Chapter 27 – The Festival Begins!
«Come on! Come forward, journalists from across the nation! Your favourite high school students will be letting their youth out again this year. The AU Sports Festival has begun! ARE YOU ALL READY?!!»
Followed by fireworks, Present Mic's naturally raucous presentation kicked off the event Japan awaited every year. Journalists, civilians and Professional Heroes had flocked to watch the races in which UA students would compete, showing the entire nation their progress and what they are made of. But for all viewers and, above all, for the media, one class in particular was in the spotlight, with very high expectations.
In front of the campus's main entrance, a line of journalists formed.
«Security checks are absurdly slow…» a journalist complained to a colleague.
«Can you blame them? After the assault launched by a group of Villains, it's obvious that they were increasing controls.» his colleague replied «Furthermore, many have heavily criticised this year's event.»
«Just what we journalists live by!» suddenly said load the journalist «And this year all eyes will be on class 1A.»
Inside the school campus, stalls of all kinds had been set up, attracting the attention of civilians and professional heroes intent on purchasing souvenirs or appetisers to consume during the students' performance.
«It's usually always the older students who get the most attention, especially since for the third year it's their last chance to get noticed.» began the Professional Hero Death Arms, turning to his colleague Kamui Woods «But this year all the attention is on the first year.»
«Even though we came to scout out potential talent, after what happened, it's obvious that the first year is in the spotlight.» Kamui spoke
«But, more than for the first year.» Mt Lady began by inserting herself into the speech «I think most of the attention is being attracted by another person… or thing.» she ended by eating a Takoyaki
«Are you referring to the enigmatic golden giant?» asked Kamui
«Ah, the one who appeared out of nowhere in the USJ and practically single-handedly exterminated the Villain's entire strike team?»
«According to what reporters say, he's now a student in Class 1A, and everyone is curious whether those rumours are true or not.» Mt Lady said, then swallowed «But honestly, I think the giant's very existence is pure fantasy to cover up the deaths of several Villains and save the school's good name.»
«Come on, do you really think principal Nezu would use an excuse like that?» asked Death Arm
Even though he asked that question, the trio is aware of how… convincing the chimerical principal of the UA can be. Consequently, suspicion is natural. But using such an excuse to cover up a massacre is highly unlikely.
«Even if it were, this year is truly absurd. There are Professional Heroes from practically all over Japan.»
*****
Inside the arena locker rooms, where all UA classes will compete, each class has its own waiting room, and tensions are running high. The same goes for the 1A students who, despite looking calm or complaining that they couldn't compete in their hero costumes, were incredibly agitated and eager to prove themselves.
Sitting at one of the tables prepared for the students, Melissa concentrated, eyes closed, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
[Flasback]
«The festival starts tomorrow.» Izuku started with his usual nonchalance.
«Huff huff. Yes.» Melissa replied breathlessly
Two weeks of intense training heavily tested Melissa. The workouts were not only physical, but also mental and spiritual, aimed at teaching her not only to fight, but also to meditate and sharpen her concentration.
«Then I'd say we'll end here today.» Izuku said, extending his hand «Go home and get a good night's sleep.»
«But, I can still-» she began, taking the hand held out.
«It's not good to overdo it, especially if you know you're going into battle the next day.» Izuku interrupted, «Also, right now, teaching you more would be counterproductive.» he ended by helping her get up
«I'm sorry.» she said heartbrokenly.
Of the two styles, Izuku began teaching her Conservai, which he calls the most "suitable" for her situation. She's still at the basics, and it's cost her a huge amount of effort. She does not deny its effectiveness and usefulness in helping her see things more broadly. However, it requires a concentration she often struggles to maintain, and, having to take many things into account at the same time, it is also difficult for her to dose One For All's output effectively.
«What exactly are you apologising for?»
«To fail to meet your expectations.»
«Since when did I set expectations for you?» Izuku asked, sighing, drawing Melissa's surprised gaze «Ka'tha are fighting styles designed and created in the Adeptus Custodes for Custodians. It is obvious that a normal human being has much greater difficulty achieving results, especially in a short time, as in our situation.»
«I understand.»
«Anyway, there's no point in getting you down. In fact, I can assure you that compared to two weeks ago, you have improved, especially in managing and understanding when to strategically use the energy of One For All.» he complimented with a slight smile «And for that, I have a task for you.»
«A task?»
«In the first two trials, you can't use your Quirk for any reason.» the smile had become incredibly mischievous «Face it, using your head and body.»
[End Flashback]
And how should I do it? I don't even know what trials we'll have to face
«Melissa, is everything okay?» asked Momo
«Huh? Ah, yes. Everything is ok.» she replied, recovering from her thoughts.
«Are you sure? You're strangely disoriented today.» Kyoka said, looking closely at her. «Also, am I wrong, or have you become more… muscular and toned?»
«Like all of you, I trained for today.» Melissa said with a confident smile… but for some reason, tired and above all terrified
«Are you all ready?! We'll have to make our entrance soon!» Ida exclaimed with his typical hyperactive rigidity.
«Ida, as usual, becomes unbearable when he's excited.» Kyoka said with a complicated expression, making the group giggle
«By the way. Have any of you seen Midoriya-san?»
*****
In a dimly lit locker room, Izuku sat on a bench in front of the self-propelled safe built by Power Loader-sensei. Its contents were protected from anyone who attempted to force it.
He was in that dressing room, meditating since dawn, with the vial entrusted to him by the Emperor in his hand. He slowly opened his eyes, stood up and put on a kind of black jumpsuit that fit snugly against his body, almost like a second skin. He put the vial around his neck again and, subsequently, approached a panel of the self-propelled safe. He placed his hand on it, and a red light scanned his palm.
«Recognised fingerprints.» spoke a cold, mechanical voice in High Gothic. «Welcome back, Izuku Midoriya Valorian. Please speak your vow.»
«I’m vigilance unending.» he began speaking in High Gothic. «I’m duty unstinting. I’m punishment inescapable. I’m a Custodian, and all must fear my wrath.»
A snort and a mechanical sound rang out into the empty space, and the safe opened the two heavy metal doors. "Aegis of Fortitude" stood before him, asleep and waiting. From the side doors, two robots activated, and Izuku turned his back on his faithful companion.
The mechanical hands of the two robots moved as the speakers recited binary prayers necessary for the correct activation of the Machine Spirit of "Aegis of Fortitude". The first pieces to be taken and worn are the armoured boots with integrated leggings, magnetically closed. Next, it was the turn of the thigh protection, which was welded onto its shape. Then it was the armguards and armoured gloves, held fast by the thick, fine leather on which the stylised imperial eagle in auramite is engraved. Subsequently, the right shoulder pad, which features the imperial eagle in high-relief, a symbol of his eternal vigil and mandate, was placed and secured on his right shoulder; the left shoulder pad, in addition to his personal heraldry, displays the purple colour that identifies him as belonging to the Shield-Company of the Aquilian Shield. Finally, the breastplate, finely decorated and integrated with the iron halo, is applied along with the heavy, precious purple cloak; on both are sculpted and embroidered elements that identify his rank as Shield-Captain. To complete his dress, the Crown Honoris was placed on his head, and the elongated helmet was subsequently sealed with the typical puffs that joined it to the breastplate.
«Machine Spirit, son of the Omnissiah, hear my plea and awaken from your sleep. My ancient and faithful companion, grant me your wisdom and protection for what is to come. In the name of the Emperor and the Omnissiah, awaken.»
The Machine Spirit responded and finally activated his armour, with the unified sound of many seals activated and the silent, almost imperceptible hum of the armour generator. The safe’s robots went into standby.
He took the Misericordia and placed it at his side, and finally, his hand rested on "Mercy," the Paragon Spear that has accompanied him in every adventure and battle for centuries; its Machine Spirit seemed to rejoice in being wielded again by its master.
Someone knocked on the door, and his face, covered by his helmet, turned towards it. Calmly, he headed for the exit. So, let's start the party.