Chapter 48: Internships (1)
~Ren Y. POV~
[Later, U.A. High School, Class 1-A, Japan]
*Swooosh*
Avoiding a kick, I got careful fighting off against Ectoplasm clones. I've been busy grinding in a training room prepared by Nezu as I kept on fighting off the swarm of ghost-like clones wearing trench coats and black bodysuits, provided by my math teacher, Phantom Hero: Ectoplasm.
[Observe].
[Ectoplasm Lv.5(45) Clone]
[Ectoplasm Lv.5(45) Clone]
[Ectoplasm Lv.5(45) Clone]
[Ectoplasm Lv.5(45) Clone]
Fighting off against the clones as I have my enhancements on it showed me lacking in a few areas trying to gain my EXP for my levels. Though Ectoplasm was far from the most physically capable Hero, even losing his legs in the line of duty, his ability to create upwards of 36 ghostly clones made him a difficult opponent.
At the very least, that was the case for ordinary opponents and villains. Ectoplasm is a more than capable Pro-Hero and is among the strongest of the U.A. Faculty members. He excels at close-range combat despite not having his legs anymore.
Thanks to light combat prosthetics, Ectoplasm's fighting style consists mostly of flurries of fast kicks in close-range combat. Ectoplasm is also very intelligent and can analyze Quirks to help students improve them.
Additionally, he helped me adjust a few of my moves and my fighting style using my [Electro Mastery] giving a few pointers. But as they all circled around me closing in as they lunged for a kick…
*VUMMM*
I exhaled focusing on my [Attract and Repel] and [OFA]. I pushed both my arms back followed by an incredible repulsion force behind it empowered. [OFA] + [Attract and Repel] = [Almighty Push]!
*SWOOOOSH*
Unleashing the repulsion force in all directions I felt my PP Bar take the hit. I panted a bit tired but soon got up regaining my energy and gaining my level up.
[You gain 5 EXP]
[You gain 5 EXP]
[You gain 5 EXP]
[You gain 5 EXP]
[LEVEL UP!]
Status.
----
Name: Ren Yuki
Class: THE GAMER
Race: Human
Title: Villain Slayer
Level: 20 Exp: 0/25%
HP: 1000/1000
PP: 900/900
STR: 30 (+20)
AGI: 30 (+20)
VIT: 32 (+20)
INT: 30 (+20)
SEN: 34 (+20)
LUCK: 41 (+25)
Stat Points: 50-> 60
Money: All Might's Allowance
----
Feeling much better about myself, I exhaled as Nezu and Ectoplasm came inside to check on me. I turned my head to Ectoplasm Sensei, thanking him for his time in a grateful tone, "I thank you for helping me out, Ectoplasm-Sensei, for your time and assistance."
Ectoplasm, being a casual guy, spoke in a neutral tone, shaking his head as he exclaimed, coming closer to me, "It is no problem, Ren Yuki. Principal Nezu explained the situation and what you needed from me. I just hope you take these lessons against me for future use. You have my permission, young man."
Nodding, I touched Ectoplasm as I saw the usual update appear in front of me. I didn't hesitate to copy his Quirk.
[Ding!]
[The host found the Quirk [Clones]. Would you like to copy?]
[Skill: [Clones] copied!]
Skill List.
----
Description: [Clones] allows the user to release a viscous substance from their mouth and shape it into clones of themselves. By vomiting what appears to be a glowing fluid, the user can create up to 1 clone at a time with the fluid every 10 levels. The user is also able to dispel his clones willingly if he needs to.
All clones act as extensions of the user's real body, like a hive mind. Number of clones that can be summoned per day: 3.
----
Having copied his quirk, I explained to both as I tested out [Clones]. Having to barf them out felt weird as Nezu looked impressed in a curious tone, "Oh my. Seeing that you managed to copy Ectoplasm's Quirk, are you able to perform the refinement version for it Yuki-san?"
Hearing that I momentarily paused before slowly nodding my head. Having a refinement of this Quirk would be ideal.
And seeing I explained to Nezu about this before must be his curiosity. But his having spent his time helping me out with this issue showing off shouldn't be that much of an issue.
Choosing [Clones] to upgrade, I flinched, anticipating the pain to come. Upon doing so, I felt... oddly enough, nothing this time around. I blinked somewhat surprised there was no painful sensation…
This time at least… but I do feel a tingly sensation. Like my skin crawling or something along the lines…
[The user has used [Gene Refinement] on [Clones]. Would the user like to go ahead and refine the Quirk? [Yes/No]?]
[Ding!]
[The Quirk [Clones] changed to [Cloning]! Notable differences have been made in the description of the advanced Quirk!]
Feeling a change I immediately checked my new skill out. Skill List.
----
Description: This was [Clones] now refined as [Cloning] a skill that allows the user the ability to summon an identical clone by consuming the user's energy through binary fission. The user can create up to 1 EXACT clone at a time with the binary fission every 10 levels.
The user is also able to dispel his clones willingly if he needs to, as all clones act as extensions of the user's real body, like a hive mind, but cannot exceed the limit the user can summon the Clones and dispel them at any time. Number of clones that can be summoned per day: 3.
----
Feeling a light change from my body, Nezu asked in a curious tone, tilting his head, "I see you managed to finish your refinement. Can you show us?"
Nodding my head, I began to use my skill [Cloning]. Ahem! Summon Clone!
*Swooosh*
That was when I saw the action of the [Cloning] skill in action as the energy started to separate from effortlessly into a small blob of energy. At first for the instant as it began to create its form…
*Bubble*
*Fshh*
The process was instantaneous as 3 exact copies appeared seemingly ready for duty. I must admit I look good-looking for myself. But that was when Nezu asked curiously the process was made creating my clones, "Oh? Seems like your refinement changed the process done to Ectoplasm's [Clones] Quirk. Care to explain the changes, Ren?"
I nodded my head as I explained to both the new and improved [Clones] or rather now termed [Cloning] its capabilities. They were genuinely surprised seeing that unlike [Clones], mine is the EXACT strength and durability as me when I cloned them.
But I also mentioned I couldn't exceed the number I could summon, retaining the limitations from [Clones] Quirk. However, because it's boosted thanks to [OFA], my clones are a bit sturdier than most.
Having 3 clones at hand would be handy for me. I grinned, thinking of the possibilities and extra free time given now I had these guys.
This brought another shift in focus as I asked Nezu in a curious tone, getting his attention to my request, "Hey Nezu, is it possible for me to take multiple hero internships with my [Cloning] Quirk? They're just as strong as I am currently and won't worry about gaining experience from some pros if allowed?"
He pondered my request, thinking for a bit as he said in a curious tone with a sly grin on his face, "Hmm… it's rather a unique request, Yuki-kun. Indeed, you are an extraordinary specimen, as yours is a curious case. You, Mister Yuki, have received the largest sum of requests for an internship that I've seen in my entire life, and it's still growing. I'm aware of your request to accept multiple offers with your [Cloning] Quirk, and given your unusual abilities, I'm inclined to allow it."
I smiled at the idea of being able to finally gain some EXP during my time training. Seeing I have three clones, I can have one stay with the Excavation Hero: Power Loader to increase my skills in my [Mechanical Mastery] and support items.
That leaves me with 2 left that I could send to the remaining Hero Agencies while I spend time against Mirko. Yeah, I could work with that… or I could handle the Hosu Incident by sending one of my clones to Normal Hero: Manual.
Hmm… options to choose from…
/////
[2 Days Later, Train Station, Japan]
After the weekends ended it was finally time to meet up with our internships with everyone in class today all carrying their Hero Costume Suitcase. Aizawa-Sensei spoke stoically to us, "You've got your costumes, right? Wearing them in public is strictly prohibited, but don't drop them."
We all nodded with Mina and Toga slurred in an excited tone, "Yeahhh!!"
Aizawa scolded both in a stoic tone, giving us his words of advice in a stern voice, "And don't slur your yeah, Toga and Ashido. All of you, be on your best behavior! Now go."
After Aizawa allowed us to leave, I saw Itsuka Kendo come towards me as she pointed out to my clones, asking in a curious tone, "I see Class Rep managed to get another Quirk in his arsenal. Let me guess, Ectoplasm Quirk?"
Nodding my head, explaining myself not to need to hide my ability, I responded, admitting the fact casually, "Yup! I have three clones at work since I can get 4 times the experience out of the internships. I asked the principal if it was okay or not and got the green light. The more experience I get, the better I wish to become."
Momo nodded her head as she remarked, happy for me, "That's incredible, Yuki!"
Kinoko also chimes in, showing a more confident expression compared to before the Sports Festival, "Yeah! As expected from the class rep who managed to win 1st in the Sports Festival!"
Mina, getting close, asked in a curious tone with a raised eyebrow, "Anyone special in mind?"
Nodding my head, I explained where each of my clones was heading in a neutral tone, gripping my suitcase, "Yeah. I have one going to Power Loader to learn more about Support Items, one going to Ryukyu Agency to learn how to operate a hero agency, and the last one to Lady Nagant Agency to learn some crime fighting."
Their eyes seemed to widen when I mentioned 1 of the current top 10 rankers in the Hero Charts, with Sero whistling at my work motive in a stunned tone, "Whew… Damn, man getting one from the top 10 is nice – wait a minute… If that's where you're clones are going, where the heck are you going?"
Smirking at this, I had a smug expression stunning everyone again, preparing to leave for my trip to Hiroshima in a casual tone, "I'm personally interning with the Rabbit Hero: Mirko to up my fighting style. Or get my ass kicked, whichever one happens first."
The boys were mouth agape with Denki crying tears at the unfairness, "Oh, that's just not fair…!!"
I laughed lightly, but my attention drifted towards Ida with some concern. I heard about what happened to Ingenium on the news after the Sports Festival and how his attacker is still out there…
Like a ghost in the wind. He had already murdered 17 heroes and put another 23 permanently out of commission… Stain the Hero Killing Villain.
*Swirl*
I only sighed as I began to leave using my portals of [Wormhole], offering anyone free passage to arrive on time, to which they agreed. I saw one of my clones go with Ochaco to Ryuku Agency while the other went to Lady Nagant and lastly, one to UA to proceed with our training with Power Loader learning more about support gear with Mei and Izuku.
Opening my phone, I made sure to text message Aizawa-Sensei that Ida might look for the Hero Killer Stain in Hosu City, the last city he visited. And I soon got a confirmation from him surprisingly fast.
[Aizawa: Hmm… I figured that was the case. I'll be sure to tail him with Mindjack. Just worry about your challenges, problem child.]
Whew… that's reliving to hear. But moving on, it was time to meet Miss Rabbit Hero: Mirko herself.
/////
[Hiroshima, Forrest, Mirko's Place, Japan]
*Swirl*
Arriving according to the coordinates this is Mirko place. The home seemed a decently sized house that was far from anyone, but not to the point where it would be too far to get to the city for hero work.
And it appears she lives close to a forest with a large abundance of trees within the area. Or at least close to a forest, judging she must like her privacy.
Well, she is a rabbit, after all. There's even a carrot patch as I walk toward the front door, wondering why someone like her is interested in me.
In all honesty, she would be the very LAST person she wants to recruit me. Rumi is tough and always speaks her mind, even if it causes confrontation, and she respects those who do the same.
Rumi seems to believe that heroes who join teams are cowards, as they could just be relying on their teammates' strength rather than their own. As a hero, she proves to be very fearless and independent, freely traversing Japan while bravely facing any villain she comes across.
But even so, why did she pick me out here? Out of someone's favor, perhaps? Or were my fights against Shoto and Bakugo made up the fact to be worthwhile to intern someone like me…
Well… at least I have my clones to back me up what she's lacking. I went ahead to knock on the door, but by the slightest touch, it opened itself ever so slightly.
I guess she left it open for me. She's also unconcerned of anyone trying to break into her house. I opened my mouth to speak, "Hel – !!"
*SWOOOSH*
[
*VUMMM*
Immediately, my [Instinct] flared as a halo ring of my [Attract and Repel] summoned a halo to avoid that kick sent my way. Upon doing so, I heard a brash tone eyeing Mirko in her hero uniform with a feral grin on her face, "Oh? Interesting… Guess old O'Clock mentioned you being a brat that needed his asskicked!!"
Hearing that, I scowled, hearing that Knuckler had set me up. That fucking old bastard! Just go rot in your grave already!