Chapter 30: Strengthening Quirks and the Test of Courage

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The next day rolls around, the third day of the lodge trip, and the afternoon sun is already high in the sky. The air buzzes with energy as both Class 1-A and Class 1-B push themselves to the limits, undergoing their Quirk-strengthening training.

I’m watching from the sidelines for a moment, catching my breath, when Aizawa-Sensei calls out instructions to Mina, Hanta, Rikido, Eijiro, and Denki. His voice is stern, but there’s a hint of encouragement hidden beneath it as he gives them advice on increasing the power of their Quirks. It’s clear that for some of us, the pressure is on even more than usual—especially for the remedials.

"Don’t lose sight of your fundamental drive,” Aizawa-Sensei says, his gaze sweeping over the class. “It’s what will push you forward.”

I watch his every move, feeling that familiar flutter whenever he speaks. Even though his words are for the entire class, I can’t help but feel like they’re directed at me. Focus, Mailin, focus.

Nearby, Ochaco and Yuga seem to be struggling, and Aizawa-Sensei is quick to scold them. “You two passed by the skin of your teeth,” he says, his voice firm. “Don’t let up now.”

Both of them nod, redoubling their efforts, but it’s clear they’re feeling the strain just like the rest of us.

As we continue our exercises, I notice Izuku approaching Aizawa-Sensei with a question. “Aizawa-Sensei, will any more teachers be coming to the lodge?”

Aizawa-Sensei shakes his head. “We only brought the minimum number of personnel needed to manage Class 1-A and 1-B’s training.” He glances at Ragdoll, who chimes in.

“All Might stayed away because he’s a target,” she explains, her usual cheerfulness replaced with a more serious tone. The weight of the situation settles over us again—just another reminder of the dangers we’re training for.

Before the tension can linger, Pixie-Bob brightens the mood. “But tonight, you’ll get a break!” she announces. “We’re playing a game—a test of courage!”

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Dinner and Conversations

That evening, after a long day of training, we gather around to cook dinner together. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the campsite, and the smell of food fills the air as we work together to prepare our meal.

I glance over at Shoto and Izuku, who are deep in conversation. Shoto asks Izuku what he wanted to talk to All Might about, and I can’t help but overhear their conversation.

Izuku mentions Kota, explaining that the boy doesn’t like the idea of a superhero society with Quirks, and that he’s unsure how to help him. His voice is heavy with concern, and I can see how much this weighs on him.

Shoto listens carefully before offering his advice. “Words alone won’t help him. He’s going to see reasoning from strangers as pretentious.” There’s a pause before Shoto adds, “Show him through action—show him what heroes do for humanity.”

Izuku’s face brightens at Shoto’s words, and I can see that he’s feeling more encouraged. It’s moments like these that remind me just how much Izuku and Shoto have grown—not just in power, but in understanding.

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The Test of Courage Begins

Later that night, we gather in the clearing for the much-anticipated test of courage. The air is cool, and the forest looms dark and mysterious in the distance. But before we can get too excited, Aizawa-Sensei drags Mina, Rikido, Eijiro, Hanta, and Denki away.

“Remedial lessons,” he says simply, much to their dismay. I suppress a giggle as they groan, trudging off behind Aizawa-Sensei, who looks as stoic as ever. I catch myself watching him again, but quickly turn my attention back to the game.

Pixie-Bob and Ragdoll explain the rules. The forest will be the setting for the game, with Class 1-B acting as the scarers first, and Class 1-A as the scarees. Our task is to find cards with our names on them hidden throughout the forest to prove we went in. After fifteen minutes, the roles will reverse, and Class 1-A will become the scarers. Whichever class scares the most students will win.

I exchange excited looks with Momo, Ochaco, and Mina as we prepare to venture into the forest. My heart is already racing, not because of the test itself, but from the thrill of what’s to come.

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In the Forest

As we make our way into the dense forest, the atmosphere changes. The trees seem to close in around us, and the only sounds are the crunching of leaves beneath our feet and the distant rustling of branches. It’s eerie, but there’s something exciting about it too.

We split up to search for our cards, and I find myself paired with Tokoyami, whose dark presence only adds to the mysterious vibe. “This setting suits you,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

“Indeed,” Tokoyami replies with a smirk, his eyes scanning the shadows.

Suddenly, a loud rustling behind us makes us both jump. I whirl around, my heart pounding in my chest, but it’s just one of the other students darting through the trees. I let out a nervous laugh, feeling the adrenaline rush through me. This game might be more intense than I thought.

We continue searching, the darkness closing in, and I can’t help but wonder—will Class 1-B manage to scare us?

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As the test of courage continues, I can’t shake the thought of Aizawa-Sensei. Even though I’m supposed to be focusing on the game, my mind keeps drifting back to him. I wonder if he’s watching from somewhere, keeping an eye on how we handle ourselves.

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