Compared to the common room below him, the actual dorm rooms were decently sized, though considering that all 10 dorm rooms were on a single floor, Izuku supposed that was to be expected. That was not to say they were small, however, quite the opposite. It seemed to be about three times as big as his bedroom back home.
The rooms were arranged in a singular hallway, five on each side, with an elevator down to the common room at the end. Izuku's room was at the opposite end of the hall, in the corner. Westley's room was directly across the hall, with John in the room next to him. The room itself was barren at the moment, just a large bed in the corner of the room opposite a closet, and a black desk with a shelf and rolling chair in the middle of the wall. Izuku knew that he would be decorating it soon, however.
For the moment, however, Izuku plopped down on the bed as travel exhaustion began to set in. As he stared at the ceiling, he began to think about a certain classmate of his. "My name is Westley Smith. And I'm Quirkless." That didn't make any sense to him. Quirkless people couldn't be heroes.
His doctor had said it, his mother had implied it, every classmate he'd ever had had made sure to tell him, Kacchan's burn marks told him, hell, even All Might himself had told him. He'd tried to tell himself otherwise over the years, but, over time, it seemed to become less about convincing others, and more about convincing himself.
He sat up, and channeled a minute amount of One For All into his arm, just enough for the emerald arcs to start coursing across it. If this kid was able to get into a hero school without a Quirk, what was stopping him from doing the same? Is it really possible to become a hero without a Quirk? Did he truly need One For All?
Staring at the energized arm for a few moments, Izuku eventually shook his head in dismissal. Whether or not he needed One For All, or any Quirk, was irrelevant now. He had it, and now, he was gonna use it. No point in worrying about what could have been, just focus on what can be. He would definitely be keeping an eye on Westley Smith, however.
Releasing his charge, Izuku looked at his suitcases with a sigh. Now came the fun part: unpacking.
(THE NEXT MORNING, CAMPUS MAIN SECTOR)
The Phoenix Institute campus was divided into five "sectors", with the Main Sector in the center, which housed the lecture halls, infirmaries, cafeterias, faculty offices, as well as the support workshops for the Team Crossbow students. The military garrison also operated out of this sector.
To the northwest was the "Field Center" which was where all physical training took place for Teams Claymore and Chariot. East of this was the "Aerial Sector", which served as the school's airport, featuring numerous helipads and service hangars for the school's fleet of tiltrotors. South of this sector was the "Lounge Sector", which served as a place for students and even faculty to relax and unwind, with arcades, ball courts, swimming pools, etc. Finally was the "Dorm Sector" to the southwest of the Main Sector, where all dorm buildings were held.
Izuku was currently strolling down a pathway through the main sector, having decided to simply explore the campus today, as had many of his classmates. It almost felt like walking through a park in the middle of a city, with trees lining the path on either side, and picnic tables strewn about the patches of grass. It felt calming in a way.
As he came to a central pavilion, where multiple paths intersected, he saw a massive statue of 7 figures clad in hero costumes. Izuku knew exactly who these people were: the Legion of Peace, the first 7 heroes to ever be granted professional licenses. Despite not knowing anything about American heroes (save for Captain Celebrity), almost all lessons of hero history came back to this group in one way or another.
Stargazer, an American patriot who's agility in the air was second to none. Poltergeist, master of stealth, and considered by many to be the precursor of the modern underground hero. Mechanist, who's grand support item designs could make Star Wars seem like a history lesson. Dragonborn, who's flame spared no injustice from its wrath. Great White, master of underwater combat. Apex, who wielded the entire animal kingdom as his weapon.
And finally, Phoenix, the first pro hero, immortal leader of the Legion of Peace, sworn to protect the Earth for all eternity. Below the 7 heroes was a golden plaque, inscribed with the words, "ONE MAN CAN'T SAVE A CITY. BUT A TEAM CAN SAVE THE WORLD." Izuku smiled as he read those words.
"Sight to see, isn't it?" Izuku jumped at the sound of the voice, turning around to see Ashton walking up the path to the statue. "They were a tight-knit team, the Legion. They always had each other's backs, both on and off the field. Heh. Perhaps it would be more accurate to describe them as a family rather than a team."
Ashton walked up to the statue and rubbed his hand along the plaque as he turned his head to Izuku. "Remember this well, Izuku. You've chosen to shoulder a burden far beyond even the wildest imagination. But, it is not one you have to shoulder. All Might ended up making that mistake, as did many others who wielded your power before you."
"But remember: no matter how much power you have, you're still only one man. And you can't save everyone." Izuku grew a thoughtful expression as the headmaster spoke. "But, by allowing others to share that burden with you, you can get pretty darn close. That's the ideal the Legion was founded on, and it's why I sort my students into teams."
Izuku stared at the statue for a few moments, before turning his gaze back to Ashton. "Um, Mr. Fawkes, I've been meaning to ask: How do you… know about One For All? How long have you known about it?" he asked in a hush tone.
Ashton's expression turned to one of sorrow, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He then opened his eyes and smiled at the young student as he let out a chuckle. "Well, now, must preserve some professional secrets, mustn't we?" He then placed his hand on Izuku's shoulders.
"We'll discuss the past some other time. For now, just focus on your training. Good luck in your first class tomorrow, young Midoriya." he bid farewell as he turned and left. Izuku glanced back at the statue for a few moments, before continuing his exploration.
Ashton took a deep breath, and hung his head low as he walked towards the main hall. "Is he the one, Yoichi? I hope so. I truly do."