Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Chapter One: The Rise of Hades

The city at night pulsed with life, overflowing into every street and shadowy alley. The steady hum of car engines rumbled past, blending with the laughter and conversation of groups gathered outside late-night cafes and bars. Sidewalks bustled with a diverse mix of people, their faces illuminated by the vivid glow of neon signs advertising late-night specials and events. The towering buildings stood like sentinels, their bright lights spilling down and illuminating the bustling scene below. As passersby went about their daily lives, they were utterly oblivious to the crime afoot.

Midoriya approached the edge of the rooftop, the chill of the night air wrapping around him like a thick blanket. He knelt slightly, peering down at the bustling street below, where shadows danced under the flickering streetlights. “It’s cold tonight,” he murmured, his breath escaping in soft puffs that hung in the air like wisps of smoke. Rubbing his hands together fervently, he attempted to coax some warmth into his fingertips, feeling the nip of the breeze against his skin. “Let’s hope this will be over quickly. I have class tomorrow,” he added, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders

"I know what you're thinking. Why am I out this late? Or better yet, why the heck am I teetering on the edge of a roof like some sort of over-caffeinated squirrel? Well, you see, it all started with a late-night snack run—one minute I was heading to the store, the next I got a phone call from my infor—On second thought, you will just have to wait and see”

As Midoriya looks out at the bustling street below, his gaze narrows at the chaotic scene unfolding before him. "It looks like my informant was spot on," he murmurs to himself. He observes the flickering lights and shadowy figures rushing out of a bank, bags of cash in their hands, eager to escape. “They actually robbed the place. Guess my late-night snack run just turned into something much more thrilling.” Just seconds later, the bank alarm triggers, alerting everyone in the area that something has happened.

Three armed men charged toward a parked car that was idling quietly nearby. Their footsteps were hurried, fueled by adrenaline and urgency. Inside the vehicle, a fourth accomplice sat poised at the wheel, eyes scanning the surroundings, ready to execute a swift getaway at a moment's notice. The tension in the air was palpable, hinting at the chaos that was about to unfold

“Three guys and a getaway driver, huh? A small crew… Clearly not their first robbery,” Midoriya mused aloud, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a sleek, specialized watch glimmering against his wrist. Its face flickered with a digital display, constantly monitoring and tuning into radio waves. With deft movements, he slipped a pair of earbuds into his ears, and the watch crackled to life, broadcasting the local police radio in crisp clarity.

“Seven minutes and thirty-six seconds until the officers arrive, huh…” he calculated, a determined glint sparking in his eyes. “That means the heroes won’t be far behind either.”

The weight of the situation settled on him like a heavy cloak. Tension thrummed in the air; he could almost feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he watches the thieves drive off

Midoriya slowly rose to his feet, his gaze fixed on the thieves as he lingered at the edge of the building. He pulled up his hood, the fabric casting deep shadows over his eyes, obscuring his features and adding an air of mystery. His hand moved deliberately to the mask that rested against his chest—a custom-built respirator fashioned from military-grade polymer alloy. It was engineered not only to shield his face from flying shrapnel but also to conceal his identity from prying eyes.

As he prepared himself for what was about to happen, he felt the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through him. With a deep breath, he whispered to himself, “Time to get to work.” In an instant, he launched himself off the rooftop, plummeting toward the ground. As he descended, vibrant sparks erupted around him, illuminating the surroundings in a dazzling display. “It’s Showtime,” he declared, the thrill of the moment igniting a fierce determination within him.

"You know what? I’ve changed my mind. I might as well share a bit about myself and my story while dealing with these guys, and I know what you're thinking, and no, I'm not a hero, but that isn't my choice. You see, until recently, I didn't have powers... but that's recently changed, as you can see”

Midoriya lands neatly on the roof of a nearby car, the impact causing it to swerve slightly as the driver grips the steering wheel in surprise. Ignoring the startled honks around him, he quickly scans the chaotic scene of traffic ahead, determination flashing in his eyes. After a few tense seconds of searching, his gaze locks onto the distinctive vehicle—the getaway car of the bank robbers.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he launches himself off the car, his body soaring through the air as he gracefully catches the edge of another roof. The rush of the wind whips through his hair as he leaps from one car top to another, his heart pounding with adrenaline. “Come on, guys, you're making this too easy!” he taunts, his voice playful yet filled with fierce resolve, almost as if he’s relishing the challenge.

"Sorry about that. You're most likely wondering how that’s possible —how one man can go from completely powerless to leaping from car to car to chase some villains. If I'm honest, it's a long and complicated story. You see, I was involved in this accident, and when I woke up, I had lost my memories. Through what I learned from countless places, I was powerless, I didn’t have an ability or quirk, I had no family, I was just a regular person...but don’t—Sorry, give me a sec!"

Midoriya launched himself off the car, the momentum carrying him through the air as he aimed for the getaway vehicle of the bank robbers. He landed with a heavy thud on the roof of their car, the sound reverberating like a warning bell that echoed through the tense atmosphere. "Shit... not my softest landing," he groaned, wincing as the jolt travelled through his body. The robbers inside the car turned, startled, their eyes wide with shock at the sudden interruption, while onlookers began pointing and murmuring in disbelief at the unfolding scene.

"As I was saying...don't feel sorry for me. The memory loss was only temporary. After about a month of knowing completely nothing about myself and believing what others said, I found out the truth. I wanted to be a hero more than anything, but how could I? I have no powers— You know the drill by now...hold that thought."

Midoriya clung desperately to the car as it lurched violently, swaying left and right as the driver frantically attempted to throw him off. The engine roared beneath him, drowning out the chaos around them. Just as he struggled to maintain his grip, the sound of shattering glass cut through the air. He glanced back in alarm as the back and passenger side windows exploded outward, shards of glass raining down like confetti.

Out of nowhere, a man emerged, his figure silhouetted against the fading daylight. He leaned menacingly from the now-open passenger window, his outline sharp and angular. His expression was a cold mask of determination, with eyes that glinted like shards of ice, narrowing into slits that conveyed a predatory intensity. The tension in the air thickened as he raised his arm, steady and unyielding, pointing a gleaming firearm directly at Midoriya

"Well, hello there! It seems you and your friends have been quite naug—" Midoriya suddenly plunges down onto the car's roof as the deafening crack of gunfire erupts around him. With swift agility, he manoeuvres his legs to pin the gunman's arm, feeling the adrenaline surge through his veins. His heart races as he glances over his shoulder, only to spot a second gunman leaning menacingly out of the backseat window. He pointed his finger at Midoriya with deliberate precision, an unsettling mimicry of a weapon. In a chilling instant, the tip of his finger cracked open, revealing a dark, gleaming barrel that glinted ominously in the street light. Panic floods Midoriya’s thoughts, and he shouts in desperation, "Ahh, shit! This is not good!"

"Anyway, back to what I was saying... The events that set this cause in motion were closely tied to the legendary number one hero, All Might, the embodiment of peace and hope for so many. I vividly remember the day he arrived in our town. There was this villain wreaking havoc, sending panic rippling through the streets. I was caught in the chaos, paralysed by fear and unable to defend myself. Just when the situation seemed most dire, All Might swooped in and, in an instant, it was over. Speaking of which, I am so sorry this will be over very quickly”

Midoriya lunges forward, seizing the second gunman by the arm. With a swift twist, he compels the man to fire into the air, the sound echoing like thunder in the charged atmosphere. "Too close!" he shouts, his eyes blazing with determination as he glances back at the first gunman, who is still struggling against the weight of Midoriya's legs pinning him down.

Feeling the first gunman slip from his grasp, Midoriya reacts instinctively. He delivers a sudden, powerful kick that sends the firearm skittering across the car roof, far out of reach. With a fluid movement, he flips backward and rolls with agility towards the second gunman

Midoriya launched himself off the edge of the speeding car, his fingers gripping the cool metal as he dangled perilously above the asphalt. The vehicle swerved aggressively, narrowly dodging oncoming traffic as adrenaline surged through him. With a swift move, he caught the second gunman off guard, slamming the man’s arm fiercely against the car’s roof. The impact forced him to relinquish his grip on his power, his eyes widening in surprise.

In an instant, Midoriya seized the gunman by the collar, arcs of electricity crackling around his body as he summoned his strength. "Sorry, but this is gonna hurt you a lot more than me," he declared, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them. In one decisive motion, he hurled the gunman out of the car, watching as the man careened through the air before crashing harshly into a parked car, metal crunching and glass shattering upon impact.

"There we go, now we can continue our little story. After All Might rescued me, I was overwhelmed with a mix of gratitude and awe. I gathered my courage and asked him if someone like me, who didn’t have any powers, could ever become a hero. But instead of offering encouragement, he laughed in my face. I can still recall that laugh, a deep. He told me I was utterly useless, their trying to become a hero for me was pointless”

“Those words hit me like a physical blow, leaving me stunned. The man I had always idolised and looked up to had just belittled me without a second thought. It was as if the ground had been pulled out from under me. I felt a wave of shame wash over me as I questioned everything I had ever wanted for my future—Just give me a moment; I promise this story is almost over..."

“Ugh, that’s definitely going to leave a mark,” Midoriya muttered under his breath as he barely managed to jerk his head back just in time. A bullet zipped past him, tearing through the car roof with a sickening crack. Adrenaline surged through his veins as he instinctively ducked and weaved, evading a relentless barrage of gunfire that shot up from below. “You know, guns really piss me off,” he called out, frustration mingling with determination in his voice as he continued to dodge the sharp, metallic whizzes of the bullets whistling by.

With a quick, practised motion, he slid to the edge of the roof, grasping onto the metal frame with one hand. Peering over the side, he dangled precariously by the passenger's door, his heart racing as he strategised his next move. The chaos around him only fueled his resolve; he wouldn’t let this moment define him.

"Hey, if you would be so kind and put those weap—" Midoriya's voice trailed off as he suddenly felt a cold metallic object pressed against his face, causing him to tense up. He stared wide-eyed at the gunman looming before him, disbelief washing over him. "Wait, didn't I already get rid of your weapon?!"

Without hesitation, the gunman squeezed the trigger, but it only clicked ominously—no bullet to follow. A rush of relief surged through Midoriya, quickly replaced by adrenaline. "You just tried to shoot me!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief as he pointed an accusatory finger at the would-be assailant. "HE TRIED TO SHOOT ME!!"

Fueled by a surge of anger and determination, he seized the car door and, with a powerful yank, ripped it clean off its hinges. With a swift motion, he grabbed the gunman by the collar and hurled him out of the car, watching as the man collided violently with a lamppost. The sickening thud echoed in the air, and Midoriya winced inwardly. "Ouch... he’s going to have one hell of a headache when he wakes up..."

As he turned his attention back to the driver, his expression darkened, his voice steady and commanding. "Pull over..." The words hung in the air, charged with unspoken authority, leaving no room for disobedience.

"There we go... So, most people would have crumbled in the face of discouragement after hearing the top hero label them as 'useless.' But not me. Instead, those words ignited a fire within me—a fierce determination to prove them wrong. I dedicated myself wholeheartedly, training relentlessly every single day; after school, after work—whenever I had a spare moment, I was out there, honing my skills.

Then came the day of the accident. It was a typical afternoon when I witnessed an old lady being mugged in broad daylight. The nearby heroes, who were supposed to protect the innocent, stood by and did nothing, not enough fame or attention in saving an old lady. My heart raced as I felt a surge of adrenaline and urgency; I couldn’t just stand idle. I charged in, ready to help, but the confrontation turned brutal. In a flash, I was shot, and before I knew it, a hard blow struck my head.

In an instant, everything changed—I lost my memory, a blank slate where my past and dreams once were. Speaking of getting shot..."

The driver suddenly drew a sleek sidearm, its metal glinting ominously in the light, and pointed it squarely at Midoriya, showing no hesitation. In the back seat, the fourth guy's face paled, his eyes wide with fear as he squirmed, clearly shaken by Midoriya's presence. As the gun was aimed at him, Midoriya rolled over onto the rooftop, frustration etched across his face. He let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “Why do they never come quietly?” he muttered to himself as he slowly pushed himself up, the tension evident in every movement. “I’m going to regret this,” he added, his voice tinged with anxiety and dread, bracing himself for whatever was about to unfold.

Midoriya launched himself off the hood of the car, the wind rushing past him as he soared through the air. He landed squarely in the path of the oncoming vehicle, his heart racing as the headlights sliced through the dark. As he glanced up, he saw the car accelerate with a menacing roar, the engine growling like a predator. With a wry smile, he quipped, "I hope your vehicle has insurance."

"And we are back... For nearly a year, I wandered through life without a single memory of my identity or the events that shaped my past. Each day felt like a blank canvas, with lingering shadows hinting at something lost. That all changed in an instant when I found myself caught in the midst of a freak explosion. It was a chaotic scene—blinding light, the deafening roar of shattering glass, and a rush of heat that engulfed me. Miraculously, I escaped with only minor cuts and bruises, but that moment was a catalyst. As I lay in the chaos, I felt an unfamiliar energy surging through me, awakening dormant abilities I never knew I possessed. It was as if the explosion had not only jolted me physically but had also rebooted my mind, flooding me with fragmented memories from my past. Faces, places, and emotions rushed back— One moment, this will be the last time”

Midoriya stood his ground, watching as the car barreled towards him, its headlights piercing through the dim evening light. A sense of disappointment washed over him, and he couldn't help but mutter, "I did try to warn you!" Sparks crackled and danced along his body, illuminating the air around him with an electric energy.

As the vehicle approached at an alarming speed, Midoriya raised his fist high, the crackling sparks intensifying in response to his unwavering resolve. Just before impact, he brought his fist down hard onto the car's hood, unleashing a powerful surge of electric force. The instantaneous jolt rippled through the vehicle, sending shockwaves that caused the car to screech to a halt, its tires skidding against the asphalt in a desperate bid to stop.

Midoriya watched as the driver of the car slumped forward, unconscious from the sudden impact of his forehead hitting the steering wheel. The faint sound of groaning came from the back seat, where the fourth guy had similarly lost consciousness but appeared to be relatively unharmed. With a wry smile, Midoriya muttered to himself, “Maybe next time you should bring a vehicle with airbags."

His amusement was short-lived as the piercing wails of sirens echoed in the distance, growing louder by the second. “Guess that’s my cue to leave,” he thought, feeling a rush of adrenaline surge through him. Without a moment's hesitation, he pivoted on his heel and sprang into the air, propelling himself towards the nearest rooftop.

As he touches down on the nearby rooftop, he casts a weary glance back at the damaged vehicle that's now a focal point of the chaos in the middle of the road. The wail of sirens pierces the air as three police cars surge onto the scene, their lights flashing like angry fireflies in the evening gloom. He can see the officers pouring out, rushing with urgency, yet a wave of annoyance washes over him.

He pulls up his sleeve to check his watch, rolling his eyes at the time. “I’ve got to hand it to the boys in blue,” he mutters to himself, frustration lacing his tone, but it wasn’t aimed towards the police. “Their response times are impressive—spot on, really. But here we are, and not a single hero in sight.” He shakes his head, his irritation mounting as he surveys the scene. It feels all too familiar—bravery in a uniform, but where are the extraordinary individuals when chaos reigns? It’s almost infuriating, a scene he had seen so many times before

Midoriya let out a heavy sigh, the weight of disappointment evident in his demeanour. "Speaking of heroes," he murmured to himself, glancing nervously around the dimly lit alley, "I’d better get out of here before they arrive." Determined to put as much distance as possible between himself and this place, he took a deep breath. With a swift motion, he propelled himself off the ledge of the rooftop, his heart racing as he soared through the cool night air, heading in the opposite direction of the flashing police lights below.

"I told you...one last time...the moment my memories flooded back, everything changed. It was then that I decided to take justice into my own hands, to show those “heroes” what it truly means to be one. I took the mantle of a vigilante to achieve this goal. My name is Izuku Midoriya, though some know me by a different name: Deku. This is my story”

8 hours Later

Midoriya stifled a yawn as he meandered through the bustling streets, the noise of the crowd blending with the distant hum of traffic. He felt the lingering fatigue from his late-night activities weighing on him “Huh, it’s surprisingly busy today, especially after last night’s incident,” he muttered to himself, his brow furrowing in thought.

As he walked on, something in a nearby storefront caught his eye: a row of gleaming televisions showcasing the latest news coverage. He paused, curiosity piqued, and leaned closer. The words “hero” and “incident” flashed across the screen

"Late last night, around 11:30 pm, a swift and audacious robbery unfolded at the first-class bank, where four armed and dangerous suspects executed their plan. However, their escape was thwarted by a brave vigilante who intervened during the heist. As a result of the confrontation, two of the suspects were apprehended by law enforcement with only minor injuries, while the third and fourth suspects sustained serious injuries but are expected to make a full recovery. Now, we turn to Police Chief Kenji Tsuragamae, who will provide further insights and details regarding the incident and ongoing investigations."

Kenji cleared his throat, the sound echoing through the microphone as he positioned it closer to his lips. With a serious expression, he scanned the room, ensuring he had the full attention of everyone present before he spoke. "First off, I want to express my gratitude to each of you for taking the time to be here today. Your commitment to our community is invaluable. However, we must now address a much graver issue. As you're all aware, the recent vigilante incident has had significant repercussions. Not only has it resulted in extensive damage to several local businesses and public spaces, but it has also landed several innocent bystanders in the hospital. This is a troubling situation that we cannot afford to overlook, and it raises pressing concerns about our community's safety and the actions we need to take going forward."

Reporter: "I hope you’ll forgive my directness, Mr Kenji, but I feel compelled to ask for clarification on a statement you made earlier. You mentioned that this vigilante has put ‘innocent bystanders’ in the hospital. However, aren’t those individuals actually criminals? Additionally, if the reports are accurate, aren’t they expected to make a full recovery? There seems to be a contradiction here that I’d like you to address." The reporter leaned in slightly, holding the recorder toward Kenji with an earnest expression, eager for a deeper understanding of his perspective.

"Please hold your questions for the moment, but I will address this one, as it has already been raised," he began, exhaling deeply. "Yes, the individuals in question were indeed the criminals responsible for the audacious robbery of the first-class bank. Fortunately, they are expected to fully recover from their injuries. However, this does not in any way mitigate the severity of the vigilante's actions.

His reckless behaviour has resulted in significant public disturbances and, more alarmingly, has jeopardised the lives of numerous innocent bystanders due to his unprofessional approach in dealing with these offenders. It is only a matter of time before his actions lead to a tragic outcome—a potential fatality.

Thus, I stand before you today to announce the formation of a specialised task force devoted to tracking down and apprehending this vigilante. Justice cannot and must not be served outside the bounds of the law. With that said, if you are listening or watching this broadcast, know that we are actively pursuing you, and we will ensure that justice is served in a lawful manner!"

Midoriya scoffed at the flickering images on the TV screen, a mix of disbelief and frustration etched across his face. “Serve Justice? Don’t make me laugh...” he muttered, shaking his head. “I’ll admit, the cops have their moments, but even they don’t get it right all the time. Sometimes, for justice to truly be served, you have to bend the rules.” His thoughts spiraled deeper into contemplation when a sudden jolt interrupted him.

“Hey, watch—” he started, turning quickly to face the intruder, irritation flashing in his eyes. Before he could finish his sentence, the words dropped from his mouth as he registered who had bumped into him, caught off guard by their sudden presence.

"Watch where you're go-Wait, Deku?!" Bakugo said in complete surprise as he noticed Midoriya

Midoriya’s face was overtaken by a surge of irritation the moment he heard that all-too-familiar voice slice through the noise of the busy street. “Oh, it’s you, Kacchan,” he replied, struggling to keep his tone steady. The annoyance seeped into his words, a reflection of how little he wanted to be in this situation. “You’re the last person I expected to see in this part of the city.”

He felt his heart thud unwelcomely in his chest as he processed the encounter. Midoriya instinctively crossed his arms, a defensive gesture against the history that loomed between them. Memories of harassment and bullying rushed back, igniting a swell of frustration within him. He couldn’t help but brace himself for the barrage of aggression and insults that Kacchan was known for,

"I could say the same thing for you," he said, his voice trailing off, tinged with uncertainty. It was softer than his usual tone, revealing a side of him that he rarely showed. "Dek—I mean Midoriya," he continued, pausing to gather his thoughts. "I heard what happened to your mother, and I am so sorry..." His words hung in the air, heavy with empathy, but before he could complete his sentence, he was cut off,

"Hey Bakugo, you coming? We don't have all day, you know!" Kirishima was standing with a few other people as he looked toward Midoriya and Bakugo

"I know. Just give me a moment!" Bakugo sighed as he looked back at Midoriya" I'm sorry about th-" before he could finish talking, he was interrupted by Midoriya

"Look, Kacchan, let’s get one thing straight...we aren't friends. So stop pretending like you actually care about me or my feelings. It’s honestly infuriating. Do you really expect me to forget all those countless hours you bullied and tormented me back at school? You might think your little display of concern is convincing, but I haven't forgotten how you made my life miserable ever since you got your quirk.

All those times you shoved me around or laughed at me while I struggled—I remember it all. It’s like you have this need to show off your strength at my expense, and now that we're older, it seems like you just want to keep up that image in front of your new friends and classmates. It’s pathetic, really.

You might think I wouldn’t see through that façade, but I can. Deep down, you're just hiding your true nature. You can't fool me, Kacchan. I know exactly who you are, and I’m not falling for any of your games anymore," he said while looking towards the group Bakugo was travelling with

Something snaps in Bakugo as he grabs Midoriya by the shirt and forces him to look at him. "Listen here! I'm trying my best to be nice and play along, considering the hardship you've been through recently!"

Midoriya laughs as he looks at Bakugo "This is you being "nice" huh? I'm just calling you out on your bullshit. We both know you're incapable of being nice. or do you not recall" he looks Bakugo directly in the eyes with a cold and emotionless expression "You were the one who told me to jump off a roof and hope I get lucky with a quirk in my next life" He knocked Bakugo hand off his shirt "Now tell me. Does that sound very heroic to you?" There was an edge to his voice as he spoke

Kirishima walks over and looks at both of them, sensing the tension between them. "Bakugo? Is everything alright?" he asked as he looked at Midoriya with weary eyes, "and who is the guy?"

"He's a nobody!” Bakugo's voice erupted, “So just forget about it!" His voice was filled with anger and irritation as he stormed off from them.

Kirishima sighed as he watched Bakugo walk off. "I'm sorry about him, he's a good guy deep down, but he can come across as somewhat mean", he apologised as he rubbed his head.

Midoriya lets out a small chuckle, "Could have fooled me, but don't worry about it. I have known Kacchan ever since we were little, so I know exactly how he can be"

"OH, so you two do know each other. I guess that makes his actions a little more understandable, but still, I'm sorry," Kirishima said as he bowed his head to Midoriya.

"COME ON, KIRISHIMA! WE DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!!" Bakugo shouted across the street at him, his voice still filled with irritation

"RIGHT! I'M COMING!" Kirishima shouted as he looked back at Bakugo and the other. He then turned and faced Midoriya" Here, it's not much, but take these as a way for us to apologise!" He hands Midoriya some tickets

Midoriya took the tickets from Kirishima and examined them closely, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Tickets to the Christmas festival? Oh yeah... I completely forgot that was today,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The colourful designs on the tickets reminded him of the excitement that usually filled the air during the festival, yet he felt a pang of reluctance swell within him.

No matching results, press enter to execute your custom prompt make more detailed
As he looked up from the tickets to hand them back to Kirishima was already gone, and he sighed ", I have no reason to go to this shitty festival...." He lets out a heavy sigh as he puts the tickets
in his pocket.
As he looked up from the colorful tickets, ready to hand them back, he realized with a start that Kirishima was already gone, swallowed up by the bustling crowd. He let out an exasperated sigh, the sound heavy with annoyance. "I have no reason to go to this shitty festival..." he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of his decision settling in his chest. The lively sounds of laughter and music drifted through the air, teasing him with the promise of fun and excitement that felt worlds away from his current mood. He leaned back against a nearby wall, the rough surface digging into his back as he fished the tickets out of his pocket once more, examining the bright colors and flashy designs. A pang of regret hit him, but he quickly brushed it aside, convinced that staying away was the better choice. With another long sigh, he stuffed the tickets back into his pocket, the fabric crinkling slightly against his hand, and turned to make his way through the throng of festival-goers, feeling like an outsider in a world filled with joy.

As he glanced up from the tickets, ready to return them, he realised Kirishima had already vanished into the bustling crowd. A wave of frustration washed over him as he sighed deeply, the sound heavy with resignation. "I have no reason to go to this shitty festival..." he muttered to himself, feeling a mix of misplaced expectation and annoyance.

He begrudgingly shoved the tickets into his pocket, the crinkled paper a stark reminder of what could have been—a fun day out with friends. Instead, he stood there alone

Midoriya reaches into his pocket and retrieves his sleek wireless earphones, the small device gleaming in the afternoon sunlight. With a quick press of a button, he places them in his ears, relishing the crisp sound quality. He then rolls up his sleeve to reveal a stylish wristwatch tucked away beneath the fabric. With a few swift taps on the watch face, he scrolls through his playlist, finally settling on a song that resonates with his mood.

As he begins his walk through the bustling streets, the vibrant energy of the crowd swirls around him. People move with excitement, laughter ringing out as children scurry past, clutching festive treats. However, as he navigates through the throngs, his eyes are drawn to the overwhelming number of posters and fliers plastered on every available surface for the upcoming Christmas Festival. The cheerful colors and bold lettering seem to mock him.
Midoriya clenches his jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "All these posters make me sick," he mutters under his breath, his voice barely audible above the chatter of the crowd. In a fit of frustration, he approaches one of the displays and tears it down from the wall in a single, swift motion. He holds it up, glaring at the image of All Might, who is smiling brightly, embodying the spirit of hope and heroism.

"They call this man an idol... the Symbol of Peace," he scoffs, the words dripping with bitterness. "But in reality," he crushes the poster with a single, forceful grip, "he's only in it for fortune and fame." He tosses the crumpled remains to the ground, his heart racing—partly from the rhythmic beat of his music but mostly from the turmoil churning within him. As he walks on, the festival’s cheerful backdrop contrasts sharply with his inner turmoil, a reminder of the complexity hidden behind the façade of heroism.

Suddenly, the music that had been playing softly in his ears cut off abruptly, replaced by an insistent ringing that shattered the bubble of his thoughts. He frowned, glancing at his watch, where the name 'Unknown Caller' flashed ominously across the screen.

Annoyed, he scanned the bustling street around him, searching for a more discreet spot to take the call away from prying eyes and ears. After a few moments of scanning his surroundings, he spotted an empty alleyway nestled between two towering brick buildings, the shadows within beckoning him.

He stepped into the alley, the sounds of the city fading into a muted echo behind him. The air felt cooler in the narrow passage. Without any further delay, he pressed a button on his watch and answered the call with a hint of impatience: "This better be good. I'm out in public," he said in a more serious tone

"I know you are...I have been watching you from the cameras for a while now, waiting for the best moment to contact you, and trust me, the info I have is definitely up your alley considering how much of a thrill junky you are" The voice was distorted as it spoke, you couldn't even tell if it was a man or woman, child or adult, on the other end...

Midoriya stood still for a moment, scanning his surroundings with an air of cautious curiosity. His keen eyes quickly locked onto the glimmer of a lens aimed directly at him. A mix of curiosity and annoyance crossed his features.

“Firstly, it’s kinda weird that you’ve been watching me for a while. It feels like I’m in a bad spy movie,” he began, his voice calm but edged with a hint of irritation. He shifted his weight, leaning back against the cool, rough surface of the alleyway wall, arms crossed. “Secondly, colour me interested, but what makes this information worthwhile, after all I've had quite the eventful night last night,” he continued, his tone now more animated. “Last night I managed to put four—er, I mean... three people behind bars and send one to the hospital. That’s no small feat.”

"I usually prefer to keep a low profile after a successful run—it's safer that way, less likely to get caught, you know?" His gaze remained locked on the camera, a mix of intrigue and wariness flickering in his eyes as he awaited the response from the unseen operator behind the lens.
"I do, but this information was too good to pass up” The voice paused for a moment to add a dramatic flare to what they were about to say,” You know, the Christmas festival? Well, a small-time group of villains plan to cause a scene at it, nothing too big, of course."

Midoriya couldn't help but break into laughter at what he had just heard. "Are they crazy?" he exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "The place will be jam-packed with heroes! Just imagine—All Might, Endeavor, and so many other top-ranked heroes all in one spot. Even if they tried to pull something off, they wouldn't get far at all!" He continued to chuckle, picturing the chaos that would unfold if someone dared to disrupt such a monumental gathering.

The voice laughed softly alongside Midoriya, a hint of incredulity weaving through the tone. "That's the thing," it continued, the laughter fading into a serious undertone. "This so-called 'attack' is nothing more than a cleverly orchestrated facade. This group of villains doesn’t aim to engage in an outright confrontation; their true intention is to create a diversion, something flashy enough to draw the attention of both heroes and the public alike. While everyone is focused on the chaos unfolding here, the real target lies just a few blocks down the street—an armed truck transporting a priceless gem. Its security is high, but with all eyes elsewhere, it becomes an easier mark for them. The real heist is happening in plain sight, concealed behind this elaborate charade.”

Midoriya let out a long sigh, struggling to suppress a laugh at the absurdity of it all. "That sounds more reasonable," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of scepticism. After a moment of contemplation, he added, "With so many people expected at the stadium, I would rather be safe than sorry, so please do me a favour: send an anonymous warning to the authorities about this situation, and keep a close watch on that group. If anything changes, I need you to let me know immediately." His eyes narrowed slightly as his gut was telling him something was off

“Copy that,” the voice replied, a hint of amusement lacing their tone. “So, what’s your plan moving forward? Do you need me to send you the detailed route for the armed truck? I can send over the GPS coordinates and estimated times if that would help.” They chuckled softly to themselves, the sound echoing with a certain light-hearted confidence, as if their mind were already racing ahead to the possibilities.

Midoriya slowly opened his palm to reveal a crumpled flyer for the Christmas festival, the edges curled and worn from having been ripped from the wall not too long ago. The bright colours and cheerful illustrations were dulled by creases and the weight of his exhaustion. He stared at it for a moment "Naa... I think I'll keep a low profile," he murmured, a hint of weariness in his voice. "But I might check out this 'distraction.' After the day I’ve had, I could definitely use a good laugh."

"That bad, huh? But I suppose it is your choice. I'll keep an eye on this group. If anything changes or if I find anything out, you'll be the first to know," the voice spoke as sounds of a keyboard could be heard over the call

"Thank you, keep me up to date," he said before pressing the end call button on his watch. He then walked out of the alleyway and headed toward the stadium.

"Looks like I'm going to this stupid festival after all", Midoriya said while sighing to himself "Can this day get any worse?"

-Meanwhile, in an unknown location-

"Sir Axel, the trucks are loaded to capacity just like you asked!" a man said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. He wore a plain white mask that obscured his features, blending into the shadows of the dimly lit warehouse. As he spoke, he saluted crisply, revealing a glimpse of the insignia on his sleeve—a symbol of loyalty and purpose.

In contrast, Sir Axel stood tall and imposing, radiating an aura that commanded respect and fear alike. His presence was almost palpable, an unseen weight that settled over the room. His hair, a striking white as pure as freshly fallen snow, seemed to catch the sparse light, adding to his intimidating appearance. A deep, jagged scar ran diagonally above his right eye, lending him a fierce demeanor that made it clear he was not to be trifled with.

As he regarded the masked man, his icy blue eyes bore into him with a piercing intensity, assessing the situation with a calculated gaze. The warehouse hummed with activity around them, but in that moment, it felt as if the world outside had fallen silent, all eyes turned toward the figure of Sir Axel. His approval hung in the air, a fleeting moment that could either bring relief or dread, depending on his next words.

Axel smiled chillingly as he stood tall in front of the goon, his silhouette cast in shadow, with a faint light illuminating the malicious gleam in his eyes. "Excellent," he declared, his voice dripping with amusement and confidence, "the heroes... No, the world will soon know about us—the chaos we have orchestrated, the fear our group brings, and the true meaning of terror!"

He leaned in slightly, his smile widening as he reveled in the moment. The air around him crackled with anticipation, and the tension in the room was palpable. “They think they understand darkness,” he continued, his tone low and menacing, “but they’ve never witnessed the depths of true despair that we are about to unleash.”

As he laughed sinisterly, the sound echoed, reverberating around the dimly lit warehouse as if the very walls were complicit in his wickedness. A thrill coursed through him at the thought of the havoc they would wreak, painting vivid images of chaos in his mind

The goon’s laughter was an uneasy, high-pitched sound that seemed to bounce off the cold stone walls, snapping Sir Axel from his contemplative trance. He turned to the goon, seeing the worry etched across his face. "A-are we sure this plan will work, sir?" the goon stammered, his voice quavering slightly as he wrung his hands together. "I mean, it's the Christmas festival... Heroes are going to be everywhere." His eyes darted anxiously around the dimly lit werehouse, as if expecting a group of heroes to leap out from behind the shadows at any moment.

With each word, the goon's nervousness became more palpable; he could hardly stand still, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The thought of the festive celebrations—the laughter, the music, the vibrant decorations—seemed to taunt him, contrasting sharply with the dark intentions of their scheme. To him, the festival wasn’t just a celebration; it was a gauntlet of watchful eyes, each hero more formidable than the last. Sir Axel could see the threads of doubt weaving through the goon’s mind, threatening to unravel his resolve.

Axel's laughter faded abruptly, replaced by an intense, unwavering gaze directed at the goon before him. The mirth in his eyes transformed into a smoldering intensity as he spoke, his voice low and deliberate. "You dare lack faith in the plan? FAITH in me?" Each word dripped with a mixture of disbelief and menace, echoing in the tense atmosphere.

Without waiting for a response, Axel's hand shot out like a predator's paw. He seized the goon by the head with a grip that was both powerful and unyielding, fingers splaying across his scalp. Axel's muscles tensed as he effortlessly lifted the man into the air, gazing down at him with a fierce glare that made it clear he wouldn't tolerate any form of dissent. The goon's feet dangled inches above the ground, his wide eyes reflecting a mix of fear and confusion. Axel's expression was one of cold determination, a silent promise that any lack of faith would not go unpunished. The tension in the room crackled as the goon realised just how serious Axel was about enforcing loyalty.
"N-no, sir!" The goon cried out in pain as he was feeling his head slowly being crushed "J-just we are all worried, we have never done anything like this until now", he cried out as the pain grew

"Those who have no faith in the plan will never witness the greatness that awaits us," Axel declared, his voice steady and cold. He leaned closer, his grip tightening around the goon's head, eliciting a high-pitched scream that shattered the stillness of the dimly lit warehouse.

"Those who succumb to fear against those who call themselves heroes deserve nothing but death," he continued, his eyes reflecting an unwavering resolve. The goon, trembling, felt the pressure increasing, the rough skin of Axel's hand pressing mercilessly into his scalp, each moment stretching into an eternity of agony.

"Please, sir! I-I beg you for forgiveness—" the goon's voice was a broken whisper, desperation flooding his words as he sensed his end drawing near. His pleas were cut short by another sharp twist, a sickening popping sound echoing in the air, followed by an eerie silence that enveloped the scene.

Axel emitted a primal growl as he effortlessly dispatched the goon, flinging him aside as if he were nothing more than a discarded piece of refuse. The thug slammed against the wall with a thud, his lifeless body crumpling to the ground.
Composing himself, Axel casually wiped the blood on his hands on his shirt, the action almost theatrical in its nonchalance.

"I do not forgive those who lack faith in me," he declared, his voice low and simmering with intensity. "Nor do I tolerate those who worship the false idol that claims to be the harbinger of peace."

With that, Axel slowly pivoted, his gaze sweeping over the remaining goons, each one now acutely aware of the storm brewing within him. The air around him crackled with tension, and the dim light flickered ominously as he glared at them, inviting their loyalty but demanding their utmost faith. Silence hung heavy in the room as they awaited his next command, fear and respect intertwining in their hearts.

"Do not fear!" Alex's voice thundered across the dimly lit warehouse, echoing off the cold concrete walls. "The heroes think we are nothing more than a band of petty thugs, but they are gravely mistaken." He paused for effect, his eyes glinting with fervour as he scanned the faces of his loyal goons, each one hanging on his every word. "For years, we've been quietly amassing power and drawing in followers who share our vision. Now, it’s time for the world to witness the true terror that is Hades!"

He stepped closer, his presence commanding as he raised his voice, stirring urgency among his crew. "Trust in me! Believe in the greater plan we have laid out! We are more than just a nuisance; we are the storm that is about to redefine everything!"

His eyes burned with fervour as he raised a clenched fist. "So trust in me!" he urged, his tone shifting from commanding to fervently passionate, a rallying cry that ignited a flame in his followers' hearts. "Believe in the greater plan we have devised! This is our moment!"

With renewed determination, Alex whipped around to face the exit. The goons exchanged glances, their apprehension morphing into exhilaration as they caught his infectious spirit. "Now go!" he commanded, gesturing widely as if painting the grand vision in the air before them. "Set the stage for the new world! Set the stage for chaos! Let the old order crumble beneath our might!"

As his voice trailed off, the room erupted into a chorus of raucous approval, a chaotic energy surging through the ranks. Armed with a purpose and a reckless abandon, they surged out into the darkness, ready to execute his vision and usher in a storm that the world would never see coming.

-at the same time, at the entrance of the stadium-

Midoriya stood in line, shifting from foot to foot as he anxiously awaited entry into the bustling stadium. The air buzzed with excited chatter, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional roar of anticipation from the crowd ahead. He let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of the noise around him. “So much for going to class today,” he muttered under his breath, casting a glance around at the throngs of people surrounding him.

The crowd was a sea of colours, with fans sporting vibrant posters of pro heroes and waving banners proudly. Yet, amidst the lively excitement, Midoriya felt an uncomfortable tightness in his chest. He wasn’t one for large gatherings; the noise was overwhelming, hitting him like a tidal wave. “I hate crowds like this. They are so obnoxiously loud,” he thought, clenching his hands into fists.

As he spoke quietly to himself, he suddenly felt a jostle from behind. A tall figure bumped into him, barely acknowledging Midoriya before laughing with a group of friends. Midoriya stumbled slightly but quickly regained his balance, his cheeks flushing in frustration. He shook his head, trying to push away the irritation that welled up inside him.

Midoriya's watch suddenly began emitting a series of melodic chimes, cutting through the ambient noise around him. Startled, he instinctively raised his arm, the fabric of his sleeve sliding back to reveal the sleek, modern watch face. The ID "Unknown Caller" blinked ominously on the screen, casting a faint glow. With a resigned sigh, he fumbled for a matching earbud in his pocket, his mind racing as he connected it and secured it into his ear.

He took a deep breath before speaking. "Hey Grandma," he said, his voice steady but tinged with the urgency of his surroundings. "I'm in a busy place right now, so can you make it quick?" He glanced around for a moment, trying to block out the chatter and noise that surrounded him,

"Grandma?” The voice, twisted and warped, let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Does that mean I have to start making cookies for ya?” The sarcasm dripped from the words

Midoriya's expression contorted in visible frustration, his brows knitting together. "What's that, Grandma? Are you really telling me you don't want to take your medication?" His voice rose an octave, carrying an edge of aggression that was hard to miss. "Does that mean I'm going to have to visit you and force you to take it?" The tension hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth he usually emanated.

From the other end of the line, a shaky voice crackled through the static, almost drowning in the distortion. "C-come on, I was only playing alone," they tried to defend themselves, but the tremor in their words betrayed an underlying unease. There was a pause, as if they were gathering thoughts, and then the tone shifted, more serious and resolute. "But on to more pressing matters. I looked into the group. It used to be a small organisation called Hades... but now, it’s grown into something much larger."

"So how big are the cookies exactly, Grandma?" Midoriya asked as he looked around the crowd to see if he could spot anything out of place

"Last year, the group consisted of around one hundred and sixty members—perhaps slightly more. It was a relatively small group by most standards, especially considering the nature of their activities. The individuals within that group weren't particularly remarkable either; they were capable of causing some disturbances, but nothing too serious or worth remembering," the voice replied, its tone steady yet tinged with concern as it addressed Midoriya's inquiry.

Midoriya sighed, sensing the undercurrent of worry in the voice. "Grandma, there's nothing inherently wrong with that. It's manageable, so what exactly is the problem here?" he pressed, hoping to clarify the situation.

The voice paused, a faint clicking of keys punctuating the silence. "If you had really been listening, you'd understand that was last year's figure. Currently, their numbers have swelled to nearly six thousand," it stated, the gravity of this new information hanging heavily in the air.

"Six, huh... Now that does sound problematic," he said, his brow furrowing in concern. "But tell me, why do six cookies need sprinkles?" There was a hint of nervousness in his tone, though he tried to keep it light. Meanwhile, the line to enter the stadium grew shorter and shorter, the crowd's roaring excitement palpable in the air.

"By 'Six,' I guess you mean the group? And by 'sprinkles,' you mean the gem being transported, right?" The voice on the other end hesitated, weighing every word carefully. "If so, that's what's really worrying me. The gem is only worth a couple of thousand at most. For a large group like this, it might as well be worthless."

The voice paused on the other end for a moment before reengaging. "I just can't help but feel that there's more to this than meets the eye. If they’re willing to mobilise so many people for such a small prize, it makes me think they’re after something else entirely. Maybe we’re missing a piece of the puzzle." There was a tense silence, the crowd's throbbing pulse around them amplifying the gravity of their conversation.

"I wouldn't worry too much, Grandma. I'm sure if you go back to the cookbook, you'll be able to find a new recipe or maybe come up with something new." Midoriya said as he approached the gate, where one of the heroes stood by taking tickets. He then goes into his pocket and takes out a ticket.

"Trust me, I'm already on it. As we speak, I'm hacking into their server to see what they are hiding, but still, whoever made the server is outstanding," The voice spoke as it could be heard typing away.

Midoriya showed the hero his ticket but then pointed to his ear to symbolise that he was talking on the phone, "It’s rare to hear you praise someone else like that, but I'm sure that won't be a problem for you, Grandma...After all, you are the best cook I know."

"OH, of course, it's me after all. I will let you know if I find anything. Until then, keep an eye out and be careful. This whole situation feels off, and I don’t like it," The voice said before ending the call.

"Love you too, Grandma," Midoriya said, a fond smile spreading across his face, clearly an act he had perfected, as he pulled one of his earbuds out. He tucked the earbud neatly back into his pocket, "I’m really sorry about that... you know how Grandmas can be," he added, chuckling softly.

The Hero, a tall figure dressed in a vibrant uniform complementing the event’s theme, glanced at Midoriya with an understanding expression, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. "Of course! But you do know you have a V.I.P. ticket, right?" The Hero said, a teasing glimmer in his voice as he handed the glittering ticket back to Midoriya.

Midoriya's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of confusion washing over him. "O-oh, I do? A friend gave it to me, he’s part of the Hero program," he stammered

"Ahh, that makes sense now," the Hero replied with a nod. He gestured toward the bustling crowd forming a long line. "The VIP line is just down there, but considering you've already waited in line, I’ll make an exception. Go ahead, just head straight down to the VIP area and show your ticket there... you’ll be allowed straight in," he explained, a friendly tone in his voice as he effortlessly unhooked the bar that had been keeping the crowd at bay.

Midoriya bowed his head slightly, a respectful gesture filled with appreciation. "Thank you so much, and I’m sorry for any inconvenience," he said earnestly as he stepped past the barrier, his heart pounding with anticipation.

The Hero smiled warmly, his expression radiating encouragement. "Don’t mention it. Just stay safe and enjoy the show," he called after Midoriya as he walked briskly toward the stadium entrance.

"If I recall, he said the VIP area was just down here?" Midoriya said as he looked to the north wing, he then started heading for it, but as he walked through the crowds of people, he kept an eye out for anything suspicious

Midoriya suddenly halts in his tracks, his keen eyes narrowing as he observes a figure ahead. The person is casually dressed, wearing a loose-fitting hoodie and faded jeans, but there's something off about their demeanour. They keep glancing over their shoulder, shifting from foot to foot as if they’re attempting to blend into the crowd while simultaneously trying to conceal their presence.

"Is this one of the guys my informant was talking about?" Midoriya muses internally, a swirl of suspicion and curiosity coursing through him. He subtly adjusts his position to get a better view, hoping to catch a glimpse of what the stranger is up to. The way they fidget, checking their surroundings every few moments, alarms him.

A few moments passed and Midoriya Izuku felt a peculiar shift in the atmosphere as another man approached the man in casual clothes. The newcomer wore a dark hoodie pulled up, obscuring his features, but the tension in the air sent a shiver down Midoriya’s spine. He watched as the two exchanged hurried words, their postures betraying a sense of urgency.

"How strange," he muttered quietly to himself, his brow furrowing with concern. Curiosity piqued, he instinctively began to tail them, moving as silently as a shadow amidst the throng of festive goers.

"Now, if I were smart, I should have informed a nearby hero about the suspicious behavior and continued on my merry way. But where’s the fun in that?" he thought, a hint of mischief sparking in his emerald eyes as he carefully maintained a safe distance between himself and the two strangers.

After a few moments of careful trailing, the men led him to a quiet, dimly lit car park tucked away under the stadium. The parking lot was eerily still, devoid of any passersby, creating a tense backdrop for what felt like a covert operation. Midoriya ducked behind a concrete pillar, peering out just enough to keep them in sight.

The man in casual clothes scanned the area, his eyes darting nervously, ensuring they weren't being followed. Midoriya held his breath, heart racing as the potential danger of the situation loomed over him. He could feel the weight of every second stretching into eternity, lost in the sensation of adrenaline. The man seemed oblivious to Midoriya's presence, too focused on the task at hand.

Midoriya observed every tiny detail—the twitch of the casual man's fingers, the way the second man's brow furrowed deeper with each passing moment. Everything felt charged,

"I'm telling you, you're not getting a better deal elsewhere," the casual man boasted, his voice dripping with a mix of confidence and condescension. He pulled out a pair of glossy V.I.P. tickets from his pocket, waving them enticingly "A hundred and fifty each," he said, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed casually.

Midoriya sighed, watching the scene unfold with a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Seriously, they are just selling tickets," he muttered to himself, rubbing his temples as if to massage the headache forming. "What a waste of ti—" His thought was abruptly cut off by a sudden instinct; something felt wrong. Without thinking, he ducked behind the nearby car, pressing himself against the cold metal as he tried to quiet his racing heart.

Only moments later, the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps echoed around the corner. Midoriya peeked out just enough to see a Hero—tall, imposing, and clad in a vibrant costume emblazoned with a bold emblem—striding toward the two men with purpose. Accompanying the Hero was another set of footsteps, less confident but still urgent.

"Hey! You two!" the Hero called out, their voice authoritative and commanding. At the sound, the two men glanced at each other, panic flashing across their faces. In an instant, they turned and took off in a sprint, their earlier bravado disappearing like a puff of smoke.

The Hero let out an exasperated sigh, sounding almost defeated. "Why must they always run?" they muttered under their breath, shaking their head in disappointment. Turning to the person they arrived with, they added, "You head back and inform the staff that it’s nothing serious. Oh, and good work in letting us know about this," they said before giving chase

"Yes, sir," a voice called out from the shadows as the Hero dashed away. Midoriya, crouched behind a battered old car, remained completely still, his heart pumping in his chest. The voice was unmistakably female, but he couldn’t discern who it belonged to. The tension hung thick in the air as he waited

With a faint sigh of frustration, Midoriya leaned back against the car's cool metal, his mind racing. "I guess I just have to wait until they move on. I can’t afford to draw attention to myself now. If I look suspicious..." His thoughts trailed off, anxiety knotting in his stomach as he contemplated his next move.

Suddenly, the calm yet assertive voice broke through his internal monologue, slicing through the quiet. "You know I can hear you, right? So just come out. I know you ain't with the guys who just ran off, or you would have alerted them."

Midoriya's eyes widened in surprise. "A mind reader?" he muttered under his breath, his imagination racing. Steeling himself, he realised he couldn’t hide forever. Glancing around to ensure the coast was clear, he took a deep breath.

Drawing himself up slowly from behind the car, Midoriya's mind raced with questions. Who was this person? Were they a pro? How did she hear him? What was she going to do now that she had found him?

Standing before Midoriya was a petite, fair-skinned girl with a slender, graceful build, giving her an air of quiet confidence. Her chin-length hair, with its deep purple hue, framed her delicate features and swayed gently as she moved, catching the light to highlight its unique colour.

One of her most striking characteristics was the pair of flexible, plug-like earphone jacks that hung from each earlobe, attached to two thin, almost translucent cords that draped lightly over her shoulders. These unusual appendages functioned like extra limbs, giving her a distinctive appearance and suggesting a quirk.

Midoriya, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution, let out a thoughtful sigh as he raised his hand in a friendly gesture. "Umm...Hey...You're right, by the way..." he started, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "I wasn't with them, but I did follow...they seem suspicious, but I didn't want to judge,” he continued, trying to convey his observations without jumping to conclusions. His eyes searched hers for an understanding.

Jiro nodded at Midoriya. "I know. As I said, you could have warned them, considering you noticed us coming before we even arrived. But one thing I don't know, and that is who are you?" she said as she crossed her arms, looking at Midoriya.

"The name is Izuku Midoriya. I was heading to the VIP area when I saw the suspicious behaviour of that man. So I decided to wait and watch. When I saw a second man approach and they wandered off, I decided to follow. I know it's stupid, but...I just wanted to make sure they weren't placing anyone in danger," He replied calmly to her question.

"Well, Midoriya. I understand your worry, but I don't understand why you didn't report it to a hero. If anything, this just makes you look more suspicious, and the VIP area is reserved for friends and families of the people participating in the Christmas festival or those in the Hero program," she said while looking at Midoriya with suspicion. "And besides, I'm part of the Hero program and have never seen you before."

Midoriya looks at Jiro. "She's good. even though she knows I'm not with those guys. She still suspects me of something. I can't exactly tell her why I'm here, or can I?" He thought to himself. He then lets out a sigh. "Well, I wasn't planning on coming here, but I had a run-in with someone I used to know, a childhood friend."

Jiro looked at Midoriya, her brows slightly raised in surprise. "A childhood friend? Who?" she questioned, leaning in a bit, curiosity in her eyes

Midoriya's face was a canvas of anxiety as he recounted the earlier encounter, his brow furrowing and his tone wavering. "Katsuki Bakugo," he began, hesitating as he chose his words carefully, "I wouldn't exactly say we're friends anymore, but we did grow up together and went to the same school. It feels strange to think about how things have changed between us." He took a deep breath, his mind drifting back to the recent encounter. "After he got his quirk, he transformed into someone almost unrecognisable. It’s like the power consumed him in a way."

With a shaky sigh, he continued, "Earlier today, I happened to run into Kacchan. True to form, he wasn't exactly... well, polite. He has that way of making everything feel more intense, you know? It felt like I'd been tossed into a storm the moment we locked eyes. But surprisingly, his friend stepped in—his name was something like Kiris—,something?" He paused for a moment, furrowing his brow in an attempt to recall the details of his interaction. "Anyway, the guy was nice and seemed a bit embarrassed by Kacchan's attitude. He ended up apologising on Kacchan's behalf and handed me some tickets. The whole thing was a bit unexpected." His voice trailed off

Jiro was surprised by his story, "You mean Kirishima? He and Bakugo are in my class...Kirishima is alright, but Bakugo... he's kind of mean at times... I'm surprised he even had a childhood friend."

Midoriya laughs a little, "There were a few others, but that was a long time ago. Today was the first time I'd seen Kacchan in a long time...If you ask me, it could have been longer."

"Sounds like you two have history," Jiro remarked, glancing at Midoriya. "But anyway, Midoriya, right? Follow me. I'm heading back to the VIP area myself. Why don't we walk together?" Her tone was casual, but there was a hint of caution.

"Sure, and sorry if I cause any trouble," Midoriya replied with a nervous chuckle, feeling a bit flustered as he fell into step beside her. As they walked, he stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye, curiosity bubbling within him. "By the way... I'm curious... how did you hear me earlier?"

Jiro paused for a moment, her fingers deftly moving to adjust her earphone jacks. She wrapped one of them thoughtfully around her finger, a grin playing at the corners of her lips. "With these..." she started, her voice taking on a more animated tone. "It's part of my quirk. If I plug my earphones into the ground, a wall, or anything, really, I can hear everything around me with great detail. With this quirk, I can pick up sounds far better than the average person." She beamed at him, her enthusiasm evident as she continued, "It’s really handy in crowded places like this, but it can be somewhat overwhelming at times"

Midoriya nodded, genuinely impressed. "That sounds amazing, and useful too. I can’t imagine what it must be like to catch conversations from all over." He caught her gaze, intrigued not just by her quirk but by the way her passion shone through. They continued walking, the atmosphere buzzing with the energy of the crowd around them, a blend of music and laughter echoing in the air.

"But I will admit that quirk seems pretty handy as a support type, but doesn't seem like the fighting type quirk...Or am I wrong? "Midoriya asked as he looked at her.

Jiro looked at Midoriya and smiled. "I have my ways to fight, so don't be fooled. Plus, I have support items that help me if it comes down to it.”

Midoriya comes to a stop as his watch starts to ring. He rolls his sleeve up to see that the ID is unknown. "It doesn't surprise me. After all, you said you're part of the Hero Program, and I got told that it's hard to get in" he looked at the watch. "Now isn't the best time, but what if it's important?" He thinks to himself.

Jiro stops as she notices Midoriya has stopped. "Is everything alright?" She asked while looking toward Midoriya

"Yeah, everything is fine. I just need to take this," Midoriya said as he put his earphones into his ear "Sorry about this...but I don’t know how your quirk works, and I can’t risk you overhearing, so bear with me, this will be over quickly", he thinks to himself as he wiggles his fingers a little. He messes with the electricity in the air around Jiro's ear.

Jiro suddenly gets a very irritating buzzing noise in her ear. "W-what the hell?" She said while rubbing her ears to try and get rid of the noise

Midoriya answered the phone quickly. "Hey Grandma, this isn't a goo-" He was interrupted.

The voice came through in a mass panic, "Midoriya, you have to listen to me! I was completely wrong about everything! At first, I thought the attack at the stadium was just a bluff, some elaborate decoy to hide what the real target was! But I was dead wrong! The attack is completely real! The stadium is the target! There are six bombs planted around the stadium, and they’re timed to go off at different intervals to create maximum chaos and panic!

But that’s just the beginning! I’ve just learned that there’s one massive bomb hidden somewhere within the stadium! It’s enormous, big enough to level the entire place and take out everyone inside! We have to act fast, Midoriya! Time is running out, and if we don’t warn everyone and find those bombs, it’s going to be catastrophic! We can’t let this happen! Every second counts!"

“Damn it!” Midoriya exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice as he abruptly hung up the call. The noise of the bustling street around him faded away as his eyes darted to the faces of passersby, who regarded him with a mix of confusion and concern. Ignoring their curious glances, he strode purposefully over to Jiro, his hand gripping her shoulder firmly, urgency radiating from his tense posture.

Jiro startled as Midoriya suddenly clasped her arm, his grip firm yet uncertain. "H-hey, let go of me! What are yo—" She was abruptly silenced, her words hanging in the air like a startled breath.

"Listen to me, and listen closely," Midoriya urged, urgency lacing his voice. His heart raced as he glanced around the bustling stadium, the vibrant energy of the crowd contrasting sharply with the tension brewing in his chest. "There are bombs hidden in the stadium." He could see the scepticism in her eyes, but desperation sparked an idea. "You can sense it too, can’t you? Something is very wrong here." Panic gripped his tone as he begged her to understand the gravity of the situation.

Jiro's face pales, losing all colour as the realisation sinks in. Her heart races, and a cold sweat breaks across her forehead. "W-wait, what? A bomb, huh? You can't be serious—" Her voice trails off, a mix of confusion and fear gripping her. Suddenly, a deafening explosion echoes in the distance, a sound that reverberates in her bones. The ground jolts beneath her feet, sending a shockwave of panic coursing through her body.

Midoriya's heart raced as he turned to face the explosion that had erupted on the far side of the stadium. The once lively atmosphere, filled with the excitement of the event, shifted into chaos in an instant. Thick clouds of smoke billowed into the sky, swirling ominously as shards of debris rained down.

Panic erupted around him like a shockwave. People surged in all directions, desperately seeking an escape from the uncertainty that loomed over them. Shouts mingled with terrified screams, creating a cacophony that drowned out reason. Fear was palpable, hanging heavy in the air. Children cried out for their parents, their small faces streaked with tears, while adults frantically searched for loved ones, their eyes wide with horror.

Midoriya could hardly process the chaos unfolding before him. His own thoughts stumbled over each other as he muttered, “T-this is bad… what the hell is going on?” The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and adrenaline kicked in as he instinctively scanned the crowd, searching for a way to help,

Jiro stared wide-eyed at the fiery explosion, her heart racing as the bright flames illuminated her face. Her trembling hand instinctively flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp of horror. "All those people... Oh my God," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos. A cold wave of fear washed over her, and she trembled, overwhelmed by the sheer devastation unfolding before her eyes.

Midoriya scanned the chaotic scene around him, his heart racing as he watched the heroes rush towards the heart of the explosion. Smoke billowed into the air, casting a dark pall over the area, and yet, the heroes seemed blissfully unaware of the deadly traps lying in wait—the other bombs, primed to detonate. A surge of frustration coursed through him as he clenched his fists, his mind racing with the implications. “This is bad... they’re only focused on the destruction that’s already happened,” he growled, fighting against the rising panic.

Turning his gaze to Jiro, he steadied his breath and spoke with urgency. “Jiro... you mentioned that when you plug your earphone jacks into the ground or a wall, you can hear more than what’s just around you. Just how much more can you pick up?” The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, the sense of impending danger growing more acute with every passing second.

Jiro's heart raced, panic swelling within her as she found herself in a situation entirely foreign to her. “W-wait. What? Why is this happening?” she stammered, her voice trembling with urgency. “That’s not important! We need to evacuate—” Her plea was abruptly cut off, drowned out by the rising clamour surrounding her.

Midoriya takes a deep, steadying breath, the air filling his lungs as he gazes at her with unwavering calmness. "Listen," he says, his voice firm yet gentle, "I know you're terrified. Trust me, everyone here is feeling the same way. But as a hero, it’s your duty to step up and help these people. We can’t afford to panic right now. Pull yourself together, or more lives could be lost. There might be additional bombs hidden out there, and time is of the essence. You’re our best chance at finding out what we’re up against. So, I need you to focus—how far can you hear?”

Jiro stared at Midoriya, her heart pounding in her chest as a wave of horror washed over her at the mention of more bombs. Reality hit her like a cold splash of water; he was right. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, a mixture of fear and resolve in her eyes. "Are you sure there are more bombs? How would you even know?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. The chaos engulfing the stadium was deafening, a cacophony of panicked cries and rushing footsteps. "As of right now... I can probably hear everything happening here, but with all this panic and chaos... it would be nearly impossible to locate anything," she admitted, her worry gnawing at her insides like a relentless storm.

Midoriya scanned the area, his brow furrowed with concern. A sigh escaped his lips, heavy with the weight of his thoughts. "It's my quirk," he finally said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "I can feel and control electricity and electromagnetic fields in the air. Just before the bomb detonated, everything felt different—almost charged. You noticed it too, didn’t you?" His gaze locked onto her, searching for understanding.

Jiro nodded slowly, her expression a mix of confusion and apprehension. "Yeah, there was this strange buzzing in my ears," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was so loud, it threw me off balance." She cast her eyes downward, the realisation of how quickly their day had turned grim settling in. "W-why is this happening? It was supposed to be a fun day…" Her words trailed off, leaving an echo of uncertainty hanging in the air.

"As stupid as it sounds, I got lucky, messing with the electromagnetic field around her ears helped me convince her, wish it didn't have to come to that, but still", Midoriya thought, but then looked at Jiro with a soft yet serious look "I don't know why this is happening, but we need to stop this"

Jiro nodded in agreement, her expression serious as she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself amidst the chaos. “You’re right,” she said, her voice barely a whisper above the din surrounding them.

Moments later, she crouched down, pressing her earphone jacks firmly into the ground, a desperate attempt to understand the turmoil that enveloped them. As the connection went live, an overwhelming surge of sound crashed into her—screams of fear and terror, a haunting symphony, mingling with the frantic shouts of people trying to navigate the chaos.

“I-it hurts,” she stammered, her hands instinctively pressing against her ears in a futile attempt to muffle the noise. “It’s so loud,” she gasped, eyes wide in shock as the urgency of the situation sank in. The cacophony painted a vivid picture of the panic around them, leaving her feeling vulnerable and small against the tide of fear that swept through the air.

Midoriya knelt beside her, his brow furrowed in concern. "I know it hurts, but hang in there," he urged softly, glancing around with desperation. "There has to be some way I can help her." A whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind, each one tinged with urgency.

Suddenly, a second explosion erupted in the distance, far louder and more powerful than the first. The very foundation of the stadium trembled violently beneath them, and cracks spiderwebbed across the concrete, sending debris cascading to the ground.

Jiro's face contorted with pain as she strained to locate the source of the bombs. The chaos roared around her—screams, sirens, and the frantic footsteps of panicked spectators drowning out her focus. "I—I can't find anything!" Her voice quavered, laced with rising panic and frustration as despair threatened to engulf her. The flicker of hope she had been clutching began to fade, swallowed by the overwhelming turmoil surrounding them.

Midoriya’s impatience began to simmer as he scanned the scene around him. "There has to be a way for her to locate the bombs—wait, that's it!" A spark of realisation ignited within him as he turned his gaze toward Jiro. "Jiro, listen closely," he urged, his voice urgent and intense. "The bombs must be going off in a distinct rhythm, perhaps a steady ticking or a soft beeping. Given the chaos of everything else happening here, they’re likely going to be quieter than the surrounding noise. So focus on finding a subtle, rhythmic sound—a faint beep or tick that stands out."

Jiro shut her eyes tightly, straining to hear the faint sound Midoriya had described—a quiet beep or a subtle tick that seemed impossible to detect amidst the chaos. The world around her was a cacophony of noise, overwhelming and relentless.

Frustration simmered within Midoriya as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. "This is what I can’t stand about Heroes," he mused, his brow furrowing in annoyance. "They all proclaim, 'WE WILL SAVE THE DAY!' But when the moment arrives, they freeze like deer caught in headlights… just like her." The thought lingered in his mind, heavy and disheartening.

"DEKU!?!" An aggressive voice shouted toward him, standing out amidst the chaos.

Midoriya turned his gaze at the sound of approaching footsteps, and his expression shifted to one of mild annoyance as he recognised the familiar figures of Bakugo and Kirishima barreling toward them. "Oh great..." he muttered under his breath, bracing himself

"HUH!" Bakugo's voice thundered in the chaos surrounding them as he seized Midoriya by the collar of his shirt, his eyes blazing with intensity. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT? You should be thankful I'm here! In fact, why are you even here in the first place?"

Jiro, standing a few feet away, sensed the escalating conflict and interjected, her voice slightly trembling yet firm. "I-I don't know what type of history you two have, but now isn't the time for this! We have bigger problems to deal with!"

Kirishima stepped in, placing a steadying hand on Bakugo's shoulder, his expression earnest. "Jiro is right, man. We need to evacuate the people”

Bakugo's glare remained fixed on Midoriya, the frustrations of their past bubbling just below the surface. Finally, with a huff, he let go, shoving Midoriya back slightly. "Someone who’s quirkless like you should get out of here!" he spat, his tone harsh but laced with an underlying concern. "Leave this to the heroes! We’re the ones who can handle this situation!"
Jiro's eyes darted to Bakugo, her confusion palpable. "Quirkless? W-what are yo—" Suddenly, a deafening creak echoed through the room, and she barely had time to react. "WATCH OUT!!" Jiro shouted, her voice piercing through the chaos as a massive chunk of the ceiling crumbled and plummeted toward them.

In a split second, Kirishima sprang into action, his instincts kicking in. He hardened his body to its maximum density and swung his fist with all his strength, aiming for the falling debris. “I've got this!” he called out, his voice steady. With a resounding crash, his punch connected, shattering the falling rocks into a shower of gravel that rained harmlessly to the ground. He turned back to the others, concern etched on his face. “You guys alright?”

Bakugo, fueled by adrenaline, pointed his hand towards a cluster of debris that was racing toward him. “Just worry about yourself, stupid!” he barked, frustration lacing his tone. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful explosion, the bright flash illuminating the dim space and obliterating the debris into nothingness. The force sent a shockwave rippling through the air.

Jiro's heart raced, her fear intensifying as she shouted toward Bakugo, "Are you stupid? The ground isn't safe as it is! And you're causing more explo—" Her voice caught in her throat as a heavy section of the ceiling began to sag dangerously low, the shadows of impending disaster creeping closer. Her eyes widened in terror as she realized just how precarious the situation had become, panic flooding her senses as she braced for impact.

Bakugo's eyes narrowed in determination as he aimed his hands at the massive chunk of ceiling plummeting toward them. "DAMN IT!! JUST DIE ALRE—" His voice erupted with frustration, only to be abruptly cut off mid-sentence.

Midoriya let out a weary sigh, shaking his head as he steadied himself and faced the impending disaster. Sparks of electricity crackled around him, dancing in the air as his body surged with energy. "Kacchan... Are you seriously stupid?" he called out, his voice a mix of exasperation and urgency. "It's your explosions that caused it to fall in the first place!"

With a determined resolve, he pointed his hand toward the collapsing ceiling, his fingers splayed wide. Instantly, the surface above them began to crack and splinter, as if responding to his command. Midoriya's expression shifted to one of fierce concentration as he swiftly shifted his hand to the right. In that moment, a powerful surge of electricity shot forth, illuminating the debris with a blinding light as it disintegrated into harmless particles and small stones, scattering before them like fireworks.

Jiro gazed up at Midoriya, her eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and intrigue as small rocks began to fall around them, scattering across the ground. The sound of the tiny impacts filled the air, creating an eerie backdrop to an already tense moment. "O-oh, woah... S-so that's your Quirk," she stammered, trying to process the sudden display of power.

Midoriya turned his head slightly, his lips curling into a hesitant smile. "Kind of... There's more to the Quirk than just that," he started to explain, but his words trailed off when Bakugo, who had been watching with a storm brewing in his eyes, lunged forward and grabbed him by the shoulder, cutting him off abruptly.

Bakugo's voice was a low growl, filled with rage and disbelief. "W-what are you playing at? What bullshit is this? Don't tell me all this time you lied to me! You were quirkless! Explain yourself, damn it! If you don’t, I’LL KILL YO—" His threats were fiery, echoing with the intensity of his emotions. But before he could finish, the situation escalated faster than anyone expected.

In a single, fluid motion, Midoriya flipped Bakugo onto the ground, a force that shattered Bakugo’s confidence. Bakugo found himself staring up at the broken ceiling, his mouth agape in shock as the dust settled around them.

Midoriya, still gripping Bakugo's arm tightly, loomed over him, his expression strangely cold and determined, a stark contrast to the familiar boy Bakugo thought he knew. "I’m not your punching bag anymore, Bakugo," he said, each word dripping with a chilling conviction. "Try that again... and I'll kill you." As he released Bakugo's arm, the weight of his words hung heavily in the air, charged with a menace that left no room for doubt.

Turning his attention back to Jiro, Midoriya’s demeanour shifted just slightly, a hint of urgency creeping into his voice. "Jiro... have you located any of the other bombs?" he asked, his focus sharpening on the task at hand, pushing aside the chaos of their earlier confrontation as they continued to face the looming challenge ahead.

Jiro stood still for a moment, her eyes wide with surprise at what she just saw. She took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "I-I found two potential explosives… one down the hall and another to the northwest near the west entrance. But there’s something strange in the middle of the stadium," she said, her voice trembling slightly with uncertainty.

Midoriya turned his gaze toward the stadium's center, furrowing his brow in concern. "What do you mean by 'something strange'? Can you describe it for me?" he asked, his eyes locked on hers, eager for more information.

Jiro closed her eyes, trying to concentrate and hone in on the object she sensed. "I-it’s large, much larger than the bombs i’m sensing and hearing. It resembles them, but it’s at least twice their size," she explained, her voice barely above a whisper. A shiver ran down her spine as she recalled the faint sound it was emitting. "It's making this very faint, almost rhythmic noise… but I can’t quite figure it out. It feels… ominous."

"According to my informant, there are six bombs in total...and one very large one hidden somewhere nearby. The large bomb must be situated in the centre of it all…" Midoriya mused, his mind racing with the urgency of the situation. As his thoughts whirled, he focused intently, honing in on the faint vibrations around him “I can sense four bombs in total, not counting the ones that have already detonated,” he concluded, determination setting in as he passed the information onto Jiro

Jiro stood up, her brow furrowed with concern as she gazed at Midoriya. "W-what about you? What are you going to do?" she asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

Midoriya cast a reassuring glance over his shoulder, determination igniting his gaze. "Don't worry about me... I'll be fine. I'm going to help the people evacuate!" he declared, his voice steady even as chaos erupted around them.

At that moment, Bakugo's fiery eyes locked onto Midoriya, a low growl rumbling in his throat. "When this is over...we are having a long talk...you hear me, Nerd?" he said, his tone a mixture of annoyance and concern.

"Yeah, yeah! Whatever you say, Kacchan!" Midoriya replied, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as he turned away,

Kirishima glanced around at his friends, determination flickering in his eyes. "We should all split up! Jiro, you take the lead and head toward the heroes to the south. I’ll cover the eastern flank. Bakugo, you—" His words were abruptly cut off by a loud, exasperated interruption.

"WHATEVER!!" Bakugo shouted, his voice charged with irritation as he stormed off on his own, his explosive quirk crackling around him like a volatile storm.

Kirishima let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head as he watched Bakugo's retreating figure. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bakugo in such a bad mood. He’s like a walking volcano ready to erupt," he murmured, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

Jiro's brow creased with concern as she watched Bakugo disappear into the chaos. "Hopefully, he can keep his cool… but it’s strange. That guy—Midoriya, or Deku as Bakugo calls him—he's remained remarkably calm through all of this. Just who is he, really?"

Kirishima nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing with questions. "I’m not sure. Maybe after all this is over, we can ask Bakugo. I mean, if he’s willing to talk," he said, half-joking but fully aware of how hard it could be to crack through Bakugo's tough exterior.

"You're right," Jiro replied, her voice tinged with worry. "I just hope nothing else happens. I’m not sure how much more this stadium can take. It’s already on the brink."

A few minutes pass, and Midoriya finds himself navigating the dimly lit tunnel, the air thick with tension. “I know I said I was going to help evacuate, but if no one stops this bomb… there’ll be no point,” he muttered under his breath, determination fueling his steps. The concrete walls seemed to close in around him, but he pressed on, focused on the task at hand.

As he approached the end of the tunnel, the path opened up into a stark, cold room. At its centre sat a large, plain-looking rectangular box, which seemed almost to pulse with an ominous energy. The box was unmarked, save for a few cables snaking from its sides, creating a stark contrast against the dull grey of the floor. “Well, if that doesn’t scream ‘bomb,’ I don’t know what does,” he said to himself, a mix of dread and adrenaline coursing through him.

Midoriya takes a deep breath, steadying his nerves. He swiftly grabs his earphones, jamming them in as his mind begins to race through the possible scenarios. He pulled up his jacket sleeve, the fabric brushing against his skin, and fiddled anxiously with his watch, its surface cool to the touch. After a tense moment, he pressed the button, sending out a call. Just as he anticipated the second ring, a voice broke through, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Good, you're alive...that means the bombs haven't killed you," the distorted voice crackled through the line, laced with an uncharacteristic urgency. "I was monitoring you on the cameras before the feed went dark... where are you now?" There was an edge of worry in their tone, a stark contrast to the normally composed demeanor.

"Of course, I'm alive. It's me," Midoriya replied, his heartbeat quickening as he glanced around his dim surroundings. The eerie silence of the stadium loomed large as he took a cautious step toward the menacing device at his feet, "But I’m looking right at a bomb, and not sure how much longer I’ll be able to claim that. I'm in the center of the stadium, well below it. Can you pull up the blueprints?" He felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him, the knowledge that time was slipping away.

The sound of frantic typing echoed in his ear, a brief moment of hope in the otherwise tense atmosphere. But then the tapping halted abruptly. "Weird... there is no underground structure in the center of the stadium," the voice said, a note of confusion cutting through their concern. "Whoever orchestrated this must have fabricated the room. It’s a trap, Midoriya. Be extremely careful and stay alert."

The words sent a chill down his spine. He could almost hear the rapid beating of his own heart, drowning out everything else. He crouched slightly, eyes narrowing as he studied the bomb—a menacing contraption, wires snaking across its surface like a spider’s web. This was no ordinary setup; his instincts screamed at him to think fast and devise a plan.

"Good, you're alive... that means the bombs haven’t killed you," the distorted voice crackled through the static, a mixture of relief and anxiety. "I was monitoring you on the cameras before the feed went dark... Where are you now?" The urgency in their tone was palpable.

Midoriya took a deep breath, his eyes darting around the dimly lit space. "Of course, I'm alive. It's me... but right now, I'm staring directly at a bomb. I’m in the centre of the stadium, well beneath it. Can you pull up the blueprints?" He could feel his heart pounding against his chest as he cautiously stepped closer to the ominous device, the faint ticking echoing in the silence.

The sound of frantic typing came through the line, urgent and abrupt, but it cut off. "Weird... There are no underground levels in the centre of the stadium," the voice said, their tone shifting to one of concern. "Whoever set this up must have fabricated this room. You need to be extremely careful and stay alert. Don't do anything rash."

Midoriya laughed as he knelt by the bomb. "I'm always careful. And this room must have been the result of someone's quirk….But I don't sense anyone nearby, so whoever planned it must have wanted to be long gone. Not that I blame them. This bomb could level the whole stadium and a few blocks."

"Sounds Nasty. Too bad, I can't see what you're working with, but I'm sure a thrill junky like yourself would be able to deal with this," The voice said as it tried to make light of the situation.

"I'm a thrill junkie, not a death seeker..." Midoriya murmured to himself, inspecting the intricate wires and components of the bomb laid out before him. Anxiety thrummed in his chest as he contemplated the potential consequences of failure. "Anyway, can you hack into the Hero's network and let me know how close they are to defusing the other bombs?" he asked, his brow furrowing in concentration.

The voice crackled through his earpiece, filled with a hint of amusement. "Already done. According to the latest updates I've intercepted from the Hero's network, they’re just about to finish defusing the fourth bomb," it said, a sigh punctuating the end of the sentence. "Not to put pressure on you, but... well, it’s all resting on your shoulders now."

Midoriya let out a nervous chuckle, trying to mask the tension that gripped him. "Yeah, thanks. That’s... not exactly comforting. What’s bizarre is that the bomb is active but not live. It’s almost as if they forgot to switch it on or something," he mused, his laughter trailing off as uncertainty seeped into his thoughts.

Suddenly, without warning, the bomb emitted a harsh beep, its screen lighting up with a countdown timer. Panic surged through him as the realisation hit—it was now live

"Hey Midoriya... got some good news for you, they just finished dis—", the voice gets interrupted.

"Oh, let me guess... they just deactivated the last bomb, right?" Midoriya laughed, but the sound was tinged with desperation as he stared at the numbers ticking down ominously

"Huh? Are you a mind reader now?" the voice inquired with a hint of curiosity.

Midoriya's heart raced as he glanced at the ominous device before him. "Oh, you know… the bomb in front of me just activated, and it's counting down!" His voice quivered with urgency. "I have five minutes to disarm this bomb, and I DON'T HAVE A CLUE HOW TO DO THAT!"

The voice erupted with disbelief. "HUH! You're telling me you you went to a bomb and don’t know how to disarm it? Are you stupid or something?"

Midoriya clenched his fists, panic welling inside him. "Well, forgive me! I was hoping there would be an off switch or something, like in the movies!" He leaned closer to examine the bomb, his eyes darting over the various wires, digital display, and blinking lights in desperation. "Just look through the files and see if you can find a way to turn this thing off!" he demanded, frustration spilling into his tone.

"WHO PUT AN OFF SWITCH ON A BOMB?!" the voice shouted incredulously, followed by the sound of rapid typing echoing through the air.

"Three minutes left! Please tell me you have something!" Midoriya's voice trembled with unease, the urgency of the situation echoing in every syllable.

"I'm looking! Just try and think of a backup plan!" came the frantic reply, urgency apparent in the tone. Panic hung thick in the air as the seconds ticked away.

"Backup plan? I can't leave this room without risking a catastrophic explosion, and I have no clue how to disarm this bomb!" Midoriya sighed in frustration, his anxiety mounting as he took another glance at the sinister device ticking ominously before him. His heart raced. "I need to calm down... There are two minutes left... Think, Midoriya... what can I do..."

A moment of tense silence passed before a voice broke through the tension, filled with exhilaration. "I FOUND IT!!" The excitement was palpable, but then abruptly faded into silence.

"Well, please, by all means, don't keep me waiting!" Midoriya shouted, his impatience morphing into desperation. The countdown echoed in his ears. "This isn't funny! There is one minute left!"

"Midoriya... there’s no way to disarm it... at least not within a minute." The voice sounded grave, tinged with sorrow and a sense of defeat. "Midoriya, I’m so, so—" But before the voice could finish, it was cut off, leaving Midoriya to face the impending disaster alone. His mind raced as he searched for a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.

“If you think I’m giving up, you’re wrong,” he said, his voice low and tense, anger simmering just beneath the surface. Midoriya’s green eyes flickered with determination, even as the reality of the situation loomed over him like a dark cloud. “I just need to think… it’s a machine… what if I could short circuit it? Would that shut it off?” His brow furrowed deeply as he considered the implications of his plan.

“It’s possible, but there’s also the risk it could trigger an explosion,” the voice on the other end warned, a tone of urgency threading through its calm demeanor. “Midoriya, I’m looking at the bomb's specifications right now. To short-circuit it, you would need a vast, continuous stream of electricity. I know you’re capable, but the strain on your body would be immense.”

Midoriya hesitated, his heart racing as he weighed the options. He glanced at the ominous device in front of him, its wires like serpent tails ready to strike at any moment. “Depend on what happens, I’m dead regardless,” he replied with a resigned sigh. “At least this way, there’s a chance I can live.” With a deep breath, he extended his hands toward the bomb, feeling the weight of his decision settle heavily in his chest. Sparks began to crackle and dance from his fingertips, illuminating the darkness with brief, electric flashes.

“Good luck… I’ll alert the Heroes to your current location,” the voice reassured him, its tone now more resolute. “At least that way, if you survive and manage to save everyone, medical aid will be available.” The voice fell silent for a moment, taking a breath before adding, “You’re not alone in this, Midoriya.” before hanging up

"Thirty seconds until the bomb goes off," Midoriya muttered to himself, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on his chest. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm the panic rising within him. *All my equipment is going to be cooked as well, and I really liked this watch. Oh well, I can always replace it,* he thought bitterly. With a steely resolve, he prepared himself for what he had to do next.

"10 Million Volts!" he shouted, his voice rising filled with adrenaline and determination. In an instant, his entire body was enveloped in a brilliant eruption of electricity, arcs of energy crackling around him like a tempest.

Midoriya screamed as the raw power surged through him, intensifying with each passing moment. He felt the searing pain ripple through his muscles and tendons, a burning sensation radiating from his fingertips. But there was no turning back; the bomb was ticking down, and he had to focus all his energy on the device before him.

With grim determination etched on his face, he directed the volatile energy into the bomb. Ten million volts surged forth, a blinding cascade of electric power that engulfed the device in a storm of sparks and flashes. As he concentrated, the nerves in his hand began to fray and smoke, the pain intensifying to a level he could hardly fathom. But he pressed on, grit teeth and clenched fists, willing his body to hold on just a bit longer.

As the seconds ticked away, he could see the timer counting down ominously: 5… 4… 3… His heart raced, The electricity shooting from his fingertips began to falter, reaching its limits. With one last cry, he poured every remaining ounce of power into the bomb, feeling the shock waves reverberate through his body.

Then, silence. The smoke thickened around him, rising in ghostly tendrils from his now charred hands and arms. Midoriya’s breath came in ragged gasps as he dared to glance at the bomb’s timer. His heart skipped a beat; it read 3 seconds remaining, but it was no longer active. He had succeeded; he had short-circuited it.

He collapsed backwards onto the ground, the remnants of his strength spent. A laugh bubbled up from within him, a mixture of disbelief and exhilaration. "I-I did it... I really did it!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with triumph and relief, even as the pain coursed through his body.

As Midoriya continued to chuckle weakly, a sudden crash echoed through the room as the door burst open, and a flurry of heroes poured in, their faces etched with urgency. “About time you got here…” Midoriya groaned, the pain evident in his voice. “I dealt with the bomb, but seriously, have someone check it just in case… it could go live again... and no one wants that.” He attempted to rise, but agony surged through his body, causing him to wince as every muscle screamed in protest.

One of the heroes, a seasoned pro with a stern demeanor, quickly approached Midoriya, his eyes widening in alarm at the sight of the injuries. He barked back to the others, urgency lacing his tone, “Send a medic in here now! His arms are badly burnt!” Turning his attention back to Midoriya, he softened his voice. “You did a good thing, kid… you should be proud.” A reassuring smile broke through the tension, but it barely touched the edges of Midoriya's clouded thoughts.

“Proud, huh?” Midoriya replied, forcing a toothy grin, though it quickly faltered. “I did what had to be done… plus, if I didn't, we all would have been dead…” His voice trailed off, and he glanced down at his scorched arms. The sight of it made his stomach churn. Just then, a medic rushed in, wheeling a stretcher behind her.

“I’m fine! I can walk; don’t worry—” he insisted, but his protest was cut short as the world around him began to swirl; his vision blurred in and out of focus. “S-shit…” he breathed, panic creeping into his chest. “It must have taken more of a toll on my body than I first thought.”

“Just lay down, let us do our job,” the medic said firmly but kindly, kneeling beside him. “You did well, but now it’s time to rest.” With practiced hands, she carefully maneuvered him onto the stretcher, her movements smooth yet urgent, mindful of his injuries.

“R-rest… Maybe that’s not such a bad idea…” Midoriya muttered, exhaustion flooding through him. His eyelids felt heavy as darkness began to creep in, and he couldn’t fight it any longer. The last thing he remembered was the echo of voices around him, the warmth of the stretcher beneath him, and the worry etched into the faces of those heroes who had come to his aid as he finally succumbed to the pain, slipping into unconsciousness.

-Meanwhile, broadcasting over the world-

"WE ARE HADES!!! And we EMBRACE the shadows that you once feared to acknowledge! We claim RESPONSIBILITY for the pandemonium that has unfolded at your cherished CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL! A festival you thought was sacred—a symbol of joy and goodwill. How naïve of you!

At first, you looked down upon us, dismissing our existence as mere whispers of chaos. You presumed we were nothing but common thugs and petty thieves, unworthy of your attention. That was your first and most catastrophic MISTAKE! You underestimated the power of the forgotten, the rage of the overlooked. Now, your complacency has brought you to our stage!

You might believe you have halted the tide of chaos, but make no mistake—the storm is merely gathering strength! We are the harbingers of reckoning, the voice of retribution echoing through the silence of your denial. The idols you cling to, those false representations of hope and virtue, will crumble before us. They will be revealed for the hollow shells they are, as we usher in an era of unrelenting upheaval!

The world shall be REBORN from the ashes of your complacency, and we will seize the reins of the chaos you have long ignored! You can try to silence us, but know this: NO ONE SHALL STAND IN OUR WAY! The time of reckoning is upon you, and our shadows stretch longer with every passing moment. Prepare yourselves, for we are HADES, and we will not be denied!"