Chapter Eleven

It was the day of Sports Festival.

The school was filled with booths, bystanders, officials, Pro Heroes, and heavy security that was blocking the reporters by the main gates. The bright, colorful fireworks continuously flew and explode in the skies, around the main campus and the stadium too—where the main event is held. Watchers had the freedom which years they want to watch, but the majority was the first years. The villain attack back at the USJ did numbers on the media, and people want to see the said student in action before their very eyes. A famous student from the same class was expecting too by many, due to his father being the No.2 Hero in Japan.

[Y/N] may not know Todoroki that much, though she's aware how Endeavor acts every time she saw him on the news—ambitious and driven, yet aggressive and dismissive to others.

"There are many other challengers besides Todoroki tomorrow." [Y/N]'s father warned, both of them sitting on the grass instead of the patio in their house' backyard garden. Different kinds of flowers and plants around, tendered by them, plus a pond on the side completed with a small, constructed waterfall build from stones.

"And like any other competitors," He continued, the koi fishes splashing the waters smoothly as they swam. "They'll be aiming for the top, for the best. When it comes to Todoroki, assume he thinks like his old man—so be weary, princess."

"Apply the trainings and lessons you've learned not only from the school but also from me." [Y/N] nodded as her father patted her head. "Just stay calm, let them think they have the upper hand."

U.A. decided that the students wear their P.E. uniforms rather than their hero costumes. Nobody knows why, but [Y/N] didn't mind. All classes were in their respective break rooms, waiting for the games to start. The two weren't sitting at the same table, but there were no speculations raised from Class B—it was normal when two opposite genders decided to hang out together. She never glanced at his way, but his voice drew attention. His flair was back but still kept a distance from her, yet still somehow included her with his antics. Such as him giving an almost identical speech from the male student before how this moment is an opportunity to bring Class A to their place.

It drove Class B's motivation; all eyes will be on Class A most of the time, they need to fight their way into their spot to be recognized. [Y/N] was in silent agreement, but her peers were too caught up about this they had forgotten one thing—they're battling against each other as well.

The games are randomized, meaning there will be teamwork and solos. [Y/N] was being sensible, it hasn't started yet but at this very room she was already playing her deck, choosing who to work with as she rubs her diamonds. Through the thick walls and ceiling the muffled screams from the audience grew louder when a booming voice hyped the crowd through the mic.

"Here we go guys, we need to be in the tunnel before the game actually starts." announced Kendo when she entered the room. Everyone followed, shoes echoing in the corridors as the cheers grew bigger. The intensity in the air was electric, thick enough to draw into her lungs and exhale. [Y/N] flexed her fingers to prepare and ground herself as the class rounded to a corner and stopping where the tunnel entrance loomed ahead. The roars were clear now, crashing like waves as Present Mic officially announced the start of the Sports Festival.

"This first group aren't strangers to the spotlight, you know them after withstanding the villain attack! Lighting up your screen with their skills, THE HERO COURSE STUDENTS OF CLASS 1-A!"

[Y/N] felt a presence beside her as they start to walk through the tunnel, she was met with a smirking Monoma when she glanced. His gaze up in front. Neither spoke a word, and her not feeling the tension. It was overcome by the nerves as the beaming light from the sun radiated upon them and the field.

"They haven't got much of a screentime, but this next group still is a jock full of talent! WELCOME HERO COURSE CLASS 1-B!" [Y/N] inspected the other course as they file out of the other tunnels. Seeing familiar faces from Class A (and finding Midorya's anxious expression hilarious), Support Classes with their registered gears, and someone from General Studies. He stood out from the group—purple hair, like Tetsutetsu described, flaring out in large tufts. Almost like he just rolled out of his bed, given by his eyebags. From someone who looked like he's tired all of the time, his declaration from before was serious.

I wonder what his Quirk is... A whipping sound silenced the audience, followed by a click of heels coming up to the small makeshift stage. [Y/N] could practically feel the men drool at the sight of this year's host. With an authoritative confidence and seduction, Midnight started to speak. "Welcome students to your first ever Sports Festival! Hope you're all ready, this won't be easy...we'll be pushing you to the brink!"

"Now for the introductory speech—Katsuki Bakugo!"

"He's the first year rep?" An astonished Midorya said, as him and the rest watched Bakugo go to the steps of the stage.

"He did finish first during the entrance exam..." A classmate of his muttered.

"Only at the hero course." It wasn't directed at her class, but the comment was made clear to be heard around the students, especially to Class A. [Y/N] ignored it, waiting what would Bakugo say while he paused in front of the mic.

"...I just want to say...I'm gonna win."

...

Iida immediately cornered Bakugo for a scolding. "What are you saying?! You're representing our year! Its disrespectful to us!"

"Does it look like I care? You guys are in my way to victory."

A collective of loud disapproval burst among the students, while Class A looked like their souls were about to depart. Monoma didn't join in, but he was enjoying it. Bakugo hinted no care in the world about everyone as he stepped down.

This'll be fun. A stifled laugh grabbed his awareness; he glanced on his right. [Y/N] had a hand covering her mouth, eyes crinkled that betrayed her laughter. It was nice to find that she's enjoying this, who wouldn't? The crowd would be in the same page as them after what Bakugo said.

After all, [Y/N] left a good first impression to him before.

Midnight hushed the students and onlookers once more with her whip. "Let's not waste anytime my dears, students will be partaking three random games—" A screen that was twice as size than a regular one popped up behind her. It was customized like a slot machine, already spinning the possible first tournament. "—that will make you feel the pain! What could it be?"

It felt forever with the spin, then it stopped.

'FIRST GAME: OBSTACLE RACE'

"Ooh, a great start! The Obstacle Race!" Deafening hoots interrupted around the stadium from the selection as the screen transitions to an image of the building with an arrow circling outside, and an animated person following the direction.

"All eleven classes must race a four kilometer around the outside of the stadium." Midnight explained, then a sudden sadistic glint flashed behind her glasses as she licked her upper lip. "As for your Quirks...you are permitted to do whatever your heart desires! As long as you do not leave the course! So make your way to the starting line my dears!"

A red archway with three green lights stood between them and the main tunnel. U.A. really is well-prepared—and with their bots to assist them, it shortened the setup for the games. [Y/N] stood by the back and it seemed like her other classmates had the same tactic.

"Hey, [Y/N]." Pony whispered, her short tail ruffling as she speaks in her native tongue. "Monoma has a hunch about the first game. He thinks at least forty people can go to the next round."

That's...a good hypothesis. [Y/N] curled her hands, diamonds slowly tilting upwards as the first green light went off. "Does everyone in the class know about this?"

Pony nodded, stomping a hoof on the ground to prepare herself. "He came up with a plan—us in the back the whole time while maintaining the pace to see what Class A's Quirks are."

His first step. The second green light lost its glow. It was smart, exactly the kind of plan Monoma would craft when he wasn't busy performing for an audience. [Y/N] wasn't opposed to observing first; it matched the way she liked to use and move with her Quirk anyway. But there's still risks, the upcoming mayhem will start at any second and hanging at the back meant dealing with the cramped tunnel at the front.

She can handle it, as always.

"I'm in." The last light went off, and everyone bolted their legs as fast as they can. She stayed behind for a moment to watch; the pained grunts and protests muffled her next statement. "For now."