His light.

Chapter 2: Letter.

It's been a week since the U.A Entrance Exam, and as usual, I'm in my room trying to recharge my mental and social battery. The large-scale healing I performed during the exam had drained me deeply, so these quiet moments alone have been my only solace. I still can't wrap my head around how I survived that fall from the high building. The last thing I remember is reaching out to heal one more person before the ground came rushing up at me. Then, I woke up in the U.A infirmary, with no one around except a kind, elderly woman who introduced herself as Recovery Girl.

"You were very commendable out there, young lady," she said with a gentle smile. Her face, however, turned serious as she continued. "But that was reckless. Us healing quirk users need to be more cautious. Healing takes a toll on our stamina—and if I'm too exhausted and push myself to heal, I could die," she warned in a stern tone. After a long pause, her gaze softened. "In what form does healing take a toll on you?"

I hesitated, feeling my voice shrink. "People's emotions," I finally whispered. Talking felt exhausting, but I forced myself to thank her. "Thank you for healing me and for the information, Grandmother," I said softly, "but I don't think I can hold a conversation right now. May I go home?"

She nodded with a kind smile. "Take care of yourself, dear."

A soft knock on my bedroom door snapped me out of my thoughts. "Chez? Dinner's ready." My mother's gentle voice came from the doorway as she stepped inside.

I got up, my limbs heavy, and followed her into the small, cluttered kitchen where our simple dinner awaited. Our apartment is rundown, but it's home, and we make do. As we settled in and said our usual prayer, I tried to focus on the food, though my mind wandered. The real reason I want to be a hero is for my family, to help lift us out of poverty. I sighed quietly, lost in thought, until Mom's voice brought me back.

"Baby?" she said, catching my attention. I looked up to see her holding an envelope. "This came in the mailbox today." She smiled warmly as she handed it to me. "I think it's from U.A."

A mixture of fear and anticipation churned in my stomach. Mom's face softened. "Chez, whatever happens, know that I'm so proud of you. Just trying is something to be proud of." Her motherly smile was warm, and I returned a small smile, though my heart was racing.

After I finished eating, I excused myself and slipped back into my room with the letter. I didn't think I'd done well enough on the practical exam—I got zero villain points, after all. Sitting at my desk, I carefully opened the letter, and a small disc dropped out, lighting up with a familiar face.

"WATASHI GA KITA!" boomed All Might's voice as his pre-recorded message beamed onto my desk, making me jump so hard I nearly fell out of my chair.

"You've passed the written exam," he started. "But as you know, you got zero points on the practical exam." My heart sank as he continued, "That means you failed."

I felt tears prickling at my eyes, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah... I figured," I whispered, my voice thick as tears spilled down my cheeks. But All Might's expression turned serious.

"If that were the only thing," he said with a knowing smile. "The entrance exam wasn't only graded on villain points. How could U.A. turn away those who risk their lives for others, who have the courage to do what's right?"

I wiped my tears, barely daring to hope as he went on. "Rescue points! Awarded by the panel of judges for heroism and compassion! It's another fundamental quality U.A. seeks in future heroes."

My heart pounded as the leaderboard appeared, and my eyes widened when I saw my name in second place: *Chez Veda – 75 Rescue Points.*

"You passed, young Veda," All Might smiled brightly. "This is your Hero Academia!"

With that, the message ended, and I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably with relief and joy. Mom rushed into the room, her face full of worry. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Mom, I passed!" I cried, throwing my arms around her. "I really passed! I'm going to U.A.!"

She hugged me tightly, laughing through her own tears. "I knew you could do it, Chez. I'm so proud of you."

We stayed there, embracing each other, the reality of it finally settling in. All those doubts, all those fears—they were gone, replaced by the hope of a future I'd almost been too afraid to believe in. That night, I cried tears of joy until I drifted into a peaceful sleep, ready to take the next step on my journey to becoming a hero.