The trip to Yuuei was slow, since Nezu insisted they take his car. The grumbling red eyed hero, Eraserhead acting as his chaperone and driver at the moment. Nezu or the hero, Rat King, rarely left his school due to the fact he was not a gifted fighter, and many wanted to kill or capture him for his impressive intellect. For a time they drove in silence, but Nezu couldn't help himself for long. Looking at Izukael, Nezu asked a question that had been bothering him, "I must know. How do you determine who's 'corrupt'? I haven't found any evidence of electronic tracking or the normal avenues of investigation, so how do you know?"

Izukael sighed and pointed to his eyes, "Corruption stains the soul, and if I focus, I can see it. I don't need to investigate anymore. Over the years I've learned to spot the differences in those stains, like walking into a bakery and immediately knowing what's in the oven, but in this case it's different kinds of rot. I have to be able to see them with my own eyes, but… not once have I been wrong. I can also see it on beings who have been abused, the stains are different, but it's these beings I have the most sympathy for. Like Izuku they deserve better than they've received."

Eraserhead scoffed, "Sounds like a bunch of bull to me."

Izukael smirked, "I suppose it would to you. You don't trust easy… comes with being an orphan, and with your quirk… the other children were cruel. Being basically quirkless to some, and a freak who robs others of what makes them special to most, but it's true. It's why I ignore the stain on your soul. I thought it was murder at first, but it's not. Someone close to you… someone you loved… they died in front of you, and you blame yourself. It's the gray area in my abilities, you've convinced yourself it was your fault, and it caused the stain, but… you are innocent. It took time to fully decipher, but you should forgive yourself before it consumes you and you fall yourself."

Nezu held up a paw, "What do you mean 'fall'?"

Izukael got a distant look, "The two most common types of people who become corrupt, are those born broken and without the will to 'fix' themselves…. and the abused. When someone gets beat on and degraded enough… they can snap. They attack their abuser in desperation or lash out, and they taste the power that comes with it… and get drunk on it. They fall to their own corruption and can no longer be saved. They are the ones I hunt. To be honest, I expected you to be amongst them Nezu, but while your soul is… chaotic, I don't see you in danger of falling. Unlike Eraser, you have made peace with your trauma. If it weren't the case… I would have refused your offer. I hate being present for the Fall, and prefer to clean up after or prevent it."

Nezu's eyes narrowed and his posture changed, "What do you see when you look at me, Izuku?"

Izukael took a deep breath, "Firstly, I am not Izuku. Izuku was a quirkless child who was forced to endure the suffocating darkness of the current world… until he drowned in it. I am what was born after. I feed on the darkness, and bring what light I can. I am neither hero, nor villain. I simply punish those undeserving of living in the world that will come. I protect those in need, when I can, and mourn when I cannot." Izukael turned and looked Nezu in the eye, "To me, you are a freshly washed rag that was used to clean oil. You no longer reek of oil, but you will never be truly clean again either. I can almost hear the screams of the ghosts that haunt you… your brothers… your mother… the ones who died when you escaped. I know the truth. The reason you don't fight isn't because of any weakness, it's because you don't want to see the light leave any more eyes."

Nezu shuddered before letting out a long breath, "I see. That is… a very unique quirk." For a time they rode in silence again, Izuku even managing to rest his eyes for a short while, knowing that the two with him wouldn't dare take advantage of the situation. When the car stopped, Izukael opened his eyes and sighed. Nezu seemed to find that reaction comical because he laughed, "Come on kit, it's only a mall. Since you don't really have anything, I thought it would be a sign of good faith to allow you to pick out a new wardrobe and some furniture for the dorms."

Izukael grumbled, "Bold of you too assume I'll be sticking around, but since it's on your dime… *sigh* Let's just get this over with."

Figuring furniture would be the easiest place to start, they started to wander. A coal black dresser, and sturdy desk weren't that hard to find. When it came to colors for his bedding, Izukael chose autumn colors with a black fitted sheet, red sheets, and burnt orange pillows. A pair of thick red curtains were next on the list. On their way to a clothing store Izukael slipped away and was found observing a number of rings and other jewelry at a small pawn shop with a hungry look. The adults watched as Izukael closed his eyes and moved his hand about like he was feeling for something before pointing out two rings and a pendent shaped like a downturned sword. Izukael whispered something into the clerk's ear, and they paled before practically begging Izukael to take them off his hands for only a few thousand yen.

As he walked away, Izukael put on his new accessories and smiled. Nezu managed a closer look as they walked, and noticed one was a curling black serpent with ruby red eyes, while the other was a sterling silver skull with amethyst gems in its eye sockets. Nezu wasn't an expert, but none of them looked cheap, but that raised the question… What did Izukael tell him to make the clerk panic so much?

When it came to clothing, Izukael picked out a lot of red, black, and dark green in the form of multiple tees, hoodies, and comfortable slacks. There was a small argument about Izukael needing shoes, but he adamantly refused and he wouldn't change his mind. Before they headed out, Izukael scooped up a pair of fingerless gloves as well, but that led to an agreement to have lunch at the food court.

The food court was lively and full of parents and teens as the trio sat and ate. As they did, Izukael seemed to relax a bit and close his eyes with a small smile. Feeling the other's looks, he scoffed, "I enjoy places like this. I can hear laughter, and feel the love all around. It brings me… peace, and reminds me why I do what I do. I don't have many memories left of my mother smiling, but I cherish every one of them."

Absent-mindedly, Izukael's right hand began to move and a single clawed finger glided across the table top leaving faint grooves and symbols in it. Aizawa wanted to stop him, but Nezu shook his head. He could tell that the teen wasn't even aware of what he was doing and seemed to be in some kind of pleasurable trance. When he was apparently done, Izukael's hand stopped and he rested his hand over the center of his work… and it glowed red for a moment before completely fading away like the marks had never been made.

Afterwards, they got up and started to leave. Izukael was surprised at how not awful it had turned out, but he would never admit it to either of the adults. Once they were back on the road, Nezu tilted his head and asked, "So what's with the new jewelry? Not that I'm judging, but it seemed a bit random for you."

Izukael smirked, "Did you know superstition usually has a sliver of fact? When you look at these trinkets, that's all they are to you, trinkets, but I can see them for what they are. Do you know why it's considered bad luck to remove jewelry from the deceased? Especially if they died with them on?" Nezu shook his head since he rarely paid such things any thought. Izukael held up his hand and showed off his rings, "So, you're aware certain crystals can be used as transistors or natural energy conduits, and metals can do much the same for electronics. Heck, copper is a regular component in a lot of stuff like that, but that's not all they can do. Living beings have an electric charge and energy all their own, and sometimes… Some of that energy can become trapped in jewelry. A bit of the old owner lingering within. I warned the shop owner of what these were and where they came from… and he was happy to be rid of them. I find things like this from time to time. If they wish to return to rest, I return them to the earth, but if not… they're powerful conduits for energy like mine. I'd be dumb not to take advantage of the opportunity."

Nezu nodded, "And the pendant?"

Izukael scowled and let out a low hiss, "Angelic silver. I have no idea how it got there, but I wasn't leaving it there to attract any of the feathered bastards."

The venom caught both adults off guard, and Aizawa asked, "Aren't Angels the good guys though?"

Izukael laughed darkly, "They'd like you to think that wouldn't they? No. There are no good guys or bad guys. Everyone thinks just because you can't lie, everything you say must be true, but it's not. Leading words, double meanings, vague details, and a dozen more things can make a statement quote/unquote true. After all, I could say the grass was blue, and not be lying thanks to paint or the genre of music being a thing. I never trust anyone, but I'll always trust a demon over an angel. At least with a demon you know they're trying to screw you somehow, and aren't trying to hide it. Nothing is scarier than a completely honest man, because you'll never know when they'll stop being honest."

Aizawa scoffed, "Are you sure you're not just biased, Demon Saint?"

Izukael nodded with his eyes closed, "I know better than anyone… I was one."

For the rest of the trip, Nezu and Aizawa tried to get Izukael to explain, but he adamantly ignored them. Instead, he just closed his eyes and let his mind drift. It was very late when they arrived inside Yuuei's grounds, but as soon as the car stopped, Izukael stepped out and flew away into the darkness. Aizawa tried to stop him, but Izukael was too quick, and like a shadow… he was gone. Nezu wasn't too worried though. Given the direction he flew in, he wasn't trying to leave.

Izukael enjoyed the campus at night. There were a lot of quiet places to find peace under the stars and given its size the light pollution was low in the unpowered mock cities. Izukael enjoyed a night of real rest for the first time in a while. After all… nobody was dumb enough to attack Yuuei, and Nezu was a schemer, but not one to break trust so easily.

The next morning Izukael stretched his wings and flew toward the largest building of the campus assuming it was the main one. Once there, it wasn't difficult to narrow down the right window. When Nezu got up from his desk to look out over his domain, he found a winged demon roosting on his balcony railing. Izukael wasn't hiding much that morning as he allowed his wings to remain prepared to fan out and glide at any moment, and his fangs, claws, and horns were on full display. Even knowing that the teen wouldn't attack unprovoked, Nezu still felt his primal instincts screaming to run like a mouse before a hawk, but Nezu fought them all back. Instead he opened the door and smiled, "Good Morning Izukael. Would you like some morning tea? I also have some cheese and sausages if you're hungry."

Izukael stepped down and his demon features seemed to disperse like smoke, "Thank you sir. Some herbal tea would be nice, if you have it. As for food, I wouldn't want to steal your breakfast. When we're done I'll head over to a cafe and grab something."

Nezu nodded and moved to pour an extra cup of tea, "I don't remember requesting you to come by, not that you're not welcome to visit of course, but may I ask why you decided to stop by?"

Izukael remained silent for a time while he sipped some tea and made himself comfortable on Nezu's couch. Eventually he sighed, "I suppose you have tests, questions, and hoops I must jump through before you release my mothers things to me, so I came to get started. The longer I linger, the more danger you are all in."

Nezu set aside her tea cup with a long breath, "I do, but I intended to give you a few days to acclimate. I see that was wishful thinking. I suppose we should begin then." Nezu reached into his desk and drew out a stack of tests. After the first half hour, Nezu was surprised by the teen's efficiency, and after starting to grade the first test, he was elated. While Izukael was a bit rough around the edges, he was clearly brilliant on a scale that it became clear that the intelligence test was utterly useless. By the end of another two hours, Izukael was just laying on Nezu's couch while the chimera finished grading the tests.

With his eyes closed, Izukael asked a question that made Nezu pause, "Does it ever bother you that there is nobody like you? I know that a fundamental cornerstone of psychology is social interaction among peers, but for you and I… we don't have any. You because of what you are, and me because the closest thing I have to an equal is a bunch of assholes I'd rather tear limb from limb than talk too. I was just wondering about your perspective."

Nezu sat and considered the question before sighing, "I like all creatures crave companionship, but no… It doesn't bother me. The… process… the torture required to create me is not something I wish to ever occur again. As intriguing as finding another like myself would be, it isn't worth it. I made it a point to destroy every document, file, and record of my birth for a reason. Finding another would mean I failed or was bested in that endeavor, and I must admit… I am a sore loser. It is a failing of mine, but it happens so rarely it is difficult to overcome."

After a moment Nezu was surprised to hear Izukael chuckle and smirk, "I suppose in that regard, we are the same. Two figures birthed by pain… perhaps we are more similar than I assumed. Now that you've attempted to pick my brain, I would guess a physical exam is in order. How do you intend to proceed?"

Nezu nodded with a smile, "That will be quite simple. Recovery Girl will give you a physical, if that's alright, and then we'll have you take the practical exam under a fake name. In your case, the practical won't determine whether you are admitted, but instead would serve as a benchmark for your abilities in a controlled environment. A way to test yourself, and should you stay, it would give us the data to best place you while determining your rank among the first years."

Izukael stood and walked toward the balcony, "I suppose that is agreeable. I will take my leave now. I have taken up enough of your time, and I hear that there is a coffee shop just beyond the grounds that carries green tea mochi and a few western pastries that I would like to try." Just before stepping out, the teen demon stopped, and spoke without turning, "Thank you for humoring my question. I look forward to more conversations like this one in the future… Adam."

Before Nezu could respond, Izukael was gone, and he whispered, "I haven't been called that since those sadists killed my mother and siblings... long before you were even born. You are a curious one indeed young man. I wonder just how much you know, and how much you only think you know."

After collecting a change of clothes he found another open balcony, and Izukael went inside. Nobody was home at the moment, making the teen scoff at the idiocy of leaving such a way open when not around, but quickly he put it out of his mind. Instead, Izukael started taking a shower, his first in some time, and enjoyed the warm water as it washed away old grime and he found whomever lived here had good taste in soaps. So distracted was he, that he didn't hear the lock click or the resident return. As such, he was mildly surprised to find a fairly attractive woman with dark purple hair sitting on her couch watching him exit her bathroom in nothing but a towel.

The woman smirked, "Now what do we have here~? A naughty boy in need of punishment~? It makes me wonder… How did you get in here?"

Izukael shrugged and pointed to the still open balcony, "You left the door open. I needed a shower, and you were kind enough to all but invite me in." Walking over to a worn bag, Izukael grabbed his clothes and returned to the bathroom like none of this interaction was odd in the slightest.

Returning wearing a sleeveless red hoodie and black cargo pants, Izukael found the woman still sitting on her couch, but she looked slightly more irritated as she spoke with her legs crossed, "Ok kid, I tried to be nice, but breaking and entering is a crime. Not to mention doing so to an off duty hero isn't a great look, so let's try this again. My name is Nemuri Kayama or the R-rated hero: Midnight. Now, tell me who you are and I'll consider not arresting you."

Izukael smirked, "It's nice to meet you Kayama-san, but I only entered as I said before. I never did any breaking. You will find I am not so easily caught." As he spoke, Izukael moved toward the still open balcony, "It was not my intention to intrude, so I'll take me leave." Izukael gave the hero a small bow before standing straight… and simply falling backwards over the railing much to Nemori's horror.

As soon as she recovered from her shock, she rushed to the balcony to see if the teen survived, but saw nothing. Just six stories of air, and not a sign that anything was out of place. Grabbing her phone, Nemori called Nezu. If nothing else, he needed to know there was an intruder on campus.

A few hours later, Izukael was walking back onto Yuuei's campus when he saw a group of heroes waiting for him looking serious and irritated. Deciding he wasn't interested, he set down one of the bags he was holding before spreading his wings and flying away into the forest instead. With a collective sigh of frustration they went to check the bag the teen left, and found three to go boxes inside, each with a name on top. One was full of tea cakes for Nezu, another of caffeinated sweet buns with coffee flavored cream filling for Aizawa, and finally a box of assorted cheesecakes made from fruits for Midnight. The three each took their box and left, the first two knowing trying to catch the teen was futile, and Midnight accepting the treats as an apology and choosing to put the interaction out of her mind.

For the next three days, Izukael appeared and disappeared all over the campus. Sometimes just to chat with someone or eat, and other times to pull what could only be seen as pranks, like replacing Aizawa's coffee with decaf, Present Mic's hair gel with wood glue, or covering every door knob except Nezu's and Recovery Girls office's with transparent lubricant from the support studio. When asked why, Izukael just shrugged with a yawn, "Boredom."

It was now the morning of Yuuei's entrance exam, and Izukael watched as teens arrived and made their way inside for their chance at attending this university. From the shadows of a roof, it didn't escape Izukael that, had things gone differently, Izuku would be among them, bright eyed and hopeful. His mind full of beautiful lies about being a hero. It made him wonder how many of these ants have been deluded similarly.

Izukael shook his head. Now was not the time for these thoughts. He had no control over that situation, so it was a waste of energy to linger on them. Instead, he refocused on his job and watched for anyone with corruption in their hearts. It wasn't likely, but if he could spot them Nezu could detain them so he could get a better look. It wasn't the first time that spotting corruption growing in a child had led to a much larger situation. Rot rarely appeared spontaneously. More often than not it had to spread from a larger source like a recruitment site or a Rejection Clan cell.

Among the crowd Izukael noticed a few familiar faces, and it made his heart a little lighter. They appeared to have stuck to their promises to get stronger and try to become heroes, but a few others he saw made him scowl. Worst of all, he smelled ozone and incense… there were angels about. Thankfully it seemed like most were unawakened like Izuku was, but there was definitely one feathered deceiver present. This would make things difficult.

While others were taking the written exam, Izukael was sneaking about looking for the arrogant pigeon that thought it could step into his territory. It ended up a wasted effort, whomever they were they were using the other potential students as camouflage. Until it revealed itself, Izukael would just have to remain prepared.

With a grumble, Kurayami Morningstar, a fake name Nezu had 'gifted' him as a cover, went to take his place for the practical explanation. Apparently Izuku Midoriya had been declared dead years ago, and Izukael was a name that would only cause issues if it got out too soon. As always his eyes couldn't change, their red wrath could not be hidden, but he kept his fangs, finding them suitably intimidating to keep back most people. He hid the rest. He hated hiding his natural green hair, but shifting it to black wasn't that bad. Thankfully he had been given free rein over his clothes so a forest green hoodie and black joggers did the job well. He would make it a point to burn the shoes he was forced to wear though. They weren't terrible if he was being honest, but it was the principle of the matter. He had walked the length of Japan barefoot, so he didn't see the need for them now.

As the room filled, most applicant's chose to give him a wide berth, but not all. When a young man with a crows head stepped into the room his shadow seemed to spring to life on its own and happily shake its host while it pointed. With a groan the boy ascended the stairs, if for no other reason than to get his shadow to silence herself, but once they were close enough the shadow lengthened and rushed Izukael. A few moved out of the way, sure that the shadow was about to attack, but instead they were met by the off sight of a calm and slightly smiling Izukael as he pet the shadow's head.

Fumikage was shocked, but then he heard the shadow purr and the teen whisper, "It's nice to see you again, Yūdzuka. I'm glad you remember me, and have done as you promised."

Fumikage suddenly fell to a knee as he bowed his head and whispered, "We have Master. It was not always easy, but we did. I am sorry I did not recognize you sooner."

Izukael pat Yūdzuka's head one last time before reaching out and pulling Fumikage to his feet, "I was never your Master, Fumikage. Just a stranger who could help. I suppose that makes me a friend, but I have no intent to command anyone, so I could never be anyone's Master."

Fumikage nodded, "And that is why I intend to serve you however I can. You saved us and asked only that we improve ourselves, and do as you did for others. You are our Master because you do not demand anything of us, but our best."

Yūdzuka bowed her head as well, "Why do you look like this though? I can tell it's not what you actually look like, but I can't see what's underneath either."

Izukael smirked and leaned in seditiously, "I don't want to scare anyone, and I am well known. For now, call me Morningstar-san or Kurayami, please."

Yūdzuka did a happy wiggling dance, "Whatever you want, Kurayami-niisan."

Fumikage gave his sister a scandalized look, like she had just committed some great sin, but Izukael's smile grew, "Thank you, little sister." With a wave, Izukael invited Fumikage to sit beside him, and the bird-headed boy felt his chest warm with joy.

Once more Izukael was left to silently wait and observe those entering the lecture hall. Fumikage remained silent beside him and just did as Izukael did, as best he could since he wasn't sure what he was doing. While most continued to ignore or avoid Izukael and his soul piercing eyes, a pink skinned girl with pink hair and crooked yellow horns did not. One look was all Izukael needed to know she wasn't a demon like him, but still the irony of their similarities left him torn.

One look was all it took for the girl to smile wide and make her way over to him, her gold eyes and black sclera seemingly locked on him. With a clear attempt at trying to be seductive and inviting she gave him a wink, "Hello there Mr. Tall, dark, and handsome. The names Mina Ashido, and yes I am the one you've been looking for all your life."

Izukael scoffed, but played along, "Kurayami Morningstar, and bold of you to assume I'm looking for anyone, much less a bubble gum colored succubus like yourself. Beauty is dangerous. So what assurances can you give that an exquisite rose like yourself doesn't have thorns? Or that your honeyed words aren't sweet to hide the poison beneath?"

He spoke in a whispered tone that left Mina blinking and swallowing hard. All she knew was that this guy was very good at this game, and she wanted to know more. Sitting on Izukael's other side, Mina chuckled, "I could ask you the same questions. I guess we'll have to keep a close eye on each other and decide for ourselves."

Izukael just shrugged and returned his attention to the front as he smirked, "If that's what you want to do."

A few minutes later, Present Mic came up from center stage and made a performance out of explaining the practical exam. In Izukael's opinion it seemed a bit over the top, but he didn't care enough to point that out. Instead he listened to the explanation about the three possible pointed robot villain types, and after a small interruption from a blue haired boy that needed to relax, they discussed the Zero point robot as well. It seemed simple enough, so Izukael wasn't going to get worried about it. Not to mention, this wasn't something he had to pass to get admittance. It was just another of Nezu's tests, but that wouldn't stop him from having a bit of fun.

Once they were told to separate to head to their individual testing sites, Izukael had to say goodbye to his seat mates and Mina seemed surprised by how quick and seamless he just disappeared. Hearing Tokoyami snicker at her, Mina turned toward him prepared to demand answers, but the bird headed boy wasn't even looking at her. Even more odd his shadow had its arms wrapped around his shoulders and its head rested against his. It was odd, but something about their position looked tender and familial. Mina just decided to move on and get to her test. Now wasn't the time to try to figure out what was going on with either of them. Once she passed, she'd have years to figure out all of their secrets.

Pulling up his hood, Izukael rested his eyes on the bus. He had other ways to see and prevent someone from sneaking up on him, so it was arguably safe to do so. Nobody bothered him, not that it was a surprise since most were too focused on calming or preparing themselves for the test to come, but it still disappointed him. It would be near effortless for a villain to catch any one of them off guard right now and slaughter them all before they even started getting their senses back. None of these kids had the right mindset for this job yet, and Izukael only hoped that they could adapt quickly, or none of them would live long enough to help anyone.

When they reached site G, the applicants separated to warm up or continue calming their nerves, and Izukael sighed. This was going to be a long test, and what was worse… the ozone smell was back and more potent than ever. The angel was close, and that could only cause more issues.

Without any warning, Present Mic came over the speakers to shout, "Go!" And even as the doors to the test area opened, Izukael was already on the move. In a way he found some luck. Only a few seconds in, and Izukael managed to find a cluster of a half dozen robots of varying point types lingering in a square, likely placed as some sort of ambush or trap, but that only made his job easier. Closing his fists in shadow he slammed them across his chest in an 'X' formation and caused dozens of spikes of shadow to spear all of the robots from multiple angles. With a smirk he declared, "Field of the Impaled." Leaving the shadows in place as a warning, Izukael continued his search. If something like that disturbed the others… they clearly didn't have the stomach to do what needed to be done.

In the observation room, a few staff members seemed concerned. What they had just seen was far too similar to the reports they had heard of a scene found a few years ago. An entire convention hall left bloody and every attendee seemingly killed without any sign of struggle or an attempt at reprisal. They couldn't help imagining something similar having been done in that case as well. The only reason many of them didn't lose any sleep over that case was the fact that first responders found evidence of what the attendees had been there for. Bins of body parts, evidence of forced imprisonment with some of the cuffs and chains sized for children, images and recordings of acts too revolting to describe. This had been a black market mascarade. They weren't common, given the ease of online sales, but they did crop up on rare occasions, and most often… heroes and police were too late to arrive, but not this time. In truth there was only one thing missing, no living victims were ever found.

A skinny skeletal man sat next to Nezu on the couch in the observation room and seemed distressed by what he was seeing. Before he could ask any questions though, Nezu started to laugh, "Oh yes! I knew I made the right choice inviting you, my young friend."

If the others in the room weren't disturbed before, hearing the stoat laugh made them so. As a being known for having a sadistic streak as potent as his intellect, everyone knew if he was enjoying himself it wasn't likely to end well for all involved. One among them only huffed, "I still don't see why you brought him here, Nezu. Clearly he is dangerous." Aizawa grimaced, "So tell us… why bring the Demon Saint to Yuuei?"

A wave of panic spread through the room at this reveal, but Nezu just waved him off, "Illogical. I am disappointed in you Shota. If our young friend meant us any harm he would have done so by now. He's been on campus for days, and the worst he's done are minor pranks. I want to see what makes him tick, and mold him into a truly awe inspiring hero. Just think about it, if he can carve such a wide swath of fear into the underworld as a preteen with no support… what could he be capable of with the resources of Yuuei at his back and training from the best heroes available today! All Might drove villains into the shadows, but I believe it is time we finish the job… and burn away the shadows before they can regain their footing. In the more than three years he has been on the field he has maintained a cleaner record than anyone in this room. Not a single innocent harmed! I would be a fool to let such a powerful piece slip through my paws."

The skeletal man frowned at Nezu, "You are taking an incredible risk. That villain has a higher kill count than some serial killers. I must go on record to state my disagreement with this decision."

Nezu smirked, "Noted Toshinori, but it is an interesting position for you to have… since you yourself had a personal hand in turning an innocent child into the 'villain' you see today. Perhaps you should reserve judgment until after you know all the facts."

Toshinori sputtered, "I-I-impossible! I've never seen that child before in my life! I could understand if you wanted to say I had an indirect connection to him, I'll be the first to admit he wouldn't be the first I've unintentionally created, but a direct personal connection… that is both impossible and inconceivable."

Nezu just shook his head, "You'll realize it eventually, but until then… I intend to enjoy the show."

Back at test site G, Izukael was looking down at the other applicants from a rooftop. Now that he'd gathered one hundred points he didn't see much point in gaining more. Extending his mind to his rings, he took advantage of his skull ring again. Once more closing his eyes he opened eyes in the shadows all over the site, so that he could gauge how everyone was doing and hopefully find his newest feathered opponent. For a few minutes, applicants were surprised to see tendrils of shadow bind robots to immobilize or slow them down for easier defeat, and others found themselves protected by walls of darkness that blocked attacks from robots or covered them from debris.

If not for his shadow sight, Izukael might have reacted too slowly to dodge, but suddenly all the helping shadows ceased as Izukael was forced to roll to the side or receive a shining silver sword stabbed into his back. Izukael smirked, "Finally!" As he got a good look at him. Shining golden hair allowed to hang free and a hoodie of pure white. Blue jeans and gold boots, but what really gave him away was the blank white mask covered in enochian runes and the pair of pure white wings behind him. The angel rushed him again with his sword of polished gold and a blade of pure silver, but Izukael had done this dance before.

A burst of heat and flame exploded in the angel's face, not doing any damage, but that hadn't been the point… it was a distraction to make him wince and break line of sight. Grabbing the sword on his necklace, it detached and began to grow. First into a similar blade to the angels before twisting and changing. Gone was the gold and in its place iron as black as pitch took shape. The silver in the blade changed as well and became angry red steel. What could once have been considered beautiful and radiant, now had become a gothic weapon of war. Somehow retaining a sense of beauty, but in a different fashion… a piece of art now a gleaming tool of war.

Standing to his full height and casting aside his hoodie, Izukael let himself take on his true face. Claws, horns, wings, and flame, they all came at his call and for everyone but Nezu they saw the real Demon Saint in all his majesty, his wild emerald hair once more dancing in the slight breeze.

With a step, his shoes burned away revealing clawed feet, and he went on the attack. Silver and steel met and began their dance as it quickly became obvious that Izukael was winning. Whomever this angel was, they were new and not yet fully capable in terms of combat, but then the angel shot forward a palm and an arc of gold lightning slammed Izukael in the chest and pushed him back. With a dark chuckle, Izukael let his flames take shape down his blade even as shadows hardened along his arms into bracers. His next attack came with an even greater speed and only later would the teachers be able to see what transpired.

One strike to knock the angel off balance, a second to force its sword out of place, and then a final third… a stab through the chest, but instead of blood, the angel dispersed into a puff of disintegrating white feathers only to reappear behind Izukael and slash his back creating a spray of black blood that hissed like acid as it struck the roof.

The angel retreated back and hovered just out of reach, "Be gone hellspawn. This place has been deemed worthy of hosting a miracle. Here a Chariot shall descend and with their radiance purge your wicked stain from this world." The angel's posture changed and became more mournful, "It is a pity you chose to become this. You could have become a champion of beauty and shining radiance in the world we will create, but you failed. Oh how your father wept at your loss."

Izukael scowled and snarled, "You are blind, deaf, and dumb to follow those monsters. You have no concept of the evil you are helping unleash on this world. I won't allow it! Even if it kills me I will tear those deceivers from their golden thrones and make them face a true death. Now come pigeon, bring your whole fucking flock if you want. Come to me so that I may burn away your deceit and make you face the hell fire. I am Izukael, the Demon Saint, and none shall harm the innocent while I still draw breath!"

The angel's posture changed to one of rage as he brought both his hands down in an attempt to smite Izukael with every ounce of golden lightning he could, but Izukael scoffed. In a single hand Izukael created an orb of inky black flames traced in emerald and threw it into the beam. While most would assume the smaller orb would be consumed, that was not the case. As it ascended the orb grew and soon eclipsed the sun, until it burst and a smoking form plummeted from the sky. As the angel fell, clearly heavily damaged, his remaining wings began to glow, and once more he exploded into evaporating feathers as he slammed into a rooftop. Before it could fade, Izukael caught a feather and popped it into his mouth causing the wound on his back to rapidly stitch together. It would take time to fully heal, but now it would no longer bleed or ooze the black ichor that was his essence.

After another few moments the ground began to shake and Izukael got back on guard as he tried to determine if this was another angelic trick, but then he calmed. It was only the Zero point robot beginning its rampage. Not bothering to redisguise himself, Izukael flew toward it and aided any applicants he found in escaping its approach. The applicant's reactions were mixed with some thanking him and others cursing and attempting to attack him, but Izukael didn't pay either much mind, he still had work to do.

Along the way, he found a familiar girl with vine hair attempting to do much the same. She hadn't been the one he spoke to back then, but he definitely remembered seeing her before. A true beauty was hard to forget after all. As he watched, she got distracted using her vines to block a rocket headed toward some boys, and missed the second one as it impacted with the building above her head. Swooping in Izukael blasted away the rubble that would have seriously harmed the girl and bought her time to get the other applicants to safety.

Deciding this had gone on long enough, Izukael cloaked his sword in black fire once more and charged the Zero pointer. All the applicants saw was a black star rocket into the Zero's chest and exit from the other side. It was a powerful display and was soon followed by another as the star expanded before falling and incinerating what remained of the Zero's upper frame. Izukael scoffed as he watched his 'Black Meteor' do its work. A part of him found the situation funny, since it wasn't often he could pull out the attack since it was created to destroy entire buildings. More often than not there were simply too many innocents around to utilize it, but it felt good to let go every once in a while. As he began to descend, Izukael heard Present Mic yell over the speakers, "Time." And bring the exam to an end. He hadn't killed the angel, but he had crippled it for the time being. Whatever it intended to do, it would take at least a week for him to recover… a week to potentially hunt him down and finish the job.