Linked Paths

Arc IV - Further [Chapter 3: In Practice]

While I change, I consciously take time to calm my rapid heart rate. I consider this process a ritual to help me collect myself. And it actually works. I don't even need any help with my suit, which is a little bonus. A few minutes after I finished getting dressed, I hear the announcement from the assistant over the loudspeaker.

Assistant: {The warm-up simulation is now to be started. Please confirm utilization, Izuku Midoriya.}

Even though the warm-up is optional, it would be foolish not to make use of it. I activate the communication system of the suit after adjusting the head, {Positive.}

Assistant: {Please do a final check. Then access to the simulation room will be granted.}

I check that everything is in place and whether I feel comfortable in my suit, {Ready.}

The heavy door to the simulation room opens, and I step inside. The usual synchronization process follows.

The warm-up simulation consists of a series of exercises demonstrated by a simulated training avatar. In the course of this simulation, certain setting changes are made occasionally, such as increasing gravity force. At the end, there is a short practice combat scenario against the avatar. The difficulty level is not comparable to the actual exam, but its purpose is to prepare the candidate mentally, in addition to serving as a warm-up exercise, and ultimately help to reduce some of the pre-exam anxiety.

After completion, a simulated message appears in front of my virtual eyes.

Assistant: {Warm-up completed. Tōdō-san and the assigned members of the exam committee will now be connected.}

I swallow hard. Things are getting serious. A few seconds later, Tōdō -sensei's euphoric voice booms in my ears.

Tōdō-sensei: {Heya lil' bean. You're ready to show us what you've got?}

{H-hello Tōdō-s-sensei.}, I bow for the cam politely, {A-as ready as I can b-be.}

Tōdō-sensei: {No worries lil' bean. You've got this. Give us thumbs up and we can get started.}

I breathe out fiercely to vent some of my nervousness. Since the order of the examinees is alphabetical, everyone in my squad -except for Kyo- has already taken their exam. They all passed. Kacchan with a star, as expected. And me?

Goosebumps spread across my skin as I run my index finger over the badge on my suit that bears my hero name. The silent vow to live up to the true meaning of that name, echoing through my brain. It's supported by an almost majestic image: myself standing next to Kacchan with my chest puffed out in pure pride. As his pro-hero partner, by his side. Every day, restraining the criminals in our society and ensuring safety. A childhood dream come true. This exam is another important step that can bring me closer to that. A stone I must overcome. A stone I will overcome. I will succeed.

Re-found confidence tugs at my lips as I give my thumbs up. {I'm ready.}

Tōdō-sensei: {Kay lil' bean. Now follow the instructions of the simulation and let's get ready~!}

The countdown starts as soon as I step onto the declared starting point. I take my typical fighting stance. The goal: Last twenty tough minutes in close combat without dropping to zero HP and eliminating as many virtual enemies as possible while at it. The setting: U.A. main square with slightly increased gravity.

Seconds are flying by. "Yushh!" A self-motivating sound. Then. Start!

In a state of utmost concentration and deep determination, my sense of time fades. I fight really well, hardly take any hits, and dish out attacks with precision. The fruits of my training are palpable in every move.