𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 072

CHAPTER 72: No Turning Back

You, Izuku, and Mirio navigated the dim corridors, each step pulling you deeper into the heart of Overhaul's stronghold. Sir Nighteye's orders echoed in your mind: "Rescue Eri and stop Overhaul. No matter what." This mission was bigger than any one of you, and you could feel the weight of it in every heartbeat.

From different corners of the building, distant echoes of battle reminded you that you weren't alone in this fight. The pro-heroes and your classmates were spread throughout the compound, each group pushing forward and holding back the forces of Shie Hassaikai. They were all giving everything to ensure you reached Eri in time.

Ahead of you, Mirio and Izuku moved with silent determination. Mirio's usual cheer had vanished, replaced with an intensity that sharpened his every step. Izuku glanced at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of fierce determination and worry. It was a look that told you that he was ready to face anything-especially if it meant saving Eri.

You hadn't gone much further when you heard the faint, trembling voice of a girl.

Eri.

The sound was almost a whisper, but it pierced through the silence, quickening your pace. Mirio's face softened, and he called out, "Eri, we're here to help you!" You sprinted down the hallway, your heart pounding as you rounded the corner.

But standing in your path was a tall figure, his presence a dark force between you and Eri's freedom. Overhaul's eyes flicked from Mirio to Izuku to you, a cold smirk on his face as he placed one hand on the ground, his fingers poised to unleash his quirk.

---

Elsewhere in the hideout, your friends and allies faced their own struggles.

In the north wing, Fat Gum, Eijiro, and Tamaki were battling against a group of Overhaul's underlings, including the powerful villain Rappa. The sounds of Tamaki's groans of pain and Eijiro's defiant shouts echoed as they fought to hold the line. Despite his injuries, Tamaki pushed himself, manifesting a hardened shell to protect Eijiro from a brutal attack. The two exchanged a determined nod, their combined efforts creating a barrier between Rappa and Fat Gum, who stood firm against the onslaught.

Fat Gum braced himself as Rappa unleashed a barrage of punches. "Stay strong, you two," he called back to Eijiro and Tamaki. "We're breaking through!" Eijiro's unbreakable form shimmered as he clenched his fists, steeling himself against Rappa's unrelenting force. The two were determined not to give an inch, knowing that their efforts were crucial in keeping Overhaul's reinforcements at bay.

---

Meanwhile, above you in the hideout's east wing, Ryukyu led her team-Nejire, Ochaco, and Tsuyu-through a maze of narrow corridors, each one a potential trap. With her dragon-like form in full display, Ryukyu smashed through walls and obstructions, clearing the path. Behind her, Ochaco and Tsuyu moved swiftly, working in perfect sync with Nejire's swirling energy blasts. The three of them were focused, unyielding, as they forced back every foe that dared to cross their path.

"Uaraka, Asui, let's keep pushing!" Nejire called, her eyes shining with determination. Tsuyu nodded, her flexible tongue snapping out to disarm an enemy while Ochaco launched debris, creating makeshift shields to protect them from incoming attacks. Ryukyu glanced back at her team, impressed by their resilience.

"Stay close and watch each other's backs," Ryukyu ordered. "We're not letting anyone past us." They were all acutely aware that their efforts were essential for you, Izuku, and Mirio to get to Eri.

---

Back in the corridor with Eri, Overhaul's hand pressed to the floor, his eyes cold and calculating as he summoned his quirk. The ground around you warped and twisted, rising into jagged spikes that forced you to stumble back. Overhaul sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can just take her?" he said. "This girl... she belongs to me."

Izuku's jaw clenched as he stepped forward, unflinching. "We're not leaving without her."

Mirio's eyes narrowed. "You've taken enough from her, and we're ending it here."

The ground shook as Overhaul's quirk warped the floor beneath you, and you had to summon water around you to stay balanced. The protective bubble steadied you as you glanced toward Izuku and Mirio, each of them poised and ready for the fight.

With a swift nod, you raised your arms, channeling the water into a concentrated stream that shot toward Overhaul. But with a casual flick of his wrist, he summoned a barrier of earth that deflected your attack. A wave of frustration surged within you-Overhaul's control over the environment was relentless, and he used it to keep you on the defensive.

Mirio surged forward, his body flickering as he phased through the barrier, his fist aimed directly at Overhaul. The villain dodged with a quick sidestep, countering with a powerful attack that forced Mirio to backtrack. Izuku leaped into action, landing a blow on Overhaul's side, but it barely seemed to faze him.

As the battle raged around you, Eri watched from the shadows, her eyes wide with terror. Her small frame trembled, and you could see the bruises, the signs of everything she had endured. This is what she's lived with... this is why you're all here.

In a moment of fierce determination, you took a step forward, focusing all your energy on your quirk. The water around you pulsed, ready to strike. You wouldn't let Eri be dragged back into that darkness.

---

Meanwhile, back in another wing of the building, Aizawa was on the move, his scarf snapping through the air as he fought off a wave of villains. His focus was intense, his quirk allowing him to disable the quirks of the enemies who tried to get in his way. With precise and calculated movements, he worked to ensure that no one would reinforce Overhaul's defenses.

Through his earpiece, Aizawa's calm voice filtered in: "Stay alert. Overhaul's forces are prepared to defend him at all costs." His words were a steady reminder that the team needed to stay vigilant.

Just as his message faded, you heard a faint shout from down the hallway. Izuku and Mirio exchanged a quick glance, their focus never faltering. Each one of you was giving everything to see this mission through.

Overhaul's movements grew more desperate, and his gaze shifted between the three of you, a dark glint in his eyes. "You don't understand what you're dealing with. None of you are strong enough to protect her."

His words ignited something within you. With renewed resolve, you surged forward, water swirling around you as you launched another attack. Izuku moved in tandem with you, his fists glowing with energy. Together, you pushed Overhaul back, refusing to give in.

From a distance, Eri watched, her small hands clutching the fabric of her torn clothes, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She could see you fighting for her, see the strength and determination in every move. And maybe, just maybe, she believed you could save her.

As the three of you stood together, facing Overhaul, you knew that this fight was only beginning. Every hero, every student, was giving their all. And you wouldn't stop until Eri was safe.

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A/N: Word Count: ~1265, the tension ramps up as Mizushima, Midoriya, and Togata finally come face to face with Eri-and Overhaul. I wanted to capture the urgency and emotional weight of their mission to rescue her, especially seeing how determined they are despite the overwhelming danger. We are also coming to ending of this, stay tuned.

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