Izuku balled his fists in anticipation. Bracing himself to run the moment the lights reached the countdown.

He was not thinking of anything other than winning this race.

For he has, no, will tell the world that "I am here!"

'Thinking about it realistically, without being able to regulate One for All... It's unreasonable.'

First light faded, two lights left.

'I have to go beyond...'

The second light faded.

Every student was focused on themselves, wanting to win this race.

Marking the last light.

"GO!"

All students rushed forward like a mad mob during Black Friday, yelling as they ran into the tunnel.

Racing towards the end.

To win.

. . .

He would admit, it was an amusing sight.

A mob of children, crowded in a tight space of a tunnel. Anyone with Quirks that can disable multiple persons or create a wall to block passage, can easily slow them down.

Todoroki used his power to trap most of the students in ice. Although, some of the students aside from Class A were able to avoid the ice attack.

'They anticipated it...' He mused. It would be obvious, to know who would do it. Besides from that, he felt extreme determination from the few students he was eyeing on.

The determination to win.

He noticed robots standing ahead of them. Were they test robots? Because he saw several that were huge as an apartment.

"{Discern Enemy}." The results were... expected but disappointing.

The massive robots were around level 20 at the very least. Weak. Their only advantage was their massive HP, armor, and intimidation size.

If these were food, he would consider them as tiny desserts.

Although he wondered why they focused their technology, money and time for things like these. It was almost certainly a waste of money.

But then considering the potential powers of every other person in this world, their Quirks and whatnot, a chance that they would have destructive capabilities.

Todoroki was in front of the giant robots. It didn't surprise him that he managed to defeat one of them easily. He ignored the others and ran past through them.

"TODOROKI FROM CLASS A-1! HE DEFENDED AND ATTACKED IN ONE HIT! HOW ELEGANT!" He heard Present Mic putting up an announcement. He ignored what was said more from the loud teacher and watched the students below.

The rest of the students were still hung back, with the robots slowly surrounding them to delay.

He sensed that the students were panicking, their hearts beating faster. They were... concerned? Before he could think what, he saw two students suddenly burst out from the robot’s insides.

'Eijiro Kirishima, and Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu... I wonder who named that boy.' It was like the same naming part coming from his former clan leader. Horrible at naming.

'They were supposedly crushed by the robot underneath... But their Quirks saved them. If it's anyone else...' No chance they would have survived.

*BOOM*

He then saw explosions, though they were mid air, going upwards?

'Ah, Bakugo... He picked the right option.' Below was blocked, so overhead is the best option to get through if one would be quick. Following him were Sero and Fumikage.

He was curious to know how Fumikage's Quirk worked. He did say that if he were to stay in a dark area with no light, his powers would become uncontrollable. And the shadow would become dangerous for anyone around.

It would be considered as a last trump card when all is lost. But a bad thing for him if he were to dwell in dark places... He might assist him in his powers.

The rest of the students didn't stand around and moved forward. But for Class A, considering what they had experienced before... They didn't spend a lot of time standing around.

"Those who experienced firsthand about the world around them through the incident at USJ..." He heard Eraserhead's words from the speakers. "Those who had fear planted in their hearts. They endured it, overcame it. Each has grown from that experience and have forgotten how to hesitate."

'...' He agreed with Eraserhead's words. Once you dealt with something that is between life or death, they would overcome such simple obstacles.

The next barrier would be... Crossing "The Fall". A canyon with tightropes to cross it with. Such a thing was easy peasy for anyone with mobility Quirks.

He then noticed Midoriya dangling from a tightrope with something on his back.

'That boy is definitely thinking of something.' He smirked.

Todoriki has reached the final barrier of the race.

A minefield.

Though the mines were not very dangerous, they would be enough to knock someone out.

This part of the race would slow down those who are in the lead, but of course, this was for entertainment. All for a big show.

"Oh?"

The explosive boy didn't seem to be affected by the minefield. It puts him ahead of Todoroki.

But both of them were pushing each other, a staggering rise.

He turned his sights to who was behind... Midoriya.

The boy was using that piece of armor from the robot fodders from a while ago, carrying it, and now using it to dig the mines out. Was he piling them?

"Oh~ So that's your plan boy... Smart." He smirked. "Out of the box, definitely."

Midoriya jumped onto the pile of mines, using the armor as a shield to protect from the blast.

*BOOOOOM!*

"THERE'S A HUGE EXPLOSION FROM THE BACK!? WHAT CAUSED SUCH A BLAST!? AN ACCIDENT? OR WAS IT INTENTIONAL?" Present Mic's voice excitingly exclaimed through the speakers. "CLASS A MIDORIYA IS IN HOT PURSUIT WITH THAT BLAST!"

And then he passed those two with ease.

"ACTUALLY HE HAS TAKEN THE LEAD!"

"But what will you do once you land?" He narrowed his eyes. The boy was certainly interesting. He has not used any of his powers- Quirk since the start of the race. He had seen his Quirk and the damage it could do. Either he was not able to control it, the power being too much for him to handle, or something else entirely...

Anyhow, all of them were interesting in their own way.

But the boy Midoriya was interesting to get to know.

And then he did something that he didn't notice early on.

He is still holding onto that piece of armor.

*BOOOM*

"MIDORIYA SWIFTLY BLOCKS THOSE BEHIND HIM! WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT!? HE CLEARED THE MINEFIELD IN AN INSTANT!"

Cheers and excited screams rose from the audience, this was getting much more exciting!

And the first one who made it back to the stadium was Midoriya.

"Heh, this is more entertaining than the sports back in that clogged world." Smirking, he turned to the other students slowly making their way back to the stadium. With everyone now accounted for, Midnight announced the results of the top 42 racers who would be qualifying for the next round.

'42 left... A waste of potential for the other students who didn't make it, but I wonder why not 50? Isn't it too much? Why around that specific number though...?' He narrowed his eyes as he listened to Midnight's instruction for the next round of the next game.

"-But the first place participant is worth 10 million points!"

For almost the first time in his life, he had never opened his eyes so wide that it would almost count as a dinner plate if you would remove the iris and the pupil.

He already felt a wave of pity raising up in him for the boy... Sometimes it's good to never be in the first place.

And the world is like that. A dog-eat-dog world society. There are times where you have to survive from everyone to save yourself. To defeat everyone to get yourself a win.

And to survive.

But anyway, 15 minutes for the students to decide who to team up with.

'So what to do while waiting...?'

The Shadow Demons that are patrolling the perimeter and other secluded areas that no heroes would be able to go to, he had no other reports from. They also hadn't found anyone in the seats with malicious intent, plus it was taxing to count every single person in the stadium as anyone could be a potential hazard to the event.

Even so, that didn't mean they could do it quickly before he could put up a chrono-based spell to either slow or stop time just enough. And the chances of Quirks able to bypass anti-teleportation spells... He needed to gather more data for that.

But 15 minutes is enough time to buy some snacks at the stalls~! He couldn't wait to taste those foods, because holy damn those things smelled delicious the moment he arrived here.

He wasn't able to buy because he was focused on getting into the stadium and finding anyone suspicious around...

He walked back before jumping down. He used {Fly} to lower himself down without damaging the ground, careful to not make any noise. It would be stupid to have him grab attention in this kind of event.

And he was so not used to having those kinds of attention.

Walking towards the food stalls, he walked to the first stall he saw with food and bought several various kinds of snacks for taste.

A hotdog with bun, fries, grilled corn on a stick dipped in soy sauce and butter (Tomorokoshi) and some kind of meatballs?

The result?

It tasted NOTHING LIKE FROM THAT WRETCHED PLACE OF A WORLD!

ANYTHING FROM THAT WORLD, IS SHIT COMPARED TO THIS ONE!

The first bite from the grilled corn, he almost cried but instantly he felt himself calm down. But not too calm...

Both a blessing and a curse. He was not sure how he should react to that, but it would take some time getting used to that. It had been weeks, almost a month by now being in this weird, other world.

In his avatar as well...

He chuckled at the thought but pushed it away. It would be a time to reminiscence, but he has already done that a week before now. It's time to move on to the present.

. . .

Teleporting back to the same spot without having anyone notice, he checked the timer and there were 4 minutes left.

The teams had been decided.

12 teams; two of the 12 each only consist of 2 members... And one of them is just... one?

Mezo, if he recalls, is covering his back with his arms...

Assuming he is covering the rider with his arms on his back, using {Thermal Sight}, confirmed it.

Tsuyu and Mineta. It would be difficult to obtain their headband, but not impossible.

All in all, everyone would be focused on Midoriya. His headband was 10 million, who would not go for the biggest gold laid out?

He would see how this would play out.

. . .

Tomura was watching the Sports Festival stream. To know more about the UA students' Quirks, their advantages, and how to counter them. They would be annoying in the future.

But mostly he was just watching for entertainment.

Touching his hand that was sliced off by that cheating stranger who appeared out of nowhere.

He clenched his fist, his fingers digging in deep into his palm, almost making it bleed.

But he did feel something that day.

Fear.

Unrefined fear, that bastard probably has a Fear-based Quirk, but how could he move so fast? Almost like a blink of an eye, he moved.

Multiple quirks? Something like that was very unusual, chances like that were like a rare item drop.

He told his mentor about this cheating bastard if he knew him, but it seems that his mentor also didn't know about him.

He told him to wait, as his time to succeed over him has not yet come.

"Just you wait... And you will fall before me, you cheating bastards."

. . .

'This is a damn well good show.' Leaning forward in anticipation, watching as the teams fight for the headbands. Hell, Bakugo flying to Midoryia to get the headband was a damn good tactic as well. Since it’s flying it doesn't count, so long as the rider doesn't touch the ground.

His Quirk is truly flexible and almost all-multipurpose. In some situations of course.

Though what's interesting is that Class B are focusing on having one team to gather up the points and the rest would help out by taking the others. Divide and Conquer.

Class A was too focused on getting the 10 million points from Midoriya.

*BZZZZT*

"Hmm?"

The whole ground cackled in the sounds of electricity, bright as hell. The teams were stunned by the shock then Todoroki froze them in place, taking most of the teams out and taking their headbands at the same time.

The tactic was good, he learnt his lesson recalling where many students managed to dodge his ice during the race.

Todoroki is really focused on dealing with Midoriya.

On the other side of the arena, he noticed that Bakugo's team... is getting pushed by an explosion?

Narrowing his eyes closely, it seems that the rider, Monoma, is able to copy their Quirks.

'Copycat huh? He would loosely be compared as those annoying mimics.' The other teams from Class B are helping the bold copycat Quirk user to run away. With points that high, they would be able to participate in the next game.

The cavalry fights were more entertaining than he expected.

"WHAT A REVERSAL!" Present Mic boomed through the speakers, making him almost stumble. Before he could wonder what happened, Present Mic continued. "TODOROKI'S GOT THE TEN MILLION!"

He felt his eyebrows rise by a bit, turning his sights back to the small makeshift arena of ice, there he noticed Midoriya and Todoroki's team.

Midoriya is persistent in getting back his points.

'One minute left... Will he manage to get it?'

*Boom!*

He saw Bakugo flying towards Monoma's team, he was then blocked by something.

'Barrier? No, he was stopped by air... Huh. Interesting, but weak.' The moment he finished his thought, the explosive boy broke through the barrier and snatched two headbands. Putting them back to 3rd place.

He would admit, the blonde boy's strategy is good and rational. But unfortunately...

He grabbed the attention of an explosive individual.

Bakugo's tactic is beyond average, able to think quickly. His attitude and personality hides that. His explosive temper (pun maybe unintended for the last few sentences) makes it almost easy to underestimate the boy's persistence.

"His overwhelming tenacity... They couldn't see or match it." Spoke the quiet voice of Eraserhead. No doubt mentioning Bakugou.

He managed to snatch the points from Monoma, although he would be too late to catch up to Midoriya and Todoroki.

As there is only 20 seconds left.

It surprised him that until now, he hadn’t seen Todoroki use his left side; fire.

'Does it hurt him to use that side? A drawback? Wait... reluctance? Why?'

Midoriya snatched the headband back... Or so he thought.

The headbands were switched, a good tactic. Sometimes it's easy to overthink such a simple tactic.

As 10 seconds were left, the countdown started.

Only then it was finished, with Bakugo falling down to the ground face flat, did the timer finish.

First place is Team Todoroki, Second is Team Bakugo, Third is Team Shinso, and Fourth is Midoriya surprisingly. Fumikage managed to snatch another headband without both teams noticing.

And did a fountain of water come from his eyes?

'Weird kid.'

With that round of the game finished, it was time for lunch break.

"..." He went down to the grounds, not having anyone noticing him, before switching to his other alias. Though he went to approach the students from the cavalry battle.

"That was entertaining, children." He said, making most of the students jump in surprise.

"Eeekkk!" Uraraka almost screamed, jumping in surprise, turning around to see their Philosophy teacher. "S-Sir Darkem!"

The students of UA are still getting used to their new teacher, even if that was weeks ago, almost a month by now. He is no doubt creepy, but he gave factual points and helpful tips at times. So they weren't bothered by him... At a certain level.

"You did well, you all did. The team fight is good. The coordination placed on your team is well met, even if you did little." The last part going out to some students who felt like they didn't manage to do much.

"Thank you sir Darkem!" Iida bowed in a 90 degree angle.

"And miss Uraraka," She turned around. "to answer your statement to Iida, its because its best not to reveal all of your cards until its needed. Imagine this, if you keep on showing all of your tricks all the time, would you need to wonder why they can beat you?"

"""Oooooh~""" Some students said in unison.

"I agree." Iida nodded his head frantically.

"A simple thought yes, but it’s also very important." He said. "Other than that, try not to forget. Revealing all of your cards on the table, you will lose."

"Uhh, sensei." Itsuka raised her hand as she spoke. She was nearby, hearing the conversation and was wondering what he meant by those words. "What do you mean by that?"

"As it goes, a tournament would happen to those of the top 4 in the cavalry battle and would be able to participate. Unfortunately, that is all I can say for the meantime. But do not worry, everyone will be informed after lunch break."

"Thanks for telling us, sensei!"

"Wait, is it ok for you to tell us?" Momo said, concerned.

"...Perhaps." He said ominously. "Perhaps not. Now, enjoy your lunch break. But do prepare yourselves ahead for the next event."

Leaving them alone, he was technically allowed to tell them what is going to happen for the next event. Although he doesn't know much information regarding the Sports Festival schedule ruling, the Tournament matches happen almost in the mid-noon. Some moments after lunch.

He wasn't hungry, he shouldn't be. He can't be. Unless he wants to. Undead couldn't eat, but hunger can happen somehow if he wills for it.

The way to the Dining Hall is packing with people, obvious because lunch is here. It was smart to eat ahead, even if it's early.

He turned to another corner, leading him to immediately see Bakugo leaning his back onto a wall. His expression was slightly disturbed, but no doubt listening.

Quickly turning up two weak spells: {Invisibility} and {Silence}. His undead hearing able to hear voices he can manage to tell of; Midoriya and Todoroki?

Is there something going on between them? Midoriya sounds nervous, while Todoroki is... Annoyed, yet determined.

Going to the opposite side of Bakugo, leaning his back to the wall, he listened in the conversation.

The whole thing was that Todoroki is being cold, almost too cold. Calculating, focused, and determined to win. He made a pledge to not use his left side, the fire.

He was also intrigued that Midoriya might be All Might's child or something related to him. No doubt suspicious, but he could guess that he somehow managed to borrow his power.

The question is, how?

He goes on to talk about his father, Endeavor. The second top hero of Japan. He is focused on only one thing: Surpassing All Might. The priderock of the man could lead him to his downfall.

Then he goes on about this "Quirk-Marriages". He could guess that Shoto's mother has a quirk that uses Ice no doubt. It's easy to guess that mixing it in together would have him get "Half-Half", Fire and Ice.

He cannot say anything about his parents, since his parents left him behind when he was young, very young that he cannot remember what their faces look like anymore. Only their voices.

He goes on to mention that his own mother despises him, throwing hot water of all things at his face. All because it reminds her of her husband.

He would feel rage yes, for a parent to hurt their own child because it REMINDS them of something!?

But he would admit... As horrible as that sounds, it did happen to him the same.

Then Todoroki finished his short, yet horrible backstory of the past. He turned to see Bakugo and Midoriya's expressions. Disturbed from what they heard.

As much as he wanted to say something, he couldn't. There's nothing he can say, not even respond to that. And eavesdropping in the conversation would bring up nothing but trouble.

Before he could leave, he heard Midoriya speak. His words are simple, yet his intentions are genuine.

Naive... but hard willing.

He slowly walked away, contemplating what he just listened into the two's declaration against each other.

Todoroki, he is like this because of his childhood past, it turned him. Pride, that foolish goal, and the need to become the best. It blinds him.

Midoriya, naive, but still willing to give it his all to change it. But he would soon need to learn the lesson that there are times where you need to suffer, to pass through.

Time will show and tell how they will become. They are still children after all.

Passing through the dining hall, he saw girls in cheerleader outfits. Although they don't look native to Japan, foreigners perhaps?

He turned and saw the que line, seeing some of Class A was there, he then sensed a massive spike of lust.

Turning to see the source, it was directly pointed to Mineta, the scent was a fragrance that smelled similarly to fruit-smelling perfume. He was about to ignore the boy, knowing a bit of his personality and the lust for women, the ball-haired boy seemed to whisper to Kaminari. After they were done talking, the two immediately turned their heads towards their female classmates.

...He wasn't going to have any of this.

He slowly approached them, them not noticing him as he, with the backing of Kaminari, was tricking them to wear like the foreign cheerleaders.

'Oh, I see where this is going, and I'm not having any of it.' He thought angrily before slowly walking up behind them.

"Hello," He spoke, making them jump in surprise.

"EEEEEEEIIIIII!" Mineta and Kaminari exclaimed like girls, making a fool out of themselves and amusement to him more. "S-Sensei!"

The two's heartbeats were beating faster, expressions showing being nervous...

"...What did he say to you?" He turned to Momo.

"A-Ah, he said that all girls have to be part of the cheerleader squad after lunch. And that Mr Aizawa said it."

'...These two have the pervert mind of that bird-brain.' He sighed mentally. Reminiscing on that old acquaintance he had met from Ainz Ooal Gown. While he is certainly not annoying in a normal conversation, but when it comes to perverted topics...

From time to time he had to bang his head on a nearby wall that made a hole throughout the years.

"I see." His tone sparing no argument from whatever the two were going to say. "Mrs Yaoyorozu."

"Yes?"

"Please kindly create the outfits," He saw the expressions of the girls plummeting, and the boys rejoicing. "specifically for these two who will wear them after lunch."

How the twos' jaws managed to touch down to the ground, is something that would go beyond the definition of 'possible'.

. . .

Lunch break was over, and now the people went back to their seats and the participants readying themselves for another action.

As the instructions and preparations were about to be given, the audience suddenly laughed at the despicable two. Said two are Kaminari and Mineta wearing cheerleader outfits. Embarrassment on their faces.

"YOU TWO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? WHY!?" Present Mic exclaimed before laughing. Aizawa beside him was amused by the two's outfit. It took a few moments before what the announcer said registered with the audience, before noticing the two and laughed like crazy.

The undead player gave himself a nice laugh. It would certainly demoralize the two, but it's their fault. Their lust brought them to this.

With everyone gathering themselves and regaining their bearings, Present Mic announced for the final event to be a formal tournament. A one on one battle.

Surprisingly, two students dropped out for the matchups. Ojiro and Shoda, repurposing for the teams who took fifth place. Although they gave the opportunity to team Tetsutetsu. Tetsutetsu and Shiozaki. The latter student he managed to get was somehow religious, he would like to converse with her on what stand she was in.

Although, she spoke about 'God' and 'Lord' as if he was holy. He doesn't like people spouting out God's name and title for no reason, but if praising him... He isn't too sure.

Putting that thought aside, it was an interesting turn of events.

Although it seemed a naive reasoning, he wouldn't dare to disrespect their decision.

With that being done and all, Midnight then showed the matchups on the big screen board.

The starting matchups would definitely be entertaining. Although some would be down outright obvious who would win.

And the first match would be Izuku Midoriya vs Hitoshi Shinso. The latter boy's quirk is Brainwashing, said quirk can only be activated if someone answers back at him. Easy to counter, but that depends on who he’s trying to brainwash.

The tournament is being put aside for the other festivities, though other students mentally prepared themselves. The runner ups from the cavalry battle were preparing themselves for the tournament differently.

Involving himself to the students would not do good for them. But he himself is a teacher, and teachers teach students... And care for them.

He was observing Shoto, who was outside the arena which was calm and quiet, enough for him to think properly without any noise.

"Mr Todoroki," He made himself known. "psyching yourself up I see."

"Darkem sensei." Shoto greeted in his usual tone. "And yes, I'm calming my mind."

"A sound action, it's better to be calm rather than put your adrenaline up in the initial start, which was the announcement of the match ups..." He paused, allowing the sounds of nature strung in before breaking the silence. "But this is about your mental thinking to become a 'hero'." As much as he hated that last word, he hid it very well enough.

Shoto didn't say anything but looked at him, knowing he is listening to what he meant by that.

"While I have an idea about your little... troubles in your family, Shoto." He said nonchalantly. Not needing to turn around and see his expression. "Do not think. Do not think that you have something holding your back, ignore that feeling. You are your own man, your own person, your own identity.

This tournament will decide who you really want to be. A tool or not, it's your own decision. But holding yourself back because of what troubles you," He looked into his eyes, his expression still cold as steel, but his eyes were showing his soul.

"You will not be able to overcome what's in front of you if you are blind to the core."

With those words spoken out, he paused, letting Todoroki process those what he had heard. No doubt to think for himself, but also his mind is troubled.

"Did my father send you?" Was all he thought. Knowing his father, he wanted him to use his left side, but he won't do it.

Darkem chuckled, as if hearing an amusing joke. "No, I was not sent by your father. I sent myself to you, as it was easy to tell that you are being held back. I can tell by the expression of souls as much to my expense."

That made him think, was it his quirk able to tell what is in his mind? How does he know what he is feeling? If so, then it's almost impossible to keep secrets from someone who knows what you feel and think.

"Be yourself, Shoto." He said, in a much gentler tone. Surprising Shoto, never once he had heard him speak this way. "I cannot answer what you need to hear, but I hope you will be able to find those answers in the heat of battle. But do not forget, everyone is giving it their all, it’s best that you do the same."

Feeling he had done his job, he walked away in silence.

It's almost time for the 1st match.

. . .

Cementoss had prepared the arena, it was quite well made. Although he would be there in case there might be something that goes beyond, he can't help but feel the judge's lack of protection against the arena for the audience.

'Are they this confident or did they not think about the protective procedures for the matches that would destroy a large area?' He couldn't help but think that way.

Anyway, rules are simple enough: Knock your opponent out of the ring, immobilize, or yield.

Killing moves would be instant disqualified. Makes sense, wouldn't want to have students kill each other. Although, the idiocy of the hero system is mediocre. Very mediocre.

At the start of the match, Midoriya instantly rushed, sensing anger and hearing a shout coming from him. And then immediately, stopped.

He would have wondered why Midoriya stopped, then he realized it was Shinso's quirk. A dirty power, but it can easily be countered nonetheless.

He shook his head in disappointment, a boy with potential, easily beaten by someone who doesn't need to work hard.

He was slowly walking off the boundary but then suddenly, smoke came of from him.

"Oh?" The boy somehow managed to regain himself. Shaking the control off of him. Midoriya easily beat him by just using a shoulder toss over the boundary with little resistance.

"Hmmmm, a powerful quirk with an easy counter. Little to no combat skill." The match was over and with that, Midoriya won! Onto the next match!

But that was a good move coming from Shinso, angering your opponent can let you lead to wherever you want them to be. Then again, a no match skill.

Next match would be Hanta Sero vs Shoto Todoroki.

It would be obvious who would win, but a chance is a chance, even there is little, it's still a chance. Although, he can sense annoyance from Shoto, but faint. Did something happen? Or did his words not go through him? Either way, he would see how he would react to this match.

Once the match started, Sero made a surprise attack against Shoto, wrapping him in his tape and trying to push him out of the boundary.

Then almost suddenly, Shoto was surrounded in ice, continuously and quickly moving towards Sero who reacted a little bit too late.

Leo reacted quickly, teleporting to the arena and blocking the ice attack at the arena from behind Sero, which is dangerously headed towards the audience.

If he were to guess the attack, it would be around 3rd to 4th tier magic attack. But the cast would be similar to the 10th tier spell {Creation}. Shoto's quirk attack is interesting. Almost less MP usage and can deal enormous amounts of damage.

'But however, very weak data can even harm me.' He mused, as he blocked the Shoto's ice pillar.

Everyone was in awe and disbelief at Shoto's power, Midnight confirming that Sero is indeed immobilized, Shoto is automatically given the win.

"I understand that you wanted to win, Mr Todoroki," Darkem said as he walked at the side of the pillar. "But I must ask you not to damage anything beyond the arena any further."

"...My apologies, sensei." Shoto bowed his head before proceeding to melt the ice that imprisoned Sero. Leo couldn't help but notice the sadness and sorrow coming off from the boy when he is melting the ice.

"Mors!?" Midnight said in surprise, shocked at how he was in the arena the instant Shoto countered Sero. "What are you doing here?"

"Acting as a teacher, and also a protector. Is it wrong to protect the audience from something that would be a potential danger to their lives?" He said coolly, making Midnight stutter in response. What he says is logical and cannot be argued when Shoto has definitely endangered other people's lives.

"With that, I'll be taking over the responsibility of stopping any damage that might endanger anyone's lives."

With that no one argued, although the ones who took notice upon him began to wonder who he was. The people on the seats began to murmur; asking if they knew who that person was.

Everyone responded no. They all wondered who that fellow was, having a mysterious aura around him and his appearance makes him look like a cultist rather than a priest, given the 'villainous' look he has on him.

"We need to thaw this ice out..."

"Don't worry," He said as he held his hand towards the pillar of ice, feeling the cold, he cast {Erasure}. It was a 10th tier spell, a spell to completely remove a singular target with, but requires a touch and can only decimate anything that has no magic protection. The pillar of ice glowed before completely disappeared. "I've cleared it away."

Everyone was wondering where the ice went, and was that the person's quirk. Most people were amazed, awed, and in disbelief at how he was able to make such a huge thing disappear without anything happening to it.

They all speculate that it's the person's quirk, thinking that it has to do something with material removal.

But those who had seen things that most people haven't, and had experienced things that would make people easily faint, this was something dangerous.

'...I have made a big mistake haven’t I?' He mentally mused as he realized his simplicity. He was too engrossed by what he had witnessed by Todoroki's power, even if it was weak, it looked powerful enough to destroy a large building like the arena.

"You may head back to your seats now students."

"A-Ah, right." Sero said as he numbly nodded. Still in disbelief on how the ice disappeared in an instant.

"...Yes." Shoto said, but his expression showed the same as the rest of the audience. Clear surprise. But nonetheless, he went back.

"...WELL WITH THE ICE REMOVED, WE CAN NOW MOVE ON TO THE NEXT MATCH!" Present Mic broke the silence, reigniting the excitement.

Present Mic introduced in a booming voice to the two new fighters: Ibara Shiozaki and Denki Kaminari.

Feeling that there wouldn't be much to be shown. Kaminari's Quirk is decent, but one powerful surge would leave him vulnerable.

And electricity is not very effective against her vines.

It seems that his warnings were not heeded by him. Such a shame. Oh well, this is just a competitive friendly match.

It is to Shiozaki's win. Instantly.

Next up is Mei Hatsume vs Tenya Iida, although...

Was he wearing items? As he was about to think if that is allowed, it is. Only by the consent of the opposing student. To which Iida proclaimed he had allowed Mei to equip him with the said items.

Although he couldn't help but think that Iida is too naive to be trusting said opponent. Many things could happen; sabotaged equipment, malfunction, entrapment, etc.

And to which, yes it did.

He sighed at Iida's naivety and simplicity, as he was being humiliated by Mei's equipment. Showing off the equipment to the audience, practically like a commercial advertisement. Using the advantage to gain favors from anyone who has shown interest in her equipment, most likely the support companies.

The next matches were not as interesting as it seemed.

Mina won against Aoyama by going close quarters, and since the latter cannot fire his beam more than a second, he becomes vulnerable. Weak against long term fights.

Destroying the belt, unable to function, and also destroying the pants in the process. Mina wins, knocking him out, a humiliating defeat for Aoyama.

The next match was interesting, but it didn't go well for Momo.

Fumikage was smart, attacking aggressively not giving any time for her to create things. He won by disorienting Momo with aggressive attacks, forcing her out of the boundary. Thus, making him qualify for the 2nd match up.

The next one was... Quite a funny fight.

Kirishima and Tetsutetsu. Both have similar quirks, Harden and Steel.

Both were good fights, able to tank out damage and deal damage at the same time.

Though the round ended up in a tie, with both fighters knocked out unconscious.

Not mentioning YGGDRASIL matches. Those are beyond not the same.

Though the next match would seem worrying...

Ochaco Uraraka vs Katsuki Bakugo.

He would lie if it doesn't seem one sided, but he wouldn’t feel pity for the girl. But he could feel that sense of determination in her. She will lose no doubt, but she will at least go out in a bang.

(Yeyyyyyyyyy, fk u)

Bakugo has no weaknesses in this match of any kind as he can clear those. Uraraka on the other hand, has to get close in order to touch him, even if it’s just accidentally, she would win.

That is if Bakugo would let her get close to touch him. Cocky, but not arrogant.

"START!"

Immediately, Ochaco dashed towards Bakugo, lowering her body in order to be faster, and centering her weight, and rushing to reach up to him. Once she closed up on him, Bakugo didn't give any mercy and deliberately retaliated with an explosion at her.

He could hear the audience disliking the scene they were witnessing. You came here to watch students fight in a match that would mean that they would give it their all, and you think they wouldn't be going out unscathed?

Ridiculous.

He noticed that Ochaco removed her jacket and used it as a decoy, moving behind Bakugou in the cover of the smoke.

However, that didn't do much at all. Ocahco is slower than Bakugou. Bakugo's reaction is something a fighter would have. He is the top student from the entrance exam after all.

She keeps on charging relentlessly and desperately, getting knocked back by Bakugo's explosion.

The scene before him is brutal, one would say cruel. But this is reality.

This is the process for those who wanted to be 'Heroes' in this world.

But it seemed that most of the crowd around didn't look at it that way. He could feel the sorrow and pity from the audience, no doubt aimed at the girl. And the sense of disgust, possibly aimed for the boy's 'cruelty'.

Though he too would be concerned if Bakugou accidentally managed to kill her with his explosions.

Besides, it also seemed that they didn't notice the rocks that are floating above the arena from Bakugo's explosions. Have the people not noticed rocks and stone floating above? Are they blind?

A group in the audience began to boo, making a chain reaction from the people.

Before he could silence the people with their idiocy, Aizawa begins to declare their words and thinking foolish, blind to the core.

Afterwards, Ochaco used the rocks floating above to act as her cover, while rushing towards Bakugou. But then again, such a simple tactic wont work on him.

Bakugo destroyed the rocks, ruining her only plan. She decided to rush again desperately, but her body couldn't handle it.

She fell to the ground, Midnight noticed this but Darkem was quicker. He walked up to the arena and went up to her. Her condition won’t allow her to continue, but her spirit is not giving up.

'Defiant til the end huh... Hmm?'

"Dad!" She exclaimed weakly, only he could hear.

He frowned, knowing where this is going, he quickly motioned to Midnight and shook his head. Signaling that the match has ended.

"Uraraka is unable to continue. Bakugo advances to the second round!" Midnight announced as the medical robots arrived with a stretcher. He placed Uraraka gently onto the stretcher, letting the bots do their job.

He turned to Bakugo. "You did exceptionally well, Bakugo." He complimented.

The explosive teen raised a brow, though his eyes widened as well. Not expecting this from the teacher, specifically not from him as well.

"Despite your personality and attitude, you are a decent fighter, exceptional if one would say. But you seem brash, yet calculating. I pray that you will fight someone on your level." With that he went back to his position, awaiting for the 2nd round matches.

After a short break, for the 2nd round, the first match was a draw match between Kirishima and Tetsutetsu. But the match would be an arm wrestling match. The winner of the arm wrestling match would be the one who advances to the next round.

Not one of them moved until Tetsutetsu flinched, weakening his grip and losing.

It ended with good sportsmanship between the two.

Though the next match would be...

Midoriya vs Shoto.

This might be a very exciting match, considering the two's quirks are powerful. But if Shoto will use his left side, then Izuku might be in a pinch on this one.

"START!"

The match started without any lag. Shoto started with an ice attack, but Izuku countered with a small yet powerful blow coming from his finger, causing a shockwave. Shoto quickly created an ice pillar behind him to keep him from getting blown out of bounds.

'Just from the flick of a finger...' He mused. Only a flick can cause a shockwave like that. He can see the boy's finger, resulting from the counter attack.

Shoto attacks again, resulting in Izuku to counter, injuring his index finger.

He is playing the long game... Risky move, Izuku can only fire limited shots, if he only utilizes his fingers, he'd say he only has 6 shots left. He can heal the boy's injuries easy enough anyways.

Todoroki attacked several more times, his attacks countered. Although Midoriya's right hand is done for.

While Izuku gathers himself and tries to ignore the pain in his right hand, Shoto summons up another ice going high and close distance to him. Izuku breaks the ice with another flick but Shoto avoids it and freezes Izuku at close range.

Izuku used his left arm to break the ice that caught him, bringing out a full-on powered shockwave.

'It would look like those Fighter-type class skills, {Impact Punch} huh?' It would seem powerful on the outside, but he'd guessed that it wouldn't be enough to even scratch up a lvl 60 player's HP.

Then again, the people in this world are weak compared to YGGDRASIL.

But...

'I wonder if he heeded my words back then...'

With the smoke clearing, Shoto is still there! He managed to withstand the aftershock of the shockwave using an ice blockade, making it surround him.

The son of Endeavour is strong. Stronger than an average hero.

"But that is only when he is only using his ice side." He said to himself. "I wonder how quick it would be if he had used his fire..."

Pity, the boy can only use his fingers in limited shots. And his left arm is done for. He would even heal him in secret, but that would make everyone suspicious and end the match from someone intervening in the match.

Shoto then unleashes another final attack, to which he would expect would end the match once and for all.

But it seems the boy's passion and stubbornness doesn't seem like it.

It took the whole arena in surprise, they were pretty sure that Izuku cannot block with his limbs damaged beyond all.

Izuku used his already broken finger to counter the attack. It almost knocked Shoto out of bounds from that.

He wondered how much pain the boy is in right now. Shoto asks why he is going so far. Izuku simply replies that he was trembling and that he could only take out so much cold because there is a limit, as Quirks are physical abilities as well.

He could have counter the cold by using his fire, but since he refused to do so, he also has taken some damage to himself.

Izuku made Shoto snap by having him give out more effort in the fight, stating that everyone has given it their all while he is using half the power. It was true, but not totally right.

Besides, he contradicted that if Shoto were to unleash everything he got, then he can destroy anything within his vicinity.

Feeling anger from Shoto, the boy quickly rushed towards Midoriya. However, he noticed that his movements were rather slow, sluggish.

He presumed the reason for this was that Shoto used most of his power against the match with Hanta.

As Shoto closes in, and the moment he lifts his right foot, Izuku immediately rushes in.

'A counter? With a punch?' Darkem thought. 'But would he be able to control the power?'

Seeing that he couldn't control his power, and only uses his fingers to flick even fraction of his power to attack and counter, he might as well kill-

"A SOLID HIT!" Present Mic boomed excitingly through the speakers.

Izuku managed to land a hit on him, punching him in the gut. Throwing Shoto a good distance away from him, but Izuku felt pain from his punch, blood spurting out from his fingers.

Shoto recomposed himself before attacking, although he noticed that his attack seemed...

'Its weaker and slower than before.' Midoriya managed to avoid it easily while Shoto closed in. Both of them now engaged in close quarters despite their conditions.

"[Should I stop it, Midnight?]" Cementoss' voice spoke through his ear, he remembered that he was given an earpiece as all staff members of USJ would have. So he is able to hear what the referee is saying.

"[It seems that Midoriya is probably thinking that 'Recovery Girl can heal me anyway,' and is being reckless. He's full of adrenaline right now, so he can't feel much of the pain. But those injuries, a single healing session won't be enough for a full recovery]" He said in concern.

"[Even if he wins here, he might not be able to fight his next match]"

'I could easily heal those injuries, but... Should I?' He pondered. While he could heal their injuries, should he dare to make them aware of it? He has no spells that would alter their memories, only focusing on damage dealing spells.

He shook his head and smiled.

"Why the hell do I need to worry about something little." He said to himself before turning up his comms.

"[Let them fight]" He spoke, he doesn't need to see their expressions from that alone. "[From what they see, they are still capable of fighting, are they not?]"

"[But Darkem, this isn't a fight to the death-!]" Cementoss retorted, but was soon cut off by Darkem.

"[Of course it isn't, but look closely. Midoriya is not trying to win, the boy is giving his all yes, but it is to something else]"

And then suddenly, flames appeared from the arena. The people were astounded by the display of Shoto's blazing power.

He could feel the mixed emotions from Shoto, the remorse from the boy, the resentment of his life, and the touch with his memories with his mother...

He did it.

He then turned off his comms, wanting to witness this match without any interruption or distraction. Although he heard Endeavour shouted with words that seemed encouragement for his son, he could only sense the feeling of desire emerging from the man.

A bastard of a father...

Pushing the thought aside, it seems that both fighters are going to give it their all. He felt a surge of power from the two, the air increasing and becoming loose and shaking.

'This is not good.' He realized, if the two are powering up then-

With no time wasted, he noticed that Midnight and Cementoss intervened, sensing their worries. Following suit, he prepared himself, targeting everyone present down in the arena with a {Mass Barrier}.

Shoto sends in a large wave of ice to Izuku, but he jumps above it by focusing the power into his leg. As he flies towards Shoto, he prepares for a full blast in his right arm, Shoto readily counters with a powerful fire blast.

Cementoss creates a multitude of cement walls in an attempt to stop them, but it wasn't enough to block the entire attack. Izuku's wind pressure and Shoto's fire was enough to create an explosion that would compare itself as a tactical strike that completely destroyed the fighting ring.

Darkem was fast enough to notice who was the one being flown back and managed to catch them mid air using {Teleport} to get in time and {Time Stop} so he could properly set himself and not hurt Midoriya.

He resumed time once he set himself and caught the boy. Almost a second later, he felt the wind hitting in front of him from the shockwave. It can be felt by the entirety of the arena.

The wind began to settle down, smoke was still covering almost the entirety of the arena.

Oh, he didn't take the other teachers in mind. He was too focused on the boy's condition and possibility of death, he apologized to them in his head.

"HEY, WHO WON THE MATCH?" Present Mic spoke, although one could tell he was shaken by the event.

As everyone began to gather themselves up from the shockwave, a figure was seen standing in the ring. It was Shoto, with a quarter of his shirt to his left side ripped off without any injuries.

They looked for Midoriya and found him being carried by Darkem in his arms, unconscious.

"Midoriya is out of bounds!" Midnight announced. "Todoroki advances to the third round!"

The whole arena cheered.

Darkem gave Midoriya to the robots bringing in the stretcher and went to the infirmary. Darkem then slowly walked up to Todoroki, who was panting tirelessly from using the fire blast.

"It seems that you have found the answer, Shoto."

"...It doesn't feel like it, sensei."

He chuckled lightly. "Sometimes when you discover the answer, one would be confused, unaware, or lost even." He patted him in the shoulder. "But all in all, if you realized, you've been saved."

Shoto looked at him. "You can tell don't you?"

"Nothing goes past my sight, young Shoto." He replied evasively. "Now, off to the prep room now. Change clothes and fix yourself, best to ready yourself for the next match."

Darkem left the arena, notifying the others that he would be checking in on Midoriya while Cementoss repaired the place.

. . .

Arriving in the infirmary, he encountered 4 students in his way. "Checking up on your friend I see." He said, gaining their attention.

The students turned and saw Darkem. "Sensei!" They greeted, or at least Iida did.

"Izuku is going to have a surgery!" Mineta exclaimed.

"Surgery?" He questioned. "So it's that bad huh."

"We just heard that after we came into the room." Tsuyu replied. "But we don't know much more than that."

"So you're saying you four barged into the room unannounced? Rudely I suppose?" He deadpanned. Though, teasing children like this makes him fuddle up inside.

"No no, we weren't trying to be rude! Were just-"

"Worried, I know. From your tone it can be told easily... although-" He turned to Mineta. "I can sense a bit of arrogance, even cockiness from you. Were you dismaying Midoriya?"

"N-no I wasn't!" He tried to deny, but he wasn't having it.

"Hide it all you want, but your pride and wanting for such stupid desires can easily be known and obvious." He said seriously. "If you still go along with that, there is a chance that you won't earn yourself a wife once you are an adult."

Mineta looked hurt, his face downwards with an aura of shame around him.

Before any of his classmates could reply, he quickly added in: "That goes the same to you three, all of you children. It's best to live on wisely and cautiously. Die young, or die old." He said bluntly before moving past them.

Once he was out of their sights, the students sighed in relief, but what they heard spoken, it didn't make them relax at all. Not even one bit.

"Looks like he doesn't like people in your kind, Mineta." Tsuyu said calmly, although she was unsure on how to react to their teacher's words.

"That's not helping!" Mineta exclaimed, although weakly as his heart was stabbed by a verbal sword.

"Why does he have to act like that?" Uraraka said with uncertainty.

"His... Words are true, despite sounding quite..." Iida didn't finish his sentence, but it was obvious to what he meant. Even if the word didn't need to be heard.

They do not really like the man, but they respect his teachings. Despite being weird to their perspective, this was too... Unnatural for them.

Darkem could feel negative emotions behind him. He sighed at his lack of communication to the children, he is really not good at socializing!

He reached the infirmary, sensing 3 souls in the room and knocked on the door before opening it. "All is right?" He said and looked at Midoriya. 'He seems conscious enough.'

"Ah, Darkem." Toshinori greeted. "And yes, everything is good."

Darkem seem to notice something, tiny bits of blood under his collar. "Are you injured?" He asked.

The man in question raised a brow before remembering that he spat out blood in surprise when the students came in unannounced.

"Ah, no. I was just surprised, that's all." He tried to wave the concerns from the being in disguise, but he wasn't having it.

He sighed before bringing out a scroll from his inventory, the act surprised the people in the room, ignoring their expressions he quickly grabbed a [Scroll of Light Heal] and cast it onto him.

Almost instantly, Toshinori felt rejuvenated for the first time ever. Energy that he had when he was young long ago.

Darkem quickly and mutely turned to Midoriya, examining his body with only a look and a silent cast of {Appraise Being} to him.

"Madam," He said to the Recovery Girl who was observing. "can he be healed?"

Recovery Girl nodded before explaining the procedures to have Midoriya recovered. Nothing more than a simple surgery to remove the bone fragments and splinters.

"...Nothing complicated I see." He mused before going closer to the boy.

"It is a complicated procedure, Mr Darkem!" Recovery Girl retorted, as if getting mocked by someone to her field of medicine and healing.

He said nothing but cast {Regenerate} onto the boy. Glowing briefly green, the wounds and bruises on him disappeared, shocking the two people before him, witnessing such a scene before them. Midoriya blinked, feeling rejuvenated with incredible energy!

He felt this before, when the reaper healed him of his legs...!

It is him!

"What did you do?" Toshinori said, no doubt in disbelief.

"Like I said, nothing complicated that I can see." He said before stepping a few steps back. "The boy is now healed."

"I... I don't feel any pain." Izuku said dumbly. He began to move around his arms, removing the rags and bandages on them. Recovery Girl was about to retort on keeping them on, but was in shock the moment she saw that there were no injuries left in sight on the boy's arms and legs.

"A healing quirk?" Chiyo said in disbelief. She had heard other folks that have healing capabilities, but nothing to this degree!

"Good," He nodded at his work before turning his attention to the other two in present. "I must ask you two that if anyone else asked, Izuku has recovered but not completely. I'd rather have this not spread out too All Might." He turned to the man.

"The deal is still up if you still want." He said before walking out of the room and closed the door behind him, leaving the people in the infirmary in disbelief.

'Damn, feels weird speaking like this.' He thought as he slowly and surely went back to the arena to protect the arena if a match like the scale matchup between Shoto and Midoriya ever happened again.