Multiverse MHA

The early morning sun peeked through the curtains of my small apartment, casting long shadows on the walls. Today was the day—UA High's entrance exam. My ticket to becoming a hero. I tied my tie with slightly trembling hands, a mix of anticipation and nerves bubbling in my chest. The prestigious academy was the ultimate stepping stone for anyone who wanted to make a name for themselves as a hero, but for me, it was more than that. It was my mission.

"Yuta, don't mess this up," I muttered to myself, staring at my reflection. My dark eyes stared back, carrying a weight of responsibility that few could understand.

Three years ago, my life had been nothing like this. Back then, I wasn't even in this world. I had been in a place I barely understood—a world of curses and sorcerers. A world where my own cursed energy, once uncontrollable and destructive, had made me more of a danger than a savior.

The memory of that life resurfaced unbidden, pulling me back to the moment I first met him. Adrian Magnus.

I had been at rock bottom, overwhelmed by the weight of my powers and the guilt of what they had done. Rika, the vengeful spirit tethered to me, had been both my salvation and my curse. She had protected me but at the cost of others around me. It was on one of my loneliest days, crouched in the ruins of a small building destroyed by my lack of control, that Adrian appeared.

At first, I thought he was just another fool who didn't understand what I was. But Adrian wasn't like anyone I had ever met. He didn't approach me with fear or pity. He simply stood there, calm and confident, and offered me a hand.

"I see potential in you, Yuta," he had said, his voice steady, his eyes piercing. "You don't have to carry this burden alone. Let me show you a new way—a new world where your power can be used for something greater."

I don't know why I accepted his offer. Maybe it was desperation. Maybe it was the conviction in his voice. Or maybe, deep down, I just wanted to believe him.

Adrian brought me to this world, a world where quirks existed instead of cursed energy. He explained the situation in simple terms: my abilities were akin to a quirk, something I could learn to control and wield responsibly.

Under Adrian's guidance, I learned discipline. I learned how to suppress Rika's rage and call upon her power without losing myself. He taught me about strategy, about choosing battles wisely, and, most importantly, about the importance of playing my role in his larger plan.

In exchange, I was given a simple directive: become a hero. Not just any hero, but one who would stand among the greatest in Japan. Through me, Adrian's organization, Nexus, would have eyes and ears in one of the most influential countries in the world.

At first, I balked at the idea. How could I, someone who had once been a walking misfortune, become a symbol of hope? But Adrian believed in me, and that belief was contagious.

"Trust yourself," he had said. "You have the heart of a hero, Yuta. It's time the world saw it."

Now, standing on the precipice of that dream, I couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude. Adrian had given me a purpose when I had none. I wasn't just Yuta Okkotsu, the cursed boy anymore. I was Yuta Okkotsu, future hero of Japan.

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The gates of UA High loomed in front of me, an imposing mix of modern architecture and history. The massive golden "UA" emblem on the facade seemed to radiate an air of importance, as if daring every aspiring hero to prove they belonged. I tightened my grip on my bag and stepped forward, joining the crowd of students funneling through the main entrance.

All around me, hopefuls buzzed with nervous energy, their quirks manifesting in small bursts of excitement or nervousness. One boy's hands crackled with electricity as he adjusted his tie. Another girl absentmindedly levitated a pencil above her hand while chatting with her friend. It was hard not to feel like a small fish in a big pond.

I overheard a booming laugh nearby and glanced over to see a tall blonde boy, larger than life, chatting animatedly with a group of students. He exuded an aura of confidence that made him stand out, even in this sea of talent. His grin was infectious, and I could see the students around him relaxing despite their nerves.

"Who's that?" I muttered to myself.

"That's Mirio Togata," a voice replied beside me. I turned to see a girl with wild pink hair and horns grinning at me. "He's a third-year, part of the Big Three. Absolute role-model. Rumor has it he's a shoo-in for the top pro hero spot once he graduates."

I nodded, storing the information away. It wasn't surprising to see someone like that here, but it was a reminder of the stakes. UA wasn't just a school; it was the proving ground for the greatest heroes.

The written exam was straightforward, a mix of logic, ethics, and tactical scenarios. Adrian's training had prepared me well for this. He always emphasized that intellect was as important as strength, especially in my role. By the time I turned in my paper, I felt confident I'd passed the first hurdle.

But the real challenge came next.

The practical exam.

We were led to a massive simulation ground—a sprawling urban landscape filled with skyscrapers, alleyways, and mock debris. It was impressive, a playground of chaos designed to push every participant to their limits.

I stood among the other applicants, trying to gauge the competition. To my left, a fiery-haired boy was bouncing on the balls of his feet, fists clenched as sparks danced around them. To my right, a girl with a ponytail exuded quiet confidence, already studying the terrain with sharp, calculating eyes.

The announcer, a lanky man with glasses and a loud personality, explained the rules. The goal was to accumulate points by taking down robots scattered throughout the city. Different models were worth varying amounts, but we were warned about a massive zero-point robot that was better avoided than confronted.

When the buzzer sounded, chaos erupted. Students surged into the city, quirks activating in flashes of light, fire, and sound.

I stayed back for a moment, taking a deep breath. My abilities weren't flashy, but they were effective. Adrian had taught me the importance of strategy over spectacle, and I wasn't here to show off.

"Rika," I murmured, calling out to her.

She appeared at my side, an ethereal yet terrifying figure with a skeletal form and piercing eyes. Despite her haunting appearance, her presence was comforting. To me, she was a protector, a reminder of my strength and the price of wielding it.

"Let's get started," I said, and she nodded silently