For the past two days, Amelia had endured relentless training under Mandalay's watchful eye. Each session pushed her further, testing her ability to resist external mental influences. It was exhausting—physically, mentally, emotionally.
She sat cross-legged in the clearing, sweat trickling down her temple as she focused on Mandalay's voice invading her thoughts. The pressure inside her head built up like an unbearable weight, her senses straining against it.
"Clear your mind," Mandalay instructed, her tone even yet firm. "Don't fight it with brute strength. Redirect it."
Amelia gritted her teeth. It was easier said than done. Every time Mandalay pushed, it was as if a floodgate opened, and Amelia had to brace herself against the tide. The villain from that mission haunted her memories—his voice, the way he had manipulated her mind so effortlessly. The mere thought of it sent a shiver down her spine.
Not again. Never again.
She took a deep breath and focused. The whispers Mandalay sent through her mind started warping, turning into background noise instead of a deafening roar. Slowly, she pushed back, not with force, but with control. It was a shaky process, but this time, she wasn't drowning in it.
Mandalay watched with a small nod of approval. "Better. You're getting there."
Amelia exhaled, feeling her entire body tremble from the strain. "Yeah… but I still feel like my brain's going to explode."
Mandalay smirked. "That's just how you know it's working."
Later the students finished preparing their meals. Laughter and chatter filled the air as Class 1-A gathered around to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Amelia sat beside Izuku, both of them sharing a quiet moment as they ate. She nudged his arm. "I think our curry turned out better than last night's."
Izuku chuckled. "Yeah, we're definitely getting better at this."
From afar, Kota watched the group, his face set in a permanent scowl. He scoffed to himself, crossing his arms. This is a waste of time. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the scene, heading toward his usual hiding spot.
Izuku, while heading back to the group after getting water, noticed the boy's retreating figure. Frowning, he set his things down and quietly followed.
On a rocky cliff overlooking the dense forest, Kota sat alone, knees drawn up to his chest. The evening breeze ruffled his hair, but his scowl remained.
"Hey."
Kota flinched slightly, whipping around to see Izuku standing behind him, holding out a bowl of curry. "I figured you didn't eat yet."
Kota narrowed his eyes. "How did you find me?"
Izuku offered a small smile. "I followed your footprints."
Kota huffed, glaring at the food. "I don't want your stupid curry."
Izuku didn't waver. "That's okay. But you should still eat."
Kota scoffed. "You're all wasting your time. Your training, your 'bonding'—it's pathetic. Just a bunch of people bragging about their stupid powers."
Izuku remained silent for a moment before softly saying, "I know about your parents."
Kota's entire body tensed. His glare hardened. "Did Mandalay tell you?"
Izuku shook his head. "No. I heard about them before." He hesitated before continuing, "I'm really sorry for your loss."
Kota's fingers curled into fists. "Tch. Don't bother." His voice was thick with bitterness. "Heroes, villains, they're all the same. They just use their Quirks to fight and hurt each other. If my parents weren't 'heroes,' they'd still be alive."
Izuku watched him carefully, his heart heavy. Kota's pain ran deep—deeper than mere resentment. He hated not just heroes, but the very world that created them.
After a moment, Izuku spoke again, softer this time. "I had a friend once. He was born without a Quirk."
Kota blinked in surprise but didn't interrupt.
"He wanted to be a hero more than anything. But without a Quirk, it seemed impossible. He tried everything to change his reality, but no matter what, he was powerless."
Izuku looked down at the bowl in his hands. "The thing is, rejecting reality doesn't change it. The only one who gets hurt in the end is you."
Kota clenched his jaw. "What's your point?"
Izuku met his eyes. "I don't want you to get hurt."
For a moment, Kota looked stunned. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. He quickly masked his emotions with a glare. "Just leave me alone."
Izuku sighed but placed the bowl beside Kota. "I'll leave this here in case you change your mind."
Without another word, Izuku turned and walked away, leaving Kota alone once more. He didn't see Kota take a few bites of the curry.
Not far from the training camp, hidden within the dense forest, shadows moved through the trees. A small group of figures stood at the edge of the clearing, observing the distant glow of the campfires.
Dabi's cold blue flames flickered at his fingertips as he exhaled, a smirk playing on his lips. "They're all so carefree. It's almost funny."
A masked figure beside him clenched their fists. "Let's attack now. They won't see it coming."
"Patience," another masked villain interjected. "We strike when the time is right."
Dabi chuckled. "We're just here to send a message. The heroes won't last much longer."
As the embers from his flames crackled in the dark, the villains disappeared into the night, their plans set in motion.