Izuku POV Right after Ceremonial Magic Class
The walk back to Homeroom felt normal, with Ochaco and Ashido chattering beside me. Most of our classmates were already buzzing when we arrived.
"Wonder who's teaching homeroom?" Hagakure-san piped up, her voice muffled by her invisible form.
Before I could answer, the door slid open. Aizawa-sensei stood there, not a single bandage on him. "Good morning." Typical. Between Recovery Girl and at least one literal magical healer, a few days is all it takes to patch him up.
"Mr. Aizawa, you're already healed?!" Shock rippled through the class.
"My injuries aren't important. More importantly, the fight's not yet over," he said, his tone grim.
"Fight...?" Kacchan muttered.
'Don't tell me,' I thought as I ready both my cards and One-For-All.
"The villains again?!" Mineta whimpered, his eyes wide.
Aizawa-sensei's glare silenced our protests. "The U.A. Sports Festival is coming."
"That's a super normal school event!" The class erupted in cheers, Kirishima almost bouncing out of his seat.
Okay, maybe not entirely 'normal', but way better than another villain attack.
"Is it really okay to have a Sports Festival so soon after the break-in?" Jiro-san asked, her voice laced with concern.
"What if they attack again?" Ojiro-san followed up, sounding worried.
"Apparently, U.A.'s betting that holding the event shows how rock-solid our security is," Aizawa-sensei explained. "Security will be tighter than ever. Besides, the Sports Festival is a huge opportunity. It can't be canceled because of a few villains."
I nodded to myself. True, plus some mages would be watching to scout potential recruits. Unless they wanted a death wish, or they're a god, attacking the Festival would be insane.
'Even then...there are some mortal mages I guess even gods would avoid.' As I thought this, I looked back on the information I gathered regarding W. Booker, the Evoker professor Eindridi's temporarily substituting as. That guy was beyond dangerous.
"What a stupid reason! It's just a sports festival, after all!" Mineta whined from behind me.
"Mineta-kun, do you understand how important the Sports Festival is?" I asked, turning to face him.
"Of course! But that's not what I mean!" He trembled in his seat, eyes wide.
"Our Sports Festival ranks among Japan's biggest events," Aizawa-sensei's voice booms across the classroom. "Remember, the Olympics were once the pinnacle of sport, captivating the entire country. For Japan now, that pinnacle is the U.A. Sports Festival!"
"Exactly! It's where we get scouted for sidekicks," Kaminari chirps, a gleam in his eye. "Graduate, and boom; we're plugged right into the pro world!"
Jiro-san snorts. "For some of us, yeah. Others might end up permanent sidekicks. Like you, Kaminari. No offense, but let's be real."
Kaminari's face crumples like a discarded napkin, his electric grin short-circuiting into a pout.
Aizawa-sensei nods, his gaze sweeping the room. "Of course, joining a famous agency brings experience, connections, everything a young hero needs." Images of Endeavor, with his blazing aura, or the effortlessly stylish Best Jeanist, flash through my mind. ALL MIGHT comes to mind as well, but his agency famously doesn't take sidekicks.
"Going pro means opportunities open wide," Aizawa-sensei continues, his voice taking on an intense edge. "You get this chance once a year – three chances total. No aspiring hero can afford to waste them. If you understand the stakes, then prepare with everything you've got!"
"Yes, sir!" The class roars back, the energy in the room crackling.
"Homeroom dismissed!"
After that, we went through our typical classes. English, Math, etc. Midnight-sensei's looking at me weird again.
Lunch Time
Ding Dong Ding Dong
The lunch bell rings, and the classroom erupts with excitement. Kirishima pumps his fists, his friends fueling his hype. Chatter fills the air, a whirlwind of dreams about agencies and dazzling hero debuts.
As we weave our way toward the cafeteria, a question that's been on my mind finally escapes. "Ochaco, I've always wondered... why did you want to become a hero?"
I know she was sent here until things cool back down in her homeland, but that doesn't need for her to be enrolled in a Hero school.
"It's a bit of a story," she begins, a wry smile playing on her lips. "When I was little, I wanted to earn money to help my parents. Our family business was struggling."
My confusion must be showing, because she laughs. " I can see the gears turning in your head. No, it doesn't add up, does it?"
"Well..." I admit, a little sheepishly.
"Turns out, the 'father' I knew wasn't my dad at all, but a Fae servant loyal to my mother. She'd made some powerful enemies and hid us on this plane for years." She pauses, then her gaze hardens. "Once I learned my heritage, my goals shifted. It wasn't just about helping my family; it was about helping others, especially those hidden from the world of magic. I want to make a difference."
Her smile returns, softer now, but filled with determination. "My agency's gonna be a start, but there's so much more to do."
A wave of warmth washes over me. Is it possible to fall even harder in love? "That's incredible," I say, and it feels like an understatement.
"Flattery will get you places, my Dearest Knight," she teases, and her smile, the one that lights up my world... it makes everything worth fighting for.
Our impromptu lunch date is shattered when ALL MIGHT himself swoops over, booming about a shared meal as if it were the most important mission on Earth. One look at his face tells me this isn't some casual catch-up.
We settle into his office. The air crackles with tension as he reveals the truth; his dwindling power, his approaching retirement, the rising darkness now that his light is fading. Then, those iconic blue eyes fix on me, carrying a weight heavier than any villain I've faced. It's a legacy he offers, the mantle of the Symbol of Peace.
It's not a question of if, but how. But the world needs a symbol, and I won't let that need go unanswered.
My answer comes, steadier this time, fueled by determination. "Yes." It's a vow, a promise to myself as much as to him. The road ahead won't be easy, but I'm walking it, come what may.
After classes
My excitement to finally spend some homework time with Ochaco practically fizzes beneath my skin. Then, a crowd outside our classroom bursts the bubble.
"Dammit! Now we're trapped!" Mineta squawked at the onlookers. "Why are you even here?"
Kacchan shoved his way forward, eyes narrowed. "Scouts, you little runt. The villain attack painted a target on our backs. They're sizing up the competition for the festival."
Mineta gaped at Kacchan's typical tactlessness. "That's just his way of saying 'hello'," I explained with a shrug.
"There's no point pulling crap like that," Kacchan growled. "Out of my way, extras!"
I shot him a reproachful look. "You really shouldn't call people 'extras' just because you don't know them, Kacchan. Not everyone is used to your...brash manner."
A disheveled figure with lifeless purple hair and dead fish eyes emerged from the throng.
"Aizawa-sensei's secret love child, perhaps?" I heard Todoroki-kun muttering behind me.
"So this is the arrogance I've heard so much about," he grumbled. "With all the hype around Class A, I expected more. Disappointing."
Kacchan's glare could have melted tungsten. The crowd bristled, and I caught the briefest flash of unease in Ochaco's fixed smile. Her quiet anger was far more unsettling than Kacchan's bluster.
"Some of us are biding our time in General Studies," the insomniac continued. "One standout performance at the festival, and those hero course slots could be ours."
An interesting concept. My classmates may be an eccentric bunch, but their motivations were admirable. Not a fan of them getting the boot.
"But yeah, if you start slacking, I'll gladly knock your fancy party down a peg or two."
Time to de-escalate before temperaments boiled over. "No need for threats," I told him, meeting that listless gaze. "Prove your worth on the field. We'll be ready. Sound good?" While he may have instigated, I aimed to conclude on a sportsmanlike note. Unfortunately, the icy edge to Ochaco's smile suggested she had other plans.
With a resigned sigh, I strode forward, the crowd instinctively parting before me. Ochaco fell into step, and we made our way to The Crowley, her smile still sharper than any blade.
Time...skip? Crowley, late at night
'I guess I should go have some shut-eye,' I thought after a tiring day at work. Making my way onto the bed to end this day.
...
My eyes burn, refusing to focus. Every inch of my body feels like it's being dipped in lava, then assaulted by a tsunami of cheap perfume. It's the worst sensory overload ever.
Then, a voice cuts through the chaos, speaking directly into my mind. "That's an exaggeration if I ever heard one," it said. It? He? The voice is masculine enough that I ruled out the possibility of being female. Unless there's a voice-changer that works for telepathy. But then again, what limits the voice of someone using telepathy? It's not like they're limited by their vocal chords.
"You can call me whatever you want, but would you mind freeing me?" It? He? demands.
"What do you mean? Free you from what?" I said while looking around the area, looking for this someone.
"You just have to pull me and you can free me," He said.
"Ewww, dude. I've seen enough porn to know what you're talking about. Sorry, but I'm not going to be your step-bro," I said while trying to orient myself to my surroundings.
Wait, the pain is shifting, growing stronger, morphing into a surge of...Power? It crackles through my veins, whispering I could bend the world on a whim. Forget physics, I am the law now.
"What the hell are you on about?" The voice sounds confused. "Just pull on me! You'll be glad you did."
'I am a...god,' I think, barely registering his words.
Movement flickers at the corner of my vision. A figure standing on a beach? No, a sword rises from the stone, glinting in the impossible light.
I point. "You mean this?"
"Yeah! That's me!" Relief floods his telepathic tone.
So, I'm dating King Arthur's great-granddaughter AND dreaming of Excalibur. This day's shaping up to be a real winner. I try to yank the sword free, but it won't budge.
"Well, damn. Guess you're not the one," the sword sighs. "Linked to mine, but still..."
"Linked, huh? So, I'm not worthy?" I ask, more out of annoyance than disappointment.
"It's not about worth. You're just not the King of England," he clarifies.
I snort. Should I just quit? Nah. Something tugs at me, primal and insistent. I reach out, not to the sword, but to the power roaring within me.
"Like I said, it's not going to-WAIT WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" the sword's warning cuts off as I blast it with my newfound might.
Then something bizarre happened. The Sword becomes Two, then Four. Then Sixteen, Two-hundred fifty-six. Then tens of thousands of swords spin around me.
"Keep going!" I shout, ignoring the screaming pain. This power, it's mine to command.
A cosmic bell tolls across the universe. *BONG!*
Billions. Quintillions. There's no end. Yet, I won't stop. It's in here, somewhere.
*BONG!* *CRACK!*
This time, a fracture appears in the sky after the bell, spreading across everything but I ignore it.
There! A sword, blazing brighter than a star. I seize it, and its light bathes me in blinding radiance. Yet, I don't look away.
The world reforms. A single Sword in the Stone gleams before me. It's as if nothing happened, the cracks mending faster that I thought, but I know better. This time, when I reach out, the sword slides free.
BOOM!
And for one perfect moment, I am everything. Then... nothing.
"AAAAAHHHH!" I woke up from the nightmare. What in the world is that?
Time skip to Thursday
My alarm buzzes, and confusion fogs my brain... until I remember. It's Thursday. Evoker class. A sigh escapes. At least it's not that insufferable Ceremonial Magic.
I sigh while getting up. At least it's not Ceremonial Magic.
I walked towards the class this early morning. The air is strangely stale.
I drag myself towards class. The air feels strangely thick, almost stagnant. "Where's Nana? Where's everyone?" I mumble. A forgotten memo? Some impromptu event? Doubtful, but... Then it hits me: a faint, muffled sound coming from DGN1, our designated dungeon. Those walls are built to contain chaos, so whatever's inside must be a spectacle.
A grin spreads across my face. "Thots summoning something, maybe? Additional spectators are always welcome, right?" My curiosity surges. Time to kill before class... this promises to be a far more 'educational' experience than any lecture.
"Let's check her...I mean, this out."
"What. The. Fuck?!" What greeted my was beyond my expectations. I see Ashido-san, naked, being held up a Tentakun, a tentacled monster whose appendages resemble a certain male body part. While nowhere near as bad a Defiler, these things don't use those to give you a manicure. And they smell awful! They smelled worse than someone who hasn't bathed for two months.
I guess Ceremonial Magic is a bit more...involved than I thought. I've heard of the rituals and nothing I've heard describe getting this...intimate with their clients. But I guess you can't trust everything you hear, huh?
"MMMMM! Mh MM! Hmmm!" Ashido-san said with an overly...enthusiastic tone (?) as one of the appendages inserted itself into her mouth.
"Whoa, that does not look good. Guess I better lend a hand," I mutter. Before I can even think, her panicked scream pierces the air.
"Someone call Sarah! A teacher! Help!"
"Wrong department, Pinky," I quip under my breath. My pulse quickens, but not with fear. It's the familiar thrill of battle. "Hey, Tentacle-face! Guess what's for dinner tonight? Deal Cards!"
My cards materialize, and a surge of One For All crackles through me. Crimson marks flare across my skin, an echo of the green lightning dancing around me. This is no time for flashy explosions – the dungeon walls won't take it. Plus, this isn't some Deep Elsewhere monstrosity. Time to get tactical.
*Two Pair!* Kinetic blades flicker into existence, slicing the tentacles pinning Ashido-san. I bolt forward, enhanced by One For All, and scoop her up before the creature can react.
"You idiot! That's not a human crook! Get help!" she yells. Understandable. If this is the peak of what she usually faces, it must seem terrifying. But I tune her out. It's on the attack!
The tentacles whip towards me. I brace, the impact thundering through my arm like a freight train. Damn, that stings! But it's exactly where I want it.
"Midori! Quit playing hero!" Ashido-san shrieks. "We need a professor!"
"Ceremonial Magic bores me to tears," I reply, a grin splitting my face. "Figured you deserved a demo of what an Evoker's made of."
"Stop risking your life! I don't want to see you die!"
Two Pairs! Green lightning arcs from me, paralyzing the creature. With a burst of One For All, I launch a strike, sending it crashing against the far wall.
BAM! Thud!
Another card flickers into my hand. No time to rest.
*Three of a Kind* Icy magic lances pierce the monster, ending it.
After a few moments, we're sure it was not standing back up, Ashido-san walked to me.
"Oh my gods, I can't believe you actually defeated that...that thing."
"It's no problem," I replied with a nonchalant shrug.
Ashido-san's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why?! Why didn't you just call a professor or something?"
"The words you're looking for are 'thank' and 'you'," I countered with a wry smile.
She released a shuddering breath. "Shit. I knew something felt off. Deep down, I knew I should never have attempted that summoning ritual today."
"Well, next time those feelings arise, you'd be wise to heed them."
"Not funny, okay?" she reproached me. "I'm not going to be yanked around by invisible strings like some puppet. Never again!"
Concern furrowed my brow as I studied her disheveled appearance. "Are you certain you're alright? I can call for medical assistance if you need it."
Her gaze grew distant. "No, it's just...that creature. It nearly got me."
"But you're safe now," I assured her. "Did it harm you?"
A rueful grimace tugged at her lips. "It damn near dislocated my jaw. Rougher than that baseball captain back in high school. Apart from that brutish violation, you intervened before things went too far."
"Did it destroy your clothes?" I asked since she was still naked right in front of me. Not that I'm complaining, of course.
A faint blush stained her cheeks as she registered my scrutiny. "N-No, they're around here somewhere. I'll retrieve them shortly." She paused, studying me with newfound curiosity. "That thing you wielded...was that Evoker magic? I've witnessed it before at the USJ, but never up close."
Allowing a roguish grin, I gave an exaggerated flourish. "The Swords of Mankind, the Monster Hunters, and Dragon Slayers, at your service, fair maiden."
"I know my professors despite you guys," she said, arching one slender brow. "But I've never seen power like that firsthand. The raw, unbridled force...it was exhilarating. And you truly hunt beasts? Abominations like that tentacled creature?"
"Yeah. We try to stop them from doing to others what that thing wanted to do to you. Are you sure this whole Ceremonial Magic thing is a good idea for you?" I asked, worried about what will happen to her in the future.
A weary sigh slipped past her lips. "And what alternatives do I have? Grow old at forty, a hideous crone by eighty?" She met my gaze, jaw set stubbornly. "I wasn't born with an innate Spark like you. If I want magic's gifts, I must work for them."
"It hardly needs to be so extreme," I countered gently. "The vast majority lives out their natural lifespan without such power."
Something akin to desperation flashed across her features. "Well I don't want to resign myself to being one of that vast, mundane majority!" she shouted with unexpected vehemence. "I will live forever, beautiful and ageless. No matter the cost."
Sensing the futility of further argument, I relented with a nod. "If you're certain you don't require medical treatment or want me to notify the staff? Recovery Girl, perhaps?"
"No." She shook her head firmly. "I just need you to leave so I can redress properly. And Midori?"
I paused, arching an inquisitive brow. "Yes, Ashido-san?"
Those vibrant eyes bored into mine, equal parts pleading and resolute. "Please, don't tell anyone about this incident. Please."
After a momentary pause, I inclined my head. "Of course. Just...be more cautious going forward, Ashido-san."
"Mina. Just call me by my name. I'll also call you by yours, Izuku," she said.
"Sure."
A relieved smile graced her lips. "I will. Thank you, Izuku."
I walked back out of the basement, walking down the hallways.
'That certainly is a weird moment,' I thought. Though I have to say, Mina certainly is rocking a smoking body.
As I emerged from the basement levels, I nearly collided with a familiar figure, Ochaco, unusually present at this early hour.
"Ochaco! Over here!" I called out, waving to grab her attention.
She turned, eyeing my rumpled appearance with a furrowed brow. "Hello, my Dearest Knight. Are you alright? You look like you've been in a skirmish."
"Oh, it's nothing," I deflected with a casual wave of my hand. "I just had to rescue Mina from a summoning gone wrong."
Her expression hardened. "What do you mean by that?"
Hoping to assuage her concern, I reassured, "Nothing to worry about, she's okay."
Those warm brown eyes studied me intently. "I...see. Was there something you wished to ask of me?"
Seizing the opportunity, I ventured, "Yeah. Where are we going for our date tomorrow evening?"
A playful grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Has it become such a regular occurrence that you don't even need to formally request my company first?"
I matched her teasing tone. "Hey, a girlfriend has to go on a date with her boyfriend. It's practically mandatory."
"Poor, neglected boyfriend," she giggled. "But yes, I would love to join you tomorrow."
"Wonderful. Where would you like to go?"
Ochaco tapped a finger against her lips as she pondered. "Your choices have been splendid thus far. Why not surprise me again?"
An idea began forming, one I couldn't resist posing despite its audacity. "Alright, this is going to sound crazy, but...why don't you show me somewhere you know better than me?"
Her brow arched quizzically. "I fear there are few such places left in this world that exceed your familiarity."
"Exactly," I affirmed with an enigmatic smile. "Which is why I've acquired access to a portal leading to the Elsewhere realms. We could go on a date there, if you're all right with that? See the vistas and experience the wonders you're so well-versed in first-hand."
She studied me as if searching for any hint of deception. "A...portal? Izuku, where in this city could you possibly have procured such a thing?"
"Midnight-sensei has one tucked away in the basements," I revealed. "She's been sending me through on ingredient gathering excursions."
That serious demeanor which I so rarely witnessed settled over her features. "Izuku, I truly wish you would exercise more caution with the lures dangled by Sorcerers."
Dismissing her concerns with a casual shrug, I pressed, "Oh come now, you'll be there to guide me. Just the two of us, no need for Nana, Itsuka, or Yui to chaperone."
Ochaco's gaze turned inward, her internal struggle playing out in the subtle shifts of her expression. "I...I do not know. The Court is beautiful beyond what you can fathom, but arriving with a human suitor would be...complicated."
"Well it doesn't have to be the Court specifically," I reassured quickly. "Nana has a rather mono-focused, murderous relationship with the Paths. But I'm sure there are other breathtaking locales worth visiting, right?"
She seemed to mull this over before nodding slowly. "No, the Courts are not the sole marvel. There exists magic and beauty unmatched in this realm." Her eyes refocused on me with renewed determination. "Very well then, let me play guide and you the pupil, just this once."
I grinned eagerly. "That sounds incredible. Tomorrow evening, then?"
"Indeed," she confirmed with a faint smile. "But for now, I'm afraid I must depart. I was on my way to lectures when I encountered you."
"Really? I thought your other lectures were after the regular and Heroics classes?"
"Typically, yes. However, there has been a scheduling change to accommodate...unforeseen commitments that will preoccupy one of the lecturers during the usual timeslots. It could not be delayed further."
I nodded in understanding. "Got it. Take care, Ochaco."
With one last lingering look, she turned and continued on her way, leaving me to ponder the possibilities that awaited in the Elsewhere realms as I made my way to the lecture hall once again.
Hooo boy. It's happening. As promised, the Sports Festival is announced, though it won't happen for at least a few more chapters considering it's held in two weeks. A few...major events may still happen until then. Izuku might mess with Endeavor a bit after that. Right now, while Endeavor won't be a problem by himself, an elite mercenary group from Elsewhere bought with money could probably take on Izuku if he's caught alone so that wouldn't be smart. I missed my chance with Bakugou when he became deeper than I originally planned.
Also, the dream sequence is a BAD END IF event should the MC complete the (blank) without (blank) with him hinted at by the LOM author. I simply made it into an actual sequence.
Lastly, I just realized that Hagakure's speech pattern would've been perfect for Pony. Just bad at Japanese instead of straight up quirky. But oh well.
Thanks for reading this chapter! Do let me know if you have questions or feedback on the story. 😀
