Wings of Awakening

Part 54

After the first round of the Provisional Hero License Exam, where 100 examinees, including all of U.A.'s Class 1-A, passed successfully, Yokumiru Mera takes the stage once again to explain the second phase of the test. Standing tall and confident, he addresses the gathered students.

"Congratulations on making it through the first round!" Yokumiru announces, his voice booming over the crowd. "But the exam is far from over. The second phase will focus on rescue operations. You will be tasked with saving victims scattered throughout a disaster site. However, these are no ordinary victims."

The students look at each other with varying expressions of curiosity and tension.

"The victims," Yokumiru continues, "are members of the Help Us Company, or HUC. These professionals include senior citizens and children who have undergone extensive training in rescue scenarios and possess Provisional Hero Licenses themselves. They will act as injured civilians during this phase."

The examinees exchange nervous glances.

"They are experts in evaluating your every move," Yokumiru explains. "You will be judged on your ability to locate, assist, and transport victims safely to medical tents. All actions will be scored, and the total points will determine your success. Only those who meet or exceed the average score will pass. You now have ten minutes to prepare. Use this time wisely."

As the examinees disperse to prepare, members of Shiketsu High approach Class 1-A. Nagamasa Mora, the polite and soft-spoken student with a fur-like appearance, greets them first.

"Katsuki Bakugo, right?" Nagamasa asks, smiling awkwardly.

Bakugo narrows his eyes. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to apologize for Seiji's behavior earlier. He can be... intense. But I assure you, Shiketsu High holds no hostility towards U.A."

Bakugo scoffs, muttering under his breath, "Could've fooled me."

"Seiji was simply trying to prove himself," Nagamasa continues, bowing his head slightly. "I hope we can have a good relationship moving forward."

While this exchange unfolds, Shoto turns his attention to Inasa, who has been glaring at him. Deciding to confront the issue, Shoto takes a step forward.

"Inasa, have I done something to upset you?" Shoto asks directly.

Inasa, ever straightforward, clenches his fists and replies, "You and your father are the same. You both have those cold, arrogant eyes. I can't stand them."

Shoto blinks, caught off guard by the intensity of Inasa's words. Before he can respond, Inasa storms off, rejoining his Shiketsu classmates.

Before Izuku can check on Shoto, a cheerful voice calls out to him.

"Hey, you're Izuku Midoriya, right?"

Turning, Izuku finds himself face-to-face with Camie Utsushimi, another Shiketsu student. Her excited energy catches him off guard as she steps into his personal space.

"Uh, yes," Izuku stammers, stepping back slightly. "And you are...?"

"I'm Camie!" she exclaims, flashing him a bright smile. "I was really hoping to face you in the first round, but you passed so quickly! You're so impressive!"

"Um, thank you?" Izuku replies awkwardly, his eyes darting to his classmates for help. Unfortunately, they're too amused by his discomfort to intervene.

"You're even cuter in person," Camie adds, leaning in closer.

Izuku flushes bright red, practically pleading with his eyes for someone to save him. Thankfully, Yokumiru's announcement for the second round interrupts the interaction.