Cursed Blessing 呪 My Hero Academia x Male Reader

Prologue 呪 A Cursed Dream

In our world, an inequality between human beings exists.

That is an indisputable fact, the quirks that arise during childhood naturally sets people apart.

Although if I'm being honest, something like equality doesn't really matter all that much to me.

Were you expecting an internal monologue about how 'all human beings are not born equal'?

That's something some shounen manga protagonists would say in the opening chapter.

They would probably go on to talk about how they realised humans were anything but equal at a young age, probably due to them being born weak or something.

Then again, that doesn't really matter to me.

Because all I have is a dream shared by most teenagers nowadays.

I want to be a hero.

"Hey, it's the demon!"

"..."

"Oi! Akuma! Come any closer and we'll splash you with holy water!"

"..."

"Your family just died... but you can't even show a sign of grief on your face!? You must truly be the devil!"

"..."

Demon, devil, monster - names I've grown accustomed to hearing all my life.

I sighed, the breath escaping my lips like a whisper on the wind. Walking through the wrought iron gates of my school, I headed to class, my expression unchanged as always. I felt the heavy weight of my classmates' stares, though after so many years, I was numb to it.

The morning bell rang out sharply, jolting me from my thoughts. Around me, students began entering the homeroom, filling the air with idle chatter. I kept my eyes down, ignoring the curious glances and hushed whispers. They never failed to follow me.

"Good morning class!" Announced sensei brightly as he entered. "Now that graduation is approaching, I hope you're all starting to think seriously about your future career paths!"

Titters and murmurs rippled through the room. I clenched my jaw. Did he really have to bring this up so publicly?

"But what am I saying?" Sensei continued with a laugh. "I'm sure most of you already have your hearts set on joining the hero course!"

The class immediately erupted into excited commotion as students began activating and showing off their quirks. Beams of light, random objects floating, sparks flying - everyone was eager to flaunt their abilities. Everyone except myself and the two other still figures studiously ignoring the hubbub.

"Hey, don't lump me in with these losers!" Shouted a certain ash blonde, slamming his palm onto his desk. Tiny explosions danced across his skin. "I'm gonna ace the U.A. entrance exam and take the number one spot!"

I shifted my gaze to the cocky ash-blonde, sizing him up. Katsuki Bakugo, a boy who's explosive temper of his matched the volatile nature of his quirk. Perhaps he did have the potential to back up those bold claims.

U.A. High - the most prestigious hero academy in Japan. It would be a lie to say I'd never imagined attending myself. But dreams were for those with power. What hope did someone like me have?

"Ah, that's right! Midoriya and Katoka - you two are applying to U.A. as well, aren't you?" Sensei asked.

My shoulders tensed. So much for confidentiality. This was precisely why I despised these discussions.