Chapter 9

The Sports Festival was the city's highlight for the year, drawing in crowds from all over. Fireworks illuminated the sky around U.A.'s massive campus, turning the event into a dazzling spectacle. News anchors and reporters clustered at the front gate, hoping to glimpse the action inside. Security measures had been beefed up considerably, a necessary precaution after the recent League of Villains' attack. Some critics argued that U.A. should have cancelled the festival, but controversy was like catnip for the media, and they thrived on it. Not that they needed the ratings boost, especially with the entire nation tuned in to watch Class 1-A.

On the opposite side of the gate, a vibrant carnival atmosphere prevailed. Food stands offered tempting snacks, while souvenir shops peddled merchandise to eager fans. Conversations buzzed through the crowd. Some attendees eagerly anticipated seeing the third-year students in action, given their greater experience with their Quirks. But this year, the spotlight shone squarely on the first-year students. The hero course's recent skirmish with villains had piqued everyone's interest, and the fact that the No. 2 Hero, Endeavor's, son, was participating only added to the intrigue.

Ensuring the tournament's security were Heroes from all corners of the country. Many of them had their own ulterior motives, hoping to scout fresh talent for their agencies. Still, their primary duty was to prevent any criminal disruptions.

At last, they arrived at the heart of the excitement: the stadium where the Sports Festival would unfold. With its distinctive oval shape, the stadium boasted three tiers of stands and numerous screens for spectators. The arena was circular, with a flat square at its centre, surrounded by lush grass. A series of gates provided access to and from the field. The stadium also housed a branch nurse's office and waiting rooms for the participants.

Inside one of those waiting rooms, Class 1-A gathered.

"Ugh, seriously! I was hoping to rock my costume today," Mina complained, tugging at the standard P.E. uniform she and her classmates were currently clad in.

To her side, Ojiro Mashirao let off a wry smile. "To keep things fair, we really can't."

"I wonder what the first round's going to be…?" Sato voiced out nervously.

Tokoyami Fumikage reclined his avian head and silently hummed. "No matter what comes, we have no choice but to deal with it."

Lokadi Elijah was also dressed in the standard P.E. uniform, similar to everyone else, as he sat in the corner of the room. Honestly, the African couldn't help but agree with the girl as he would have preferred the hero costume that was made for him, which was more comfortable to wear than this. While it wasn't terrible and was somewhat breathable, it was tight around the arms and waist, despite the attire meaning to be for exercise. The only difference in appearance compared to everyone else was that his left arm and hand were wrapped entirely in bandages like usual, extending up to the fingertips, not exposing a sliver of skin. A few students couldn't help but be curious about the bandaged arm, especially its thorough concealment, but most chose to regard it as another enigma in the mosaic that was Lokadi, or they focused on preparing for the festival.

The solemnity of the moment was broken by Iida, who burst into the room with purpose. His voice projected loudly. "Everyone! We're about to enter the arena. Put on your game faces!"

The room, once showing signs of nerves being gradually alleviated, now felt the tension return with a vengeance. Some of Eli's classmates took deep breaths, attempting to steady their racing hearts.

Adrenaline coursed through their veins, even though they hadn't heard a word about the first round.

Amid this electrified atmosphere, a voice pierced the silence. "Midoriya."

"T-Todoroki? What is it?"

Eli blinked as his heterochromia classmate walked up to the nervous teen. However, he appeared far more confused than nervous. Midoriya didn't seem to know why Todoroki called him out.

Frankly, no one else in the room seemed to have a clue either.

The room's atmosphere shifted as several students, who had previously been immersed in their own apprehensions, interrupted their nervous musings to fix their gaze upon the two now at the centre of attention.

Todoroki stared at the green-haired boy briefly before he began to speak, "Looking at things objectively, I think I'm stronger than you."

Eli found himself a bit perplexed. Where was this conversation headed?

Midoriya, though initially bewildered, nodded slowly in agreement.

"But… All-Might has his eye on you, doesn't he?" Todoroki continued, causing Midoriya to visibly flinch. "I'm not trying to pry into your business..." His gaze narrowed. "... but I intend to surpass you."

Kaminari, unaware of the shifting atmosphere, interjected with a teasing tone. "Oh? Is our top student declaring war?"

He failed to notice the change in the room's vibe. From his vantage point, he couldn't discern the narrowed eyes filled with resolute determination.

Kirishima, having risen from his seat, tried to mediate. Placing a reassuring hand on Todoroki's shoulder, he questioned, "Hey, why are you picking a fight all of a sudden? Not now, we're about to start!"

Todoroki promptly shrugged Kirishima's hand off. "We're not here to play at being friends," he asserted, leaving. "So what does it matter?"

"Todoroki."

Elijah observed the exchange between Midoriya and the heterochromatic teenager, Todoroki, who returned to face Midoriya.

Midoriya's voice carried an earnest tone as he admitted, "I don't know what you're thinking when you say that you'll beat me, but of course you're better than me," Midoriya admitted. "I think you're more capable than most people; in fact, you're probably one of the strongest ones here, if not the strongest. Looking at it objectively…"

Kirishima tried to interject with a comforting comment. "Hey, Midoriya, aren't you being a little too hard on yourself?" However, he halted mid-sentence as he noticed Midoriya clenching his fists.

"But," the anxious teenager continued, his grip showing determination, "everyone - our peers in Class 1-B and students from other courses - is doing their best to reach the top!"

Midoriya's fists slowly relaxed.

"I can't afford to fall behind," he declared, lifting his gaze. "I'll give it my all, too."

Todoroki nodded in agreement with his determination.

Elijah understood that Todoroki wanted Midoriya to be at his best when they eventually faced off. At least, that's what Elijah assumed. He knew that life was not so simple.

A wave of determination swept through the class, spreading like wildfire...

Except for Lokadi Elijah, that is.

Todoroki's response was a simple nod before he turned and headed for the door. The rest of the class soon followed suit, leaving the waiting room behind. Elijah, however, lingered for a moment, his gaze drifting over his departing classmates. With a quiet groan, he finally got to his feet, deciding to join the others.

As the black-sclera teenager approached the door, his phone suddenly buzzed in his pocket, prompting him to pause.

"Whoops, I forgot to put my phone away," he muttered and fished it out, realising he had received two text messages. Elijah's phone contacts were limited to Adrian, Kayama, and Fuyumi, so he knew who these messages were from before reading them.

The first text was from Kayama, and Elijah wondered how she found the time to send messages while hosting the Sports Festival. He glanced at the timestamp and realised she had sent it around 30 minutes ago.

Elijah opened Kayama's message to read what she had sent.

"Hey Eli-Kun~! Sorry I couldn't see you before the Festival. I've been super busy with everything that's happened and getting the Festival ready. But I know you will do great. Enjoy yourself and have fun! But I'm not going to give you any hints. Sorry~! Anyway, make sure you do your best! I'll be secretly rooting for you~!"

A faint twitch of annoyance brushed over Elijah as he read the all-too-familiar phrase "Do your best." It seemed to be haunting him today, too. He swiftly typed out a reply, a simple "thanks," knowing that Kayama likely wouldn't see it until later.

Elijah's thumb slid across the screen to open Adrian's message, which had arrived more recently.

"Yo E! How's the nerves? Everyone at the store is watching the event, so don't disappoint them. You're representing Charity's Delight, so try to get to the tournament's second round. You don't have to hold back, so break a leg! But DON'T overdo it."

Eli couldn't help but heave a weary sigh at the added expectation. He quickly typed a one-word response, a simple "Sure," before putting his phone into his locker.

Adrian wanted him to make it to the second round. It was an unexpected source of pressure he hadn't counted on. Elijah had initially planned to take it easy, going with the flow and not pushing too hard. But now, with the weight of his brother/guardian's expectations on his shoulders, he couldn't help but feel weariness at the situation.

Making sure there were no other unwanted items in his pockets, Eli stepped out into the hallway. He followed the corridor leading to the tunnel that would take him to the heart of the sports festival stadium. As the dark-skinned teenager walked, he noticed his classmates entering the stadium at the tunnel's end. Determined not to lag behind, he quickened his pace, the light at the tunnel's end growing brighter with every step. The crowd's roar intensified, joined by the booming voice of the ever-enthusiastic Present Mic.

"The U.A. Sports Festival! The annual battleground where aspiring heroes hone their skills!" Present Mic's distinctive voice reverberated through the air. "And here they are! The remarkable newcomers who faced adversity with hearts of steel! Hero Course, Class 1-A, am I right!?"

Elijah inhaled deeply, steeling himself for what lay ahead as he entered the stadium.

"Let's just get through this. Soon, it will all be over."

Unbeknownst to him, his right hand, free of bandages unlike the left, quivered ever so slightly.

Charity's Delight, the cozy sweet shop and café was bustling with activity. The delightful aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sweet scent of confections filled the air. Behind the counter, Adrian Lokadi, the boss of the establishment, was efficiently juggling multiple tasks. His employees moved gracefully through the shop, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

However, today was not just another ordinary day at Charity's Delight. A huge television had been strategically placed for everyone to watch the U.A. Sports Festival, an event the entire shop was abuzz about. Both employees and customers were drawn to the electrifying competition that was unfolding on the screen.

Most customers, mainly adults on their break, occupied tables facing the television. They chatted animatedly, their eyes flicking between their snacks and the thrilling festival. The air was filled with camaraderie as everyone prepared to cheer for their favourite contestants.

Despite their busy schedules, the employees took brief respite during the lulls in customer traffic. They, too, joined in the excitement, stealing glances at the television whenever they could. The festival had a way of bringing people together, even amid a busy workday.

The television screen displayed the energetic crowd at the stadium, and the whole atmosphere in Charity's Delight buzzed with enthusiasm and anticipation. Some people even took a few bets with who they thought would make it to the next round or who would win the whole thing. The top bet was obviously the number two Pro-Hero, Endevour's son, to win the entire thing, who apparently had a super strong Quirk. When it was revealed that he was Fuyumi's little brother, she got a lot of attention.

"That's your brother!?" One of the customers exclaimed.

"Woah, that's awesome!"

"Wait! Does that mean you are related to Endeavor as well?!"

"Oh, course she must be, although I never thought that someone like Endeavor would have children," A customer said, picturing the No. 2 Pro-Hero.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. While Endeavor is a good hero, he's pretty intimidating."

Fuyumi, who had been on her break quietly sipping her coffee at one of the tables, smiled at the customers' reactions. Her brother's sudden fame had brought some unexpected attention, but she didn't mind. Seeing her little brother gaining recognition and support from strangers was heartwarming.

"Yes, he's my little brother," she replied warmly. "And yes, Endeavor is our father."

The customers continued their lively discussion. Fuyumi was now peppered with questions about what it was like to have a brother in the prestigious U.A. High School and be the child of a prominent Pro-Hero. Fuyumi graciously answered their inquiries, happy to share her family's achievements and her own experiences.

Behind the counter, Adrian couldn't help but overhear the conversation. He was pleased to observe Fuyumi handling the attention with admirable grace and composure. However, he did notice the subtle flinches and awkward giggles that occasionally punctuated her responses whenever Endeavor was mentioned.

The dark-skinned man was just about to speak to change the topic, but he didn't have to as Yuusei Komi arrived at the front door, filling the shop with energy. "Hey, sorry I'm late!" Yuusei exclaimed loudly. "Has the Festival already started?"

"No, you're just in time," replied Hojo, the bald employee, peering out from the kitchen.

"They've only talked about the sponsors and are just about to introduce the classes," Setsuno added while placing freshly baked pastries on the counter for Adrian to take.

"Glad to hear that!" Yuusei grinned, his infectious enthusiasm filling the room.

Adrian gave Yuusei a friendly nod and a warm smile as he approached the counter. "We're just getting started. Take a seat, and we'll get you something to eat or drink. On the house."

Adrian watched as Fuyumi's whole expression seemed to brighten up when the cheerful regular, Yuusei, sat next to her and gave her a smile. It was almost like she was relieved to change the topic from her family ties. Adrian knew it wasn't always easy for her to talk about Endeavor, given their complicated history, but she handled it with admirable poise. Although Adrian had never met the Number 2 Pro-Hero, he could tell from public perception and his observations of Fuyumi that Endeavor wasn't considered a savoury fellow as the man seemed entirely focused on hero work.

The cafe's customers and employees alike shifted their attention to the television as the announcer at the Sports Festival began introducing the participating classes, starting with Class 1-A. The cafe was filled with hushed anticipation as the familiar faces of U.A.'s aspiring heroes appeared on the screen.

"Look, it's Class 1-A!" one of the customers exclaimed, pointing at the television.

The cafe's occupants fell into a hushed excitement as the introductions continued, and Adrian couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and unity seeing so many people gather here to watch such an event. Though it wasn't a full house, there were more than a few people in the store. He listened as people chatted among themselves, observing the famous class that had been attacked by villains.

As the camera panned over each member of Class 1-A, there were whispers of excitement and recognition from the audience. The students' unique quirks and abilities were fascinating for the spectators.

"I heard that one of the girls can make things float," one customer remarked.

"Yeah, and wasn't one of the students involved in that Slime villain incident a few months back? I think his name was Bakugo or something," another replied.

As the customers continued chatting, Yuusei turned to the boss of Charity's Delight and asked him a question. "Hey Adrian, why didn't Charity's Delight set up a stall at the Sports Festival? It seems like a great business opportunity, right?"

Adrian wiped his hands on his apron and thought about Yuusei's question. "You know, I did think about it, but the problem is that we need to secure a permit months in advance. Even if we managed to get a stall, we wouldn't be allowed to enter the stadium to watch the event. The tickets for the festival were all booked out long ago, and I didn't want my employees to miss the chance to see Elijah in action."

Yuusei nodded in understanding. "I see. That makes sense. Well, we can still enjoy the festival here. Plus, we have the best view in town," he said, pointing to the large television screen.

Fuyumi smiled as she watched her little brother's determined expression on the screen. "You're right, Yuusei. We may not be there in person, but we can still cheer for them from here."

Yuusei turned to Fuyumi and asked her, "So, Fuyumi-chan, who are you rooting for?" He leaned in with genuine curiosity.

Fuyumi's smile warmed as her gaze settled on her little brother, who was seen confidently striding into the arena on the screen. "Well, obviously, Shouto is my top pick. But truthfully, there are so many talented students in Class 1-A; it's challenging to choose just one. But I certainly hope Elijah-kun performs admirably."

Yuusei turned his attention to Adrian and enquired about Elijah's well-being. "How was Elijah feeling this morning? Any jitters?" he asked.

Adrian, a man with dark blue dreadlocks, chuckled softly before replying, "Ah, he didn't seem bothered by the event. However, I am a bit concerned about how he'll handle the crowd."

Upon hearing this, Yuusei and Fuyumi joined in with laughter.

Fuyumi also chimed in with her thoughts, "Yes, Elijah-kun doesn't strike me as the type to relish being the centre of attention."

Just then, Grogg, one of the rock-like twins working at Charity's Delight, piped up excitedly from in front of the television.

"Mini-Boss! Mini-Boss on T.V.!"

Startled by the announcement, the store's owner, manager, and valued customer swivelled their heads toward the television screen. There, they saw Eli, who had finally entered the stadium, albeit with a slouched posture, hands buried deep in his pockets, and a perpetual scowl etched across his face, a clear indication that the young African was not enjoying his time in the packed arena.

Yuusei couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Wow, he really doesn't like crowds, does he!?"

Adrian let out a resigned sigh. "I did tell him to try and enjoy himself."

Fuyumi couldn't help but giggle as she watched Eli cautiously make his way forward, the last in all of Class 1-A to enter the arena. "I'm sure once he gets going, he'll be fine. It'll just take some time."

The camera briefly followed Elijah's uneasy progress onto the stadium floor before shifting its focus to Class 1-B. However, that brief glimpse of Eli was enough to spark excitement in Charity's Delight. Customers exchanged enthusiastic comments and speculations about a foreigner making it into the U.A. Hero course. Simultaneously, the employees, particularly the twins Grogg and Rogg, couldn't help but cheer when they saw their "Mini-Boss" appear on the screen, despite the boy's evident reluctance.

"This is such an exciting tournament, isn't it?" Yuusei asked Adrian, turning to him for his honest opinion. "how far do you reckon Elijah is gonna go? There are usually three rounds, with the final round being a one-on-one match."

Lokadi Adrian took a moment to ponder the question as he began arranging the freshly baked pastries left for him by Setsuno. "It all depends on how much effort he puts in," he finally replied, dividing his attention between the conversation and the delicious pastries.

Hojo chimed in, eager to join the conversation. "What do you mean by that?"

Adrian continued his precise arrangement of the pastries, carefully placing a tray of chocolate eclairs next to a display of fruit tarts. His hands moved with practised precision as Setsuno leaned on the counter and listened intently to their discussion.

"If Eli is barely trying, he'll probably make it to the second round," Adrian said, his tone thoughtful. "I mean, I sent him a message earlier, telling him to at least aim for the second round, which he is more than capable of. He can easily breeze through the first round without pushing himself too hard, which I think is what he plans to do. And if he's lucky, he might pass the second round."

He paused, carefully positioning a tray of cream puffs. "But, if he actually tries and puts in some effort, then he'll win the whole thing. No doubt in my mind. But that's a big if."

Unbeknownst to the African, Yuusei, Fuyumi, Hojo, and Setsuno exchanged quick, doubtful glances at his statement. Their unspoken doubts were firmly rooted in their firsthand observations of the youngest Lokadi. They knew that Eli could often be quite unmotivated and, to be blunt, rather lazy. When brought to the store to work by Adrian, he typically did the bare minimum, grumbling complaints under his breath. Moreover, it was evident that Eli wasn't enthusiastic about attending U.A. in the first place. All these factors collectively contributed to the belief that Eli might not make it very far in the Sports Festival.

Although Todoroki Fuyumi was known for her kind-heartedness, she couldn't help but feel sceptical about her boss and friend's ambitious statement. Winning the tournament was an incredibly challenging goal, given the competition and the prestigious reputation of U.A. It seemed to her and others that Adrian was vastly overestimating Elijah's abilities. From what they knew, Eli had a weapon creation quirk, which Eli and Adrian rarely talked about. Although that kind of Quirk was impressive, it seemed less impressive compared to others Fuyumi had seen, especially her youngest brother's.

Nevertheless, the employees opted to keep their sceptical thoughts to themselves, not wanting to dampen Adrian's unwavering faith in his brother.

On the TV screen, the opening ceremony ended as Present Mic introduced all the classes. The announcer's voice grew more energetic, announcing the start of the first round of the U.A. Sports Festival.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The first round of the U.A. Sports Festival is about to begin!"

The cafe erupted in cheers as the spectators prepared to watch the students of Class 1-A and other classes compete in the first round. The excitement was palpable, and even the sceptical employees couldn't help but get caught up in the enthusiasm of the event. They decided to push away Adrian's statement.

The audience eagerly awaited the heroic showdown to begin, and cheers and applause filled the air.

Elijah let out a heavy sigh as he stood in the stadium, watching one class after another being presented to the roaring crowd. The atmosphere was becoming more and more electric with each passing moment. Eli stood in the midst of the sea of students in the stadium, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. This was no easy feat, given the massive crowd and countless onlookers surrounding him. The noise and attention were both overwhelming for someone like him who despised crowds and the spotlight.

As he scanned the sea of faces, Eli couldn't help but brood about how this was the complete opposite of keeping a low profile, something he and Adrian were supposed to maintain. They were supposed to stay out of the limelight, remain unnoticed, and live a quiet life. Eli had been content with this by playing video games, avoiding the spotlight, and doing the bare minimum. But nooooo, Adrian had insisted on enrolling him in the Hero Course at the most prestigious school in Japan, thrusting him into this highly televised and popular event watched by the entire country. Yeah, very low profile.

As the announcer continued introducing more classes, Eli's gaze remained fixed on the crowd, his discomfort palpable. He couldn't wait for this ordeal to be over and for everything to return to normal. But he knew that to achieve that, all he had to do was grit his teeth and endure the spotlight, at least for now.

"Time for the player pledge!"

Eli blinked as he heard the familiar voice and focused on the small podium on the other side of the crowd of students before him– Oh my God, is that actually her hero suit?

Stockings, check. Belt, check. Skin-tight clothing, check. Corset, check. Choker, check. Mask, check. Handcuffs, check. Tassel, check.

He couldn't help but think, 'Is that really a hero costume or just a fetish magnet?'

The students around him seemed surprisingly nonchalant about Midnight's provocative attire. However, some, like Kirishima, Kaminari, and Tokoyami, couldn't help but express their discomfort and disbelief at the costume choice.

"Someone really needs to talk to Ms Midnight about her clothes," Kirishima said.

"Her costume needs to come with a warning," added Kaminari. "Is that costume really appropriate for school activities?" asked Tokoyami.

While these male students were flustered with Midnight's clothing, Mineta dug the teacher's dominatrix clothing, giving a big thumbs up of approval.

"Quiet, everyone!" Midnight's commanding voice echoed through the stadium as she cracked her tassel-whip to gather everyone's attention. "Representing the students is Bakugo Katsuki from Class 1-A!"

The assembled students were taken aback, and a collective gasp of surprise rippled through the crowd, particularly among the 1-A classmates who couldn't quite believe it. Bakugo, on the other hand, was unfazed and calmly walked up to the podium.

"What? It's Kacchan?" Midoriya muttered in confusion.

Sero let out a weary chuckle. "That guy did end up being first in the entrance exam..."

A girl, who seemed to be from the general course, sighed loudly. "In the hero course, of course," she corrected.

Midoriya wilted. "R-Right..."

Eli stood at the back of the 1-A students, a few meters away from any of his classmates. His curiosity was piqued by the exchange, and he raised an eyebrow at the girl's stern correction. However, as he looked around, he realised that he was one of the few students from U.A. standing near the back. Some of these students started to take notice of him.

"Hey, look, it's a foreigner," one student whispered, presumably from the general education class.

"Huh, I didn't know we had one in our year," another responded.

"Which class is he in?"

"It seems like he's part of the Hero Course."

"Tsk, figures. Of course U.A. would let foreigners into the hero program."

"Yeah, I bet he can't even speak Japanese. He probably came here just to get into the hero course and doesn't care that he might've taken someone else's spot." another student whispered, their frustration palpable. Some students even used the term "Gaijin" under their breath, expressing their discontent.

Eli couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious under their scrutiny. However, as he reflected on the situation, a profound realisation washed over him. Wasn't he ruining these children's futures? He didn't want to be here, yet here he stood. He had no desire to be a student at a school preaching about heroism, yet here he was. Even though he now resided in peaceful Japan, he never truly felt like a civilian, no matter how hard he tried. From his earliest memories, he had been taught to be a warrior, not some hero in costumes or a villain in tight suits, but a warrior who had to be unfeeling and focus purely on survival. And yet, here he was.

The moment Elijah ranked eighth in the Practical Exams, he realised that he had potentially dashed someone else's future. Someone who had passionately applied to the U.A. hero course, yearning to join Class 1-A, but now had their dreams crushed because of Eli's presence. Kirishima and Sero might have won back in the Battle Trials without getting seriously hurt. The USJ Incident could have been handled better. Even the Sports Festival could have been fairer if all participants were individuals who genuinely cared and aspired to be heroes. And yet he had ruined it.

So many possibilities for so many lives, all impacted by one individual—Lokadi Elijah. He knew, deep down, that his existence had possibly dimmed the futures of his fellow students. Whose spot had he taken? Who could have occupied the place he now held? All he knew was that he had coldly, ruthlessly and disrespectly claimed the position of someone who genuinely wanted it, someone who might have made the world a better place, something that Eli doubted he could do as long as he was alive.

The dark teenager's thoughts were shattered when Bakugo suddenly spoke into the microphone on the podium.

"I pledge… That I'll be number one."

The unexpected declaration left Eli bewildered momentarily, and then pandemonium erupted among the students.

"What the heck!?"

"Stop messing around!"

"Don't be so full of yourselves, Class A!"

"You piece of–"

"Why are you doing something so disgraceful!?" Iida shouted, his arm making furious, repeated swinging motions.

Bakugo, in response, merely turned toward the sea of first-year students and delivered a disdainful thumbs-down gesture. "At least become a nice bouncy step for me to jump off of."

His words only stoked the fire of indignation among the students, and it took a considerable effort from Midnight to restore order.

"Now, now, let's get started right away!" Midnight exclaimed, sporting a smile in her signature style, hoping to douse the simmering tensions. Unfortunately, her attempts weren't particularly successful. "The first game is what you'd call a qualifier! Every year, many shed tears here. So, without further ado..."

In an instant, a holographic screen materialised before her, displaying a continuously spinning and colourful roulette wheel. Elijah highly doubted that the event was genuinely random; it was more likely an elaborate spectacle meant to heighten anticipation.

"This year it's…" Midnight announced, her words forming on the screen as the roulette wheel stopped. "… this!"

An Obstacle Race.

Eli raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unexpected twist.

"All eleven classes will participate in this race. The course will be the outer circumference of this stadium, approximately four kilometres long!" She raised her tassel high and licked her lips with a hint of delight. "Our school's selling point is freedom! As long as you stay on the course, what you do doesn't matter!" The crowd erupted in approval at this revelation, and the R-Rated Hero seemed to briefly revel in their adulation before gesturing with her whip toward the tunnel leading to the track. "Please make your way to the starting line in an orderly fashion! The race will commence in exactly three minutes, so use that time to warm up, intimidate your competition, or say your prayers – because you'll need all the help you can get!"

Unsurprisingly, the mass of students surged toward the starting line, pushing, shoving, and jostling with each other to secure a favourable position.

Eli tried to maintain his composure as the tumultuous crowd of students jostled and fought for prime positions at the starting line. He observed the rowdy rabble with a sense of detachment, standing calmly at the back of the group. His hands remained tucked in his pockets, and his expression betrayed none of the anticipation or nervousness that radiated from the rest of the participants.

Amid the chaotic scene, Eli's gaze unexpectedly locked onto Nemuri Kayama, also known as Midnight, who stood confidently on the podium. Their eyes met, and the R-Rated Hero gave him a sly wink, her lips moving silently to mouth the words, "Good luck."

Eli didn't respond with words but acknowledged her message with a subtle nod. It was a simple acknowledgment of her well-wishes.

"You must be pretty confident in your speed to not even try to push to the front of the line," a female voice remarked.

Eli froze in his tracks, his hands still resting in his pockets. He turned his head to the right, where he was met with the sight of an attractive ginger-haired girl who was engaged in some warm-up stretches. It took a moment for Eli to realise that she was addressing him.

"Ah... Not really," he mumbled awkwardly, his usually stoic demeanour faltering slightly. He found it challenging to engage with new people. But as he looked closer at the girl, a flicker of recognition crossed his mind. He felt like he had seen her before.

"Yeah, I guess that makes a bit of sense," the ginger-haired girl replied, nodding thoughtfully. She continued to eye him as if waiting for something. "Um, I don't know if you remember, but we were in the Entrance Exam together, in the same arena."

Eli remained silent, still struggling to place her face or recall any specific details.

Seeing his confusion, the girl let out a small, awkward chuckle. "Umm... Well, anyway, you helped me out during the exam, saving someone. I think it was that big guy with the big lips," she explained, gesturing toward Sato Rikido, who was seen trying to make his way to the front of the mass of students.

Eli's memory remained hazy despite her explanation, but he pretended to nod in recognition.

"Anyway, I'm Kendo Itsuka, Class 1-B's president," she finally introduced herself, extending a polite and friendly smile.

Eli paused momentarily before returning the smile with a reserved nod. "I'm uhh... Lokadi Elijah. Nice to meet you," he said, feeling a bit out of his element conversing with someone he didn't know well. His interactions at U.A. had been limited, and he wasn't exactly a social butterfly.

"You're from Class 1-A, right?" Kendo asked, her curiosity evident. "I remember you scoring pretty highly on the exam. It's funny how we didn't really get to talk afterwards. I remember you left pretty quickly."

"Yeah, I was uhh... busy afterwards."

Kendo nodded, seemingly understanding. "No worries, it was a crazy day. But now we've met, we can get to know each other better during or after the Sports Festival."

Eli appreciated her friendly demeanour, even though he still felt somewhat reserved. "Yeah, let's do that," he replied, feeling a bit more at ease with the prospect of connecting with his fellow students. Maybe this making friends stuff wasn't as tricky or high-level after all.

The crowd of students around them grew restless as the three-minute countdown to the start of the race began, and the tension in the air was palpable. Eli glanced around, noticing his classmates and other students' determined and competitive expressions.

Kendo, too, seemed to focus on the upcoming race, gaining a competitive glint in her eye. "Well, Lokadi, it's been nice chatting with you. Good luck! Hopefully, we will compete against each other in the next round," she said with a determined smile.

Eli nodded in return. "Uhh...Yeah, good luck."

With that, the countdown reached its final seconds, and the stadium erupted with energy as the obstacle race of the U.A. Sports Festival was about to begin. Students from all classes of first years readied themselves for the challenge ahead, each with their own aspirations and goals in mind.

The final lights flickered off before Kayama signalled the start of the race.

"Start!"

As the students surged forward through the narrow passageway, it quickly became apparent that not everyone would fit through simultaneously. It was a chaotic scramble, bodies pressing against each other, and elbows jostling for position. Eli found himself at the back of the pack, hemmed in by the throng of students eager to make a break for it.

Amidst the frenzy, Present Mic's commentary resonated through the stadium speakers. "And we're off to a racing start! How 'bout some coloured commentary, mummy man? What should we be paying attention to in the early stages of the race?"

"The doorway," replied Aizawa, emphasising the obvious point that the bottleneck at the entrance was the critical aspect of the race.

However, despite this obstacle, The African student was not in the least bothered. After all, Eli had a strategy in mind, one that involved conserving his energy while making it look like he was putting in a genuine effort. His aim was to make it to the second round of the Sports Festival without drawing too much attention to himself. Eli did not plan to aim for the first or second position as it would make him stand out. Instead, he sought a modest place around 20th or 30th. This way, he could meet Adrian and Kayama's expectations and avoid drawing too much attention until he was eliminated in the second round.

So, as the students fought their way through the narrow passage, Eli executed his plan. He lightly jogged at the back of the pack at a moderate pace, keeping up the pretence of exerting himself while not really pushing his limits. He remembered a saying he'd picked up from a video game that perfectly suited his current approach: "Minimum effort, maximum satisfaction."

Eli knew he had to make this race look convincing, even if he intended to drop out of the Hero course. The dark-skinned teen jogged steadily, slowly passing a few students who were slow due to low fitness ability. He occasionally glanced around, making it look like he was surveying the competition, all while maintaining his facade of putting in effort. Thankfully, most students were focused entirely on getting clear of the tight tunnel. The black-sclera-eyed boy was content to let the chaos unfold ahead of him, using as little effort as possible to pass this round.

As Eli neared the end of the tunnel, he began to notice a distinct change in the terrain beneath his feet. The solid ground had transformed into a slick sheet of ice, causing some students near him to slip and slide uncontrollably.

He glanced ahead and saw several unfamiliar students with their feet trapped in the ice. It was a clear indication that someone had used their Quirk to manipulate the ground, and Eli quickly deduced that it was likely the work of Todoroki Shouto. Eli guessed that Fuyumi's younger brother had used his ice power to slow down or trap the rest of the competition in the obstacle race.

Maintaining his facade of effort, Eli decided to pick up his pace. He knew he was one of the last students to exit the tunnel, and this race was about survival as much as it was about winning. The African also guessed that roughly half of the participants would be eliminated in this round, with around 100 students competing. Therefore, Eli aimed to secure a spot among the remaining 50.

Despite the icy ground, Eli displayed impressive agility, precision, and balance. Each step he took was deliberate, ensuring that his feet landed securely without slipping. Eli's agile progress over the icy ground didn't go unnoticed by a few of the Gen-Ed students who had fallen behind or were trying to maintain their footing. A couple of them exchanged surprised glances, stunned by his apparent ease in handling the slippery surface.

As Eli reached the end of the winding path, the ice beneath his feet gradually gave way to regular ground. Ahead of him, about a hundred meters away, a group of students stood facing a lineup of massive green robots. Eli remembered these same zero-point faux villains from the Entrance Exam.

"So, they're using those things again," Eli observed, recognising the mechanical adversaries. However, before he could reach the group of students facing off against the robots, a series of explosions echoed through the air, followed by the swift destruction of all the zero-point faux villains.

Eli's gaze shifted forward to see that Yaoyorozu had unleashed this impressive attack. She opened her PE shirt, revealing some skin, and employed her Quirk to create a cannon reminiscent of those found on ancient naval ships. With her hands firmly on the cannon, she effortlessly dispatched the robot foes.

"Piece of cake!" Yaoyorozu declared triumphantly before continuing to run, passing through the opening she had created.

Eli couldn't help but be impressed, and a low whistle escaped his lips. Some of the students around him wore expressions of astonishment as they witnessed the extent of Yaoyorozu's abilities.

"No wonder she got recommendations," he muttered as he jogged closer to the scene.

As Eli continued his jog, he couldn't help but ponder the remarkable versatility of Yaoyorozu's Quirk. Among all the students in the Hero Course, he found her ability to create virtually anything from her body to be the most impressive. Actually, scratch that. It was one of the most impressive he had ever seen. He could only think of a few quirks that surpassed it. But in truth, the versatility of her Quirk sat at the top.

Eli kept up his steady jog and passed a group of General Education students who were still amazed by Yaoyorozu's remarkable Quirk abilities. However, when they saw him passing, they got a new burst of energy and quickly joined the race. Eli estimated that he was probably around the 70th position out of the 100 participants.

As he continued to run, Eli's focus was interrupted when a two-pointer robot suddenly leapt into his path.

"Targets acquired," the 1-Pointer robot declared in its robotic tone. "Terminate them."

As the robot approached him with its arm raised to strike, Eli carefully assessed his options and strategised his next move. He waited for the right moment and executed a perfectly timed burst of speed, swiftly ducking beneath the robot's mechanical limb as it swung toward him. With his agile maneuver, he easily avoided the robot's attack, allowing the massive arm to swing harmlessly above him.

Eli chose to keep running instead of dealing with the robot. He left behind some General Education or Support Class students to handle it, but he knew he couldn't waste time on it during the race. Despite feeling a twinge of guilt, he ignored the distraction and focused on maintaining his pace. His priority was to progress to the next round of the Sports Festival with as little effort as possible. After all, this was a competition, and he had to prioritise his own progress.

"So the first barrier was a piece of cake?! How about the second?!" Present Mic announced over the megaphone. "Fall, and You're out! You gotta crawl across if you wanna make it! This is THE FALL!"

It took a while after the announcement before Eli saw the obstacle.

A ravine filled with differently shaped stone pillars, each with loosely hanging ropes in between them.

Upon his arrival, Eli noticed that the students from Class 1-A had already embarked on their journey across this daunting obstacle. Among them, he saw Asui Tsuyu, the frog-like girl, effortlessly maneuvering the ropes, along with Iida, who was using his speed Quirk to skate across the ropes at an impressive pace. Further ahead, Tokoyami utilised his Dark Shadow Quirk to soar over the ravine, demonstrating how students tackled the challenge creatively.

Present Mic's voice resonated through the speakers, emphasising the competitive nature of the race. "The lead pack is a step ahead, but below them, everyone's clumped together! They haven't announced how many people will make it through, so you can't relax! Push forward!"

Eli halted momentarily near a group of students, most of whom appeared to be from the General Education course. They were huddled together, exchanging hesitant words of encouragement as they contemplated their options for crossing "The Fall". Some attempted to crawl across, while others tried to traverse it like monkey bars. Their collective uncertainty was palpable.

Eli observed their predicament briefly, but he understood that waiting for them to gain confidence and make their way across would consume too much time. He scanned the ropes and selected one situated toward the outer edge of the challenge, seemingly vacant. With a determined stride, the dark-skinned student stepped onto the rope and began walking across it, his movements reminiscent of a tightrope walker. Arms stretched out for balance, he proceeded with a surprising ease that drew the attention of those hesitating.

The onlookers, including the students struggling on the ropes, watched in awe as Eli crossed almost casually as if he were strolling on solid ground. His demonstration of skill and confidence left an impression, and the General Education students couldn't help but admire his composure. Some even decided to emulate his technique, thinking it seemed deceptively easy.

However, their attempts at mimicking Eli's method proved far more challenging than anticipated. As they stepped onto the ropes and attempted to walk as he did, the treacherous nature of "The Fall" revealed itself. One by one, they lost their balance and slipped from the ropes, disappearing into the seemingly endless abyss of darkness below.

Amidst the chaos, all they could perceive was the pitch-black void that swallowed them, giving way to an eerie sensation of falling into the unknown. The students' voices of surprise and shock echoed briefly before fading into "The Fall."

Fortunately, the ominous drop into darkness was not as perilous as it appeared. A massive rubber net stretched out beneath, expertly concealed from view. It served as a safety measure, ready to catch anyone who tumbled into the void, preventing serious harm.

Despite hearing the faint echoes of their surprised voices behind him, Eli continued this approach, moving from rope to rope with practised balance and agility. He couldn't help but feel grateful for his quick thinking in choosing the outer ropes, avoiding the congestion of falling students and getting higher in the ranks. He estimated he was likely somewhere around the 50th or 60th spot, but he didn't dwell on the exact number.

With his measured approach, Eli reached the end of "The Fall" without incident. He stepped off the rope and continued along the path, ascending a set of red stairs. Along the way, he passed a few fellow students who were beginning to show signs of fatigue, their deep breaths and tired expressions contrasting with his own steady pace and unruffled demeanour.

It took only a short time before the sole foreigner of Class 1-A made it to the next obstacle. Eli stopped next to a foreboding sign that read "Danger MINES!" The name was a straightforward warning, and the scene before him was indeed chaotic. Students from various classes were navigating this perilous obstacle; some had already fallen victim to the explosive mines, sending them soaring into the air.

As he surveyed the scene, Eli couldn't help but notice two familiar figures battling for the lead. Todoroki and Bakugo, currently in first and second place, respectively, were locked in a fierce competition about 100 to 150 meters ahead of him. He also spotted the rest of Class 1-A carefully treading through the minefield, each step taken cautiously to avoid triggering the dangerous explosives, slowly gaining on the leaders.

Eli couldn't help but appreciate the cleverness of the obstacle's design. It was meant to disadvantage those in the lead, forcing them to slow down and potentially level the playing field for those behind. Additionally, it added an extra layer of excitement and danger to the Sports Festival, ensuring that spectators would be thoroughly entertained.

'Hmm... This is going to be a pain to cross,' Eli sighed in silent contemplation.

Eli studied the minefield with a mix of caution and determination. There was no discernible pattern to how the mines were placed, but it became clear that the density of mines increased as students neared the end of the field. Even someone as formidable as Todoroki was forced to proceed cautiously, tiptoeing around potential danger.

Eli sighed in contemplation. It was clear that crossing this minefield would be challenging. He had to weigh the risks carefully, especially since he didn't know his current position or how many students would advance to the next round.

Realising that hesitation could be costly in a race like this, Eli acted quickly. He started navigating through the minefield with caution, avoiding any areas that appeared freshly disturbed. However, the black-sclera teenager didn't walk too slowly. Instead, he moved at a brisk pace compared to the other students, who were progressing very slowly. Eli's steps were purposeful, and he carefully observed the ground ahead of him, avoiding any spots that looked somewhat iffy.

Participants who watched him pass expected a series of explosions to erupt at any moment and send him flying. Yet, to their astonishment, every step he took triggered nothing. Eli's path wasn't a straight line but more like a crooked branch. Yet, he maintained a significantly faster pace than his fellow students, making his way through the treacherous minefield with surprising ease.

During this tense traversal, Eli was surprised he passed by Midoriya, the green-haired student from Class 1-A. Midoriya had stopped, his body tense and his expression determined. He held a makeshift shield constructed from the robots from before, and his gaze was fixed firmly on a point ahead of him. Eli couldn't help but feel curious about what had caused Midoriya to halt his progress, especially given the urgency of the race.

'Huh...I honestly thought he'd further up.'

Elijah's eyes followed the direction of Midoriya's determined stare, and as he did, Eli spotted something peculiar. A cluster of dug-out mines had been piled on top of each other, forming a makeshift mound. It was an odd sight amidst the chaos of the minefield, and Eli couldn't help but wonder about the significance of this arrangement. But as he did, it finally clicked when he saw Midoriya charge for the mines and belly flop on them with his shield in between.

'Oh, crap!'

KAAAA-BOOOOOOOOOOM!

Eli's world momentarily turned chaotic as a colossal explosion shook the minefield. The sheer force of the blast hit him like a freight train, sending shockwaves reverberating through his body. It was as if he had been caught in the epicentre of an explosion, and his senses were temporarily overwhelmed.

Stumbling backward a few steps, Eli struggled to regain his footing. He had been lucky that the blast had occurred in an area with fewer mines, likely thanks to Midoriya's calculated efforts. So the African was lucky he didn't backpedal onto any. It was a close call, and the shockwave left him disoriented, struggling to process what had just happened.

"What's with that force!?" The blaring voice of Present Mic, the event's announcer, echoed through the air, expressing surprise at the intensity of the explosion.

As the smoke gradually dissipated, a figure emerged, soaring through the air like a rocket. It was Midoriya, propelled by the explosion he had unleashed. Eli watched in awe as the green-haired student displayed an unexpected and astonishing ability. Midoriya's determination and resourcefulness seemed to know no bounds, and his actions had certainly caught the attention of everyone present.

"Was it an accident, or did he do it on purpose?" Present Mic's booming voice resounded again. "Class A's Midoriya is unleashing a mighty explosion!"

"Actually, he's taken the lead!"

Eli couldn't help but let out a low whistle, impressed by Midoriya's ingenuity and resourcefulness. He watched Midoriya actually soar past the surprised faces of Todoroki and Bakugo. In truth, Eli didn't think the green-haired boy was clever enough to pull such a stunt off, but it seemed Midoriya proved him wrong. As he regained his composure, Eli knew he needed to keep moving forward and finish this race.

Eli kept moving, lightly treading across the minefield. In truth, he wasn't sure what position he was in, given the constant explosions happening around around him. But by the time he was about to be clear of the minefield, he heard Present Mic announce the race winner across the intercom.

"Our first group of competitors have just crossed the finish line. In first place, Izuku Midoriya. Followed by Shoto Todoroki and Katsuki Bakugou!"

Eli exited the minefield, still processing Midoriya's impressive victory. "Huh...He actually pulled it off. Good for him, I guess," he muttered to himself. Although he wasn't vying for the top spot in the Sports Festival, he was starting to appreciate the unexpected displays of talent among his classmates.

As he resumed his jog, Eli observed some of his classmates already sprinting toward the finish line. Iida Tenya, using his remarkable speed quirk to its full extent, blazed ahead. The frog-girl, Asui Tsuyu, leapt gracefully, utilising her unique Quirk to cover the ground efficiently.

However, as he approached the entrance to the tunnel leading to the finish line, a sight gave him pause. Down on the ground was a blonde student, clearly in pain and struggling to advance. The young man crawled forward with one hand while clutching his stomach, groaning with each effort.

"A-Allez...O-oh!" the boy moaned, his pain evident as he fought to make progress toward the finish line.

It took Eli a moment before he finally recognised who it was crawling on the ground as the boy spoke in French. It was Aoyama Yūga, the other blonde student of 1-A. Eli had never interacted with the blonde as he noticed the flamboyant boy would often stay away from him, not like Eli minded. All Eli knew about the French boy was that he had a laser Quirk that shot out from his stomach.

Wait...Was the guy actually French?

He ignored the nagging question about Aoyama's nationality as the boy's anguished cry cut through the air. A pained expression etched on Aoyama's face, his hands deeply clutching his stomach; Eli furrowed his brows as his heart tightened. The weight of guilt settled heavily in his chest, haunting him once more.

The memories of the General Education students' resentful whispers reverberated in his mind. Their frustrated murmurs questioning his place in the Hero Course echoed like a relentless refrain. As Eli's gaze remained fixed on Aoyama's determined efforts to advance despite his painful stomach, that surge of guilt burrowed deeper and deeper.

At that moment, Eli's heart ached, for he knew it wasn't fair. Why should he, who had little interest in the competition, be the one to progress while students like Aoyama, who had dedicated their every ounce of determination and passion to becoming heroes, faced the spectre of defeat?

The dark-skinned boy's gaze shifted down the tunnel. The finish line lay within sight, where numerous students had already crossed. But as he looked down at Aoyama, grappling with his pain and struggling to move forward, a deep sigh escaped his lips.

"Sorry, Adrian, Kayama," Eli whispered to the two that had pushed him into this. "It seems I won't make it to the next round after all."

With a soft expression, he extended a hand to Aoyama. "Here, let me help you up," Eli offered, hoping to provide some support and relief to his fellow classmate.

Eli carefully helped the struggling Aoyama to his feet, slinging the blonde student's arm over his shoulder to provide support. Lost in the haze of pain and exhaustion, Aoyama didn't seem to realise who was aiding him. Nevertheless, he managed a feeble expression of gratitude, muttering a heartfelt "Merci."

The pair began moving toward the finish line, but the pace was slow and steady due to Aoyama's condition. As they inched forward, a steady stream of students started to pass them. Jiro sped by with her distinctive earphone jacks, followed by Kaminari, the one with the electricity Quirk. Even Shinso, the General Education student who had declared war on their class, scoffed as he overtook them, leaving behind an air of condescension.

It wasn't long before Eli saw the entire Class 1-A pass them, one after another. Even Kendo from Class 1-B, the girl he'd briefly spoken with before the race, shot him a fleeting glance and a pitying smile as she breezed past them.

By the time Eli and Aoyama emerged from the tunnel, reaching the finish line, it became apparent that their slow progress had cost them dearly. Eli was quite sure that neither of them had made it to the next round of the Sports Festival. Despite his intent to exit the Hero Course, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment that he hadn't allowed Aoyama a better chance at making it.

Eli assisted Aoyama through the finish line, the pair crossing it together. As they reached the arena's edge, he gently lowered Aoyama to the ground, propping the blonde student against the wall. Aoyama was still clutching his stomach, wincing in pain.

Eli stood nearby, feeling somewhat awkward. He wasn't exactly well-versed in providing comfort or company, especially in this unfamiliar setting. So he wasn't sure what to say. The African had never been one to deal with delicate situations with grace. Still, he knew he couldn't just leave Aoyama without some sort of assistance.

After a while, he noticed Aoyama's condition improving slightly. The blonde student seemed to be coming back to his senses, though he was still clearly in pain.

Realising that Aoyama was no longer in immediate distress, Eli stepped away, searching for a quiet corner to sit and watch the last contestants complete the race. He leaned against the wall and observed the determination and perseverance of the students as they pushed through the challenging obstacles, fighting for their place in the tournament.

Eli stood there, his gaze fixed on the last competitors finishing the race. Still, as he did, he couldn't help but overhear the hushed conversations around him. Whispers and murmurs of disappointment and disdain circled him like a swarm of bees.

"Isn't that the foreigner from Class 1-A? If he made it into the hero course, isn't he supposed to be super good or something?"

"I think he just finished."

"Talk about a let-down."

"I can't believe he took a place in the hero course and isn't even that good."

"He should have never been allowed to join the hero course."

"Pathetic."

The African student couldn't help but feel the weight of their words pressing down on him, a reminder of the animosity and scepticism that had followed him ever since he had joined the prestigious hero course. The sharp remarks stung, even though he had long prepared himself for such reactions.

However, despite the hurtful comments, Eli maintained his composure, his face a picture of stoicism. He was well accustomed to being judged and doubted, but it didn't make the experience any less unpleasant. He stood there, quietly enduring the criticism, knowing that it wouldn't be long before he made his exit from the course, relieving the other students of his unwelcome presence.

Midnight returned to the stage as the last students crossed the finish line in the obstacle race, her sultry presence commanding attention. "The first game for the first-years is finally over, and what a game it was. Now, let's reveal the results, shall we?"

1. Class A: Izuku Midoriya

2. Class A: Shoto Todoroki

3. Class A: Katsuki Bakugo

4. Class B: Ibara Shiozaki

5. Class B: Juzo Honenuki

...

The results rolled on, listing the 37 other successful participants who would proceed to the next round. Among them were the remaining members of Class 1-A, who had managed to secure most of the higher rankings. As the list continued down, Eli resigned himself to the idea that neither he nor Aoyama, the blonde student he had aided, would advance due to their slower pace.

However, Eli's assumption was incorrect.

41. Class A: Yuga Aoyama

42. Class A: Elijah Lokadi

Eli blinked in disbelief; he had somehow made the cut. For the briefest moment, his eyes met Kayama's, to which she gave him a subtle wink.

"Only the top 42 will advance to the next round. But don't be too disheartened if you didn't make it! We have other opportunities for you to shine!" Midnight announced to the competitors, her tone both playful and encouraging. "Now, the real excitement begins! The chance to bask in the limelight. Give it your all!"

With a seductive flourish, she gestured toward the holographic screen behind her, and the wheel of fate began to turn once more.

"Let's unveil what awaits next! Will your wildest dreams come true? What could it be? The anticipation is tantalising..." Midnight's suggestive words hung in the air. "Prepare yourselves for THIS!"

The wheel ceased its spinning, and the next game was revealed.

Cavalry Battle!

The mention of the upcoming "Cavalry Battle" had students buzzing with mixed feelings. Kaminari's mumbled comment reflected his lack of enthusiasm for this event.

"It's not an individual event. I wonder how they'll split us up," Tsuyu pondered with a finger to her lip, her webbed hands adding an air of contemplation.

Midnight took the opportunity to explain the rules. The large screen displayed an image of Thirteen, All Might, and Present Mic in the formation used for the cavalry battle. Thirteen led from the front, All Might played the rider role, and Present Mic was visibly struggling to support the mighty #1 Hero from the rear.

"The participants will form teams of two to four people as they see fit. In theory, it's basically the same as a regular playground game, but there is one difference: each player has been assigned a point value based on the results from the obstacle course."

"I get it. It's a point-based system like the entrance exam." Sato presumed, much to the annoyance of Midnight. "That seems pretty simple."

"So that means each team will have a different point value based on which students are on it!" Ochaco assumed.

However, Midnight was clearly fed up with their interrupting. She snapped her whip in irritation, silencing them.

"Maybe you should shut up and let me explain things to you!" She exclaimed, her frustration evident. Eli quietly chuckled at her irritation. The holographic screen displayed the rankings and a scoreboard, revealing the point distribution for the participants.

"Now, the points assigned go up by five starting from the bottom. So 42nd place gets five points, 41st gets ten points and so on!" She clarified as the screen showed Eli's name with a measly number of 5 points next to it.

Ouch...

Eli's eyes remained locked on the holographic screen above, tracking the progressively increased point values. Bakugo's third place had earned him 205 points, while Todoroki, who had secured second, was assigned 210. However, what struck Eli as odd was that Midoriya's point total remained hidden, shrouded in suspense.

"And the point value assigned to the one who received first place in the qualifier, Midoriya Izuku, is worth…" Midnight intentionally drew out the moment for maximum dramatic effect, leaving everyone in eager anticipation.

"Ten million!" she finally declared.

The reaction was palpable. Eli could hear the collective gasp from students all around him, and the disbelief in their voices resonated in the chorus of "Ten million…" that rippled through the crowd.

It was as if time had frozen for a brief moment. The attention of the entire arena was now squarely focused on one individual: Midoriya Izuku.

Eli watched as determination etched onto the faces of his peers, one after another like dominoes falling into place. The revelation injected a unique sense of intensity into the competition, making the next round even more intriguing.

This, he mused, was going to be quite the spectacle.

A/N: And thats the end of chapter 9. Hope you enjoyed it! In truth I probably could of had this chapter out earlier by like 2 weeks but I recently started a new full time job and I didn't have as much time to go through the chapter, it's just been constant work and no time to write. That also means, I don't know when the next chapter is going to come out as I usually already start making progress on it before I release the previous chapter, but this time it's not the case. I will try to get chapter 10 out before the end of the year but we'll see, life happens.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter and as always, thanks to everyone who favourited, followed and reviewed up until now. Many thanks, and wherever you are in the world, hope you have a good morning, afternoon, evening, or good night.