People cannot understand the scale of this event just from its name—more than one hundred million people were following the school festival, a number comparable to the audience of the Super Bowl and the World Cup.
"HEY!"
A massive screen lit up inside the stadium, and Present Mic appeared. As expected, he would be the commentator for the event.
"PAY ATTENTION, AUDIENCE!"
"ELEVATE THE SPIRITS, MASS MEDIA!"
Present Mic's voice echoed throughout the entire stadium along with the crowd's excitement. At the same time, fireworks exploded across the sky.
"UA's Sports Festival is about to begin!"
"Once a year, these young fledglings sharpen their claws in this SHOWDOWN!"
In the different tunnels, the students walked toward the center of the stadium, listening to Present Mic.
"Yeah, yeah, I know—you're here for them, right?!"
"Now then, the ones you've been waiting for! The students who survived the villains' attack—the first-year stars, Class 1-A!"
The first group emerged from the tunnel—Class 1-A—and the moment they stepped onto the field, the cheers grew even louder.
They all advanced under everyone's watchful eyes.
As expected, there was a strong contrast between those like Momo, Tokoyami, Jiro, Ibara, Iida, and Todoroki—who handled the pressure well with serious composure—and others like Ochako, Toru, Kirishima, Kaminari, and Deku, who were clearly being eaten alive by nerves. Then there were Bakugo and Tetsutetsu, who appeared to be aggressive delinquents.
The rest fell somewhere in between, and at the front was Allen with a relaxed, confident smile. However, the moment the cameras focused on him, he flashed a shameless grin that angered quite a few people. Still, many women were left breathless—because no matter how much of a troll the bastard was, he was ridiculously handsome.
"I'm a little irritated…" Toru muttered while looking at Allen up front.
"Is something wrong, Hagakure-san?" Momo asked from ahead of her.
"Setting aside his personality, that guy has a good face. It's only natural he'd become popular just by appearing in public," Kirishima commented.
However, his words irritated Itsuka, who shot him a deadly glare.
"What? I just said the truth!"
"I wonder if we can give our best performance under all this pressure," Iida commented while looking at the audience.
"We're not idols. In dangerous situations, you won't have time to be nervous," said Ibara. The girl who usually appeared gentle now had a focused gaze—she clearly took this competition seriously.
"I'll do my best too," Ochako said, clenching her fists.
"...?" Allen scanned the stadium, sensing some familiar gazes, but before he could locate them, Present Mic began speaking again.
"Following them is another class full of potential—from the Hero Course—Class 1-B!"
Ibara and Tetsutetsu turned to look at their former classmates.
Allen also looked over, spotting his friends Setsuna and Reiko—and someone he still didn't know whether to call a friend, Yui Kodai. The first two girls waved at Allen, while Yui only glanced at him with her usual expressionless face. Several boys from Class 1-B looked at Allen with hostility for some reason.
"There's Mineta and Sato!" Kaminari commented. However, the first seemed more interested in searching for beauties in the crowd, while the second wore a serious expression.
"The hardships that don't kill you make you stronger," Allen laughed.
Due to All For One's attack, the subsequent school closure, and now the Sports Festival, transfers between Class 1-A and 1-B have been suspended. But that was only temporary—and of course, they would continue later.
"Next are Classes C, D, and E from the General Studies Department!"
Allen watched as they entered—mostly students who had failed to get into the Hero Course. These students didn't receive hero training, but that didn't mean they were completely rejected. If they demonstrated enough capability and skill, they could be transferred into the Hero Course. That was why they chose to remain at UA instead of trying another hero school.
"Allen, that's him," Itsuka said from Allen's right, pointing at a purple-haired guy with Aizawa-style dark circles under his eyes.
A week ago, that guy had appeared in Class 1-A to declare war. Just like Class 1-B aimed at Class 1-A, the General Studies students aimed at the Hero Course.
"I see… he's got the eyes of a rookie villain—but it's a bit forced…" Allen stopped paying attention to the General Course and looked toward another tunnel.
"Now Classes F, G, and H from the Support Course!"
The Support Course was mostly made up of people aiming to work for support companies—the ones responsible for creating hero costumes, vehicles, and gadgets.
Allen noticed the pink-haired girl he had seen working on the UA's defenses. She was wearing several eye-catching gadgets and protective goggles.
"And finally, from the Management Course—Classes I, J, and K!"
This last group wasn't very flashy, but that made sense—they were the ones who would handle the marketing of hero agencies, managing public image, commercials, contracts, events, and all the things that shape the hero profession in this world.
The different groups lined up in front of a podium where Nemuri—no, Midnight—was already waiting.
The audience's attention focused on the beautiful and sexy Midnight, who nevertheless remained professional.
"Hey, did she change outfits?" someone commented after noticing the trench coat she wore over her costume.
"Either way, she's gorgeous!~"
"Hey, she just smiled at me!"
"No, that was at me!"
"Cut the chatter!" Midnight exclaimed before pointing at Class 1-A. "Now! As the representative of the first-year—Allen Walker! Come here!"
....
"There he is!" Pop exclaimed from high up in the stands. However, everyone around her reacted with confusion—no one understood why this unknown student was the representative.
In truth, Allen had little fame in this world, which made sense—every time he was involved in an incident, he used another identity.
"I knew it.…" Kirishima shrugged.
Todoroki remained silent but serious. Bakugo clicked his tongue.
Toru, Mina, and Ochako were happy for Allen; Momo smiled with resignation; Itsuka puffed out her chest with pride.
No one in Class 1-A was surprised—but the rest certainly were.
"Hey, do you know him?"
"Yeah, he helped me during the entrance exam."
"Damn it, how can someone be born with that face and body and also have a strong Quirk? Isn't God way too unfair?"
"I've got nothing against him, but I hate feeling like background filler…" someone from Class D growled.
"What's wrong with them…" Ochako frowned.
"They don't know anything about Allen," Toru said, annoyed in her own cute way.
Itsuka cracked her knuckles as she memorized the faces of those insulting Allen.
Meanwhile, Allen walked toward the podium without caring about the envy and displeasure around him.
Nemuri approached him and whispered discreetly, "Don't get nervous—just imagine everyone in their underwear~"
Allen joked, "Does that include you?"
Nemuri chuckled before winking. "What a naughty boy. Fine, I'll give you permission—just because it's you❤️~"
The crowd didn't know what they were talking about, but somehow many people became angry at both Allen and Nemuri.
Allen stepped up to the microphone and addressed all the students.
"I... no..."
He paused briefly before speaking.
"Everyone here has come for one thing—the Management, Support, General, and Hero Courses… you all share the same goal, and that is… recognition."
The stadium began to fall silent. Normally, student representatives gave speeches about their goals, convictions, and ideals. Some were sincere; others did it to look good in front of the public and start building a reputation. Some even made bold declarations like:
– I will be All Might's successor!
– I will become the number one hero!
– I will leave my mark on this world!
– I will be the one to end evil!
– I will defeat every villain!
Each representative's speech reflected their personality, and that moment became an unforgettable mark on their identity.
"It was to be expected—the Support Course wants companies to notice their inventions; the Management Course is evaluating the new generation and seeking attention from hero agencies; the General Course wants to catch the administration's eye and transfer into the Hero Course; and the Hero Course wants the attention of pro heroes. I get it… But there's something that's been irritating me."
Everyone was speechless. Allen had chosen this privileged moment to talk about something beyond himself. Everyone became attentive—heroes, villains, the general public, his acquaintances, friends from this world and others, his girlfriends, lovers, and fiancées. And of course, the four heroines who had watched Allen grow also paid close attention. There was something about his words that made him impossible to ignore.
"Right now, surrounded by cameras and spotlights, it's easy to lose sight of it. At a moment like this, when the eyes of the world are on you, it's easy to forget… maybe many of you haven't even understood it… something essential for a hero…"
"That's why… I've decided to become a wall"
Nemuri's eyes widened before she smiled. Kaina began to laugh. The blonde-haired heroine smiled softly, and the silver-haired heroine smiled with pride.
Allen's gaze sharpened as his pupils flashed with intimidating power. "Come and crash against me. Those who are fortunate will understand something. Those who can't… may give up! If anyone wants to surpass this wall, be prepared to wager your past, your future—your everything!"
Koichi's eyes widened; Knuckleduster laughed; Pop looked entranced.
Himiko began to laugh with an obsessive expression while one of the hooded figures clenched their hands until they bled.
All Might looked stunned before shaking his head in defeat. "I can't deal with you…"
All For One slowly applauded. "What wonderful words, Allen-kun!"
....
Among the students, most felt intimidated—but a few felt their blood boil, their gazes turning into something else.
Into fire. For those few, the cameras stopped mattering, the audience became irrelevant, and fame, opportunities, and the future all fell into the background. They had been challenged—and they had to move forward with determination or they wouldn't stand the slightest chance of defeating Allen Walker.
Allen smiled in satisfaction. If at least ten students out of a hundred were capable of facing him, that would be a huge step forward for them.
Rias – Allen?
Wednesday – Why?
"Who knows…"
Allen stepped down from the podium and returned to the others. However, everyone's eyes were fixed on him—including many pro heroes who made sure to carve his name into their memories.
"Him…" Mt. Lady blinked in astonishment. She didn't know why, but she felt a strange familiarity with that young man she had never seen before.
Nemuri had to control herself to keep from throwing herself at Allen and covering him with kisses.
"Attention!"
Nemuri regained control of the stage, and another screen appeared behind her.
"As most of you already know, the first round is a qualifying game. In past years, this has been the test with the most tears!"
The screen lit up in a way Allen found unpleasant—it looked like a slot machine that used to give him so many low-quality templates.
Nemuri gave the signal and it began spinning. "This year, the first test is…"
– Obstacle Race –
"Alright, young heroes! It's time to show the world what you're made of!"
Present Mic took over and began explaining.
Everyone would leave the stadium and run the equivalent of four kilometers before returning. Along the way, there would be obstacles blocking their path, and only 42 out of 220 students would advance to the next round.
"As long as you stay within the perimeter, anything goes—even obstructing your opponents!" Nemuri exclaimed, making the crowd roar with excitement. "Alright, let's not waste any more time!"
Everyone lined up at the starting line like a normal race.
"…" Allen stayed toward the back.
The three starting lights began to go out one by one, and when the last one turned off, the race began with Nemuri's signal.
The students ran—some faster than others—but they couldn't gain an advantage because of the congestion at the front.
Then something unexpected happened for many: the exit tunnel was too narrow and became blocked by the students ahead.
"Sorry, but this is a competition," Todoroki said before unleashing a blizzard that cleared his path and knocked many students down.
The crowd erupted in cheers—as expected from the son of the number two hero.
"Allen?" Kaina widened her eyes. Not just her—Nemuri, All Might, Ryuko, Rumi, Nejire, Himiko, Knuckleduster's group, and many pro heroes who had been paying attention noticed that Allen was jogging in the back without any rush, alongside girls like Toru and Itsuka.
Everyone was stunned—what was he trying to do?!
"Hey!" Momo, who had moved ahead, stopped and turned back toward Allen.
"Go on, Momo—I have my own strategy," Allen smiled.
Momo clenched her teeth and ran. "You better not take too long!"
Ochako was also surprised that Allen wasn't at the front. However, he had told them not to hold back for him—if they wanted to become pro heroes, they had to give it their all.
"Allen, don't worry about me!" Toru said, concerned that he was staying back because of her.
Allen patted her head. "Don't worry."
Itsuka, at his side, looked at him in silence. "In the end… It's an obstacle race… right?"
He didn't respond.
...
At the front, Todoroki didn't feel at ease.
'When?' he thought tensely, waiting for something.
Sensing a presence, he turned around—but to his surprise, it wasn't Allen. A boy wrapped in green electrical currents appeared behind him.
"Midoriya?!"
"Sorry, Todoroki-kun… Full Cowl 20%!"
"I won't let you!"
Todoroki launched an attack to freeze Deku, but Deku jumped—dodging and overtaking him in an instant, a move that thrilled his mother at home and All Might as well.
Todoroki clicked his tongue—he had underestimated Deku's speed.
"Deku!"
Deku looked back when he heard a familiar voice and saw Bakugo flying toward him propelled by explosions.
"Don't you dare get ahead of me!"
Present Mic got excited watching the clash between the three—some of Class 1-A's most promising students. The crowd also cheered upon seeing students capable of keeping up with Shoto Todoroki.
However, even while fighting each other, half their attention remained on the back.
Everyone was waiting for Allen to make his move…
Thinking about that, they failed to notice the obstacle ahead. A robot suddenly appeared and struck Deku, who tried to defend himself but crashed to the ground.
Deku groaned from the floor. "Urgh… these are the entrance exam robots…"
Bakugo was also attacked but managed to dodge.
Present Mic's voice echoed. "Welcome to the first obstacle—the Robot Hell!"
The students arriving from behind froze, giving others the chance to catch up.
Fear spread among those who had only run from those machines before and never actually fought them.
"I don't have time for this…"
Todoroki's hand became coated in frost, and with a move that shocked everyone, he froze one of the robots and passed underneath it.
The crowd roared… However, once he crossed to the other side, the robot thawed and attacked Todoroki.
"What?!" Todoroki covered himself with ice in surprise.
"Dad, don't you think the force field was a bit excessive?" Melissa asked her father with an awkward smile. Both were seated in special guest seats.
"It was All Might's request… although I suspect someone else pushed for it. After all, All Might is a kind-hearted man," David replied, also somewhat worried since the villain robots had been upgraded at the last moment.
Elsewhere in the stands, Kaina sneezed. "Who's talking bad about me?"
....
Todoroki attacked the robot again—this time with an ice pillar meant to pierce the shield—but before it could succeed, another robot destroyed the pillar.
"They work as a team too?!"
Behind Todoroki, a third villain robot was about to strike—but a laser suddenly appeared, piercing both the shield and the robot's body.
"Aoyama?!" Shoji asked after noticing traces of electricity from the shot, but Aoyama shook his head—that attack was far more powerful than his laser.
However, some people noticed that Allen had his hand raised in that direction.
Allen chuckled. "Kaina, this is a sports festival—we don't want any deaths…"
His body crackled with electricity for a brief moment before it vanished.
...
All For One smiled. "Let's see what kind of Quirks you've created this time, Allen-kun."
====
A/N: Lady Nagant is like a developer of the Souls saga, always increasing the difficulty without reason. 🗿
If you want to read more, there are up to ten chapters ahead on Patreon.
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