Wings of Awakening

Part 29

The big day had arrived—U.A.'s Sports Festival was finally here. In the waiting room, students from Class 1-A were abuzz with anticipation, excitement, and a fair share of nerves. Izuku sat among them, green eyes glancing around at his classmates, each wearing an expression that mirrored his own.

"Wonder if Midnight's gonna be the one to kick things off?" Kaminari asked, shifting from foot to foot in a mix of eagerness and anxiety.

"Oh, she probably will! I mean, she is the chief umpire," Sero replied. "She's bound to say something wild though!"

At that moment, the booming voice of Present Mic could be heard from the stadium speakers, announcing their entrance. "ALRIGHT, FOLKS, LET'S GIVE A HUGE WELCOME TO THE ONE AND ONLY... CLASS 1-A!"

Their names echoed through the arena as they filed out, moving through the entrance tunnel and out into the massive stadium, greeted by deafening cheers. Izuku's stomach flipped as he took in the sight—seats filled to the brim with spectators, and cameras broadcasting the event nationwide.

The students gathered together, standing shoulder to shoulder in the center of the field, waiting for the first event to be announced. Midnight, with her confident swagger and her iconic R-rated hero costume, approached a podium in front of them. "Quiet, everyone!" she called, her voice amplified over the noise. "Representing the students, giving the official speech, is... Izuku Midoriya from Class 1-A!"

Izuku froze. Wait... a speech? Me?

The crowd turned their attention to him, and his classmates whispered among themselves in surprise.

"Did you know he was supposed to give the speech?" Uraraka whispered to Iida, who shook his head just as surprised.

Izuku took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, and stepped forward to the podium, gathering his thoughts. He wanted to say something that would resonate with everyone here—and with the millions watching from their homes, dreaming of becoming heroes. Finally, he steadied himself and spoke.

"We all dream to be heroes one day," he began, his voice clear but nervous, "but for some people, different circumstances made them give up." The stadium quieted as everyone listened. "But now, we all have a chance to try for that dream. As students of U.A., we're here to show that it doesn't matter if your quirk is weak or even if you don't have one at all. With enough effort, you can reach your goals. My fellow students, show the world what you're made of at this festival! Show how creative you can be with the quirks you have and inspire everyone watching at home!"

The stadium erupted in cheers. Izuku's classmates clapped and cheered, and he returned to his place, feeling both relieved and exhilarated.

As he rejoined the group, Midnight gestured up at the giant screen above them, which now displayed a spinning wheel with a variety of games. "Now, let's begin the Sports Festival with its first event!" she announced. The wheel spun rapidly, and the crowd watched in suspense. Eventually, it stopped on Obstacle Race.

"All 11 classes will participate in this race!" Midnight continued. "As long as you stay on the course, you can use your quirks however you like. The track will take you around the stadium and is packed with challenges!"

The students shifted eagerly as she continued. "Everyone, take your places at the starting line!"

The gates to the track opened, and the participants funneled out, taking their positions. Present Mic's voice crackled with energy, narrating the scene for the audience.

"OH HO! LOOKS LIKE CLASS 1-A IS AT THE FRONT! LET'S SEE HOW THESE ROOKIES HANDLE WHAT'S IN STORE!" he shouted, hyping up the crowd.

"Isn't this a little unfair to the kids who can fly?" Aizawa muttered dryly from the commentator booth next to him.