𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 076

CHAPTER 76: Festival of Hope

As the days passed and the month of October unfolded, a sense of melancholy hung over U.A. High School. The students who had participated in the Work Studies program were granted permission to attend Sir Nighteye’s funeral, a bittersweet honor that weighed heavily on their hearts. The loss of such a powerful hero left an undeniable void.

The somber atmosphere was palpable as All Might, Aizawa, Director Nezu, and the other heroes who had guided you all through your training stood solemnly alongside you and your classmates. The funeral was a testament to Nighteye’s legacy, but the absence of his lively spirit was felt more than ever.

“It’s hard to believe he’s really gone,” Izuku murmured, his eyes fixed on the ground as he stood beside you. His voice was thick with grief, barely above a whisper. “He always believed in us, even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”

You nodded, the ache in your chest deepening at the thought of his unwavering faith in everyone. “He wanted us to be strong. We have to honor his memory by continuing to push forward.”

The weight of his words lingered between the two of you. You could see the guilt etched across Izuku’s face, as if he was holding himself responsible for Nighteye’s passing, despite the fact that there was nothing he could have done. You could feel the heaviness of the moment pressing down on your shoulders. Nighteye’s death had left a hole, not just in the world of heroes, but in the hearts of those who had known him.

---

In the aftermath of the funeral, the Work Studies program was temporarily suspended. A quiet announcement from the faculty confirmed what many students already expected.

Centipeder had officially taken over the Nighteye Agency, stepping into the daunting role with a heavy heart. Bubble Girl stood beside him, her usual energy subdued, the weight of their mentor's absence still fresh. Together, they awaited Mirio’s return, holding onto hope that one day, he would reclaim the light he once carried so brightly.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Eri had finally woken up. Her small, fragile frame remained curled beneath the crisp white hospital sheets, eyes wide with confusion and fear. Recovery was a slow, delicate process. Though the doctors reassured that she was stable, her emotions were raw, unpredictable. She hadn’t spoken much—not since she opened her eyes. And no visitors were allowed yet.

“The horn on her head…” Recovery Girl murmured during a quiet meeting with faculty, her brows drawn together in concern. “It’s shrunk. Likely due to the fever passing, but it also means we don’t fully understand how her Rewind Quirk functions yet.”

Aizawa folded his arms, gaze lowering. “That quirk… it’s powerful, but dangerous without proper control. She’s just a child.”

At U.A., life pressed on—but not in the same way. The halls, usually buzzing with the energy of young heroes-in-training, felt subdued. Every footstep seemed louder, every conversation quieter, as though the school itself was mourning the loss of Sir Nighteye.

In the dorm common area, silence reigned until Denki finally broke it, voice tentative. “It’s weird, isn’t it? Like… everything feels kind of off.”

Mina nodded, curled up on the couch with a blanket over her shoulders. “It’s like… even the air feels heavier.”

Hanta looked up from his seat, tapping his pencil against a notebook. “I keep thinking about Togota. He looks strong on the outside, but lately, he doesn’t seem like himself.”

You sat on the armrest of the couch, your gaze fixed on the darkened window. “I saw how he clenched his fists when they spoke about Sir Nighteye. Like he was holding back everything just to stay standing.”