U.A. High School — Hero Course Entrance Examination Venue!
The testing grounds were divided into seven massive zones: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Each zone contained its own fully constructed urban environment, built on a scale that was nothing short of astonishing.
At the entrance to Zone B, Shina Etsuha arrived alongside a crowd of examinees.
As the designated "final boss," it didn't really matter which zone he chose. But the other areas sounded dull—he was far more interested in watching how that "four-eyes" performed in battle.
That "four-eyes," by the way, was Iida Tenya.
He came from a prestigious hero family—his parents, and even his older brother, were well-known professional heroes. A textbook example of a true hero lineage.
His Quirk, Engine, manifested as engine-like structures in his calves, complete with exhaust pipes. It allowed him to move at incredible speeds, powered—oddly enough—by orange juice as fuel. Carbonated drinks, on the other hand, would stall his engine completely.
He could shift between different "gears" to adapt to various situations, making his mobility highly versatile.
Growing up in a hero family had made Iida extremely strict—with himself and others. In simpler terms, he was overly serious and a bit meddlesome.
That was exactly why he had clashed with Etsuha earlier.
In fact, he had even been about to lecture Midoriya Izuku too—but before he could, Etsuha's sharp tongue had shut him down so completely that he couldn't even respond.
"So this is Zone B…"
Etsuha looked up at the sprawling environment before him, mildly impressed.
The reactions of the other students were far more dramatic.
"What… this isn't an exam venue—this is a whole city!"
"And we're allowed to destroy it?! And there are multiple areas like this?!"
"As expected of U.A.!"
"…By the way, Todoroki Shoto isn't here?"
Etsuha glanced around.
Since Todoroki had failed the recommendation route, he was required to take the exam as well. But Etsuha didn't see him anywhere in Zone B—he was likely assigned to a different area.
At the back of the crowd, Midoriya Izuku stood trembling.
He had only just received his Quirk from All Might that very morning.
He hadn't even used it once yet.
It was no wonder he looked like that.
Etsuha could only give him a helpless look.
According to the rules, he couldn't interfere. Midoriya would have to get through this on his own.
"Hey, you over there!"
A voice called out from behind.
Etsuha turned—and saw Iida Tenya approaching.
"Yes, you!" Iida said firmly. After a brief pause, he continued, his tone more measured.
"About earlier… I was in the wrong."
A ripple of surprise spread through the nearby students.
"I reflected on what you said, and I realize now—you were right. I acted too hastily."
He took a breath.
"But my resolve hasn't changed. No matter what, I will defeat you in this exam. You may not care—but I might just be the one to push you out of U.A."
The surrounding students were stunned.
"Is that… a declaration of war?"
"That guy looks strong…"
"Do you even know who he's talking to? That's Shina Etsuha! I heard he's already taken down two pro-level villains!"
"No way someone like that is actually taking the same exam as us…"
"Well, this should be interesting."
Etsuha didn't care about the chatter.
But Iida's apology did surprise him.
So he wasn't just blindly self-righteous after all.
As for the challenge?
Etsuha waved it off casually.
"Do whatever you want. I don't care."
"…Then we'll settle it in the exam."
Iida nodded once, then turned and walked away without another word.
"Etsuha… there's no problem with this exam, right?" Midoriya asked nervously.
"I mean… there is a problem," Etsuha said seriously.
"I won't be fighting in this test."
"Eh?! Why?!"
Midoriya froze.
"Because I've got a secret mission," Etsuha replied with a perfectly straight face. "Can't tell you."
It sounded serious—but it was clearly a joke.
"Anyway, Izuku… I can't help you here. You're on your own."
"…Okay."
Midoriya nodded, though still anxious.
Then, almost unconsciously, his gaze drifted toward the round-faced girl from earlier—and he began inching closer.
"Hey! Can't you see she's preparing? Don't disturb her!"
Iida suddenly grabbed him from behind.
"Eh?!"
Midoriya was completely caught off guard as Iida began scolding him again.
At that moment—
Present Mic's voice boomed through the speakers:
"START!!"
Creeeak—
The massive gates swung open.
Dozens of candidates surged forward at once, sprinting into the city.
Iida launched himself instantly—his engines roaring to life as flames burst from his calves, propelling him forward at incredible speed.
Just as he crossed into the battlefield, he glanced back.
Etsuha was still walking forward casually, hands in his pockets, completely unhurried.
"…Still taking it easy?"
A flicker of disappointment crossed Iida's eyes.
Then, without another thought, he dashed into the city.
..
Hey everyone!
Unlock up to 100 early-access chapters and explore exclusive stories.
patreon.com/Rawink00