𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 041

CHAPTER 41: When the Forest Fell Silent

At the League of Villains’ hideout, the air was heavy with tension. Tomura paced back and forth, the heels of his shoes dragging across the floor with every impatient step. His fingers twitched at his neck, scratching over the scars as if they itched with the memory of failure.

"They all think U.S.J. was a joke," Tomura muttered, his voice raw with frustration. "Like I was some child throwing a tantrum. But this time… this time will be different."

Kurogiri, standing calmly by the bar, tilted his head. "You’ve said as much before, Tomura Shigaraki. What makes this time any different?"

Tomura stopped pacing, turning sharply, his crimson eyes burning through the strands of his messy hair. "Because I’ve learned. It’s not about rushing in like fools. It’s about fear. We don’t need to win. We just need to show them that even with all their training, all their teachers, all their security… they’re still helpless."

His fingers dug harder into his neck, scratching until the skin reddened. "Heroes can’t protect them. Not their students, not their future. If we shatter that illusion, we’ve already won."

Kurogiri’s mist swirled gently, his voice smooth and deliberate. "Instilling fear is indeed a powerful tactic. But remember, Tomura… fear can also unite people against you if it is not wielded carefully."

Tomura let out a dry, bitter laugh. "Careful? Tell me, Kurogiri—" He spread his hands, twitching, restless. "Did All Might look careful when he crushed everything in front of him? Heroes destroy without thinking twice. Why should I be any different?"

"Because you are not All Might," Kurogiri replied evenly. "You are building something new. The Vanguard Action Squad will not be another messy display like U.S.J. They must strike with purpose, not recklessness."

Tomura’s grin twisted across his face, jagged and unsettling. "Purpose? Oh, they’ll have one. Their purpose is to ruin. To tear down everything U.A. stands for." He leaned closer, his voice lowering to a harsh whisper. "And when those brats are screaming, when their teachers are powerless… that’s when society will see the truth."

Kurogiri inclined his head, his tone calm despite Tomura’s intensity. "Then the camp will be our stage. If you are certain, I will ensure the Vanguard is prepared to act."

Tomura’s hand stilled at his neck, and for the first time that evening, his pacing stopped. He let the words hang in the air before answering.

"Good. Let’s show the world what fear really looks like."

---

Meanwhile, deep within the forest, a sharp, telepathic jolt rang through your mind: Class 1-A had been cleared to fight. The words sent a surge of adrenaline rushing through you, electrifying every nerve. You had been pushed to the edge, driven back into the dense, unforgiving woods by Hydrax’s unrelenting assault. But now, with the green light to fight back, everything changed. No more running, no more waiting. It was time to unleash the full force of your Quirk.

Ice began to crystallize at your fingertips, spreading outward like tendrils of frost, intricate and delicate yet full of unyielding power. The coldness of the air grew sharper, and the once warm breeze now carried the bite of winter as it whipped around you. Each snowflake-like shard that formed at your command sparkled with the intensity of your will. The air crackled with raw potential, a silent promise that you were ready for whatever came next.

Hydrax was quick to respond, her own dark, corrupted aura swelling around her like a storm ready to break. Her Quirk lashed out with violent force, as she twisted the water around her into grotesque shapes that surged toward you with murderous intent. Her corrupted water was thick, pulsating with malice, the tendrils she controlled reflecting her twisted anger. The very air seemed to vibrate with the hatred she emanated, making the fight feel like a battle against the elements themselves.