My hero system

by Dr.Cats

Izuku gains a mysterious system granting him video game-like classes, skills, and quests. Marked as "early access," he has two years before the full release to uncover its secrets. As he grows stronger, Izuku must choose: follow his idol's heroic path or forge his own, even if it leads to a darker destiny.

12. Chapter 12 I-island part 2

Chapter 12 I-Island Part two

Izuku stirred awake to the faint tickle of pink strands brushing against his face and the soft warmth of a familiar presence leaning over him. Opening his eyes, he found Mei hovering inches from his face, her golden eyes gleaming mischievously. Before he could greet her, she pressed her lips against his in a fervent kiss, her tongue playfully teasing his.

Izuku smiled into the kiss, his hands finding her waist as he deepened the moment, matching her passion. He gave her a light squeeze, eliciting a playful squeak from her, before flipping her onto her back. Now leaning over her, he kissed her fervently, their breaths mingling in the early morning light. They broke apart for a moment, foreheads pressed together, their smiles wide and genuine.

"I love you," Mei whispered, her voice breathy but sincere.

"I love you too," Izuku replied, his green eyes full of warmth. Without waiting, they leaned in for another kiss, their connection palpable in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Before things could escalate further, a sound from the bathroom startled them. They turned to see Melissa standing frozen in the doorway, her face bright red as she registered the scene before her. "I-I'll be outside!" she stammered, practically bolting out of the hotel room and into the hallway, slamming the door behind her.

Izuku and Mei stared at the now-closed door before bursting into laughter. "Poor Melissa," Izuku said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

"Yeah, we probably gave her an early morning heart attack," Mei chuckled, her cheeks still flushed but her grin unrepentant. She leaned up to peck him on the cheek. "But hey, at least she knows how much we care about each other, right?"

Izuku laughed, pulling her into a quick hug before they climbed out of bed. After straightening up and getting dressed, they opened the door to find Melissa pacing in the hallway, her hands fidgeting nervously.

She turned to face them, her blush still visible as she crossed her arms. "You guys get pretty, um… frisky in the mornings, don't you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Izuku and Mei both rubbed the back of their heads awkwardly, identical guilty smiles plastered across their faces. "Uh, yeah, sorry about that," Izuku said, his voice sheepish.

Mei, ever unfiltered, just grinned. "What can I say? We've got a lot of love to share."

Melissa sighed, but her lips quirked up in a reluctant smile. "Well, I'm glad you're happy. Just, uh… maybe warn me next time?"

"Deal," Izuku said quickly, earning a soft laugh from Melissa.

"So," Melissa said, shifting gears, "I was thinking—since we're here on I-Island, why not visit the Central Tower? It's the heart of everything tech-related on the island. That's where all the magic happens: support equipment, advanced gadgets, experimental prototypes. Every major innovation starts there."

Mei's eyes widened, her excitement practically bubbling over. "The Central Tower? Oh my gosh, YES! That's where all the cutting-edge stuff is made! I've read about it, seen it in magazines, but to actually go there?" She grabbed Izuku's arm, shaking it enthusiastically. "Izuku, we have to go!"

Izuku smiled at her enthusiasm, nodding. "I think it sounds amazing. Let's do it."

With that, the three of them set off toward the iconic tower in the heart of the island. As they walked, the conversation flowed naturally, their excitement building with each step.

"So, Melissa," Mei said, walking slightly ahead, "what's it like having access to all this tech? Do you get to tinker with it? Or is it just 'look, don't touch'?"

Melissa chuckled, glancing at her. "It's a little bit of both. My dad's pretty protective about certain projects, but he's always encouraged me to experiment and learn. I haven't had the chance to work on anything groundbreaking yet, but I'm hoping that'll change soon."

"I bet it will," Izuku chimed in. "You're smart, Melissa. Once you get started, I'm sure you'll make something incredible."

Melissa smiled at him, her cheeks turning faintly pink. "Thanks, Izuku. That means a lot."

"And hey," Mei added, gesturing dramatically, "if your dad doesn't let you dive into the big stuff, you can always come to me. We can make our own groundbreaking inventions—maybe even outdo the Tower!"

Melissa laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I might take you up on that. You two seem like a great team."

"We are," Izuku said, glancing at Mei with a warm smile. "Working with Mei… it's like the best of both worlds. She's so passionate and creative—it makes everything we do feel special."

Mei grinned, nudging his shoulder. "You're not so bad yourself, Midoriya. You keep me grounded, and your ideas are always solid. Honestly, we're unstoppable."

As the towering structure of the Central Tower came into view, Melissa gestured toward it, her voice full of pride. "And here it is—the beating heart of I-Island's innovation. I think you're going to love it."

Mei's jaw dropped as she took in the massive building, its sleek design a testament to modern engineering. "It's… beautiful," she breathed, her golden eyes shining.

Izuku looked up at the gleaming structure, his own excitement building. "Let's go see what it's all about."

The Central Tower's entrance was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The interior stretched upward in a spiral of polished steel and glass, with holographic displays shimmering along the walls. Interactive screens projected blueprints, prototypes, and concepts as visitors passed by. Every inch of the space radiated innovation.

Melissa led the way, her excitement tempered by a sense of familiarity. "This is the first level—mostly the public exhibits," she explained, gesturing to the open floor filled with interactive displays. "It's like a showcase of what I-Island is known for: support equipment, robotics, and advanced hero gear."

Mei's eyes darted around, barely able to focus on one thing before another caught her attention. "This is insane! Look at this—this drone's got autonomous navigation and thermal imaging!" She practically pressed her face against one of the glass displays. "And this! It's a modular suit for underwater rescue! Oh my gosh, this is like my dream come true."

Izuku chuckled, watching Mei bounce from one display to another. "She's in her element," he said to Melissa.

Melissa smiled warmly. "I can tell. She reminds me of my dad when he gets excited about a new project. Honestly, it's refreshing to see someone so passionate."

As they moved deeper into the tower, Melissa led them to a restricted section. She held up a visitor pass, and the security system scanned it before the door slid open with a soft hiss. "This is where the real magic happens," she said, stepping aside to let them in.

The room was filled with rows of robotic drones suspended in charging docks. The drones varied in size and design, from small, spherical units with multi-lens cameras to larger, humanoid robots equipped with articulated limbs.

Melissa walked over to a console and tapped a few keys, activating a display. "These are our automated security drones," she explained. "They're designed to handle most of the tower's security autonomously. They patrol the building, monitor for intrusions, and even perform maintenance tasks. Of course, we still have personnel overseeing everything—it's not completely hands-off."

Izuku leaned in, fascinated. "That's amazing. They're so versatile. Do they respond to emergencies too?"

Melissa nodded. "Exactly. If there's a fire, a breach, or even just equipment failure, the drones are programmed to act immediately. They're like an extra layer of protection, but they also make sure everything runs smoothly."

Mei practically squealed with excitement. "This is genius! Imagine what we could do with something like this back at the warehouse. Autonomous drones for maintenance and surveillance? It'd be a game-changer!"

Izuku grinned, nudging her playfully. "One day, we'll have a lab like this. A place where we can make anything we dream up."

Mei turned to him, her golden eyes sparkling. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Izuku said confidently. "With your creativity and drive, there's no limit to what we can build."

Mei's cheeks turned slightly pink, but she grinned. "You're such a sap, Midoriya. But… thanks."

Melissa watched the exchange with a soft smile. "You two make a great team. Honestly, it's inspiring to see how well you work together."

They moved on to the next floor, where aquatic inventions were on display. Tanks filled with miniature submarines and dive suits lined the walls. One section showcased robotic "rebeavers," small aquatic drones designed to repair underwater structures.

Melissa explained as they explored. "These drones can operate in extreme depths, repairing pipelines, bridges, and other underwater infrastructure. They're equipped with modular tools, so they can adapt to different tasks."

Mei crouched beside the tank, her face inches from the glass. "These little guys are adorable! I need one. No, I need a whole fleet."

Izuku laughed, shaking his head. "You'd probably teach them to build inventions for you."

"Exactly!" Mei said, grinning. "Think of the possibilities!"

As they continued to explore, the group fell into easy conversation. Melissa talked about her father's work and how it inspired her to pursue her own path in technology. Mei shared stories of her early failures and how each one taught her something valuable. Izuku listened intently, occasionally chiming in with his own thoughts and dreams for the future.

Finally, as they reached a quieter section of the tower, Izuku realized Mei was no longer with them. "Uh, where did Mei go?" he asked, glancing around.

Melissa looked equally confused. "I thought she was right behind us."

They waited for a moment, but Mei didn't reappear. Izuku sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She probably found something shiny and got distracted."

Melissa chuckled softly. "Sounds about right. Should we go look for her?"

Izuku shook his head, smiling. "Nah, she'll find her way back when she's done geeking out. Let's keep looking around."

They walked on, the atmosphere between them more relaxed now. Melissa hesitated before speaking. "Izuku, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," he said, looking at her curiously.

"You're really supportive of Mei," she said, her tone thoughtful. "The way you encourage her and believe in her—it's... inspiring. How do you stay so confident in her—and yourself?"

Izuku smiled softly. "It's not hard to believe in Mei. She's brilliant, passionate, and fearless. Being around her makes me want to be better, too. As for myself… well, I've had people believe in me when I didn't believe in myself. It's taught me how important it is to have someone in your corner."

Melissa's expression softened. "That's… really nice. I think a lot of people could use someone like you in their lives."

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks tinting slightly. "Thanks, Melissa. That means a lot."

Melissa offered him a warm smile as they continued walking through the sleek corridors of the Central Tower. "So," she began, glancing at him curiously, "do you have plans to attend UA? I mean, it's a pretty big deal for aspiring heroes."

Izuku hesitated, his gaze dropping to the polished floor as he mulled over her question. "Well… yeah, I mean, at the moment, I do. It's always been the plan, but…" He trailed off, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm kind of stuck between two paths right now."

Melissa tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Two paths? What do you mean?"

Izuku took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. "One path is the one I've dreamed about since I was a kid: becoming a hero. The other is something I never really considered until recently, becoming an inventor and working with Mei." He smiled softly, his voice turning reflective. "It's just… I don't know. I've got some time to figure it out, but I'm still on the fence."

Melissa nodded, gesturing for him to continue. "What's making you hesitate? It sounds like both are things you're passionate about."

"Well, it's complicated," Izuku admitted, running a hand through his messy green hair. "Growing up, I looked up to All Might more than anything. He's the number one hero, and I always wanted to be like him, to prove to everyone who doubted me that I could make a difference."

Melissa listened intently, her expression softening as he spoke. "But?" she prompted gently.

Izuku sighed, his pace slowing. "But the more I think about it, the more I wonder if that's the right reason. I mean, am I really chasing this dream because I want to save people, or am I just doing it to prove them wrong? Is that even a valid reason to become a hero?"

Melissa opened her mouth to reply, but Izuku continued, his voice growing more contemplative. "I do want to be a hero. I really believe that saving people is my passion. But being here, working with Mei, seeing her passion for inventions, it's made me realize that you don't need a cape to save people. Mei taught me that."

Melissa's eyes softened. "Mei seems pretty amazing," she said sincerely.

"She is," Izuku agreed with a small smile. "She picked me up when I was at my lowest. There was a time I felt so alone, like I didn't belong anywhere. But then she pulled me into this world of inventions, and suddenly, everything changed. And now, here I am, standing on I-Island, surrounded by technology that takes entire teams of geniuses to create."

He paused, glancing up at the high ceilings of the tower. "For the first time in a long time, I'm just… content. Happy with where I am. I don't feel like I have to prove anything to anyone."

Izuku chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his neck again. "Sorry for rambling like that. I didn't mean to go on."

Melissa shook her head, her blonde hair swaying slightly. "No, don't apologize. I get it—really, I do."

He looked at her curiously. "You do?"

She nodded, her voice quieter now. "In a way, I'm kind of in the same boat. I could always stay here on I-Island, continue my studies, and follow in my dad's footsteps. It's the logical choice, safe, predictable. But part of me wonders if I should try something different. Like UA. Maybe even becoming a hero."

Izuku smiled at her, his expression kind. "Honestly? Just follow your heart. That's what I've been trying to figure out myself. I see the way your eyes light up when you talk about inventions, it's clear you love it. But there's also a sadness there, like something's missing."

Melissa's breath caught, and her cheeks turned pink as she looked at him. "You think so?"

"Yeah," he said, his voice soft but certain. "But when you talk about being a hero, or about UA, it's like you come alive. There's something different about you, like you've found something you really want."

Melissa hesitated, her blush deepening. "You might be right," she admitted with a shy smile. "I've never really thought about it that way."

Izuku grinned at her. "Whatever you decide, I think you'll be amazing. Just trust yourself."

Melissa looked at him for a long moment, her heart feeling unexpectedly light. "Thanks, Izuku. You've given me a lot to think about."

"Anytime," he said, his smile unwavering.

They continued walking, their conversation flowing easily as they explored more of the Central Tower. Each floor offered something new, robotic drones for search and rescue, aquatic technologies like dive suits and mini submarines, and advanced medical equipment designed to aid heroes in the field.

At one point, Mei reappeared briefly to gush over a particular display, chattering excitedly about modular prosthetics and their potential applications. But just as quickly as she had arrived, she vanished again, caught up in another exhibit that had captured her attention.

Izuku and Melissa exchanged amused looks as they realized she was gone once more. "She really is in her element," Melissa said with a laugh.

"Yeah," Izuku agreed, smiling fondly. "That's Mei for you."

As they moved on to the next section, Melissa found herself glancing at Izuku occasionally, her earlier conversation with him replaying in her mind. For the first time, she felt like someone had truly seen her, not just as David Shield's daughter or a budding inventor, but as someone with her own dreams and potential.

she felt like she could believe in herself too.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as Izuku and Melissa exited the Central Tower, the vibrant lights of I-Island casting a warm glow over the streets. They had spent hours marveling at the wonders within, but the day wasn't over yet. Izuku pulled out his phone and texted Mei.

Izuku: Hey, heading back soon. Gotta get ready for the party tonight.

Mei's reply came almost immediately, brimming with her usual enthusiasm.

Mei: Don't take too long! I'm making something AMAZING for tonight's look.

Izuku chuckled softly, sliding his phone back into his pocket as he walked alongside Melissa. She glanced at him, a curious smile playing on her lips.

"Big plans for the party?" she asked.

"Well, Mei's always up to something," Izuku replied with a grin. "Knowing her, she's probably inventing an accessory to match her outfit."

Melissa laughed. "Sounds like her. But before you go, do you have time to check out my place? I've got some inventions I've been working on, and I'd love to show them to you."

Izuku hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure. I'd love to see what you've been working on."

Melissa's room

Melissa's apartment was a cozy yet sleek space nestled in the heart of the island's residential district. The walls were adorned with schematics, blueprints, and photos of her father's work, but the real stars of the room were the half-finished prototypes and gadgets scattered across her workstation.

"Welcome to my lab-slash-apartment," Melissa said, gesturing proudly. "It's not much compared to the Central Tower, but it's home."

Izuku's eyes widened as he took in the array of devices. "This is incredible, Melissa. You've got so much going on here."

She beamed, leading him to a table where several polished gadgets were neatly displayed. "These are some of my more finished projects. That one," she pointed to a sleek visor, "is a tactical helmet with a built-in 360-degree HUD and danger alert system. And this—" she picked up a compact device shaped like a disc, "—is an energy barrier generator. It can create a small shield to block projectiles."

Izuku leaned in, his eyes sparkling with fascination. "These are amazing! You've got serious talent."

Melissa's cheeks flushed lightly at the compliment. "Thanks, Izuku. But here's something I think you'll really like." She reached for a pair of gauntlets on the far end of the table and held them up. They were streamlined, with sleek metallic plating and subtle glowing accents.

"These are kinetic energy gauntlets," she explained. "They store the force generated from impacts and release it as a concentrated burst. Great for enhancing punches—or even absorbing hits."

Izuku's excitement grew as he took one of the gauntlets, slipping it onto his hand. His system immediately chimed:

[Fusion Detected: This device does not increase damage but can be worn with other weapons. Compatible with current equipment.]

"That's incredible," Izuku said, his voice brimming with awe. "So these can stack with my gloves?"

Melissa nodded. "Exactly. You could use both at once for maximum effect. Here, let me show you something." She pressed a small button on the gauntlet, and it compacted, folding neatly into a sleek wristband. "Makes it easier to carry around, right?"

Izuku stared at the wristband in amazement. "That's amazing, Melissa. Really. I don't even know what to say."

Melissa smiled, handing him the second gauntlet. "You don't have to say anything. They're yours."

Izuku blinked in surprise. "Wait—are you serious? I can't just—"

"Take them," Melissa insisted. "Consider it a thank-you for earlier. Besides, I'd rather see them put to good use."

He hesitated before nodding, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Melissa. I'll take good care of them."

Melissa waved it off, her cheeks faintly pink. "It's no big deal."

Just then, Izuku's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen to see a message from Mei.

Mei: Where are you?!

"Crap," he muttered, quickly texting back: On my way now! He looked at Melissa apologetically. "I've got to get back to the hotel and get ready for the party. I'll see you there?"

Melissa nodded, her smile warm. "Of course. Go get ready—I'm sure Mei's got something incredible planned."

Back at the hotel

Izuku rushed into his room, finding Mei mid-preparation. She was standing in front of a mirror, adjusting her outfit with a look of pure concentration. Her ensemble was striking: a sharp black suit with golden accents, a matching tie, and her signature goggles perched stylishly on her head. A fur-lined coat draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of flair to her look.

"Cutting it close, huh, Midoriya?" Mei teased, turning to face him.

"Sorry, sorry!" Izuku said, already scrambling to change into his outfit. His attire was equally impressive: a dark green Yakuza-style suit with subtle silver embroidery and a fitted tie. His gloves and new gauntlet-turned-wristbands added a futuristic edge to the traditional look.

When they were both ready, Mei gave him an approving nod. "You clean up nice, broccoli boy."

Izuku chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Thanks. You look amazing, Mei."

Izuku kissed Mei passionately, his hand pulling her closer until their bodies pressed together. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she kissed him deeply, her lips warm and inviting. They broke away breathlessly, giggling softly as they shared the moment.

Mei grinned up at him, her golden eyes sparkling. "You're not bad at this, broccoli boy," she teased.

Izuku chuckled, his cheeks slightly pink. "I've got a good teacher."

Hand in hand, they left their room and headed toward the Central Tower to meet Melissa in the lobby. The walk was peaceful, the island's evening lights casting a warm glow around them. Mei swung their joined hands playfully as they walked, humming softly to herself.

Central tower

Izuku and Mei walked hand in hand into the grand lobby of the Central Tower. The evening air buzzed with the promise of the party ahead, the vibrant lights of I-Island streaming through the building's high glass windows. Melissa was already waiting for them, her blue dress shimmering softly under the lobby lights.

As they approached, Melissa's eyes narrowed, and her lips twitched in amusement. "Izuku," she said, stifling a laugh. "You've, uh… got something on your face."

Izuku blinked in confusion, pointing to his cheek. "Here?" he asked.

Melissa shook her head, trying to suppress a grin. "No, closer to your lips."

Izuku frowned, pulling out a small mirror from his pocket. His eyes widened as he spotted the faint pink lipstick marks around his mouth. "W-what? How—?"

Mei giggled mischievously, stepping forward. "That's my handiwork," she confessed, her tone playful. "You were too cute to resist."

Melissa burst out laughing. "That's why you were smirking earlier! Mei, you're terrible."

Izuku groaned, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his face. "You two are the worst," he muttered, his cheeks glowing red.

Before he could finish, Mei leaned in and kissed him firmly on the lips, leaving fresh marks in the same spots. She pulled back with a teasing smile. "There. Now everyone will really know you're mine."

Izuku sighed but couldn't hide his small smile. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And you love me for it," Mei replied with a wink.

Before Melissa could comment further, a loud clang echoed through the lobby. The massive glass doors surrounding them slid shut with an ominous hiss, followed by the blaring wail of an alarm. Red warning lights began flashing throughout the building, casting the once-welcoming space in an eerie glow.

The trio froze, their smiles vanishing as confusion and unease settled in. "What's going on?" Melissa asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Izuku looked around, his green eyes narrowing. "The island's going into lockdown," he said grimly.

Mei immediately pulled out her phone, her fingers flying across the screen. "Melissa, what floor is the party on?" she asked.

"The lower section," Melissa answered quickly, her voice shaky. "Why?"

Mei didn't reply immediately, flipping through a series of camera feeds on her phone. Izuku leaned over her shoulder, his expression skeptical. "Wait… how do you have access to the tower's security system?"

Mei grinned sheepishly, not looking up. "Uh… let's just say I might have left a little flash drive where I wasn't supposed to."

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "You hacked the building?"

"Not exactly," Mei replied defensively. "I just wanted to, you know, see what they were working on! Don't judge me! Besides, I linked up your phone, so we hacked the building together." She held up her phone triumphantly. "Hey look, this is important."

She turned the screen toward them, showing a live feed from one of the lower levels. The footage revealed a chaotic scene: armed gunmen patrolling the room, several heroes restrained by glowing blue restraints that pulsed ominously. Partygoers were huddled together, their faces pale with fear.

Melissa gasped, covering her mouth. "Oh no…"

Mei continued flipping through the feeds, her expression growing more serious. "It's not just the party. Look at this." She cycled through different camera angles, showing armed guards positioned throughout the building. Even more disturbing were the island's security drones—normally harmless—patrolling with their weapons activated.

"They've turned the entire island's defenses against its people," Mei said, her voice grim.

Izuku clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Who's behind this?"

Mei tapped a button, pulling up another feed. The screen showed a man standing at the front of the party hall, his presence commanding and sinister. His dark coat swirled around him like a shadow, and his voice carried through the room with cold authority.

"If anyone attempts to interfere," the villain declared, "I will unleash the island's robots on the civilians. No one will leave here alive."

Melissa began to tremble, her hands gripping the edge of Izuku's sleeve. "What are we supposed to do? My dad,he's in there. They're taking him and Sam."

Mei zoomed in on the feed, her eyes widening. "Izuku, isn't that…?"

Izuku turned to look at the screen, his breath catching in his throat. Among the restrained heroes was none other than All Might. The number one hero was bound in the same glowing blue restraints, his powerful frame tense but unmoving. It was clear he could break free at any moment, but the hostages around him made it impossible for him to act.

Izuku's heart sank. "All Might… he's holding back to protect the others," he muttered. "Even he can't do anything right now."

Mei pointed at another screen, her voice urgent. "There—look! That's David Shield and his assistant, Sam. They're being taken away by the villain."

Melissa's face paled further, and she looked at Izuku with pleading eyes. "We have to do something. We can't just let them—"

Izuku took a deep breath, activating the kinetic gloves Melissa had given him earlier. The soft hum of energy filled the air as he clenched his fists. His green eyes were sharp, determined.

"Isn't it obvious?" he said, his voice steady. "We're going to save them."

Mei grinned, already pulling out her toolkit. "Now that's the spirit."

Melissa's hands trembled, but she nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I'll help however I can."

Izuku turned to them both, his expression calm but focused. "We need to act fast. Mei, keep monitoring the cameras and give us a layout of where everyone is. Melissa, I need you to guide us to the restricted areas—you know this place better than anyone."

"Got it," Mei said, already typing furiously.

Melissa took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Understood."

Izuku gave them a reassuring smile. "We've got this. Stick together, stay sharp, and we'll save everyone. Let's move."

With that, the trio prepared to face the danger ahead, the weight of the island's safety resting on their shoulders. The party wasn't over—it was just beginning.

The trio began climbing the stairs, their footsteps quick but quiet. As they ascended, Mei rummaged through her inventory with practiced ease, pulling out a sleek pistol. She handed it to Melissa, her golden eyes serious. "Here. You might need this to defend yourself."

Melissa hesitated, staring at the weapon in her hand. "I don't know… I've never fired a gun before."

"It's fine," Mei said with a reassuring grin. But as she watched Melissa fumble with the pistol, realization dawned on her. "Oh, right. You don't have any class skills in firearms, do you?"

Melissa blinked. "Class skills?"

Izuku sighed, shaking his head. "It just means you're not trained to use weapons like that. For you, it'd be about as effective as an airsoft gun."

"Great," Melissa muttered, handing the pistol back. "Then what am I supposed to use?"

Mei rummaged through her inventory again, this time pulling out a gleaming sword seemingly from nowhere. "Here, take this."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Where did you even—never mind." She hesitated again, eyeing the blade. "Isn't this a bit… lethal?"

"Fine, fine," Mei said, rolling her eyes as she pulled out a round shield. "Here's a shield too. Happy now?"

"Something less lethal would be great," Melissa replied quickly, backing away from the sharp edge of the sword.

Mei huffed and finally pulled out a mace. "Okay, how about this? It's got a taser at the end, so it'll knock them out instead of, you know… doing permanent damage."

Izuku stepped in, offering Melissa a set of small orbs. "Here, take these. They're restriction balls. When you throw them, they'll wrap around whoever they hit and restrain them. Much safer than swinging a mace around."

Melissa took the orbs with a sigh of relief. "Thank you. At least this seems manageable."

She reached into her own bag, pulling out a compact gadget. "I've got these too—shield disks. They're small energy barriers, so at least I've got something."

Mei handed her a quarterstaff with a grin. "And just in case, take this too. It's got a taser at the end for those 'oops, I need to defend myself' moments."

Melissa reluctantly accepted the staff, mumbling, "This is starting to feel like overkill."

"Better safe than sorry," Mei replied with a shrug. "Besides, we've got to look out for each other."

The group continued climbing until they reached another landing. The hallway ahead was narrow, with harsh fluorescent lights casting long shadows on the walls. At the far end stood a familiar figure: the multi-armed man Izuku and Mei had encountered in the alley earlier. This time, he wasn't alone. Two guards flanked him, each armed with assault rifles and wearing tactical gear.

Mei squinted. "Hey, isn't that the guy from earlier?"

Izuku nodded, his green eyes narrowing. "Yeah. Looks like they were after Melissa before we stepped in."

The multi-armed man scowled as his eyes landed on them. "You again," he growled, his arms twitching as he cracked his knuckles. "You're becoming a real pain, you know that?"

Izuku stepped forward, slicking back his hair and adjusting his round green glasses. "Hey, I'm just trying to pass through here. No need to make this complicated."

The man grumbled, his lower arms reaching for his radio. "Not happening, kid."

Before he could call for backup, Izuku dashed forward, his speed catching the guards off guard. He aimed a sharp kick at the radio, smashing it to pieces against the wall. The shards clattered to the ground as Izuku straightened, a small, confident smile tugging at his lips.

"Backup for little old me?" he teased, his voice light but laced with an edge. "I didn't think I scared you that much."

The man snarled, his many arms flexing menacingly. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts aren't gonna get you past me."

Izuku stepped back, tossing three restriction balls in quick succession. The first two hit their marks, wrapping around the armed guards and sending them crashing to the floor. The third, aimed at the multi-armed man, was caught mid-air.

"Nice try," the man sneered, tossing the ball aside before it could activate.

Izuku adjusted his glasses again, his expression calm but focused. "Look, buddy, I'm not here to fight you. Just step aside, and no one gets hurt."

"Not a chance," the man snapped, spreading his arms wide. "You're not getting past me."

"Fine," Izuku said with a sigh, slipping into a fighting stance. "Have it your way."

"Fine," Izuku said with a sigh, slipping into a fighting stance. "Have it your way."

He turned to the two girls, his voice calm but firm. "Melissa, Mei—go on ahead. I'll handle this guy."

Mei hesitated, gripping her quarterstaff tightly. "Are you sure, Izuku? I can—"

"I've got this," Izuku interrupted, offering her a reassuring smile. "Just get to the security room. We don't have time to waste."

Melissa nodded, pulling Mei by the arm. "Come on, Mei. We need to keep moving."

The multi-armed man snarled, lunging toward the girls as they tried to pass. But Izuku was faster. Sliding under the man's outstretched limbs, he popped up in front of him and delivered a crushing uppercut to his solar plexus. The man staggered, coughing as the wind was knocked out of him, giving Melissa and Mei the opening they needed to slip past.

"Go!" Izuku shouted after them. "I'll catch up."

The multi-armed man growled, his eyes burning with anger. Before he could recover fully, Izuku followed up with a flying knee to his skull. The man let out a groan of pain, stumbling back before retaliating with a barrage of wild punches from his many arms.

Izuku moved effortlessly between the strikes, dodging and weaving as if he were dancing. Each punch missed by inches, Izuku's focus razor-sharp. One of the man's arms came too close, and Izuku grabbed it, twisting it with a practiced motion until a sickening crack echoed in the hallway. The man roared in pain, but Izuku wasn't done. He jumped, delivering a spinning back kick that sent the man reeling.

"You should've stayed down," Izuku muttered, his tone steady.

But the man wasn't finished yet. Letting out a furious snarl, he charged again, his remaining arms swinging in a relentless flurry. This time, Izuku raised his fists, the kinetic gauntlets humming softly as they absorbed each blow. The system in his headset displayed a notification:

[Kinetic Charge: 50%]

Izuku smirked, sidestepping another punch and sliding under the man's legs. He spun around, delivering a precise punch to the man's side. The stored energy discharged with a sharp crack, sending the multi-armed man stumbling forward. He slammed headfirst into the wall, groaning as he tried to steady himself.

Izuku prepared to finish him off when his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket. He froze, momentarily confused. The multi-armed man blinked in surprise, panting heavily. "What… what are you doing?"

Izuku held up a hand to signal for a moment, then pulled out his phone. He glanced at the screen and sighed. "Sorry, gotta take this." He pressed the answer button. "Hey, Toga, what's up?"

On the other end, Toga's cheerful voice rang out. "Izuku! Quick question: can we throw a party at the warehouse?"

Izuku dodged a sudden punch from the multi-armed man without missing a beat. "Yeah, sure, that's fine. It's your house too. You don't need my permission."

The multi-armed man stared at him, baffled. "Are you seriously taking a phone call right now?"

Izuku shrugged, ducking another punch and using his gauntlets to parry a third. "Yeah, kinda busy, though. Make it quick, Toga."

"Okay, okay," Toga said quickly. "Rumi wants to invite some UA students. You cool with that?"

"Totally fine," Izuku replied, sidestepping yet another attack. He glanced at his gauntlets' display as it pinged:

[Kinetic Charge: 85%]

"So, how's the trip so far?" Toga's voice asked cheerfully, cutting through the chaos of the fight.

Before Izuku could answer, another familiar voice rang out from the background of the call. "Hey, step away from the phone line! What's he doing?" Rumi's distinctive tone was unmistakable—firm, impatient, and loud enough to be heard through the tiny speaker.

"Give me a second," Toga said, her voice light and nonchalant. "I'm putting him on speaker."

Now Izuku could hear both of them clearly as he leapt over the multi-armed man's sweeping attack. "Nothing much, girls," Izuku said, landing gracefully and delivering a spinning kick to his opponent's ribs, sending him crashing into the wall. "Just dealing with some terrorism. You know, beating them up. They're trying to kidnap David Shield—so nothing too big."

"Oh, okay," Toga replied nonchalantly, as if he'd just mentioned running errands. "So about the party, we kind of need some funds."

Rumi's voice joined in, equally unfazed. "Yeah, seriously. We're short on cash, and we need some supplies."

Izuku glanced at his phone, dodging another strike with ease. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll send some money over. Just give me a second." He flipped open his finance app, scrolling through transactions as he continued dodging punches and absorbing kinetic energy into his gauntlets.

As he transferred the funds, he grinned. "Oh, by the way, Toga, I found some cute dresses here on the island that I think would look adorable on you."

"Oh, really?" Toga's tone perked up with excitement. "Can you send me some pictures?"

"Sure thing," Izuku said He sent them with a few taps on his phone, still easily sidestepping attacks as the multi-armed man grew increasingly frustrated.

Rumi's voice chimed in. "What about me?"

Izuku smirked, narrowly avoiding a wild swing as he opened another folder of pictures. "What about you?"

"Come on!" Rumi pouted. "Aren't you going to get me something?"

"I might," Izuku teased, scrolling until he found a photo of an outfit that perfectly suited her. He sent the image to her: a black leather jacket that hugged the curves, with matching black pants and a fur-lined collar. The ensemble was completed by a sleek choker and stylish black boots.

On the other end, Rumi practically purred. "Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Mama likes. Get that, wife," she demanded.

Izuku couldn't help but laugh, even as the multi-armed man let out a frustrated roar, his patience worn thin. "Hold on a sec," Izuku said, cutting the call short for a moment. He ducked under the man's next wild punch, crouched low, and delivered a devastating uppercut with all the stored kinetic energy in his gauntlets. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the hallway as it connected with the man's solar plexus.

The multi-armed man gasped, his body going limp as he collapsed to his hands and knees, struggling to breathe. Izuku calmly sat on the man's back, his legs crossed as he reopened the call.

"So, where were we?" Izuku asked.

Rumi growled. "You were about to buy me that outfit."

"Not so fast," Izuku teased, leaning casually on the defeated man. "How do you ask for something? Come on, Rumi, ask better, and make it a little naughty while you're at it."

"You've got some balls asking that," Rumi shot back, her tone both incredulous and amused.

"Come on," Izuku replied, grinning. "If you want it, all you have to do is beg. I want you to say, 'My dear husband, can you get that for me?' and it's all yours."

On the other end of the call, Rumi clicked her teeth in annoyance, glancing at her tattered clothes. Most of her wardrobe had been destroyed in training sessions or didn't fit her anymore, leaving her with barely functional options, her UA uniform being one of the few that still worked.

Her face flushed red as she hesitated, taking a deep breath. "Fine," she muttered under her breath. "My dear husband, can I please have that outfit?"

Izuku burst out laughing. "Haha, loser," he said before hanging up.

Rumi's face turned beet red, her hands clenched into fists as she shouted into the now silent phone. "Oh my GOD! That son of a bitch! I'm going to beat him up when he gets back!"

Izuku stood up, brushing off his hands and stepping over the unconscious multi-armed man. He adjusted his glasses, grinning to himself as he pocketed his phone. "Totally worth it."

Before leaving, he smashed the radios and knocked out the two guards that were restrained. He quickly dragged the unconscious guards into a nearby closet, stuffing them inside before shutting the door. Satisfied, he dusted off his hands. "And that's taken care of."

He turned and jogged up the stairs, his boots thudding softly against the concrete steps. The sound of his movements echoed faintly, but he kept his focus ahead, making his way to Mei and Melissa.

Back at the stairs

Meanwhile, Mei and Melissa were already ascending the stairwell. Mei's phone was in her hand as she worked quickly, tapping and swiping to loop the cameras for the next section of the tower. "Almost… there… got it!" she exclaimed triumphantly. "Okay, the next floor is on a loop now. One more section after this, and we'll be in the clear."

Melissa glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the tension. "You're really good at this."

"Of course I am," Mei replied with a grin. "Broccoli Daddy's rubbing off on me."

Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Broccoli Daddy?"

Mei snickered. "Yeah, you know, Izuku. He's green, full of energy, and always growing on people. Totally fits, don't you think?"

Melissa rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing. "You're unbelievable."

As they climbed higher, Melissa asked, "How much farther?"

"Not far," Mei said, glancing at her phone again. "We'll be at the rooftop of this first section soon. Then we'll need to cut across."

The two continued climbing, their breaths growing heavier. Melissa groaned, leaning against the railing for a moment. "Okay, note to self: more cardio after this. A lot more cardio."

"Agreed," Mei huffed, wiping sweat from her brow.

Suddenly, a deep voice rang out behind them, sending chills down their spines. "And what are you two ladies doing?"

Mei yelped, spinning around and firing her pistol. The sound of the gunshot echoed loudly, and Izuku barely ducked in time, the bullet whizzing past his head. He raised his hands, his eyes wide. "Okay, okay! My bad! That was not a good prank."

Mei glared at him, her hands trembling. "Izuku! I could've taken your head off!"

Izuku chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Come on, Mei. I was just trying to lighten the mood a little."

"Lighten the mood?" Melissa snapped, stepping forward and swatting at him with her hands. "You scared us half to death, you jerk!"

Izuku winced but didn't stop smiling. "Alright, alright, I'm sorry. Let's speed this up, okay?"

Before either of them could protest, Izuku scooped both girls into his arms. "Hold on tight."

"Wait, what are you—?" Melissa started, but before she could finish, Izuku activated the propulsion in his boots. With a burst of speed, they shot up the stairs, the world around them becoming a blur. Mei and Melissa clung to him tightly, their faces turning green as they fought the urge to puke.

When they finally reached the top of the stairs, Izuku set them down gently. "There, all better. Told you we'd get here faster."

Melissa stumbled slightly, holding her stomach. "Warn us next time, will you?"

Mei staggered, leaning against the wall. "Yeah, yeah. Just… give me a second…"

As the two recovered, Izuku scanned the area. Two paths stretched before them: one leading toward the central elevator and the other down a dimly lit hallway. From the hallway, they heard faint voices. Izuku stepped forward, peering into the shadows, and his eyes widened.

"Melissa," he said, gesturing toward the hallway. "Look."

Melissa followed his gaze and gasped. "That's my dad!" she whispered. "What's he doing here? I thought he was being held hostage."

Izuku frowned. "They might be using him to get something."

Mei crossed her arms. "Okay, but where's the leader? He's supposed to be in the security room, right?"

Izuku nodded. "Yeah, that's what I figured. If David's here, they're probably forcing him to work on something important. The leader must be finishing up packing in the security room."

Melissa's hands clenched into fists. "We have to stop them."

Izuku turned to her, his expression calm but focused. "Do you want to stay here and watch your dad? Mei and I can take care of the villains."

Melissa hesitated, glancing at Mei. "Are there any other villains around?" she asked.

Mei tapped her phone, pulling up the camera feeds. "Nope, they're all in the security room. There are four of them up there. The rest are still on the lower floors, and it'll take them a while to reach us."

Izuku took a deep breath, formulating a plan. "Alright. Melissa, listen. Go up to the rooftop and disable the helicopter. We're not letting these guys escape."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Disable a helicopter? How am I supposed to—?"

"I know you can do it," Izuku said, his voice steady and encouraging. "Use your shield disks to jam the rotors, or figure something out. Mei and I will take care of the villains and free the heroes. Once it's clear, we'll meet up and get your dad."

Melissa hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. I'll do my best."

Izuku activated a mental link between the three of them. "We'll stay connected this way. If anything happens, let me know immediately."

Melissa took a deep breath, clutching her equipment tightly. "Got it."

As Melissa headed toward the rooftop, Izuku and Mei turned toward the security room. Standing just outside, they shared a glance, their determination mirrored in each other's eyes.

"You ready for this?" Izuku asked.

Mei grinned, gripping her quarterstaff. "Always. Let's take these guys down."

Together, they braced themselves for the fight ahead.

In the security room

Wolfram grinned wickedly, gripping his handgun as he turned toward the security room door. "Alright, let's go grab David Shield and take him with us. The fool still thinks this is all some act." He chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with malice. "I can't wait to give him a dose of reality."

He cocked his weapon, pushing the door open with confidence. But before he could step inside, a fist rocketed upward from below, slamming into his chin with bone-crushing force. Wolfram's head snapped back as he was launched upward, crashing into the ceiling with a loud thud.

Izuku stepped into view, his glasses glinting under the harsh fluorescent lights. "You picked the wrong night to mess with this island," he said coldly.

Before Wolfram's guards could react, Izuku flicked his wrist, throwing two pellets that exploded into blinding flashes of light and smoke. The guards stumbled back, clutching their faces and yelling in confusion.

"Mei, now!" Izuku shouted.

Mei didn't hesitate. She whipped out her custom blunderbuss, the device humming to life as it charged with electricity. "Zap zap, boys!" she quipped, firing twin streams of crackling energy. The bolts struck both guards, electrifying them and sending them convulsing to the ground.

As Wolfram fell from the ceiling, dazed but still conscious, Izuku wasted no time. He activated his Power Strike ability, combining it with Psychic Enhancement, the stored kinetic energy in his gauntlets, and his Stun Skill. He delivered a devastating punch to Wolfram's stomach, the force knocking the villain backward into the final guard. Both men crumpled to the floor in a heap.

Wolfram groaned, his body twitching as he tried to activate his quirk, but his muscles refused to respond, his nerves overloaded from the stunning effects of Izuku's strike. "Y-you little—" he growled, but Izuku cut him off.

"You're done," Izuku said, his voice calm but ice-cold. He grabbed Wolfram's arms, twisting them forcefully before slamming his knee into the villain's face. The sickening crunch of cartilage echoed in the room as Wolfram's head snapped back. Izuku followed up with another Stun Strike, ensuring the villain remained incapacitated.

Wolfram tried to speak, but Izuku didn't give him a chance. He lifted one of Wolfram's legs and stomped down on the knee, bending it backward with a sickening pop. Wolfram let out a blood-curdling scream, but Izuku didn't flinch. He repeated the process with the other leg, rendering all four of Wolfram's limbs useless.

"You don't hurt innocent people and walk away from it," Izuku said through gritted teeth, his green eyes blazing with fury.

Izuku grabbed Wolfram by the head, ripping off the villain's mask. The man's face was pale and bloodied, his expression one of terror and pain. Izuku headbutted him with brutal efficiency before slamming his fist into Wolfram's face repeatedly. Each punch was precise and deliberate, breaking the man down until he finally fell unconscious, blood dripping from his shattered nose and split lips.

Izuku stood over him, his chest heaving. The blood staining his gloves and suit wasn't his own. He looked to Mei, who was already at the console, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she worked to deactivate the security systems.

"Robots deactivated, lockdown lifted," Mei announced, her voice steady despite the chaos. She glanced at Izuku, her golden eyes filled with admiration. "Not bad, Broccoli Boy. Not bad at all."

Izuku wiped his gloves clean on a nearby cloth, his expression softening. "Melissa?" he said through the mental link.

Melissa's voice came through, breathless but triumphant. "All taken care of. The helicopter's control panel is destroyed. I'm heading back down now."

"Good work," Izuku said, smiling slightly.

Mei pulled out restraints from her inventory, securing Wolfram and the remaining guards with precision. "Okay, bad guys all tied up. Time to go get the prize: David Shield."

Izuku nodded, his determination renewed. "Let's finish this."

Terminal room.

The pair made their way toward the vault where David Shield and his assistant, Sam, were working. The room was filled with the hum of machinery and the soft glow of monitors. David's back was turned, his focus entirely on the terminal in front of him.

"Dad!" Melissa's voice rang out as she entered the room, her eyes filling with relief.

David turned, his expression shifting from confusion to shock. "Melissa? What are you doing here?"

Melissa rushed forward, her face tense with urgency. "Dad, we came to save you! These people—they're villains!"

David frowned, shaking his head. "Villains? No, no, Melissa, you've got it all wrong. They're not villains—they're actors. This is all just an Act."

Izuku stepped forward, his green eyes narrowing. "Actors? Dr. Shield, those firearms aren't fake. I've seen them up close. And one of them tried to kidnap Melissa yesterday. They attacked me today too. This isn't an act—they're real."

David's confusion deepened, his gaze darting between Izuku and Melissa. "What are you talking about? That can't be right—Sam assured me—"

Before he could finish, Melissa's eyes widened in horror. "Dad! Look out!" she cried, throwing herself at him and pushing him to the ground as a gunshot echoed through the room.

Melissa stumbled, clutching her side as blood began to seep through her fingers. "Melissa!" David shouted, catching her before she hit the ground.

Izuku's head snapped toward the shooter, his blood boiling as he saw Sam, David's trusted assistant, standing with a pistol aimed at them. Sam's hand trembled as he prepared to fire again, but Izuku acted faster.

With a burst of psychic energy, Izuku summoned a shimmering wall of force between Sam and the others, deflecting the second shot. He dashed forward, his movements a blur, and delivered a precise kick to the gun, sending it clattering to the floor. Sam barely had time to react before Izuku spun, chopping him in the throat. The man gasped, staggering back, but Izuku didn't relent. He followed up with a roundhouse kick to the side of Sam's head, slamming him into the wall.

Sam slumped, but Izuku wasn't done. Rage coursed through him as he grabbed Sam by the collar, lifting him off the ground with ease. "Why did you do that?" Izuku demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Sam's eyes filled with tears as he began to sob. "It's not fair," he choked out. "I work just as hard as David, but I never get the credit. All my work, under his shadow! And then I had a chance to take what was rightfully mine, and you had to interfere!"

Izuku's grip tightened, his green eyes blazing. "What do you mean, 'rightfully yours'? What did you do?"

Sam groaned, his hand weakly reaching toward a metallic case on the floor. "I hired the villains," he admitted, his voice breaking. "I told David they were actors. The fool didn't even suspect a thing. I just wanted to take what was mine…"

Izuku's jaw clenched as Sam's voice trailed off. Without another word, he slammed Sam headfirst into the ground with a sickening thud, knocking him unconscious. Izuku stood over him, his chest heaving as he tried to calm himself.

"Mei!" Izuku called, turning toward her. "Check on Melissa!"

Mei was already by Melissa's side, pulling out a small vial of glowing liquid. "Drink this," she said, handing it to Melissa. "It's a healing potion. Don't ask questions, just trust me."

Melissa hesitated, her hands shaking, but she nodded and drank the potion. Almost immediately, the wound on her side began to close, the bleeding slowing to a stop. Her breathing steadied, and she looked up at Mei in astonishment. "It's… it's healing. What is that stuff?"

"Trade secret," Mei replied with a smirk. "You'll be fine. Just take it easy."

Izuku crouched next to Melissa, his voice softening. "You okay?"

Melissa nodded, still a bit pale but smiling faintly. "Yeah. I'll be alright. Thanks, Izuku."

David, who had been kneeling beside his daughter, clutched her hand tightly. "I'm so sorry, Melissa. I didn't know… I didn't think things would go this far."

Izuku's gaze shifted to the metallic case Sam had been reaching for. He picked it up, holding it out. "What's this?"

David hesitated, his shoulders slumping. "It's a device I've been working on… It can enhance someone's quirk without any drawbacks. I developed it for All Might. He's losing his quirk, and I couldn't let the Symbol of Peace fall…"

Izuku's expression hardened. "You risked all of this for that? You hired mercenaries? Put innocent lives at stake?"

David's face fell. "I'll turn myself in. I deserve it…"

Melissa's eyes filled with tears. "Dad, no…"

Izuku's voice was cold. "Is there anything connecting you to this besides Sam's word?"

David shook his head. "Yes. All our communications were through email."

"Already on it," Mei interjected, her fingers flying across a nearby terminal. She grinned triumphantly a moment later. "There we go. I've altered the records to make it look like Sam acted alone. His emails, his plans—it all points to him. No one will suspect you."

David stared at her, bewildered. "Why… why are you doing this?"

Izuku sighed, standing tall and crossing his arms. "Normally, I'd let you face the consequences. Honestly, I've half a mind to punch you in the face right now. But you're Melissa's dad. You're an idiot, sure, but your intentions weren't entirely selfish. I'll let it slide this once. But if you ever pull something like this again, Melissa's dad or not, I'll come for you."

Melissa smiled weakly, standing with Mei's help. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

Izuku turned to her, his expression softening. "And you, little blonde bullet-catcher," he teased, "I know you love your dad, so let's just keep this hush-hush for now, alright?"

Melissa chuckled, wincing slightly. "Alright. Thanks, Izuku."

The group made their way downstairs, their spirits lifting slightly now that the immediate danger was over. The distant sounds of commotion from the rest of the tower had quieted; it seemed the remaining heroes had successfully dealt with the rest of the villains. Just as they reached the main floor, a towering, colossal figure appeared in front of them, blocking their path.

Izuku froze, his eyes widening as he looked up at the unmistakable silhouette. The cape, the iconic blond hair, and the unshakable presence—it was him.

"It's… it's ALL MIGHT!" Izuku shouted, his voice cracking with sheer excitement. He began jumping around, practically vibrating with energy. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, it's really him! The Symbol of Peace, the Number One Hero—All Might!"

All Might raised a hand, his booming voice full of authority yet laced with concern. "Calm down, young man," he said, his piercing blue eyes scanning the group. "Where are the rest of the villains? What's the situation?"

Izuku froze mid-jump, standing at attention like a soldier. "Yes, sir! The villain leader is subdued in the security room along with his hired mercenaries! The rest of the villains have been taken out by the heroes in the building!" he reported with uncharacteristic formality.

Mei and Melissa exchanged amused glances. Melissa stepped forward, smiling. "Uncle Might, it's good to see you."

All Might's stern expression softened immediately. "Melissa! Thank goodness you're alright." His gaze shifted to the tear in her dress, and his demeanor changed in an instant. "Wait a second—is that… is that blood? Were you injured? Who did this?!"

Melissa held up her hands in a calming gesture. "I'm fine, Uncle Might. It was just a scratch, and it's already taken care of."

"A scratch?!" All Might's voice boomed as he crouched slightly to inspect her, his massive frame looming over her protectively. "You've been SHOT! That's not a scratch! Who was responsible for this?!"

"Uncle Might, really, it's okay," Melissa said soothingly, placing a hand on his arm. "Izuku and Mei handled it, and Mei even gave me some kind of weird potion thing that healed it."

"It's not weird!" Mei interjected, pouting. "It's science!"

All Might finally straightened, visibly trying to calm himself. "Fine, fine. But I want a full report later. And who are these two?" He gestured toward Izuku and Mei.

Melissa smiled, gesturing to them. "Uncle Might, this is Izuku Midoriya and Mei Hatsume. They're inventors who've been helping me."

Izuku's eyes sparkled as he stepped forward, barely able to contain himself. "It's an honor to meet you, All Might, sir! I'm your biggest fan! I've read all your books, watched every video of your fights, and even memorized all your favorite foods—tempura, katsudon, and gyudon, right?"

All Might chuckled, his signature grin finally breaking through. "You're well-informed, young man. It's always humbling to meet a devoted fan."

Izuku was practically vibrating. "Oh, I have so many questions! Like, on your trip to America, did you really eat fifty hot dogs in one sitting? And when you faced the villain in Osaka, how did you decide to prioritize saving the train passengers over the skyscraper evacuation?"

Mei leaned against the wall, smirking. "There he goes, losing all his cool points."

Izuku didn't even turn to face her. "It's fine! This is TOTALLY worth it!"

Melissa laughed, covering her mouth. "He's got a point, Mei."

All Might held up a hand, still smiling. "Young Midoriya, I promise I'll answer all your questions later. Right now, we need to ensure everyone's safety and sort out what happened here."

Izuku immediately saluted, his posture ramrod straight. "Yes, sir!"

Mei rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're such a dork."

Izuku finally relaxed, looking to Mei. "Come on, it wasn't that bad. To be honest, the villains weren't even the hardest part. The security system here would've been way more of a problem."

Mei nodded, gesturing dramatically. "Thousands of drones, cutting-edge surveillance, and automated defenses? Yeah, this place is practically a fortress. Good thing I'm a genius."

"Good thing, indeed," Melissa agreed, grinning at her.

All Might crossed his arms, listening intently. "It sounds like you two were instrumental in handling this crisis. I owe you my thanks."

Izuku looked like he was about to faint from sheer joy. "All Might… thanking me? This is the best day of my life."

"All right, hero boy," Mei said, grabbing his arm. "Let's not overstay our welcome. We need to head back to the hotel."

Izuku pouted, looking longingly at All Might. "But—"

"No buts!" Mei said firmly, dragging him toward the exit. "We've got a busy day tomorrow, and we're leaving first thing in the morning."

Izuku sighed but relented, waving dramatically as they walked away. "Goodbye, All Might! I'll never forget this moment!"

Melissa and David waved them off as All Might gave them a reassuring smile. "Safe travels, young heroes."

As they exited the building, Izuku turned to Mei, his grin as wide as ever. "Best. Day. Ever."

Mei shook her head, laughing. "You're ridiculous, but I'll give you this one. That was pretty awesome."

With that, they headed back to the hotel, ready to rest after an unforgettable day.

The next morning

Izuku and Mei were making their way to the airport, their luggage in tow. They had just finished shopping for the outfits Mei had picked out for Toga and Rumi, feeling good about their thoughtful choices. Izuku smiled to himself, imagining Toga's gleeful reaction and Rumi's smug grin when they received their gifts.

As they approached the ticket counter, their smiles faded. The attendant informed them their tickets had been canceled.

"Canceled?" Izuku said, blinking in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Mei frowned, leaning over the counter. "Yeah, what gives? We booked these weeks ago."

The attendant gave them a polite smile. "You've been transferred to a different flight. Please proceed to gate 14."

They exchanged puzzled looks but followed the instructions. When they arrived at the gate, Izuku froze. The plane waiting for them was sleek, large, and unmistakably familiar. His heart skipped a beat. "No way," he whispered. "That's… that's All Might's private plane!"

Before he could fully process it, Melissa appeared, walking toward them with a cheerful wave. "Hey! There you are."

"Melissa?" Izuku said, his confusion deepening. "What's going on?"

She smiled, motioning for them to follow her. "Uncle Might pulled a few strings. He wanted to talk to you, Izuku. He's on board waiting for you."

Izuku's face turned beet red. "All Might wants to talk to me? Are you sure? I mean, we're talking about the Number One Hero. Why would he want to talk to me?"

Melissa chuckled at his flustered reaction. "Yes, I'm sure. Now, come on—it's not every day you get a personal audience with the Symbol of Peace."

Izuku's heart raced as they boarded the plane. He was shaking visibly, his nerves getting the better of him. Mei, noticing his trembling, smirked. "Calm down, broccoli boy. You're going to faint before you even see him."

Inside, the plane was luxurious, with leather seats and polished wood paneling. But Izuku's attention was immediately drawn to the figure sitting at the far end. His excitement quickly turned to confusion as he saw a skinny, frail-looking man waving at him.

"Hello there," the man said, his voice friendly. "Name's Toshinori. I'm All Might's manager."

Izuku's brow furrowed. "No, you're not," he said bluntly. "I know All Might's manager, and you're not him."

The man laughed, holding up a hand. "Well, I'm his new manager. I just wanted to talk to you about the incident yesterday."

Izuku narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I don't buy it."

Before he could say more, the man's body began to grow and transform. His frail frame expanded, muscles bulging, until the iconic figure of All Might stood before him, his golden hair catching the light.

"Alright, you caught me," All Might said with a booming laugh. "I'm Toshinori Yagi—All Might in the flesh. Now, let's talk."

Izuku stared, slack-jawed. "Y-you… you're really him! But that transformation… what was that?"

All Might's smile softened as he sat down, gesturing for Izuku to do the same. "This is my true form. I lost the ability to maintain my muscle form permanently after a grave injury. That's why I wanted to talk to you."

Izuku sat nervously, his hands gripping his knees. "Why… why me?"

All Might leaned forward, his expression serious. "I've been looking for a successor—someone who embodies the spirit of heroism, someone who moves to help others without hesitation. I've been watching you, Izuku. The way you acted during the incident, putting others before yourself, proved to me that you have what it takes. That's why I chose you."

Izuku blinked in shock. "You're serious? You want me to be your successor? To inherit your power?"

"Yes," All Might said, his tone firm. "I'm asking you to become the next Symbol of Peace."

Izuku hesitated, then stood abruptly, bowing his head. "Thank you for the offer, All Might. But… no."

The room fell silent. All Might stared at him, visibly stunned. "What?"

Izuku looked up, his green eyes steady. "It's not that I don't want the power—it's that I don't think I'm worthy of it. Someone else deserves it more."

All Might's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Izuku gestured toward the window, where Melissa was visible, chatting with Mei. "The girl who took a bullet for her dad without hesitation. Melissa Shield. She's the one you're looking for. She fits the criteria better than I ever could."

All Might sighed, leaning back. "I can't give Melissa my power. It would put her in immense danger."

Izuku smiled faintly. "I don't think any of us can stop her now. She's going to be a hero, with or without your power. But if you're looking for someone who acts selflessly, look at what she did for her dad. She's earned it."

Izuku turned to leave. "I'll send her in."

Before he could step out, All Might called after him. "Wait, Izuku… you really think she's the one?"

He nodded. "I do."

Outside, Melissa caught Izuku's arm as he exited the plane. "How did it go?" she asked, her blue eyes curious.

Izuku smiled warmly. "Go talk to him. He's waiting for you."

Melissa blinked in surprise but nodded, heading inside. Mei sidled up to Izuku, smirking. "So, how'd it really go?"

"You already know, don't you?" Izuku said, rolling his eyes. "You've probably got me bugged."

"Yup," Mei said with a laugh. "That's what he really looks like, huh? Weird, right? It's like he inflates like a balloon or something."

Izuku nodded. "Yeah, maybe we can find a way to fix his injury someday. But for now, potions and basic healing won't cut it."

The system chimed in his head. "Rare amulets with regeneration properties are available in high-level dungeons."

Izuku sighed. "Thanks, system."

Inside the plane, Melissa's voice echoed with excitement. "Yes, I will! Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Uncle Might! Thank you!"

Mei grinned, nudging Izuku. "Looks like we've got our next Symbol of Peace."

Izuku smiled, pulling her close and kissing her cheek. "Don't count me out just yet."

The two walked toward their plane, ready for whatever came next.

Author's Notes

Yep, Melissa is going to be the next Symbol of Peace—or will she? I decided to give her the power mainly because I wanted to explore the potential of a quirkless character stepping into such an important role. I've always liked Melissa from the movie, and this felt like a natural way to expand her story.

Don't worry, though—we'll be diving into some Toga and Rumi (Bunny Girl) antics at the start of the next chapter! That party is going to be a blast, and I'm excited to write it. This little adventure with I-Island was something I didn't want to drag out too much, so I decided to go this route for the story.

Also, let's talk about Izuku. He's definitely starting to hit Batman levels of brutality when it comes to dealing with villains. Those takedowns are becoming more intense, and I can't wait to see how that development plays out moving forward.

Thank you for reading and for all your support! If you enjoyed this chapter, please drop a review—I love hearing your thoughts.

See you in the next one!