Quirkless Mastermind

𝗖𝟮𝟰:𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀

In a world where heroes are born from quirk and conviction, I was an anomaly. Worthlessness, humility, empathy-these words held no significance in the grand scheme of things. I wasn't driven by a noble instinct or an inherent desire to be a hero. I was here to win, nothing more, nothing less. Emotions were tools to be used, nothing more.

That's why, as Momo Yaoyorozu crumbled before me, tears staining her bloodied cheeks, I felt nothing. I only knew what needed to be done-project the image of a hero, wear the mask of humility. A fabricated feeling, an empty shell, a hollow mask.

Reaching down, I slipped my hands under her trembling body, lifting her from the cold, iron-scented ground. The dust of our chaotic battle settled around us, whispers of awe filling the air as the spectators watched with hopeful eyes. They saw a hero; I saw nothing.

"T-Thank you... you didn't hold back..." Her voice was weak, her spirit broken.

All the effort she put in, the countless hours spent in study, the sleepless nights-everything crumbled in the face of overwhelming force.

Was Yaoyorozu truly this pathetic? To be grateful for defeat? To accept failure so easily? The weak don't deserve sympathy-they deserve to writhe in the agony of their mistakes, to fight harder, to be perfect.

"You have to grow stronger," I whispered into her ear as I carried her to the nurse's room. "Yaoyorozu..."

My voice dripped with disappointment, cold and sharp. I felt her shiver, her grip tightening on my arms, but I had no time for sentimentality. Bigger challenges awaited me. Changing into a fresh shirt, I turned my attention to the live stream of the next battle. An aggressive one, but irrelevant to my plans. I had already analyzed every opponent, every possible outcome. Their moves were predictable, their strengths and weaknesses laid bare.

As I stepped out into the corridor, a towering figure approached, his presence commanding attention. The number two hero, Endeavor. His flames flickered with an intensity that seemed to lack heat-interesting, but ultimately unimportant.

"Hello, Endeavor," I called out, catching his eye.

His gaze was piercing as if trying to dissect my thoughts, but we both knew it would be futile.

"You're that punk from the first battle," he growled.

"Punk?" I tilted my head slightly, letting a faint smirk touch my lips. "I wouldn't term myself as such. Mind if I have a word with you?"

"A word? I suppose, I don't mind, given you are my boy's classmate. What is it that you want?" Endeavor's voice was rough, but there was a hint of curiosity laced within.

"What happened to Todoroki?" I asked, watching for any reaction.

He narrowed his eyes, the briefest flicker of surprise crossing his stern features. It wasn't the reaction I had hoped for, but it was progress.

"I don't see how it relates to you," he replied, his tone guarded.

"I am simply curious," I responded calmly.

"Know your limits, brat. You can't even stand shoulder to shoulder with my boy."

"As you say, number two." I sighed deeply, a gesture more for effect than out of frustration. As I walked past him, I glanced back and delivered my final words. "I suppose we will have to talk after I stand above him."

I could feel the warmth of his flames intensify behind me, an involuntary reaction to his rising emotions. Fascinating. His control was impressive, but it was still tethered to his state of mind. I hummed softly to myself as I made my way to the stadium.