh-muh-muh-MULTI-KILL!'
'Dust is kicking up and the city scape is starting to have a dust storm.'
'32, they travel in packs, and the ball shoots through them. It's only been 3 minutes, 7 minutes left. More are coming, find optimal targets.'
[ANOTHER! *KIIIIIEEE* x4, *BOOM* *BOOM* *boom* *boom* x4.]
'44. 2 three-pointers, 4 one-pointers, 1 two-pointers.'
[AGAIN!! *KIIIIIEEE*, you're moving in sand-like rubble. *BOOM* *BOOM* *boom* *boom*.]
'52. With one ball, 2 three-pointers and 1 two-pointers.'
[DOUBLE! *KIIIIIEEE* x2, you're moving in sand-like rubble. *BOOM* *BOOM* *boom* *boom* x2.]
'65. 2 three-pointers, 5 one-pointers, 1 two-pointers. *6 minutes, 8 seconds left.* Time to move, efficiency will drop. Pathing created.'
[Jumping out of the sand pit you've made, you leave your bag with 6 balls left. It's time to move.]
[Suddenly you hear, "6 minutes and 2 seconds left!"]
[With that voice, you hear a colossal machine breaking through buildings.]
'GRAB ONE.'
[After a split second, you grab one ball.]
'START THE ENGINES!'
[Air ripples again and your body steams. You take off, kicking the street away from you, launching forwards 150 mph!]
'Look for strays and help the civilians.'
[Running at incredible speeds, like a racecar, you smash into stray robots.]
[66, 67, 68-9-70-71… you brute force your speed and endurance through the aluminum alloy]
'FASTER! SPEED!'
'Distortion occurs in the light, colors warp, buildings twist and bend. Refractions split into shade. The fabrics of conception peel off, revealing a speeding demon.' *IMAGE*
[73-4-5-6-7-9-81-4-5-6-8-9-91-3-4-5-6-7-9-100]
[101, 102-03-05, crashing through, you spot a girl and boy being pinned by a two-pointer.]
'Continue! RUN THROUGH!!'
[107, you smash through the two-pointer pinning the pair.]
'Re-routing!'
[Moving through the city with ease, you push through like a bullet train. 108-09-12-13-18, 119.]
'They might think you're a speed quirk!'
'5 minutes and 50 seconds left.'
'MORE!'
[Salt starts to sprinkle and melt off of you, 121-23-24-27-28-29-30-31-32-33-34-36-38-41, 142.]
'Another saved.'
[143.]
'Another!'
[144-45-46-47, 149.]
'5 minutes and 20 seconds left. 149 points achieved, take down the zero-pointer just in case.'
'Your field of view widens as colors blend, nearly becoming black and white, like ink on paper. A heavy blot of ink is to your right.'
[You take a right turn and head straight towards the zero-paper. Blood nearly boiling, your heart pumps again! *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*. GO!]
'You could leap and punch it, but the fall would be unnecessary.'
'Looking ahead, a grand colossal titan of a robot is looming over the buildings, humanoid in nature, it has 2 arms and large tank tread. It's gripping buildings and toppling them over.'
'DIE!'
[With a great step, your legs deeply imbed into the ground, as you launch your one tungsten ball at the core of the zero-pointer.]
'Simple manufacturing location.'
'PUNCH DOWN!'
[As the sonic boom blasts the air and dust around *KIIIIIEEE*, you topple over nearly falling, but you catch yourself by punching the ground. *BAM* Your fists are elbow deep into the mini crater.]
[*BOOM*]
[The zero-pointer's frame instantly deforms and a massive dent the size of a building is crumpled inwards, *WHIIEEeee* a whistle noise coming from the ball still zipping through the air.]
'HAHAHA, 149 + 0 = 1490!'
[The zero-pointer stops moving and explodes a lot more than normal and falls listlessly.]
'Did they plant explosives in these things?'
'5 minutes left.'
[You mentally clock the time to be half-way done. Your muscles ache a bit, mainly the shoulder joint, but you could keep going. You think, 'villain points are done. I don't believe I'll fail. So, now it's hero time. Focus on helping.']
…
[You slow down to a normal jog.]
[1-minute passes, jogging, you've helped a few people around. Lifting rubble.]
'You hear another loud noise coming from another section of the city. Another zero-pointer.'
'Perhaps the zero-pointer is important? Why bring out another one? You guess it's a show of a hero's will. This means more people may be watching than you initially estimated. Saving examinees seems like the right thing now.'
[1 more minute passes, 3 minutes left on the clock, you save a few more people from robots, 151 points.]
[With 2 minutes on the clock, helping out a girl walk to safety, you hear the zero-pointer.]
'Kill it? Someone's testing your patience now.'
'Let it be for someone else to be a hero.'
[Facing the zero-pointer, you can see it's quite the way away.]
'Compose yourself. You've exerted too much to be this reckless.'
'Mildly deflated, you know that while you could do extraordinary feats of power, your consequence is a nightmare.'
[You shake your head, snapping out of it.]
'Hm? Look.'
[Out of the corner of your vision, you see a guy launching towards the zero-pointer.]
'It's…Midoriya?'
[Midoriya, reaching the zero-pointer, does a hearty right hook with incredible power!]
[*BOOM*….*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM* The zero-pointer explodes and different points of the body.]
'Woah, Midoriya's power is unexpected. He seems to be a strength amplifier. Interesting, but you already knew something was off about him.'
[You raise your brow in interest. 'Oh…' you think, 'he's falling'. You see Midoriya falling out of the sky.]
'Ehhh…he should be fine. Stronger the quirk, stronger the person, right?'
[You shrug and keep helping examinees until the exam is over.]
~~~
'Final tally is 151 points and 17 examinees saved.'
[With the exam over, you believe you did a good job.]
'*Phew* Those 5 minutes allowed for your body to decompress. You're back to tip-top shape, just wipe off those salt crusts.'
[With a nice laugh, you brush your skinsuit and hair off for salt accumulation. You lost your casual shirt and shorts in the action. Mini-drones and vehicles start picking people up, so you start walking to the entrance.]
'Hmmm, you left your bag in there… they should return it, maybe… whatever, it's fine.'
'When they see you're the *Alpha,* they'll do more than just pick up your bag. They'll grab all your balls too…and I mean *all* your balls.'
[You chuckle a little louder.]
~~~
[As a transport vehicle drops you off, you get some time to shower and grab complementary food from the written exam room.]
…
[After a shower and a change of clothes. You head towards the exam room, which is a repurposed gymnasium with hundreds of desks lined with spaces between the sides.]
[You eat a simple bento from a brand that sponsors Midnight, the R-Rated Hero. It's nice that they allow for taking multiple bentos. You eat two more and drink some All Might orange juice. You notice the Ida drinking a lot of orange juice.]
…
[Exam is starting. Multiple Pro Heroes are watching.]
…
[Exam over. It was like elementary school homework…from what you remember.]
…
[You go back home. It's 12pm.]
'...prepare.'
[Your parents aren't home yet. You take another shower, this time a little longer than normal.]
'…brace.'
[It's now 2pm. You stretch and cook some food.]
…
[It's now 4pm. You stay in your room and sit there.]
…
[It's now 7pm. It's time to sleep.]
'...consequences'
[It's now 10pm. Sleep.]
...
[It's now 12am. Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.]
...
[It's now 3am. Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.]
...
[It's now 5am. Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.Sleep.]
...
[It's now 7am. G#oT☐???S!!!!☐Go!!☐o!l☐ee##G!!oT☐ee##oToSle☐☐☐☐☐!☐epG☐!!S!!!##???#e☐☐o###Sle☐☐☐oToS###epGoT##☐!!☐eepGoT#####oT☐☐☐??eepG☐!!!☐☐☐##☐GoToS###p!!GoT☐!!☐!!leepG#????#Sle☐pGo☐##☐Sle!!!epGoTo☐!!☐☐pGoTo☐!!☐Sleep##!!!o☐☐☐Sleep]
...
[☐You☐sleep☐]
…
[☐nightmare☐☐☐#1☐☐☐☐DDLC☐:☐J☐U☐S☐T☐M☐O☐N☐I☐K☐A☐~☐]