ALL NOVEL Chapter 82: 82: Intermission
With the semifinals concluded, Midnight announced a brief intermission to allow the competitors to rest and the audience to refresh.
The energy in the arena remained electric, though it was clear that everyone was eager to see the highly anticipated final battle between Aiden Wilhelm Fritz and Shoto Todoroki.
In a secluded observation room above the stadium, the U.A. teachers gathered to analyze the events of the day. Present were Aizawa, All Might, Cementoss, Midnight, Power Loader, and a few others.
The screen before them displayed replays of the matches, allowing them to evaluate the students' performances.
"Aiden's raw physical strength is absurd," Power Loader remarked, watching a slowed-down replay of Aiden breaking free from Tokoyami's Dark Shadow. "It's like his body itself is a weapon."
Cementoss nodded. "What's more impressive is how he's hardly relied on his quirk, at least in its flashy forms. His creativity and control make him stand out even among the top students."
"Of course, the boy comes from royalty," Midnight said with a grin. "That confidence and showmanship aren't just for fun—it's natural for him."
Aizawa, ever the realist, crossed his arms. "Confidence is fine, but he's yet to face an opponent who can truly push him to his limits. Shoto might be that person."
All Might nodded. "Shoto has been outstanding. He's finally started using both sides of his quirk. But..." He hesitated. "It's clear he's still holding onto emotional baggage. If that isn't resolved, it could hinder him."
The teachers fell silent for a moment before moving on to discuss other standout performances, such as Tenya's precise tactics, Momo's strategic brilliance, and the relentless determination of students like Kirishima and Tetsutetsu.
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As the intermission began, Aiden decided to head up to the VIP booth to meet his family and the Imperial family.
Walking through the grand hallways with his usual confidence, he attracted stares from both students and staff. His royal aura was impossible to ignore.
The moment Aiden entered the booth, he was greeted by a wave of affection. His mother, Eleanor, stood up immediately, her elegant presence undiminished by her sheer enthusiasm.
"My son!" she exclaimed, her arms wide open. Aiden barely had time to react before she enveloped him in a tight embrace, peppering his face with kisses. "You were magnificent out there! My little king!"
"Mom, please," Aiden said, chuckling as he gently tried to pry her off. "I'm not a child anymore."
"Oh, hush," Eleanor replied, beaming. "You'll always be my baby."
Maximilian, his father, approached next, clapping a hand on Aiden's shoulder. "You've done us proud, son. But remember, the final battle isn't just about strength—it's about strategy. Shoto Todoroki is no ordinary opponent."
"I know, Dad," Aiden replied, his tone slightly serious. "I'll give it my all or as much as Shoto can take."
Meanwhile, Seraphina smirked from her seat. "Don't let all this praise go to your head, Aiden. You still have to win."
"Jealous much?" Aiden teased, earning a playful glare from his sister.
The Imperial family, seated nearby, watched the interaction with warm smiles. Emperor Hiroshi leaned forward, addressing Aiden. "You have a remarkable presence on the battlefield, young Fritz. Your composure and strength are truly admirable."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Aiden said, bowing slightly. "It's an honor to perform before such esteemed guests."
Princess Hana giggled softly. "I think your performance was fun, especially when you danced with that invisible girl earlier."
Aiden grinned. "Well, what's the point of a festival if you can't have a little fun?"
The group laughed, the atmosphere light and cheerful despite the stakes of the final match looming ahead.
Meanwhile, Shoto Todoroki had found a quiet corner in the stadium to collect his thoughts. He was mentally preparing for his battle with Aiden when he heard the heavy footsteps of someone approaching.
Turning, he saw his father, Endeavor, standing tall and imposing as ever.
"Shoto," Endeavor began, his deep voice filled with authority. "You've done well so far. Using your fire side—my side—shows that you're finally starting to understand your potential."
Shoto's expression hardened, his mismatched eyes locking onto his father's with disdain. "I don't use it because of you," he said coldly. "I use it because I wanted to win."
Endeavor smirked, ignoring his son's hostility. "It doesn't matter why. What matters is that you're a step closer to becoming the best, to surpassing All Might. That's always been the goal."
Shoto's fists clenched at his sides. "Your goal, not mine. Don't think for a second that I'm doing this for you."
Endeavor's expression darkened, but before he could respond, Shoto turned and walked away, leaving his father standing alone. The interaction left a bitter taste in Shoto's mouth, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task ahead.
Elsewhere, Tenya Iida was seated in the waiting area when his phone buzzed. He answered quickly, only to hear his mother's worried voice on the other end.
"Tenya, it's your brother. He was attacked by a villain. He's in the hospital."
Tenya froze, his heart sinking. "What? Who attacked him? Is he going to be okay?"
"He's stable," his mother replied, her voice trembling. "But the villain... they're still out there."
As the call ended, Tenya sat in silence, his mind racing. The news of his brother's injury weighed heavily on him, but he resolved to stay strong.
For now, he had to focus on his training and the lessons he'd learned from Tensei. Justice would prevail.
As the intermission continued, a cheerful announcement rang through the stadium: "Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy a special cheerleading performance from our U.A. students!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as the female students from Class 1-A and 1-B appeared on the field, dressed in vibrant cheerleading uniforms.
The colorful outfits sparkled under the stadium lights, and the girls carried pompoms as they moved into position.
Mina Ashido led the group, her energetic personality shining as she shouted, "Let's show them what we've got, girls!"
The music began, a lively, upbeat tune that got the crowd clapping along. The girls executed their routine with precision, performing flips, jumps, and synchronized movements that wowed the audience.
Mina, Momo, Jirou, and Toru stood out with their charisma and energy, each adding their unique flair to the performance.
Even the usually reserved Yaoyorozu seemed to be enjoying herself, though her blush hinted at some lingering embarrassment.
Kyoka Jirou, despite her usual punk attitude, got into the rhythm of the music, her movements sharp and expressive.
From the VIP booth, Aiden watched with a grin, clapping along with the crowd. "Looks like they're having fun," he remarked, earning a chuckle from his mother.
The routine ended with a grand finale: a pyramid formation topped by Mina, who struck a triumphant pose as the crowd roared in approval. The girls bowed, their smiles bright as they soaked in the applause.
As the intermission drew to a close, the crowd's excitement reached its peak. The final match was about to begin, and all eyes were on the two remaining competitors: Aiden Wilhelm Fritz and Shoto Todoroki.
The stage was set for an epic battle that would determine the champion of the U.A. Sports Festival.
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[Stonesssssss!!!]
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Next chapters:
83: Finals [I]
84: Finals [II]