He had been teaching Class-1A for almost an hour on a subject he was well-versed in, Philosophy.

Of course there are few students who don't care about the realities of life, but one day he will make them see it. Just not today, not now.

Children are still children, fragile of mind and seeking the thrills of the wonders around them. To show them now immediately would prove to be… destructive.

The right time to give such an opportunity will come, he just had to wait… Or make one.

“...Regarding the ones who have their own little secrets, I have something I wish to… advise.”

This caused some of them to tense up and stare at him intently.

“Within time, all will be revealed. Whether now, or later. It will be revealed. The universe demands that, and it will happen.”

“Um, sensei. What is this related to?”

“About your life, your everything.” He replied instantly. “Saying to someone that you have no secrets is a lie. Everyone has one, no one is free from it. Even All Might has his own personal little secret.”

And by that, almost the whole class went wild. Well, almost. He saw Midoryia flinch, his eyes widening in concern. Bakugo and Shoto were rather tame, but he could see curiosity in their eyes.

“All Might has a secret!?”

“What is it!?”

“Are you gonna tell us?”

He waited for a minute until things calmed down before he answered. “Like I said, everyone has their own little secret. Whether big or small, it will be revealed willingly or not, it will in due time. And no, why would I reveal a secret that would very much change the whole wide world’s view on him?”

“So you do know!”

“Of course I know, but even if I tell you, would you like to tell yours to others?”

That shut them up completely, silence filled the classroom. He really stirred the wasp’s nest by saying something ridiculous like that.

“Then you understand how some secrets are meant to be kept, and how some are… meant to be known later on.”

And by the grace of timing, the bell rang.

Packing up his things before walking out of the classroom, leaving the students in bewildered silence.

Closing the door behind him, he immediately heard the students sighing in relief.

‘Just because I’m out of sight doesn't also do the same to my ears…’ He would have corrected them a bit but putting out a little tease to them was enough for now.

This was his final class for the day, checking his schedule he is free all round for the day.

‘Maybe if I…’

. . .

‘Yep… This brings out all the stress.’ He thought as he casually beat the living shit out of a criminal who was trying to escape from his grasp by lightly tapping him with finger flicks.

He had to manage his strength really carefully, as a normal punch from him can obliterate a building.

That was of course a theory, but hopefully he wouldn't want to try that around the city at the risk of the public.

Speaking of the public, he couldn't help but be a bit disappointed in how the supposed Justice System worked, even with the Heroes at work.

The criminal activity seems to increase even after he had done the criminal with some type of a Metal Quirk.

While he despises criminals, killing them would be counteractive. Not all of them turned to criminal life at will. Some were forced, some of course did it willingly. And fortunately, he won't accidentally kill an innocent by looking at their souls.

To see if they regret what they are doing, and they wish to be forgiven.

Plus, he would lose his ability to release his stress at the fleshy punch bags.

Which he is doing right now. Around the city of Musutafu, dealing with mere thugs and putting them to sleep. Luckily, there was no one to kill… At least not now.

Curiosity happened when one of them injected themselves with some kind of substance, then suddenly their Quirks seemed to gain a boost of power. He hoped that they would at least be able to handle his normal attacks, but disappointment rolled in when he simply flicked them in the head and knocked them unconscious without any effort.

And he made a ‘tsk’ sound when he knocked them all unconscious and forgot to ask what kind of substance they injected themselves with.

But he couldn't help but notice that their tongues turned a color black… Was it a side effect?

He glanced behind his shoulder. “It's rude to spy on people, you know?”

He heard a silent gasp behind the corner of a building.

“Step out, it's useless to hide.” He said as he calmly tossed the unconscious thug he was holding to the side.

Almost after those words, a boy with a modified, bright colored All Might jacket came around the corner. Along with a girl who looked like an idol popstar.

Although, he managed to sense familiarity in the boy’s soul… But where?

Wait. . .

“You're the boy from before,” He said. “A coincidence we’d meet again.”

“Huh?” The boy blinked before pointing at him with an expression of disbelief. “...Eh!?! You're that person from before!!”

“You know him?” The girl turned to the boy, despite her mask covering her face, it was obvious she was looking for answers.

“It was quite hard for one to forget someone who saved you, boy.” He hummed before turning around, facing fully towards the two.

“O-Oh yeah. Thank you for saving me!” He bowed at a 90-degree angle.

“...You’re welcome.” He gave a smile, although it was covered by his mask. The feeling of being thanked… It was a weird feeling, but he didn't reject such a feeling. “Although…”

“Yes?”

“I never had gotten to know your names.” He said politely.

“Oh yea! I am Crawler!” The boy said with a proud smile.

“And I'm Pop Star!” The girl introduced.

“I see… May I ask why are you here, in the midst of time where trouble could happen?”

“Oh we’re uh, doing work!”

“...Vigilantes yes?” He asked neutrally. To be fair, he doesn't mind them. They are individuals who wish to help people against the government’s rule. It was stupid really, to not let anyone but only Heroes and the authorities.

“Yeah, we like to do community work.” Pop Star replied.

He blinked at the response before chuckling. “Oh please, I know you two like to help other people. It's no secret considering your passion to help.”

Before any of the two could answer, Darkem noticed one of the thugs was still conscious and was slowly and quietly crawling away. Although it was a pointless action as he simply kicked the thug lightly at the head, putting him to sleep for sure.

“And where was your comrade? ‘Knuckleduster’ he calls himself.”

“Oh Mas- Mister? He is patrolling somewhere.”

“And what happened here?” Pop Star asked. She noticed a good amount of thugs on the ground around the scary looking person.

Darkem gave a short glance at the knocked out thugs on the ground before answering. “Simply taking care of scum before they do something harmful… Oh, do you happen to know why their tongues are colored black?”

That caused the two teens to tense. “Their tongues are black?”

“It must be the Trigger!”

Ok, now they are saying something he doesn't know. “Trigger? What is that?” He raised a brow.

“It's some kind of a drug that boosts Quirk, although they seem to go crazy when they take it. Their tongues turn black once they take it.”

“Hmmmm…” ‘Interesting. So it's some kind of a booster? Pity, I didn't have the chance to appraise their status once they took it.’

“Mister Knuckleduster was trying to find out the source of Trigger, he didn't tell us why, but it's bad news if it doesn't stop.”

“A noble deed he is doing.” He commented. He is a bit surprised to hear this. But it seemed that there was no news about some kind of drug going around. Must be the authorities keeping this covered up while trying to find out the source…

He will have his Shadow Demons find out more on this Trigger drug.

“Yeah, it's the reason why there are many incidents related to the drug.” Pop Star said. “And we still haven't figured out the source..”

“And are they…?”

“Do not worry, none of them are dead… Yet.” He joked, but the two were unnerved. “Call the authorities to clean them up, there's more for me to clean.”

“W-Wait, who are you?”

‘Oh right, forgot to introduce myself.’ He chuckled mentally before giving a reply. “I am merely the one who brings balance. Till we meet again, boy.”

And one last thing to do. . . “And girl, better to introduce your feelings to the boy sooner than later, there might not be another time for it to happen.”

Before she could reply, he instantly used {Teleportation} to get away. And almost instantly, he felt a wave of what he would describe as… affection.

But to hear about this “Trigger” drug… It would be interesting to find out more on this involvement.

Another way to pass time aside from preparing plans to teach the students. A needed requirement, as they need to know how reality works. The situation between life or death.

To kill or not to kill. One day they will pass that boundary… Or not. All that matters is one’s perspective.

. . .

Next day. . .

“Darkem-dono.” Aizawa asked.

“Hm?” He responded, although not turning around and facing the man, as he was making a small paperwork for his… plan.

“The student from General Education, Shinso… I have a feeling it was you.”

“...Are you angry?”

He shook his head. “No. I was curious… Why?”

“It wouldn't matter, Aizawa. Because in time, either he will ask for your help, or you decide to help him.”

“Are you saying that I will train Shinso no matter what? Do you see the future?” He whispered at the last part.

“No I do not. I do not have the power to look into the future, nor do I wish to. There is only Chance… And besides that, he is like you in a sense.”

“Like me?” He raised a brow.

It does seem that way, the attitude that the boy was almost like him in the past. . .

“All he lacks is the motivation and guidance.” He stopped what he was doing and looked at the teacher.

“It is only your choice if you wish to teach him your ways in fighting… Or not.”

He then heard a beep in his head. A {Message} spell, coming from one of his summons.

[Forgive me for interrupting you master, I have something to report]

[Wait. . .]

“Leave me be if you don't have any more questions, Aizawa.”

“...” The man looked like he wanted to ask more, but he felt anxiousness from the man. After a few more seconds, he went out of his room.

He released a sigh before twirling around in his rotating chair.

[Proceed]

[Yes. An individual has taken Stain. They were black mist in appearance and disappeared afterward along with Stain]

He felt his eyes widen. Was someone looking for Stain?

[Is the Shadow Demon assigned to Stain still there?]

[Yes Master. It hasn't been detected after the transportation]

[Location?]

[Based on the information acquired, they teleported in Kamino, Yokohama]

[I see… Have the Shadow Demon attached to Stain acquire as much information as it can. Relay it back to me in paper. Do not take any chances of getting caught. Keep hiding in the shadows] He ordered the Lich.

[As you command, my Master]

With that he disconnected the link and released a sigh.

After last night, he decided to have Liches in multiple cities to act as an administration in information gathering as they can inform using {Message} if a situation goes dire, with Shadow Demons and Wraiths to be the ones to do the field work. Doppelgangers to deep infiltrate hideouts and gather information.

Within time, he might be able to gather information in all cities of Japan. Dominating the information market.

But he will only stop in the nearby cities of Musutafu. For now…

He will have to conduct proper ‘cleaning’ in the cities first before expanding out.

. . .

Stain was pissed, no, angry at this… child to have him join his little group!

But that was the initial greeting.

When he tested him… He was an odd one. But he has a crooked creed that within time will no doubt sprout if handled properly.

Their goals lie in opposite directions, but they have one common goal.

Despite the benefits of joining them, his pride and mind wouldn't allow it. He refused to work with anyone. Villains he tolerated, but Heroes? He hated them.

All but one… Only one he acknowledges as a Hero, a True Hero.

All Might!

And he is only allowed to be killed by him, no one else!

“Hosu… Man. It's surprisingly prosperous.”

He demanded to be returned back to Hosu after he had seen what the brat would bring. He has a seed inside of him, but he has no doubts that it will grow soon.

He would initially hunt for more of those Fakes in this town, but… Hearing what that man spoke of.

It made him think carefully on whether to kill the fakes or not… He couldn't help but recall the words spoken by that man.

‘If a firefighter went through a burning house to save a child, is he a hero or not?’

Those words echoed back and forth in his mind, like a curse. And through that, he would begin to doubt whether he is doing the right thing or not?

...Or did he misunderstand what that vigilante said before?

Stain was reluctant to admit that he may be wrong in his methods.

“...I will reform this town. And through that, more sacrifices will be needed.”

“Is this the ‘thing you’ve left to do’ you spoke of earlier?” Kurogiri asked, remembering the words Stain said earlier back in the bar.

“You, you're the guy who gets it.”

“The title ‘Hero’ should only be allowed for those who have achieved great undertakings! And there's too many of them… To many who worship the almighty dollar, and crave selfishly for themselves in fame!”

As he jumped down, continuing on his speech. “And I will continue to appear, until society realizes its error on its own!”

As Stain disappeared into the darkness below, Shigaraki was irritated at how the situation went…

“...Keep spouting crap like that sounds like you're gonna raise a grassroots movement or what? I’m about to weep from the gallantry.” He said sarcastically.

“You can't make fun of him for that.” Kurogiri commented.

“Huh?”

“The places he’s appeared up to now have seen crime rates abating across the board. One theorist has it that there's been a ‘bashing’ link to the increase of the awareness of heroes.”

“Huh. That's fantastic! So with the heroes doing their best to reduce the number it just puts food on their tables!” He grinned at the thought. “The hero killer is also a hero breeder!”

“. . .”

“Ah well, even I thought at the root we wouldn't get along… Pisses me off.” He glanced at Kurogiri behind him.

“Release the nomus.” He ordered.

. . .

Somewhere on the rooftops of Hosu City. . .

A {Gate} appeared with Darkem walking out of it like a boss.

Hearing the reports of a hand-covered villain with a black-misted fellow bringing out some kind of brain-exposed monsters, gets him excited.

To witness something and finally be able to do something once in a while instead of skulking around the darkness and clean the ‘pests’...

Not that he hates it, but it is a chore that needs to be done once in a while.

He was not far from where he could see two villains on a water tower and Nomus piling out from the black mist.

Almost immediately, they wreaked havoc around the town.

The Nomus are too much for the Heroes to go against them. Outclassed and overwhelming power, but the Heroes have the number advantage… But their priorities were switching. He wondered what results it would bring if there are more, like around a hundred, the destruction and death caused would take almost all the national heroes to stop them.

But he wouldn't expect for them to produce more of it… Unless he is underestimating the efficiency of this organization.

Not 5 minutes later, it was already chaotic.

He would have mistaken Stain to work along with the League of Villains, but knowing the relationship between them, it was more like a competition on who would grab the most attention in this situation.

A man like Stain would not work with someone who shares the same vision as he does, or at least support it.

“Hm? What's this?”

He sensed several familiar souls around the area, although one is driven by the need of vengeance. But its flame is not that strong… Wait.

He moved, jumping to the souls he managed to sense its familiarity.

‘What the hell are those kids doing here?’ He frowned.

It was almost coincidental for this to happen! It was almost like fate had them here at the time of the emergence of the Nomus.

[Order the Wraiths to protect the civilians from harm, do not have them seen or be noticed by anyone. Have them invisible at all times] He {Messaged} to the Elder Lich in charge of Hosu city, coordinating the Wraiths around.

[As you ordered, master]

‘What is your game here, stupid boy…?’ He thought as he dashed across the rooftops, heading in the direction of the students' souls.

Midoriya rushed in to save a pro-hero on the verge of death by the hands of Stain.

Shoto was also here, but it was expected as he would know that the boy would choose Endeavor as his ‘work experience’ mentor. But he still felt hate oozing from Shoto. No doubt to his father.

Surprisingly, Iida is also here. Shouldn't he not be here since his brother is fine and dandy? Must either be fate wanting him to be punished by the Hero Killer or trying to enact justice for his brother. Either way, a foolish attempt.

But they are going in for a dangerous job, they should expect dangerous consequences in it.

They were in an alleyway that is several blocks away from the main chaos where the Nomus were making. It was the perfect distraction for Stain to acquire prey.

He looked down upon them, watching as the kids fought against Stain. He wouldn't intervene, but he wouldn't let them die either.

He noticed that the pro hero seemed to be lightly wounded and should be able to move but wasn't able to.

Is it because the bleeding has to be an effect of Stain’s Quirk? He wouldn't know. Besides, it's also a good thing he would observe the situation. Both need to see and acquire more information on the fight.

What's surprising is that Midoriya seems to fight differently, using his Quirk without damaging himself. And he moves almost like a rogue.

He was able to plan ahead, not fighting close quarters and just holding Stain while the Pros arrived was the best bet. Midoriya would be a clever tactician in fights.

Midoriya would hold him off as he and Iida were trying to find an opportunity to strike in a knock-out, while Shoto would come in to support the two while halting the Hero Killer’s movements and negating his mobility.

He felt the rising determination of spirit from Shoto, as if he was beginning to realize something. Whether it's about his past or not, he would grow if he let go of those chains.

Even towards Iida, he felt a slight feeling of Justice being brought down from the heavens and giving him strength to overcome the possibilities to enact his deed.

It was like one of those moments in a manga or novel where a character ponders on his past or memories and then turns into a new person, by himself would like to call bullshit on that.

It's fiction, but at the same time it would do the same to his case. And maybe this world.

And it was also getting a little tiring to hear the speeches from Stain about “Fake Heroes” and for them to be removed from this world. While he would agree to that, again, he does not agree with the method he is using.

A double-edged sword, only that it will only cause more damage than preventing it.

While the scene would look dangerous as suggested by the injured hero on the ground for them to run away, it was three against one. And chances would differ on the result due to three individuals with no chance of morality for them to even kill, and while their opponent has no restraints on doing so.

However, the fight was almost even.

He smiled. The teamwork and battle prowess of the three was remarkable. Although he would say that Stain was holding his strength back. A short battle, around 5-10 minute long.

Whether because they were children or not, he wouldn't know… But he did sense reluctance in him.

‘So maybe he does care… Or is he changing?’ He thought as he watched them tie up Stain and walked out of the alley. Although the Pro Hero Native was carrying Midoriya on his back, no doubt exhausted from the usage of his Quirk.

He sensed an individual, and a small group numbering around six, to be heading to the student’s location.

Hearing the conversation, it seems that they were sent by Endeavor to assist. But he felt like they would be slowing the fighters down, making them useless in the assistance, but appearances are deceiving.

“Oh?” He sensed something fast from the above coming down. A flying Nomu.

“DUCK!” The old hero shouted, warning the others. But they were too slow to react in time, and Nomu snatched Midoriya.

“Midoriya!” Gran Torino yelled as they all watched him getting kidnapped.

‘Shit, looks like I have to get him.’ He frowned. As he was about to jump in and rescue the boy, he stopped as he immediately sensed a great deal of bloodthirst.

‘So you were awake, Stain…’ He would have stopped the Nomu, but if he was wrong to not stop it…

The pro-heroes couldn't do anything, as none of them have the Quirks to catch up with Nomu.

None but Darkem was able to see Stain move and licked the cheek on one of the hero’s blood.

Almost immediately, the Nomu’s wings suddenly froze and along with its prey, fell down to the ground. He guessed that Nomu's blood splattered around them on which Stain was able to get it to stop with his quirk. He rescued the boy from the Nomu’s clutches…

Whether because he saw something in the boy, he doesn't know. He didn't harm him whatsoever. But the strength in his insane belief… A fanatic who is true to his words.

‘But their realities are only an illusion to others… And same as the opposite.’

Stain stabbed Nomu's head again, its body twitched before its limbs fell on the ground without resistance.

He could feel annoyance coming from the water tower, but his focus right now is on Stain and Midoriya. He cant have Stain be captured, but he can't also have Midoriya hurt any more.

“What are you all just standing around for!?” Endeavor shouted as he arrived at the scene.

Darkem was deciding whether it should be now he should intervene and capture Stain, or not yet…

The maniac turned around, his eyes filled with madness met through everyone around him.

“Another phony…” He spoke, with the look of his face. The over edge of lunacy spread chaos through the souls of the heroes around. Darkem however, was amused. And also disappointed.

He was not able to recover the body of Nomu, as it was dead, he wasn't sure if he would be able to conduct any experiments…

Maybe check if resurrection works in this world also? He could do that.

A fellow believer of one’s belief…

“The fakes must be rectified. They… Someone must stain themselves in their own blood! The word “Hero” must be restored!” Stain limped slowly, towards the pro heroes. He ignored Midoriya who he rescued from the Nomu.

He could feel fear growing within the hearts of the heroes around. Whether pro or not, they were feeling scared.

Scared of this lunatic’s willpower of his own reality.

“Come! Come and try it you pretenders! I will cleanse this world of false heroes, the fakes! I will bring back Justice to this world! To take back what it means to be a hero!” The bloodlust froze everyone. With the crazed face of Stain twisted in their eyes.

“The only one who is allowed to kill me… is ALL MIGHT!” He yelled with sheer passion. The willpower in his voice cannot be mistaken.

Stain is crazy beyond redemption.

It didn't take long for one of them to notice that Stain was unconscious, his eyes turned white. For a man like Stain, his willpower was strong enough to keep him standing.

Darkem read novels and fiction stories where there are characters who stood tall, unmoving in front of their enemies.

It was only then that some of the heroes fell down on their knees from the pressure Stain released, and that they can breathe more easily than before.

None of the heroes around would dare to inch forward to the unconscious Stain without any hesitation.

Gran Torino was about to head to Midoriya, he felt another presence coming to the scene.

Without any warning, a man appeared from the skies and slowly floated down to the ground near Stain and Midoriya.

It was Darkem in his vigilante disguise.

“Another villain!?”

“Hold it right there!” Endeavor shouted as he prepared for an attack, the same goes to Gran Torino who regained his composure after that wave of bloodlust. “State who you are!”

“...” Darkem didn't bother replying as he walked up to Stain and examined him. He was truly unconscious, yet he was still oozing bloodlust, although it was barely noticeable.

He turned to Midoriya, who was eyeing him nervously and with an expression of fear.

“...Death sends his regards, young one.” He said kindly and cryptically before grabbing the corpse of Nomu.

“Hey, what do you think you are doing!?” Endeavor shouted, a bit pissed due to being ignored the first time. He was on guard against the man, his instincts were telling him to be careful.

“Bringing them somewhere none of you will ever know.” He replied as he used {Silent Cast: Heal} on the man. Stain’s body glowed green briefly before his injuries almost completely disappeared, but not that anyone but Midoriya who was close to them noticed it.

Even though Stain was healed, he still stood tall like a statue. Truly this man’s will is so strong that he remained unconscious standing. A trait that he admired secretly.

Gran Torino was about to rush in and rescue Midoriya, but then the man spoke…

“Don't. Or someone will die.” He said ominously.

Darkem released a bit of his aura to discourage them from even retaliating. He wouldn't want to fight at the moment, not right now. It only made the weak-willed heroes tremble in fear.

Endeavor, Gran Torino and a few others were able to hold it out, but they were sweating bullets.

‘Is this a Fear Quirk!?’ Is what they are thinking.

“Tch, if only he doesn't have a hostage. I could blast him right now.” Endeavor growled in frustration. His hand was shaking ever so slightly from fear.

No one can do anything with a hostage situation on their hands.

Darkem opened a {Gate}. The deed surprised the people around as he placed Stain onto his shoulder.

“Heed my words, there will be chaos occurring soon… It shall be within the time after your ‘false’ Peace’s demise. Do NOT ignore this warning.” He said in a tone that speaks of cold truth. No lies sensed within, and no deception.

It was hard to believe that he was speaking the truth.

After saying those words, he walked into the {Gate}, disappearing into the whirling purple void that reeks of the unknown.

No one could speak after that… encounter.

But the words the man spoke was something that brought questions up in their heads.

. . .

Darkem brought the man into a secluded place somewhere in Hosu City, and far away from the chaos on which the Nomus were bringing.

The wounds of the Hero Killer were healed, but were still unconscious. The spirit of the killer was something to be astonished, and also disturbed.

Fighting against a man who is hell bent on following their own beliefs, their own reality, until death is something not to be underestimated. No matter how ridiculous it is.

“...Hell hath just arrived.”