Death Paradox 💥BAKUDEKU💥

Chapter 20

The Emperor

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Chapter 20

The moment the last flicker of magic disappeared into Izuku's wrist, all hell broke loose.

The square erupted into chaos—people yelling, shoving, trying to get closer to the platform where Izuku still stood holding the sword. Some were cheering, others were shouting, but the noise was deafening. The air, which had been thick with anticipation moments ago, now buzzed with a frantic energy as the crowd surged forward, desperate to see the boy who had done the impossible.

Katsuki felt his entire body tense, his instincts demanding him to move, to get to Deku, but the wall of bodies between them was an immediate obstacle. Guards were already rushing forward, forming a protective line between Izuku and the masses, their armor gleaming in the fading light. The crowd pressed harder, pushing against the guards, trying to break through the barrier.

"Fucking hell," Katsuki muttered, as someone nearly fall on him. His eyes darted between the guards and the crowd, calculating the best way to muscle his way through. He wasn't about to let Deku get dragged off by some royals or whatever without him.

Without warning, Katsuki surged forward, shoving past anyone in his way with forceful, calculated aggression. He didn't care about the wide-eyed stares or the annoyed grumbles from the people he knocked aside. He had one goal—to get to Izuku before someone tried to whisk him away.

Kirishima followed closely behind him, his broad form making it easier to clear a path. With his imposing frame and sharp, predatory presence, people naturally gave him a wider berth—though not fast enough for Katsuki's liking. The crowd was too thick, too chaotic, and the damn guards weren't making it any easier. They'd already begun escorting Izuku off the platform, and Katsuki's stomach twisted when he saw them leading him toward the castle.

No way. No fucking way are they taking him in without me.

"Move!" Katsuki demanded, ramming past a wizard who had the gall to stand in his way. The man staggered, nearly dropping his gold-trimmed hat, eyes flashing with indignation.

"Watch it, you—!"

SNAP!

A flash of white, a glint of serrated teeth too sharp for a human mouth, and the wizard stumbled back with a strangled yelp. Kirishima's jaw clicked shut with a sharp clack of his teeth, his beaded pupils narrowing in a wordless warning. He didn't even glance back at the man, his gaze fixed firmly ahead as if the entire thing had been a reflex—like swatting a fly that got too close.

Katsuki's gaze locked on Izuku, and he could see the nerd was arguing with the guards—his hands gesturing wildly, pointing toward the crowd, probably demanding that they let him stay or explain himself. Typical Deku, always trying to reason with people, always trying to be the damn hero. But Katsuki wasn't about to stand by and let them manhandle Izuku into some royal hall without backup.

He pushed harder, barreling through the last cluster of bodies, his sharp movements full of purpose. Just as he got close enough to make his way to Izuku's side, a massive guard stepped in front of him, blocking his path with a broad, armored chest.

"Back off," the guard growled, his voice low and firm. He shoved Katsuki back with one thick arm, not even bothering to be subtle about it.

For a split second, Katsuki saw red.

His lips pulled back in a snarl, baring his fangs and hands already sparking, ready to tear this idiot apart for even thinking about putting a hand on him. He wasn't about to get stopped by some overgrown, armored extra.