Prologue Chapter
Ripples of the Grand Order
The Class 1-A dorms were abuzz with activity on this crisp December morning. The aroma of breakfast filled the air as the students gathered in the common room, reflecting on the events of the past year.
Izuku, seated near the fireplace, exchanged a nod with Ochaco. Their eyes spoke of shared triumphs and the unspoken understanding that had grown between them. Katsuki, leaning against the wall, smirked. "We made it through, Deku. No surprise there."
Tenya, with a clipboard in hand, took charge of organizing the festivities. "Let's not forget the lessons we learned and the strength we gained, both individually and as a class."
Shoto, Momo by his side, looked around at his classmates. "We faced adversity, and we emerged stronger. Thank you all for being there."
Eijiro, grinning, slapped Ashido on the back. "Remember when we thought we were toast? Now look at us!"
Kyoka and Denki shared a lighthearted moment, their teasing banter echoing through the room. Fumikage, with a nod to Tsuyu, acknowledged the unwavering support she provided.
The quiet chatter mingled with the occasional laughter, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie.
Eri, holding a small gift, approached Izuku with a shy smile. To her, he wasn't just a hero; he was a father figure who had given her a family. The warmth in Izuku's eyes spoke volumes about the bond they shared. Inko, her eyes shining with pride, embraced Izuku, silently acknowledging the challenges they had faced together.
As the teachers conferred in the corner, their attention fixated on Eri, who stood by Izuku's side, chatting with her friends.
Aizawa, spoke "Naomasa, how much larger are we talking about? And what did the warning specifically say about Eri?"
Naomasa, adjusting his glasses once more, replied, "I'd say her horn has doubled in size since Halloween. As for the warning, he emphasized that she needs to conserve as much energy as possible."
Recovery Girl, her concern deepening, chimed in, "Doubling in size indicates a substantial increase in her Quirk potential. We know she can rewind time; perhaps the warning is related to that ability."
Nedzu, his mind racing with possibilities, spoke thoughtfully, "Eri's Quirk is powerful, but also dangerous if not controlled. If someone is targeting her for that ability, it could explain the urgency of the warning."
Yagi, his gaze fixed on Eri, murmured, "We've seen Izuku's determination to protect Eri. If there's a threat, it's likely he's at the center of it too."
Aizawa nodded. "We can't ignore this. Whatever it is, we need to be proactive. I'll talk to Izuku discreetly and gauge if he's noticed anything unusual. We should also consider increasing security measures around both Eri and Izuku."
Yamada, his expression serious, added, "We can't let them face this alone. The warning may be cryptic, but we have enough information to take precautions."
As the teachers dispersed to attend to their duties, the festive atmosphere in the common room continued, unaware of the shadowy undercurrents that threatened to disrupt the tranquility. As the mentors dispersed, Aizawa and Yagi exchanged a knowing glance before approaching Izuku, who was still engaged in conversation with Eri and the others. Yagi put a hand on Izuku's shoulder and said, "Izuku, can we talk for a moment?"
Izuku, sensing the seriousness in Yagi's tone, nodded. "Sure, All Might."
Aizawa joined them, his gaze focused and unreadable. Yagi led Izuku to a quieter corner of the common room. The festive noise faded as Yagi began, "Izuku, we need to discuss the events of Halloween night."
Izuku's expression remained composed, but his eyes betrayed a mixture of concern and curiosity. "I've been trying not to let it show, but I've been worried since then."
Aizawa took a deep breath. "We're still piecing things together, but it seems like there's a potential threat. Your safety and Eri's are our priority. We need you to be vigilant and inform us if you notice anything unusual."
Yagi added, "We're a team, Izuku. Don't hesitate to reach out if you sense any danger. Now, let's talk about Halloween night. Walk us through the events as you remember them."
The room seemed to fade away as Izuku recounted the night. He described the trick-or-treating, the laughter, and the camaraderie, all while keeping a watchful eye on Eri. The worry for her safety was evident in his voice, but he maintained his composure.
-Halloween Night-
The dimly lit streets of Mustafar were alive with the sounds of Halloween festivities as Izuku, Eri, and Naomasa navigated through the night. Eri, dressed as her hero, happily pranced beside them, showing off the impressive stash of candy she had acquired.
As they continued down the Halloween-adorned streets, Eri's innocent curiosity persisted. She tugged on Izuku's costume once more, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Papa, look! Someone's sitting over there."
Izuku's heart warmed at the endearing term Eri used. He followed her gaze and noticed the hooded figure, sitting in the alleyway.
Eri, with a generous spirit, approached the old man, holding out a handful of candies. "Papa and I got lots of treats. Would you like some too?"
The old man regarded Eri, his eyes hidden beneath the hood, as he spoke with a deep, resonant voice, "Compassion without purpose is evil, child."
Eri, undeterred by the cryptic response, extended the candy toward him. "It's okay. You can have some. It'll make you feel better!"
The old man hesitated for a moment, then, with a faint smile beneath his hood, "I graciously accept the gift." Taking some of the candy from her bucket. Standing up, he decided to repay their kindness with a warning veiled in mystery.
"A great calamity looms on Christmas morning," he spoke, his voice carrying a weight of foreboding. "Eri's quirk will be the only salvation. Conserve her energy until then."
Izuku, taken aback by the ominous statement, exchanged a glance with Naomasa, who had been observing the exchange from a distance. Naomasa, ever vigilant, stepped forward. "Who are you, and what do you know about Eri's quirk?"
The old man responded cryptically, "Names hold power, but mine is of no consequence. The winds whisper of a coming storm. Prepare, young heroes, for the threads of fate are unwinding."
As if responding to his words, the winds picked up, swirling around them. In the midst of the gusts, the old man revealed his identity right before fading away. "I am Ziusu-Dra."
The chilling words lingered in the air as the winds dispersed, leaving Izuku, Eri, and Naomasa to grapple with the mysterious warning and the enigmatic figure who had appeared on this eerie Halloween night.
Christmas Morning
Izuku finished recounting the encounter, the memory of Ziusu-Dra's words still lingering in the air. "He said a great calamity is coming, and Eri's quirk will be our only salvation. Conserve her energy until then."
Aizawa and Yagi exchanged glances, concern etched across their faces. Aizawa spoke, "Did he give any indication of what the threat is or how Eri's quirk will be involved?"
Izuku shook his head. "He spoke in riddles, as if revealing too much would upset the balance. I tried asking the past users of One For All for guidance, but they've been strangely quiet since that night."
Yagi furrowed his brow. "The past users are usually a source of valuable insight. If they're silent, it could mean they don't have the answers or they're choosing not to reveal them."
Aizawa nodded in agreement. "We need to consider every angle. The safety of the students is our top priority."
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a scream echoing through the dorms. Eri's voice cut through the air, and the sounds of chaos emanated from the adjacent room. Without a moment's hesitation, Izuku, Aizawa, and Yagi rushed towards the source of the commotion.
The scene that unfolded before them was chaotic and bewildering. Other members of Class 1-A were gathered, expressions ranging from confusion to alarm. Eri stood in the center of the room, her eyes wide with terror her horn lighting up with her Quirk.
Izuku's heart pounded in his chest as he noticed Eri's horn sparking with an uncontrollable energy. Panic set in as Aizawa, normally equipped to handle such situations with his Quirk Erasure, realized that he had lost his Quirk during the battle against All For One.
Aizawa barked orders, "Clear the area! Keep your distance from Eri!" But it was already too late. The room was in disarray, and Eri's quirk had begun to spiral out of control.
Naomasa, recognizing the severity of the situation, surveyed the scene. "What happened here?" he demanded.
Mina stepped forward, her expressions filled with concern. "We were unwrapping a gift with Eri when suddenly she pushed us away, and her horn started sparking. We couldn't stop it."
Eri's quirk intensified, its brilliance blinding everyone in the room. They shielded their eyes, waiting for the overwhelming light to subside. When they cautiously opened their eyes, the common room looked the same as before, but Eri lay collapsed on the ground, her horn now tiny and harmless.
Recovery Girl, with a sense of urgency, made her way through the crowd to reach Eri. She carefully examined the young girl, checking for any signs of distress. The room held its breath as Recovery Girl's expression shifted from concern to relief.
"She's stable now. It seems her quirk went out of control but has stabilized for the moment," Recovery Girl announced, her experienced eyes assessing the situation. "We need to monitor her closely. Whatever just happened might be linked to Ziusu-Dra's warning. We can't afford to overlook any signs."
As the students inside the Class 1-A common room witnessed the devastation outside the barrier of Eri's quirk, a collective gasp and murmur of concern swept through the room. Mirio, standing near the window, was the first to notice the chaotic scene.
"Look!" Mirio exclaimed, pointing outside.
The students rushed to the window, their eyes widening in shock at the ruins of UA High School engulfed in flames. Panic set in, and worried glances were exchanged among the classmates, each one concerned about the safety of their families and the gravity of the situation.
Taking charge in this critical moment, Nedzu, the small yet formidable principal of UA, stepped forward. "Calm down, everyone. We need to assess the situation and gather information. Aizawa, Yamada, come with me. We'll head outside and investigate."
Aizawa, Yamada, Yagi, Mirio and Naomasa followed Nedzu as he made his way through the barrier created by Eri's quirk.
Inside the common room, the air was heavy with tension as the students huddled together, seeking comfort and answers. Conversations buzzed with worry and speculation.
Mina glanced around nervously. "What the heck is happening out there? Is this some kind of attack?"
Kyoka, holding onto Denki's arm, replied, "I don't know, but it doesn't look good. Mirio, Aizawa, and Yamada went outside to check."
Denki, his usually upbeat demeanor replaced with concern, added, "Man, this is not how I expected Christmas morning to go."
Toru, her voice trembling, asked, "Do you think our families are okay?"
Meanwhile, outside the barrier, Nedzu, Aizawa, Yamada, and the pro heroes surveyed the devastation. Flames licked at the remnants of UA High School, casting long shadows on the broken structures. The scene was unsettlingly quiet, punctuated only by the crackling of the fire.
Nedzu, his small stature belying his authoritative tone, addressed the pro heroes, "We need to find out what caused this and if there are any survivors. Aizawa, Yamada, secure the perimeter. Mirio, check for any signs of life within the school."
Mirio nodded, about to phasing through the barrier with determination. "Got it, Principal."
As Mirio prepared to pass through the barrier to investigate the ruins of UA High School, a calm yet authoritative voice halted him in his tracks. "If you pass through that barrier, young hero, you will perish," Ziusu-Dra warned, his figure materializing from thin air.
Mirio, surprised and taken aback, furrowed his brow. "Who are you, and how do you know about the barrier?"
Naomasa, recognizing Ziusu-Dra from the Halloween night encounter, stepped forward. "He's the man we encountered back in October. What do you mean, 'perish'?"
Ziusu-Dra, his demeanor calm and enigmatic, responded cryptically, "The Incineration of Humanity has begun. Your world is in grave danger. I am here to bring someone who can explain the situation better."
Before anyone could inquire further, a figure appeared, seemingly stepping out of thin air.
Back in the Dorms
Inside the UA Class 1-A Dorms common room, the atmosphere was charged with tension and uncertainty. Eri lay unconscious, tended to by Recovery Girl, as the remaining students gathered in small groups, exchanging worried glances and hushed conversations.
Inko Midoriya, her concern etched across her face, approached Izuku. "Izuku, what's happening? Why is UA in ruins?"
Izuku, doing his best to project confidence, took a deep breath before responding. "I don't have all the answers yet, Mom. But the pro heroes are outside investigating. We'll figure this out."
Katsuki, standing nearby with folded arms, couldn't help but interject, "Damn it, Deku. What kind of mess did you get us into now?"
Izuku shot him a stern look. "This is bigger than any of us, Kacchan. We need to stay calm and find out what's going on."
Ochaco, offering support, placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "He's right. Panicking won't help. We just have to trust the pro heroes to handle this."
Tenya, in his usual composed manner, spoke up, "Indeed. We must remain vigilant and await further information. Jumping to conclusions won't serve us well."
As the students conversed, Shoto, observing the unconscious Eri, commented, "What happened to her? Is it related to this... catastrophe?"
Denki, scratching his head, replied, "It's like her quirk went berserk or something. I've never seen anything like it."
Momo, with a thoughtful expression, added, "Ziusu-Dra mentioned Eri's quirk on Halloween night. Maybe there's a connection."
Kyoka, adjusting her earlobes, said, "We should focus on supporting each other. We're a team, after all."
While the conversations continued, Inko, still worried for her son and the others, sought reassurance from Izuku. "Izuku, dear, are you sure everything will be okay?"
Izuku, maintaining a reassuring smile, took Inko's hands. "Mom, we've faced tough situations before. We'll get through this together. I promise."
Back outside
As soon as the mysterious man materialized, Ziusu-Dra vanished from their sight, leaving a lingering sense of mystery in the air. The white haired stranger with an air of regality, introduced himself to the bewildered group.
"I am Merlin, a representative from a realm beyond your own," he declared.
The pro heroes exchanged skeptical glances, their confusion evident. "Another mysterious figure? What's going on here?" Yamada questioned.
Aizawa, ever direct, cut to the chase. "Who are you really, and what's happening?"
Merlin chuckled, a whimsical sound that seemed out of place in the grim atmosphere. "I assure you, my dear heroes, I am who I claim to be. However, I understand your skepticism. Naomasa, if you would."
Naomasa activated his quirk, and Merlin's words were validated as the truth rang through. The pro heroes, though still uncertain, began to take Merlin's words more seriously.
Aizawa, not one to be easily swayed, demanded answers. "Explain what's happening, Merlin. We need to know."
Merlin nodded, his gaze sweeping over the ruins of UA High School. "The Incineration of Humanity has commenced. It is a crisis that transcends the boundaries of your world. I recommend you return inside for now. There's much to discuss, and your fellow heroes deserve to be informed."
Yamada, placing a reassuring hand on Aizawa's shoulder, suggested, "Let's hear him out, Shota. We can't afford to dismiss anything at this point."
Nedzu, always calculated in his decisions, agreed with Merlin's suggestion. "He's right. We need to regroup and inform the others. Come, let's head back inside."
With that, the group turned back towards the student dorms, leaving the remnants of UA High School behind. As the pro heroes and Merlin returned from outside, the common room buzzed with speculation and concern. Katsuki, never one to hold back, immediately accused Merlin.
"You! You're behind all this, aren't you?!" Katsuki bellowed, launching himself at Merlin.
Izuku and the others were caught off guard, watching as Katsuki aimed a punch at the enigmatic figure. However, Merlin, with a nonchalant wave of his hand, altered Katsuki's quirk temporarily. Instead of an explosive attack, Katsuki's palms emitted a fragrant mist of perfume.
"What the hell did you do?!" Katsuki exclaimed, waving his hands to disperse the unexpected fragrance.
Yagi stepped forward, attempting to defuse the situation. "Hold on, Bakugo. Merlin is not our enemy. He's here to help."
Aizawa, with his usual skepticism, continued the introduction. "He claims the Incineration of Humanity has started. We need information to understand what's going on."
Merlin, unaffected by the tension, spoke with a calm demeanor. "Indeed. I'm here to guide you through these troubled times."
Nedzu, always calculating, stepped forward. "Merlin is, in fact, the genuine Merlin. His arrival here is not a coincidence."
The room fell into a stunned silence, the students and pro heroes exchanging bewildered glances at the revelation that Merlin was, in fact, the legendary figure from the stories of King Arthur.
Izuku, ever the inquisitive soul, broke the silence. "Wait, do you mean the Merlin from the tales of King Arthur? The one with the round table and Excalibur?"
Merlin, with a twinkle in his eye, confirmed with a simple nod. "Indeed, young Midoriya. I am that very same Merlin, and this is not the first time I have stepped into a world facing a great crisis."
Katsuki, still recovering from the temporary change to his quirk, scoffed, "Are you telling me you're some ancient wizard or something?"
Merlin chuckled, finding amusement in Katsuki's disbelief. "Not just any wizard. I am Merlin, the Magus of Flowers, advisor to kings and bringer of prophecies."
Izuku, still grappling with the realization, couldn't help but express his awe. "But why are you here? What do you have to do with our world?"
Merlin's expression turned more serious. "Your world is facing an unprecedented crisis, the Incineration of Humanity. It transcends the boundaries of time and space, and I am here to guide you through these troubled times."
Aizawa, maintaining his skepticism, questioned, "Why should we trust you, Merlin? What proof do you have that you're not just here to meddle in our affairs?"
Merlin's response was cryptic, "The threads of fate have woven us together in this moment. You may choose not to trust me, but I am here to offer guidance and assistance."
Nedzu, ever the strategist, intervened, "We may not fully understand the situation, but we must be open to every possible ally. Merlin's knowledge and abilities may prove invaluable in navigating this crisis."The atmosphere in the room shifted from shock to a tentative acceptance. The heroes of Class 1-A and the pro heroes were now faced not only with the destruction outside but also with the guidance of a figure straight from the pages of legend. Merlin's explanation hung in the air, and the room listened in rapt attention to the unfolding narrative.
"The events that have transpired," Merlin began, "are part of a complex tapestry that began two centuries ago, in the year 2015. Your involvement in this crisis is both unique and temporary, tied to the extraordinary nature of Eri's quirk."
Izuku, feeling a mix of confusion and urgency, questioned, "What do you mean by temporary? And how are we tied to events from two centuries ago?"
Merlin, with an air of sagacity, continued, "Eri's quirk serves as a shield, protecting you from the relentless march of time and placing you in a very unique situation. However, this shield is fleeting; it will last only one year before you become part of the Incineration."
The gravity of Merlin's words hung heavily in the room. A sense of urgency permeated the atmosphere, and the heroes grappled with the realization that they were entangled in a crisis that transcended both time and space.
Denki, ever the optimist, asked, "Can't we do anything to change our fate? We're heroes, after all!"
Merlin's response was somber, "The means to alter the course of events do not lie within your grasp. The heroes of this time lack the necessary tools, and obtaining them is beyond your reach. However, there is a group in the year 2015 actively working towards a solution."
Shoto, with a furrowed brow, questioned, "A group in 2015? How are they connected to us, and why don't they know about our situation?"
Merlin explained, "This group, known as Chaldea, is unaware of your existence due to the uniqueness of Eri's quirk. They possess the means to alter the course of events and are diligently working towards a resolution. Your paths, while intertwined, remain unseen by those in the past."
The heroes exchanged glances, absorbing the weight of the revelation. The fate of the world, linked to events spanning centuries, now rested on the shoulders of a group of young heroes from Class 1-A. The urgency to understand their role in this grand tapestry and the impending Incineration of Humanity pressed upon them, leaving the room in a state of tense contemplation.
Izuku, unable to shake off his concern for Eri, stepped forward and asked the question that lingered on everyone's mind. "What about Eri? Is she going to be okay?"
Merlin turned his attention to Izuku, a gentle smile on his face. "Fear not, young Midoriya. Eri will awaken in about a day. The toll on her small frame is significant, but she will recover."
A collective sigh of relief echoed through the room. The heroes, though burdened by the weight of the impending crisis, found solace in the assurance of Eri's recovery.
Merlin, sensing the need for a change in focus, decided to utilize his magical abilities. "In the meantime, let me grant you a glimpse into the events unfolding in the past. It won't change anything, but it will offer you insights."
Kyoka, intrigued, asked, "Is that even possible?"
Merlin nodded. "With magic, many things are possible."
The heroes, guided by Merlin, took their seats in front of the common room's screen. The air hummed with anticipation as Merlin's magic enveloped the room. The TV screen flickered to life, revealing a wintry scene outside Chaldea during a snowstorm.
Izuku, still grappling with the enormity of the situation, found himself drawn into the unfolding events. As the scene outside Chaldea played out on the screen, a sense of foreboding settled over the heroes. The world outside the common room seemed to fade away, leaving them with a single focal point—the mysterious group in 2015 working tirelessly to unravel the mysteries that threatened both their time and the heroes of UA Class 1-A. The room fell silent, and the heroes braced themselves for the revelations that lay ahead.
