The following weeks at U.A. High School passed in a tense equilibrium. For Jace, each day felt like a performance. He moved through his classes, training sessions, and social interactions with precision, careful to maintain the balance between being an exemplary student and a spy for All For One. The bonds he formed with his classmates grew stronger, complicating his mission in ways he hadn't anticipated.
The mornings started with rigorous academic lessons, where Jace found himself excelling. His sharp mind, honed by years of survival and combat training, adapted quickly to the theoretical aspects of hero work. However, the afternoons were the true tests of his duality.
Combat training sessions brought out the best and worst in Jace. His shadow-based abilities made him a standout during sparring matches, but they also drew attention. Aizawa often commented on his efficiency and adaptability, but there was always a hint of suspicion in the teacher's tone. "You're good, Jin," Aizawa remarked one day after a particularly intense session, "but you're holding something back."
Jace gave a noncommittal shrug, his expression carefully neutral. "Just trying to stay focused, sir."
Life in the dorms was another challenge altogether. The camaraderie among his peers was infectious, and Jace often found himself drawn into their world despite his reservations. Tokoyami remained a constant presence, their shared affinity for darkness creating a bond of mutual respect. Jiro's dry humor and Asui's calm demeanor also offered unexpected moments of solace.
One evening, as the group gathered in the common area, Midoriya's boundless enthusiasm filled the space. He was recounting an analysis of hero tactics, his notes spread across the coffee table like a battlefield map. Jace listened from the periphery, his dark eyes scanning the room. The laughter, the arguments, the shared dreams—it was a world he had never known, one that felt both alien and alluring.
"Jin," Midoriya called, drawing Jace's attention. "What do you think makes a great hero?"
The question caught Jace off guard. He hesitated, the shadows within him stirring uneasily. "A great hero…" He paused, his mind flashing to All For One's teachings and the acts of kindness he'd witnessed at U.A. "...is someone who protects what matters most, no matter the cost."
Midoriya beamed. "That's a great answer!"
Jace forced a smile, the weight of his deception pressing harder against his chest.
The deeper Jace immersed himself in U.A. life, the more difficult it became to fulfill his role as a spy. All For One's messages grew sharper in tone, the demands more precise. "U.A.'s security protocols. Weaknesses in the faculty. Details on All Might's movements." The list of inquiries was endless, and each one felt like a blade aimed at the heart of the life Jace was starting to cherish.
Late at night, Jace trained in secret. The rooftop of the dormitory became his sanctuary, a place where he could unleash the full extent of his powers without prying eyes. His shadows writhed and danced, forming complex shapes and devastating attacks. Kael's voice was a constant presence, guiding him, encouraging him to push beyond his limits.
"You're more than his tool," Kael whispered as Jace summoned a storm of shadow blades, their edges gleaming with deadly precision. "You have the power to forge your own path."
Jace's fists clenched as he dismissed the blades, the shadows dissipating into the night. "But at what cost?"
When All Might's class approached again, the atmosphere in Class 1-A crackled with anticipation. The retired hero's lessons were legendary, his presence a reminder of what they all aspired to become. This time, the exercise was a team-building challenge designed to test their ability to work together under pressure.
The class was divided into groups, each tasked with navigating a maze filled with simulated villains and environmental hazards. Jace's group included Tokoyami, Iida, and Yaoyorozu. As the challenge began, the group quickly fell into a rhythm, each member's abilities complementing the others.
Jace took the lead, his shadow tendrils scouting ahead to identify threats. Tokoyami followed closely, Dark Shadow providing additional support. Yaoyorozu's quick thinking and resourcefulness proved invaluable, while Iida's speed allowed them to cover ground efficiently.
As they progressed, the simulated villains grew more challenging. One particularly tough scenario involved a collapsing bridge over a simulated river. Yaoyorozu created a makeshift support beam while Iida carried her across, leaving Jace and Tokoyami to fend off the attackers. The battle was intense, shadows and claws clashing with the simulated villains' energy-based attacks.
"Keep moving!" Jace shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. His tendrils lashed out, dismantling the attackers with precision. Beside him, Tokoyami's Dark Shadow roared, its movements a reflection of their shared determination.
The group completed the challenge in record time, earning praise from All Might. "Excellent teamwork," he said, his booming voice filled with pride. "This is what being a hero is all about—working together to overcome the odds!"
Jace nodded along with his teammates, but his mind was elsewhere. The exercise had been a success, but the shadows within him churned with unease. Each step closer to becoming a hero felt like a step further from the mission he had been given.
That night, Jace skipped his rooftop training, opting instead to sit alone in his room. He stared at his phone, the latest message from All For One glaring back at him: Report your findings.
Kael's voice broke the silence. "You don't have to send it. Not this time."
Jace hesitated, his fingers hovering over the screen. The bonds he had formed at U.A., the lessons he had learned, and the light he had glimpsed—it all weighed on him. With a deep breath, he deleted the message.
For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that he could defy the shadows.