(Momo POV – I-Island)
"The I-Expo is designed to showcase the latest advancements in support gear and related technology." I explain as we walk through the main promenade, my voice just loud enough to rise above the lively hum of the crowd. "Everything here, from mobility equipment to rescue tools, is developed right here on I-Island."
On either side of us, sleek booths display prototype hero gear while engineers demonstrate their inventions to gathered spectators. Drones glide overhead, projecting hologram adverts that shift and rotate in midair.
Despite the number of people, the space feels open rather than crowded.
"Whoa…" Ochako breathes, slowly turning as her eyes dart from stall to stall. "Do you think we'll ever get to use stuff like this?"
"Of course," I reply without hesitation, smiling at her enthusiasm. "Even if not as students, once we become pros, we'll have access to equipment far more advanced than this."
I gesture toward a far-off structure rising above the rest. "Most of the truly cutting-edge technology is being showcased in the Pavilion. It's restricted to special guests, but since we were invited, we'll be able to see it."
I clap my hands together lightly, unable to hide my smile. "So for now, let's simply enjoy ourselves."
"Definitely!" Ochako cheers, already pointing toward a nearby booth. "Let's check out everything!"
I nod, but as we move forward, I notice not everyone shares her excitement.
Himiko strolls along beside us, hands laced behind her head, gaze wandering lazily. Eri, meanwhile, keeps close, her eyes flicking between displays with visible uncertainty.
"…Is something wrong?" I ask gently, slowing my pace. "You don't look like you're enjoying yourself."
Himiko shrugs. "I mean… I'm not really a hero. All the support gear stuff is kinda meh." Despite that, she grins. "I'm just waiting for the fun events, or for Kata to get back. Then it'd be a date. Until then, I'm happy to just hang out with my friends."
"Don't feel pressured to put up with it if you're not having fun." Ochako says immediately, and I nod in agreement.
"We can always find something here everyone enjoys." I add.
"Nah, it's fine." Himiko waves her hand dismissively. "I enjoy hanging out with you guys. I'd really be bored to death of I was alone." She grins.
Ochako and I exchange glances, smiling, and unanimously decide to find attractions she'd enjoy as well.
I then turn to Eri and crouch so we're at eye level. "And you? Is there anything confusing? I'd be happy to explain."
She fidgets, glancing at a nearby display before looking back at me. "…What's support gear?"
'Ah…' I give her a reassuring smile. 'This is an oversight on my part.'
"That's a very good question." I gesture toward a demonstration of reinforced gloves. "Support gear is equipment designed to help people use their quirks more safely or effectively. For example, those gloves absorb impact, so someone with a strength-based quirk doesn't hurt themselves."
Eri watches closely, following the demonstration with quiet focus.
As we continue walking, I explain different examples. Mobility aids, stabilizers, rescue tools… and with each one, her confusion fades, replaced by curiosity.
"…Then," she asks slowly, "can only heroes have support gear?"
I pause, carefully considering my response.
She asks solemnly, for reasons I don't understand. Regardless, I consider it seriously, taking a moment to formulate the best answer.
"Specialized and powerful equipment is usually limited to licensed heroes and hero-course students." I explain. "But many support items are designed for general use as well."
She exhales in relief, shoulders relaxing.
"…Okay." She lifts her wrist. "Then I can keep my watch, right?"
The small unicorn-themed watch gleams faintly in the sun.
It's bright, cute, and clearly well-loved.
"Kata gave it to me." She adds softly, her voice carrying excitement, clearly happy to show it off. "He said it's really strong… but only heroes can have strong support items…"
I blink, then chuckle quietly.
"It's adorable." I say honestly. "And no, I don't see any issue with that at all."
Her smile returns in full, bright and relieved.
Himiko leans closer, peering at the watch. "So that's your treasure, huh?"
"Yes." Eri nods solemnly.
"Then you'd better protect it." Himiko's grins teasingly.
"I will." Eri clenches her fists in determination.
'Kata likely told her it was powerful simply so she'd feel safe…' I can't help but smile at the thought. 'But the way she treasures it is truly heartwarming.'
Still… the sight of Eri treasuring something so dearly…
'It's so endearing!' I gush. 'Maybe we should prepare a bunch of gifts for her. I hope she loves them so she has more things she treasures.' I think, already having decided.
I straighten and clap my hands lightly. "So—where would you like to go next?"
"Can we look at more support gear?" Eri asks, eyes shining. "Maybe there's something that'll help Kata!"
"Of course." I nod, gently taking her hand as we continue walking together with everyone.
And over the next hour, we drift through the expo without any real destination, moving from one stall to another.
Between all the demonstrations, foreign heroes inciting the crowd, and our own group's laughter and chatter… it's lively, messy, and fun.
Eri stays close at first, quietly observing, but little by little, she starts pointing things out on her own, and even pulling us along to booths that interest her.
"Look… it's floating…"
"Ah—! That one moves by itself!"
Her voice is soft, but full of wonder.
Himiko hums beside her, occasionally leaning down to whisper something that makes Eri giggle.
Before we know it, we've already gathered quite a few trinkets and snacks, yet it feels as if no time has passed.
Then—
"Hm?" Himiko suddenly stops, her head tilting slightly as her eyes narrow with interest.
"What's that?" She asks, a grin slowly forming. "It looks fun."
We follow her gaze, and not far off, a massive, artificial landscape rises.
Rocky hills layered unevenly, and waterfalls cascading down into shallow basins… it looks almost like a miniature mountain range emerging from the ground.
And from within…
Boom.
Explosions echo periodically, followed by an eruption of cheers from a gathered crowd lining the perimeter, separated by metal railing.
"…That's definitely an event." Ochako mutters, her interest piqued.
"Let's check it out!" Himiko says instantly, grabbing Eri's hand with one hand, and mine with the other… and pulling.
"W-Wait—!"
We're dragged along before anyone can properly object, and by the time we reach the railing overlooking the area—
Everything clicks into place.
A wide battlefield stretches out below, dotted with familiar silhouettes. The same robots we faced during the entrance exams.
They move, attacking and coordinating throughout the mountainous landscape as they face off against a Pro Hero I'm not familiar with.
"Give a round of applause to our latest contestant!" A voice booms across the area, amplified through speakers hidden around the terrain. "They've cleared all villains in just twenty-nine seconds!"
The crowd erupts into cheers, applause, and whistles.
"They've secured seventh place on the leaderboard!"
"Wow…" Ochako breathes, leaning forward slightly. "Twenty-nine seconds… that seems impressive."
I look at the leaderboard thoughtfully. There are hundreds of attempts listed, so indeed, seventh place is quite good.
"Those are the same robots from the entrance exam, right?" Ochako asks.
I nod.
"Yes. This must be a 'Villain Attack' attraction." I explain. "It's an excellent idea to have people show off their quirks and get the crowd excited."
Below us, staff members move quickly, resetting the field. New robots are deployed, while the remains of the last are cleared.
"I wonder if anyone can participate?" Eri asks curiously.
I consider it briefly, before ultimately shaking my head.
"…It would be challenging for me, given the terrain." I admit.
"I'll pass." Ochako says immediately, waving her hands. "I'd probably get motion sick before finishing."
"My quirk's not really good for fighting either." Himiko shrugs, though her eyes are still glued to the field.
Eri grips the railing slightly, peering down.
"…They're fighting all of those?" She asks worriedly. "Is it safe?"
"Yes." I reply gently. "The robots won't seriously injure anyone, and everyone who tries is quite confident."
She nods slowly, watching the area with much more ease, standing on the tips of her toes to barely look over the railing.
I chuckle, and lift her up, carrying her so she can see clearly.
"…Let's just watch the next one." I suggest, and everyone immediately agrees.
"Now!" The announcer's voice rings out again, louder this time. "Prepare yourselves for our next challenger!"
The crowd quiets slightly, anticipation building.
"The Villain Attack course has been reset!"
There's a short pause, then…
A figure steps onto the field unhurriedly. They walk calmly, each step measured.
The noise of the crowd dips. They don't go completely silent, but are much quieter as their curiosity takes over.
"…Who's that?" Someone nearby mutters.
"I've never seen them before…"
"Their costume—"
"…It looks awesome…"
Voices ripple outward, one after another, but the figure doesn't react.
They continue forward, crossing onto the starting platform like they've done it a hundred times before.
Eri furrows her brows tilting her head, seemingly confused by something, while Himiko's grin widens.
"…Interesting." She says simply.
Even from here…
'Something feels… off.'
Not in a bad way, but there's a sense of familiarity.
The air feels heavier, the figure's presence pressing down, quietly demanding attention.
His face is completely hidden.
A black helmet, smooth and seamless, wraps around his head, edged with fine gold lining. At its center, a four-pronged golden star gleams faintly under the sunlight.
The rest of his attire only reinforces the impression.
A tailored black suit, almost formal, layered beneath a heavy, dark grey coat lined with black fur at the collar. Gold chains hang subtly across his frame, catching the light with each step.
Clawed gauntlets.
Knee-high boots.
Everything about him… demands respect, and commands authority.
"…Whoa…" Ochako breathes.
Even from here, the design alone carries weight. It's neither flashy nor excessive.
The crowd feels it too.
The low murmur that had filled the air moments ago fades into hushed, but excited whispers, buzzing with anticipation.
Even the announcer's tone shifts, a hint of excitement slipping through. "Challenger, are you ready?"
The figure gives a single, small nod.
"Doesn't he get hot wearing that?" Eri asks softly beside me, genuine concern in her voice.
The question catches me off guard, making me choke slightly.
"…I—perhaps?" I manage.
But below—
There's no pause.
"Ready…!" The air tightens. "GO!"
The timer starts, and for a fraction of a second, nothing happens.
Then, the temperature drops sharply.
A cold wind sweeps across the arena, cutting through the warmth of the sun like a blade. The shift is so sudden it draws a collective breath from the crowd.
"What—?"
We don't even get time to finish the thought as the figure moves. He takes a single step and…
He vanishes.
A blur, then a distortion, and suddenly he's there… right in front of the nearest robot, with one arm extended.
Ice forms instantly, condensing from the air itself, shaping into a long, gleaming blade in less than a heartbeat, and with one swing.
The robot splits in half before it even registers the strike. He walks past it like it doesn't exist, and with that step, he's gone again.
Another robot collapses.
Then another.
Each movement seamless… effortless. It's like he's not fighting… just passing through.
Above us the sky darkens, but not with clouds.
I look up, and my breath catches.
Massive pillars of dark blue ice form midair, suspended for a single, impossible moment, and with a wave of the figure's hand… they fall.
Not just straight. They curve and bend like hungry serpents, accelerating as each one slams into the terrain with thunderous force, shattering rock and crushing robots beneath them, sending plumes of dust and frost exploding outward.
The ground trembles.
The crowd gasps.
And the cold around us deepens.
Another sudden gust tears through the arena. It's colder and sharper, biting at the skin and stealing our breath.
And with it, snow begins to fall.
"…Snow?" I whisper, stunned.
The entire battlefield transforms in seconds. The once barren rock is buried in ice and snow. Massive, deep blue pillars extend from it, while the waterfalls freeze mid-cascade.
The mountains glisten under a thin, crystalline layer.
And at the very peak… he stands, back turned to us.
Untouched… with an air of invincibility.
The final robot… is impaled clean through by a massive blade of ice from above.
Everything goes silent, and for a moment, no one speaks.
"A-Amazing…" The announcer stammers. There's a pause as she glances downwards as if confirming something.
"T-three…?" Her voice cracks slightly. "That… that can't be right—"
Realization hits. The mic is still live, and she straightens instantly.
"A round of applause, everyone!" She calls out, voice surging back to life. "The challenge has been completed in three seconds! A new record! Claiming first place on the leaderboard by over fifteen seconds!"
The crowd explodes.
Cheers erupt like a wave crashing through the arena.
"That was insane!"
"No way that was three seconds!"
"Did you even see him move?!"
Applause roars from every direction.
"Yay!" Himiko claps enthusiastically, eyes shining with excitement. "That was amazing!"
Ochako stands frozen, staring at the field.
"That's… amazing…" She murmurs. "Is this a pro?"
"Indeed…" I echo.
Beside me, Eri lifts her hands carefully. She catches the falling snowflakes in her palms like they're a fragile treasure.
Her eyes sparkle.
"…It's cold." She says softly, almost in wonder, as a huge grin splits her face.
I blink, and almost without thinking, I pull out my phone and snap a picture, capturing the moment perfectly.
'Kata would love this…' I think, smiling faintly.
I lower the phone, and look back at the field, where the figure has turned… facing us?
Even from this distance… It feels like he's looking directly here.
"…Does anyone else feel like he's looking at us?" I ask quietly, my gaze still locked onto the figure below.
"…Yeah." Ochako mutters. "I was hoping that was just me."
I swallow lightly, hoping I'm just imagining it. Even if it's unlikely he'd do anything, it's still quite intimidating.
"Hm…" Himiko hums beside me, tilting her head as she watches him. Then she smiles. "…Seems he's coming here."
"What?" I blink, and when she points, my eyes snap back toward the field where the figure is already moving.
Still walking as casually as before, but with every step, ice forms beneath his feet.
A smooth, gleaming path stretching upward from the battlefield itself, rising toward the viewing platform.
Somehow, it feels as if he's getting closer far too quickly, even with no rush or urgency in his movements. But the distance closes in seconds.
My pulse quickens. Something about this feels overwhelming.
And before I can fully process it, he's right in front of us.
My body tenses. His presence is… suffocating up close.
Then, he lifts his arm, clawed gauntlet gleaming faintly as it reaches towards Eri.
My eyes widen, and I react on instinct, my hands grabbing Eri to pull her from reach, when—
"Kata?" Eri's voice cuts through everything, making me freeze.
The hand doesn't stop, but just before touching her, the metal gauntlet shifts, retracting smoothly, the claws folding back as the armor reshapes itself to reveal a familiar hand.
And then he pats her head.
"You recognised me?" He asks, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
*******
A/N: Hello Everyone! How are you all doing? If you've enjoyed the chapter and book thus far, please consider leaving me some comments, reviews, or power stones. It really helps the book out.
So, yeah. Use the picture as reference for his outfit (it's hard to add pictures anywhere except webnovels, but all pictures are on Patreon, and the chapter is free there anyway if you're interested). I doubt my description does it justice. You can also look up Capitano, since that's the character. They're from Genshin. I'd also like to credit Lawreader for the choice of Kata's new hero costume 🤣.
Anyway, to make it more interesting, I decided to go slightly accurate with Capitano's powers, ice. But he'll still use TK going forward. This chapter is quite a bit longer than usual. Didn't want to cut off halfway, at the very least, before the reveal.
Also, remember when I mentioned giving the girls something equivalent to Eri's watch, and maybe the rest of the class too (but maybe less personalised or powerful)? Any suggestions? I was mainly thinking accessories that match each, and as someone suggested, also functional to them either in daily life or in heroing. I've got some ideas for a few, but further suggestions would be much appreciated.
You can also read 10 chapters ahead and support me at [email protected]/AMV_WEAKLY
There ain't much to be said this time, so I'ma end it here. Hopefully you all the enjoyed the chapter, and have a wonderful rest of your day/night😁