It was a quiet week around U.A High.

Peaceful and quiet. Although half of the staff were present to continue working on what teachers are supposed to be doing.

The students were given several days, almost a week off to relax and recover from their injuries.

News of Ingenium being completely healed spread throughout the city, no one knew what happened, but they guessed that someone with a powerful healing Quirk had managed to save him. This made his family happy and relieved.

All the elder brother said was that he was healed by Death, but most of them dismissed it as something unusual or the ramblings of someone who had just had a near-death experience.

Other than that, nothing much is happening, only the usual things working…

Walking around outside the grounds of U.A High, it relieved him of anything that comes to his mind. Relaxing rather than stressing about the work he is making up for the classes that would start Monday next week.

Other than that, he also went to town to remove some pests from time to time whenever he felt like it. He did encounter the same vigilantes when he had saved the boy from that criminal with a metal-based Quirk, or was it something about magnetism. Either way, he didn’t care.

Sparing only the ones that could be saved, and were willing to be saved. He doesn't enjoy killing, even if he felt nothing from it. But when done purposely and righteously, it's merely a chore like any other.

The only interesting thing that has happened recently was that his Shadow Demons had found the Hero Killer, which in turn was brought in by another group of individuals that called themselves “The League of Villains”. A pity party name that someone in the group seems to have come up with, but it's somewhat… fitting.

Aside from the naming, the most interesting part was that Stain is on fragile terms with them. His ideas are… Extravagant but flawed.

An idea of the “Revival of Heroes” as he goes on. His ideas were solid, but the methods he used were… Questionable. But he cannot kill Stain, not just yet.

Despite his crimes, he is necessary for the world. Or at least, the change for it.

He is misguided, blinded only to his ideals, not open-minded. He is obviously not a Hero, but he wouldn't consider him as a Villain either.

An Anti-Hero was a more fitting title for the Hero Killer.

“Darkem-dono, walking around I see.”

He turned to the source of the voice, it was the principal. Nezu.

After the U.A Sports Festival, it was obvious that the principal was keeping a closer eye on him. The staff, specifically the teachers, were keeping a distance from him. Maybe it was not to bother him, or not wanting to anger him. Either way, he prefers the comfortable silence to himself as much as he can before the continuation of classes.

Teaching children is not his thing, but there is no harm in trying.

“It is a free week, you know?”

He nodded. “I do, and I am using my time to merely roam around. But other than that, you are still nervous around me.” He said casually.

If the mouse had flinched, he probably hid it well.

“I would be lying to myself if I wasn't,” Nezu admitted. “I have heard reports about a significant rise of villains found dead in Musutafu. I believe that to be your work?”

“And you are worried that I removed the pests from their scattered place?”

“I-I’m… Concerned.” Nezu said slowly. He knows that he cannot stop this… being from even destroying the city, or much less the nation. He will not underestimate him, nor express carelessness.

Not even All Might nor All For One can beat him, even if they worked together. No matter how crazy it sounds.

“About everything?” He glanced at the principal, who merely nodded. “Best not to think much about it. I care about the lives of beings, I am not some entity that wishes for the destruction of all life. I am not the creation of the Scarlet King.”

“The Scarlet King?” Nezu questioned. He never heard of an individual with that title. This is the first time he had heard of this “Scarlet King”. Was he an individual he was supposed to know? Of course not, but he would mentally note to investigate more of this… Scarlet King. It might be that the reaper is reminiscing in its thoughts, as was reported from All Might regarding their recent conversation after the U.A Sports Festival in the afternoon.

“A story and question to be answered in… another time.” He waved dismissively. “Other than that, you are here. Are you just truly considering what am I to do on this planet? Or are you just asking something else… truly important?”

“N-no. There is nothing else! I am merely concerned for the sake of my students and staff.” ‘As well as the whole world.’

“But there is another thing I wish to ask you about.”

“Hm?”

“Did you heal Ingenium?”

He sighed, making the mouse flinch ever so slightly. Thinking that he must have annoyed the reaper, as he was about to apologize the reaper spoke quickly.

“Even if I did, you would ask me; why did I heal him? The answer will be that: “I am a teacher of a student whose sibling was hurt”. If not dealt with properly, the boy would have done something stupid. He would stray down the path of revenge, something that would have one’s soul be twisted and turned inside-out, and a soul as young as that should not have to experience something such as that yet. There are downsides to the deed I’ve done for the boy’s family, but at what cost? Even if I did, such a miserable thing wouldn't change at the cost of one’s personality. So tell me, changing one’s fate, is that a good thing? Or a bad thing?”

Nezu went silent, his mind cogging its gears as he tried to formulate the answer while trying to find the meaning behind the reaper-in-disguise’s words. Was there something deep behind it? Why speak in such a cynical way? Is he trying to answer in a way he could understand? There are many variables with little information to formulate an adequate answer.

But then, he answered truthfully.

“...For me, changing the fate of a person is something of one’s destiny being gone. But all in all, it depends.”

The reaper hummed before looking up at the sky. Gazing at the slowly moving clouds of fluff with a relaxed expression on his face.

“Then I shall ask you another question, principal. What makes a world peaceful?”

“That everyone would get along with each other well. There’d be no wars, no calamity, no conflict in all places of the world.” He answered simply. He wasn't truly expecting such a simple-minded question.

The reaper laughed wholeheartedly. As if hearing a very funny joke.

“A world like this one brings out the nature of humanity. Despite appearances, their souls are still human. And within this world, brings out the nature of Man… Peace is but an illusion, an idea of false hope that naive-thinking people would dream of. Such as your “Pillar of Peace”, if he falls, so will the world. A temporary peace will only bring chaos and disorder, such is the faith of the faithless. Why would anyone dream of Eternal Peace, it is but an illusion. Wake up to reality, principal. Nothing ever goes as planned in this accursed world, as well as in other worlds… So would you rather live in a false paradise, or in an illusion of safety?” He didn't stay to hear Nezu’s response before walking away, leaving the dumbfounded principal behind.

He only did that to escape from the little mouse and continue his break before the day ended. But he knew he was right. Peace is nothing but an impossible goal. An impossible dream to achieve.

But if peace is achieved, then humanity won't be the same humanity as it is. Even if God or gods exist, a human will still act like a human. But if a human stops acting like a human, then peace would be achieved.

A pest and a pesticide, two in one. A package.

Nezu however, had a feeling that the reaper is hinting at him in a form of cynic answers. There's also another possibility of him avoiding something, hiding something.

. . .

Timeskip: 4 days later after Sports Festival - Monday

Classes have resumed, and it started on a rainy day as well.

Mors instinctively went for his protection gear, before realizing that he doesn't have it (literally non-existent) and he is not in his old world. And rather, this is normal rain, not acid that burns the skin and corrodes metal.

He sighed as he made his way out of his apartment and headed for his scheduled classes. Considering the time, Aizawa is doing a Special Hero Informatics topic with Class 1-A. Though Midnight will be doing most of the work in that, as he heard that Aizawa is not fond of making hero names.

For some weird reason, the kids were excited to have their internships with the Pros. Being a Hero is a dangerous job that meddles in life or death, not a stupid game.

Mentally noting to put that topic to the students when he is able.

*BUMP*

“Oof.”

“Oof, watch where you’r-!”

He looked down and saw it was Shinso, the Gen Ed student with a mind control Quirk if he recalled properly.

“Shinso...”

“U-Uh, no worries Mors Sensei.” Anxiousness and nervousness emitted from the boy. It was understandable. Considering his way of talking to people, it did make them uncomfortable. But they were weak-willed. Doubters who doubt too much on themselves.

“You’ve been thinking a lot lately, haven't you?” He said softly, enough for the student to hear. Shinso flinched slightly at the correct assumption of his teacher.

“...Yea.”

He is never quick to judge a man’s character, but it is hard to doubt one’s appearance that would mimic their own behavior and manner. But he could sense potential from the boy.

“Doubtful on being a Hero? Don't be.” Shinso looked up, seeing his sensei’s face. Mors didn't need to read his mind to see that he is in the right. “You don't need to be big to become a hero. I suggest you look up to Aizawa for training and advice, he is a perfect role-model for your suit of choice.”

“Aizawa sensei?” He questioned. He did like the laid-back scarfed hero, cool and serious. But he was confused on why he had him as his role model. “Why?”

“Hmmm… See it this way, his Quirk can temporarily neutralize Quirks. It is not essentially a combat type Quirk, but he has managed to use it against his enemies effectively. At the cost of his eyes that is.” He mumbled quietly at the last part. “But then we get to you,” He pointed at him. “Your Quirk is Mind Control, and do not think that I cannot think that you were shamed for having that kind of Quirk to which most people would see it as a “Villain Quirk”. They are absolute fools, blinded by the works of a hidden reality. Ignore the fools, and use it to your advantage.”

He could feel confusion yet a sense of inspiration from the boy. It was stupid. Why can't these people help them mold their Quirks better? He could state many reasons for that, but he can't help but pity the ones who were forced or called Villains in this world.

The two-side bullshit.

“...Even if I mastered my Quirk, how would that make me be a Hero? I’m in the General Studies course.”

“And is that needed for you to become a Hero? Either you care for fame, glory, or just to enjoy the fights, do remember this: Be what you want to be. ‘Even if the world shall put its burden down on you, rise up and go forward.’ If you don't, then you wouldn't be able to satisfy your given life, but within time, you should ask yourself once you achieve what you have achieved. Is it really worth it?” He said carefully.

“...”

He patted the boy on the shoulder gently. “Talk to Aizawa for training if you so will it and have the time for it. Do not dance with words, just speak straight to him. He understands what it is like to have a non-combat Quirk, and will train you.”

Afterwards he left the boy. But he was also wondering about what he said…

Why did he do that? Was it because he felt pity for the boy? Or was it because he saw potential in him?

He does not know, and he will not care. Because he’ll do whatever he can, to enjoy this new given life, and avoid the people who live like the ones in his world.

. . .

The benefits of being assigned to a limited amount of classes was a blessing. A small reminder to himself that he is only staying here in order to be monitored by Nezu, whether the time for him to live separately is unknown, he doesn't know what to do aside from guiding people.

He noticed Midnight and Aizawa up ahead, they also noticed him at about the same time.

Although, why is Aizawa carrying a sleeping bag on his shoulder? Does he sleep anywhere in that thing?

“Ah, Mors-dono.” Midnight greeted with a small bow, with Aizawa following.

Then suddenly, their heartbeats increased ever so slightly. It was pulsing normally, but if one could hear it properly, its pumping increased more than usual, but small enough to not be noticed.

“The guidance is finished, I take it?”

“Yes, I was just helping out Class 1-A with their Hero names for their planned internship. They’ll be working out with their assigned pros for a week.” Midnight replied with a smile.

“And they are excited about it?”

“Yeah.” Aizawa answered but with a tone of disappointment.

Darkem closed his eyes and sighed. He could understand the man’s thoughts on them, naive but they have potential. ‘They still do not get it do they?’

“Is… there something wrong?” Midnight said, concerned about the reaper-in-disguise’s reaction.

“No no,” He waved his hand to them reassuringly. “Just disappointed, but expected. They are still too young to realize that the occupation they are going and wanting for is dangerous.”

“They’ll grow out of it.” Aizawa said. “Considering the USJ incident, they are better than any of the other first-years in terms of experience.”

“As much as I’d like to agree with that, Mr Aizawa, times are changing. They’ll need to be forced out of their comfort zones to experience the harshness of reality. But I’ll give you one piece of advice; your “Pillar of Hope” will not last for long, at most a few months… Even the horrors of the past are waking up.”

The two heroes looked at each other during the last part, not able to understand what the reaper meant by that. But it sounded ominous. Really ominous…

“What do you mean by that? Are you warning us?” Aizawa said carefully, not wishing to antagonize the reaper in question.

“That is for you to decide whether it is a warning, or simply information that will turn out true in the future… Or maybe it is just the random essences of visions coming along from the past.” He hummed. “I'll see you two soon then, Nemuri, Aizawa.” He nodded as he went along the hallway.

As he left the two alone, they couldn't help but worry what he meant by those words.

“That was… strange.” Midnight chuckled nervously to get rid of the tension as the two stared at the distant back of Darkem.

“That would be the understatement in that… moment.” Aizawa deadpanned. A great understatement.

“Yeah, no doubt about it… But should we be worried?”

“I don't know. But one thing’s for sure, he knows something.”

“He is, oh I don't know, maybe the Devil or Death incarnate!?! What else do you think he knows!?” Midnight glared at her co-worker. It did bring up questions, even when they try to converse with him, he speaks outright gibberish! Yet every time he did speak, the words spoken weighed with a great burden.

“He might be telling us something.”

“How!? He is just speaking… weird!” She tried her best not to spurt out the word “crazy”, risking that the Reaper of Death could hear that.

As they were told by Nezu just the day after the USJ incident, they are not to antagonize the person. He has the power, literal power, not a Quirk, that can destroy the world. They knew Nezu, although a mouse, he is not one to joke around or lie.

And it proved to be the case.

“We need to tell Nezu about this.” She whispered quietly to Aizawa, to which the latter nodded.

(Need some fix on the two’s conversation)

. . .

‘There it is again…’ He grunted in annoyance. Feeling that mysterious yet odd wave of sensation of cruelty, maliciousness, and bad fortune crashing onto him.

It has been egging him even after the week he was staying in the U.A apartment for the staff, acting as a secondary home for them.

The Sensation was literally all over the place, here, there, wherever he went. Anywhere in the town, buildings, parks, landmarks he went to, the heavy sensation is present but it was faint. A few times it felt more noticeable like someone just added another thick blanket on him.

Either it was God telling him something, protecting him against something, or his racial passive.

But he doesn't know which! And it has been bugging him so much!

‘God, forgive me for thy words, but if you are trying to say something, I beg you to give me a sign or tell me in my dreams. Because I do not know if you are really trying to communicate with me, or not.’ He stood still and lowered his head slightly in prayer.

He wasn't certain if it was truly God himself, or someone else was trying to get into his mind. If it was the latter, he would have noticed by his Anti-Divinity spells he cast daily, and the wards he placed in his room and few places around the campus.

“Hm?” He noticed two souls just up ahead, no one around in the area. The secluded section of the building. Though their essences are familiar.

All Might and Midoriya…

They seem to be talking, but hearing the frightening tone coming from the hero, it seemed to be serious.

Only taking a peak from the wall, he heard about All Might talking about his mentor. His tone filled with fright and despair. It was a comical sight for the “Top Hero” to be shaking in his boots by his former mentor.

Then he goes on speaking about “One For All”... Gran Torino, a friend to the predecessor of All Might’s power.

If he remembered correctly when he was doing a small research into the U.A, he was a teacher of U.A for the first years, homeroom of All Might before he became the Pillar of Hope.

His Quirk, Jet, a mutant speed-type. But he didn’t manage to find anything unusual, other than another person named Nana Shimura, whom he had a relationship with. Anything else, he could not access in the archives. He would ask, but that would be too demanding for his taste.

Some secrets he would allow to stay hidden, whilst some needed to be dug out to know more.

And speaking of digging out secrets, it's about time he should make a visit to the so-called “Hero Killer”. And maybe take a big wide visit to the hideout of the League of Villains, whether it would deter or attract more trouble, it's a risk that it would bring benefit.

How?

By fate and the wheel of time.

. . .

It didn't take too long to locate the Hero Killer.

He was lurking around Hosu City, the same place where Ingenium was attacked. Ingenium, once fully healed, didn't immediately go back to his patrols. Rather he would not be active for a time to ‘lament’ his mistakes.

He went out to Hosu City, using {Gate} to fast travel with no problems.

The idea was this, he would interrogate the Hero Killer, and if he is able to… let's say “convert” him, then all is well. But if he is too much of a nuisance, execution of the righteous would be perfect.

‘No no no,’ he shook his head. ‘There is no such thing as perfection…’ He hummed…

‘But it does fit the meaning…’

He then noticed a familiar presence coming up to him, a Shadow Demon. Whenever they would approach him, there is something to report, and not once did they fail to do so.

“I see. So he is around the downtown area… Lead me to him.”

The Shadow Demon bowed and melted into the shadows of the darkness. It went as fast as a speeding bullet, but Darkem didn't have any problems trailing behind it. Plus they were going along the rooftops, easier to maneuver and almost no obstacles in the way.

He only summoned Shadow Demons and a couple of Hanzos that will be hiding in the shadows, with their skills, they are able to guard him from a kilometer afar.

To the human eye, it would almost seem like a blur just moved past from their sights. But to him? It felt normal, and that he reached the destination in a minute.

Extending his {Soul Sense}, he managed to feel a dying yet corrupted soul. With a tainted, misguided soul at its presence.

‘So this is what a misguided sense of justice feels like…’ He hummed as he slowly went down to the building. It was an abandoned building filled with nothing but piles of rubble and junk.

His enhanced hearing managed to catch the sound of a person’s last breath, and a sound of-

‘Licking liquid from their jagged blade…’

Turning around the corner, he then saw a very disturbing scene that would cause almost anyone to stumble backwards in shock.

But not him, he has already expected this, not that he would be surprised by his actions…

Hero Killer Stain has his blade stabbed through a person’s stomach, revealing pieces of flesh and oozing destroyed organs. A pool of blood slowly seeped outward from the corpse of what he could tell is a hero, but he could not identify who.

[Leave us. Go outside and warn me if anyone is coming here, do not make yourselves known] He {Message} to the several Shadow Demons that were with him, and they immediately followed his order.

“Enjoying the day of the night, Stain?” He asked casually, making his appearance known. This caused Stain to quickly turn and look towards who or what was behind him.

“...Who are you?” He asked cautiously. Stain was never one to act foolishly nor arrogantly. He thrives in the blood of Fakes and those who dare to mess up justice!

But this man… He would look like any of the other heroes that would almost look like a matchup to a villain, but this man… He was exuding an aura of danger, something that he had managed to sense during his earlier days as a vigilante.

Darkem stopped after a few steps, straightening his back. Speaking with confidence both behind his mind and words.

“Someone that you cannot hope to ever defeat nor fool.” He said truthfully.

“...” Stain couldn't help but feel a cold sweat coming down behind his neck. He had a bad feeling if he dared to attack.

“I would like to ask you about your… ideal crusade.” He looked around with his eyes before settling down on the corpse. “But first, we’ll need to talk somewhere… undisturbed.”

Stain felt uncomfortable on that last part. The way he said it, it was cold and undefining.

He opened up a {Gate} with a snap of a finger. It leads to the downtown area, where there aren't many people going around.

“Now, if you please.” He gestured to the whirling purple portal to his side like a butler showing their master’s way.

There doesn't need to be any more words to be said. Stain, reluctantly, walked through the swirling portal that would lead him somewhere he doesn't know. If he was tricked, he’ll slash this person’s throat with his blade…

After he walked into the portal, he saw himself in another empty building. Windows were boarded up and it seemed more empty than the abandoned office building he was in. But by the time he thought of that, the mysterious man walked out from the portal behind him.

Stain quickly scanned the area to see if there are any traps or an ambushing waiting for him.

“No need to panic, you and I are alone currently.” The man said calmly. He was within striking distance to his blades, yet he showed no caution at all.

Either he was being foolish, or he has something up his sleeve. Either way, he is not normal.

“But I’ll get right to it, you seek the ideal of Heroes… I support your mindset.”

Stain raised a brow, no doubt surprised by this man’s statement. Surprised that he has the same way of thinking.

“But that doesn't mean I approve of your methods.” He said coldly.

“False Heroes do not get the dignity they dare to have.” He replied. “There's only one that I acknowledge, and that is All Might!”

“No question about that.” He agreed. “As much as I hate “Heroes”, you do not get to kill the lot of them.”

“So you're here to stop me…?”

“No,” He shook his head. Stain was surprised and confused by this notion. “I’m here to guide you on who to kill. There are others… heroes that would like to follow the path of All Might. And what you’re doing will cause more problems than ever. I will not deny that there are people who went down to a darker path and dare to light themselves up behind All Might, wanting to reach his height, but your methods however…”

“It will only bring a holy blight amongst those who wish to make this world righteous.” He said casually, but to Stain, it sounded dead cold.

Stain felt his body tremble in fear, and his spine shivered from those cold dead words.

He wasn't sure, but he thought that this was the work of some kind of a Fear Quirk.

“Kukukuku… HAHAHAHAHAHA!” Stain laughed, making Darkem look at him like he just turned crazy… Which he technically is.

“And who are you to say that you can decide who can be a hero and who cannot!?” Stain smirked, but he did not stop there. “You’d think that such insolence of this society, of those which I’ve seen, can become heroes!?”

“It does not matter if one has powers to become a hero or not. It matters whether you will become one.” He replied. “I can agree that the term “Hero” is bastardized commercially, not following the original definition of the true meaning. But that doesn't mean death is the call.”

“And yet letting those fakes live!?”

“If they wish to protect the people, save the people, and guard the people, then yes. I will not speak of the other scums who use the word “Hero” as another means to carry their own selfish legacies. But it doesn't mean they should die.”

Stain narrowed his eyes. “I’d rather not have the Hero Pretenders to call themselves as heroes!”

“But that point aside, I want you to refrain from killing heroes at random and only kill those who are ruining the name by doing horrible acts. Like your recent hunt for example the Turbo Hero: Ingenium, he reeks of justice against those who have done bad deeds, and yet you hunted him.”

“And how would you know that he isn't one of those Fakes?”

“Because of his compassion to protect and save others… Is that not what a Hero should be? Or is that how a Fake should act? You of all the people should know that he wants to be a hero to spread justice and stop injustice.”

“You think you can teach me about how a True Hero should act?!” He almost shouted.

“No, but I am merely asking you to carefully hunt the ones who dare to ruin the true meaning of Hero.” He said cooly. “A policeman saved a man he did not know from killing himself, is he a hero or not? A fireman went through a burning house to save a child, is he a hero or not? A man risked his own life to save a woman he did not know from an accident, are they a hero or not?”

“...” For the first time, Stain was silent and was really thinking. What the man had spoken made sense, if not conflicted with his current philosophy.

“That is why I am here to talk with you, to stop your killings to avoid any more killing for any potential people who can dare to achieve to call themselves a “Hero”.” He turned around and cast a {Gate} in front of him. “We are still in Hosu City if you are wondering, around the downtown area that I’ve put us in, so you’d be able find wherever you are to be.”

“But I do hope you heed my words carefully, Hero Killer. For you to bring the end of Fakes, you might bring up the start of it.”

After speaking those words, he disappeared into the {Gate}, leaving Stain behind in his thoughts.

The man was not wrong, but that would mean he didn't agree to his idea… But it made sense, if not, corrected his understanding.

. . .

Darkem appears back in his room, making the {Gate} disappear behind him. He released a sigh before letting himself fall back on his bed. Head feeling like it was splitting into pieces from mental stress and anxiousness.

Why didn't he dare to kill Stain? Truly, he had no idea why.

Was it that he was worth something, that he can bring change into the society’s belief? It was possible, but that change will soon falter in the later years of the future. Humanity cannot gain peace through conventional means. An immortal can guide them for however long it takes… But that will only last so long through whatever means possible.

Immortality, both a blessing and a curse. To live forever is one would think is good, but To live Forever… It is a curse.

Only how one would see it.

And besides, who is he to choose who can live or die? The scum, no matter what place, always exists. The naivety of this world’s concept of peace is so blatantly stupid.

Some may have noticed the difference, but few managed to see the glimpse of the cracking reality. Though the said few, like Stain, are misguided and needed the correct direction.

People like Stain, are a necessity to the world.