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Arc IV - Further [Chapter 3: In Practice]

My office, where I receive best ideas and inspiration, has welcomed me back within a matter of seconds.

I spend the rest of the day, late into the evening, reviewing my projects and plans. Meanwhile, I'm also receiving the expected information from Garaki, which also requires my check.

At the moment my attention lies mainly on the Nomu project and those associated with the Shie Hassaikai. But. You're wrong to think I've lost sight of the true essence of my hatred. Oh no. When the time is right, I will make my move and strike. When I have that disgusting insect lured under my shoe, I will stomp on it until nothing, but an indefinable pile of crap remains. Just you wait...

× Izuku's POV ×
[24th of June, Monday, CC exam]

Up and down. Up and down my leg is bouncing. My incisors press into my dry lower lip. The rustling of the fabric of my pants, a sound that dominates my sensory perception, paradoxically prevents me from panicking and at the same time doesn't lessen the overall nervousness that is knotting up my insides.

The voice of the assistant, whom I didn't even hear approaching, pulls me out of my grinding tornado with a jolt.

Assistant: "Izuku Midoriya?"

"Y-yes?!", I shoot up from my chair and wipe the sweat from my palms on my pants as inconspicuously as possible.

Assistant: *empathic expression*, "It's time to prepare. Please follow me."

After nodding, I follow the assistant who is leading me down the hallway. We pass by room CC03, where Reki is currently taking his exam. For a moment, I'm distracted by the thought of my friend and my wish for him to do well, but this distraction is short-lived. When we stop in front of the door of room CC02, the concern about how my own exam will go is back as ever.

Assistant: "Here we are."

The assistant opens the door, and we enter the anteroom, which is set up significantly differently than the one for routine training, from which you enter on the opposite side of the simulation room.

He types something into a panel installed onto the wall and then turns back to me with a friendly smile on his face.

Assistant: "If you need help with the Enyo suit or any other help, just let me know. Otherwise, I'll latest come back to you when the warm-up simulation can start."

"Uhn. Thank you.", I say absentmindedly.

The assistant leaves. As soon as the door shuts behind him, I let out a deep sigh, feeling kind of relieved to be alone again. My mouth is so dry from nervousness that my tongue sticks slightly to the mucosa whenever it comes into contact. So, before I wedge myself into my Enyo suit, I opt for the illuminated shelf where bottles with induced water are made available to the examinees. Bringing your own isn't allowed as there have been too many incidents with people trying to cheat by adding substances. Well, it's not permitted to bring anything with you. Everything you'll need for the exam, the anteroom can provide.

I down half a bottle in one go and I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. With a refreshed throat and more energized spirit, but still nervous as crazy, of course, I step in front of my Enyo suit, which is professionally hung and waiting for me. Cleaned, maintained, ready for use. I run my fingertips over the familiar material as I try to mentally prepare myself.

Time-wise, the CC exam is the shortest. However, it is also the only exam this year where you are completely on your own and have no team that got your back. Facing the opponents alone means a different kind of challenge in comparison. If you have a moment of doubt or face issues, there is no one to offer encouraging words or a supportive shoulder.