[DISCONTINUED] Shattered Chains: A Hero's Beginning / Male Reader x MHA

[PROLOGUE] Chapter 3: The Illusion of Kindness

A week had passed since Y/N's fateful encounter with the strange man who had offered him respite from the streets. In that time, a routine had taken shape, with the man leaving for extended periods under the guise of work, while Y/N was instructed to remain within the confines of his temporary shelter.

Initially, the man had seemed kind and compassionate, offering Y/N a glimpse of warmth amidst the bleakness of his existence. He spoke of unlocking a hidden power within Y/N, a power that society referred to as a "quirk." With an air of patience and determination, he had tried to guide Y/N, offering instructions and encouragement.

Day after day, the man would return to their small sanctuary, his face a mix of hope and disappointment. Y/N, eager to prove his worth and desperate to escape the cycle of despair, diligently followed the man's instructions. But no matter how hard they he, the power within him remained elusive, refusing to be tamed.

Frustration simmered beneath the surface, mingling with a newfound sense of anticipation. Y/N could feel something stirring within himself, an energy waiting to be unleashed. And as the days wore on, the sense of urgency grew.

Then, on the final day of that week, a breakthrough occurred. Y/N could feel a strange surge of power coursing through his veins, an unfamiliar but exhilarating sensation. With a flick of his wrist, a spark of energy danced in his palm, casting a soft glow that illuminated the room. Excitement radiated from Y/N as he celebrated his newfound ability.

The man's eyes widened, a mixture of astonishment and triumph etched upon his face. He approached Y/N, a smile curving his lips. But as he extended his hand, an unsettling glint caught Y/N's attention. Suspicion sparked within them, but before he could react, the man swiftly pulled his arm back, revealing a large rag.

Panic gripped Y/N as the fabric was pressed against his face. A sweet, sickly smell filled his nostrils, and despite his desperate struggles, darkness encroached upon his vision. In the depths of his fading consciousness, a sense of betrayal echoed, mingling with the fear that consumed him.

When Y/N awoke, groggy and disoriented, he found themselves in a small, barren room. The only source of light was a single bulb hanging from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows across the desolate space. The closed door stood as an ominous barrier, trapping him within this newfound prison.

As his senses sharpened, two figures entered the room. The first was unfamiliar to Y/N, a stoic individual who exuded an aura of subservience. The other figure, the man who had taken them in, now wore a cold and manipulative face. His presence was tainted by a malevolence that chilled Y/N to his core.

The assistant addressed the man as "Overhaul," a name that carried a weight of power and authority. Overhaul's gaze bore into Y/N, devoid of the kindness and compassion he had witnessed once before. It was clear that the man he had trusted shed his facade, revealing a true nature steeped in darkness.

Overhaul, as the assistant addressed him, fixed his gaze upon Y/N, a sinister smile curling his lips.

Overhaul: "Ah, Y/N. You are quite the interesting specimen. A perfect subject for my experiments."

Y/N's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of dread and defiance welling up within him.

Y/N: "W-What?"

Overhaul's smile widened, his eyes glinting with sadistic delight.

Overhaul: "Oh, dear child, I have plans for you. I shall unlock the true potential of your quirk, harnessing its power for my own gain. You will be a valuable asset in my quest for dominance."

Fear clutched at Y/N's heart, uncertainty mingling with the remnants of betrayal. The walls of his prison felt suffocating, a stark reminder of the treacherous path that lay ahead. He had unknowingly stepped into a world where manipulation and cruelty reigned, and now his very existence hung in the balance.