Multiverse MHA

My cursed energy was my foundation. It coursed through me like a raging river, granting me strength beyond normal limits. With it, I could shatter steel or leap across rooftops. It also fueled my healing ability—reverse cursed technique—which allowed me to recover from injuries that would incapacitate most.

Rika, however, was my trump card. She wasn't just a guardian; she was a reservoir of techniques I could call upon in battle. Her unique ability allowed her to consume parts of someone's body—hair, skin, or even more vital pieces—and store their innate technique within her. The catch was that accessing these stored techniques required her full manifestation or a domain expansion.

Today, I didn't plan on using her to her full extent unless absolutely necessary. UA was about control and strategy, not overwhelming power.

I moved through the simulated city, using my cursed energy to enhance my speed and strength. Robots approached from every direction, but they were no match for precise strikes infused with my energy. One punch to a robot's chest sent it crumpling to the ground, sparks flying.

"Target neutralized," I muttered, moving on.

Rika floated beside me, keeping watch. Occasionally, she would intercept a robot with a devastating swipe of her spectral claws, her movements eerily graceful.

As the exam continued, I noticed students struggling with larger robots. One boy with jet engines on his calves zipped around but couldn't land a decisive blow. A girl with gravity manipulation tried to lift a robot but was overwhelmed when two more surrounded her.

"Rika, help them," I ordered, gesturing to the girl.

Rika shot forward, her claws tearing through the robots with ease. The girl looked up in surprise, her eyes wide with gratitude. I gave her a quick nod before continuing.

The ground shook violently, sending tremors through the simulated city as the colossal zero-pointer made its grand entrance. The monstrous robot loomed over the buildings, casting a shadow that swallowed entire blocks. Its glowing eyes scanned the area, and its mechanical limbs crushed debris underfoot as it advanced relentlessly.

Most students scattered at the sight of it, their instincts screaming at them to flee. This wasn't a foe they were meant to face—its presence was meant to test judgment, not strength. But as I turned to follow the crowd, a frantic cry stopped me dead in my tracks.

"Somebody, help me!"

I turned toward the source and saw a small boy with a peculiar hairstyle—his head was dotted with what looked like purple balls. He was trembling, his legs frozen in fear as the robot's massive hand drew closer to him. He wouldn't make it in time. If the robot caught him, the damage wouldn't just end with a bruise; he'd be seriously hurt—or worse.

My pulse quickened. The smart thing to do would be to leave. Engaging something that massive was reckless, especially when it was meant to be avoided. But I couldn't. I didn't become who I am to leave someone helpless.

"Rika!" I called out.

The cursed spirit materialized beside me, her skeletal form radiating power. Her glowing, haunting eyes locked onto the zero-pointer as if sizing it up.

"We need something strong," I said, my voice steady despite the rising tension.

Rika's mouth opened unnaturally wide, her spectral claws reaching into her form as if pulling something from the depths of her existence. Slowly, she drew forth a weapon unlike anything seen before—a crimson spear that seemed to hum with a life of its own.

The shaft gleamed like polished blood, its surface adorned with intricate, almost organic patterns that writhed faintly under the light. The tip of the spear was jagged and cruel, designed for destruction. A faint, almost imperceptible mist of red energy swirled around it, as though it thirsted for action.

Rika handed me the spear with a reverence that sent chills. The moment my fingers wrapped around its hilt, I felt its weight—not just its physical mass but the sheer power it carried. It wasn't just a weapon; it was an extension of something ancient and lethal.

I stepped forward, planting my feet firmly on the cracked ground. The zero-pointer continued its relentless march, its massive hand extending toward the boy.

The spear pulsed in my grip, as though urging me to act.

"No more hesitation," I muttered.

Taking a deep breath, I raised the weapon and focused all my cursed energy into my arm. The air around me grew heavy as I channeled every ounce of strength into this one attack.

"Gae Bolg!" I roared, the words tearing from my throat like an incantation.

The spear exploded forward, a streak of red light cutting through the air. For a moment, time seemed to slow as it sailed toward its target. The power imbued in the weapon was overwhelming; it felt as though the entire simulation ground held its breath.

When the spear struck, the zero-pointer didn't stand a chance. The crimson tip pierced through the massive robot's core as if it were paper, and a deafening shockwave erupted from the impact. The energy stored within the spear detonated, sending cracks rippling through the robot's metallic body.

The zero-pointer shuddered violently, its internal systems failing one by one. Sparks flew as its colossal frame collapsed, the force of its fall sending a gust of wind that ruffled my hair. The ground quaked once more, but this time, it was the sound of triumph.

The boy stared at the fallen robot, his wide eyes reflecting a mix of awe and terror. He turned to me, his voice shaky. "T-thank you… I thought I was done for."

I offered him a small smile, but my mind was elsewhere. The power of the spear lingered in my thoughts, its presence as vivid as the destruction it left behind. I had only scratched the surface of what it could do, and yet it had already proven itself a force to be reckoned with.

Rika returned to my side, the spear now gone, stored back within her. Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, as if asking whether I was alright. I nodded, taking a steadying breath.

"That was… something," I admitted under my breath, running a hand through my hair.

Rika didn't respond, but I could feel her satisfaction radiating through our connection. She was more than just a cursed spirit; she was my partner, my anchor. And together, we had made a statement.

The exam concluded shortly after. The zero-pointer lay in ruins, its imposing frame reduced to a cautionary tale of what happens when power is met with resolve. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride.

I clenched my fists, my resolve hardening. This was only the beginning. The spear's name—Gae Bolg—remained on my lips, a silent promise that I would live up to the trust placed in me.

Adrian's voice echoed in my mind once more: "Play your part, Yuta. Be a hero, not just for us, but for them."