Morals

Seven

"If your class lost your game, please return to the reserved seating for students,"

"As for the rest of you, catch your breath because the next game might just test your endurance!" 

       They dispersed throughout the grounds, discussing the next events. Some were nervous about scouts— while others wanted rest. Denai snuck off alone to garner some much needed peace. She found a tree that was not too far from the grounds. She sat under it, leaning against the trunk—pausing her mind for a mere moment. She took in the scents around her as she took a breath, calming her senses and relieving the tension from her muscles. The dodge ball game was underwhelming in the scheme of things. She thought she could've done more—done better. 

       She's been feeling as if her efforts were in vain. The torturous feeling is gradually growing stronger. Denai shook the fruitless thoughts from her mind for today, or so she thought. But every time she reminisces on her current academic record in the hero course, she can't help but belittle herself. 

Time was up for the break. Denai and the other class A students made their way back to the podium for the next challenge. Midnight returned to her post with the mic in hand. 

"Alright students, this next may just be the hardest you'll face!" She pointed to the wheel and it spun. When it stopped the name of the next event popped in. The next trial would be a solo maze. 

"The next game is an individual maze. Each student will start at their own designated starting point. They will need to make their way to the other side. Clues will be hidden inside the maze. These clues will help get closer to end but if get the clues wrong then you will remain inside and be disqualified. This a race for time so be prepared!,"

"Get to your places! Only 25 out of the 100 of you will move on!"

They each stood in place, ready for it to begin. The gates opened and an siren blared. The participants raced into the maze. The walls of the maze bore a resemblance to an art museum. The open spaces likely holding the clues that would lead to an exit. Denai observed any abnormalities in the "art pieces". She ran her hands across the walls' surface, feeling for the unordinary. Unbeknownst her, a loud-mouth blonde was in the route beside her. The male hadn't found his first hint, but was close. He happened upon a vase with an intricate line design—Ancient Greek art. Bakugou, the angry blonde, was tempted to walk away until he got a glimpse of a piece of note paper. Once picked and opened, it read:

"I am the answer to your problem. I can unlock your path to victory. I am small but valuable. What am I?" 

Katsuki thought long and hard. He was the third most intelligent in his class. This puzzle would be easy for him. The paper was obviously talking about a key. Now the hard part was locating it. He cascaded the long corridor, searching through the vases for said key. The final vase he came across held a shiny object—small, silver, useful.

"Now what the hell does it unlock?" He mumbled to himself looking around. He was at the end of the long hall. That means that the key unlocks the next level or the next path. He felt about the wall, hoping to discover the keyhole. It took him ten minutes before his finger traced it. He placed the key inside and unlocked the next passage. What he saw on the next side irritated his spirit. It none other than Icy-Hot, his rival. 

Back with Denai, she found a hidden switch on her path within the first five minutes thanks to her spatial awareness ability. It opened into another course, and on that course was another presence. A familiar scent—The second most highly intellectual of her classmates, Momo. She didn't have to walk much further before spotting Yaoyorozu . The girls were suprised to say the least. The rules stated it would an individual maze, but the paths have converged.

"It seems that our passageways have intersected." Denai stepped forward, moving closer to the assistant class rep. 

"Its interesting....we're not supposed to be together according to the rules explained in the beginning of the trial." 

"It may be a surprise component they wanted us to figure out." 

"If so wouldn't the notes have said so?"

"That's my train of thought..." Denai trailed off. The two trapsed through the second hall. They sought out more clues as to why they were now in the same space. Eventually, they find another note—that happens to have the answers they were looking for. 

'At the point of unity, two shall become one. Double acumen—closer victory.' 

"It's telling us to work as a team." Momo assessed. 

"I agree." 

With Bakugou and Todoroki, things weren't going as smoothly. Bakugou was doubtful that this pairing would work. They bickered throughout the entire process. They were close to finishing the maze but took 20 minutes arguing about the meaning of their last tip. The comms came on and Mic shouted through the speaker.

"Woah! Class A's Denai Nefertiti comes in first place and Momo Yaoyorozu in a close second!" This made Bakugou grit his teeth. He was actively losing to the girl he dared to defeat. 

"Fuck! We gotta hurry!" They rushed through and finished the puzzle clinching third and fourth place. He saw his rival standing next to her partner, gazing at the screen seeing her picture on the jumbotron. She gave the impression of being disappointed and dissatisfied. He examined her demeanor—Dejected, Frustrated, Annoyed. 

That's a new one from the girl who exuded confidence from her core. She demanded attention from others, commanded it. The girl he was looking at was the polar opposite. She was timid, meek, and not one ounce of her had any confidence. She held what appeared to be a stoic expression but that was further from the truth. On the inside, Denai was chewing herself out over her meager performance. She always too hard on herself since she was a child but its worsened. 

"Hey dumbass." She turned to see the last person she needed to see looking so pathetic. She straightened up act in front of him.

"Yes?"

"I'm kicking your ass next round, got it." He stated firmly with a hint of softness.

"Never going to happen." 

to be continued.......