The aftermath of the Battle Trial left Jace's mind in turmoil. While the rest of Class 1-A celebrated their growth and camaraderie, he retreated into the solitude of his dorm. The memories of Midoriya's resolve and Uraraka's unyielding spirit haunted him, lingering like ghosts that refused to fade. The light they carried stood in stark contrast to the shadows that defined his existence.
At night, the weight of his double life pressed heavily on him. The encrypted messages from All For One grew more demanding, urging him to dig deeper into U.A.'s secrets and weaknesses. Jace, however, found himself hesitating. His reports became carefully constructed webs of half-truths, offering just enough to satisfy his master while shielding his classmates from harm.
"You're walking a dangerous line," Kael's voice murmured within him. "One wrong move, and everything will come crashing down."
Jace sat on the edge of his bed, his laptop's glow casting sharp shadows across his face. The latest directive from All For One burned in his mind: "Identify U.A.'s critical vulnerabilities." His fingers hovered over the keyboard, his thoughts a storm of conflict.
He typed a vague response: Progress is steady. More time is required. After sending it, he leaned back, staring at the ceiling. The tendrils of shadow coiled around him like restless serpents, mirroring his unease.
The days at U.A. blurred together in a rhythm of gruelling training sessions and classes. Each morning, Jace donned his mask of calm detachment, immersing himself in the role of an ordinary student. The bonds forming among his peers became both a source of strength and an agonizing reminder of his deceit.
Midoriya's unrelenting determination fascinated Jace. Despite the boy's lack of control over One For All, his tireless efforts to improve resonated with something deep within Jace. The sight of Midoriya pushing himself to the brink during Quirk training sessions stirred emotions Jace couldn't quite name.
"Why do you try so hard?" Jace asked one day after class. The question slipped out before he could stop it.
Midoriya blinked, surprised by the uncharacteristic curiosity. "Because… it's what being a hero means. Helping others, even when it's hard." He smiled sheepishly. "I know I'm not the strongest, but if I can save even one person, it's worth it."
Jace nodded, his expression unreadable. Midoriya's answer stayed with him long after they parted ways.
One afternoon, All Might pulled Jace aside after a combat training session. The retired Number One Hero's eyes bore into him with an intensity that made Jace's skin crawl.
"Young Jin," All Might began, his voice uncharacteristically gentle, "you have immense potential, but I sense a hesitation within you. A hero must trust in their heart. What is holding you back?"
Jace's chest tightened. He forced a neutral expression and replied, "I'm just… focused on improving. That's all."
All Might studied him for a long moment before nodding. "If that's the case, then I expect great things from you. Remember, a true hero's strength comes from their heart, not just their Quirk."
The words lingered in Jace's mind like an echo, striking a chord he hadn't realized was there.
The next week brought an exercise that pushed the students to their limits. Aizawa's challenge was simple yet brutal: a simulation of a natural disaster. The class was divided into teams tasked with rescuing civilians and neutralizing hazards in a collapsing urban environment.
Jace's team consisted of Tokoyami, Jiro, and Asui. The simulation began with a deafening roar as virtual buildings crumbled around them. Smoke filled the air, and screams from simulated civilians added a grim realism to the exercise.
"We need to split up," Jace said, his tone commanding. "Tokoyami, focus on clearing debris with Dark Shadow. Jiro, use your sound waves to locate survivors. Asui, you're agile—get into the tight spaces and guide people out."
The others nodded, trusting his judgment. As they moved through the chaotic environment, Jace's shadows worked in tandem with Tokoyami's, lifting rubble and stabilizing unstable structures. Despite the urgency, Jace couldn't ignore the way Tokoyami's Dark Shadow seemed to mirror his own powers. It was a strange camaraderie, an unspoken understanding between two wielders of darkness.
The turning point came when a simulated aftershock caused a building to collapse, trapping Asui beneath a pile of debris. Jiro cried out, her panic evident, but Jace's focus sharpened.
"Stay calm," he said firmly. His shadows surged forward, lifting the rubble with precision and care. Tokoyami joined him, their combined efforts creating a path to free Asui. The tension in the air was palpable, but Jace's calm demeanor kept the team grounded.
When Asui was finally pulled to safety, Jiro let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks, Jin. That was… incredible."
Jace nodded, his expression unreadable. "Just doing my part."
The simulation ended with their team scoring high marks for efficiency and teamwork. Aizawa's evaluation was blunt but approving. "Good work. Jin, your leadership was solid. Keep it up."
That night, Jace stood on the dormitory rooftop, the city lights sprawling before him like a sea of possibilities. The weight of All For One's expectations and the bonds forming with his classmates felt like two opposing forces tearing him apart.
Kael's voice broke the silence. "You're not just his pawn, Jace. You have a choice."
Jace closed his eyes, his shadows curling around him protectively. For the first time, he allowed himself to hope that Kael was right. The path ahead was uncertain, but he resolved to walk it—shadows and all.