As the maze loomed ahead, the announcers hyped up the audience.

"Here we go, folks! The second leg of this chaotic course is the Maze of Mayhem!" Present Mic's voice echoed across the arena. "Shifting walls, hidden traps, and surprise challenges await!"

Midnight chimed in, her sultry voice adding drama. "Will our competitors find the way out... or will they get lost in the labyrinth of despair?"

The crowd's energy surged, and I couldn't help but smirk. It was time to turn up the pressure.

"Alright, team," I said, addressing Shigaraki, Hatsume, and Tokoyami. "This is where brains trump brawn. Follow my lead, and don't question me—unless you want to lose. And trust me, losing is not an option."

Shigaraki chuckled darkly. "I like this side of you, boss."

Hatsume adjusted her goggles, her grin widening. "This is gonna be fun!"

Tokoyami nodded stoically, Dark Shadow flickering around him. "Lead the way, Midoriya."

With the horn blaring, we charged into the maze.

The shifting walls moved unpredictably, but I had anticipated this. I scanned the patterns, quickly identifying a rhythm to their movement.

"Hatsume, boost forward and scout. Shigaraki, you're on demolition duty for dead ends. Tokoyami, guard our flanks. Let's move."

Hatsume shot ahead, her rocket boots propelling her through the corridors. "Left, then a sharp right! Watch out for spikes on the floor!"

"Got it," I said, leading the group as Shigaraki dissolved any debris blocking our path.

As we rounded a corner, we ran straight into Class 1-A. They were floundering, arguing over which path to take. Bakugo was yelling, Todoroki was stone-faced, and the rest looked like they'd rather be anywhere else.

"Move it, amateurs," I said, my voice dripping with disdain.

Bakugo whirled around, his hands sparking. "What'd you say, you damn nerd?"

"You heard me," I replied, stepping closer. "Your indecision is embarrassing. This isn't a debate club—it's a competition. Get your act together or step aside."

Todoroki raised an eyebrow, his gaze icy. "Bold words for someone quirkless."

I laughed, the sound cold and sharp. "And yet, I'm ahead of you. Maybe it's not quirks you lack—it's leadership."

Bakugo lunged forward, his palms igniting. "Say that again, Deku!"

Before he could attack, Dark Shadow surged forward, forming a barrier between us. Tokoyami's calm voice cut through the tension. "I'd advise against that. You wouldn't win."

Bakugo gritted his teeth, but I didn't wait for his response. I turned to my team. "Let's go. We've wasted enough time here."

We pushed past them, leaving Class 1-A behind as the walls shifted again, blocking them from following.

Further into the maze, we encountered Class 1-B. Unlike 1-A, they weren't bickering; they were methodical, working as a unit.

I stepped forward, addressing their leader, Monoma. "Impressive coordination. But let's be honest—you're not winning this."

Monoma smirked, clearly ready for a verbal sparring match. "And why's that? Because you say so?"

"No," I said, reaching into my pocket and pulling out a thick stack of cash. "Because you're smart enough to know when to take an easy win."

The entire class froze, their eyes widening at the sight of the money.

"What's this?" Monoma asked, suspicious but intrigued.

"Consider it a bonus," I said, tossing the cash at his feet. "Step aside and let us pass. Use the time to strategize for the next round. Trust me, this maze isn't worth losing everything over."

The greed in their eyes was immediate. Monoma hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But don't expect us to go easy on you in the next round."

"I wouldn't dream of it," I said, smirking as we passed them.

Shigaraki snorted. "You really just bribed them?"

"Why not?" I replied. "Money solves problems faster than fists. Besides, it's not like they'll win anyway."

As we approached the maze's exit, the challenges intensified. Spikes shot from the walls, and moving platforms threatened to knock us off course.

"Hatsume, disable the traps!" I ordered.

"On it!" she replied, using a gadget to short-circuit the mechanisms.

"Tokoyami, cover the rear!"

Dark Shadow blocked a falling boulder just in time, saving Shigaraki from being crushed.

We emerged from the maze just as Midnight's voice echoed across the stadium.

"And we have our first team to finish the Maze of Mayhem! Team Midoriya takes the lead once again!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, but I didn't stop to bask in the glory. I turned to my team, my tone sharp. "We're not done yet. Stay focused. This is just the beginning."

Shigaraki grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You're relentless, you know that?"

"Relentless wins," I replied simply.

As we waited for the other teams to finish, I couldn't help but glance back at the maze. Somewhere in there, Class 1-A was still struggling, and Class 1-B was probably counting their bribe money.

I smirked to myself. This was going exactly as planned....