Wings of Awakening

Part 30

The atmosphere in the stadium was thick with tension and excitement as Midnight's voice echoed through the arena, outlining the rules for the second event of the U.A. Sports Festival: the Cavalry Battle. Each team would consist of four students, and their points would vary based on their positions in the previous obstacle course. Midnight's announcement that the first-place student's team—Izuku Midoriya's—would carry a staggering one million points brought a collective gasp from the students and audience alike.

As Midnight's words sunk in, every student in the arena turned their gaze on Izuku with a gleam in their eyes. It was clear that he would be the biggest target, and anyone who managed to steal his headband would secure themselves an enormous advantage.

"Oooooh! It's a cavalry battle where teams can steal points by going after each other!" Present Mic boomed, causing a new wave of excitement. "But I have to say, with a million points on the line, it's not looking great for young Midoriya!"

Izuku's mind raced as he began planning. His team would need a blend of offense and defense to fend off the onslaught he knew was coming. He scanned the crowd, searching for potential teammates when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

It was Ochaco Uraraka, who offered him an encouraging smile. "Hey, Midoriya! Mind if I join your team?"

Izuku grinned back, relieved. "Of course, Uraraka! I'm glad you're with me."

A moment later, another student stepped up. "Hey! I want in too!" A girl with pink hair and a mischievous smile declared, holding up her tech-laden arms. "I'm Mei Hatsume from the Support Course, and you're the million-point ticket to fame! If you're standing out, then my babies are going to stand out too!"

Izuku blinked in surprise. "Uh, babies?"

"Yep! All my inventions!" Mei explained, holding up a jetpack with a look of pure excitement. "Just watch, Midoriya! With these, our team will be impossible to catch!"

Finally, Izuku caught the sight of Tokoyami, who nodded in silent agreement to join the team. With Dark Shadow's defensive capabilities, he was a perfect addition to round out the group. Izuku quickly explained his strategy, getting nods of agreement from his teammates.

"We'll take the fight to the sky," Izuku declared confidently. "If we stay airborne, it'll be a lot harder for anyone to get close to us, and with my telekinesis and Tokoyami's Dark Shadow, we can deflect any attacks that come our way!"

With just a few minutes left to finalize their strategy, Mei strapped the jetpacks onto Uraraka and Tokoyami, while she equipped her hover shoes. They lined up in the designated area, with Izuku mounted as the rider.

"The countdown has begun!" Present Mic's voice echoed across the stadium. "And let's just say, things are about to get interesting! All eyes are on Midoriya's team with that million-point headband!"

"Ready, everyone?" Izuku asked, watching as his teammates each gave him a thumbs-up.

As Midnight signaled the start, teams rushed toward Izuku like a stampede. "We need to get up, now!" Izuku shouted, and Uraraka activated her Zero Gravity Quirk, making them weightless. Mei's inventions kicked into gear, and within seconds, the team was soaring above the rest, leaving their competitors grounded.

Present Mic's voice roared in approval. "And look at them go! Midoriya and his team have taken to the skies!"

Izuku maintained a bird's-eye view of the battlefield, watching as other teams began to turn on each other, desperate to secure as many points as they could. Suddenly, he heard an explosion below.