𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 015

CHAPTER 15: Rising to the Challenge

The day of the U.A. Sports Festival arrived faster than you’d expected. The entire school was buzzing with excitement and nervous energy as students prepared for the biggest event of the year. For many, this was a chance to prove themselves, to showcase their quirks in front of pro heroes, talent scouts, and the general public. But for you, it felt like something more—a turning point in your journey as a hero.

You stood outside the massive stadium where the festival would take place, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on you. Your classmates were scattered around, stretching and warming up in preparation for the day’s events. Some, like Iida, were buzzing with excitement, while others, like Todoroki, remained calm and focused, their eyes already set on the challenge ahead.

"Big day, huh?" Midoriya said as he approached, a nervous but determined look on his face. His notebook was tucked under his arm, though he hadn’t been scribbling in it like usual. It seemed even Midoriya was feeling the pressure of the Sports Festival.

"Yeah," you muttered, adjusting the straps of your uniform. "It feels like everything’s been building up to this."

Midoriya nodded, his gaze scanning the stadium. "We’ve all been working hard, especially after the U.S.J. attack. But today’s different. This is our chance to show everyone how far we’ve come."

You couldn’t help but agree. The U.S.J. attack had been a wake-up call, reminding you of just how far you had to go. Hydrax’s taunting voice still echoed in your mind, pushing you forward as you trained relentlessly. But now, standing here on the cusp of the Sports Festival, the familiar doubt crept back in.

Were you ready for this?

---

As you and Midoriya made your way into the stadium, the roar of the crowd greeted you, sending a rush of adrenaline through your veins. The stands were packed with spectators, cheering and waving as the students from various classes entered the arena. This was more than just a test of skill—this was a spectacle, and you were about to be thrust into the spotlight.

Present Mic’s voice boomed over the loudspeakers, his enthusiastic commentary only adding to the energy in the stadium. "WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO THE U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL!" His voice carried across the massive arena, igniting a wave of cheers from the crowd. "TODAY, YOU’RE GONNA SEE SOME AMAZING QUIRK ACTION AS OUR STUDENTS COMPETE TO PROVE WHO’S THE BEST OF THE BEST!"

You felt a flicker of excitement beneath your nerves. This was it. The moment you’d been training for. You glanced at Midoriya, who gave you a small, encouraging nod.

---

The students gathered on the field, waiting for Midnight to give the signal for the first event. You could feel the tension in the air, a mix of excitement, anxiety, and competitive drive. Beside you, Bakugo stood with his usual confidence, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed on the crowd as though he was already imagining his victory. Todoroki, as composed as ever, stood a little farther away, his mismatched eyes scanning the other competitors.

"Don’t get in my way, Mizushima," Bakugo muttered, his voice laced with his usual arrogance. "I’m here to win. You better keep up."

You rolled your eyes but didn’t rise to the bait. Bakugo was always like this—driven by his desire to be number one, to prove himself superior to everyone else. You weren’t here to compete with Bakugo. You were here to prove something to yourself.

"Don’t worry," you replied calmly. "I’m not planning to slow down."

Bakugo scoffed but didn’t respond, clearly focused on his own strategy for the festival. Todoroki, on the other hand, seemed to regard you with quiet curiosity, though he didn’t say anything.