Ohohoho, I am not dead my dears. I am having a troublesome time in… revising my work. Reviewing it after a few years, I see it as… cringe in such.

So I have halted progress in updating my stories for a while, trying to revise my shit together before I continue making new updates.

My first story: The Vengeful Spirit of Nazarick; is quite pale compared to my standards now. It is quite… an embarrassing sight to say, but it is also a reminder for my greatest works in publishing the rest of my Fanfics.

I wouldnt change much of it - due to the incredible hassle and fucking stress I’d put out into it - but I will however fix some wrong grammar and tweak a bit that it wouldnt go out as “cringe”.

The Vengeful Spirit of Nazarick is my first, greatest work and reminder during the earliest shitty days in the FFN.

Now, onto the story.

Enjoy.

The next day was… interesting would be quite an understatement.

Last night’s Nomu assault on Hosu City was overshadowed by the act of the Hero Killer, Stain!

His words spread throughout the media, words and speech of a crazed man seemed to bring many minds to a conflict.

Was he right? Or was he wrong?

Debates in the net forums raged on as they discussed the Hero and Villains philosophy, such a debate was almost an internet historical event.

For a certain man however, he felt it was a waste of time to be involved in such a thing.

From the news, they saw Stain being ‘rescued’ by a man who looked like the reaper itself. Or to what they ‘see’ his other outfit as.

He facepalmed to the lack of creativity he has on that outfit he now realized. He mentally noted to remind himself to improve his outfit for the sake of… change from his main equipment.

The media was quick to assume that he was part of the League of Villains. They also dubbed him as “Black Shroud” because of the insanely large cloak he wore. And thanks to it and due to the camera angle, they weren’t able to capture anything underneath said cloak.

He scoffed at the idea, while he certainly would like to join the group for shits and giggles, he was not in the mood.

And their methods allow innocents to be harmed, worse, killed.

While he could easily destroy them without any effort, it would only bring more problems in the future. You cannot remove a major problem without having anyone to not notice it.

Speaking of the mad man, he hid Stain in one of the abandoned buildings – which he converted as a safehouse/small base for his summons and fake meeting points.

A tactical method that was forcefully imprinted by his former clan-leader.

The mad man was asleep in one of said safehouses, guarded by several Shadow Demons to keep an eye on the man and keep watch for anyone on the perimeter.

He went to the Hosu Hospital to check up on the students.

No one can stop him from checking on them. He is their teacher and is partly responsible for them.

Compared to him, they were lucky they were educated and prepared for this. For him? He was surviving.

He went to the receptionist and asked for the three certain students. The receptionist gave directions to their room and he thanked them.

As he walked towards the directed room, his mind was working overdrive.

Should he heal them if one of them was badly injured that this hospital is not able to heal them, or no? Should he use the potion to heal them as an alternative? No, Midoriya would no doubt suspect him as the reaper they saw in their first encounter. He also has tried to minimize the use of the Shakespearean dialogue to avoid being known.

Though he guessed that the green-haired boy had already suspected him but chose not to tell anyone. He wondered why…?

Nearing the room where he felt three very familiar souls in it, he paused as he felt anxiety from one of them. Concerns growing from the other two.

‘It seems they are distressed… But why?’ He thought as he eavesdropped through the door. Not open enough that the students would notice, but enough for him to hear them speak.

Based on the conversation, it seems that Iida’s hand is damaged to the point that surgery is needed; and the chances of it are slim to none.

More was spoken on how Stain was right that he was beyond what a Hero should be. But he sees that as a flaw.

Heroes are not perfect beings, only a mock imitation of what they try to be. Heroes can be changed, remade, pretend, or mocked as.

Trying to become a ‘True Hero’? Heh, he saw that as a pathetic idea of a dream. A stupid dream.

They wish to be what they want to be, but in the end, if they are not careful, a single mistake would be their downfall.

Anyone, those who know what it takes to become one, can become a Hero.

That, is what he thinks.

He must have stayed in the train tracks of thought for quite a while since he was brought out of it when he heard amused laughter from the students. He wasn’t able to hear what made the two laugh – except for Todoroki being worried about something he doesn’t know what.

He felt like this would be a good opportunity to come into the room.

And so he did.

He knocked and slid the door wide open, gaining attention from the trio.

“A-Ah, Darkem sensei!” Midoriya exclaimed in surprise. Todoroki didn’t say anything but he wasn’t expecting their Philosophy Teacher to be here.

“Darkem Sensei-ouch!” Iida was about to stand up and greet, but the pain reminded him to stay put.

“Do not stress yourself, sit.” He said coolly. “Your health is prioritized far greater than formalities.”

“W-Why are you here sensei?” Midoryia asked.

Darkem raised his brows, pretending to be shocked by such a question. “You question my intentions of me being here? Can a Teacher of their student not visit to check their conditions? You hurt me boy, it seems that my presence is not welcome here-”

Darkem turned around and walked a few steps towards the door before the green-haired boy apologized frantically.

“W-Wait! Darkem-sensei, it-it's not like that-!”

Darkem stopped in his tracks as he chuckled in amusement. “I noticed, I merely wanted to see your reaction from that.”

“A-Ah…” The boy deflated, releasing a small sigh of relief and a small tinge of red on his face from embarrassment. The tension already lessened as the other two smiled at their friend’s reaction.

The man looked at Iida’s hand, staring at it. The boy seemed to have noticed his gaze since he shifted from his bed a bit.

“...I have heard from the doctors, you seem to think that you would not be able to recover from your injury and continue on your career?”

“...Yes.” Iida said, looking down at the floor shamefully.

“And you came to Hosu City, seeking revenge for Stain, who injured your brother from his encounter with said person?” Iida looked at him with wide eyes, the words hit home more than expected.

“How did you-?”

“I can read souls as much as I can tell which souls are good or bad, would be the simplest explanation for your brains to cope with understanding.” He mused.

“You can read souls? Is that your quirk? You have two quirks!?” Izuku’s eyes glimmered with sparkles.

Darkem chuckled, amused by the boy’s quick assumption. “No, no. I do not mean literally,” He lied. “the fact that your souls are rather… Naive and innocent. That it is not tainted… yet.”

“What do you mean by that?” Shoto quipped, his expression questioning, as the same to the other two.

“...I may not give out the literal answer, but I can say this: Your eyes tell me the condition of your souls. They are the gateway for me to enter and look through your heart.” He replied sternly. “But enough of my ranting, I came here to check on the three of you, not give you another lecture.”

“We’re fine, Darkem-sensei.” Iida said.

“And I believe you.” He replied. “Not because I know what has happened, but it's because I trust you three. And this is something that I do not admit to telling. Be proud, for you have experienced such a thing last night.”

“Proud of having our lives on the line? That we could possibly die?” Iida almost shouted, angry that their teacher of all the people had said something like that!?

“You are learning to become Heroes are you not?” He frowned. “Because being a Hero is not some job where you can relax and think that everything will be alright and go along with your plans. You are a soldier of the system, and you act to defend the system you wish to go along with. If you wish to become a Hero to do what is right, then you should have thought the consequences that being one would bring you so. And when you finally graduate as a Hero, each time you go out there, you put your lives on the line no matter what!”

He paused, letting his students absorb his words. “And for you three to experience once more, the reality of this world, the hidden consequences in being a Hero, you will fight. No matter how, no matter what. You. Will. Fight.”

The room went silent, their brain processing their teacher’s speech. Unknowingly, Darkem hated, no, was disgusted by how the world thinks on their morals.

It was almost the same as his old world.

He hated it. Hypocrites.

“...For a job that will put you to a life and death situation, do you still wish to become a Hero?”

He let the kids choose, their brain now thinking of the possibility of risking their lives for others. He was saddened to think that they were this naive to even try to become a Hero in this world, but he wouldn't understand.

For he is not from this world.

“I…” Izuku spoke, breaking the silence. “I will still become a Hero, no matter what!”

The boy’s words were filled with determination and confidence. Iida and Shoto followed in.

“I wish to do the same!” Iida declared.

“We will become Heroes.” Shoto agreed.

To tell the truth, he was not surprised as he expected such an answer. But it was their choice, and he will guide them for as long as they live.

And for as long as he exists.

‘Naive brats…’ He mused internally. “We shall see… If your words would come true in the future.”

. . .

Darkem said his goodbyes to the students and left the hospital, as he went back to the safehouse which was keeping Stain. He didn’t want to waste time, and the students aren't going anywhere after all.

He checked and saw that the man was waking up when he arrived.

Talk about timing.

“Fate seems to have you awake for this moment, Stain.” The Hero Killer turned his head so quickly that he was concerned that he might have snapped his neck, killing himself by accident.

“...You.” He glared, recognizing him in the instant. “Where am I?”

He shrugged. “One of my safehouses, you're still in Hosu City if you are concerned about your location. And if you are looking for a way out, I suggest you stay for a couple of days to let the heat die down.”

Stain widened his eyes. “They will find this place-!”

Darkem chuckled. “You underestimate how people tend to overlook the most simplest places to investigate, Stain.”

The Hero Killer merely looked at him before grunting. “If we are caught, I will kill you.”

Almost after he said that, he felt a heavy killing intent around the room. He found no one other than the man in front of him, who simply sat down at a nearby chair.

“I would prefer you would not speak words against me, Stain. The shadows tend to be… protective to me against insults.”

While he would not believe such words, he felt like it would be a better suggestion.

He could have swore that the shadows moved…

“Then speak, why did you rescue me?”

“You have uses,” The man replied instantly. “And I don’t think you will be able to spread your ideals and presence when you are in jail. I know you will agree with me on that one.”

Stain stayed quiet on that, but he wouldn't lie that the man’s right on that one.

“What makes you think you can control me?” He snarled. The idea of being on someone’s strings is… restrictive and he hated being controlled as a mere pawn.

“Because, I can give you an offer you cannot refuse.”

Stain would almost scoff if he wasn’t interested to know what kind of deal that wouldn't make him refuse.

“Firstly, I could drop you off to the authorities, let them handle you. Second, I can kill you without having to lift a finger. Third, you will be tortured until the end of time in repentance of your sins.”

Almost instantly, he collapsed on his knees, choking as he grasped on his throat, gasping for air.

He couldn’t breathe.

“This is an example, of how I can kill you.” He said without any emotion, without any sense of guilt. He spoke as if he was bored, like his death wouldn't faze him at all!

This was almost like that day when he first felt it…

Fear.

“And if you are wondering who I am…” Suddenly, the man burst into blue flames! Or rather, his skin melted to the point where only bones remained. And for some reason, his clothing remained unharmed from the fire.

“I am Zarathos, the Spirit of Vengeance. The Judge, Jury, and Executioner to the souls who I seek to put judgement upon.”

The man, no, the burning skeleton’s face came closer to his. The empty eye sockets were filled with a glowing fire as a substitute. He could feel the heat from the flames as if they were emitting hate. And it stung at every corner of his very soul, and he felt that he is being judged right here and now.

“And yours is screaming guilty.”

A week has passed by yet it felt like months.

The students’ internship has ended, and so the days go on like normal in the U.A.

Hosu is still keeping an eye out to catch the Hero Killer Stain with every Hero anticipating his next move.

But Darkem was sure that he wouldn't get caught.

He had given Stain a condition lest he will be rewarded with death as his finale.

For a man who was set on following his ideal beliefs, he was certainly a strong individual. Such a shame that he is deprived and disillusioned by reality.

Nonetheless, he has been set free after being monitored in the safehouse for a week. His personality surprisingly changed when he had revealed his true form in front of him.

He was very, very respectful towards him. Speaking honorifics with a small hint of grimace, signifying that he was not used to it. He finds himself to be a free man, yet unknowingly a chess piece in the grand plan.

Stain was out of the safehouse after a week’s turnabouts in lowering the city’s tension on the hunt.

Although that didn’t mean he would let Stain out of his sight. He had the man be observed by several Shadow Demons to watch and report his actions if deemed worthy to be mentioned. Specifics as well should he be in contact with other parties such as the League of Villains again.

Half of Class A-1 has learned something or been changed. All of them had gained insight on what a Hero does. Although some internships they had picked were… rather useless in the hindsight of battle.

Bakogu for example. A pity he had given.

But for Darkem, he begged to differ.

Those were merely nothing compared to the reality they will be facing. They were pampered and looked after, making sure they wouldn't make any trouble of sorts.

In time, they will learn and adapt. They must, or they will perish.

And right now, he is teaching the students of Class 1-B in the factors of reality. A short lecture is to be conducted, for philosophy is one boring class if you make do so in theory without having anyone to hop onto the topic along with it.

And to his judgement of the class it is… Almost the same as Class 1-A.

If only a certain student, who seems to be ruining the reputation of Class 1-B in provoking others and being the ‘source’ of all the trouble, stops his attitude, then he would reconsider in not punishing the said student any more… deliberate way.

He had already had some idea in Class 1-B’s mindset, he just needed to clarify it.

Although he’ll need to ask it once they are ready, for if he does it now, it would seem to be too early for them to understand his meaning.

They are, but children after all.

Children who have unknowingly joined in a fight that has yet to come.

It was already mid-afternoon and students were already leaving the school. Darkem felt like walking around, it was his past-time form of relaxation. He couldn’t seek the feeling of staying in one place for too long, it makes him… be lost from his purpose. As if waiting to be told like a machine.

And it brought very, very unpleasant memories on that unintended reminder.

He couldn’t wait for the summer break to happen, as it was literally just two weeks away. He had the chance to use this to scout out the rest of the cities outside of Mustafu.

Time? It is not his enemy, for now.

He had attended the Teacher’s Meeting a few days ago, on changing the methods of the Practical Exam.

It was surprising for him to attend their meetings, but considering that he is technically a teacher, it would be rude not to let him participate.

. . .

Few days ago. . .

Darkem sat quietly in the conference room as the Aizawa began to discuss changing their teaching methods for their students. He agreed on this. The quality in the training methods needs to change in order to increase their students’ battle experience. As being on how fights against the villains seemed to intensify more than ever, then the combat training against robots would not seem enough for them to prepare for the villainous resurgence that is bound to take place.

Darkem could agree on this. Machines are very predictable in combat, and limited in their intelligence to adjust and adapt to the situation. Real people however, they would be more difficult to handle as they think and act more differently.

He found the idea on the usage of robots being used to make people avoid getting injured in the entrance exams very, very stupid.

He couldn’t blame the school for that, for its how the society’s mindset on seeing the impractical practices and ideals is beyond them.

To change the exams is understandable. But for them to fight in pairs would seem…

“I think it seems a bit unfair.” Thirteen commented.

“If we win too easily, we won’t be able to give them grades.”

“Of course,” Snipes agreed. “Then let's take that into consideration and give the students a handicap.”

It seems fair. Without a handicap, it would seem like a veteran fighting against a recruit.

Unfair, but effective for them to learn quickly from their mistakes. But he doubted that they would agree for the exam to not withhold them a handicap.

“There is something that I might wish to add.” Darkem spoke, making everyone look at him. Few jumped in surprise for not expecting the school’s residential reaper to… speak.

“What is it, Darkem-dono?” Nezu asked. The said Reaper-in-disguise noticed that the entirety of the room looked at him with anticipation.

Darkem shrugged. “I won’t be participating in grading the students in the exam.”

He didn’t pay much notice on how some of the teachers sighed in relief from his words. Though he did notice that Aizawa seemed to be looking at him with suspicious, questioning eyes.

Nezu hummed. “May I ask the reason why?” He prodded. Inwardly he was thankful that the Reaper would not join in the Practical Exam against the students. The Reaper’s powers are unknown, and who knows how capable he is to take on the whole world. And the idea itself is laughable, but considering the circumstances, it doesn't seem wild to think of the possibility.

“My powers are… one of the reasons because of it as you all know. And considering your methods training the students are… Harsh would be the correct term.” Darkem hummed. “I will be testing the students once they have… grown enough.”

‘It's because I find it too hard to believe that they are training to become Heroes. And all they do are simple matches that don't involve the real experience of a battle… Perhaps I can use my summons to assist?’ He frowned at the thought. Most of his summons would be… rather dark and almost heretical to exist against this world’s morality.

Peace has made them quite weak, enough for a threat to appear and catch them unprepared for it.

“I see…” There were no objections to that, to which many agreed in suit. Darkem knew they were still cautious and wary of him, but he didn’t mind the slight concern in their eyes. So long as they don’t snoop in his business, he won't bother them in return.

Though they wondered about the meaning of his words.

The teachers looked at each other in concern. Understandable reaction. Some of them were skeptical about having a Grim Reaper to train students, it was almost ridiculous to believe, but the proof was there in front of them.

Nezu and the others find it difficult to understand the Reaper’s mind.

”I will… allow your methods in teaching, Darkem-sama. I would prefer that none of my students would risk their lives in the training.” Nezu said. “Although I would prefer that you inform us when you decide to… conduct your training to our students.”

“Very well.”

So then Aizawa moved on to the topic of determining who to put the students in teams.

First, Aizawa vs Todoroki and Yaoyorozu is understandable. Todoroki tends to use brute force while Yaoyorozu lacks the ability to make quick decisions and apply them. Their over-reliance on their Quirks is something that they needed to adapt once they couldn’t use it. Aizawa could test them easily.

Next one is All Might vs Midoryia and Bakugo. The two seemed to have a history and couldn’t get along with each other. He wouldn't question the two’s prowess in combat, but seeing their incompatibility in getting along with each other, they might not pass.

Nezu vs Denki and Mina. He had no doubts that the Principal would easily win against the two. How? He is uncertain how, but he already decided that the mouse-rat will win easily.

Thirteen vs Aoyama and Ochaco. The former’s ability is dangerous enough, but he is assured that the teacher has mastered their Quirk enough that no lethality is to be done. Though he wonders how will the two manage to win against her?

Present Mic vs Koji and Jiro. The man’s voice is enough to be a deterrent against the two. Koji’s Quirk is useful with animals and insects, only if they weren't deafened by the loudspeakers of Present Mic. Especially Jiro, her sensitive ears make it worse for her to endure.

Ectoplasm vs Fumikage and Tsuyu. Clones against versatility and speed. There is a chance for them to pass by escaping. Capturing Ectoplasm seemed difficult to figure out which one is the clone or which is not.

Midnight vs Sero and Mineta. The woman’s Quirk should be able to knock both of them out and she is very agile. The handicaps wouldn't matter as Midnight’s Quirk is AoE, though with a limited range, she is very slow.

Snipe vs Mezo and Toru… Hmmm… Considering the location of the exam, there is a chance for a victory. He was concerned that Toru would be shot accidentally due to being invisible.

Cementoss vs Sato and Kirishima. Two brute forces. It is questionable whether they would win or not. Cementoss could just stay at a good distance from the students. So it's a matter of time whether they should decide to capture him or run away. He figured that the latter is more preferable as this match would be a battle of stamina and time.

Power Loader vs Tenya and Mashirao. Power Loader’s Quirk enables him to burrow underground, making the other two’s Quirk a bit useless. Chances are low for the students to win.

‘Hmmm… I should check the Support Department next time.’ He hummed at the thought.

“What should the handicap be?” Midnight spoke. “The handicap should be balanced for us teachers to handle against the students, unless it restrains us enough that we wouldn't be a challenge for them.”

“Hmmm, would weights be good enough?” Toshinori suggested.

“Considering your strength and power when you transform, I think it’s necessary.” Nezu nodded. “Unless they wouldn't be able to possibly win against you.”

Darkem frowned. The man really was a fool. Not having his old wound heal would be a consequence. It is not logical to keep it as such, even as a reminder.

. . .

‘I wonder how strong he will be without that wound…’ He hummed as he continued his quiet stroll through the school’s hallways.

Somewhere. . .

Tomura flexed at his newly stitched hand, feeling the itch to simply touch something, or someone at the best, and make them disappear.

Weeks it had been, after Stain’s rising popularity and more followers to his belief. What's worse is that it overshadowed his operation, his glaring attention to make the city fear yet they all turn to the maniac’s part!

All because of one lucky shot by a newschopper.

Oh how the world decides to cock him of his glory.

Like how that damn Grim Reaper appeared out of nowhere and cut off his hand!

He growled at the memories as he felt an itch from his newly stitched hand, the small phantom pains appearing here and there.

He glanced at the picture he was holding, the green haired boy who jumped towards them back in USJ…

“...Are you curious, Tomura Shigaraki, about that boy, Izuku Midoriya?” Kurogiri asked as he continued wiping the glasses.

“...” He didn’t answer. And even before he could, a door opened, revealing Giran.

“Mr Shigaraki,” Giran greeted as he blew lightly on his cigarette. “You’ve been the talk of the town for the past few days. Everybody’s buzzing over on how something huge is about to happen-”

“And? Who’s they?” Shirigaki crumbled the picture and it immediately turned into dust.

Giran simply smirked before letting two figures into the room.

“So it's you, huh?” Dabi said. “Seeing you in person… you look creepy as hell.” He said amused.

“Whoaahh, Hand Guy! You’re friends with Stain right!? Where is he? Is he around?”

“Shut up about him, damn it.” Shirigaki growled lowly.

“OOohhh, scary~” Toga bemused. “Let me join too! Let me join the League of Villains!”

“And who are these… annoying npcs?”

“Potential recruits, we need to replenish our numbers,” Kurogiri said. “They are exceptionally good compared to those we previously ‘hired’.”

“And there's more as well joining in,” Giran smirked. “If that's what you want.”

Shirigaki scowled, but he knew they needed to have more members. Members who are more capable than those rubbish cannon fodder they had in their plan to eliminate All Might with the Nomu.

“...Fine.”

Andddd, that is it.

New chap? Surprise?

Well too bad!

SWTOR got me hooked up. Blame it. I leveled up to 50 in just a single week. No purchasing of shit. Full on broken challenge.

Anyways, there’s more to where that came from. Slow progress yes, but preferring quality over… Number of chapters.