Present Mic’s voice boomed across the stadium.“HEY! Make some noise, our rabid sports fans! This year we’re bringing you some of the hottest performances in Sports Festival history guaranteed! I’ve only got one question before we start this show. Are you ready?!”

  The roar of the crowd responded in kind.“Let me hear you scream as our students make their way onto the big stage!”

  Present Mic’s screams echoed down the tunnel that led into the blinding stadium lights. Class 1-A walked together in a loose pack.

  All Might’s words echoed in Midoriya’s head as he stepped out into the sunlight. You must introduce yourself to the world, and proudly say... I am here!

  But he wasn’t the first one out. That spot belonged to Robinn, striding confidently into the stadium with a grin that was both friendly and intense.

  Fireworks exploded above as Present Mic continued.“This first group are no strangers to the spotlight! You know them for withstanding a villain attack! The dazzling students of Hero Course, Class 1-A!”

  They marched to the center of the field. Most looked nervous... understandably. A few exceptions stood out. Bakugo, Todoroki, and Robinn.

  Kirishima leaned over while they walked. “Present Mic really talked us up. Kinda makes me more nervous!” He turned to Bakugo. “How you feelin’, man?”

  Bakugo didn’t even look back. “I’m not worried. Makes me want to win even more.”

  Present Mic kept the momentum going.“This next group hasn’t gotten nearly as much screen time, but don’t let that fool you! This class is packed with talent! Welcome Hero Course Class 1-B!”

  He followed by naming General Studies, Support, and Business courses... but Midoriya wasn’t listening. His nerves had tuned everything else out. Iida noticed.

  “I hope we can still perform at our best with all these eyes watching us.” It didn’t help. It just reminded Midoriya how many people were watching.

  Now all the first-year students stood gathered in the center field. Excitement and tension practically oozed from the crowd. Then, Midnight cracked her whip, standing tall on the podium in a particularly suggestive pose.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Uh... someone should talk to miss Midnight about what she’s wearing,” Kirishima whispered to Kaminari.

  “Yeah, definitely. That costume should come with a warning,” Kaminari replied.

  Mineta just gawked and gave an intense thumbs-up.

  Robinn interjected. “I don’t really see what’s wrong with it. It just allows for effective use of her quirk.”

  Kirishima raised an eyebrow. Weird. Robinn, of all people, sort of agreeing with Mineta? For very different reasons, sure... but still. Before he could comment, Midnight cracked her whip again.

  “Silence, everyone! And now, for the student representative, we have... Katsuki Bakugo!”

  The whole class slumped a little. This wasn’t going to go well.

  Bakugo lazily walked up to the podium. Class 1-A murmured behind him.

  “I guess that hothead did place first in the entrance exam,” Kirishima said crossing his arms.

  A girl from General Studies next to them snarked, “Only for the Hero Course exam...”

  Sero muttered, “That girl obviously hates us.”

  “Yeah, and we’ve got Bakugo to thank for them not liking our class,” Kaminari said, watching Bakugo approach the mic with hands in his pockets and a scowl on his face. Midoriya gulped. He already knew what was coming.

  Bakugo spoke flatly, “I just wanna say... I’m gonna win.”

  The stadium erupted in groans and boos. Class 1-A sighed collectively.

  Iida stepped forward, waving his arms. “Why would you be so disrespectful?! You’re representing all of us!”

  Bakugo just stepped off the podium, brushing past him. “Not my fault all of you are just extras.”

  Midoriya stared. It wasn’t a joke. It was a declaration of war. He’s pushing himself... and turning the rest of us into targets.

  Bakugo brushed past him, shoulder-bumping as he passed. Midoriya turned just in time to catch the look in Robinn’s eyes. She was intensely staring after Bakugo, her smile edging into something unnerving... but it faded quickly as a buzzer sounded.

  A massive screen lit up across the stadium. FIRST GAME.

  Midnight threw a hand in the air.“Without further ado, let’s get these games started! This is where you begin feeling the pain! The first fateful game of the Festival... what could it be?!”

  The screen behind her spun like a roulette. It landed on: Obstacle Course!

  “All eleven classes will participate in this treacherous contest. A full loop around the outside of the stadium! And as long as you don’t leave the course... you’re free to do whatever your heart desires!”

  A long pause. Then the lights above the giant stadium gate blinked green with a loud beep.

  “Now then, take your places, contestants!”

  Midoriya stood near the front of his class. The crowd of students surged forward, gathering behind the line. His nerves were still there.. but his resolve was building. All Might’s words rang out in his mind again.

  Introduce yourself to the world, and proudly say, I am...

  Then Robinn bent down next to him, calmly taking off her shoes.

  He blinked. He knew she needed to do that for her quirk. But it still surprised him every time.

  The horn blared. Robinn bolted. Her shoes stayed behind.

  So did he... He was already behind...