The Next Generation

C5: A Living Hell

Once they were in the changing rooms, everyone began to undress. Optimus frowned at his outfit unhappily. It was thick, but skintight and light. He knew that was helpful for human mobility, but it just didn't sit right with him. Even as a human, he preferred the comfort that came with loose attire and heavy armour. It felt too much like having exposed protoform in clothes like these.

Still, he supposed he didn't have much of a choice. Optimus looked around at his classmates, who were already stripping and exchanging names and stories. He huffed and started to do the same, listening to them introduce themselves and taking note of who they were.

"What's your name?" Iida asked the blonde that Optimus took the entrance exam with.

"None of your business, extra," Bakugo spat before leaving the room and sending a pointed glare to Midoriya.

Midoriya waited until he was sure Bakugo was gone before speaking up. "That's Katsuki Bakugo. We went to the same middle school."

"Ohh," Kirishima nodded. "Why is he so angry?"

"He's just like that," Midoriya said. "Don't take it personally."

"And you?" Iida asked Optimus.

Optimus took off his shirt. "I'm Optimus."

The changing room suddenly went quiet and Optimus paused, his servo still hovering over his dropped shirt as everyone stared at him. What? What did he do wrong? Should he have said his title too? They would think it's his last name, so maybe it was only proper that he—

"Okay, Optimus, nice to meet you," Iida looked away and gave the others a look before focusing on a bird-like kid. "So, what's your name?"

"Fumikage Tokoyami," the kid answered, still somewhat looking at Optimus.

Optimus averted his optics and quickly put the gym shirt on. The mood was still a little awkward as the introductions were finished, but Optimus didn't want to stand out anymore than he already did, so he waited for everyone and then left with them as a group. They met up with the girls not far from the doors, consulted Optimus's map, and then headed out to the field.

Mr. Aizawa was waiting for them with his arms crossed. "Is that how long it will take you to get ready when the villains attack?" he demanded. "How many people will have died by the time you get to the field?"

"But you didn't say this was a battle simulation," Sero pointed out.

"Everything you do is a battle simulation from now on," Aizawa barked. "When you come to my class, be ready to fight. When you're walking down the street, be ready to fight. When you're taking your lunch break, be ready to fight."

"What if we're in the middle of a dump?" Kaminari asked, raising his hand but not waiting to be called on. "I mean, I don't think I could even stop a turd at that point."

Aizawa walked over, his face entirely serious. "Then I'll be sure you learn."

Kaminari gulped.

Mr. Aizawa turned away and walked over to a long stretch of grass. He pulled a ball out of his pocket and turned back to them. "When you were in middle school, you did softball throws without your quirks to assess your physical strength. Well, the Board of Education didn't give them much of a choice, but here at UA, your quirks will be invaluable to your progress and your training. We will start this year by testing various aspects of your raw physical strength. You can and will use your quirks, because you will be scored based off your strength. Whoever is at the bottom will be expelled."

Optimus's optics widened. That was a bit extreme, wasn't it? Everyone here went through the entrance exam already, why have another one? He looked around and his peers seemed to agree. Several of them voiced their complaints.