"Looking good, everyone! You look like the real deal!"
Master All Might's voice boomed with pride as he scanned the twenty students gathered across the training ground.
Following his gaze, I took them in for myself. It was a diverse sight—a kaleidoscope of styles. Aside from a few exceptions, there was no sense of uniformity, yet each student wore a costume that suited them perfectly, highlighting their unique presence. It made sense now; I could see why so many of this planet's youths looked up to this profession with such longing.
"Now then, let's get straight to it! I'll begin by explaining the training curriculum!"
Instruction was, after all, the purpose of the day.
According to the Master's explanation, this exercise would consist of two-man cell "matchups." One pair would act as the Heroes, and the other as the Villains. The stage was a building within the training grounds, making this an exercise in indoor close-quarters combat.
"Without any basic training first?"
Tsuyu-chan's question flew toward him, prompted by the sudden jump to practical application. The Master replied that the purpose was to learn those very basics through the experience itself.
"However, the catch this time is that you aren't just fighting robots you can smash to bits!"
In other words, he wanted to gauge how well we could move in a real combat scenario at our current level. Fundamentals are vital, of course, but one doesn't always have the luxury of waiting until they are a master before stepping onto the battlefield.
"How will the win/loss system be decided?"
"Can we just blast 'em?"
"Is there a risk of expulsion like with Aizawa-sensei...?"
"How will the teams be divided!?"
"Doesn't this cape look sick?"
A flurry of questions followed the explanation—a healthy sign for any house of learning. It reminded me that those gathered in this school's Hero Course were, by and large, highly capable individuals.
Well, save for one curious boy asking something entirely unrelated... but I suppose that is a common sight whenever children gather.
In response, the Master—despite being right in front of his students—shamelessly pulled out a cheat sheet to answer. Even for the world's Number One Hero, it was clear he was still a novice when it came to being a teacher.
"Listen up! The scenario is this: the Villains have hidden a nuclear weapon within their hideout, and the Heroes are trying to dispose of it! The Heroes must either capture the Villains or recover the weapon within the time limit. The Villains must protect the weapon or capture the Heroes! The partners and opponents will be decided by lots!"
A nuclear weapon. He had chosen a rather extreme focal point. Based on the technology of this planet, that was a weapon of the highest order. No matter how incredible the powers of the people here might be, if such a device were detonated at point-blank range, it was unlikely anyone would survive.
How would a Villain obtain such a thing? How would they handle it? The scenario left me with many questions.
"Master All Might. I have a few concerns. May I ask a question?"
After Iida questioned the lottery system for teams, I spoke up.
"Are those the only conditions for this exercise? Specifically, am I to understand that there are no parameters for the Villains beyond 'holed up with a nuclear weapon'?"
"That's right! Nothing more! You're free to interpret the rest of the situation however you like!"
I see. We were expected to fill in the blanks ourselves. This, too, was part of the training: how we perceived and utilized the elements not explicitly presented to us.
"One more question. Regarding this 'nuclear weapon'—is it designed as an explosive device or a radiological one? Or perhaps something designed with a different intent entirely?"
"Hmm? ...I see. Let's go with... an explosive. A nuclear bomb! Of course, if it goes off, it'll dump radiation too!"
A bomb. The most troublesome variation. If it were merely radiation, I could handle it as long as the dose wasn't immediately lethal... Ah, no, that's right. This isn't the Republic.
Hmm. Perhaps I should look into constructing a radiation scrubbing device?
"...Understood. Thank you for the answer."
"Any other questions? ...Good! Then let's draw lots!"
Almost as soon as I stepped back, a box was produced. It contained lots marked with letters; those who drew the same letter would become partners.