Chapter 2

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The atmosphere in Izuku's life seems heavy with neglect and mistreatment. He's grappling with profound questions about why he allows himself to endure the pain inflicted by his family and peers. The internal conflict within him is evident as he contemplates whether fear, a strange enjoyment of pain, or a desire for any form of attention is keeping him from taking drastic measures.

His parents, sister, and even his friends seem to be indifferent or hostile towards him, creating a sense of isolation. The fact that he contemplates ending it all suggests a deep emotional struggle within Izuku. However, despite these dark thoughts, he refrains from taking such drastic actions, leaving readers to wonder about the complex emotions and motivations behind his decisions.

The normalcy with which he views the mistreatment in his life hints at a resignation to his circumstances, as if this is a routine he's grown accustomed to. The image of his family leaving without acknowledging him further emphasizes his perceived insignificance in his own home.

As Izuku prepares for school, the disconnection from his family is palpable. His father sitting on the couch without acknowledging him adds another layer to his sense of neglect and isolation. It's a poignant portrayal of a character grappling with deep emotional wounds and a profound longing for connection and understanding.

Exiting his house, Izuku let out a sigh as he ambled toward the school. Once there, he noticed some of Izumi's friends loitering outside. Though he narrowed his eyes, Izuku opted for a peaceful entry unless they intervened.

"Whoa, where do you think you're going?" Denki interjected.

"And no greeting for your friends?" Kirishima chimed in.

Izuku couldn't help but chuckle softly. He placed a hand on Kirishima's shoulder and quipped, "Nice joke."

Kirishima's confusion was evident. "Joke? You think we're joking?"

"Not really," Izuku retorted coolly. "Seems to me like you're trying to start a fight for no reason."

Their attention was diverted by the school bell, prompting Kirishima and Kaminari to rush inside. Left behind, Izuku sighed before making his way to his classroom, unfazed by the brief encounter.

Inside the classroom, Izuku sat in the middle of the last row, engrossed in a book he had recently purchased. Despite lacking pocket money from his parents, he had found a way to earn money legally, allowing him to indulge in his interests like food, snacks, and books.

As he read, Izuku momentarily glanced around the room, his gaze eventually settling on Katsumi, who was focused on the board. He watched her for a few seconds before sighing softly and returning his attention to his book, picking up where he left off. There was a hint of longing in his gaze, suggesting a deeper connection or interest in Katsumi, but he quickly buried those thoughts and immersed himself in his reading once more.

***

As the final bell of the day echoed through the emptying corridors, Izuku lingered behind, his usual tactic to avoid confrontations with his classmates. He knew it was a temporary reprieve, but for now, it offered him some semblance of peace.

Just as he thought he might escape unnoticed, a voice shattered the silence, slicing through the air like a blade. "Oi, Deku!"

Izuku's heart sank. He turned, bracing himself for what was to come. Katsuki Bakugo stood before him, a scowl etched deeply into his features.

Without warning, Katsuki lunged forward with a palm strike aimed directly at Izuku's face. Reacting on instinct, Izuku dodged the attack, narrowly avoiding the blow.

But before he could catch his breath, another assault came from behind. It was Tenya Iida, his speed-enhanced kick aimed with precision. Despite Izuku's attempt to defend himself, the force of the blow, combined with Iida's Quirk, shattered Izuku's arm with a sickening crack.

Pain flared through Izuku's body, threatening to overwhelm him, but he refused to cry out. Tears welled in his eyes as he gazed at Katsuki and Iida.

Before he could gather his thoughts or summon a response, Shoto Todoroki intervened, his icy tendrils snaking around Izuku's legs, immobilizing him. Panic surged within Izuku as he struggled against the frozen restraints, desperation clawing at his chest.

***

Once again.

Izuku once again found himself sprawled on the ground, blood staining his clothes and the air heavy with defeat. In the throes of agony, he questioned his futile resistance. What drove him to fight back? He possessed no quirk or innate strength to bolster his efforts. Yet, the answer remained elusive, lost in the haze of his torment.

Turning his gaze towards his bag, Izuku's eyes fell upon the lone book resting beside it. It was the same mysterious tome gifted to him by the enigmatic stranger. With trembling hands, he reached out, intending to grasp the book, but horror gripped him as he realized it was absorbing his blood. Panic surged within him, and he attempted to retract his hand, only to find himself ensnared by a sinister force.

A black goo, outlined in an eerie blue, oozed from the book, coiling around Izuku's hand with a vice-like grip. Desperation clawed at him as he turned to scream for help, but before a sound could escape his lips, the viscous substance enveloped him entirely. Utterly powerless, Izuku was consumed by darkness, his silent plea for salvation echoing unheard in the void.

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