MHA: Jigsaw Reborn

Chapter 19: Reckoning of Convictions 1/2

(A/N: I know the previous trap had its issues for some, but I hope I can nail every metaphorical bullet point here and create a compelling trap. However, before getting into the trap, I wanted to explore Stendhal a bit more here, so I opted to split the chapter in half. So, the trap will be a part of the next chapter. The good news is that I'll release the second half of the chapter TOMORROW! Anyways, sit back, relax, and enjoy the chapter!)

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[27 Days Earlier]

[Narrator's POV]

Uwabami was dead — her face engulfed forever in a tomb of molten gold that melted away at her beauty. The hero that failed to save her lay broken on the floor, blood pooling beneath him from the damage done to his engines on his arms.

It had been moments since the countdown had hit zero, as two individuals behind the one-way mirror watched silently, observing the Pro Hero silently weep in pain from his failed efforts.

Stendhal paced slowly near the edge of the room, his posture rigid as his arms were crossed over his chest. His eyes stood sharp and filled with frustration, as opposed to Kramer's calm and collected attitude as he stood in the centre of the room.

"You're wrong, Jigsaw." Stendhal's voice cut through the silence of the room like a hot knife through butter. "Ingenium escaped those chains. He showed willpower and conviction. He wanted to save her. That has to count for something!"

Kramer turned his head slowly, his gaze settling on Stendhal. There was no anger in his eyes, nor frustration — just an unnerving calm, as though he had already anticipated such a remark. "Willpower is not enough," Kramer spoke softly. "In the real world, Stendhal, trying doesn't save lives. Results do."

Stendhal's jaw clenched as his hands balled into fists. "He gave everything. He escaped. Isn't that what you preach? To fight, to prove their worth through extreme circumstances? He did that. He proved himself!"

Kramer's expression didn't change. "He escaped his chains, yes. But he still failed his task. Uwabami is dead." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "A hero can try as hard as they want, but if they can't save the life in front of them, then what good are they? Trying isn't enough in this world. People die when heroes fail."

Stendhal's lip curled, his anger bubbling closer to the surface. "So you'd rather he died trying? Is that what you wanted?"

"No," Kramer replied coolly. "I wanted him to succeed. I wanted him to make a choice — save Uwabami, or prove himself incapable. His failure was not in the chains but in his overconfidence. He miscalculated the value of his role as a hero." His gaze hardened, and he stepped forward, closer to Stendhal.

"That's what heroes like him do. They act with bravado, with power, but when it comes down to it — when someone's life is on the line — they're more dangerous than the villains they fight..."

Kramer's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone more dark. "Ingenium's behaviour after Manual's death has only proven that. He's been reckless. Unstable. His actions have put lives at risk." He gestured to the broken hero, his voice like a sharp blade.

"He nearly beat a man to death last week. A small-time thug. Left him in a coma. The media covered it up, of course. But tell me, Stendhal — what kind of hero acts like that? Is that the man you want to defend?"

"You think that justifies this?" Stendhal shot back, though there was a flicker of doubt in his voice now. "Ingenium's not some monster. He's just... lost. He's grieving. You can't —"

"I can," Kramer interrupted his voice firm. "Because this is who he is now. He's become a danger to those he swore to protect. He can't control himself anymore. You know this..."