MHA Dungeon Master

Spring arrived this year with a palpable warmth, bringing with it a vibrant palette of colors and burgeoning life. Cherry blossoms, the icon of the season, bloomed magnificently along the city's main avenues.

The pale pink to bright rose hues of the delicate cherry blossom petals danced in the gentle breeze, occasionally breaking free from their stems and drifting down, showering the ground with a soft and beautiful carpet of petals. The streets seemed to transform into enchanting pink rivers.

Along the roadside, cherry trees stood in elegant and orderly rows, creating a breathtaking natural tunnel. This sight was not only a feast for the eyes but also soothing to the soul, seemingly bringing peace to anyone who passed beneath.

A cloudless, bright blue sky served as the perfect backdrop, harmonizing beautifully with the soft and vibrant colors of the cherry blossoms, creating a natural canvas of enduring beauty and tranquility. The gentle, sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms wafted through the air, adding a magical touch to the ongoing spring atmosphere.

Beneath this mesmerizing and cool cherry blossom canopy, the streets bustled with the lively energy of students starting their new academic year. The enthusiasm of a fresh school year was clearly visible on every eager face.

They walked in small groups, chatting animatedly and laughing freely, their contagious enthusiasm spreading to anyone nearby.

Neat school uniforms, some still looking new and uncreased, added to the air of eagerness and hope. Backpacks full of books and stationery seemed to weigh slightly on their backs, yet did not slow their light and purposeful steps.

This spring was not just about the blooming cherry blossoms, but also about the blossoming spirit of a young generation ready to embrace the future.

"Damn it, it's been two whole weeks, and we still can't conquer that level two Dungeon BOSS," Himaru grumbled, his face sulky and lips pouting, frustration evident in his tone. He walked side-by-side with Emilia under the canopy of blooming cherry blossoms. A gentle breeze occasionally carried cherry blossom petals, landing on their hair, but Himaru's mind was too preoccupied with annoyance to appreciate the beauty.

"Every time we feel like we're close to defeating it, there's always a new obstacle or trap that appears. It's as if that BOSS can read our every move and strategy, and deliberately keeps making it harder for us," Himaru continued, his tone rising slightly with emotion. He clenched his fists at his sides, venting pent-up anger.

Emilia turned to Himaru with an expression of concern and sympathy. She could sense the deep disappointment of her foster brother.

"Don't blame yourself too much, Himaru. You and Touma-san have tried your best. I know you both have spent a lot of time and energy on this dungeon. Maybe what you need right now is a new, more innovative strategy, or maybe just a break to clear your mind," Emilia said softly, trying to soothe her brother. Her tone was full of understanding and support.

Himaru sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping slightly, signifying the burden of disappointment he was feeling. He nodded slightly in response to Emilia's words. "Maybe you're right, Emilia, but it's still really annoying. I really want to defeat that BOSS soon so you can also go up to the second floor and raise your quirk levels," Himaru lamented, this time his tone sounding calmer.

"Well, don't be too hasty and push yourself too hard. I'm sure you two can overcome this challenge in the end. We all believe in your and Touma-san's abilities. Don't worry, we will continue to support you," Emilia replied with a sincere, encouraging smile. Her warm and optimistic smile slightly eased the unease in Himaru's heart.

Emilia continued, her words flowing as they strolled along the road strewn with fallen cherry blossoms. "Anyway, our school is in the opposite direction and quite far from our family's restaurant, so we have to use the 'term' to go to school every day. Actually, it's good, because that way, our parents don't have to bother picking us up and dropping us off, and they can fully focus on their work," Emilia said, trying to shift the conversation to a lighter topic.

Himaru nodded in agreement with Emilia's opinion. "You're right, Emilia. Taking the 'term' is a really good idea. Besides being more independent, we can also go to school without troubling our busy working parents," Himaru chimed in, his tone starting to brighten again slightly.

Emilia smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, and most importantly, we can also have more time to chat casually on the way. I always enjoy the times we can walk together like this," Emilia said, her gaze fixed on the cherry blossoms dancing in the air.

Hearing Emilia's innocent reply, a mischievous idea suddenly popped into Himaru's mind. He felt tempted to tease his foster sister a little. "Emilia, are you finally starting to realize your big brother's extraordinary charm? Oh dear, this shouldn't be happening, we're siblings!!!" Himaru said in a joking tone while striking a deliberately exaggerated cool pose.

"Don't be so overconfident! Who's even paying attention to you? I just want to find a new atmosphere and feast my eyes on some handsome guys around here, who knows if one of them might catch my eye and become my boyfriend," Emilia retorted with a harsh tone but a still-straight facial expression, surprising Himaru and making him feel slightly stung by his sister's cutting reply.

As the two of them were engrossed in light conversation and joking while enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom, suddenly a small orange kitten with soft fur and large round eyes darted nimbly into the middle of the road.

Himaru, who possessed quick reflexes and sharp instincts, immediately realized the danger looming over the small cat. From the opposite direction, a metallic black car sped along the road at a considerable speed.

It seemed the car driver was unfocused or perhaps distracted by something, because he did not appear to be slowing down or aware of the cat running into the street at all.

They only had a few precious seconds to act before something bad and unwanted happened. Himaru's heart pounded, his adrenaline instantly surging. He knew he had to act quickly and without hesitation if he wanted to save the life of the poor little cat. His brain worked rapidly, analyzing the situation and searching for a solution in a fraction of a second.

Without thinking twice or hesitating even slightly, Himaru with the reflexes of a hero sprinted towards the kitten at lightning speed. His speed drastically increased in the blink of an eye, leaving a slightly startled Emilia behind. With an agile and nimble leap, he managed to scoop up the cat in his arms, just before the car got closer.

Emilia also did not stand idly by watching her brother act heroically. Her brain also worked quickly and efficiently. She immediately directed her characteristic red energy emanating from her palms towards Himaru and the cat in his arms.

The red energy enveloped both humans and the cat, lifting them into the air a few seconds before the black car passed right beneath where they had just been standing. The car tires screeched loudly as the driver reflexively slammed on the brakes, startled by the sudden event unfolding in front of his eyes.

Their cooperation was seamless, as if already trained and prepared. Himaru felt the rush of wind against his face as they briefly floated in the air thanks to Emilia's power.

Those tense seconds passed so quickly, yet the impression they left was profound. Emilia's quirk, known as 'Red Energy', was indeed very useful in situations like this. Her ability to levitate objects in contact with the red energy she controlled gave them a significant advantage in various critical situations.

After Emilia carefully lowered Himaru and the kitten safely back to the side of the road, the driver of the car involved in the incident immediately got out of his vehicle.

He looked very panicked and anxious, his face portraying deep regret. With quick steps, he approached Himaru and Emilia who were still slightly catching their breath from the thrilling event they had just experienced.

With a worried expression and a slightly trembling voice, he asked about their condition, "Are you both alright? Oh my God, I'm so sorry for my negligence. I really didn't see the cat just now," he asked in a sincerely worried tone.

His eyes checked every inch of their bodies, making sure there were no injuries or harm they might have suffered as a result of the incident. Carefully, he observed Himaru's condition, ensuring there wasn't a single scratch or bruise on his body.

Not long after, an elegant and classy woman with long, wavy purple hair and fashionable all-black attire came running towards them from the direction of the car. She looked very anxious and worried when she saw her beloved orange cat in Himaru's arms. Her usually calm face was now filled with panic.

Breathless and with a pounding heart, she approached them and gently reached out to touch the head of the kitten still in Himaru's arms. "Sushi! Oh, Sushi, honey! Are you alright?" the woman asked in a voice full of worry and affection.

She gently stroked her cat's head, checking if her pet was injured or traumatized by the incident that had almost befallen it. Her tone softened as she spoke to her cat, contrasting with the panic that had previously been clearly visible.

As the woman got closer, Himaru was suddenly shocked and his eyes widened as he realized he recognized the woman's face. If he wasn't mistaken, the woman standing in front of him right now was probably Kayama Nemuri, the professional hero famously known as Midnight.

"I am the owner of this cat, my name is Kayama Nemuri, I am truly and deeply sorry that my cat has caused you both such trouble and danger," Midnight said in a sincere and remorseful tone.

She bowed slightly as a sign of deep apology. "I really appreciate your courage and heroic action, young man. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for saving my beloved cat," Midnight continued, this time her tone changing to one full of admiration and gratitude.

Himaru smiled shyly while scratching the back of his head. "It's okay, Miss. Really, it's no big deal. I just acted spontaneously out of natural reflexes," Himaru replied humbly, trying to defuse the slightly tense atmosphere.

"No, young man. What you did just now was not an ordinary reflex action. It was the action of a true hero. You have a great heroic soul and an instinct to protect others, even small animals," Kayama Nemuri replied with a gentle smile and a look of appreciation. She patted Himaru's shoulder lightly, giving moral support and recognition for his courage.

After making sure that Himaru and Emilia were alright and had not sustained any significant physical injuries, the car driver spoke up again in a tone of voice still filled with regret, "Please forgive me once again. This is all my fault. I should have been more careful and focused while driving. This incident is a valuable lesson for me," the driver said sincerely. With deep regret and guilt, he bowed his head even lower as a sign of his sincere apology.

Then, from the rear right car door, a girl who looked about the same age as Himaru and Emilia stepped out of the car. The girl wore a school uniform that was exactly the same as their school uniform, indicating that they attended the same school. She walked towards them with slightly anxious steps and guilt clearly etched on her pale face.

"Pardon me, my name is Yaoyorozu Momo," the girl said in a soft but clear voice. "I am truly sorry for the incident that just happened. I hope you both have not suffered any injuries or trauma as a result of our negligence," Yaoyorozu Momo continued, this time she bowed slightly as a more formal apology.

"I will definitely give you both adequate compensation for the inconvenience and danger you have experienced," Yaoyorozu Momo continued in a sincere tone. "Therefore, please give me your contact information! I want to make sure that you are both truly alright after this," she said while bowing slightly again, showing her responsibility and good intentions.

"There's no need to bother with compensation, Yaoyorozu-san. Really, I didn't suffer any injuries. Everything is fine," Himaru replied quickly, trying to decline the offer of compensation.

"Yes, we are both not hurt at all, so compensation is really not necessary," Emilia added with a nod, agreeing with Himaru's words.

"But…" Yaoyorozu Momo said, still looking uneasy and wanting to take responsibility.

"If you really feel very guilty and want to repay the favor, how about you just give us both a ride to school instead?" Himaru suggested in a joking but still polite tone. "It seems you also come from the same school as us, right?" he continued, trying to take advantage of the situation to lighten the tense atmosphere.

"Well, well, young man! Are you trying to take advantage of this difficult situation to get close to a beautiful girl?" After hearing Himaru's sudden suggestion, Kayama Nemuri, who had been listening intently to their conversation, was suddenly triggered to tease Himaru in a seductive tone and a mischievous smile on her lips.

"Huh, why did the conclusion suddenly become like that, Kayama-san?" Himaru said, slightly taken aback and flustered by the unexpected conclusion thrown out by the R-18 hero. "I just thought that because of this incident, we might be late for school. Giving us a ride seems like the most practical and efficient solution," Himaru reasoned, trying to explain the true meaning of his suggestion.

However, amidst Himaru's confusion and embarrassment, he did not pay much attention to the change in Emilia's expression, who slightly narrowed her eyes, as if pondering something. He also did not see Yaoyorozu Momo's face suddenly flush pink, hiding her nervousness behind her polite smile.

In the end, after a bit of negotiation and light conversation, Himaru and Emilia accepted the offer of a ride from Yaoyorozu Momo and continued their journey to school riding in the Yaoyorozu family's luxury car.

Meanwhile, before parting ways, Midnight handed her business card to Himaru with the reason that Himaru could contact her if there were any changes or strange symptoms in his body after this incident.