{Location change, POV, Time, etc.}

"Normal Speech"

'Thoughts'

[Spells/Items]

Chapter 3: Practical Exam

{Location: U.A. High School, Exam Grounds}

{POV: Izuku Midoriya}

Izuku stood frozen at the edge of the massive simulation city set up for the entrance exam. His eyes widened as he took in the sprawling landscape of skyscrapers, alleys, and winding streets.

"It's... so big," he whispered, shivering slightly as the sheer scale of it sank in. 'How many replica sites like this could possibly exist on campus? This might as well be a whole town!'

Around him, other examinees appeared far more relaxed. A few of them were grinning confidently, casually adjusting their gear as if this was just another day for them.

"Why does everybody seem so confident? Is nobody nervous at all?" Izuku wondered, his eyes darting from one confident face to another. He gulped. 'Wait… I guess they've all got some equipment to match their quirks.' The reality of his own lack of preparedness started to weigh on him.

Nearby, a group of students exchanged chuckles, adjusting their specialized gear with an ease that only added to Izuku's sense of unease.

"Hmm…?" Izuku's gaze lingered on one student who seemed particularly relaxed, stretching with a casual smile.

He clenched his fists, summoning his determination as the anticipation built. 'I can do this,' he reminded himself, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.

Izuku's eyes scanned the crowd, his heart pounding as he recognized two familiar faces standing a little way off. The Satoru brothers, Suzuki and Pandora, who seemed deep in conversation. Determined to thank them for their earlier support, he made his way toward them, nervously rehearsing what he would say in his mind.

Just as he was about to call out to them, he felt a sudden, firm grip on his shoulder. Izuku froze, caught off guard, and turned to see a tall, intense-looking examinee with glasses glaring down at him.

"Wh-who, me?" Izuku stammered, taken aback by the sudden interaction.

The student adjusted his glasses, his expression severe. "Who exactly are you, my friend?" he asked, his tone sharp and precise. "Did you intend to disrupt your fellow test-takers with unnecessary distractions?"

Izuku flinched, realizing how his actions might have been perceived. "N-no, I was just… going to, um…" he trailed off, his words jumbling under the stern gaze of the other student.

Suzuki and Pandora noticed the commotion nearby and turned their attention to the scene unfolding. Pandora raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips, while Suzuki's expression remained calm but observant, as though unfazed by the situation.

Before things could escalate further, Suzuki stepped forward, addressing the stern examinee with a steady voice. "It's all right; he wasn't causing any trouble. Just a bit of pre-exam nerves," he said, his tone calm and reassuring. "Let's all focus on the task at hand."

The student hesitated, clearly noting Suzuki's composed demeanor and reconsidering his own strict approach. After a pause, he nodded. "Very well," he conceded, albeit reluctantly, and released his grip on Izuku's shoulder. "But remember, we're all here to prove ourselves. There's no room for distractions."

As the stern student walked away, Izuku let out a sigh of relief, grateful for Suzuki's intervention. He glanced up at them, offering a small, sheepish smile. "Thank you… for that."

Pandora chuckled, folding his arms with a playful glint in his eye. "Kein Problem, Midoriya," he said with a hint of mischief, his German accent thick and dramatic. "Es ist, wofür Kameraden da sind, ja?" He glanced after the other examinee with an amused expression. "Besides, that one could use a little… Gelassenheit, don't you think?"

Izuku felt his nerves ease a bit more, a small chuckle escaping him. "Yeah, he does seem pretty intense… but I guess we're all feeling the pressure." His eyes wandered over the other examinees, some shifting nervously while others seemed laser-focused.

Pandora shrugged, his smirk widening. "Pressure makes diamonds, as they say. Although…" he tilted his head thoughtfully, "in some cases, it might just… zerbrechen ein paar Steine." He gestured around with an animated flourish. "But tell me, did you enjoy Present Mic's little introduction? 'EVERYBODY SAY HEYYY!' And then… absolute Stille!" He laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "Ach, der arme Mann."

Izuku chuckled, remembering the awkward silence that followed Present Mic's enthusiastic greeting. "Yeah… it was pretty funny," he admitted, his face lighting up with a sheepish grin. "I guess no one was quite ready for his energy."

"Genau!" Pandora replied, clearly delighted by the memory. "He tries so hard, only to be met with… nichts." He leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret. "The man has spirit, though. I admire it, even if no one else seemed ready to join him."

Suzuki's response was more reserved, though there was a faint smirk on his lips. "It was… amusing," he said, his tone steady and controlled. "Though I think everyone's a bit too focused to appreciate his enthusiasm fully."

Izuku felt his spirits lift, comforted by Suzuki's calm reassurance and Pandora's lively banter. "It's… it's just surreal," he confessed, glancing down at his clenched fists. "I've dreamed of this for so long, and now that I'm here, it feels overwhelming."

Pandora placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, his expression softening. "Langsam, Midoriya. Schritt für Schritt," he said gently. "Wir sind alle in diesem zusammen, ja? Just remember, heroes face challenges every day. This is just one more."

Suzuki nodded, his gaze meeting Izuku's. "Pandora's right. Stay focused, keep moving forward, and don't let distractions throw you off balance."

Izuku took a deep breath, feeling his determination solidify under their words. He straightened, nodding resolutely as he prepared himself for the trials to come. The three of them shared a moment of silent camaraderie before moving toward their designated starting points.

But then, without warning, Present Mic's booming voice shattered the silence, jolting every student out of their momentary hesitation.

"WHAT'S THE MATTER? THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A COUNTDOWN IN A REAL BATTLE!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the arena. "RUN! RUUUN!"

Izuku's eyes widened as he processed Present Mic's words, looking around at the other examinees who were already springing into action. "Eh?!" he muttered, caught off guard. In an instant, the atmosphere transformed from a quiet standstill to a chaotic flurry of movement as students surged forward.

"CONSIDER THE BATON TOSSED!" Present Mic declared with a grin, amplifying the tension with his infectious enthusiasm.

Izuku gulped, feeling the rush of adrenaline spread through him. 'This is it,' he thought, steeling himself. 'No time to wait or hesitate!'

Around him, other students charged into the city streets quirks blazing to life as they navigated the complex replica city with ease. Flames, bursts of wind, and flashes of light filled the area as the examinees unleashed their powers, some leaping to rooftops, others barreling down the alleys.

Izuku hesitated just a moment longer, catching sight of Suzuki and Pandora in the crowd, both already in motion. Suzuki moved forward with an almost slow, measured pace, his expression focused, while Pandora seemed to revel in the chaos, a playful smirk on his face as he surged ahead, weaving effortlessly between the other examinees.

Seeing their determination fueled Izuku's own resolve. He clenched his fists, eyes blazing with newfound confidence. 'I can't let myself fall behind. This is my chance to show what I can do!'

With a deep breath, he took his first step forward, diving headfirst into the replica city and the start of his own hero's journey.

{Location: U.A. High School, Exam Grounds}

{POV: Suzuki Satoru (Momonga)}

"WHAT'S THE MATTER? THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A COUNTDOWN IN A REAL BATTLE!" Present Mic's booming voice filled the arena. "RUN! RUUUN!" "CONSIDER THE BATON TOSSED!"

The chaos that erupted was immediate. Examinees shot forward, quirks blazing to life as they surged into the replica city, unleashing flames, blasts of wind, and bursts of light in a dazzling display of power. Suzuki observed the flurry of activity with a calm, calculated gaze, standing still for just a moment as the crowd surged past him.

'A real battle, indeed,' he mused, feeling a hint of appreciation for the design of this exam. It wasn't merely a test of quirks; it required quick thinking, adaptability, and careful observation, all traits that could make or break a hero.

He took his first step forward, his mind flickering back to the curious young man, Midoriya Izuku. Despite his nervous, almost fragile appearance, the boy seemed to carry a hidden resolve. There had been something uniquely compelling about him, something Suzuki couldn't ignore. And when Pandora's Actor had attempted to copy Midoriya's quirk earlier, it hadn't worked. Despite his near-flawless mimicry ability, Pandora had hit an inexplicable boundary.

'Why couldn't he copy it?' Suzuki wondered, his curiosity simmering beneath the surface. It was rare for him to encounter something so unexpected, and it intrigued him all the more. 'Midoriya… what exactly are you hiding?'

His gaze drifted back to the throng of examinees rushing into the city. He spotted Pandora ahead, slipping seamlessly through the crowd with an air of flamboyant ease, as if reveling in the surrounding chaos. Pandora's excitement was palpable, and Suzuki allowed himself a brief nod of approval. They were playing the role of hero hopefuls, and Pandora was certainly enjoying his part.

But then, as his eyes swept over the crowd, he caught sight of Midoriya lingering at the starting line, momentarily frozen. Suzuki paused, watching the young man battle with his own hesitation before finally forcing himself to move forward. For a fleeting moment, Suzuki's curiosity sharpened, but he quickly refocused on the task at hand. This was not the time to ponder Midoriya's secrets.

As Suzuki stepped deeper into the city, his calm and steady pace contrasted sharply with the frenzy around him. He summoned his [Spectral Chains], keeping their ghostly energy concealed with a simple [Illusion] spell, ready to unleash them with pinpoint precision if needed. This exam was his stage, and he would perform with quiet efficiency.

Beside him, Pandora darted between the other examinees, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he scanned the area. He spotted a one-pointer and a two-pointer robot just ahead, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He glanced back at Suzuki, raising an eyebrow.

"Shall I have the honors of being the distraction, mein Meister?" Pandora asked, his tone laced with playful excitement.

Suzuki gave a slight nod and Pandora immediately sprang into action, calling out to the robots in an exaggeratedly friendly manner. "Hey, you over there! Care for a little attention?" He waved his arms, gesturing flamboyantly, as if welcoming them to a show.

The robots responded instantly, their sensors locking onto him as they powered forward. Pandora expertly sidestepped their initial charge, positioning them so their backs faced Suzuki.

Without hesitation, Suzuki extended his hand, silently dispelling the illusion, and the spectral chains erupted from thin air, wrapping around the one-pointer with a silent, deadly precision. The chains glowed with an ethereal energy, binding the robot in place with unbreakable force. Then, with a swift, almost casual motion, Suzuki twisted his wrist, and the chains constricted, crushing the one-pointer with cold efficiency.

In the same fluid motion, he released another chain toward the two-pointer, directing it with pinpoint accuracy. This time, the chain pierced through the core of the robot, effectively neutralizing it in a single, calculated strike. The entire action was smooth and efficient, lacking any wasted movement. It was clear to anyone watching that his approach was methodical, almost surgical in its precision.

Around them, a few other examinees had paused in their tracks, staring with a mixture of awe and fear. The chains moved with a deadly elegance, exhibiting a level of control that was rare even among seasoned heroes, let alone exam candidates. Whispers began to circulate as some students exchanged uneasy glances.

Pandora, unfazed by the attention, clapped his hands in mock applause. "Wunderbar! Such elegance, mein Bruder," he said, his German accent thickening with amusement. He glanced around at the onlookers, a mischievous smirk on his face as he added, "A performance worthy of admiration, don't you think?"

Suzuki gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod. "Efficiency is key," he replied coolly, his tone calm as ever. The spectacle had served its purpose, but he had no desire to linger or draw unnecessary attention.

With a subtle hand gesture, he retracted his chains, the spectral energy dissipating back into the ether as if they had never existed. He looked down the path ahead, his gaze sharp and calculating, already assessing the best approach to secure the points he needed for the exam.

As Suzuki and Pandora moved further into the maze-like city, their attention was quickly drawn to the sounds of metal scraping and a distressed shout coming from a nearby alley. Suzuki paused, listening intently as the noise grew louder, indicating a struggle nearby.

Around the corner, they spotted a girl surrounded by three one-pointer robots, each advancing on her with unrelenting mechanical precision. The girl, looking panicked, backed up against a wall, her breathing quick and eyes wide with fear as she tried to raise her hands to defend herself.

Pandora flashed Suzuki a mischievous grin. "Shall we assist, mein Meister? Or would you prefer to let them give her a fright?"

Suzuki's response was immediate. "We help. This is a test, not a real battle."

Pandora shrugged with a smirk, stepping back to allow Suzuki to take the lead again. Suzuki wasted no time; with a simple hand gesture, his [Spectral Chains] materialized once more, snaking forward through the air with deadly intent. The chains slashed through the air, wrapping around the limbs of one of the robots, ripping it off instantly. He tightened his hold, as another crushed its metallic frame with the same cold, controlled efficiency he had used before.

The other two robots turned their sensors toward him, their mechanical eyes glowing red as they recalibrated their target, clearly determining he was a far more dangerous threat than the previous. Suzuki remained unfazed, his movements swift and precise as he extended another chain, which coiled around the second robot and held it in place. With a flick of his wrist, he dispatched it effortlessly, crushing it just as he had the first.

He turned to the third robot, his gaze unyielding, and released a chain with pinpoint accuracy, piercing through the machine's core in a single, calculated strike. The robot's red eyes dimmed as it collapsed, defeated.

As the dust settled, Suzuki extended a gloved hand toward the girl, who was still pressed against the wall, her wide eyes fixed on him in awe. She hesitated, her face flushed, a light blush spreading across her cheeks as she took his hand, her fingers trembling slightly. Suzuki helped her to her feet, his expression composed, giving her a simple nod.

"Are you all right?" he asked, his tone steady, as though dispatching the robots had been nothing more than a routine task.

The girl looked up at him, her admiration unmistakable as she stammered, "Y-yes! Thank you so much! You were… incredible."

Suzuki nodded curtly, not particularly acknowledging her admiration, as he released her hand and turned to continue deeper into the maze. "Stay focused," he said calmly. "This test is far from over."

Pandora, watching the exchange, couldn't resist chuckling as they walked away. "Oh-ho, I see the young maiden was quite taken with your heroics, mein Bruder!" he said with a teasing grin, nudging Suzuki lightly. "The blush, the trembling, ah, the signs of a blossoming admiration!"

Suzuki glanced at him, uncomprehending. "I was simply ensuring her safety," he replied, genuinely puzzled by Pandora's amusement. "If she's distracted by that, she may not perform well in the rest of the exam."

Pandora laughed, clearly entertained. "Ach, you have much to learn about human interaction, Suzuki," he said, shaking his head with mock exasperation. "But perhaps it's for the best. No distractions, ja?"

Ignoring Pandora's continued teasing and ironic remark since he was human before this, Suzuki pressed on, his mind returning to the task at hand. He had no time to ponder Pandora's strange comments; there were still plenty of robots to eliminate and points to earn.

Ahead, another group of examinees had paused to watch Suzuki's display of precision and power with a mixture of awe and wariness. They murmured among themselves, clearly impressed yet unsettled by the deadly accuracy of his chains. Suzuki didn't acknowledge them, moving forward with calm purpose, undistracted by the attention.

Pandora, ever the performer, gave the crowd a dramatic bow. "Ladies and gentlemen, be at ease! We are merely doing our part in this grand display of heroism!"

Suzuki, once again ignoring Pandora's theatrics, continued down the path, already setting his sights on the next target further into the maze of city streets.

What greeted them was the sounds of another battle. Suzuki spotted two massive three-pointer robots bearing down on a small group of examinees, each struggling to hold their own against the powerful machines. Unlike the smaller one-pointers, these robots were heavily armored, their attacks precise and relentless.

The group of examinees had formed a makeshift team, each using their quirks in an attempt to take down the formidable foes. One examinee, a tall boy with spiky hair, was using a quirk that allowed him to manipulate electricity. He sent out arcs of lightning from his hands, trying to overload the circuitry of one of the robots, but his attacks barely seemed to faze it, only causing the machine to spark momentarily before continuing its assault.

Beside him, a girl with long, flowing hair used her quirk to create powerful gusts of wind, hoping to destabilize the robots' footing. She managed to push one of the robots back slightly, but it quickly regained its balance and continued advancing, unaffected by her efforts.

A third examinee, a burly boy with stone-like skin, charged at the second robot with brute force, his fists smashing against its metal exterior. His quirk seemed to give him enhanced strength, but his attacks were still not enough to penetrate the thick armor of the three-pointer. Each strike left only minor dents, and the robot retaliated with a swift swipe, knocking him back several feet.

Suzuki observed the examinees' struggle, his expression calm but analytical. The students' determination was admirable; he could see how they tried to combine their quirks in an attempt to outmaneuver the relentless robots, but it was clear they were becoming overwhelmed. Their movements were slowing, attacks weakening as fatigue crept in.

Watching them fight, Suzuki's mind drifted back to his time in the game world of Yggdrasil, specifically to the battles against dungeon bosses, enemies deliberately designed by the shitty devs to be infuriatingly difficult. He remembered the strategic calculations required, the precise coordination with his guild members, each move executed to counter the boss's devastating attacks. Those battles had often felt like dances with death, moments of high stakes that brought out the best in his comrades. Even now, in this new world, the memory stirred something within him, an echo of pride in his guild and a deep sense of loss for the camaraderie that was now out of reach.

A faint sadness welled up inside him, just enough not to break trigger his usual emotional dampening. The faces of his guildmates flashed through his mind, their laughter, their dedication, and the joy they had shared in those battles. Each memory sharpened the ache of their absence, like a wound reopening. He missed them in a way he could not fully express; the void they left was vast and silent, an emptiness that no amount of calculated precision or victory could fill.

But his focus snapped back to the present as his emotional dampener finally activated and he noticed the examinees falter. Their coordination was crumbling, movements sluggish, and their attacks lacked the necessary force. He mentally cataloged each misstep, noting how they failed to cover each other's blind spots or adjust to the robots' adaptive responses. He assessed their strategy, calculating how long they could last before the robots completely overwhelmed them. The flaws in their approach were glaringly clear, and his analytical mind couldn't help but identify each inefficiency, each wasted move.

"Mein Meister," Pandora whispered with a smirk, clearly amused by the struggle before them. "Shall we offer a bit of… assistance? Or perhaps you'd prefer to see how much longer they can hold out?"

Suzuki took a final moment to let the memory fade, acknowledging the faint ache it left in his chest. With a subtle nod, he pushed those lingering emotions aside from rising once more, resuming the steady calm he relied upon in battle.

Suzuki considered the scene before him. Part of him was tempted to let the battle play out, intrigued by the quirks on display and how these examinees adapted under pressure. However, he could see they were nearing their limit; another few minutes, and the robots would likely overpower them completely.

Finally, Suzuki nodded. "Go ahead, Pandora. Show them how it's done."

Pandora's grin widened, and with a confident stride, he stepped forward, activating his quirk with a fluidity that could only come from years of training and an innate love of the theatrical. His body began to shift, muscles hardening and expanding as his skin took on a stony texture. In mere seconds, Pandora had transformed into a towering figure with a physique like solid rock, almost identical to one of the struggling examinees nearby.

He cracked his knuckles, flexing his stone-like arms with an amused smirk before charging at the first three-pointer. His rocky fists slammed into the robot's metal exterior with bone-rattling force, sending a shudder through the ground. Each blow was precise, aimed at vulnerable spots in the robot's armor. He struck with a relentless rhythm, each punch generating sparks as cracks spread across the metal shell. The three-pointer reeled, trying to recalibrate its targeting, but Pandora's onslaught left it no time to recover. With one final, devastating punch, he shattered the robot's chest cavity, causing it to crumple to the ground in a cloud of sparks and metal fragments.

But Pandora wasn't finished yet. As he landed from the last blow, he morphed mid-air, his frame shrinking and shifting into the slender form of a petite girl with long, flowing hair. The students watching gasped as he transformed seamlessly, his hair now extending like whips. With an almost delicate flick of his head, he sent razor-sharp hair tendrils spiraling through the air, piercing the core of the second three-pointer. Each strike was precise, slicing through key circuits, and within moments, the robot staggered, its inner mechanisms short-circuiting. It collapsed in a heap, its sensors fading as sparks danced around it.

Just as the dust settled, the last three-pointer's sensors whirred, locking onto Pandora with its targeting systems blazing red. It charged at him, its heavy steps echoing as it approached with unrestrained fury. Pandora took a dramatic step back, clutching his side with a slight pant, feigning exhaustion. His hand rose to his forehead in a display of mock fatigue, and he stumbled back a bit, as if reaching his limit.

"Oh no," he exclaimed, loud enough for the surrounding examinees to hear. "It appears I may be... outmatched!" His tone dripped with theatrical despair, though a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes.

The robot lumbered closer, gaining speed. Just as it raised a massive arm to strike, Pandora's demeanor shifted once more, his expression melting into a smirk as he transformed again, this time taking on the guise of the pro hero Gunhead. Muscles rippled under his new form, his stance low and prepared, embodying the close-combat specialist's signature fighting style.

The robot brought its arm down in a devastating arc, but Pandora sidestepped with practiced ease, evading the strike. He immediately countered, lunging forward and landing a series of rapid, bone-crushing punches to the robot's joints and central mechanisms. Each strike resonated with resounding force, causing metal to bend and break under his fists.

In a final, dramatic move, Pandora leapt up, driving a powerful, crushing blow down onto the robot's head. The impact echoed throughout the area, and the three-pointer's sensors flickered before it collapsed in a mangled heap at his feet.

With the fight over, Pandora reverted to his original form, the smug grin never leaving his face. He gave a sweeping bow to the crowd of awestruck examinees, who watched him with expressions ranging from awe to disbelief.

"Behold, meine Damen und Herren!" he announced grandly, a hand placed theatrically over his chest. "A little demonstration in versatility and precision, delivered with a dash of style." His voice held a mocking sincerity as he flashed a dazzling smile, his eyes glittering with pure mischief.

Suzuki stood there, momentarily frozen as he watched Pandora's exaggerated performance. His eye twitched slightly, and a soft "Uwah!" escaped him, a sound he found himself making all too often in Pandora's company. Yes, Pandora's attacks had been flawlessly executed with remarkable control and precision, each transformation flowing seamlessly to the next, but the dramatic flair... that had been entirely unnecessary.

As the shock settled, Suzuki felt a surge of secondhand embarrassment bubbling up, only for his emotional dampener to kick in, mercifully subduing the feeling before it could fully form. Regaining his composure, he cleared his throat, stepping closer to Pandora with a calm expression.

"Good job, Pandora," he said, his voice even as he chose to focus on the effectiveness of the attacks rather than the grandstanding.

Pandora beamed, utterly unbothered by any hint of critique. "Danke, mein Meister," he replied with a playful salute. "Always a pleasure to entertain and educate."

Around them, the crowd of examinees stood in stunned silence, faces reflecting a mix of awe, confusion, and even a touch of fear. The sheer versatility Pandora had displayed left a lasting impression, as did the way he'd dispatched the robots with such deadly efficiency. Whispers filled the air as they processed what they'd just witnessed, many struggling to comprehend how he'd used multiple quirks with such precision.

One student hesitantly stepped forward, the look of amazement still fresh in his eyes. "H-hey, wait a minute… how did you do that?" he asked, pointing between Pandora and himself. "You just turned into a rock guy, exactly like me, and used my quirk! Is that... really your quirk?"

Pandora turned to the student, his eyes twinkling with delight at the question. Leaning in with a mischievous smile, he brought a finger to his lips. "Ah, mein Freund," he said, his voice soft but theatrical, "it's a secret." He winked, clearly enjoying the mystique as he straightened up, casting his gaze over the others with a flourish.

"Fear not, meine Damen und Herren," he continued, his voice rising with dramatic flair, "for today you witnessed but a glimpse of Pandora Satoru's true potential!"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, and murmurs rippled through the group as they tried to make sense of what they had seen. Students were muttering to each other, incredulous at how this student, this Satoru, had mimicked quirks with such uncanny accuracy.

"Did he just… copy multiple quirks like it was nothing?"

"Yeah, and he didn't even look tired!"

Suzuki observed the scene with a mix of admiration and lingering embarrassment. He watched Pandora's antics, impressed by his skill but once again wondering if that theatrical flair might someday cause complications. Still, for now, he let it slide, accepting this part of Pandora's unique charm.

As Pandora concluded his dramatic bow, Suzuki let out a subtle sigh, stepping forward to bring some semblance of normalcy back to the situation. "All right, Pandora," he said, nodding toward the path ahead, "let's move on. There's still work to do."

The crowd watched them depart in a hushed silence, their expressions a mixture of awe and respect for the Satoru brothers, two mysterious figures who, in a matter of minutes, had shown themselves to be forces to be reckoned with.

Suzuki and Pandora pressed on, navigating through the maze-like streets of the simulation city. They moved in sync, effortlessly weaving around obstacles and assessing the battlefield with cold precision and a touch of theatrical flair.

As they advanced, they encountered waves of robots-one-pointers, two-pointers, and the occasional three-pointer. Suzuki's [Spectral Chains] snapped into existence with chilling efficiency, latching onto robot after robot with a calculated elegance. Each chain hit its mark, striking weak points and cores with pinpoint accuracy, crushing metal with ease and dispatching threats as soon as they emerged. His precision created an aura of intimidation that kept the other examinees in quiet awe; each move was coldly calculated, as if he were dismantling mere machines rather than facing enemies in a test.

Meanwhile, Pandora played to the crowd with his shapeshifting quirk, switching seamlessly between forms to suit the circumstances. He transformed into a powerhouse with rock-like skin, smashing through a row of robots with raw strength, and then into a slender girl whose hair became needle-sharp extensions, piercing through the chests of nearby enemies, and other forms of other heroes some recognized nor didn't. The shifts in his form were fluid, each quirk he mimicked executed to near perfection. Even as he moved from form to form, he retained his signature flair, often pausing mid-battle to give a playful grin or an exaggerated salute to any onlookers.

Each time they passed other examinees in need of help, they didn't hesitate. Suzuki would efficiently dispatch the attacking robots, clearing a path for the students to continue their exams unharmed, while Pandora would strike up a dramatic pose, occasionally tossing out lines like, "Fear not, for Pandora Satoru is here!" He left quite the impression, though Suzuki couldn't help but let out a small sigh each time Pandora's theatrics surfaced.

As they navigated the arena, defeating wave after wave of robots, a subtle tremor began to shake the ground beneath them. Both of them stopped, glancing at each other as the tremors intensified, and they turned to see the massive, four-story zero-pointer looming in the distance, its shadow casting a dark mark across the city landscape.

Pandora's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Now that is something worth our attention, mein Meister," he said with a smirk, gesturing grandly toward the colossal machine.

Suzuki nodded, his gaze narrowing as he analyzed the giant robot. "Indeed. Let's move," he replied, his voice calm as he readied his spell.

The two of them moved swiftly toward the zero-pointer, weaving through the remnants of robots and scattered groups of examinees fleeing in terror. Despite his focus on the looming threat, Suzuki found his thoughts drifting slightly to Midoriya. He hadn't seen the boy since the exam began, and curiosity piqued at the back of his mind. 'How is he faring?' Suzuki wondered, briefly scanning the chaos for any sign of him.

Pandora glanced over, noticing the slight shift in Suzuki's expression. "Worried about our friend, Suzuki?" he teased, catching a hint of fake concern. "I'm sure he's somewhere, handling himself… or at least trying to."

Suzuki's gaze returned to the path ahead as they neared the giant robot. "Perhaps," he replied, his tone neutral. But a part of him felt a subtle, uncharacteristic hope that Midoriya would reveal whatever hidden strength had thwarted Pandora's attempt to copy his quirk.

As they approached the towering zero-pointer, the ground trembled beneath its massive treads, and the exam's stakes shifted dramatically.

{Location: U.A. High School, Exam Grounds}

{POV: Izuku Midoriya}

Izuku darted through the simulated city streets, his heart pounding as he searched desperately for any remaining robots. Every corner he turned seemed empty, only the faint echoes of distant explosions and the triumphant shouts of his fellow examinees filled the air. With each passing second, his hope dwindled, his heart sinking lower. He could hear Present Mic's voice announcing the time left, and his pulse quickened.

"One minute remaining!" the loudspeakers blared, causing a wave of panic to rise within him.

"One minute… and I still have no points…" Izuku whispered, his voice trembling. His gaze darted frantically around, looking for any opportunity to salvage his chance. The anxious knot in his stomach twisted painfully as he saw a flash of movement in the distance, a glimpse of the Satoru brothers, Suzuki and Pandora, effortlessly tearing through robots with their unique abilities. Suzuki's chains struck with deadly precision, while Pandora, constantly shifting forms, displayed an almost playful dominance over his opponents. Izuku's chest tightened as he watched them, the ease with which they dismantled each machine only reminding him of his own lack of progress.

'I'm falling behind… Everyone else is getting points… Everyone but me…' His thoughts spiraled as he forced himself to keep moving, fighting against the wave of dread closing in on him.

Then, without warning, the ground began to shake violently. Izuku stumbled, barely managing to stay on his feet as he looked around, bewildered. A series of loud, metallic crashes filled the air, and then he saw it, a colossal robot, unlike any he had seen before, burst out of the ground, towering above the city simulation. Its mechanical limbs tore through buildings as it emerged, the ground trembling beneath its weight.

"W-what… is that…?" Izuku whispered, his voice barely audible as he stared up at the giant machine, his body frozen in shock.

The sheer size of the robot, easily towering over any structure in the area, was enough to send other examinees scrambling in terror. Shouts and screams filled the air as students bolted, racing to get as far away from the mechanical behemoth as possible. Izuku's eyes caught sight of Iida among the fleeing crowd, his usual calm shattered as he urged others to run.

"This has to be some kind of joke…" Izuku mumbled, his voice cracking as the reality of the situation settled over him. His legs trembled, his feet rooted to the spot as he felt the weight of helplessness bear down on him. He was supposed to be here to prove himself, to make the most of the opportunity that All Might had given him, but now, staring up at this monstrous robot, every bit of his confidence seemed to drain away.

His hands shook, clutching at his chest as he struggled to breathe. "I… I can't… If I run, I'll get no points… but if I stay…"

Fear gripped his heart, his mind racing through every desperate thought. 'Everything All Might gave me… all those hours of training… will all of it just… go to waste?'

His mind racing in panic, every instinct telling him to run. But as he looked up at the enormous robot looming over him, something else caught his eye, a flash of color at the base of the robot, partially obscured by rubble. Squinting through the dust and debris, he realized with horror that someone was trapped beneath the wreckage.

It was a girl, pinned down by fallen pieces of concrete, her face twisted in pain as she struggled to free herself. Her eyes were wide with fear as she looked up at the massive robot towering above, its shadow casting a dark silhouette over her. Izuku could see her hands desperately reaching out, her voice faint but pleading for help.

In that instant, his fear and hesitation melted away, replaced by a single, undeniable resolve.

'She needs help… I can't just leave her here…'

He took a shaky breath, clenching his fists as he focused on the girl's terrified expression. Images of all the heroes he admired flashed through his mind, each one facing down insurmountable odds to protect others. This was his chance, his moment to prove himself, to show that he was worthy of the dream he'd held for so long.

"Move!" he whispered to himself, taking a step forward. His legs trembled, but he forced them to carry him toward the girl, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. Each step felt heavier than the last, yet with every inch closer, his resolve only grew stronger.

"Look!" a voice called out from the crowd of examinees who were still running. "That boy, he hasn't scored a single point, and he's still going toward it!"

Izuku barely heard the murmurs around him, his entire focus on reaching the girl. 'All Might…' he thought, channeling every ounce of courage he had. 'I won't let you down.'

With a sudden burst of energy, he surged forward, his feet pounding against the ground as he sprinted toward the massive machine. His heart felt like it would burst, every fiber of his being telling him to retreat, but he pushed forward, eyes locked on the girl's face.

As he drew near, a surge of energy built up within him, a power he had only ever dreamed of harnessing. He could feel it in his legs, an overwhelming force that demanded release. Clenching his fists, he focused every ounce of his will on that feeling. 'Please… let this work…'

In an instant, the power surged through his legs, propelling him upward with a strength that defied belief. The ground cracked beneath him as he launched into the air, soaring upward with a speed and force that seemed impossible. He rocketed stories high, his trajectory aiming him directly toward the robot's head.

The wind rushed past him, stinging his skin as he ascended, his legs already screaming in pain from the strain. But he pushed the agony aside, focusing instead on his target. He was right in front of the robot's colossal, glowing eye, its mechanical gaze seemingly narrowing in recognition of him as a threat.

Pulling his right arm back, Izuku gathered every last ounce of energy into his fist, his quirk blazing to life once more, this time in his arm. The power coursed through him, igniting his resolve even as he felt his body reaching its limits.

"SMASH!" he roared, thrusting his fist forward with everything he had. The impact was instant, his punch colliding with the robot's eye in an explosion of force. The entire structure shuddered from the blow, metal twisting and shattering as the enormous machine was decimated in an instant. Shards of metal and circuits burst outward, scattering across the arena as the robot's head was obliterated.

As the remains of the robot began to collapse, Izuku felt his strength leaving him. His right arm throbbed with unbearable pain, hanging limp, while his legs screamed in agony. Gravity began to take hold, pulling him downward. His vision blurred as he started to fall, exhaustion and pain overwhelming his senses. 'This is it…' he thought, the ground below rushing toward him.

But just as he was about to crash, he caught a glimpse of the girl he'd saved, desperately trying to reach him despite her injuries. She struggled to her feet, pain evident on her face, her arm stretched out as she attempted to close the distance. Her hand trembled as she tried to activate her quirk, her eyes filled with determination as she pushed herself forward.

But her injuries slowed her down, each step labored as she staggered closer. She was mere inches away, her fingertips brushing the air just beneath him, but she stumbled, unable to reach him in time.

As Izuku continued to drift downward, mere inches from the ground, he suddenly felt something coil around him, halting his fall. Glowing chains materialized out of thin air, wrapping gently around his body and suspending him safely before he could crash.

In his daze, he looked up, struggling to keep his eyes open. Standing above him was Suzuki Satoru, his expression calm and composed, though his intense gaze held a hint of acknowledgment. Suzuki's chains unraveled slowly, lowering Izuku to the ground with surprising care.

"You did well," Suzuki said softly, his voice carrying a weight of understanding.

Tears welled up in Izuku's eyes, a mixture of relief, exhaustion, and pride swelling within him. Even if he didn't become a hero, even if he didn't score a single point in this exam, he knew, in that moment, he had saved her. He had done something heroic.

As his consciousness began to slip, he managed a weak smile, the last thing he saw being Suzuki's reassuring presence looming above him.

And then, everything faded to black.

Authors Note - I was up all night writing this chapter fueled by my, non-concerning, obsession with Overlord and MHA! I just literally couldn't stop writing and i already have the next chapter half done! SO YES YES PRAISE MEEE I KNOW I AM SO AMAZING! HAHAHAHHA! But besides that I had an absolute blast writing this chapter guys! Especially the fight scenes with Momonga and Pandoras Actor even Izukus inner struggle with himself and him finally growing a pair! Truly cant wait for you guys to see what else I have in store and the arcs I have in plan! Also below are some answers to reviews and questions!

0N3 - About your question on why he cant copy all for one, well we gotta have some mystery in the story and challenges for our favorite Overlord! You'll see!

Solidox - Of course bro! I rarely ever see any Ainz/Pandora fics and since they both are my favorite characters I thought how funny would it be if both of them got sent to another world! Also love your story World of Gown! Been reading since you first uploaded!

Wissper0 - Thank you man! That really means a lot! Positive or not all reviews fuel my obsession more and more hahah

Jpx0999 - Very worrying thought since his power is basically broken! He truly is lucky to get a quirk like that!

Guest - Well I rewrote the story so his quirks should be in further detail in the story now!

m92322918 - No Nazarick and of course I will be uploading a lot so stay tuned!

incubuslord5 - Thank you bro! I will continue to upload so dont you worry!