Welcome once again, everybody. With the connections between the two worlds established, Aloy now has to bring these twenty superpowered students across the Tenakth Clan Lands in order to find out what to do. But this will only serve as part of the students' introduction to the dangers in this world, and will redefine what it truly means to be a hero.

Aztec 13: There will be some scenes going on in the hero world, but it won't be much.

Guest: I have to agree with you. I was stuck figuring out what to do with the reactions. But I will make up for it with the reveal of the Faro Plague later on.

FanOfDragons: Bakugo's stare is important for something, but it isn't for a reason you stated. This will spark a rivalry due to his internal beliefs.


Chapter 4: Across The Clan Lands


A sound of metal scraping metal, sparking friction, and then impact. Aloy manages to carve out part of the fallen Tremortusk's armor with her spear, revealing the internal systems of the machine. Midoriya stood with a confused expression at what she was doing.

"What are you doing to the machine? I thought we already defeated it." The green haired boy spoke with concern.

"We did, but there's just something I need to salvage from it." Aloy says, preparing her spear for another action.

The huntress jams her spear into the machine's internal mechanisms, moving away some of the metal fiber and wiring inside. Reaching into the machine itself, Aloy went on to pull out a component from within, revealing itself to be a metal heart of sorts just barely fitting into the huntress' hand.

"So you salvage parts of the machine? It seems like a tedious task considering the sheer size of this thing. What do you use it for?" Midoriya asked.

"Mostly for weapons or ammo. A lot of the tribes design their spears and bows according to the machines around them." Aloy explained. "Machine hearts fetch a hefty price. And since this is an Apex Tremortusk, a single heart is enough to buy food for your friends."

At the mention of food, a low growling came from the young boy's stomach, causing him to blush in embarrassment.

"Well, w-we haven't had any breakfast yet. So thanks for the consideration." Midoriya stated.

"You're welcome." Aloy says, holding the big machine heart over her shoulder.

The two of them returned to the convoy near the edge of the clearing, where the other students awaited them. And a lot of them were confused about the metal machine part Aloy was carrying.

"That's what we're waiting for? A part of a dead machine?" Bakugo scoffed. "Might as well bring literal scrap while you're at it."

"This is a machine heart. And it's our ticket to getting breakfast for all of you." Aloy explained.

"I'm sorry for asking, but are you sure that's enough?" Iida raised his hand with an inquiry. "I assume you will be trading that machine part for supplies. But how much is it going to give us? Is it enough to give food for all of us?"

"Yeah. You'll be surprised how much machine hearts can trade for." Aloy stated.

"I see."

"So, our first stop will be the capital of the Tenakth, the Memorial Grove." Aloy begins to explain. "As you might expect, they'll probably get defensive because they aren't used to seeing… well, people like you. So that means when we get there, some of you will have to use the machines so you won't be seen."

"We understand. We probably don't want to cause panic somewhere we don't know." Kirishima stated.

"And if they manage to spot you, please try not to use your Quirks. Just don't." Aloy demanded firmly. "I have the trust of the Tenakth, so just let me talk to them and diffuse the situation. Is that clear?"

While the others were confused with some of the things, they decided it was not the time. So they nod their heads in agreement, wanting to get moving.

"Okay them. Follow me, people." Aloy says as she begins to walk down a path through the forest.

With that, the students began to follow the huntress at a slow and peaceful pace, with the Bristlebacks trailing not too far behind.

A couple minutes of silence went by, without anybody saying a word. Mostly because of some distant whirring from who knows how many machines surrounding them. Some were just bored, and Mina was already lying asleep on the Bristleback

"Aloy? Is it okay if I ask something?" Yaoyorozu asked out, prompting the huntress to turn her head while walking.

"Go ahead." Aloy brought out a welcoming arm.

"What exactly happened to this world anyway? Humanity regressed back into tribal states, machines running rampant, what happened for this world to become the way it is?" Yaoyorozu asked.

"Well, the answer is complicated, to say the least." Aloy sighed at the thought. "A terrible disaster happened a thousand years ago, which threatened to eliminate life itself. I sent the necessary files to your teachers for them to know, but I don't think I can show them to you at the moment."

"Huh? Why so?" Midoriya asked.

"As of now, the only way we can see these files is through a Focus." Aloy explained to the teens, gesturing once again to the triangular device on her hand. "Aside from the one I gave your friend, I only have three more spares left. And besides, we still have to get to the base first. Once we get there, I'll give you all Focuses in order to learn what has happened to this world."

Suddenly, Kaminari saw something in the distance that shocked him. "Erm… does that have to do with what happened a thousand years ago?" He asked, pointing forwards.

The group turned to where the orange haired boy was pointing towards to see a plane, the ruins of one, atop a large rock that reached up to the forest's canopy. The plane was split in half, and marks of char and ash line its plating.

"Whoa. What happened there?" Kirishima asked.

"That is the ruins of a battle long ago. One of many that has fallen a thousand years ago." Aloy sighed at the thought. "I don't even think it was even a war. More like a one-sided massacre."

"That is a… very tragic thought." Iida gulped.

"I can't imagine how much fear those pilots had. With no one to save them from their doom." Midoriya bowed his head down with a clenched fist.

"It is a very troublesome thought." Aloy nodded. "But on the bright side, we are now at the Memorial."

Turning left at the plane crash site, the students were faced with another strange sight. It appeared to be an ancient structure, broad in its size and design. Despite its eroded concrete and layers of the local flora embedded in its foundation, it still had a clear enough appearance for the students to know it was the ruins of a museum.

While the past state of the ruins were clear, its current state left many questions. The perimeter of the museum was covered with defensive wooden spikes, with some spikes adorning a blue color. The entrance to the ruins were also a sight to behold, with both the large arch of its entrance and the stairs that lead to it bearing a very jagged and triangular blue and white pattern that almost bear resemblance to jagged teeth.

"Everyone, welcome to the Memorial Grove." Aloy says, before eyeing some of the Tenakth soldiers walking towards their direction. "The capital of the Tenakth tribe."

Once the students had noticed the Tenakth soldiers heading their way, many of them quickly went to work hiding the more visually strange from their vision, like Tokoyami and Ashido. Part of this was due to the appearance of the Tenakth instilling fear into them.

"Eep!" Hagakure was heard stumbling onto the floor.

"Agh! Get us out of here!" Mineta quickly hopped behind Sato.

The soldiers, being both male and female, had their hair cut very short or shaved clean, making way for warrior-esque tattoos with colors of cyan, red, white and black that covered the majority of their bodies. Some of these soldiers even had masks, adorned in vicious colors and carved from wood in such a way that they resemble the scariest traits of a machine. And with the swords and spears in hand, they looked like they were ready to fight.

"Alright, what do these guys want?" Bakugo growled.

"We don't want to provoke them, Bakugo. Calm down." Todoroki spread his legs out in a defensive stance.

But, to the students' surprise, the Tenakth soldiers went on to forcefully place their fists on their chests as a form of salute. At first, the young teens were confused by the sight, before one of the soldiers spoke out.

"Hair like blood. If it isn't Aloy, She Who Flies On The Wings Of The Ten. You have returned." An elderly female greeted the huntress, one with tall white hair that bent backwards.

"It's good to see you too, Dekka." Aloy smiled at the greeting. "Though, I don't really do titles that well."

"She Who Flies On The Wings Of The Ten?" Iida whispered to his fellow classmates.

"Well, quite the mouthful. Good thing such a name is too long for a hero." Tsuyu stated.

"I don't know, Bakugo got close." Jiro stated, pointing towards the mentioned explosives boy.

"Shut up, at least it's clear what it means unlike whatever the fuck Wings Of The Ten means." Bakugo sneered.

"So Aloy is well known here. Enough so that these warriors gave her a title." Midoriya stated. "I'm kind of wondering what she did to earn it, now that I realize it. It's like she's a hero to the Tenakth."

"Well, she did save our collective asses from that Tremortusk. I believe she h

"Well, just consider it an honor. After all, you did defeat Regalla and her rebels." Dekka stated. "After all, we honor the spear and the strength of who wields it."

"I appreciate the gesture." Aloy stated.

"So, what brings you here, Aloy? And with a group of outlanders, no less." Dekka asked the huntress, eyeing the large number of teens behind her. "Are they from a nearby tribe?"

"You'll have to excuse them. I'm just helping with their transport." Aloy explained. "I'll make some trades first, and then I'll get them out of your hair."

"Then I guess we have little to worry about." Dekka stated, still holding her spear. "If they do something wrong, I trust you will strike true and end it quickly."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Aloy stated before turning to the students. "Does anyone want to come with me?"

"Erm… we're good." Yaoyorozu exclaimed nervously.

"I think I should go. Who knows how much food we're gonna buy?" Midoriya volunteered, scratching his head sheepishly.

"Then I guess I'll come with you." Uraraka stated, despite the appearance of the Tenakth.

"I'll go as well. Show you all this is nothing to worry about." Bakugo stepped up as well.

"Okay then, follow me." Aloy nodded before the four headed into the Memorial Grove.

As this was happening, the group of students took the liberty to edge away from the Memorial Grove and its inhabitants ever so slightly. Something the elderly Tenakth chaplain noticed.

"Well, at least some things stayed consistent. They still think we drink blood." Dekka joked to another Tenakth soldier.

"Eep!" Mineta's fears grew once again, causing him to grip Sato's back tightly.


Inside the Memorial Grove, the students took an eyeful at the ancient holographic displays strewn across different sections of the museum, with Tenakth soldiers watching the voice recordings over the displays.

"Wow, look at all these holograms." Midoriya stood agape at what he was seeing.

"Are those soldiers?" Uraraka asked.

One of the displays depicted a small group of soldiers, diving off a plane over a pink and red background, before shifting to the same soldiers in the middle of combat training. It was a sight to behold for the three students, and the voice recordings tell the tale of these soldiers.

"Out on the field or relaxing at base, Joint Task Force Ten acted as one." A distorted male voice came out from an ancient speaker. "Led by Colonel Edward De La Hoya, their bodies and weapons are always honed for battle. Meals, ink, bruises, these daredevils of the sky shared it all."

"Joint Task Force Ten. These ruins must've been built in their honor." Midoriya exclaimed with excitement.

"They must've been like heroes. And even today, it seems like the Tenakth look up to them." Uraraka exclaimed, which unknowingly made Bakugo twitch an eye at the thought.

"They aren't just heroes. The Ten are the foundation of Tenakth culture." Aloy stated. "Though they have a reputation of… violence and war, the Tenakth still want to live up to the standards of who came before."

"Like the heroes in our world. Like how we want to live up to the standards of those who came before." Midoriya stated. "It seems they are like us in a sense."

Bakugo was about to protest this, but then gave it a bit of thought. All before deciding to keep quiet, even if he was still somewhat bitter about it.

"So is that why you're so popular among the Tenakth, Aloy? Is it because they respect your skill in combat?" Uraraka tilted her head with a question.

"Well, there is always more to the story, but yes." Aloy stated.

Eventually, the four made it into another part of the Memorial grove, which was dominated by a series of wooden platforms of Tenakth workplaces, some of which showed members of the tribe with stocks of weapons, food and machine parts ready for trade.

"Whoa. It's like a whole mall in here." Uraraka exclaimed in awe.

Aloy walked up to one of the food vendors, and when the Tenakth member running it noticed the huntress, she immediately gave out a salute.

"Welcome, Champion. I assume you want to take a look at my provisions?" The Tenakth vendor stated.

'Another title. Interesting.' Midoriya took a glance at the huntress.

"The name's Cherakk. I see you have a couple outlanders with you, do they have any business with us?" Cherakk asked.

"We're just passing through." Aloy stated. "What do you have in stock?"

"Well, we currently have a large batch of stew ready to go, and a serving's enough to keep a hunter in the wilds for days." Cherakk stated, gesturing to a large pot of a currently simmering stew.

"Enough for say… twenty people?" Aloy asked.

"Hmm. I guess this is enough for a hunting party that large. But you'll need a lot of shards if you want to–"

Aloy places the Apex Tremortusk heart on the table, to which the Tenakth chef looked at with intrigue.

"T-That's a Tremortusk heart. And an Apex variant as well." Cherakk had her mouth agape at the machine part. "You befell such a machine?"

"Well, this hunting party did help me with that endeavor." Aloy gestured to the students next to her. "We fought it somewhere to the southwest. And in hindsight, we may have stopped it from threatening any Lowland settlements."

"Oh, thank the Ten. Who knows what would've happened if it was left in the wild." Cherakk sighed with relief upon hearing this. "And the forest is where we go to hunt some wild meat. You may have spared some hunters the trouble of having to fight that thing."

"Glad we can help." Aloy nodded to this, prompting Midoriya and Uraraka to smile. "So, is this machine heart enough to buy stew for twenty?"

"Hah, after clearing a machine threat against the Lowlands, I'd say this is more than enough." Cherakk stated. "I'll get the flasks ready for you in a bit."

As Cherakk begins to prepare the stew for the road, Midoriya catches something in his peripheral vision. Someone else has entered this part of the Memorial Grove, garnering salutes from the Tenakth he passes by. The man was of old age with a barrel-like build, sporting more tattoos than any of the soldiers in the Tenakth capital, and heavy armor to compliment his physique.

'Eek! This guy looks scary!' Midoriya let out a slight whimper of the authority the man exudes. Uraraka also froze at his sight, while Bakugo put his guard up at the sight.

"The Nora spearmaiden, the one who brought Regalla and her rebels to their knees, bringing along a group of outlanders into the Tenakth Clan Lands." The man stated in a commanding voice. "Care to explain this intrusion, Aloy?"

"Chief Hekarro. I'm just helping them pass through." Aloy stated, revealing the name of the man to be Hekarro.

"Chief Hekarro? So this must be the leader of the Tenakth." Midoriya whispered to the others.

"He's pretty scary. Look at those eyes." Uraraka whispered.

"Tch. If you're done gawking about his eyes, maybe you can focus on the fact that the huntress managed to bring down a rebellion here." Bakugo stated, pointing out a slight fact mentioned by the chief of the tribe.

"Hmm. Then I guess you may be excused for this, as will they. If you are willing to lend your spear once again." Hekarro stated boldly, which caused the students to look with confusion.

"A favor?" Uraraka asked.

"I'm sure you have seen for yourself the increase in hunter-killer machines. Not just here, but everywhere."

"Yeah… I guess you can say that." Aloy stated.

"Our forces from the Desert Clan are dealing with machine problems of their own. Sound familiar?" Hekarro began to debrief the situation. "The settlement of Arrowhand is currently facing a food shortage, their hunters unable to get sufficient wild meat without considerable risk."

"A food shortage?" Midoriya gasped at the thought.

"I would send more Marshalls to the area, but in preparation for the next Embassy, they're all spread thin." Hekarro stated. "We will need your spear in this endeavor. The Desert Clan depends on it."

"Well, we are going east back to my base. I'll help out when I'm near the area." Aloy stated.

"Very well. Once you're there, talk to Marshall Okkoreh. He will inform you of the situation in greater detail." Hekarro ordered, clenching out his fist in a sign of power. "May the Ten guide you, so your spears strike true, and your enemies crushed."

Aloy nodded to this, to which the Tenakth chief responded to and left. Midoriya and Uraraka were still slightly frozen by what they had encountered, while Bakugo had a smirk on his face because of that badass farewell remark.

"Alright, got the goods ready to go." Cherakk places five large wooden flasks of stew onto the countertop, filled with stew. "Good luck on the hunt, Champion."

"Thanks, Cherakk." Aloy nodded appreciatively, grabbing two of the flasks to bring.

The students grab a flask of stew each, and then the group begins to make their way out of the Memorial Grove. That is when Midoriya decides to make a move.

"Aloy." The green haired teen turned to the huntress with a serious tone. "Let us help you with your task. It is our job as heroes to make sure people are safe."

"Yeah, we want to help you save lives at Arrowhand." Uraraka added.

"Hmph. And you'll be able to see how we can kick those dumb robots into scrap." Bakugo added. "You'll be able to see us heroes in our element."

"Well, I guess I can't argue with that." Aloy stated. "But frankly, I think your burst eardrums may cause some problems. Uraraka, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah… But I want to help as much as I can." Uraraka stated. "Maybe I can try to learn archery. Or spear fighting. Or… aghh…" She dipped her head down, beginning to develop a headache due to her head injury.

"Whoa! D-Don't start moving too fast, Uraraka." Midoriya put a hand on her back. "I-I believe archery is good enough. I think you may suffer migraines if you move too much in close quarters combat."

"Maybe… Yeah. I think that's good." Uraraka sighed, the pain leaving her head and ears.

The four of them exit the Memorial Grove to continue the long trek, only to see that the group had essentially moved a good distance away from the ruins of the museum and its inhabitants; with the exception of Todoroki, for some reason.

"Wait, did they move away from the Tenakth?" Uraraka stifled a laugh.

"Oi! Did you drop your balls on the way here?!" Bakugo let out a yell. "Is Icy Hot the only one of you that isn't cowardly?!"

"Huh?" Todoroki looked confused, turning to the other students who had made a distance away from the Memorial Groves. "Wait… when did you guys move there?"

Aloy turns to the three students next to her in confusion. Midoriya shrugged his arms, Uraraka had to stop herself from laughing, and Bakugo facepalmed.


-4 Hours Later-

After who knows how long of a trek they did, the convoy currently found themselves walking through a dust covered mountain pathway between two rocky cliffs. A lot of them already had their fill with the stew they bought from the Memorial Grove; It was filling. Not really in line with their palates for the food at home, but it certainly left them full and with the energy to continue.

"Whoo! Now that was a meal!" Kaminari exclaimed, patting his belly.

"I know, right. I feel so much less tired after drinking this stuff. I feel like I can do anything!" Hagakure exclaimed.

"This is really a boost of energy. We should probably eat more of this during hero training." Kirishima added.

"I feel like it's because the farmed meat in our world has more fat than wild game. Maybe that's why we get more nutrients from the meat, kero." Tsuyu stated.

"Shut up! Let me enjoy my meal in peace!" Bakugo yelled out, having ripped a flask from his mouth in order to interrupt their discussion.

Meanwhile, Aloy had glanced at the strange response, wondering where that strange temper came from.

"Um… mind telling me what's making him this pissed?" Aloy asked Midoriya, who was walking in the front of the group.

"Oh, he's-he's like that since we were kids. It's more of his nature, I guess." Midoriya stuttered with his explanation.

"So am I supposed to expect something bad to happen when he does that?" Aloy asked.

"Oh, nono, no need." Midoriya chuckled. "Though I'm surprised that he hadn't yelled back when we were at the Memorial Grove. I'm glad he managed to gain more self control. It's progress."

That was when Aloy was reminded of that strange occurance back in the cave the night earlier. Sure, the blonde hothead may have proved his nickname, but something about that interaction made her feel like something was amiss.

"I guess so. But I'll still keep an eye on him." Aloy stated.

Eventually, the group found themselves at a crossroad in the sand. In front of them was a large mountain on the border of the desert, being apparent by the snow forming on the peak.

"My base is just up ahead. Head up the mountain, and look for someone named Beta." Aloy ordered. "She'll help you into the base."

"What kind of name is Beta?" Mineta tilted his head, before Jiro's earphone jacks jammed themselves into his head. "Yaaaagh!"

"Shut it!" Jiro exclaimed.

"But wait, why us? Aren't you coming with us?" Iida asked.

"I got some business to attend to. See that settlement over there?" Aloy pointed somewhere down south.

The students turn to see another Tenakth settlement situated on the rocky cliffs. Midoriya, Uraraka and Bakugo immediately knew what this meant.

"So that's Arrowhand? The Tenakth settlement you're supposed to go to?" Midoriya asked.

"Why? Is something the matter?" Yaoyorozu asked.

"Yeah. The place is having machine trouble." Aloy stated, which surprised the others. "A few may come, the rest will go ahead. We'll meet you once we have the situation sorted."

"Wait, why can't we all come?" Kirishima asked. "Aren't we supposed to be heroes?"

"Come on, you've been through enough." Aloy stated. "Get freshened up, drink water or continue eating. Then we can talk about our next move."

"I see. It is heroic of you to help the Tenakth in times of struggle." Iida slightly bowed, putting his hand over his chest.

"Come on, let's get this over with." Bakugo stated.

"Good luck guys!" Uraraka smiled and waved. "Please buy me a bow, Deku-kun!"

"Oh, I will. I promise." Midoriya waved back, slightly blushing.

With that, the two teams split up. With Midoriya and Bakugo following Aloy towards the Tenakth settlement of Arrowhand, and the rest heading up the mountain to find her base.