Death Paradox 💥BAKUDEKU💥

Chapter 14

Part 2

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Chapter 14

Katsuki's eyes narrowed, his focus locking onto the pair standing by the bar. It was them. There was no mistaking it—Iida and Uraraka. They looked different, sure, but not different enough that Katsuki wouldn't recognize them. Not after everything they'd been through.

Iida stood tall and rigid, even in a tavern like this, his posture military straight as always. His armor gleamed under the dim lighting of the room—polished metal plates fitted over dark blue leather, designed to allow for swift, precise movements. The suit wasn't as high-tech as the hero gear he used to wear back at U.A., but it was damn close. A sword was strapped to his side, the hilt finely crafted, likely a relic passed down through his knightly family. A royal blue cape hung from his broad shoulders, a symbol of rank or title in this world, no doubt. Even in this parallel reality, Iida still carried himself with the same self-righteous sense of duty that Katsuki had come to both hate and respect.

Uraraka, on the other hand, was dressed like a damn witch—literally. She had this light pink tunic, all flowy and shit, with a belt that held weird trinkets and pouches around her waist. Her boots were sturdy, laced up to her knees with thick straps that probably helped her float or whatever, but what really caught his attention was that oversized witch hat she was rocking. The thing looked ridiculous, drooping slightly with that classic wide brim, but it matched the weird staff she had in her hand—a tall, wooden thing with glowing gems embedded in the top.

She looked every bit like some kinda spellcaster from a storybook—cute, sure, but not the kinda cute that made you underestimate her.

Katsuki's pulse quickened as he strained to listen. The tavern's constant hum of voices was loud, but he locked onto their conversation like a hawk. He caught a fragment, Iida's voice—formal as ever.

"...such a pleasure to travel with. I truly hope he makes it to the Citadel safely."

"Yeah," Uraraka chimed in, her voice warm but tinged with concern. "That Midoriya's determination amazes me. Shame we're heading into Tula. I really hope he's okay out there..."

The nerd was here—or had been, at least. He could practically feel the adrenaline start to surge through his veins, his body tightening like a coiled spring. If Izuku had been traveling with them, then he had to be close. Somewhere nearby. Maybe even in Valorport.

Without thinking, Katsuki pushed his chair back, the legs scraping against the wooden floor with a sharp screech. He stood abruptly, his cloak snapping behind him, and stormed across the tavern, his boots thudding heavily as he approached the two standing at the bar. He didn't give a damn about drawing attention—his focus was zeroed in on them like a heat-seeking missile.

Iida was the first to notice him, his sharp, knightly instincts kicking in the second Katsuki came within range. His head turned slightly, catching sight of the approaching berserker out of the corner of his eye. In an instant, Iida's entire posture shifted—his stance squared, back straight, and his hand moved reflexively to the pommel of the sword at his side. His expression hardened as he assessed Katsuki with a quick, calculating once-over.

Uraraka tensed beside him, her grip tightening on the staff she held, though her face remained calm—guarded. She didn't recognize Katsuki, not like he did them, but the air in the tavern shifted, thickening with unease as both of them braced themselves for a potential confrontation.

Katsuki didn't care. Didn't give a damn if they were ready to fight him. He stomped right up to them, his voice cutting through the din of the tavern like a blade.