The scent of burning metal lingered in the air as the Zero-Pointer's smoldering remains lay scattered across the battlefield. The moment was frozen in time—dozens of students staring, their expressions ranging from awe to terror.
Reiji barely acknowledged them. His golden eyes, still flickering with the remnants of Hellfire, scanned the wreckage. The system notification lingered in his vision.
[+0 Points Awarded]
He scoffed. "Tch. Figures."
The Zero-Pointer wasn't meant to be destroyed—it was a mere obstacle. Yet, in an instant, he had obliterated it, making a clear statement.
He was unlike anyone else here.
Ignoring the whispers around him, he turned and walked away, the molten metal beneath his feet hissing as if the battlefield itself feared his presence.
From the observation room, the pro heroes watched in silence.
Aizawa crossed his arms, his sharp eyes narrowing. "That kid is dangerous."
Midnight smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "And here I thought Bakugo was the problem child."
All Might, standing at the front, kept his gaze locked on Reiji. The display of power was beyond normal. The precision, the control, the absolute lack of hesitation—it was something he had only seen in seasoned warriors.
"He's too refined," All Might muttered. "This isn't the fighting style of a high school student."
Nezu, U.A.'s principal, leaned forward, intrigued. "You're right. His techniques… they resemble something far more lethal."
Aizawa sighed. "If this is what he's like as a student, what's he going to become as a pro hero?"
The room fell into silence again. None of them had an answer.
The exam concluded, and the students were dismissed, awaiting their results.
Reiji left the battlefield, ignoring the sideways glances he received. He could feel the tension around him—the uncertainty in their gazes.
They didn't know whether to see him as a hero… or something else entirely.
He didn't care.
As he walked, he noticed someone kneeling near the entrance of U.A., clenching his hands. Deku.
The green-haired boy looked lost in thought, staring at the ground.
Reiji stopped beside him, his voice calm. "You hesitated."
Deku flinched and looked up. "W-What?"
Reiji didn't look at him, merely staring ahead. "You saw the Zero-Pointer and froze. You had the power to act… but you didn't."
Deku swallowed hard, his hands tightening into fists. "I… I was going to—"
"But you didn't," Reiji interrupted, his tone as sharp as a blade. He turned slightly, his glowing eyes piercing into Deku's soul. "When it matters most, hesitation will kill you."
Deku opened his mouth to respond but found himself speechless. Reiji's presence was overwhelming, not just in strength, but in the sheer weight of his words.
After a moment, Reiji walked past him. "If you want to be a hero, stop thinking like a civilian."
Deku watched him leave, feeling something stir deep within him. A mix of fear, admiration, and doubt.
Days passed, and the results of the exam arrived.
Reiji sat in his penthouse, watching the U.A. acceptance letter in his hand.
[Congratulations, Kurobane Reiji. You have been accepted into U.A. High School.]
[Final Score: Villain Points – 85 | Rescue Points – 20]
He arched an eyebrow. Rescue points?
The system chimed in.
[Your presence alone prevented injuries. Several students who would have been crushed by the Zero-Pointer had time to escape due to your actions.]
Reiji chuckled. "Hah… So even when I don't try to be a hero, I get points for it?"
He put the letter down and stretched, feeling the weight of the moment sink in.
He was going to U.A.
The first step in his new life.
The first day at U.A. High arrived faster than expected.
Reiji stepped through the massive front gates, his black uniform tailored perfectly, exuding an aura that made him stand out immediately.
He walked through the halls, ignoring the occasional glances thrown his way, until he found himself at Class 1-A's door.
He pushed it open.
The classroom was already lively. Bakugo was arguing with Iida, some students were chatting, and others were finding their seats.
The moment Reiji entered, however, the room fell silent for a brief second.
Golden eyes scanned the room, taking in each of his classmates.
Bakugo noticed him and grinned. "Heh. Looks like you made it, huh?"
Reiji smirked. "Try to keep up, Explosion Boy."
Bakugo clicked his tongue, grinning at the challenge.
Meanwhile, Iida approached him again, adjusting his glasses. "I sincerely hope you will uphold the standards of a true hero, Kurobane."
Reiji chuckled. "I'll do things my way."
Before Iida could respond, the door slid open again.
Aizawa walked in, his tired eyes scanning the class. "Settle down. You're wasting my time."
The entire room tensed as their homeroom teacher made his presence known.
Reiji leaned back in his seat, smirking. The real game had just begun.
End of Chapter 3.
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️