Chapter 8: The U.A. Practical Test
Following the school's instructions, Izuna collected his candidate number and entered a massive hall.
U.A. High School had clearly taken into account the large number of applicants. The seats in the hall were arranged perfectly—just enough to accommodate everyone.
At the front stood a giant display screen, and beneath it was a podium just large enough for one person.
After everyone had taken their seats, a figure finally stepped onto the stage.
"Students taking the exam, welcome to this exciting live broadcast!"
Standing on the stage was a middle-aged man wearing headphones, looking like a rock singer. He spread his arms wide, his voice full of enthusiasm.
"Come on, everyone—say 'Hello' with me!"
"…"
The hall remained silent.
Not a single student responded.
The atmosphere became extremely awkward.
"Tch, how boring." The man shrugged helplessly, though the smile on his face didn't fade at all.
"Alright then! Next, I'll explain the rules and instructions for the practical exam. So all of you—listen carefully!!"
"…"
The room was still silent.
No one responded.
"This practical test will follow the same format described in your exam guidelines. All candidates will participate in a ten-minute 'simulated urban combat exercise.'"
"During this exercise, you may use any equipment you brought with you."
"After I finish explaining the rules, you will proceed to your designated training grounds to prepare for the practical test."
"In each training area, U.A. has placed a large number of robotic enemies, divided into three types. Each type is worth a different number of points depending on its threat level."
"Your objective is simple: defeat these enemies using your Quirk and earn as many points as possible."
"Of course, attacking other candidates is strictly prohibited~"
Just as the middle-aged man finished speaking, a student in the audience suddenly stood up.
"I have a question. May I ask it now?"
"Go ahead."
"The manual clearly states that there are four types of enemies," the student said firmly. "If the information is wrong, it would be quite embarrassing for the number one hero academy in Japan."
"We candidates came here seeking guidance from exemplary heroes!"
Then the boy suddenly turned and glared at Izuku Midoriya, who was sitting nearby.
"And you! The curly-haired student on the right—you've been muttering to yourself this entire time. It's extremely disrespectful during such an important test!"
"If you came here just to slack off, you should leave immediately!"
Seeing the situation escalating, the man on stage raised his hand, drawing everyone's attention back to himself.
"Alright, candidate number 7111, that's a very good question. Thank you for bringing it up."
"Of course, the fourth type of enemy does exist."
"But it's worth zero points."
"In other words, it's designed purely as an obstacle. Each training zone contains one extremely dangerous 'gimmick' enemy."
"Although it's technically possible to defeat it… doing so won't earn you any points."
"So I strongly recommend that all candidates simply avoid it."
He paused before continuing.
"Finally, let me remind you of the school's motto."
"The great hero Napoleon Bonaparte once said: 'A true hero is one who can overcome the misfortunes of life.'"
"So push forward—go beyond your limits!"
"Alright, everyone… enjoy the challenge!"
"Please check the venue number printed on your candidate card."
"For candidates assigned to Venue A, please follow me."
Several teachers began organizing the students and guiding them toward their respective testing areas.
"My venue number is…"
Standing in the crowd, Izuna searched his pockets before finally finding the card.
"'A', huh?"
After confirming the location, he casually straightened his clothes and followed the teacher toward Venue A.
"Hmph. I didn't expect you to be here."
Before Izuna had taken more than a few steps, an arrogant voice sounded beside him.
"Perfect. Today I'll crush you under my feet."
"…Still acting like a child."
Izuna glanced at Bakugo Katsuki briefly before calmly looking away.
"You're looking down on me?!" Bakugo's expression instantly darkened.
He rushed forward and blocked Izuna's path.
"Do you dare compete with me?"
"No."
"I'm not interested."
"You—!"
"Candidates, please keep your voices down," the teacher leading the group said as he turned around and looked at them.
"If you have any issues, discuss them after the exercise is finished."
"Tch."
Bakugo clicked his tongue irritably and stepped aside to let Izuna pass.
"Just you wait. I'll definitely surpass you in this entrance exam."
"Why are you so focused on competing with me?" Izuna said calmly, glancing in the direction of Izuku Midoriya.
"Shouldn't you be competing with him instead?"
"Hmph. Someone without a Quirk has no chance of entering U.A.," Bakugo said disdainfully as he glanced at Midoriya.
Then he turned back toward Izuna.
"And we're not done with what happened before."
"Just wait!"