The class entered the grand dome of the USJ with awe and excitement buzzing in the air. Inside, the massive facility seemed even more impressive than it had from the outside. Each disaster zone stretched out in vivid detail, from roaring simulated flames to churning water. This was where heroes were made, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel like I was part of something bigger—something extraordinary.

Thirteen stood at the center, gesturing enthusiastically as they described each section. "This facility was created to simulate large-scale disasters! Fires, floods, landslides—you name it. Here, you'll learn the fundamentals of search-and-rescue operations in extreme environments."

The excitement among my classmates was contagious. Even Bakugo, standing near the back with his usual scowl, seemed slightly interested, though he was trying hard to hide it. I caught myself scanning the zones, imagining the challenges ahead. Though quirkless, I had my speed, agility, and parkour skills to rely on, and I was ready to prove I could contribute just as much as anyone else.

But something felt... wrong.

That gnawing unease from earlier still tugged at the edges of my thoughts. I glanced at Aizawa, who stood silently at the front of the group, his scarf already loose around his neck. His sharp eyes scanned the facility, and for a moment, I wondered if he felt it too.

And then, without warning, chaos erupted.

A massive, dark portal tore open in the center of the dome. A figure stepped out—thin, menacing, with hands covering his face and body. More figures followed, spilling into the dome like a flood of shadows. Villains. My stomach dropped as I realized this was no training exercise.

"What the hell?!" Bakugo barked, his hands already crackling with sparks of explosion.

A gasp rippled through the class as more villains poured through the portal. Their numbers seemed endless, and their malicious intent was palpable. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm. Panicking wouldn't help anyone.

"Stay back!" Thirteen commanded, stepping protectively in front of us. "This is not part of the exercise. These are real villains!"

Aizawa moved immediately, his scarf unfurling like a whip. "Thirteen, get them out of here. I'll handle this."

"But—" someone started, but Aizawa cut them off with a sharp look.

"Now."

The first wave of villains surged forward, and Aizawa launched himself into the fray. He moved with terrifying precision, disabling quirks and taking down enemies with brutal efficiency. But even he couldn't be everywhere at once.

"Move!" Iida shouted, trying to rally the class. "We need to retreat and regroup!"

Before we could make it far, another portal opened in front of us. This one was larger, and from it emerged a creature unlike anything I'd ever seen. Towering, grotesque, and radiating raw power, the Nomu stood as a living nightmare.

The panic in the group was palpable, but I couldn't let it paralyze me. I scanned the area, trying to figure out where I could help. Without a quirk, I knew I couldn't fight the villains head-on, but I could use my agility to distract them, lead them away, or help someone else escape.

I darted toward higher ground, climbing a nearby structure with practiced ease. From up here, I could see the battlefield more clearly. Aizawa was still holding his own, but the villains were relentless. Thirteen was trying to protect the others, but they were being surrounded. My classmates were scattered, each fighting their own battles.

Bakugo caught my eye, and to my surprise, he wasn't just charging in recklessly. He was fighting smart, using his explosions to keep the villains at bay while also watching out for the others. For a moment, our eyes met.

"What the hell are you doing, Deku?" he shouted. "Get out of there before you get killed!"

"I'm helping!" I shot back, my voice steady despite the chaos. "You can't take them all on alone!"

Bakugo scowled but didn't argue. Instead, he blasted another villain and moved closer to where I was perched. "You better not screw this up, nerd."

I didn't have time to respond. A villain spotted me and started climbing the structure. My mind raced as I considered my options. Fighting wasn't my strong suit, but I could use the environment to my advantage.

I jumped down, landing behind the villain and taking off at a sprint. They chased me, their heavy footsteps echoing against the metal floor. I led them into a narrow corridor where their size worked against them, then used my speed and agility to slip past them and rejoin Bakugo.

"Not bad," he admitted grudgingly as I caught my breath. "But you're still an idiot for sticking around."

"And you're still reckless," I countered, offering him a quick grin. "But it looks like we make a good team."

Bakugo snorted but didn't argue. We moved together, taking down villains and helping our classmates where we could. My heart raced as we darted through the chaos, but I forced myself to stay focused. This wasn't just about survival—it was about making sure everyone got out safely.

As we regrouped with the others, Iida took charge, his voice steady despite the panic. "We need to stick together and follow Thirteen's lead. If we scatter, we'll be picked off one by one."

"Yeah, yeah," Bakugo muttered, crossing his arms. "Just don't slow me down."

I couldn't help but smile. For all his bluster, Bakugo was still watching out for everyone in his own way. And as much as he hated to admit it, he was relying on me too.