Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Alex Carter found himself in the quiet city of Morishima, an island nation in this unfamiliar world. His home was a modest, 60-square-meter apartment in a worn-out residential building. Strangely, his memories contained no trace of parents or family, leaving him alone in this compact but comfortable space.
Inside his apartment, Alex sat cross-legged on the floor, repeatedly testing the golden light emanating from his hands. The power of Holy Light was fascinating, but he needed to understand its full potential.
He recalled the cryptic words of the white-haired old man who brought him here: *"The four of you hail from different camps."* At first, Alex didn't grasp the meaning, but as time passed, it became clear. They were competitors in a dangerous game, each representing a distinct side. Alex's camp, clearly aligned with righteousness, offered a direct path to U.A. High School's prestigious Hero Course—if he could pass the entrance exam in ten months.
The opportunity thrilled Alex. Joining Class 1-A would mean training alongside the protagonists of this world and growing stronger every day. But a nagging fear crept in when he thought about the other three travelers. He vividly remembered their future selves—powerful, intimidating figures. While their current locations remained unknown, Alex knew one thing: travelers from opposing camps were destined to clash. The system made it clear—kill or be killed.
For now, Alex focused on himself. The Holy Light quirk, though promising, was still basic. He could create a defensive shield to protect vital areas and channel the energy into his fists for attacks. However, his current strength barely matched the abilities of an average quirk user.
To close the gap, Alex decided to train in Seaside Park, the same location where All Might once trained Izuku Midoriya. The park was vast enough to avoid crossing paths with Izuku, and even if they met, Alex's quirk would likely blend in with the crowd. At this early stage, it wasn't overly conspicuous—comparable to quirks like ice, fire, or electricity.
The thought gave Alex hope. If the other travelers weren't familiar with *My Hero Academia*, he could leverage his knowledge of this world to get ahead. With enough time and effort, he could ensure his survival, even against those who wished him harm.
But for now, Alex's stomach growled, reminding him of more immediate needs. He rummaged through the apartment, finding a small bundle of cash—enough to last a little over a month. Beyond that, he'd need to find part-time work, a common practice for minors in this world.
As the sun set, Alex decided to grab dinner. He pocketed some yen, put on his shoes, and stepped outside. The narrow streets of Morishima were alive with the evening bustle, and just a short walk away, a small ramen shop called **"Oniyama Ramen"** caught his eye.
The aroma of fresh broth drew him inside. The shop was cozy, with about fifteen tables, half of which were occupied by cheerful diners. Alex approached the counter and ordered confidently, "One bowl of deluxe seafood ramen, please."
The owner, a cheerful and stocky man named Satoshi Oniyama, gave a hearty laugh. "Coming right up!" he said, bustling off to prepare the dish.
Moments later, Satoshi personally brought Alex's order. The rich aroma of the broth was mouthwatering. "Here you go, young man. First time here, huh?"
"Yeah, it is," Alex replied with a polite smile.
Satoshi beamed. "Well, we have a tradition here. New customers get a free drink on the house!" He turned to the back. "Keiko, bring a bottle of juice for our guest!"
A cheerful woman emerged from the kitchen, smiled warmly, and handed Alex a chilled bottle of juice. Embarrassed by the kindness, Alex stammered, "Oh, you don't have to—"
"Nonsense!" Satoshi cut him off with a grin. "It's our way of welcoming new faces."
Other customers chimed in with their stories of the owner's generosity, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere. Alex couldn't help but smile. This world, despite its dangers, had its moments of warmth and kindness.
As he dug into the steaming bowl of ramen, Alex's resolve solidified. Tomorrow, he'd head to Seaside Park to begin his training. Ten months wasn't a lot of time, but it was enough to make progress. He'd use every ounce of his strength—and every piece of his knowledge—to secure his place in this world.
For now, though, he savored the simple joy of a hot meal in a welcoming place.