Chapter 16: Chapter 1
Inside the exam hall, candidates clustered in nervous groups, faces a mix of hope and anxiety. Their conversations buzzed around me like a swarm of bees, each one igniting a spark of determination within. I shuffled forward, taking in the environment; everything was meticulously organized, with proctors overseeing the proceedings, their eyes scanning for any signs of trouble.
I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. I recalled my days with the Justice League, where the stakes were life and death, battles against villains threatening the planet. Here, I was merely another teen eager to start a new chapter. Yet, the memory of my past was always there, a guide and a burden alike.
As I took my seat, I felt a surge of nostalgia wash over me, like a shadow flickering at the edges of my mind. I watched trainees displaying their quirks, each demonstration varying from the impressive to the bizarre. I was reminded of how I used to fly across city skylines; now, at the tender age of sixteen, I had to work my way through the ranks just like everyone else.
The proctor stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand, cutting through the chatter. "Welcome to the U.A. entrance exam! Today, you will face not only your abilities but also a series of challenges designed to test your mettle!" A wave of excitement washed over the crowd, igniting our shared desire to prove ourselves.
As the exam commenced, I powered up instinctively, feeling the energy crackle through me. We were ushered outside to a sprawling battlefield set up as a mock city. In the beginning, it was all about survival. The proctors released robotic villains—menacing, metallic creatures designed to mimic the real thing. They released the horde, and a roar of adrenaline surged through us.
The first few moments were a chaotic symphony of powers colliding—fire, ice, electricity—all intertwined with cries of panic and triumph.
"Is anyone even paying attention?" One boy, who had been using his quirk to create massive walls of earth, called out after taking down two robots effortlessly.
I focused on the challenges ahead. With a few swift movements, I dispatched several villains in a matter of seconds, using not just my powers. My enhanced reflexes allowed me to dodge their attacks gracefully, and soon I was moving through the battlefield, saving those who faltered and clearing paths for others to follow.
Every moment felt like déjà vu; I had been in scenarios like this countless times before, yet each time felt fresh and exhilarating. It was reinforcing my identity, the duality of Anos Midoriya and the remnants of Superman.
Suddenly, I spotted Izuku in trouble. A hulking robot bore down on him, and I felt my heart lurch. I darted toward him without hesitation, harnessing every ounce of my power. Just as the robot's fist came crashing down, I slid beneath it, catching Izuku by the arm and pulling him to safety.
"Anos!" he gasped, wide-eyed and grateful.
"Just stay close to me, alright?" I replied, determination flooding my voice. In that moment, the fear that had clouded my brother's demeanor began to dissipate.
With renewed vigor, we joined forces, taking down enemies side by side. I couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly Izuku had grown. He used his quirk with finesse I had never witnessed before, fueled by both his drive and the thrill of the moment. It reminded me of when I first harnessed my powers—not fully aware of my potential yet desperately trying to protect those I loved.
As the exam neared its conclusion, we stood atop a pile of defeated robots, breathless and exhilarated. In that moment, I realized this journey wasn't just mine. It belonged to both of us—the brothers who had fought their way through against all odds.
Later, as we shared excited chatter while making our way back, Izuku turned to me, eyes sparkling with life. "Did you see how we worked together? I've never felt so alive!"
I smiled, feeling a warmth settle in my chest. "We did great, Izuku. I'll always be here to help you."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city lights flickered to life in a dazzling array of colors. Standing shoulder to shoulder with my brother, I embraced the future ahead. We didn't just share the same blood; we shared the spirit of heroes ignited in this moment. Together, we would forge our path, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.