The scene at the U.A. Sports Festival was nothing short of spectacular.
From the stands to the upper decks, not a single seat was empty. It felt as though people from all over the country had gathered here.
In the lower section, a special media zone had been set up. Reporters and cameramen fixed their lenses on the player entrance tunnel, waiting to capture the perfect shot.
"This year's U.A. Sports Festival is hotter than ever."
"The USJ incident really boosted ratings. Class 1-A's performance sparked a huge discussion."
"Right? A bunch of first-years repelling villains? That's headline material."
The reporters buzzed with excitement.
Class 1-A wasn't just famous for the USJ incident. The class itself was stacked with high-profile talents.
Shoto Todoroki — son of the current No. 2 Pro Hero, Endeavor, possessing a Quirk said to rival his father's, and potential often compared to All Might.
Katsuki Bakugo — the prodigy born from the Sludge Villain incident, with a battle-oriented Quirk and explosive personality.
Momo Yaoyorozu — heir to the Yaoyorozu Conglomerate, highly intelligent and already popular nationwide.
And finally—
Lock.
A young man who had risen to prominence early, earning a Pro Hero license through exceptional means. His power during the USJ incident had left an unforgettable impression.
All four were in the same class.
Just imagining their clash made the audience restless with anticipation.
"Still, if Lock competes, isn't the championship already decided?"
"Exactly. He's basically a Pro Hero. That's too much."
It wasn't just the reporters thinking this. The audience murmured the same concerns.
Then—
The giant stadium screens flickered to life.
A familiar voice boomed across the arena.
"HEEEEY, audience in the stadium! And everyoneis watching the live broadcast online!"
"I'm your host and commentator — the Voice Hero, Present Mic!!!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Present Mic grinned widely. With his Quirk, he barely needed amplification at all.
"The U.A. Sports Festival — where young heroes clash in the ultimate annual showdown! Let's be honest… you're all here for THEM, right?!"
The crowd roared in unison:
"FIRST-YEAR CLASS A!!!"
"That's right! Even after a villain invasion, they stood firm and pushed forward — the miracle generation! CLASS 1-A!!!"
Under Present Mic's booming introduction—
Lock stepped into the arena at the head of Class 1-A.
As class representative, he led them forward.
The cameras instantly zoomed in.
The moment they appeared, the stadium exploded into thunderous cheers.
Midoriya Izuku's legs trembled slightly.
"So many people…"
Kirishima Eijiro nodded stiffly.
"They're cheering for us… this feels unreal."
Bakugo snorted.
"Quit acting nervous. I'm just here to crush anyone who underestimates me."
Lock, however—
He was exhilarated.
He wasn't some emotionless monk. He was still a teenager. The roar of tens of thousands, the flashing cameras, the anticipation—
His blood stirred.
This was a stage.
And he was standing at its center.
Present Mic continued the introductions.
"Next up — Class 1-B of the Hero Course!"
"Followed by General Studies C, D, and E!"
"Support Course F, G, H!"
"And finally — the Business Course!"
Compared to Class 1-A, the applause for the others was noticeably softer.
Class 1-B exchanged determined looks.
We're not background props.
This time, we'll prove we're better than 1-A.
The Sports Festival was divided into three separate arenas — one for each year.
Principal Nezu oversaw the third-year division.
The first-year division, where Lock stood, had a very different referee.
At the center platform stood the R-rated Hero—
Midnight.
Dressed in her tight white bodysuit, whip in hand, she commanded attention the moment she appeared.
Many male students swallowed nervously.
Several female spectators glared at their boyfriends.
"Ooooh, men…" someone muttered in the stands.
Midnight smirked.
"Before we begin, there's a special announcement."
The stadium quieted.
"You all know that after the student competition, there will be a Pro Hero exhibition match, correct?"
The crowd roared.
"Yes!!!"
"For the past two weeks," Midnight continued, "there has been a heated debate about whether it is fair for Lock — who already holds a Pro Hero license — to compete in the student division."
All eyes turned toward him.
Class 1-A, the audience, and even the Pro Hero seating area.
"But," Midnight said, voice steady, "he is not only a Pro Hero. He is also a U.A. student. To deny him participation in his own youth would be unfair, wouldn't it?"
The audience murmured.
She wasn't wrong.
In Japan, school sports festivals were precious memories — moments families recorded and cherished.
Was it fair to strip that from him just because he was exceptional?
Up in the Pro Hero seating area, Lock quickly spotted Ryukyu and Nejire Hado sitting together.
Ryukyu looked ready to stand up and argue with someone.
Nejire had a firm grip on her sleeve, keeping her seated.
Midnight cleared her throat.
"Therefore… after discussions with the faculty and with Lock himself…"
She paused deliberately.
"We have decided—"
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A/N: 40+ Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded.
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