While I was on the bus to UA, I opened the System interface to check the mission that had been issued earlier that morning:
Mission: Pass the UA Entrance Exam and get into the Hero Course.
Rewards: Varies based on performance in the test.
Punishment: System will be locked down for 1 month. You cannot access the system during this period.
Passing the exam wasn't the issue—I was confident in my abilities. Earlier in the day, I'd aced the written exam. The questions had been challenging, covering everything from hero ethics to Quirk theory, but I'd studied extensively. My Intelligence stat, combined with my natural aptitude for academics, had given me an edge. I was confident I'd scored near the top of the class. Now, all that remained was to prove myself in the practical..The real challenge was maximizing my rewards. I needed more techniques, more power, and the System was my key to unlocking them. Failure wasn't an option. I couldn't afford to lose access to the System, not when I was so close to achieving my goals.
I arrived at my destination before I knew it. The UA training loomed ahead, its imposing gates a symbol of the prestige and opportunity that lay beyond. I stepped off the bus and took my place in the first row near the gate, my posture calm and composed. Around me, other applicants fidgeted nervously, their eyes darting between the gate and the mock city beyond. The air was thick with tension, a palpable energy that set my nerves on edge.
But I didn't let it show. I stood perfectly still, my focus razor-sharp. Time was of the essence, and I couldn't afford to waste a single second. My goal was clear: score at least 60 combat points to secure a good ranking in UA. Rescue points would be a bonus, but combat was where I could truly shine.
With my Perception, I could sense movements within a 10-meter radius, giving me a slight edge in anticipating threats and opportunities. I took a deep breath, centering myself as I prepared for the chaos that was about to unfold.
A few minutes later, the massive gates began to creak open, the sound echoing through the air like a starting gun. My body tensed, every muscle coiled and ready to spring into action. Then, Present Mic's voice boomed over the speakers, his energy palpable even from a distance.
"ARE YOU READY?!" he shouted, his voice reverberating through the arena. "3… 2… 1… GO!"
I was already moving before the word "GO" fully left his mouth. Thanks to my Agility stat, which was twice that of a normal human, I shot forward like an arrow, leaving most of the other candidates in the dust. Only those with speed-based Quirks managed to keep pace, but even they were quickly falling behind.
The first wave of robots came into view—mostly one-pointers, their bulky frames clanking as they rolled forward. I didn't slow down. Instead, I leaped onto the last robot in the line, my movements fluid and precise. My passive skill, Insight, immediately highlighted its weakest point: the neck.
I channeled my strength into my fist, activating Mountain Shattering Fist. The combination of my Strength stat (now at 30), the durability granted by my Iron Body Technique, and the sheer force of the technique was more than enough to obliterate the robot's weak spot. My fist connected with a resounding crunch, and the machine's head crumpled like paper. Sparks flew as its body shuddered and collapsed in a heap of metal.
I didn't linger. By targeting the last robot in the line, I left the others behind for the candidates trailing me, ensuring I wouldn't be slowed down by unnecessary fights. My goal was to maximize efficiency, and that meant focusing on higher-value targets.
Ahead, I spotted a two-pointer, its larger frame and more menacing design setting it apart from the one-pointers. Two-point robots were fewer in number compared to the one-pointers, and I knew I had to prioritize them if I wanted to rack up points quickly. This one was lumbering toward a group of applicants, its arm cannons whirring as it prepared to fire.
I didn't hesitate. I sprinted toward it, my movements a blur. The robot turned its head, its red sensors locking onto me, but I was already in the air. My Insight skill highlighted its weakest joint—the connection between its arm and shoulder. I twisted mid-air, channeling my energy into my palm, and struck with Flowing Wave Palm. The shockwave rippled through the robot's frame, and its arm tore clean off, sparks spraying like fireworks. A follow-up strike to its core disabled it completely, and it collapsed with a deafening clang.
Two points. I didn't stop to celebrate. I was already scanning the area for my next target.
Three-point robots were the rarest of the bunch, and I knew I had to take them down whenever I saw them. Unlike the towering machines some might expect, these robots were only slightly larger than the two-pointers, but their reinforced armor and advanced weaponry made them far more dangerous. A few blocks ahead, I spotted one—its sleek, metallic frame bristling with cannons and sensors. It was wreaking havoc, sending applicants scrambling for cover. This was my chance.
I darted through the chaos, weaving around debris and other candidates. The three-pointer's sensors locked onto me, and it unleashed a barrage of projectiles. I activated Iron Body Technique, reinforcing my skin and muscles as I dodged and weaved, the ground exploding around me. My Perception gave me just enough warning to avoid the worst of it.
For a split second, I misjudged my timing—dodging a fraction too late. A projectile grazed my shoulder, sending a sharp jolt of pain up my arm. I clenched my jaw, adjusting my stance. Mistakes like that weren't an option. Not today.
When I got close enough, I channeled my energy into my fist and struck with Mountain Shattering Fist. The impact reverberated through the robot, and its core shattered, sending a cascade of sparks and smoke into the air. It toppled backward, crashing to the ground with a thunderous boom.
With the three-pointer down, I allowed myself the briefest moment of satisfaction—a small smile—before launching into motion once more
My strategy was simple: prioritize the higher-point robots first. One-pointers were everywhere, but two- and three-pointers were limited in number. If I didn't take them down quickly, someone else would. I moved through the battlefield like a shadow, my movements calculated and efficient. Every strike was precise, every movement deliberate. I conserved my energy, focusing on weak points and avoiding unnecessary fights.
As I fought, I used my Perception to scan my surroundings for both threats and opportunities. I knew there were hidden criteria for rescue points, and I wasn't about to ignore them. If I saw someone in trouble, I'd step in—not just for the points, but because that's what a hero would do.
I pressed on, my body moving almost on autopilot. My training at the dojo, the countless hours spent honing my techniques, and the System's enhancements had all led to this moment
Eight minutes had passed, and according to my calculations, I'd already scored around 62 points. I was close to my goal, but I couldn't afford to let up. The battlefield was a chaotic mess of explosions, screams, and the relentless clanking of robots. Thick, acrid smoke coiled through the air, stinging my eyes and filling my lungs with the metallic tang of scorched circuits. The battlefield was a graveyard of shattered metal, broken limbs of robots twitching feebly in their final moments.
But I knew the exam wasn't over yet. The real challenge was still to come.