After Wu Xuan and Momo Yaoyorozu arrived at the designated waiting area, Shoto Todoroki and Inasa Yoarashi—now in fresh, dry clothes—joined them. The atmosphere was thick with the lingering tension of their mid-air clash.
"Alright, we'll go in order of the physical test rankings. First up: Wu Xuan."
Present Mic's voice boomed from inside the classroom.
Wu Xuan sauntered into the room. It was mostly empty, save for a single chair placed dead-center and a long desk at the far end where two men sat.
The interviewers were Shota Aizawa and Present Mic.
As Wu Xuan entered, Aizawa—holding a folder containing Wu Xuan's disciplinary record and test scores—maintained his usual lizard-like, lethargic expression. "Sit."
Wu Xuan dropped into the chair, draped his wrists over his knees, and looked utterly bored. Aizawa leaned forward, his bloodshot eyes narrowing. "Listen carefully. You must answer the following questions within three seconds. This is a test of your immediate judgment and mental clarity under pressure."
"Fine," Wu Xuan replied.
Aizawa gave him a long, meaningful look before firing the first shot. "Why did you choose U.A.? There are dozens of other hero programs in Japan. Why here?"
"All Might sent me."
The bluntness of the answer nearly caused Mic to choke on his own saliva. While the faculty knew All Might had recommended him, they never expected a candidate to treat the "Symbol of Peace" like a common delivery service during a formal interview.
After a few frantic coughs to regain his composure, Mic checked his notes and asked the second question. "Ahem! Right! Second question: You're involved in a hostage rescue. The enemies significantly outnumber you. What is your move?"
"Kill them all."
Wu Xuan didn't blink.
Is this kid insane? The exact same thought flashed through the minds of both teachers simultaneously.
"What if they use the hostages as shields?" Aizawa asked, his tone dropping to a sub-zero temperature.
"I'll take the villains down before they can react," Wu Xuan stated, his expression like stone.
"Is there something wrong with his head?" Mic whispered, leaning toward Aizawa.
Ignoring his colleague, Aizawa pressed harder, his voice cold and analytical. "What if there are a hundred enemies?"
"Kill them."
"A thousand?"
"Kill them."
"And what if, while you are busy slaughtering a thousand enemies, one rogue villain slips away to execute the hostages?"
Wu Xuan paused for a single second. "I'd save them first."
What he actually thought was: If saving them benefits me, I'll do it. But he knew how to play the game well enough to pivot his answer slightly.
"How can you guarantee the rescue?" Aizawa's tone was accusatory. An ordinary student would be trembling under the weight of his "Eraser Head" glare.
"Because I was the one who made the move," Wu Xuan replied. His voice didn't rise; it simply carried an absolute, undeniable confidence that bordered on arrogance.
Aizawa remained silent for several long seconds. Finally, he picked up a pen and began scratching notes at the bottom of Wu Xuan's assessment sheet:
Interview Notes: A genius with extreme confidence in his own combat abilities. Prone to acting on instinct and personal philosophy without regard for collateral or external variables.
Placement Recommendation: Hero Course, Class 1-A.
Warning: High risk of expulsion due to self-centeredness.
Overall Assessment:
Power: S
Speed: A
Technique: A
Intelligence: A
Cooperativeness: E
Aizawa scratched his head and gestured toward the door. "You're done. Get out. Send in the second-place candidate, Momo Yaoyorozu."
"Right," Wu Xuan waved a dismissive hand, stood up, and walked out.
Passing Momo in the hall, he gave her a casual thumbs-up and pointed inside. "Your turn."
"Thank you." Momo took a deep, steadying breath and stepped into the room, offering a polite, formal bow to the teachers.
Five minutes later, Aizawa was writing on her sheet:
Interview Notes: Possesses elite analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of her Quirk. However, lacks fundamental confidence in high-stakes combat situations.
Placement Recommendation: Hero Course, Class 1-A.
Overall Assessment:
Power: D
Speed: C
Technique: B
Intelligence: S
Cooperativeness: A
The evaluations for Inasa Yoarashi and Shoto Todoroki followed quickly.
Inasa Yoarashi (Class 1-A):
Power: A | Speed: B | Technique: B | Intelligence: C | Cooperativeness: B
Shoto Todoroki (Class 1-A):
Power: A | Speed: B | Technique: A | Intelligence: B | Cooperativeness: C
Once the four interviews concluded, Aizawa and Mic emerged from the classroom. Aizawa immediately shuffled off toward his office without a word, leaving Mic to address the group.
"You'll receive your official results via email. If you pass, a formal acceptance package will be mailed to your residences."
Mic looked them over, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "There are ten months until the new school year begins. You can return to your middle schools to finish your studies or manage your time as you see fit. But remember this: even if you are admitted, your time here will be nothing short of hell."
Ten months of freedom. To an average student, it sounded like a dream. But looking at the four of them, there was no joy—only a heavy sense of solemnity. They knew that in ten months, they wouldn't just be fighting each other; they'd be facing the gathered elites of the entire country.