It was early morning when Izuku awoke slowly, blinking against the pale, golden rays filtering through the curtains. He lay there for a few languid moments, savoring the warmth of Ochaco's lithe form curled against him and the gentle cadence of her breathing fanning across his bare chest. A few stray tendrils of her chestnut hair tickled his nose, but he found their featherlight caress too precious to disturb her peaceful slumber.

'I don't think I've ever been so utterly relaxed and happy in my life,' he mused, trailing his fingertips in aimless patterns along the soft skin of her arm. 'How is it possible for one girl to make me feel like this? All she has to do is be in the same room with me, and everything feels right with the world.'

He felt Ochaco stir beside him as she shifted position slightly, her smooth legs rubbing together sensuously as she stretched with a contented sigh, arching her back in an enticing curve before settling back against him. 'She really does like being held. I guess she feels safe when she's next to me, or maybe just comfortable. Either way, I'm glad she likes being cuddled,' Izuku thought fondly, tightening his embrace.

The tranquil moment was shattered by a resounding bang as the door to his room was abruptly flung open. Midnight strode in purposefully, stopping at the foot of the bed to loom over the tousled couple. "Hey, Izuku, wake up!" she barked before taking in Ochaco's sleep-rumpled form. "Ah. Good morning, Princess."

A low growl rumbled in Izuku's throat. "Nemuri, is the pub on fire?" he bit out through gritted teeth.

She cocked her head quizzically before replying in a bemused tone, "No?"

"Would you like it to be?"

Sensing the volatility simmering just beneath Izuku's frigid tone when anything regarding Ochaco was involved, alarm flickered across Midnight's expression. "Don't even think about it, Izuku," she warned.

"Then get out. Now." Izuku's words brooked no argument as he glared at the intruding hero.

"Izuku?" Ochaco called out sleepily, stirring awake at the commotion. She sat up slowly, the sheets pooling around her waist as she blinked owlishly and took in the scene - Nemuri standing with arms crossed, leveling a pointed look at her boyfriend.

Unperturbed, Midnight continued in a clipped tone, "Okay, I just want to tell you there's someone important downstairs to talk to you."

"Out. I'll deal with whoever it is once we're dressed," Izuku ground out, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

Midnight's burgundy gaze raked over their rumpled, half-dressed state with a smirk. "I can see that," she purred sarcastically before turning on her heel and exiting, the door slamming shut behind her.

"I should probably start locking that," Izuku muttered darkly before rolling onto his side to face Ochaco once more. She favored him with a sweet smile before leaning in to brush a soft kiss across his lips.

"And good morning to you too, my love. We had better get ready. Midnight-sensei seems quite emphatic," she murmured, brushing an errant curl from his brow.

Izuku's arm curled around her slender waist, pulling her flush against him as he sighed. "One of these days we're going to wake up to a lazy morning of just nuzzling."

"That would be delightful," Ochaco agreed wistfully. "But today does not seem to be that day. It was wonderful to fall asleep in your arms though." She nuzzled his neck affectionately.

"Hold on to that thought. Let's get dressed and head down," Izuku said reluctantly, dropping a kiss on her crown before disentangling himself.

"If it is okay, my love, I would prefer to wait here," Ochaco demurred with a demure glance. "Wandering out of your bedroom first thing in the morning seems to be the kind of thing that could lead to misunderstandings."

A rueful chuckle rumbled in Izuku's chest. "Or just plain understanding, I guess," he acknowledged wryly. "Okay. I'll be back." Sealing his words with one last lingering kiss to her cheek, he rose from the bed and padded across the room to his dresser to dress.

Once fully clothed, Izuku turned to leave but halted mid-step when he caught Ochaco staring at him with unmistakable appreciation. "What's wrong?" he asked with a bemused smile.

"Nothing," she replied simply, her warm brown eyes crinkling at the corners as a becoming blush stained her cheeks. "I just thought you looked handsome."

Izuku's smile widened as he crossed the room to press a tender kiss to her forehead. "Well, thank you. You look beautiful, by the way," he murmured against her silken tresses.

Ochaco ducked her head shyly even as a pleased smile curved her lips. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Okay then, I'm going." Izuku gave her hand one last lingering squeeze before releasing it and heading for the door. He paused on the threshold to cast one final adoring look over his shoulder at his girlfriend before exiting and closing the door quietly behind him.

'I swear, if this isn't important...' he thought with a flare of annoyance as he made his way downstairs.

"That was quick, Izuku. Sorry to interrupt your afterglow," Nemuri quipped with a wicked grin as soon as he entered the pub's common room.

Izuku leveled an unimpressed look at the provocative hero. "We were just sleeping together. Fully dressed," he stated flatly. "I didn't make these stupid virginity rules, but I'm playing along with it. For now," he couldn't resist adding pointedly.

Midnight made an ostentatious show of raking her gaze over him in patent disbelief. "Hardly fully dressed. I can see why you like her though, she's got an amazing rack and ass," she said with relish.

Not bothering to dignify that with a response, Izuku asked curtly, "Who's this visitor, anyway? Let me guess: Erec is here looking for his daughter? Or perhaps it's a rampaging dragon?"

"Nothing that drastic. And this isn't Elsewhere," Nemuri assured him. "But...the Yaoyorozu Seer is here, looking for Ochaco."

"Oh, for the love of god," Izuku groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Midoriya-san? What are you doing here?" came Momo's refined tones as she stepped into view. She was impeccably dressed in an elegant forest-green sweater dress that brought out her natural beauty. Her ever-present kitsune bodyguard stood at her side, blade bared and poised to strike at a moment's notice.

"I sometimes shack here. What brings you here?" Izuku asked brusquely, in no mood for pleasantries.

"I am looking for Princess Pendragon. I need to warn her - something is coming for her, something evil," Momo explained urgently. "But why would my vision lead me here?" She cast a bewildered look around the pub's interior.

Now that Izuku considered it, he hadn't actually encountered the Yaoyorozu heiress since that fiasco at the school grounds. He let out an aggrieved sigh before replying flatly, "Yeah, I wonder why."

Realization slowly dawned across Momo's elegant features as she took in Izuku's state of dishevelment. "Oh...I-I see," she stammered, porcelain cheeks pinkening. "But, I saw..." She trailed off, giving a small shake of her head and causing her silken ponytail to sway. "Maybe I was mistaken. My apologies for prying, Midoriya-san. But this is far worse than I thought."

Izuku frowned, suddenly all business. "Why?"

"We might be able to defeat a Lich with the help of the House Guardians near the embassy, or with the help of...'Eindridi'," she said meaningfully. "But if it's only Kitsune and me, I cannot see how we can prevail."

This startled Izuku. It hadn't been long since he first learned about the existence of Liches, and one would make a necromancer like Chisaki seem like a harmless kitten in comparison. "A Lich? Coming for Ochaco?! Why?" His voice rose sharply, reverberating against the pub's wooden beams, but he paid no mind to the outburst. All that mattered was the icy tendril of dread uncurling in his gut. 'If Ochaco's in danger...'

Without him even realizing, Midnight had slipped behind the scarred bar, crouching down to retrieve something from a concealed trapdoor in the floor.

"The Yaoyorozu are hardly the only Seers, Midoriya-san. And some fools might work for the Enemy," Momo stated grimly. "Princess Pendragon will be critical in what is to come; if they can take her out, all will be lost. That much my vision is clear on." Her vermilion eyes held a haunted look.

Izuku's jaw clenched until he could feel the grind of his molars. After a tense moment, he clicked his tongue in a sharp staccato. "Damn it. Ochaco!" he called out urgently, the rich timbre of his voice ringing with unmistakable command.

Moments later, Ochaco appeared at the top of the stairs, descending them with a stuttering gait as she registered their unexpected guests. "Yes, my heart? Oh, I see who our visitor is," she murmured upon catching sight of Momo. Straightening her shoulders, Ochaco inclined her head regally. "Greetings, Yaoyorozu-dono," she said, her tone far more formal than the heiress was accustomed to, though she paid it no mind for the moment. "What brings you here on such an early Sunday morning?"

Before Momo could respond, Izuku quickly explained the dire situation. "We've got a Lich incoming. You didn't bring your armor, did you?" His emerald eyes raked over her sleep-rumpled appearance critically.

Ochaco shook her head minutely, causing her chestnut tresses to sway. "No. But I always have my sword ready. I am ready to fight," she stated, spine stiffening with resolve.

'Where did she put that in?' Izuku wondered briefly before dismissing the thought. There were too many other pressing concerns clamoring for his attention right now. "Hell no. Killing you is its objective, and without armor you're far too easy to hurt," he refuted her offer flatly before turning his intense stare to Midnight. "Nemuri, you in?"

The Sorceress arched one sculpted brow as she straightened, an aura of power seeming to crackle around her. "Oh yes. I ain't letting some undead finger puppet trash my pub. Or kill any more of my guests, now that I think about it," she practically purred, her azure eyes glowing with an eerie inner light.

"Thought as much, yeah." Izuku's gaze swung back to Momo and her kitsune bodyguard. "Yaoyorozu-san, will you two fight with us?"

Horror washed over Momo's elegant features, leaving her pallid. "I know you're an Evoker, Midoriya-san, but this is a Lich. And I don't understand what Midnight-sensei was supposed to be doing in this. A regular hero shouldn't fight here. You should run!" Her pale-grey eyes were wide with dismay.

Confusion flickered across Izuku's expression for a beat before realization struck. "Ah. I take it Midnight-sensei doesn't show up in your visions either?"

This time, it was Midnight who responded, an almost feral grin curving her blood-red lips. "Sorcerers and Sorceresses are hard to See. Not impossible, but damned hard. Unless they were looking for me, specifically, I wouldn't show up. And even then, it's highly unlikely for anyone lesser than a god."

"I would have loved to have Nana or Mina here as well, but we'll go with what we've got," Izuku stated with a decisive nod. "Are you in, Yaoyorozu?" He dropped the honorific as though they were now bound by the familiar intimacy of the battlefield.

"Yes, of course. I said I would aid you in any way I could," Momo replied readily, unfazed by his brusque manner. A delicate furrow marred her brow as she asked, "But...really? You have a Sorceress aiding you?"

"No. I have two," Izuku corrected. "Though I have absolutely no idea why you can see Mina just fine, but not Midnight-sensei in your visions."

"Likely because Ashido Mina is a Chosen. If she's drawing enough Power through the bond, she'd pierce the veil," Nemuri explained with a casual shrug, as though such revelations were an everyday occurrence.

The cryptic response earned her an inscrutable look from Izuku. The Sorceress didn't so much as blink. "Oh, don't look at me like that, Izuku. I'm a Sorceress. Knowing stuff I'm not supposed to is what I do," she said breezily.

Izuku could only shake his head in bemused resignation at the enduring mystery of how sorcery functioned. "How long do we have, Yaoyorozu?" he asked, refocusing.

"Not long. Minutes away," Momo stated tightly, her knuckles whitening around the hilt of her sheathed blade.

"Okay. Enough time to get geared up," Izuku said with a sharp nod before turning to Ochaco. "Ochaco, get to Eindridi. He'll know how to handle something like this."

"And leave you? But, my love..." Ochaco made to protest, panic flaring in her warm brown eyes.

"No buts," Izuku cut her off firmly. "That thing is here for you, and you're not equipped to deal with it. Promise me, Ochaco." His gaze bored into hers intensely.

Seeing the adamant resolution blazing in her boyfriend's vivid eyes, Ochaco felt her own shoulders slump in reluctant acquiescence. "Get dressed, Izuku. I shall do what I have to do," she murmured softly.

Satisfied, Izuku nodded gratefully at her understanding. "Thanks, babe," he said, turning to the others. "Okay, let's move."

They descended into the basement and stepped through the portal. Fighting here would demolish the entire pub, and pissing off the Sorceress was unwise.

Kitsune immediately snarled, hackles raised, as Yaoyorozu whipped her head to the side. "Get ready, it's coming!"

The ground shuddered violently. Before them towered a twelve-foot behemoth, the landscape around it withered and decayed, as if blighted by death itself. Its patchwork flesh resembled melted rubber, tufts of wiry hair sprouting from grotesque places. Wicked talons curved from its fingers, sharper than razors.

Determined to end this quickly, Izuku let out a guttural war cry, channeling his Force into his limbs and One For All throughout his body. Like a supersonic bullet, he launched himself at the monstrosity, slamming a punch squarely into its malformed face with a deafening sonic boom. A shockwave of wind exploded outwards, yet the undead titan didn't even flinch.

It snatched Izuku by the throat with its massive hand, lifting him effortlessly off the ground as if he weighed nothing.

"Well, well...Winter Child. What an unexpected...pleasure," it rasped, fetid breath hot on Izuku's face. "The Seer failed to mention your presence. Then again, he wasn't making much sense after I gouged out his eyes. But why worry about the Queen when I can remove the King from the board?"

Izuku thrashed, driving his feet into the creature's torso, but it barely budged. The strike did loosen its grip enough for him to wrench free, dropping heavily to the ground.

"Damn, that's one ugly fucker," he spat. "You didn't bring your sniper rifle, Nemuri?"

"Out of ammo. The Schwartzalfs don't do online orders," she replied grimly. "Be careful, that thing's a real monster."

"Yeah, got that," Izuku muttered, eyeing the abomination. Its twisted visage betrayed no emotion, yet he could sense its cold amusement, like a lion toying with a rat. "Yaoyorozu, what can you do?"

"In combat? Not much with my quirk, but perhaps I can help you perceive the patterns of magic more clearly."

'Better than nothing,' he thought. "Kitsune?"

"I kill things," the demon fox growled.

The undead titanic rumbled, "Enough prattling, cursed mortals. Today, we end you, Winter Child and put a stop to Merlin's schemes for good. Prepare to die."

Midnight is nowhere near as powerful as Izuku's Chosen, but she tried to gather as much as she can, needing his latent powers to manifest. For them to survive.

Kitsune struck with blinding speed, her blade a shimmering arc of death - yet it barely scratched the towering horror. 'Impossible!' She recoiled, features twisted in disbelief and revulsion. 'What kind of cursed mess was used to create such an abomination? How many mages was sacrificed for that thing?!' The monster raised one giant fist, and she narrowly avoided having her head caved in or lopped off entirely, dancing back with a deep wound across her throat.

With the support of Nemuri and Momo, Izuku was able to pull up a card he wasn't able to do before: a Five-of-a-Kind! Bellowing flames roaring around his fists as he conjured the hottest flame he's ever done before. Even though he knows this won't do much damage on the Lich, he aimed it at its lower half, trying to scorch its legs so it would at least be slowed down somewhat.

However, the creature moved with horrific quickness, a lurching blur of decay that made his conjured flames miss completely. Suddenly it loomed over him, demonic eyes glaring with hate as one massive paw lashed out.

White-hot agony ripped through Izuku's back as wicked talons shredded his flesh like wet tissue. Before he could scream, eldritch fire exploded within him, burning nerves spontaneously incinerating. He collapsed, clutching his smoldering torso and shrieking as his very bones seemed to char from within.

"Ahahaha..." The behemoth's laughter was a grating rasp of rusted blades. "So falls the vaunted Winter Child. The Exiles One come, my lord shall reign, and I'll be first servant for my deeds this day!"

Izuku spat a gobbet of bloody phlegm defiantly. "Not...fucking...done..." he gasped through involuntary sobs of agony.

A feminine voice rang out suddenly. "No, My Love. We are not." Ochaco stood behind the abomination, sword raised.

Whether from self-preservation or a twisted desire to further torment its prey, the horror dissolved into the surroundings, rematerializing before them with unsettling quickness.

"Ochaco! Get out of here!" Izuku cried, fresh waves of pain crashing over him.

She stepped towards him without hesitation, a glowing magic circle forming beneath their feet. "I would rather die at your side than live an eternity alone. This worked before, it shall again!" She leveled her blade at the creature. "Excalibur, grant us your might! Cast BLESS!"

Blinding holy light enveloped them all as the circle flared with searing radiance. A barrier of nigh-indestructible magic shielded each one, while an incandescent torrent of Rage poured into Izuku, his very essence overflowing with Power. His body felt impossibly light yet thrumming with vigor, One For All's boost now seeming feeble in comparison. Gathering energy came as easily as breathing.

Momo stared in awe. "Midoriya-san, what is this? Excalibur has been lost for centuries, yet I've never sensed such Power!"

Recalling the prophecy from the very first time Izuku's power manifested, "What was lost shall be found," Izuku murmured, already channeling fresh Power into his cards at an astonishing rate. He turned to the behemoth with a feral grin. "Time to end this, you undead piece of shit."

Spurred by primal urgency, the horror tried to dissipate, to veil itself from view once more. Momo focused the holy energies within her, shattering its concealment effortlessly.

"A waste of effort," it growled through shredded lips. "I'll simply kill you all!" Sickly green tendrils of decay lashed out from its form, the surrounding landscape withering rapidly.

Kitsune was a blur of motion, her katana and lashing tails slicing at the behemoth relentlessly, her demonic form empowered by the blessings. She shrugged off blows that should have pulverized her, retaliating with feral abandon, trying to hamper the undead titan's foul magic.

"Kitsune, move!" Izuku's voice was a thunderous roar. The demon sprang back as he thrust out his hand, playing a full 'Five of a Kind' - a cataclysmic eruption of magical force exploding outwards like a molten tidal wave of destruction.

An apocalyptic flash seared the air, a deafening boom echoing for miles. Kitsune was hurled back by the shockwave, tumbling head over tail before slamming to the ground. She whipped her head around to where the horror had loomed moments before.

Nothing remained but scorched earth.

Once outside the portal, Izuku felt lightheaded from the immense power he'd unleashed.

"Well," Nemuri began, swallowing hard, "on the positive side, we're all alive. Let's avoid anything like that again. At least not in my pub." She tried to hide it, but her pallid, faintly green-tinged skin betrayed how close she was to vomiting.

Izuku could only nod mutely. "That thing was vicious. Without Ochaco, it would've crushed us. I can't believe Eindridi took one down solo. He made it sound so easy."

"Yes, not one to cross," Nemuri agreed, an unreadable look passing across her features, as if she knew more than she let on. "Is everyone else okay?"

She glanced around. "Yaoyorozu?"

"A little shaken, but intrigued more than anything. Just what exactly is going on between you two?"

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "You're asking why she's here?"

"No, that's obvious enough." Momo shook her head. "It called you the Winter Child. And referred to you as the King to Princess Pendragon's Queen. Said removing you would lead to victory for their cult."

"You did see me in your visions after all," he pointed out.

"I saw you fighting the Outsiders, yes, at the head of an army. But I was certain the Princess was the crux of it all. In my Father's prophecies, the Throne of the Exiled Court is the pivot on which the fate of the world turns."

"I thought you glimpsed something vital the other day. When you said you needed to help me?"

Momo hesitated. "That was...different. Personal. And I fear I may have misinterpreted those visions."

Izuku and Ochaco exchanged a loaded glance, comprehension dawning. "Oh dear. Possibly not misinterpreted, no?" he ventured carefully.

Ochaco smirked. "Indeed, likely spot on, in fact. Welcome aboard, Yaomomo. You may be surprised where keeping company with my dear pervert leads innocent girls."

"What happens now?" Izuku asked.

"Wise to report this to UA," Ochaco said briskly. "And alert the Hunters - they'll want to know someone's unleashing Liches this deep in the city. I'll pass word to my embassy as well."

Izuku stepped close, cupping Ochaco's face to bestow a tender kiss on her cheek. "I'll miss you. See you soon?"

She nodded, gripping his hand tightly for a lingering moment. "Always. Keep me posted if anything comes up."

With a final squeeze, she turned and strode away, leaving Izuku staring wistfully after her. Texting wouldn't be enough this time.

"Ugh, going to be so sore tomorrow," he groaned, turning back toward the pub. He eyed Momo and Kitsune. "And you two?"

"We'll return to our hotel," Momo replied. "I need to contact my Father directly. Events are unfolding too rapidly."

Izuku frowned. "Not staying at the dorms?"

"Not for now. The university network isn't whitelisted for our secure channels." She sighed heavily. "But call if you learn anything new, or if you'll be exploring Elsewhere again. We'll need to coordinate if we're to prevail."

"Will do," Izuku promised. The two turned and made their way into the city.

Once they were gone, Nemuri arched an eyebrow at him. "Assembling quite the harem there, Izuku."

He snorted. "You offering to join?"

"Hardly. Not one for being tied down." A sly grin played over her lips. "But I'm pleased to see you growing into what we need. Stay strong - I suspect your honeymoon period is almost over."

Izuku rolled his eyes at her knowing look. "Don't I at least get a wedding night first?"

Nemuri cackled rudely. "Hey, not my fault you haven't fucked her in the ass yet. I know she has to stay a virgin, but there are always loopholes."

"Whatever. I'm reporting to UA. See you later, sensei."

"Just make sure you get some sleep," Nemuri called after him with a sly wink and smirk as he exited the pub.

Izuku headed straight for the principal's office, rapping on the door before entering. Nezu and Recovery Girl looked up from a clearly serious discussion.

"Midoriya-kun! How was your weekend?" Nezu asked politely.

"Not great." Izuku's expression was grim. "A lich was sent to target Ochaco. We barely made it out alive."

Nezu's eyes widened in alarm as Recovery Girl gasped sharply. "A lich?! Dear gods..."

Izuku nodded grimly and proceeded to recount the harrowing encounter, leaving out prophecies and mystical details. Their shock at his survival was evident. As much as he trusted the principal, some things had to remain hidden for now.

Nezu steepled his paws, brow furrowed in thought. "Extremely troubling news. Thank you for the report. You're dismissed."

Exiting the office, Izuku checked for messages from his mother before a familiar voice made him glance up.

"Hey."

A lanky boy with disheveled purple hair stood before him, dark circles ringing his tired eyes. "Oh, hi! Shinso, right? What's up?"

Shinso blinked in surprise that Izuku recognized him at all after his dismal Sports Festival performance. "Y-Yeah. I'm good. Uh, some teacher told me to let you know you're needed in DGN1. Never seen her before though, so not sure if she's legit."

"Y-Yeah. I'm doing good. By the way, I was told you're needed at DGN1 by a teacher," he said. "Never seen the woman before so I'm not sure if she's really a teacher though."

"She's a teacher, don't worry." Izuku flashed a reassuring smile. "I'll go see what she wants."

"Alright, cool. See you around." Shinso offered an awkward wave before shuffling away.

Izuku's smile faded as he watched the outcast boy leave. He seemed so isolated, shunned by his classmates because of his quirk. Hopefully that could change soon.

Steeling himself, Izuku descended into the basement to find Sarah already waiting. She sat atop a desk in her dancer outfit - arms crossed, boots planted firmly, jaw set in a stern expression.

"Lock the door behind you," she instructed flatly.

Confused but compliant, Izuku did as told while Sarah produced a remote, lowering the projector screen and dimming the lights to cast an ominous pall.

Unease prickled Izuku's nape. 'What's going on here?'

"Mr. Midoriya," Sarah began crisply as she slid off the desk, hips swaying in an almost mocking saunter, "are you aware of our updated sexual misconduct policies?"

Despite the feigned menace of her approach, Izuku wasn't intimidated after facing the lich. "For this class? Not a clue. Need me to sign some waiver before using the bondage gear?" he deadpanned.

Sarah's eye twitched minutely. "I'm afraid not. As of 2174, UA has zero tolerance for sexual harassment. While no formal complaints have been filed as of yet, I have video evidence of your inappropriate interaction with Ms. Ashido earlier this month."

"Hmm? Ah, that was my Homework assignment with Mina, wasn't it?" Knowing her angle, he decided on how to approach this. He started looking around the room, checking for cameras, "So we're being recorded right now?"

Sarah only shook her head, "No. Unfortunately, some kind of malfunction seems to have hit the electrical apparatus midway through, and we're still trying to restore it," she said. Though Izuku doesn't buy it, considering what he's already seen from UA. Sarah continued her tirade, "But I assure you that what we have it extremely incriminating."

A cocksure smirk played over Izuku's lips as he stared her down, his aura radiating quiet confidence. "Yeah, I can see how it would be real spank bank material for you."

Irritation flashed across Sarah's features. "Mr. Midoriya, you don't seem to grasp the severity of-"

"Look, can we skip ahead?" he interrupted brusquely. "Past the empty threats, to where you saw me sharing Evoker magic with Mina, and then finally get to where you offer to make this all disappear if I 'play ball'?"

This seemed to have agitated Sarah, "How dare you, Mr. Izuku. Do you think I have no integrity? No care for my students?"

Her words only made Izuku throw back his head with a mocking laugh. The audacity of this ceremonial mage was staggering. After catching his breath, he fixed her with a condescending stare.

"Sarah? You don't mind if I call you Sarah, do you? Especially since we're about to get far too intimate." He tsked slowly. "You're a ninety-something year old glorified camwhore. Your need for magic to maintain your youth is only increasing, and what paltry dregs you extract from defilers and other small-time scum doesn't cut it anymore."

"Why you...!" Sarah's face flushed crimson, jaw clenching with rage.

Izuku's smirk only widened. "So let's stop pretending this is about anything else. I'll give you what you really want. We both know you don't give a single shit about students or integrity, as long as you get your fix. Am I right?"

"Mr. Midoriya!" Unaccustomed to such disrespect, Sarah stamped her foot, the dull thud echoing loudly.

'Throwing a tantrum like a child,' Izuku thought derisively.

"Alternatively, we could try your 'proper' route. I'm curious how a teacher peddling orgasms as homework to virgins claims any moral high ground. But as you said, it is 2174."

"I'm most grateful you unders-"

"Though exactly what they'll do is anyone's guess," Izuku steamrolled her attempt to respond. "You're a washed-up camwhore, and I'm the son of a God - one I suspect put his thumb heavily on the scales to bring me here in the first place."

Sarah opened her mouth, indignant, but Izuku barreled onward relentlessly.

"And even if they do expel me, it's not as if I need UA's diploma to reach my destiny, is it? I'll just have to rearrange my priorities a bit. I unfortunately won't be a hero. Too bad, but not the end of the world. Unless you think becoming one of the Powers requires proper HR paperwork?" He shrugged dismissively.

"Now you listen here, you little-"

"No, Sarah. You shut up and listen." His tone brooked no argument. "For years now, but especially since entering UA, I've been pushed, prodded, and threatened by creatures so vastly powerful, you don't even register as a threat. Merely a nuisance."

Sarah's jaw dropped, struck speechless by the bald insult from a student. But his next words dropped like a stone into still waters.

"Despite all that, I will give you what you crave. Not because I fear you or your pathetic accusations - that's honestly laughable. I'll give you what you want, because it's precisely what you deserve."

For long moments, Sarah could only gape, utterly wrongfooted and unable to process his statements. One thought did shine through the confusion however: 'Hah! After all that bluster, he's just a dumb, horny teenager at his core!'

Unable to conceal her triumphant smile, she purred, "I...see. Very well, Mr. Midoriya. I graciously accept your generous offer. That video did hint at some...fascinating...possibilities."

Izuku's gaze settled on the chair in the center of the room - the same one he'd used when making Mina a Chosen. "I'll just take a seat, shall I?"

"Would you prefer to get more...comfortable? Loosen some clothing, perhaps?" Sarah purred the suggestive offer.

He shook his head curtly. "Evokers are immune to disease, but I'm not taking any risks with you. I'll just observe today."

A knowing smirk curved her lips as he settled into the chair. "Your loss, Izuku."

The overly familiar use of his name made his eye twitch with irritation. Forcing a tight smile, he replied, "Maybe next time."

Sarah began swaying seductively before him, and despite himself, Izuku found his gaze entranced by her graceful, undulating movements. He almost wanted to call such a performance 'magical' - if the inherent irony didn't sting. Mina had possessed but a faint echo of this honed skill, refined over eight decades for inhuman audiences.

Against his will, he felt himself getting hard, and there's the insistent thrum of the magic circle seeking payment. He ignored it studiously.

Her style was more classical ballet than Mina's overtly sexual gyrations - more interested in the elegant lines and lithe movements than holding salacious poses. It was bizarrely, beguilingly beautiful. An effortless, fluid grace flowed through her like water through crystal, her every shift and spin brimming with consummate poise and artistry.

"Almost a shame you're a soulless bitch," Izuku sneered, "or I could've been genuinely captivated."

Sarah continued her sinuous dance unperturbed, as if his petulant insults meant nothing. "I've been insulted and threatened by vastly better creatures than you. You'll need to try harder to get a rise out of me."

Without responding, Izuku fed a single Pair's worth of energy into the magic circle, deriving dark amusement from watching her routine instantly falter as she struggled with the potent infusion.

'What is this? His power from just one offering? Impossible - it's so overwhelming! Surely he must be drained now?' She goggled inwardly at the raw might flooding her form, more than she usually accumulated over three months.

"What was that?" she gasped, movements stuttering as she fought for control.

"Exactly what this is all about - Evoker magic," Izuku stated flatly.

Greed and excitement blazed in Sarah's eyes at the prospect of such immense power at her fingertips, thanks to this naive boy who would soon worship the ground she walked on. "I've never...I need more!"

"Then step up your game."

Some subtle magic too faint for Izuku to perceive snapped the chain holding up her skirt, letting it slither down to bare more glistening skin. Sarah's movements grew less practiced, more primal and unrestrained as the beat of the circle's call intensified, mirroring Izuku's aroused state.

Finally, Sarah collapsed bonelessly to the floor before him, like a devotee before an idol. Her ample chest heaved rhythmically, the swell of her breasts glistening with a sheen of exertion. Taut nipples strained against the thin fabric of her top, hardened peaks begging for attention. Her long, toned legs parted wantonly, neatly trimmed folds glistening with arousal.

For a moment, Izuku tensed, nostrils flaring as he caught the musky scent of her desire. He worried it might trigger an unwanted flashback akin to that time with Mina. But whatever divine force had briefly possessed him that day seemed utterly disinterested in the sweat-slicked temptress before him.

'Not sure if I should pity her for that, or just laugh,' he mused, gaze roaming shamelessly over her prone form.

"Enjoying the show, Izuku?" Sarah purred breathlessly, pupils blown wide with need. "I can practically taste how much you liked it. Or would you prefer I call you Daddy?"

He arched an unimpressed brow, unmoved by her blatant attempt at seduction. "No, you haven't earned that right yet. But you were...impressive, I suppose."

With that lukewarm praise, Izuku flooded the circle with the power of a Three of a Kind. Sarah's lithe body convulsed as if struck by lightning, the raw magical influx a sensory overload. It was akin to her veins burning with searing mana, every fiber of her being set ablaze from within by rapturous flame. Incoherent, delirious babbling spilled from her lips as she drowned in transcendent, agonizing pleasure. The air grew thick with her arousal. Afterwards she could only kneel there, gasping and insensate amid the heady musk.

"Finished already?" Izuku's tone dripped disdain as he eyed her trembling form. "And here I thought you were going to show me what a real ceremonial magician can do."

Slowly, shakily, Sarah regained her feet, decades of practice allowing her to resume the smooth, undulating motions. With an audible click and whisper of fabric, her bikini strings parted, leaving her gloriously nude apart from shimmering jewellery.

Izuku's smirk held amusement. "At some point, you'll have to teach me that neat little trick with the strings. Could liven up some dull Monday lectures."

Sarah could only gape at him, eyes wide, chest still heaving with desperate pants. Her pupils remained blown wide, blown by a very different kind of desperation. "H-How are you still conscious after expending that much power? Any other being would be dead, but you're...cracking jokes?"

"I think you've lived around Evokers a long long time, Sarah," Izuku said flatly, eyes glinting with quiet menace. "But you've learned nothing about us."

Sarah approached, sinking fluidly to her knees before him, movements flowing naturally from her sinuous dance. "Why don't...you...show...me then?" Her voice was a liquid purr as she boldly challenged him. "Take off those pants and show me what a big boy you are."

"Not today, Sarah," Izuku replied evenly.

"Are you sure?" She leaned in, the sweet musk of her arousal enveloping him. She then raises her flexible legs and put them on his shoulder as she touches herself. "I could teach a young man like you...all sorts of delicious things. Tricks young Ashido hasn't begun to learn - acts your foolish Princess couldn't even fathom."

Izuku's jaw clenched at her sneering insult toward Ochaco. "You know, that barb about her makes this the perfect time to end our little chat."

Without warning, he slammed her with the power of a Full House. Sarah's eyes rolled back as the overwhelming torrent of magic seized her body. She collapsed bonelessly, like a marionette with its strings severed.

Izuku stared down at her stunned, sweat-slicked form with a smirk. "This is what you deserved, Sarah. To wake knowing the what you've had, and knowing that you'll never experience it again. Be sure to give my regards to your defiler customers."

He wasn't certain she could even hear his mocking farewells, but her body gave a faint twitch of recognition. "Don't mind me, I'll show myself out. Sleep tight."

As he strode from the basement, a nagging sense of disquiet prickled Izuku's mind. 'I felt...angry. An inner rage I couldn't control.' He glanced back toward the corridor, frowning. 'It didn't feel connected to the earlier Rage from the fight with the Lich. This came from inside me. A darker impulse I've been struggling with lately.'

Perhaps he should schedule an appointment with Hound Dog to discuss it. 'I hope this doesn't come back to haunt me. I'll need to keep an eye on it - and on Sarah. Drug addicts are rarely predictable when they can't get their fix.'

And just like that, one of the biggest turning point happened in his destiny. But hey, what's a character good for if you do not let them make some monumental mistakes once in a while, am I right?

Anyway, hope you guys liked this chapter! Next two would be relatively short, but quite important as well.

Next up: Blood vs. Blood