Back home, the smell of a gourmet dinner wafted through the air as I stepped inside. Our chef had outdone himself again, but that was to be expected. When you can afford the best of everything, mediocrity simply isn't on the menu. As I entered the dining room, Dad was already seated at the head of the table, a glass of the finest wine in hand, watching the evening news on one of the holographic screens.

All for One: Ah, Izuku, welcome back. How was the exam? I trust it was as amusing as you anticipated?

He didn't even look up from the screen as he spoke, but I could tell he was already grinning. We both knew UA's little obstacle course would be more of a playground than a challenge.

I sat down across from him, reaching for the perfectly chilled glass of sparkling water that had been set out for me.

Me: Oh, it was a riot, Dad. You should've seen them—these kids were throwing themselves at the robots like it was some kind of quirk carnival. And then, of course, there was the Zero Pointer. The moment that thing showed up, they lost what little sense they had left.

Dad chuckled, finally turning his attention to me, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

All for One: I take it you didn't join the chaos?

Me: Please. Why waste the effort? I did what any sensible person would do—I let them tire themselves out, then strolled in and handled it without lifting a finger. Well, except for the one I used to control the robot.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the device I'd used to hack the Zero Pointer, holding it up for Dad to see. He leaned forward, his interest piqued.

All for One: Ah, your little gadget. I must say, Izuku, you've truly outdone yourself. Manipulating the Zero Pointer? Ingenious. I'm sure the instructors were utterly baffled.

Me: Oh, they were. And the best part? The other examinees were so focused on trying to smash it that they didn't even notice what was happening. The poor fools.

I took a sip of water, savoring the victory almost as much as the taste. But then, another thought crossed my mind, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Me: You know what's even funnier, though? Some of them actually took the money I offered to forfeit. I mean, how desperate do you have to be to take cash and walk away?

Dad leaned back in his chair, a wide grin spreading across his face.

All for One: Desperate or pragmatic? After all, they must have realized their chances of winning were slim to none. Taking the money was probably the smartest move they could make under the circumstances.

Me: True, true. I suppose they at least had the good sense to know when they were outmatched. Still, it's hilarious how easily they folded. A few thousand yen, and they just gave up! It's like they've never even heard of pride.

All for One: Pride is a luxury, my son. When faced with insurmountable odds, the truly intelligent know when to cut their losses. And in this case, you provided them with an easy out. It's a win-win, really. They walk away with some cash, and you get rid of the competition without breaking a sweat.

I couldn't help but laugh along with him. It was true—these kids were so blinded by their hero fantasies that they never even considered the smarter option until I dangled it in front of them. And honestly, who could blame them? Not everyone had the privilege of growing up in a world where money was just another tool in the arsenal.

Me: You're right, Dad. Money does have a way of simplifying things. I mean, why waste time on brute force when you can just... buy the outcome you want? It's almost too easy.

Dad's smile turned slightly more sinister, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone.

All for One: That's the beauty of it, Izuku. Most people spend their lives struggling, fighting tooth and nail to achieve what they want, never realizing that with enough wealth and intelligence, you can bypass the struggle entirely. Power isn't just about strength; it's about control. And there's no greater control than being able to shape the world around you with a mere transaction.

Me: Exactly! UA can throw all the robots and obstacles they want at me, but at the end of the day, they're just another variable to be managed. I didn't need a quirk to beat their exam—I just needed a plan, a bit of tech, and some cash to grease the wheels. It's almost embarrassing how simple it was.

All for One: And that, my son, is why you're destined for greatness. You understand what so many fail to grasp—that the world is a chessboard, and most people are merely pawns. But we... we are the players, and with the right moves, we can checkmate anyone who stands in our way.

We both laughed, the sound echoing through the grand dining room. Dinner was served, a feast fit for royalty, and as we ate, we continued to exchange stories and ideas, each more outrageous and cunning than the last.

As dessert was brought out—some decadent creation involving gold leaf and imported truffles—I leaned back in my chair, completely at ease.

Me: You know, Dad, I almost feel sorry for those kids. They're so wrapped up in their dreams of being heroes that they don't even see the bigger picture. They think power comes from quirks, from flashy battles and heroic speeches. But real power... real power is something they can't even comprehend.

Dad raised his glass, a knowing smile on his lips.

All for One: To the future, my son. May you continue to outsmart, outmaneuver, and outclass everyone who dares to stand in your way.... and spend all the money you need.

I clinked my glass against his, feeling the warmth of victory and the thrill of what was to come. UA didn't know it yet, but they were in for a rude awakening. They'd set the stage for their so-called heroes, but I was about to steal the show.

Me: To the future, Dad. Where money rules, and we reign supreme.