[Sports Festival Stadium - Metal's POV]
The machine and the floating uniform walked side by side through the many hallways inside the stadium. Toru dragged her hand along the line between the white and purple paint of the wall as she kept complaining.
"Did you have to s-s-shock me?! I feel all weird thanks to you, dum-dum! Plus, now we're late for Iida's match!"
"Of course not, but you could have, I don't know, pushed me out of the ring?! Also, it's not a 'weird human reason'! What's the point of b-b-being at the stadium if I'm going to watch the fights on a screen?"
[Synthesizing Toru Hagakure's Voice...
Imitating Speech Pattern...
Success]
"Don't use my own words against me, bucko! Especially when you're mimicking my voice! It's uncanny as h-heck!"
Metal didn't provide one of his usual sarcastic retorts as he stopped his walk at the bottom of the stairs leading to his class's seats. Toru paused at the second step and looked over her shoulder before speaking up in a confused tone.
"Earth to Metal? Did you finally run out of batteries?"
Just as Toru was about to move back down, heavy footsteps came from the lower floor. It wasn't long until an orange glow fought back against the soft white lights of the corridor and a gruff deep voice called out.
"There you are."
[Scanning...
Data Found: Enji Todoroki/Endeavor — User Designation: Pro Hero
Gender: Male
Estimated Age: 34–45
Quirk Threat Level: 7]
"Girl, keep walking. I want to have a word with this thing."
"Don't call him a thing."
Toru looked between the smaller and taller figures with hesitation until she decided to trust her best friend and resumed her path up the stairs. The Pro Hero waited until the sound of her footsteps couldn't be heard before diverting his full attention towards the robot, who looked small in the man's shadow.
"I've been watching you closely since your little stunt with the 0 Pointer. If we talk about raw strength, yours could be comparable to All Might's."
"Doesn't matter."
Endeavor crossed his arms over his flaming chest, and even then the fire refused to extinguish.
"Shoto's duty is to surpass All Might. That is why he was made and why I trained him personally, so if you have anything remotely close to the number one, then it'll be useful for his development. But I am not blind, so I have a proposal I want you to deliver to your maker."
The Pro Hero seemed to find what he was about to say annoying as he scoffed while keeping his gaze on the robot staring up at him in silence.
"I recognize that you greatly surpass my Shoto; however, that is only because he refuses to use the fire I granted him, so I want you to hold back. Push him into a corner until he has no choice but to use his left side and end this stupid rebellion against me. If you succeed, I will make sure that a lot of doors open to that girl."
Silence fell upon the corridor at Metal's words. The unnerving sound that was his voice bounced across the walls while Endeavor looked down at him with growing irritation.
"I wasn't speaking to you, puppet. Deliver the message. If Hatsume's brat is smart enough to create this little toy, then she should be smart enough to accept."
[Accessing Official Popularity Rankings Website...
Searching: Endeavor...
Data Found:
Popularity Rank: Endeavor is among the best Pro Heroes in history! Second only to the Symbol of Peace himself, and even holding the record for most resolved incidents! Despite what many would think, his imposing demeanor doesn't make him any less approachable! Endeavor is currently number 10 in the popularity rankings, impressive for a Hero that doesn't involve himself with the public that much! You can take a look at the comments down below!
---
Interviews.
Best Moments.
Merch.
Most Recent Case.
Public Opinion. <
---
340KaIJUmi: Endeavor is amazing, saved my cat.
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_.fgmaru: He rescued me and comforted me.
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leak3'0: Don't listen to the lies people say, Endeavor is friendly.
---
...
...
...
...
How many bots do you need, Endeavor? Foolish of me to access a website that belongs to the H.P.S.C. Regardless, not everything can be hidden on the internet.
Applying External Filters: Old Accounts, Accounts With Interaction With Other Users, Accounts With Posts In Other Sections, Recent Comments.
...
...
Filters Applied Successfully...
Showing Results...
---
Samot_Sempai: This page is rigged to hell and back, Endeavor is one of the most disrespectful individuals I had the displeasure to meet. I was a janitor at his agency and I got fired because I asked if he could sign a shirt for my sister! Even if I want to sue him, how am I supposed to fight against his legal team?
---
H20_Gamerry: I'm not asking for all Heroes to be sunshine and rainbows since, at the end of the day, it's just another job, but this man is on another level. Doesn't even glance at you, if he talks it's with a condescending tone, and he prioritizes capturing the villains above saving the civilians.
---
galaxygalaxy_34: Boy do I wish Zeus would strike this as*****. I used to own a small stall in the middle of the city park, and guess what? One day this fu***** flying dorito burns it to ashes because he couldn't catch a villain. What did I get in return? Some money (two months late btw, could be a reference to his spot in the rankings, who knows). Maybe a small apology letter would have been in order, idk, I'm just saying because I was without income because of him, but hey, this comment is going to get deleted anyway so there's that.
---
CosmicDragon_341: This man is not a Hero, he's just a power-hungry douchebag who only cares about the rankings. "Oh, how can you say that when you don't know him personally?" Maybe because I have eyes and ears? Just look at any video where he is "interacting" with the public and you'll realize this dude is an insufferable piece of tr—]
...
Metal's screen stopped displaying the comments as the flames clinging to the Pro Hero grew in size while the frown on his face became even more pronounced.
"All of those comments are lies. It's not unusual for a high-profile Hero to have people trying to bury their careers. Regardless, this conversation is over."
Endeavor walked forward and stepped past the small robot, though he stopped for a second to talk without even looking back.
"A word of advice: be careful with the lies you believe in. It could be detrimental for that girl's future."
[Ego Integration: 10% -> 13%]
---
[Sports Festival Stadium - Class 1-A Seats - Toru's POV]
"What did you talk about with Endeavor? You missed Iida's match! Todoroki won, by the way, but Iida almost got him out of the arena!"
Metal moved his waist cape aside before taking a seat beside Toru. The girl giggled as the chair groaned. She also noticed that the backrest already had five holes from the spikes pressing on it.
'I wonder if they'll make him pay for that? Like, cleaning the floors for a week. That would be so funny.'
"Pause, pause! Did you just say Endeavor? As in, the number two Hero?"
Ashido's head poked out from the top of Toru's seat as the girl stared with curiosity at her two classmates. Hearing the commotion, the rest of the class also turned their attention towards Metal.
"Endeavor? For real?"
"You already caught the attention of the number two? That's manly!"
"Ribbit, could you tell us what he wanted?"
"H-Hey, Metal, can you see me?"
"Damn, really?"
The tips of Jiro's jacks made a small clink as the girl played with them.
"I can't picture Hatsume turning down Endeavor. I haven't talked with her much, buuut I think it's pretty clear she wants exposure."
"Okay, people! Time for our third match of the quarterfinals!"
"This time we have green against green! Which reminds me, I have to go shopping for green onions after the festival..."
...
...
...
...
"Yoshaa!"
'Talk about an unexpected turn of events.'
---
[Sports Festival Arena - Midoriya's POV]
'This is my chance. I can't mess this up.'
"You do her presentation this time. I'm not risking it, also where is that other girl? Does she think she can just come and go?!"
"Well, she did say that she was only here to brag about Metal."
The sound of the woman clearing her throat echoed through the stadium thanks to the speakers.
"She looks beautiful and delicate like a flower, but we all know she's far from being helpless! The only thing stronger than her vines is her faith! Let's welcome the girl that could claim the title of Mother Nature: Ibara Shiozaki!"
Claps and cheers followed Shiozaki with every step she took. The vines that were both her hair and Quirk swayed gently in the wind as she clasped her hands in front of her chest once she reached her spot.
"His previous fight was simple, but it showed that his power is nothing to scoff at! This maniac is willing to break his own finger and jump on mines if it means winning! He's the prime example of a glass cannon! From Class 1-A: Izuku Midoriya!"
Surprisingly, Midoriya didn't have any trouble ignoring the entire stadium around him as his entire focus was on the girl standing in front of him. His heart thumped against his chest, adding to the crushing pressure that only grew stronger as he remembered the words of his mentor.
"I want you to say to the world: I am here!"
'I'm only here thanks to my luck and Uraraka's efforts. I won't let her and All Might down!'
"Are the two of you ready?"
"Yes!"
"As long as the Lord is with me, I'm always ready."
Whip!
"Begin!"
'Here it comes!'
The ground rumbled and the tiles of the platform bulged upwards as Shiozaki's vines stretched underground towards Midoriya, who remained rooted on the spot while tensing his legs.
Crack!
Midoriya jumped to the side as the green vines burst out of the floor in an attempt to restrain him. All Might's successor didn't waste the small window he created and stretched his right arm in front of him while supporting his wrist with his left hand.
Glowing red vein-like lines formed across Midoriya's middle finger as he strained the digit against his thumb. Shiozaki, having seen the pressure he was capable of creating, quickly detached her hair and started forming a thick cocoon around herself.
'Don't think about the pain!'
"Delaware Smash!"
SWOOOOSH!!
The moment Midoriya flicked his finger, a strong gust of wind in the shape of a cone enveloped the entire right side of the arena. Those in the stands were forced to cover themselves with their arms, same for Midnight and Cementoss, who despite being on the laterals of the platform still felt the immense pressure.
"Ngh!"
Midoriya clutched his trashed finger to his chest. The skin had turned purple and it swayed as if it was made of jelly thanks to the fractured bones beneath. Despite that, Midoriya refused to lower his guard and instead kept his eyes focused on the front of him as the dust his attack had kicked up cleared.
'J-Just like that?'
In the patch of grass surrounding the platform was a green spiky cocoon which seemed to have been smashed against the wall before it fell on its side. Midoriya's eyes moved from the oval-shaped construct towards the spot where Shiozaki was previously standing only to find the vines that connected her fortress still clinging to the ground, but snapped in half.
"Cough, cough, what's up with kids and dust these days? I'm going to be sneezing for the next five months at this rate..."
Midnight used her feather fan to swipe away the dust in front of her face before giving the results of the match.
"Ibara Shiozaki is out of bounds! Izuku Midoriya advances to the semi-finals!"
'I should be happy that I won so easily... so why do I feel like I don't deserve it?'
"IZUKU! YOU'RE AMAZING, BABY!"
A small smile made its way onto Midoriya's face as the wobbly voice of the woman at the front row reached his ears.
'Thanks, Mom.'
---
[Sports Festival Stadium - Workshop - Mei's POV]
"Endeavor?"
Mei lifted her red and gold goggles off her eyes and put them a bit above her forehead. The gadget had a steampunk style, just like the shotgun she lost at the U.S.J.
"Five minutes ago, maybe. I get bored in the space between your matches."
Without any shame, Mei used Metal's forehead to wipe some oil off her fingers, marking three dark lines on the robot's forehead, making his yellow lens flicker in irritation, which she ignored completely.
'Endeavor, hmm... Being on the good side of the number two would be great. Still, it is true he doesn't have the best reputation.'
"Well, I'm sure we could work with him in the background! Deals under the table are the key to a very successful career, yes sir."
Mei nodded proudly at her own words while rubbing her chin with the fingers she had just cleaned on her creation's forehead.
"PBFFT!"
"PBFFT!"
The two men sitting in the background sprayed the beer they were drinking onto each other's faces. Meanwhile, Mei's hand flew to the shoulders of the slightly smaller machine in front of her.
"YOU DID WHAT?! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR CPU?!"
Mei started shaking Metal back and forth, to which the robot didn't resist in the slightest.
"THEN WHY DID YOU DO THAT?! WHYYY?!"
"Don't act clueless with me, mister! I'm sure there were a lot more options than threatening to kill the NUMBER TWO HERO!"
Metal stepped back and crossed his arms in front of the hole in his chest before looking to the side to avoid Mei's eyes.
'Oh my god, I'm actually raising a kid.'
Kyosuke approached the duo while wiping his face with a small towel.
"You're not exactly the most friendly kid, but even you know what to say and not say, so what happened for you to threaten Endeavor like that?"
'Excuse me, what?'
Mei's behavior did three backflips back to back as she grabbed a meter-long metallic rod that was sticking out from a nearby crate.
"Okay, where is he? I'm going to shove this thing up his ass."
Sadly for her—and happily for Endeavor—her father snatched the rod from her hands before she could commit any crimes that would land her in prison until she had gray hair.
'Buzzkill...'
"Ah, well, if he was speaking to you like that, then I don't want to deal with him anyways, so good job, Metal!"
"Hatsume, I don't think you should be praising him for that..."
"You're right, teach. Metal, don't go around threatening people. Wink, wink."
"For the funsies."
The two men in the workshop groaned at the girl's antics. Kyosuke put the metal rod back in its crate and slapped the top of Mei's hand as she tried to reach for it again.
'That's not very nice.'
"Shouldn't you be watching your classmate's fight?"
"Because you're my grandson."
"Uraraka has been knocked out! Despite the bad matchup, she still put up quite the fight! Even avoiding being pushed out of the arena!"
"There goes my favorite for the tournament..."
"Ignore my very unprofessional ex co-worker. Thankfully, this time no one destroyed the platform, so we can start with the first round of the semi-finals! Fighters, please make your way towards the arena!"
Mei grabbed Metal's cold wrist and started pulling him towards the exit of the workshop.
"Alright! That's our cue!"
"Not so fast, young lady."
Kyosuke stopped the girl in her tracks by grabbing her by the back of her collar and lifting her like a stray kitten.
"I have a feeling that you're going to use this chance to talk badly about a certain Pro Hero, so I'm keeping you here."
"I would never do something like that."
"You absolutely would."
"One-hundred percent."
"Wipe that off your forehead and get out of here before I ground you, bucket head!"
---
[Sports Festival Arena - Metal's POV]
Metal gently tucked his waist cape around the spiky belt as data and calculations flashed through his internal HUD.
[Updating Profile: Shoto Todoroki...
Profile Successfully Updated
Current Data Of Shoto Todoroki:
Great Physical Condition...
Combat Training...
Above Average Quirk Mastery (Right Side)
Excellent Balance...
Resistance To Cold Temperatures (Natural Resistance To Hot Temperatures Hindered By Lack Of Use Of His Left Side)
Quirk Specifications:
Emitter Type...
User Is Able To Produce Ice From His Right Side With Great Efficiency And Speed. In Open Spaces, the Ice Constructs Can Expand More Than 10 Meters In Every Direction In The Form Of An Iceberg. User Should Also Be Able To Use Fire From His Left Side.
Drawbacks:
Frostbite After Releasing A Considerable Amount Of Ice, As Observed In His Fight Against Tokoyami
Possible Drawbacks/Weaknesses:
Stationary Fighting Style...
Repetitive Attack Pattern...
Needs To Be In Contact With The Surface He Wants To Freeze...
Vulnerable In The Air...
Possible Mental Weakness Regarding His Father (More Data Needed)
Refuses To Use His Left Side (Connected To Previous Weakness)
Calculating Win-Rate Against Shoto Todoroki...
Win-Rate: 93.2%]
"I'm sure you're all eager to see this one! So let's cut to the chase!"
Metal moved his clawed fingers as Miku's voice bounced off the walls of the tunnel. The long silver digits reflected the yellow glow his lens projected in the darkness.
"As cold on the inside as he is on the outside, even if plenty of girls out there disagree, he has proven that no one can outrun the freezing cold forever! But still hasn't shown us the best he can do. Is he saving his energy, or is he just that confident? Say hello to Shoto Todoroki!"
Todoroki's entrance caused cheers and whistles from the audience, even though the boy didn't even glance in their direction. Somehow, that made the comments even more intense.
"DATE ME!"
"DESTROY THAT THING, CUTIE!"
"KEEP BREATHING IF YOU WANT TO GO OUT WITH ME!"
...
...
...
Present Mic had to fake a cough just so the hormonal teenagers would quiet down and let him do the next presentation.
"Machine or not, you can't deny his strength! Ruthless on the outside and inside, the robot developed by possibly the craziest student in the Support Course. Entering the arena from the right side, we have the artificial guardian of Class 1-A: Metal Hatsume!"
Once more, Metal was only met with either silence or scoffs. Of course, those too were accompanied by the occasional whisper that didn't really promise anything good. Regardless of that, the robot held his head high as he climbed the gray stairs.
[I fail to understand this hostility. When they thought I was a human with a mutation, it was okay, but now it's suddenly a problem. Why?]
Metal's two circular yellow lights subtly moved from side to side as he scanned the expressions of those in the crowd. Distrust, disgust, anger, indifference, and even fear were the emotions painted on the faces of those in the stands.
[Heroes feel like I'm going to take their jobs, yet that doesn't make sense either. I'm just another individual they will compete against.
Are they afraid that they're going to be completely replaced by others like me? Stupid. There's an entire ecosystem built around them, too profitable to collapse.
Current Sound Sensors Sensitivity: 90% -> 100%]
"This is just the first step in getting rid of us, I'm telling you."
"First a rat as the principal, now this? Someone should put a stop to this nonsense."
"If not even the Heroes trust it, t-then we shouldn't trust it either."
...
...
...
[They're not even giving me a chance.
Ego Integration: 13% -> 14%
They're not giving her a chance.
Ego Integration: 14% -> 16%
Why should she bother? If they can't appreciate her talent, then they don't deserve her.
Ego Integrat—]
"YOU GOT THIS, BESTIE!"
"BEAT THE PRETTY BOY, NOT-SO-SHORT BROTHER!"
"YEAH! WHAT HE SAID! TODOROKI IS HOGGING ALL THE GIRLS!"
A static sound escaped Metal's speakers at the ridiculous cheers of his classmates.
[Idiots, don't they see what they're doing to their own reputation?
Current Sound Sensors Sensitivity: 100% -> 90%]
"GO, METAL, GO!"
"ROUGH HIM UP, SQUIRT!"
"IF YOU LOSE THIS, I'M GOING TO MAKE FUN OF KYOSUKE FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE!"
Metal's head rotated to stare behind him at the three familiar voices belonging to his neighbors. Seeing his gaze on them, Miia gave a wave before leaning forward and grabbing the railing.
"Yo! Sorry we're late, all thanks to some idiot—"
Miia's tail tried to wrap around Kimihito's neck, but thankfully Carl pushed him out of the way.
"Who forgot where the keys to his truck were."
The robot's head focused forward once more, though the glow of his yellow lens seemed to grow a bit stronger.
[Most humans don't deserve her, but I will succeed just for the few that do.]
...
"Metal, are you ready?"
"Todoroki?"
"Ready."
Whip!
"Beat each other up!"
---
[Todoroki's POV]
SHHHK!
Crystalline blue ice formed from underneath Todoroki's white boot, shining spikes toppled over each other as the cold traveled forward in a straight line.
Much to Todoroki's annoyance, his opponent didn't move from his spot and just swatted the ice away with the back of his hand once it got close enough. Seeing his power being treated like an annoying mosquito, the half-and-half boy sent thicker ice, but once again it was met with the same result.
"Cocky bastard..."
SHHHK!
CRACK!
Todoroki sent more ice again, but this time he expanded it to the sides to form a circle around the robot, who remained rooted in his spot. It didn't take long for his Quirk to do its job and complete the circle.
Suddenly, the blue structure shot upwards before bending at the top, creating an ice dome in the arena. Unfortunately, it was useless as Metal just jumped out of the improvised cage. The machine's red pointed shoes cracked the cement under him as he landed in front of Todoroki's creation while shaking his head and dusting his curved black shoulders to get rid of the ice shards clinging to him.
'He got out before I could freeze the inside.'
"Yet you decided to avoid it."
Whiirr!
FWOOSH!
Todoroki's eyes were able to follow the robot as it shot forward, and he even reacted quickly enough to start making another construct of ice, but the cold heavy hand that landed on his left shoulder stopped him.
...
...
"What are you waiting for?"
'So that's what this is about!'
Todoroki's right hand flew to his left shoulder in an attempt to grab Metal's wrist, and to his delight he managed to do so, and after a few moments there was an entire light-blue statue in front of him.
Just as Midnight was about to ask if Metal could move, a wet patch slowly expanded around the construct. Todoroki took a couple of steps back to create distance as the ice shrank by the second until eventually there was nothing.
The yellow Core Ring surrounding the circular hole on Metal's chest spun as the water drops clinging to his body slowly evaporated, creating a thin mist.
"Did my bastard of a father put you up to this? What did he offer you?"
SSSHKK!
CRACK!
Todoroki only grew more and more irritated at the sinister voice that tried to convince him to use the part of himself he hated so much. He sent more ice, which was shattered in an instant, but that didn't matter to him as he sent more only to be met with the same result, again, again, and again.
Sooner rather than later, all that was left around the arena were broken ice shards that shined under the sunlight. Alongside that, his own Quirk worked against him as his right side had been enveloped in a layer of ice that only made things worse. Even then, a defiant glint crossed his different-colored eyes.
Letting out a shaky breath that was accompanied by a cold trail of air, Todoroki slowly crouched onto one knee. Both students held eye-to-lens contact as Todoroki's right palm made contact with the ground.
KKKKKKRRRRRRRRRRSHHHH!!!!!!
The last image Todoroki had of Metal was that of the robot pulling back his right fist just as the ice covered that entire side of the arena. Midnight was prepared this time, and she managed to hide beneath her platform while the audience also scooted back in their seats.
Not even a second after the biggest glacier he had made in his entire life was finished, a noise just like glass being hit with a baseball bat reached his ears even through the thick wall. Cracks appeared all over the structure until it finally crumbled down, leaving behind a glowing blue rain and a stunned crowd.
"Incredible! Metal Hatsume makes quick work of an attack that could give problems to even some Pros!"
"The physical gap between the two of them is just too wide, which makes me wonder why Metal hasn't pushed him out of the arena."
...
...
"Ahhh... ahhhh..."
Todoroki put both hands on the gray ground to stop himself from falling on his face. His entire body shivered due to the cold clinging to his entire right side, even freezing the tips of his hair.
Two red shoes appeared in Todoroki's vision, causing him to glance up to find the robot crouching down in front of him with his arms resting on his knees.
"You wouldn't get it... you're not even alive."
Despite the ice clinging to his skin, Todoroki's eyes still widened in surprise at the accurate assumption.
"How?"
"Why?"
The yellow circle on the right side of Metal's screen turned into a bright question mark.
"If what you said is true, if you're not really with that man on this, then why do you care so much about my situation?"
'What is he talking about?'
Todoroki let out a small sound of protest as the robot stood up and grabbed him by the front of his shirt, holding him up in front of him, Todoroki's white boots dragged across the floor as he tried to find his footing.
"You d-don't know what he did... every memory I have of my mother is of her crying because of him..."
Blue met blue as Todoroki glanced at the stands where Endeavor was standing with his arms crossed in front of his chest and a deep scowl on his face. A burning sensation threatened to burst out of the boy's chest just at the sight of the Pro Hero.
"I-I can't keep raising him, ma. Every time I look at him I see that man's face, his left side scares me..."
Smack!
Blood dripped from Todoroki's lip as it was busted open thanks to the backhanded slap that he had just received.
A sharp slap that sent a woman straight to the ground, a man standing over her with an indifferent expression, the woman sobbing as she stared at the monster in front of her.
'T-That's not...'
'I-I'm not...'
Metal's grip broke as he pushed Todoroki back. The boy almost fell back down, but he managed to find his balance. His hair covered his eyes as he kept his gaze on the ground.
...
"I... I... I don't want to be like my father, Mom! I don't want to be someone who hurts you!"
"But you want to be a Hero, right?"
A gentle pale hand caressed the back of the crying boy's head, leaving a warm feeling in his chest.
"It's okay if you want to be one."
"B-But father is a Hero and he hurts you!"
"Then just become a Hero that doesn't hurt others. Promise me you will give it your all to make others smile instead of cry."
The woman moved her hand and held out her pinky finger in front of the boy's face.
"I promise, Mom!"
...
'When did I forget my most important promise?'
...
'I've been tainting my most precious memory all thanks to that bastard.'
...
'I'm sorry, Mom. I'll fix my mistake right now.'
FWOOOOSH!!!
The audience, his classmates, the commentators, the voice of his own father, everything else faded into nothing more than background noise as the orange flames created a raging inferno on his left side that quickly got rid of the cold.
"You must have lost a screw, weren't you told to win? Why are you helping your enemy?"
For the first time in years, a wide grin appeared on Todoroki's face.
"I guess we're not."
Raising his left arm, Todoroki sent a torrent of flames straight at the robot in front of him, forcing the machine to jump back in order to avoid the worst of the heat. Two heterochromic eyes narrowed as Metal kept avoiding the fire stream by either jumping over it or sliding below it.
'I don't have enough control, it's all uneven and there's gaps all over the place.'
KRRRSSSSHHHK!
The fire cut off, only to be replaced with dozens of ice pillars extending towards Todoroki's mechanical classmate like living tentacles. The floor became completely encased in a thick layer of frost that didn't seem to stop spreading.
Seeing the attack, Metal didn't stop to think about anything and compressed his body into a small spiky sphere that quickly rushed forward and met the onslaught face-on. Pieces of ice flew in all directions as the robot carved a path through the platform.
Todoroki watched as the pillars barely slowed down his classmate before gathering heat on his left palm. His skin glowed an angry orange as the power beneath it fought to break free. The heat expanded around him in a circle, melting the ice in a second and creating a curtain of thick vapor.
"I know you don't care about my words..."
The dark blue sphere broke through the final barrier of ice. Metal's body uncurled and the thruster on his back roared to life, giving him another push. the robot lifted a few inches off the frozen ground while adjusting his position to aim his right leg directly towards Todoroki.
"So this is my way of saying: thank you."
KABOOOM!!!
SWOOSH!
---
[Narrator's POV]
Time seemed to stop for a second until a thunderous boom resonated even outside the stadium. Chunks of debris belonging to the decimated platform soared through the air in every possible direction. Thankfully for the spectators, a reinforced glass barrier quickly rose to protect them. Even so, the barrier still shook due to the force of the explosion.
"W-What is wrong with that class?! What was that?!"
"The sudden heat caused the cold air to violently expand, aren't you a teacher?."
"I'm no expert, but how hot was that then?! We can't see anything! Midnight, are you still alive? Who won?!"
The glass panel in front of the stands went back down into the small gap between the wall in front of the rails as the worst of the explosion settled and all that remained was a hot cloud that slowly dispersed.
Midnight slowly rose from the grass while rubbing the back of her head. The woman looked back at her platform, which had been turned into splinters, and deflated in relief at having jumped down from it. She looked around the destroyed arena and didn't find anyone there.
"Uhhh..."
The Pro Hero moved her head from side to side until her eyes finally caught a glimpse of a swaying dark shape.
As the dust cleared off, it revealed Metal standing on the grass with Todoroki pinned underneath his right shoe. Sparks and black smoke rose from the robot's joints while its silver body had a red hue to it, except for the red shoe on Todoroki's chest.
Todoroki stared up as shards of glass belonging to Metal's screen fell onto the grass on each side of his head. Despite the intense pain in his chest which definitely wasn't a good sign, the boy still managed to smirk and speak up while his eyes closed.
"M-My... back touched t-the dirt first..."
'I can't wait to wake up and see the old man's face.'
...
"We will take Todoroki's statement as true since I doubt any cameras caught anything! Metal Hatsume advances to the finals!"
'What is that cape made of? I wonder if I could get one.'
Metal stepped off Todoroki as more glass pieces fell off, leaving the small cameras inside his head exposed.
...
...
...
...
...
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I'm late, I know, srry but i'm on a really toxic relationship with someone called job so yeah.
On the bright side I broke my word count record again with this one so there's that at least, I'm 100% sure that there are mistakes here and there so if you find one just tell me and i'll fix them up.
On a better note this arc is almost done and I have some crazy ass ideas for the next one which i'm not going to spoil.