Chapter 4: Flesh vs Steel
"Izuku, defend Burger Town!"
"Wrong franchise Mr. Gabriel."
This chapter came out a little later than I wanted, but I think it turned out pretty good all things considered. Unfortunately, the next update won't be happening next week since I have finals coming up. But rest assured, all of December will be spent getting as many chapters out as I can. Until then I hope this chapter holds you guys over till the next one.
Also the angel names suggestions are still open. Thank you Geo995 and zenwatermelon for suggesting Uriel, she is now a character in the works. If you have a name let me know (remember Michael and Azrael will not be counted)
Also its been pretty obvious but in case some are confused
"Angel Speaking"
"Regular Speaking"
Otherwise enjoy the chapter
*Ring*
"Alright class, remember your essays are due at the end of the week." Izuku's homeroom teacher lazily drawled as the final bell rang.
Almost immediately the rustling sound of papers being shoved into backpacks and the excited chatter of students reverberated through the room. Conversations that were paused resumed as right where they left off. The usual cliques of friends quickly formed, engaging in their own conversation as they continued to pack their belongings. Some discussed club activities, others recent movies or games that came. However, the bulk of the talk came from the excitement that surrounded the upcoming heroics entrance exam.
"Can you believe the exam is only a few days away?" A raven haired boy said in a contained voice.
"Yeah, it's kinda unreal." Another student within the same group replied. "We've talked about being heroes for years and now we finally got a shot at it."
"Some of us more than others." A glance was sent towards the retreating form of Bakugo who just left the classroom with his usual scowl.
"Well of course Bakugo will get accepted, his quirk is like crazy overpowered." A sharp toothed girl rolled her eyes at the obvious implication.
"What about everyone else who's trying out?"
"Eh, I dunno. Their quirks aren't nearly as impressive."
"It's not about the quirk, it's how you use it."
"I bet all the girls tell you that." Was the snarky comment.
"Ha ha very funny." The middle schooler deadpanned amusedly.
"He's kinda got a point you know. Better to have a quirk than not have one at all." A not so subtle look was sent towards Midoriya's direction.
The group of students were surprised to see that their quirkless classmate gave no indication that he cared for their comments, if he heard them at all. The trembling and shameful bowing of his head that everyone expected never came. In fact, upon taking a closer look, the group of middle schoolers found there was something off about Izuku. They couldn't place their finger on it, but something about the green haired boy was different.
"Is it me or is Deku…different?" One student struggled to say, unsure of how to describe what he was seeing.
"Yeah, I can see it too. Weird right?"
"He does look a little taller."
"Naw, that can't be right." The schoolgirl rebutted. "I think he's always been that tall, he just slouches a lot."
"Are you sure? He looks taller than Bakugo now."
"It's either that or he got a haircut."
"Ok, that definitely can't be it." Was the quick reply. "That mop of green hair is the most memorable thing about him besides his quirklessness."
"What are you, his stalker or something?"
"What?! No you–"
As the students continued to argue amongst themselves, they failed to notice said subject of their conversation calmly exited the classroom. Their observation, while accurate to some degree, did not fully encapsulate the changes of their classmate. As Izuku walked through the halls of Aldera his straight posture was overlooked. The same could also be said for his confident aura and neutral expression. Not a single person noticed how the meek and submissive Deku now carried himself with the resolve of an aspiring hero.
Granted, the students and faculty of Aldera were not the only ones to miss this drastic difference in character. Izuku himself was also blind to these changes, unaware of just how much Gabriel's teachings have affected him. Although it was to be expected given how laser focused the green eyed boy was focused on preparing for the entrance exam. Which, unsurprisingly, was what occupied his thoughts as he traveled to the park.
'I can't believe ten months have already passed; it feel like yesterday that I just met Mr. Gabriel.' Izuku recollected as he walked along the sidewalk.
Izuku knew that time could pass by quickly when one was hyper focused on what's in front of them, but he was still somewhat stunned by the change. The many hours spent training with his fellow angel that seemed to last for eternity in the moment now appeared minuscule in comparison. Even the schoolwork on top of his training didn't seem to overwhelm Izuku in any way.
'I wonder if I can get a day off for the entrance exam.' The young angel mused to himself. 'Mr. Gabriel probably won't be too happy that something is cutting into our training time.'
Izuku could feel his lip curl upwards at the mere thought of his mentor going on another rant about the value of their time together. While Izuku hasn't been the one to start such lectures there were things on Gabriel's side that did. More often than not it came back to a council that the Archangel worked under. The middle schooler tried asking Gabriel about the specifics of his frustrations, but his mentor merely brushed the topic to the side. Though Izuku's keen senses could sometimes pick up snippets of the other angel's grumbling. Something about not wanting his student to deal with the 'bureaucratic balderdash' that comes from the council.
As the green haired teen continued his silent walk, he was suddenly pulled from his thoughts from loud shouting. Glancing to his left, Izuku could see that a group of children, who looked to be in their first years in middle school, were crowded around something. Squinting his eyes, the teen could see that it was an object but rather another person. Dark gray, rubber-like material made up the downed kid's skin. Coupled with the pointed snout and fins on their arms Izuku figured their quirk was aquatic related. It also didn't take a genius to guess why said child was currently curled in on himself while the others circled around with mocking grins.
"Hey, look guys, the freak is crying!"
"With a quirk like that who wouldn't?"
"Ya, I doubt even his mother loves him!"
"I overheard he wants to be a hero!"
"Ha! With a quirk like that he'd be better off quirkless!"
"Yeah, better useless than a monster!"
This wasn't the first instance of quirk bullying that Izuku had come across and undoubtedly wouldn't be the last. Yet, there was something within the group of pre-teens words that sparked a fire within Izuku's green eyes. Those words, he could see how deeply they were cutting into the mutant quirk user. The hollow, almost dead look in their eyes was something the angel could spot from a mile away. Before he could even think, Izuku's body started to move on its own, striding towards the group of children with a clear purpose.
'I won't let someone else make the same mistake I almost did.' The greenette thought to himself as he approached the scene.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" Izuku called out with a frown on his face.
Almost instantly the group of bullies stiffened snapping toward Izuku so quickly he was surprised they didn't get whiplash. The teen held his stern gaze, picking up on the nonverbal cues of the middle schoolers. They didn't seem to recognize Izuku based on their deer in the headlights look on their faces. The greenette fully intended to use this to his advantage, with the image of Deku absent he could make a real impression.
"N-nothin! Just hanging with our friend." One stuttered out the excuse pathetically.
"Yeah, we're just joking around."
"Yeah–yeah it's all jokes, isn't it?" Another agreed hastily before sending a pointed look toward their victim. Almost daring them to speak up unless they wished to receive far worse than jeers.
"I'm not blind nor deaf, I clearly saw what you were doing to them." Izuku bluntly shut down their weak attempts. "I have half a mind to drag each and every one of you by your ear to your parents so that they can punish you for this." The green eyed glare sent towards the younger students made them flinch. "However, because I'm in a hurry I'll let you all off with a warning this time. Go home and don't pick on him ever again."
"Yeah, we'll never pick on him again."
"Uh huh, we learned our lesson."
For a moment Izuku considered their half-hearted apologies acceptable. However, for the briefest instant he was reminded of those very same words. Except they were being said by the quirkless boy's tormentors rather than the ones that stood before him. How many times have such words been uttered, only for them to be forgotten the very next day? With a hardened look, the greenette knew what he needed to do.
"Do not mistake my kindness for weakness. If I ever see any of you bullying anyone again you won't be getting off so lightly again." The angel's voice was like that of steel as he spoke sternly. He knew that the second they could, these kids would do it again. Best to make sure they really understand that their actions were wrong. "If a Hero were here right now they'd be beyond disappointed in you all. Picking on someone because of their quirk, what a villainous thing to do."
Like that Izuku could see his words had really struck the group of pre-teens close to home. They gained remorseful expressions, eyes filled with mourning regret. Their postures matched their expressions, becoming dejected as they sluggishly walked away. Truth be told, the angel did not expect his words to have that much of an effect. Maybe he was so used to his attempts at intervening failing that seeing something actually was that surprising.
"Hey, are you ok?" When the bullies had disappeared from view Izuku crouched down to the mutant student.
"...yeah…I'm fine." The child sniffed loudly, wiping his eyes hastily with the back of his sleeve.
"Forgive me, I know we just met, but you look anything but fine." Izuku could easily see through the thin facade.
"It's nothing…just–" He took a shuddering breath before continuing in a low whisper. "Maybe they're right. Maybe I can't be a hero, who would want a monster to save them."
"I understand it may feel that way, trust me I've been in your situation before." The greenette began in a soft, sympathetic tone. "But even if the people around try to put you down and tell you can't do it, you have to push forward and keep trying. Because there are people out there who would love to see you as a Pro Hero."
"I guess…" The pre-teen replied back, clearly unconvinced.
"If you don't mind me asking, what's your quirk?" Izuku suddenly asked.
"It's called Shark, I have the same features like that of a Great White." He replied, giving the older boy a confused look. "How does that make a difference?"
"Well, if you have the same features as a shark, then I bet you're great at swimming and can probably breathe under water right?" When he received a nod the middle schooler continued. "Well water based heroes are hard to come by, especially those with as much flexibility as yours." Izuku gave the mutant quirk user a grin. "I bet with your quirk you could save countless lives with just those two things alone. Imagine what else you could do with something like your sense of smell."
"Yeah…I guess I could." The dullness within the boy's eyes faded, replaced by a growing brightness.
"Mhm, I bet once you become a Pro Hero you'll be as cool as Selkie or even Gang Orca." Izuku pushed further.
"Oh my god you know Gang Orca too! He's my favorite!" A beaming smile was sent towards the greenette at the mention of the Pro Hero.
"Yeah I do, he's one of my favorite mutant heroes." The angel nodded with a smile. "It always makes me annoyed whenever he's described as looking villainous."
"I know right?! It's so unfair, he can't control how his quirk affects his appearance." The other boy nodded in agreement. "Besides, he looks so cool!"
"Kinda like you, right?" Izuku added with a soft voice. "It's not fair that you get called a monster just because of your quirk." A small grin was given as he continued. "Plus, I think your quirk makes you look cool."
"I–uh–t-thanks…no one's ever said that to me before." Was the almost inaudible reply.
"I'm sure Gang Orca would agree if he were here now." Izuku stood up and held out his hand for the boy to take. "Let's become Pro Heroes so we can ask him together."
For a moment the boy remained frozen on the ground, staring up at Izuku with wide unblinking eyes. After a few moments a large, sharp toothed smile etched itself across the quirk user's face. Eagerly a gray hand reached and grabbed Izuku's pale one, allowing the owner of the former to be pulled up from the ground.
"Yeah! Just you wait, I'll become a great Pro Hero just like Gang Orca!" The boy promised with a bright grin.
"I'll be there cheering you on the entire way." The greenette grinned back, letting go of the pre-teen's hand. "I hope we meet again…" Izuku trailed off, realizing he never got the boy's name.
"Umi–Satoru Umi." Satoru answered the unspoken question.
"Midoriya Izuku, I hope I'll see you sooner rather than later, Umi-san." Izuku introduced himself before continuing his walk toward the park.
"You too, Midoriya-samai, you're my hero!" Satoru called back at the retreating form of the greenette.
While Izuku did not respond verbally he could feel his lips curl upward and a comfortable warmth fill his chest. If he were to be as technical as possible the angel could see how his actions may come off heroic. Yet, in Izuku's mind he merely saw his intervention as a necessity more so than anything else. Still, he couldn't deny that it felt nice to be given such thanks even if it was for something as simple as scolding a group of bullies.
The interaction left Izuku in a positive mood, the smile on his face never fading from his lips. On top of that the angel could practically feel his spirits soar to new heights. Never before had he felt so motivated in his life. Izuku always looked forward to his training with Gabriel, but right now the Archangel couldn't summon him sooner. Every minute that ticked back felt like time was stretching on but making no real progress for the young angel.
Thankfully, his prayers were answered after what felt like eternity, which happened to be only five minutes,, as the expected golden glow surrounded his form. Now standing on the control deck of the Cyber Grind, Izuku immediately tossed his backpack to the side. If he had any less control of himself he might've immediately jumped into the arena without a second thought. However, his desire to greet and speak with his master overridden his urge to jump directly into today's training.
"Hello, Mr. Gabriel." Izuku greeted as he made his way over to his fellow angel.
"Izuku." The armored warrior nodded back before turning his attention back to the control panel. "Are you prepared for today's lesson?"
"Yes sir!" The greenette responded back enthusiastically.
"Excellent. Your style of combat has improved significantly over these past few months." Gabriel noted while fiddling with the sliders on the screen in front of him. "Today I want you to work on your management of the battlefield. More often than not the machines will have every area covered."
"What do you mean, sir?" Izuku asked.
"You've taken note of the strengths and weaknesses of the machines, yes?" When the green haired teen nodded the Archangel continued. "I've taken the liberty of having most of your battles having at least one area left open for you to exploit."
"Like Streetcleaners and Specters are often together?" Izuku inquired, beginning to understand what his mentor was referring to.
"Precisely, my pupil. Both are extraordinarily lethal in close to medium range but lack anything for long range combat." Gabriel praised with an approving nod.
"So today I'll have to deal with close, medium, and long range Machines all at once?" The smaller angel concluded.
"Indeed, today will test everything I have taught you about fighting." The Archangel confirmed plainly. "Remember if you find yourself on the defensive…" Gabriel trialed off, looking at his student expectantly.
"Then I'm already losing the battle. I remember sir, speed, aggression, and quick thinking." Izuku finished clearly.
"Then shall we begin?" Gabriel rhetorically asked, grinning proudly behind his helmet.
With a swift bow of his head, Izuku's wings burst from his back, allowing him to float down onto the gray platform below. Instantly the ground began to shift, blocks shifting to form the walls, stairways, and towards that the greenette had grown accustomed too. Soon after the familiar several beams of blue light scattered across the arena appeared. The expected ensemble of machines materialized a healthy mix between Streetcleaners, Drones, Specters, and Tethers.
However, standing on top of the several towers that were erected was a machine that Izuku was unfamiliar with. It was green and gray in color with pink lights and a similarly colored single eye. Its body was similar to that of Specters, albeit slightly skinner. The legs of the robot reminded Izuku of a dinosaur, with three front sharp claws and one on the back of its foot. The machine's head was also irregular, taking on the appearance of a sniper rifle. A large gray magazine could be seen sticking out from the top of its barrel shaped head.
Knowing better than to dwell on his confusion at the new adversary, Izuku sprang into action. Using his wings to propel himself forward towards a lone Streetcleaner, the teen nimbly dodged the jet of flames that were sent his way. Twisting midair, he shoulder bashed the robot in its metallic chest, sending it crashing into a wall with a loud thud. Raising his fist to crush its head, Izuku was about to deliver the final blow before being forced to a set of orange projectiles.
The three drones had occupied the air evenly while still maintaining sight with the young angel. Izuku made an attempt to snatch one out of the sky but was unfortunately forced to evade two thick cables shot out by the Tethers. The evasion didn't stop there as the new machine had dug his claws into the ground and crouched down, aiming its barrel at the greenette. A pink laser followed the angel with inhuman accuracy. Then like lighting, a large caliber bullet shot out towards its airborne target.
'So, it's like a sniper.' Izuku noted as he allowed himself to fall onto the ground with a grunt, dodging the projectile. 'Mr. Gabriel was right; they have every area covered.'
Dashing to the side to avoid the Specter that attempted to tackle him, the angel burst into the air once more when he saw the approaching Streetcleaners. For some moments Izuku continued to dodge and weave, observing the patterns of his opponents with a critical eye. He noted that the sniper machine and the Tethers required a recharge of sorts before they could fire again.
'I got it now.' The teen thought confidently, ready to put his plan into motion.
Flying high so he had the attention of the Tethers and sniper, Izuku waited until one of the three made their move. The gunhead machine happened to be the first, directing another shot towards the floating boy. Swiftly moving to the side to avoid the bullet, wind blasted against Izuku's face as he sped over to the reloading robot. Carefully dodging the projectiles from the Drones and Tethers as he did.
With a great amount of force, the middle schooler grabbed the barrel with his hands, bending it with all his might. Like a twig the metal snapped in two, rendering the function of the machine useless. Flipping over the edge of the tower, Izuku could feel the shots from the Drones whiz past his body and hit their fellow comrade. Then using the wall of the tower as a springboard, Izuku avoided the subsequent explosion that followed. However, the move also allowed for the boy to build up momentum.
Now with significantly more speed, Izuku became a green blur as he shot towards one of the two Tethers. The machine didn't have the chance to even attempt to restrain Izuku before its head was punched off its body. With its target now in sight, the remaining Tether shot out its claw towards the teen. Such action proved to work against it as Izuku easily caught the cable before hardly pulling the machine toward him.
'Yeah, I think it's big enough.' The angel flew forward, meeting the fast approaching machine halfway and seizing it from the air.
Holding the metal body in front of him, Izuku flew towards the group of Drones, using the Tether body's as a makeshift shield. Projectile after projectile was fired, but none ever came close to striking Izuku. Each orange orb chipped away at the metallic body of the helpless Tether before its green light faded.
"Ha! Nice try!" The angel taunted, tossing the body of the inactive Tether once he was close enough to the Drones.
Predictably the small purple machines easily dodged the makeshift missile, however Izuku was more than counting on this. Calculating where the closest would move to the middle schooler reared his arm back. When said Drone moved to the location it had no time to register the closeness of its enemy before a pale fist tore through its pink eye.
With the Drone still in his hand, Izuku threw its body towards the next machine, repeating the process that he used to dismantle the first. Once he snatched the last Drone out of the sky, the greenette looked down, seeing the Streetcleaners had gathered underneath him.
"Take this!" Izuku shouted, launching the purple body towards the group.
Of the five that had made up the cluster of machines, only one had the wherewithal to dash backwards. The other four, however, remained stubbornly rooted to the ground, even as the body of the Drone shot towards them. Upon clashing with the gray floor, a large explosion sent an array of metal, springs, and wires through the air.
'Now to finish this.' The teen thought with a look of pure resolution.
Using his angelic speed, Izuku zipped towards the last Streetcleaner, grabbing its metal head and slamming it on its back. Continuing with his airborne momentum, Izuku dragged the machine across the ground as he flew at inhuman speeds. Only letting go when the angular shaped head had been grinded to the point where it almost didn't exist.
Hearing the last machine rapidly approaching from his back, the teen quickly turned around and threw the body of the Streetcleaner. Unfortunately, the Specter seemed to have anticipated this move as it expertly slid underneath the body. However, before it could properly stand up it was tackled by Izuku who saw the brief moment of weakness. With his speed and strength, the greenette slammed the body of the Specter into the adjacent wall.
As soon as Izuku released his hold the red eyed machine sent a haymaker towards Izuku's face. The strike was blocked with the angel's forearm before he delivered his own counter punch in return. Being far faster than it, Izuku's fist slammed into the robot's head before it could defend itself. With his opponent momentarily stunned Izuku continued the assault, sending several more punches to its face and chassis. Giving one last cry, Izuku finished his attack with a devastating uppercut. Separating the head of the Specter from its body and sending it straight into the air.
A few deep breaths were all Izuku was able to take before the arena began to shift once more, but that was all he needed.
'I will become a great hero! Nothing will stop me!' He thought to himself resolutely and with a determined look.
As the greenette continued to fight round after round Gabriel watched his pupil with intrigue hidden behind his helmet. He knew how much of a hard worker Izuku was, but something was different about his attitude today. The boy was fighting hard, harder than the armored warrior had seen from their time together. It was as though he was doing it in order to impress someone or perhaps prove something.
'Just what are you trying to prove, Izuku?' Gabriel wondered, watching his student destroy the machines with ferocity.
The Archangel remained passive for the remainder of the day's session, observing Izuku with a clinical gaze. Once the last machine had been turned to scrap, the older angel waited patiently for his pupil to fly back up to the control deck. He watched silently for a moment, allowing Izuku to catch his breath before approaching him.
"Well done my student, your performance today exceeded my expectations." Gabriel praised with his metallic voice.
"Thank you, sir." Izuku acknowledged after taking a few calming breaths.
'Though I must admit, I am rather curious, you seem rather motivated today." The Archangel bluntly began. "Not that there is anything wrong with that mind you, I merely wish to understand why."
"Heh, was I that obvious?" Izuku chuckled awkwardly, while rubbing the back of his head.
"Indeed, if you trained this hard every day I would have had you on the front lines already." Gabriel confirmed with a bob his head.
"It's just…you remember when we first met, and I talked about being a hero?" Izuku waited until he received a nod before continuing. "Well, uh the entrance exam for the hero school is coming up in a few days. And I just really want to make sure I'm ready for it."
"Hmm, putting aside the clear fact that you are ready, you insist on pursuing this hero path of yours?" Gabriel hummed thoughtfully as he proposed his question. "Is being the warrior of God not enough for you?" The older angel playfully asked.
"No–no–no! Trust me I'm really thankful for these powers and having you as a mentor!" Izuku stumbled over himself. "I'm more than happy to keep up my training!"
"I jest, Izuku." Gabriel rolled his eyes from the frantic look in his student's eyes.
"A-ahem… yeah right. Uh it's just I've dreamt of being a hero since I was four." The teen revealed, voicing becoming soft. "Saving people–making sure the innocent feel protected–making people smile just because I'm there…it's all I ever wanted to do."
"You can do such things as a soldier of Heaven." The Archangel pointed out, though not unkindly.
"I mean yeah, but I just–I don't know…" Izuku struggled while ducking his head. Unable to understand the confusing set of thoughts that swirled within his head. "I have to do this…I just have too…"
"Hmm." Gabriel mused, beginning to see glimpses of Izuku's hidden motivations underneath his carefully crafted wall. Though for his pupil's sake the angel chose not to make a comment about what he thought. "It will be a hard path." Gabriel plainly admitted, wanting his student to understand the weight of what he was planning to do.
"I will walk it all the same." Izuku raised his gaze to the mee his mentor's.
"You might not get to experience the luxuries of youth."
"If it means I'll get stronger then it will be a worthy sacrifice."
"Your social life will likely become nonexistent."
"Eh, I don't have many friends anyway."
"You will be forced to carry many burdens." Gabriel said somberly. "You may be forced to bear the weight of the world on your back."
"Then I'll carry them even if my legs and arms give out." Izuku resolutely replied, eyes ablaze with determination. "Someone has to so others can live peaceful lives."
"Very well." Gabriel responded in an indescribable tone. "As your mentor, you have my full support to pursue your dream of becoming a hero. Don't think for a second that means I'll take it easy on you when you get accepted."
"I would be worried if you didn't, sir." The younger angel beamed, his heart racing with excitement. "But how are you so sure I'll pass the exam?"
"You're my student, of course you'll succeed." Gabriel pridefully scoffed at the mere suggestion otherwise. "But if you think you're not, I shall remedy that."
"I really don't like the sound of that." Izuku sweat dropped, envisioning the evil smile on his mentor's face.
"Consider it a final test before your exam." The Archangel cryptically explained. The golden aura surrounding Izuku before he could question further. "Be prepared Izuku, for tomorrow shall test you greatly."
As quick as snapping one's fingers, Izuku disappeared from the monochrome palette of the Cyber Grind. Now back in the park, Izuku gave a brief stretch, feeling the effects of the day's battles finally catching up to him. With his joints now loosened, the teen picked up his bag and began his trek home. His mind ran wild with thoughts of just what exactly Gabriel had in store for him tomorrow. Today had already pushed Izuku to his limit so there was no possible way that the next day could possibly be worse.
Right?
Day Before the Entrance Exam
Izuku was nervous, more so than usual as he packed his things and made his way out of his homeroom. The greenette was eternally thankful that he didn't require sleep or else last night would have been a tough one. For the entire night, Izuku laid motionless in his bed, staring up at his ceiling with a blank expression. His hand ran through the many, many potential scenarios that Gabriel could use to test him. Everything from fighting a hundred machines to battling his master himself were considered, nothing was off the table in Izuku's mind.
The thoughts persisted throughout the school day as well, making Izuku hyper aware of how slowly time was moving. Even as said teen exited the school grounds, each minute spent walking towards the park felt agonizingly long. Perhaps it was his nerves, but Izuku desperately sought to take Gabriel's test already. Each passing second that Izuku wasn't in the arena of the Cyber Grind made him all the more worried.
What if he failed? Would Gabriel retract his blessings? Would he stop mentoring Izuku completely? Worst of all, if he failed would that mean he wasn't ready for the entrance exam?
'Calm down, you're overthinking again.' Izuku scolded himself. 'Mr. Gabrie's test will be hard but fair. I just need to go beyond plus ultra if I want to succeed.'
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, the butterflies in the middle schooler's stomach lessened somewhat. Pulling notebook from his bag, Izuku began idling doodling hero costume ideas that he had for himself. The distraction seemed to have worked as the teen found himself engrossed in his task that his nerves all but disappeared. He was only broken from his concentration when his body filled with the comforting warmth. In the blink of an eye, Izuku vanished from his world once more.
Appearing in the Cyber Grind, Izuku could see Gabriel standing at the edge of the platform, arms crossed as he stared down at the arena. Usually, the man was hunched over the machine adjusting the settings of the Cyber Grind. Seeing him standing expectantly likely meant that everything was already set up for the greenette.
"Are you prepared for your test, Izuku?" Gabriel asked without turning to address his fellow angel.
"As ready as I'll ever be sir." Izuku honestly answered. Dropping his bag and moving to stand next to his mentor.
"Then go forth and claim victory." Gabriel nodded towards the arena. "Show me how far you have come, my pupil."
With a nod of his own, Izuku reluctantly descended onto the large platform below, fingers twitching in anticipation. The cubes began to move, however rather than create one of the many complex layouts the arena was extraordinarily simple. The ground remained flat with not a single bump in sight. The only notable feature of the arena was the large walls that had been erected, which couldn't have been more than two stories tall.
Izuku expected many beams of light to suddenly appear, filling the empty landscape with numerous machines. However, to him he was merely met with a single, large ball of light that appeared a few feet away from Izuku. The greenette was momentarily stunned by the appearance of the machine, its visage being the most imposing by far.
It was tall, almost twice as tall as Izuku himself, with a long rectangular head attached to its bulky body. A set of mismatched aqua blue eyes were positioned towards the top of its head, a similarly colored light in its chest. Its yellow and black color scheme reminded the greenette of a hazard, which was an applicable way to describe the machine. Its right arm, which was that of a shotgun with two barrels, hung limply at its side. In its left hand was a large, intimidating sword with rotating serrated edges like that of chainsaw.
"This is your test Izuku, the Swordmachine." Gabriel revealed as the machine phased into existence. "Rip it to pieces." The Archangel commanded with a tone of pure steel.
With the invisible bell being rung, the Swordmachine darted forward, far faster than anything Izuku had seen from a machine. Its left arm swung in a wide overhead arc as it leapt forward, sword threatening to split the teen in half. Using his enhanced reflexes, the greenette dashed to the side avoiding the strike. However, he was caught off guard when the machine swiftly turned around, slashing horizontally.
"Gah!" Izuku screamed in pain as the blade cut across his chest.
The force of the blow sent the middle schooler backward, tumbling across the ground briefly before righting himself with the help of his wings. He had time to catch his breath as the Swordmachine was already making its way towards him. Its shotgun arm raised as several pellets were fired in Izuku's direction. Despite the pain, the greenette was able to dodge the barrage. This time he managed to anticipate the follow up sword strike, ducking underneath the machine's swing.
Propelling himself upward with the help of his wings and the floor, Izuku delivered a swift uppercut to the robot's head. The strike stunned it long enough for the teen to follow up with a flying drop kick to its chassis. The machine was sent skidding across the ground, forced to use its sword to maintain balance by digging it into the ground. Its idle state did not remain for long as the second it came to a stop the shotgun arm was raised once more.
"Tch!" Grunting, Izuku's ethereal wings flapped powerfully, sending him several feet into the sky and avoiding the shotgun pellets.
The height advantage didn't last long as the Swordmachine left from the ground towards the floating angel. Its left arm raised once more as it attempted another overheard arc, though like last time it was avoided. Seeing how it couldn't follow up due to being in the air, Izuku took the opportunity to grab its sword arm as it passed by. Flying up higher, the angel spun the robot upward before ferociously throwing it back toward the ground. Unable to right itself in time the machine crashed into the gray floor on its back. A low, metallic grunt of its own could be heard when it made impact.
'Now's my chance.' Izuku quickly descended toward his downed opponent.
The angel landed roughly onto the robot's metal chest, resetting whatever progress it had made in getting up. Izuku leaned down and sent several hard punches into the machine's rectangular head. Now severely dazed the Swordmachine could not stop the greenette from reaching down and grabbing its right arm. Gripping with every ounce of strength he had, Izuku pulled the limb, hearing the creaking of metal as he did so. The process was slow and likely painful for the machine, but after a few moments Izuku managed to tear the projectile firing limb from its own.
Unfortunately for the green haired boy, he received a harsh kick to his already searing chest for his efforts. The blow sent the teen stumbling back, dropping the arm in favor of clutching his bleeding chest. Using its sword to help right itself, the Swordmachine returned to being back on its feet. With inhuman disregard for its loss of limb, the robot charged forward swinging its blade in combination of wide overhead arcs and swift horizontal strikes.
Izuku managed to dodge the first few, but the relenting attack proved to be too much for the green eyed teen. Several shallow cuts appeared across his body, mostly on his arms and abdomen. Enraged by both the pain he was feeling and the relentlessness of his attacker, Izuku began to deliver his own blows in retaliation. For every slash made against him, Izuku made sure to return the same sentiment right back at the Swordmachine twice fold. The effects of which were obvious from how damaged its head and body began to look.
Seeing how its opponent was far faster than it, the Swordmachine reared its remaining arm back before throwing its sword. The blade began to spiral around its owner, forcing Izuku to reluctantly use his wings to back away from the whirlwind of pain. With its target now sufficiently away, the large robot pulled its arm back before tossing its sword straight towards Izuku. The speeding blade nearly impaled the teen if not for his angelic reflexes kicking in.
Harmlessly the sword was embedded into the wall, leaving the machine without its weapon. With no other choice than to push forward and retrieve its blade, the Swordmachine rushed forward in a great show of speed. Yet, Izuku was far faster, reaching the sword and pulling it out of the wall with a grunt. Lacking the human desire for self preservation, the Swordmachine continued its charge. Intending to either rip its blade from Izuku's hands or beating said teen down with its one arm.
Whatever plan it may have had would never come to fruition as Izuku dashed forward with the help of his wings, sword held high. Flesh and metal met in one final clash, but it was the former that came out on top. With a guttural yell, Izuku stabbed the sharp blade directly through the Swordmachine's chest. Metal tore through metal as the machine was forced to its knees as the teen drove the weapon deeper into its chassis. Using his remaining strength Izuku lifted the sword upward, cleaving the machine in two from the bottom up. The two pieces of the Swordmachine fell to the floor unceremoniously.
"Hah…hah…" Izuku panted, dropping the blade on the ground with a loud thud. Turning to look at his mentor, the greenette stood straight before shouting. "So, you did I pass?!"
"Hehehe! Hahaha!" Gabriel's chuckles echoed throughout the chamber. The Archangel held his arms wide with his own wings sprouting from his back. "I think you are more than prepared, my student!"
Despite the mounting pain in his body, Izuku couldn't fight the triumphant grin that appeared on his face.
"Izuku, we need to cook."
"Mr. Gabriel we watched one episode of Breaking Bad."
Blue_Eagle16 posed a good question about how I'll have Ibara speak in the fic. I'm essentially having her talk more formally with light traces of Old English sprinkled in. Regarding canon events (for both Mha and ULTRAKILL) I'll be doing a re-telling while still maintaining the core events of each series. If you have questions like this one post them for me to see and respond too (if I don't it means I can't because spoilers not because I'm ignoring you)
Next Chapter: Entrance Exam