The Gamer-Hero Zero

A New Game

As school let out and the students of Class 1-A returned to their dorms, the mood was lively, the air buzzing with conversation. The common room had been rearranged slightly, with couches and chairs forming a loose circle around the coffee table, where snacks were scattered. Everyone was eager to spend some time together, and more importantly, to get to know their new classmate, Melissa Shield.

Izuku, Ochaco, Kyoka, Momo, Eijiro, Tenya, Denki, Mineta, and Shoto were already familiar with Melissa from the I-Island Expo, where they had fought alongside her during the villain invasion. But for some of the others, it was their first time meeting her. Melissa sat on one of the couches, smiling warmly, though her nervousness was evident in the way she fidgeted with the hem of her uniform.

Mina: Okay, okay! "She clapped her hands together, bouncing on her heels with excitement". Let's do introductions! I know some of you already know Melissa, but not all of us were there at I-Island, so let's get acquainted!

The group readily agreed, forming a loose circle, eager to learn more about the girl who had suddenly joined their ranks.

Mina was the first to jump in, striking a playful pose.

Mina: I'm Ashido Mina, I wasn't at the I-Island thing, but I've heard a lot about you. It's awesome to have you in the Hero Course!

Melissa smiled, offering a small wave.

Melissa: Thank you! It's great to be here.

Next up was Sero, leaning casually against the arm of a couch.

Sero: Yo, I'm Hanta Sero. You'll see me swinging around a lot. You were a support course student, right? Can't wait to see what gadgets you cook up for us!

Melissa chuckled softly.

Melissa: I'll do my best!

Tsuyu followed with a polite nod.

Tsuyu: Asui Tsuyu, but you can call me Tsu. I wasn't at the Expo, but I heard about how you helped, Kero. It's good to meet you.

Melissa nodded in return.

Melissa: Likewise, Tsu!

One by one, the introductions went around the room, with the familiar faces from the Expo offering friendly greetings, while others who hadn't been there, like Fumikage and Sato, welcomed Melissa warmly while the first one was a little darkly.

The introductions went smoothly, the students quickly warming up to Melissa, treating her like she had always been part of the class. The energy in the room was lighthearted, and soon the conversation shifted to casual topics—what everyone was planning for the upcoming training camp, how to survive Aizawa's grueling lessons, and of course, who would win in various hypothetical fights between pro heroes.

But then, in true Mineta fashion, he raised a question that caused the mood to shift slightly.

Mineta: So, Melissa, "he asked, leaning forward with an inquisitive look in his eyes", You've gotta tell us about your quirk! What's it like?

Melissa's smile faltered, her nerves creeping back in. Her hands gripped the hem of her skirt, and she hesitated, unsure how to explain. She could feel the weight of all eyes on her, the expectations hanging in the air.

Noticing her discomfort, Izuku immediately stepped in, his tone calm and reassuring.

Izuku: Actually, "he said, drawing everyone's attention", Melissa was quirkless, just like I was.

The room fell into a stunned silence. The shock on their faces was palpable—especially for those who had just met Melissa. The idea of being quirkless in a society where superpowers were the norm was still something that carried a heavy stigma, and the realization that Melissa had shared that burden with Izuku left many of them speechless.