𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 087

CHAPTER 87: Under the Christmas Lights

Nearing the end of December, Class 1-A gathered in their classroom, the atmosphere buzzing with energy and anticipation. Laughter echoed as Hanta and Denki joked about Katsuki's interview, their amusement growing as they recalled how a significant portion had been cut from the broadcast.

"Can you believe it?" Denki chuckled, nudging Hanta. "Kacchan's out there trying to be serious, and they didn't even air half of it!"

Katsuki's irritation flared, his hands balling into fists. "It's not funny, you idiots! They just don't understand what real heroes do!"

You watched as Izuku focused on a news broadcast that played in the background, the screen filled with unsettling images from Deika City, a place that had recently fallen victim to chaos. The news anchor recounted how just twenty villains had wreaked havoc, destroying the city in less than an hour.

"lida," Izuku said, his voice tense, "did you hear that? They say it's a ploy to undermine the public's trust in Heroes."

"Indeed," Tenya replied, adjusting his glasses. "The destruction was worse than Kamino, yet with fewer casualties. It's concerning."

The broadcast shifted to interviews with civilians, their sentiments surprisingly supportive of the heroes, expressing hope that they would do their best in the face of adversity. A notable hero critic, Aorio Kuraishisu, discussed how public perception was shifting from criticism to encouragement, attributing this change to a boy who had inspired many with his bravery during the crisis.

Midnight and Mt. Lady burst into the classroom, their presence electrifying the air. "Listen up, Class 1-A! Today's Hero Interview training will focus on how to present yourselves in front of the media!"

You felt a mix of excitement and anxiety at the thought of being in the spotlight. The class erupted with chatter, eager to learn from two well-known heroes.

As the session began, Mt. Lady called on Shoto first. You watched him handle her questions with a mixture of confusion and sincerity, his desire to protect people shining through. He spoke about wanting to make everyone feel safe and demonstrated his Ultimate Move, the Heaven-Piercing Ice Wall, to impressed gasps from the class.

Then, it was your turn. Stepping forward, you felt your heart pound against your ribs, but you exhaled slowly and stepped into the center of the training space with steady confidence.

Mt. Lady grinned, hands on her hips. “Mizushima! What can you show us today?”

You squared your shoulders, raising one hand. “I’ve been working on something that uses all three states of water—liquid, vapor, and ice—in one move.”

With a flick of your fingers, a ring of water lifted from your palm and began to spin in the air. As it circled faster, parts of it crystallized into thin, glimmering ice shards, while the center steamed with controlled vapor. Then—snap—you clapped your hands, and the spinning ring burst outward like a ripple, scattering harmless mist and frost like snowfall.

You stepped back slightly and finished the demonstration by freezing the mist in the air into delicate floating crystals—a halo of ice glinting above your head like a crown.

“I call it Halo Drift,” you said, slightly breathless but proud.

Mt. Lady’s jaw dropped, clearly impressed. “Whoa. Now that is a signature move! Elegant and versatile—very hero-like. Keep pushing that creativity, Mizushima. You’re onto something special.”

A wave of pride washed over you as you stepped back, catching Izuku's encouraging gaze. He beamed at you, a look of admiration that made your heart flutter.