Cheers and excitement echoed through the room, bouncing off the walls like a wave of raw energy. Every student's face was glowing, their spirits burning so brightly that some of them visibly trembled with anticipation.
"And for your combat exercise… WE'VE PREPARED THE GEAR YOU REQUESTED—CUSTOMIZED TO FIT YOUR QUIRKS!" announced All Might in his signature booming voice.
"O-OUR BATTLE GEAR?! THIS IS AMAZING!!!" the students shouted in glee.
So… the costume I designed back then was already prepared? I thought to myself, a quiet realization blooming inside.
***
Now, everyone stood tall in their hero costumes—each one unique, bold, and suited perfectly for their abilities.
I stood among them, dressed in a crisp white shirt layered beneath a pitch-black kimono, a gray hakama flowing over my legs. Atop my head rested a formal hat, and by my sides floated Hakujoudai and Kakujoudai—my loyal companions, silently hovering at attention.
"LET'S SEE JUST HOW POWERFUL YOU ALL ARE IN THOSE COSTUMES!" All Might shouted with enthusiasm.
"IT'S TIME FOR THE COMBAT TRIAL! AND I GOTTA SAY—YOU ALL LOOK PRETTY COOL!"
Iida raised his hand, his mechanical-like costume gleaming as he spoke.
"Sensei, is the combat arena we'll use a replica, like the one during the entrance exam?"
All Might's ever-present wide grin only grew more smug.
"Great question! You're actually just two steps away from it! This time, the test will take place indoors!"
He explained, arms dramatically flailing for emphasis.
"Villain arrests often seem to happen in open areas, but statistically speaking, more captures actually occur inside buildings! So indoor simulations are more practical for your training!"
We all fell silent, eyes fixed on him, absorbing every word.
"For this exercise, you'll be split into two groups—Team Villain and Team Hero—and it will be a two-versus-two battle!"
"What about basic training?" asked one student, her frog-themed costume looking rather quirky.
"This is your basic training! Only difference is—no robots this time!" he answered without missing a beat.
He then brought out a blue box, smiling so widely that it honestly ticked me off a little.
"Team assignments and opponents will be decided by lottery!"
Everyone instinctively gulped and stepped forward to draw their teams.
And me? I stood there. Alone. No partner.
"HEY! SENSEI! WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS?!" I snapped, frustration leaking into my voice.
All Might turned to me with that same infuriating grin.
"Ah, right—Aizawa-kun hasn't been assigned yet. My bad... But for you, I've prepared something special."
The room fell into confused murmurs.
"That special something… is me. I'll be your opponent."
A new voice entered the room.
Everyone turned toward the source—and there they stood. Aizawa-sensei and Present Mic, calm and composed as ever.
"What?! Aizawa-kun's going up against two teachers at once? Isn't that kinda unfair?" some students whispered, bewildered.
A smirk tugged at the edge of my lips. I couldn't help it.
"Missing the old days, Dad?" I said coldly, my tone flat but heavy.
Present Mic swallowed hard. "Yikes… why does it feel like your relationship is... weird?" he muttered, prompting All Might to burst out laughing.
All Might then slammed his hand on the table, snapping everyone's attention back to him.
"Time to explain the rules!"
Everyone nodded, tense but eager for what was coming.
"In this exercise, the Villains will guard a nuclear device that they plan to detonate. The Heroes must stop their plan before time runs out!"
"If the heroes either capture the villains or reach the nuclear device before the countdown ends—they win."
All Might paused, scanning our faces. Tension was rising.
"But if the villains manage to protect the device until the timer runs out—or capture the heroes—they win."
Silence followed his words, the gravity of the test finally settling in. Then, All Might raised his hand high and shouted:
"LET'S GET THIS STARTED!"
***
In a dark corridor where even the light itself seemed to be devoured by the overwhelming shadows,
I floated silently through the air, searching for the calmest place I could find.
Alone, I played a game of chess—my only companions the faint, ethereal glow of Hakujoudai and Kakujoudai illuminating the board in the darkness.
"I'm so dreadfully bored... I wish something interesting would appear," I murmured to myself.
I resumed my game, slamming each piece down with enough force to crack the board beneath them.
"Fufufu..."
"I do enjoy a good game."