an ODST among Heroes.

S3-5

Izuku had been called back to U.A. by Nezu. His mission, which had taken him away from the school for some time, was now officially complete. With the operation behind him, Nezu was in the process of securing a pro hero license for Izuku, a long-awaited recognition for his service and accomplishments. However, it was clear that this wasn't just a formality. Izuku's return was more like an extended leave from the UNSC—he had certainly earned it after everything he had been through.

The process of obtaining the hero license was a straightforward one. Izuku was accompanied by his trusted team members, each of whom had played a pivotal role in the battle at Installation 03. Kirishima, Ida, Bakugou, Momo, Shoto, Uraraka, and Mei were all by his side, ready to take part in the proceedings. Amy, however, was notably absent, as she had no intention of seeking a hero license—her priorities lay elsewhere, and she was content with her own path.

Mei, always driven by her passion for engineering, had plans to work full time in the UNSC R&D department, helping to push forward the development of advanced technologies. The rest of the team, including Izuku, brought their Yggdrasil ADS units along with them, which was certain to turn heads. The towering, high-tech exoskeletons glinted in the sunlight, drawing the curious eyes of the other hero license applicants. The sight of such advanced, combat-ready gear in the hands of students was unprecedented, and it spoke volumes about the nature of Izuku's journey and the people he had come to trust along the way.

Izuku couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. His childhood dream of becoming a licensed pro hero, the one he had chased for so long, was finally becoming a reality. The Yggdrasil Mark IIs, which had supported him and his team in countless battles, were now being used for this important test. Unlike before, where the team had been armed with heavy weaponry, today they were equipped with non-lethal weapons and support items, in accordance with the testing regulations for aspiring heroes. This test was about protecting lives, not taking them, and the equipment had been modified to reflect that.

In the meantime, mass production of Yggdrasil ADS units had already begun on Earth, with manufacturers working tirelessly to meet the growing demand for these advanced exoskeletons. Among the many factories producing them was the one owned by Momo’s father, a state-of-the-art facility that was helping to produce the law enforcement variant of the Yggdrasil, a streamlined version meant for policing rather than military combat. It was a clear sign of how far the world had come, and how technology had advanced to such an extent that it was now being used for peacekeeping and protection, not just war.

As for Izuku’s personal life, things had also shifted. He and Monika were now officially dating, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. But as he sat in the waiting area with his team, his thoughts were interrupted by a voice that cut through the air, dripping with disdain.

"You must be cheaters to have to use that to pass," sneered one of the applicants, a student who looked like he hadn’t put in a day of hard work in his life. His eyes were filled with judgment as he regarded the Yggdrasil units and their wearers.

Izuku’s first instinct was to defend the team, but before he could respond, Katsuki was already on the move, his fiery temper flaring.

"We earned these!" Katsuki spat, his voice brimming with anger. "We earned our titles as heroes, and we earned the right to use these suits. Now get lost."

The applicant, clearly not prepared for such a response, scoffed before muttering, "Fine," and turning on his heel to walk away.

Izuku felt a mixture of relief and frustration. The applicant's words stung, but they also reminded him of the misunderstandings and challenges that came with being in the public eye. The fact that people could dismiss everything they had accomplished with a simple accusation felt unfair, but he had learned long ago that those who truly mattered knew the truth.

As the group went about preparing for their tests, Izuku looked over at Monika, her presence a quiet anchor in a world that was often full of noise and distractions. His mind wandered back to their relationship—how they had grown close, and how, despite everything, he felt more certain about their future together than ever before. His childhood dreams were becoming a reality, but now there was something even more important on the horizon: the life he was building, both as a hero and as someone who had finally found a place where he belonged.

The test would begin soon. Izuku took a deep breath, feeling ready to face whatever came next. This was just another step forward, but it was a step he was proud to take.

---

Izuku returned to the brightly lit hallway of the facility, the sounds of footsteps echoing off the walls as students filed out of the testing area. His heart was still racing from the exam, but there was a quiet satisfaction in the way everything had gone. He had passed the test—not just by the skin of his teeth, but decisively. What made it even more special was that he had done it without relying on the Yggdrasil suit. He had faced and subdued a few pro heroes, proving that his skills and resolve were strong on their own. This wasn’t just a test of power; it was a testament to his growth as a hero, and the pride he felt in that moment was undeniable.

As the last of the applicants left the test room, Izuku made his way out, his thoughts already shifting. There was one more thing he needed to do, something that had been weighing on his mind for a long time. He had made his decision, and now it was time to make it official.

After a quick stop to change into his regular clothes, Izuku headed to a nearby jewelry store. The glass display cases inside were filled with elegant rings, each one more beautiful than the last. He felt his heart pound in his chest as he moved past the various options. He already knew what he was looking for.

The store clerk greeted him warmly, and after a brief exchange, Izuku was presented with a simple yet elegant ring. The platinum band shimmered under the lights, and the diamond at its center caught his eye. It was perfect. A symbol of everything he wanted to offer Monika—his future, his commitment, and his love.

Izuku’s fingers tightened around the small velvet box as he left the store, a sense of anticipation building with each step. This was it.

Later that evening, Izuku met up with Monika at a nearby café, the familiar warmth of her smile giving him the strength to follow through. They shared small talk, the kind that filled the space between them with ease, until the time came. Izuku’s heart was pounding now, and not from the test anymore. This was a different kind of nervousness—the kind that came from putting everything on the line.

"Monika," he began, his voice steady but his emotions running deep. "There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box, holding it out in front of her. Monika’s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze softening as she looked from the box to him.

"Izuku..." she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

He opened the box to reveal the ring, the soft sparkle of the diamond reflecting the light between them. "I know we’ve been through a lot together, and I know I’m not perfect," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "But I want you to know that you mean everything to me. So, will you marry me? Will you spend the rest of your life with me?"

Monika blinked, her eyes glistening with emotion. It was a moment of silence between them, and for a brief instant, Izuku wondered if he had said the wrong thing. But then Monika reached out, taking the box from his hands, and without hesitation, she smiled at him—a radiant, all-encompassing smile that made everything around them fade away.

"Yes," she said, her voice strong and clear. "Yes, Izuku, I will."

The world seemed to stand still as Izuku slid the ring onto her finger. Monika looked at it for a moment, then turned back to him, her smile never faltering. He had never seen her more beautiful.

Izuku’s chest swelled with a mixture of relief and overwhelming joy. As Monika leaned in to kiss him, Izuku couldn't help but feel that everything had led to this moment. He had passed the test, not only as a hero, but as a survivor.