NOVEL NEXT 71 – Joshua 8:8
Joshua 8:8
And as soon as you have taken the city, you shall set the city on fire. You shall do according to the word of the LORD. See, I have commanded you.”
Anan started pointing at the individual biomes dotting the inside of the dome.
She pointed at the water biome. “A shipwreck,” she said.
She pointed at what looked like a messy hill. “A landslide,” she said.
She pointed at a red dome that had flames painted on it. “A fire,” she said.
She pointed at a similar dome. This one was painted blue wit clouds on it instead though. “A windstorm,” she said.
“Et cetera” she concluded.
The students were left gaping at the huge biomes littering the dome. Their scale and detail were impressive.
“It is a training ground that I made with different types of accidents and disasters. It’s called the ‘Unforeseen Simulation Join’ or USJ for short!” Anan said proudly gesturing towards the contents of the USJ.
Shota seemed to be looking for something. Eventually he went up to greet Anan. “Thirteen, where’s All Might? He was supposed to meet us here,” he asked her.
Anan whispered to Shota. “About that… It looks like he did too much hero work on his way to work and ran out of time, so he’s resting in the lounge,” she said in a hushed whisper. James still managed to hear it though due to his improved hearing.
Shota seemed frustrated. “That’s the height of irrationality. It can’t be helped. Shall we begin?” he said with a sigh.
Anan stood in front of the class. “Let’s see… Before we begin, let me say one thing… er… or two, or three… or four… five… six… seven…” she rambled.
“Everyone, I am sure you are aware of my Quirk, Black Hole. It can suck up anything and turn it to dust.” she said.
Ochaco nodded excitedly.
“You’ve been able to use that Quirk to save people from all kinds of disasters, right?” Izuku said.
“Yes, but it is a power that can kill easily,” Anan said shocking everyone.
“Some of you also have Quirks like that, right? In a superhuman society, personal Quirks have been certified and stringently regulated, so that doesn’t seem to be a problem at first glance. However, please do not forget that there are many Quirks that can easily kill with one wrong step. With Aizawa’s physical fitness test you found out about the possibility of your own hidden powers, and with All Might’s person-to-person combat training, I think you experienced the danger of using those powers against others. This class is a fresh start. You shall learn how to use your Quirks to save people’s lives. You do not have powers so you can harm others.I hope you leave here with the understanding that you have powers in order to help others.” she explained.
James had to suppress a derisive snort listening to Anan. They didn't have Quirks to help or harm others. They had Quirks because of evolution. Well... he might actually be the only exception since he was actually sort of given his power, though it was because he wished for it. In the end Quirks just existed though. At the end of the day it was up to the person that had the quirk.
Did you have hands to pull someone up or to push them down? Neither, you just had hands because they were capable of all that and more. It was up to you to decide what to do with them. If you were given the intellect to be able to revolutionise scientific and technological fields were you duty-bound to selflessly devote yourself to the betterment of humanity or could you start a business and make money? Should you sacrifice your life and happiness simply for the sake of others. James didn't believe so. Quirks were no different.
He couldn't say any of that though given how strictly controlled and monitored Quirk holders in this society were. Too afraid that powerful Quirk holders might become villains or even just uncontrollable by those with the political power. Although heroes were portrayed positively all around the truth was being a hero was like walking the knife's edge. If you seemed to be growing too powerful to control you might just get a visit from someone like Lady Nagant.
Speaking of Kaina, she could be an incredibly useful pawn in his budding organisation. Her experience and skills would be invaluable. He would need to look into her current situation. Whether she was indeed imprisoned in Tartarus at the moment and if so where exactly. Then there was also the question regarding getting her out of the most secure prison in Japan. Sure he could simply wait until she escapes when the Paranormal Liberation Front attacks Tartarus. However then she wouldn't be indebted to him and worse yet All For One might beat him to the punch and get her first.
Getting her out wasn't the only concern though. It is easy to trick naive little girls and boys, but someone like Kaina who has seen the darkest parts of society and dealt with being used and betrayed would have her walls up sky high. He would either have to make a good case to convince her or trick her into a contract. He wasn't even sure if the contract would work since he didn't put it past her for her to willingly die and forego the ability to reincarnate due to him taking her soul if it meant he couldn't use her to do things against her will.
Anan bowed to them. “That is all. Thank you for listening,” she said.
“That was wonderful!” a few of the classmates yelled.
James clapped along, but didn't say anything just putting on a vapid smile. He was a "perfectly obedient" little hero candidate after all.
Momo clapped along, but Himiko simply yawned. She wasn't even motivated enough to feign interest in Anan's moralising.
“Bravo! Bravo!” Tenya shouted.
“All right then, first-“ Shota started saying.
Suddenly the flood lights that lit up the entire USJ turned off and the fountain stopped flowing leaving them stranded in darkness and silence.
