>>2947270

You catch movement out of the corner of your eye. A flower pot teeters precariously on a windowsill. You feel time slow to a trickle as your brain cycles up.

David Isaac Fischer. Quirk: Human Calculator. Your brain can operate at thousands of times the speed of an ordinary person and can calculate things like mass, weight, force, etc. with almost no error. In essence, when it comes solely to physical interactions, you can see the future!

The AC near the pot just kicked on, and it's own sway is shaking the wooden ledge the pot rests on. Assuming the AC doesn't spontaneously fail, the flowerpot will fall in twenty seconds. It will take 1/10th of a second to hit the sidewalk, slightly less if it hits someone, which, given crowd you're navigating, is quite likely. A clay flowerpot with daffodils weighs about 8 lbs. wet, but even dry, from a fall three stories up it has enough time to build up enough kinetic force to cause a severe concussion at best. It looks like the door 10 feet ahead leads into the apartment complex that includes the flowerpot's sill.
It takes you maybe 1/100th of a second to process all of this. Assuming a fairly standard apartment layout, you have a high confidence threshold that, barring trouble getting into the apartment, you could reach the sill in 12 seconds.

>Hang around outside and try to prevent anyone from being hit when it falls.
>Try to reach the sill before it falls.
>This isn't your problem.

>>2947272
>Try to reach the sill before it falls. but also try to prevent anyone from being hit if we don't reach it in time

I mean it's not that hard to talk and physically react at the same time.

>>2947272
>Hang around outside and try to prevent anyone from being hit when it falls.

>>2947293

This

>>2947293
This.

>>2947272
>Hang around outside and try to prevent anyone from being hit when it falls.

>>2947272
Jerk off

>>2947293
>>2947303
>>2947323
You're pretty sure you can get back in time to push a bystander out of the way if the door's locked. You quickly shoot through the door, up the stairs two at a time- and impact into a guy going up the stairs in your haste. Shit, that's... two seconds off your time? You head for the apartment door and hammer on it, then try the knob. Locked. Okay... 10.1 seconds left, in all likelihood. If you don't stop, you can get back just in time to-
oh, crap, the guy you ran into's coming up the stairs. Doesn't look like he's in a good mood.
"Watch where you're going, you brat!"
There's no way he's letting you past him. Okay, the stairwell's a spiral type... with a bit of effort, you could try to get past him and reach the bottom with a bit of gymnastics. The door to the apartment's also pretty flimsy...

>Try to convince the guy to help (odds of success: unsure)
>Try to flip past him (Odds of success: 63%)
>Try and break the door down (Odds of success: 85%, near 100% if you talk the guy into helping you.)

>>2947471
>Flip past him.

>>2947471
>Try and break the door down (Odds of success: 85%, near 100% if you talk the guy into helping

Apologize and ask him for help. Say that it's to stop someone getting hurt.

>>2947471
>>Try to convince the guy to help (odds of success: unsure)
I want to know how the MC reacts to a situation with an unsure chance of success.

>>2947494
Whoops. To clarify, I'm voting for trying to talk him into helping and breaking the door if he refuses

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2947495
>>2947501
You look over your shoulder at the guy.
"Sorry, someone's going to get hurt. Help me kick this door in."
"Wait... what?"
"My Quirk, man. Help me."
The guy stares at you.

>>2947624
"...I'm calling the police."
Damn. Well, that cost you two seconds. Only way to stop the pot from falling is through the door now.

Roll 1d100, roll-under, best of three.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>2947634
inb4 nat 100

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>2947634
>>2947646
please, allow me

>>2947653
Kek

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2947634
Rolling

>>2947671
ayy lmao

op where the h*ck you at

>>2947865
Eating.

>>2947653
You brace yourself and hit the hinges with several hundred newtons of effective force; the screws ping off the ground. It takes three seconds to reach the windowsill and take the flowerpot inside. You carry it out to Stairwell Man and hold it up.
"See?"

Sadly, Stairwell Man didn't see. The police didn't, too, until they looked you up in the National Quirk Registry. Fortunately, Good Samaritan laws mean you aren't going to be liable for paying for the door to be re-installed. It does mean you get home a half-hour late, with the milk and eggs in a... questionable state. You quickly shove the entire bag into the fridge and check the mailbox. Bill, spam, spam, bill... and there, in the bottom of the pile, a thick white envelope with the distinctive seal of an eagle perched atop a peak. You tear it open.

"MR. FISCHER, SKYROCK ACADEMY CONGRATULATES YOU FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE IN YOUR REGIONAL EXAMINATIONS. WE WOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE YOU ENROLL IN OUR TRAINING PROGRAM..."


That was two months ago. Now, you're boarding a heavily-armored bus at the crack of dawn, getting ready to a non-stop trip to the remote Academy. You take in the lush leather seating, the screens displaying the Skyrock logo, the bulletproof glass, and the altogether excessive size of the bus; only 20 prospects are selected every year for training, and the bus has over three times that in seats.

It looks like you're one of the last students to turn up:

-A skeletal, pale figure with slit nostrils, jutting fangs, immense pointed ears, and a weird, leathery cape wrapped around his body is awkwardly bent over near the back to bring his head down next to a glowering tough with bone-white spurs on his wrists and claws, a well-dressed guy with a body made of shimmering crystal, and a punk with hair that bristles out in twenty different directions.

-A tan, sandy-blonde guy in a loose-fitting shirt seems to be in the center of a loose spread of four guys and a girl; they all seem to be talking about their regional exams.

-A pale girl with long limp black hair is staring at her own feet; two Hispanic guys are seated near her and seem to be trying to chat her up.


>Try and start a conversation with the heteromorphs.

>Join in the large group's conversation

>Listen in on the Hispanic guys.

>Sit by yourself and wait for the rest of the students to arrive.

>>2947916
>>Try and start a conversation with the heteromorphs.

>>2947916
listen in on the hispanic guys. A girl sitting alone? definetley important to the plot

>>2947916
>>Join in the large group's conversation

>>2947916
>>Sit by yourself and wait for the rest of the students to arrive.

>>2947916
>Try and start a conversation with the heteromorphs.
That first one just sounds like a straight up vampire.

>>2947927
Listen to the beaners and their conversation.

>>2948070
>>2948065
Next vote between these two decides it.

>>2947916
Hispanics

>>2948109
>>2948070
>>2947927
The two Hispanic guys seem to be a really mismatched pair. One of them is small and wiry, with quite a few scars on his hands, sunken, intense eyes, and a well-groomed mustache/goatee combo. He's dressed in a short-sleeved collared shirt with black formal pant and some kind of small gold medallion on his neck. The other one is slightly chubby, with a piggy nose, loose facial hair, and a mullet. He's wearing jeans and an All-Might tee that probably fit him as recently as three months ago. His entire skin seems to be covered in a slight damp sheen.
You sit down in the row in front of them and listen in.

Fat:"Come on, you've gotta say something!"
Girl: "..."
Fat: "I mean, we're gonna be training together an' all, you know. Might as well warm up to each other."
Girl: "..."
Wiry: "C'mon Reggie, she obviously wants to be left alone."
Reggie: "Yeah. Or maybe she thinks she's too good for us. Is that it, chica? You from one of those pro families who think hanging with dos héroes callejeros is going to ruin your brand? Is that what's going on here?"
Wiry: "Relájate, amigo. Te estás poniendo nervioso."
Reggie: "I ain't gonna be looked down on by anyone, Hector. Especially not some pallida pu-."

The girl looks up from her sneakers.. You can see that she's wearing some kind of... blindfold, or veil around her eyes.
"I just don't want to talk. Especially not with someone who hates me."
"Hate you? You're the one hating on me and my bro here, giving us the cold shoulder!"
"I was doing that because I knew you were just going to attack me. People always do that."
That seems to get under the wiry one, Hector's skin.
'What are you talking about?"
"People are always judgmental. They're always looking for an excuse to attack me. Like you two. Everyone's going to be attacking me."

>"Your friend did kind of get worked up really quickly there."
>"Not everyone's going to be attacking you."
>Stay out of it.

>>2948223
>If you believe that' all you're doing is making a self fulfilling prophecy. Is the reason why because of your quirk hidden under the blindfold?

>>2948223
I'll second >>2948232

>>2948232
I like it, it feels appropriate to our character so far.

>>2948223
>Chill out you three: I don't think anybody is looking down on you, especially not if you made it into this academy, and I really don't think anybody is going to start shit. Not on the bus at the very least.

>>2948232
I like this one, but I'd like to address all of them.

>>2948223
>>2948232
>>2948256
These two in particular

>>2948264
supportan

>>2948232
>>2948256
>>2948264
>>2948309
"Both of you need to start thinking. Reggie, was it? Everyone on this bus was selected by Skyrock; that means we're the 20 greatest Hero candidates our age in Region VI. Anyone who thinks they're better than anyone else on this bus is going to get their ass handed to them when classes start."
Reggie settles back into his chair. "I mean, I guess that's right. Doesn't mean people aren't gonna do it, though."
"As for you..."You pause a second, and push through when the girl adamantly refuses to give you her name "-whatever your name is, you're just going to make everyone hate you if you act like everyone's going to hate you. Did people attack you because of your eyes?"

She shakes her head.
"No. They don't need that to attack me. People are very stupid and spiteful creatures They define themselves with things like 'At least I'm not like them' and 'I really can't stand that', There's always someone else to blame." Her lips twist into a leering grin, and a keening chuckle escapes her lips. "Everyone's so full of grudges towards each other... that's why everyone hates me, because I can see that."
You feel that this girl was a lot more sympathetic when she had her mouth closed.

>"So what's with the blindfold?"
>"That seems like a bad attitude to have as a Hero."
>"So... You two guys seem to know each other!"
>"...Anyways, I'm David. Nice to meet you three?"

>>2948416
>So you see what makes a person angry? that explains the blindfold. Rough power. I'm sorry it's tainted your outlook on life so much. I truly hope your situation gets better.
>"...Anyways, I'm David. Nice to meet you three?"

>>2948434
Ditto

>>2948434
this

>>2948416
>Everyone has got someone they dislike, someone who stands for what they don't and that they resent. You don't need to see it to know it, it's simple common sense. However for as much people hate they love, for how much they resent they appreciate. Otherwise we would still all be living on our own, with blades at each other's throat. Again, simple logic and common sense.
>Anyhow I've blabbered enough, the name's David.
Too much autism?

>>2948511
just the right amount

>>2948434
>>2948480
>>2948484
"You can see what makes people angry? That's pretty rough. No wonder you're so... on edge. Hope things get better for you."
The girl just shakes her head and continues to keen-chuckle.
You extend a hand back to the three of them.
"I'm David Fischer, Nice to meet you?"
The wiry guy grabs your hand; his palm is rough with scar tissue and calluses.
"Hector Perón. The puerco next to me is Reginald Darger."
"Call me Reggie."

The girl turns her head towards the two of you.
"Becky Jackson. It's such a stupid, predictable name, isn't it? It's the kind that makes your blood just boil when you hear it." Her tone is... oddly gloating.

Reggie looks askance at Becky.
"Yeah... sure. Anyways, David- where you from?"
"Houston."
"Big city guy, huh? Must be pretty rough."
You shrug. "You get used to it."
"Hector and I are from Broken Arrow, up in Oklahoma. We've got a 5% crime rate."
You raise your eyebrows. "Your local agency's got to be incredible to have a rate like that."
Reggie waves a hand dismissively. "Nah, there's just not a lot of people and we've got a lot of local businesses. Most Metacrime there's just some hotheads getting hyped up on their Quirk."

>"why do you two want to become pros?"
>"So, uh... where are you from, Becky?"
>"How'd you get all those scars, Hector?"
>"What'd you all place in your exams?"
>"What's your Quirks?"

>>2948632
>"How'd you get all those scars, Hector?"
>"What's your Quirks?"

>>2948632
>>"why do you two want to become pros?"
>"How'd you get all those scars, Hector?" Exams or some hot heads high on his quirk? Or from your quirk?
>Also Becky are you a masochist? Because you seem to WANT people to attack you now.

>>2948646
This

>>2948646
>>2948749
"So... how'd you get those scars, Hector? Your Quirk?"
Hector nods. "Yes. My Quirk... it gives me strength when I need it most. When I am in pain, when I am suffering, it gives me the strength needed to rise above my suffering and save others."
Hector Perón; Quirk: "Martyr". When his body is injured, a surge of adrenaline-like chemicals temporarily grants him superhuman strength, speed, and resistance to pain.
"With how it works, I suppose I end up with a lot of scars; don't feel half of them, most of the time."

"Mine isn't half as cool as Hector's, but it's useful." Reggie gestures to his shiny skin.
Reginald Darger. Quirk: "Slick". His body can produce a slippery, flammable oil from his pores in large enough quantities to make oil slicks on the ground and make him impossible to grab.
"It just sucks during summer. I'm always making a small amount of it, you see, and when the heat and humidity are right..."
He makes a 'woosh' noise while splaying his fingers.
"Not enough to really burn me, but I've lost shirts that way."

>(To Reggie) "That sounds dangerous."
>(To Hector) "Strength augmentation, huh? That's a Quirk that's always in high demand. What made you go the Hero instead of the athlete route?"
>(To Becky) "What's up with you? You seem to want other people to hate you."
>(To Becky) "What's your Quirk, then?"
>(To All) "So... why'd you guys apply for training? The good Samaritan thing? Ad deals?"
>(To All) "What'd you score on your exams?"
>See what everyone else is doing.
>Go quiet and wait for the latecomers to show up.

>>2948909
>>(To Reggie) "That sounds dangerous. I hope you have some ability to resist fires"
>>(To Hector) Solid quirk, sucks you gotta get hurt to use it though.
>(To Becky) "What's your Quirk, then?"
>(To All) my quirk lets me compute things very quickly. Much more useful than it sounds. So why are you all joining up for hero training?

>>2948935
>Talk to Becky

>>2948909
>(To Becky) "What's up with you? You seem to want other people to hate you."

>>2948935
this

>>2948935
this

>>2948935
>>2949196
>>2949325
>>2948936
"That sounds dangerous. Is your skin heatproof or something, Reggie?"
"Nah, it's just a flash-burn. If I'm not actively forcing the stuff out, it just kind of burns away."
"That's... good, I guess? Hector, your Quirk sounds pretty solid; sucks you have to get hurt to use it, though."
Hector shrugs. "It is how it is. I don't mind."
"My Quirk... how do I explain this... it let's me predict the future, kind of. I can calculate things like the speed and direction of an object very quickly.
You pause for a second, realizing something. "Becky- you didn't mention your Quirk."
Becky 'looks' at you. "I thought you'd decided what it was already; I can see what makes people angry, right? Because you're so clever, you worked that out."

>"I want to hear it from you."
>"You were shaking your head when I said that. If I was wrong, correct me."
>"Okay, you want to be mysterious. So why did you three sign up for training?"

>>2949955
>"I want to hear it from you."
Let her know we listen.

>>2949955
>>"I want to hear it from you."
>I could very well be wrong after all, don't you want to correct me?

>>2949955
>"You were shaking your head when I said that. If I was wrong, correct me."

>>2949986
This.

>>2949986
>>2950022
"Well, I want to hear it from you. I could be wrong after all; don't you want to correct me?"
Becky shakes her head. "You're really clever, so you figure it out."
"Fine, if you want to be mysterious, be mysterious. Could you tell me why you want to be a hero at least?"
Becky sniggers. "That's easy; because I like punishing bad people. And villains are the worst kind of bad person, and if I'm a hero, I can punish them without getting in trouble."
Hector shakes his head. "At first I thought you were just shy, but you are a twisted woman, aren't you? I will pray for your soul."
"What about you, Hector?"
"It is my duty. I have been given a gift; I should use it to help people in need."
Reggie snorts. "Come off of your high horse, man- we've wanted to do this since we were kids."
Hector chuckles a bit, nodding. "True, true. What about you, David?"

>"I just want to help people, ever since I was a kid."
>"Doing good is good, but I could do that as a cop. It's about the fame, the celebrity, the ad deals."
>"The thrills, the epic battles, the daring rescues; it's a rush."
>"There's a hero I've looked up to since I was a kid."
>"I have my reasons."
>"I have my reasons."

>>2950193
>Lots of reasons, because I like helping people, because I can set a good example, and to prove I can. How many heroes do you know that don't have a quirk you can say are not flashy at all? You can count them one on hand, and I look up to them, because they chose to put it all on the line despite lacking the raw power most heroes have.

>>2950244
+

>>2950193
>"The thrills, the epic battles, the daring rescues; it's a rush."

>>2950193
>>"The thrills, the epic battles, the daring rescues; it's a rush."

>>2950193
>Lots of reasons, because I like helping people, because I can set a good example, and to prove I can. How many heroes do you know that don't have a quirk you can say are not flashy at all? You can count them one on hand, and I look up to them, because they chose to put it all on the line despite lacking the raw power most heroes have.

>>2950244
>>2950273
>>2950295
"I like helping people, but it's more than that. I mean, most Heroes... they have flashy Quirks, like strength augmentation, energy projection. heteromorphic Quirks. There's only a few Heroes who don't have anything super flashy, like Sir Nighteye or Eraser Head. I want to follow in their footsteps and show people that anyone can be a pro."

"That's a real admirable goal, I must say."
"Yeah, but that's gonna be hard, yeah? I mean, without something to help you stand out, you aren't going to get picked up by any of the major operations, right? Like, I can't see the Fifty Sentinels or VIGIL putting someone like you in their core. Hell, I mean, out of the four of us I'm pretty sure Hector's the only one who could end up on the A-list."

Becky remains silent, but you can feel her eyes boring into you behind her blindfold.

You feel a lurch and hear a hiss as the bus starts moving; looks like the stragglers arrived as you were talking. You take a look around:

-The heteromorphs seem to have a new guy in their group; he has five eyes; two above the normal eyes and one in the middle of his forehead.

-A tanned guy with slicked-back hair is lounging across three seats, fiddling with a touchpad. You didn't see him before;he must have arrived late.

-The sandy-blonde guy from earlier looks to be chatting with two guys and two girls; you can't make out what they're talking about from here.

-A toned girl with her brown hair tied back in a ponytail is doing push-ups in the middle of the aisle; a guy in a hoodie appears to be sketching her.

-A girl dressed in an obnoxiously-colored suit is trying to strike up a conversation with a goth in a black turtleneck and a scruffy-looking guy in a wrinkled shirt. The former is trying to ignore her, and the latter looks like he's trying to take a nap.

>Introduce yourself to the heteromorphs
>Talk to the loner.
>Introduce yourself to the large group.
>Talk to the girl working out.
>Talk to the guy with the sketchbook.
>Run interference for the goth and scruffy guy.
>Keep talking with Hector, Reggie, and Becky.
>Clam up until the ride's over.

>>2950496
>Just means I have to work harder then. Nice talking with ya, going to go mingle with some of the others.
>Talk to the girl working out.

>>2950496
>Run interference for the goth and scruffy guy.

>>2950496
>>Talk to the guy with the sketchbook.

>>2950496
>>Run interference for the goth and scruffy guy.

>>2950506
>>2950800
"Well, I guess that means I'll have to step up my game, then. It's been nice talking, but I kind of want to talk with some of the others."

"No offense at all, man. We'll probably be mingling ourselves."

You decide to help save the goth and slob from the girl and her tacky suit. It really is glaring; like someone cut up a bunch of old TV test patterns and glued them onto a coat and pants.
The girl spots your approach and waves.
"Well, HI, new friend! I'm Joanna Smith, nice to meet you!"
She thrusts her hand out; when you take it, she starts pumping your arm like a water spigot.
"David Fischer."
"Cool! I'm so excited to have a chance to train at Skyrock- I mean, I really wasn't sure if my scores were quite up to snuff, but I guess my essay won them over!"


>What were you talking about with those guys?
>You seem... excited.
>What's with the suit?
>What'd you place in the exams?
>What's your Quirk?

>>2951007
>What's with the suit?

>>2950496
>Run interference for the goth and scruffy guy.

>>2951007
>>What's with the suit?

>>2951007
>>What's with the suit?

>>2951060
>>2951183
>>2951328
"So... what's with your suit? It's a bit..."
"Eye-catching? I know, it's great! I really want to make sure I stand out at the entrance ceremony, so that talent scouts will be asking questions about me and stuff during the headhunting process. Maybe it'll end up being a trend!"
"Yeah..."

"It's not going to be a trend." The goth's finally spoken up. "That suit is, like, super busy. I'm pretty sure that it could be used as an emergency exit sign."
"Which means it's great for a heroine to wear! Maybe that could be my pseudonym-'Emergency Exit Woman!' No- 'Emergency Exit Lady!'"
The goth rolls his eyes at you.
"Yo. Name's Harry."
"David."
"Yeah, I heard. You aren't, like, one of those hero freaks like this chick, right?"

>I follow the journals, but not much else
>Huge fan, actually
>Not that big into them
>Isn't it a bit weird to call someone a 'hero freak' when you're going to a hero training program?

>>2951331
>Isn't it a bit weird to call someone a 'hero freak' when you're going to a hero training program?

>>2951331
>>Isn't it a bit weird to call someone a 'hero freak' when you're going to a hero training program?

File: Harunobu_Madarame.jpg (14 KB, 210x240)

14 KB JPG

>>2951331
>Isn't it a bit weird to call someone a 'hero freak' when you're going to a hero training program?
>implying Madarame isn't our spiritual liege

>>2951339
>>2951347
>>2951387
"Isn't it weird to call someone a 'hero freak' when you're training to become a hero?"
"Not really. I mean, most 'pro heroes' are a mix of SWAT and a first responder, right? It's about stopping criminals and saving people from disasters, but it's, you know, just a job. A pretty heavily regulated job, at that. It just strikes me as weird that people treat it like it's something super incredible just because fiction in the past talked about it. I mean, fiction in the past talked about flying, but we don't see people treating hang-gliders or airline pilots like they're some kind of god."
Joanna sniffs. "Sounds like something that 'Hero Killer' guy said."
"No, he's got it wrong, too; he did all his shit because he thought heroes were supposed to be some kind of angelic beings. They're people, just as flawed as the rest of us. We're the prime example of that."

>Seems a bit cynical; shouldn't we at least try to be something more?
>I agree; acting like heroes are special leads to egomania.
>I haven't really thought about this sort of philosophical stuff that much.
>So... what's your Quirks?

>>2951467
>I haven't really thought about this sort of philosophical stuff that much.

>>2951467
>Seems a bit cynical; shouldn't we at least try to be something more?

>>2951473
This and ask about their quirks.

File: main-qimg-e1b4356093ec9fb(...).png (523 KB, 378x641)

523 KB PNG

So guys, witfh our Quirk, I know exactly what we should do for combat.
Get us a carefully weighted billy club or two.

>>2951467
>Seems a bit cynical; shouldn't we at least try to be something more?

>>2951467
>"Well it's something more than that, isn't it? It's someone to believe in, which brings people together, and can deliver powerful messages to the people considering their position. You know 'symbol of hope' and all that. So you kinda need to add 'rockstar' to the mix of enforcer and rescuer. Or something."

>What are your quirks anyway?

>>2951473
>>2951507
"I mean, I guess? I haven't really thought about that philosophical stuff all that much. I prefer to more focus on what's in front of me.
So... what's your Quirk? You don't look like you have a strength-augmentation Quirk or anything..."

Harry nods. "Nope. My Quirk is..."
He looks you in the eyes-
And everything goes black. You blink. Still, nothing.

"...This."

Harry Barber. Quirk: "Blackout"; he can cause anyone he looks in the eyes to go temporarily blind.

The ground suddenly rocks beneath your feet, and you flail around before collapsing into something leathery. Spots of light swim before your eyes, and vision slowly returns.
"It lasts around a minute."

"And mine is ~a~se~cret! But it's really cool!" Joanna pumps her arms with each syllable.

>"I can predict the movement of objects."
>(To Joanna)"Come on, you can't just say that and not tell."
>(To Harry)"Was that really necessary?"
>"What about that guy taking a nap over there? What's his deal?"

>>2952453
>>"I can predict the movement of objects."
>(To Joanna)"Come on, you can't just say that and not tell."
after
>"What about that guy taking a nap over there? What's his deal?"

>>2952453
>(To Joanna)"Come on, you can't just say that and not tell."
You little tease.

>>2952463
>>2952478
"You can't just say something like that and not tell, Joanna, come on!"
Joanna shrugs a little bit. "It's a teeny bit hard to explain. Or show. But I'll try!"
Joanna frowns a bit and starts looking around.
"Okay-"
.
.
.
.
"-done!"
You blink. You're sitting down in the front row of the bus with a pen in one hand and a small notepad in the other. The phrase "My Quirk is being able to calculate physical effects" is written on the notepad in your own hand. A small flower is drawn in one corner.

"Pretty neat, huh?"

>What'd you do to me?
>Neat Quirk, but what is it exactly?
>You could have just explained.

>>2952953
>What'd you do to me?

>>2952953
>Neat Quirk, but what is it exactly?

>>2952953
>>Neat Quirk, but what is it exactly?

>>2952953
>Neat quirk
>Mind reading, acting on intentions or what? Fast forwards?

Wait.
Guys, her Quirk is King Crimson.

>>2953193
So what you're saying is that It Just Works?

>>2953039
>>2953115
>>2953122
"Yeah, it is. How does it work, exactly? Did you control my mind, or is it some kind of Apex speed Quirk?"
"*BRRRT*, wrong!" Joanna thrusts her thumb down. "The funny thing is I've already told you, it works-"
.
.
.
You blink and rub your eyes a bit as-
"-like-"
.
.
"-this!"
You jerk up from your seat. Now you're sitting at the back of the bus, near the heteromorphs. Everyone's looking at you, and you can feel something itchy down the front of your shirt. You pull a piece of paper out. Something's been written on the paper and then scratched out. A curly hand beneath it says "Nice try, but no cheating!"

"So, do you get it yet?"
You nod. "Yeah-"

>You're controlling my mind
>You can manipulate time
>You're altering my memories

>>2953370
>You can manipulate time
"See there's this one old Japanese comic series where someone can do the same thing..."

>>2953370
>You can manipulate time

>>2953370

> You can manipulate time

File: d30.jpg (268 KB, 841x1442)

268 KB JPG

>>2953370
You can manipulate time

>21st Century Schizoid Man intensifies

>>2953370
>You can stop time
Sniper rifle when

>>2953718
For us? I'm still hoping for a ricochet-able thrown weapon. I'm also in favor of blunt weapons, in order to take perpetrators alive. That's why I proposed we just shamelessly steal ol' Hornhead's billy club.

>>2953745
What about Cap's shield or rubber bullets

>>2953751
Cap's shield could work too, but I see it more as a brawler powerhouse weapon, and I've been picturing us more in the lean agile vein though I could be wrong.
And rubber bullets are silly when you can have a weapon (or weapons) that you're able to reliably ricochet back into your own grasp.

>>2953381
>>2953393
>>2953398
>>2953428
"-You can manipulate time."
Joanna sighs. "Yeah, you said that the last two times, too."
The fang-faced heteromorph rolls his yellowy eyes. "Just tell him already! This is getting old for the rest of us."
"Fine, but only because you guys are lame. My Quirk-"
Joanna Smith. Quirk: "Forgettable". She can selectively prevent the minds of people looking at her from forming memories. The effect ends when she chooses it to end, or when line-of-sight to her is broken for more than a little bit.
"You're a really nice guy, playing along with what I was asking you to do so I could show you how my Quirk worked~ It'd be really cool if I could stop time, though."

You brandish the note on your chest. "If you can't stop time, then how did you mess with this?"
"The second time I told you, you wrote it down, but then you got some dust in your eye and forgot about it, so I got you to tape it to yourself."

Another of the heteromorphs, the one with bristly hair, chuckles. "You really started to get annoyed with her, bro."
You sigh. "I don't enjoy being jerked around."
"Don't think of it as being 'jerked around'! Think about it as a game! A new-friends-showing-off game!"

"Will you all stop fooling around?" The loner has finally looked up from his touchpad. "You're distracting me."

>Sorry. I'm David.
>Distracting you from what?
>Don't blame me, I'm not the one messing with people's memories.

>>2953855
>Sorry. I'm David.
>Distracting you from what?

>>2953861
+1

>>2953855
>Distracting you from what?
Our Quirk makes us a spitball GOD, and Joanna is now a target.

>>2953861
>>2953866
"Sorry about that, I'm-"
"David, I heard." He gives you an icy look.
"Let me be direct; I'm not here to be all buddy-buddy with future c-listers. It'd taint my brand. Unless you're A-list material, don't bother."
He goes back to looking at his touchpad.
>"You don't look like A-list material yourself, dick."
>"Hey, what's with the attitude? You don't even know me!"
>Show off (85% success odds)

>>2953983
>>Show off (85% success odds)
>>2953992
aadd this in

Something about a rubber bouncy ball bouncing around hitting no one but the touchpad out of his hand, which we promptly catch.

>>2953995
Sounds good, supporting

>>2953983
>>Show off (85% success odds)

>>2953995
>>2954003
>>2954052
You roll your eyes melodramatically.
"I get it, man. You were a big deal in your hometown, so you've got an ego. Well-"
Weight of stress ball= ~0.25 lbs.
Weight of touchpad= ~1.1 lbs.
Maximum throwing force (self)= 65 mph.
σ=1/J x (dW/dF)F^T...

Roll-under, best of three, doubles count as critical success or failure.

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2954059

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>2954059

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>2954059

>>2954064
You throw the ball on a 73 degree angle to your right at 65 mph, where it bounces off the corner of the bus, bounces over two rows of seats, dribbles along the bottom of the row beneath Touchpad, and snaps off the back of the next row to knock the touchpad out of his hand and into yours.
"-welcome to the ocean."
Touchpad raises an eyebrow. Your cell suddenly starts buzzing. You pull it out.
I'M IMPRESSED. MY NAME'S VINCENT KILENROCK. MY FATHER'S WIRETAP OF THE FIFTY SENTINELS.
Vincent Kilenrock. Quirk: "Networking". His mind can interface with electronic devices and manipulate their functions.

>You think your dad would approve of you acting like a total prick?
>I'm not impressed.
>You're dad's Wiretap, huh? That's big shoes to fill.
>(Don't respond)

>>2954104
>Piss off electro-ghost

>>2954104
>You're dad's Wiretap, huh? That's big shoes to fill.

>>2954104
>I'm not impressed.

>>2954104
>Nod thoughtfully.

>>2954104
>Nice to meet you, Vincent.
Straight face despite assholery

>>2954145
>>2954150
these

>>2954145
>>2954150
>>2954164
You nod. "Nice to meet you, Vincent."
"Likewise. Precognition, or?..."
"I'm just really good at math."
"Ah, intelligence-boosting. That's a real rare Quirk-type; it has potential. You're definitely someone I want to know better. That sort of strength puts you and I in a different world than those with common, weak Quirks."
You can feel resentful eyes from elsewhere in the bus on the two of you.

>I don't know what you're talking about; we have nothing in common.
>I guess, if you want to put it like that.
>There aren't any 'weak' Quirks.
>(Don't respond)

>>2954192
>Nothing in common
>There are no weak quirks

>>2954192
>There aren't any 'Weak' Quirks only uncreative people.

Btw OP with our quirk would we be able to do a Sherlock Holmes?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGCMfprPJoA

>>2954220
+1

>>2954192
>No such thing as a weak quirk, only a lack of training or imagination. Look at best Jeanist.
>Besides everyone around here is the best of the best.

>>2954273
Supporting

>>2954220
We'd be the perfect technical fighter with no wasted movement, and literal mathematical precision.

>>2954192

Supporting
>>2954273

>>2954220
>>2954340
Keep in mind though, individual people are an incredibly wild variable. ESPECIALLY with Quirks in the mix.

>>2954273
Supporting.
Enjoying the vibe of the quest and the American setting Looking forward to meeting our teachers.

>>2954414
Acounting for variables is nothing more than simple math

>>2954432
Except that not everything can be predicted mathematically.
People are like individual molecules in a gas cloud. There are just too many variables to accurately predict their actions.
BUT, while you can't predict the molecules, you CAN predict the cloud.
With sufficient knowledge of history and sociology, we could become Hari Seldon.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Seldon

>>2954220
support its true also some power are just a button any monkey or bug can use while some powers need actual intelligence and creativity while some should not look down on other because they are useless on there own like this man so he can control a robot like the entrance exam but he cant fight actual humans or even robots that dont use wi fi
this is a weak human that can use wifi to control a pad or a robot this needs to intelligence or creativity just i control that go smash that so we have nothing in common with this guy
>>2954440
true to much math alone but when made into a formula its becomes easy and predictable or its simply several formulas but its better then having to calculate every particle on its own

>>2954523
That's my point though.
People are like a gas.
The individual particles (or individual people) are basically impossible to predict on their own.
You can easily predict a sufficiently large group, sure. But just a couple of people, like would be involved in your average criminal activity? Not so much.

File: DMC regional divisions.png (186 KB, 470x306)

186 KB PNG

>>2954220
It depends on how well you know your opponent's fighting style and your ability to read microexpressions. In addition, remember that you aren't stronger or faster than a pretty athletic 15-year old; head-on slobberknockers with someone using a strength or speed enhancing Quirk aren't going to go your way even if you know what they're going to do.

>>2954273
>>2954388
>>2954421
"There's no such thing as a weak Quirk, only people who haven't found a way to make their Quirk strong. Best Jeanist is the No. 3 Pro in Japan, and his Quirk is controlling clothing fibers. Besides, everyone here has already proven that they've got incredible potential as pros; if they didn't, they wouldn't be going to an official training academy."
"Sure, everyone in this bus is in the top 200 potentials. But how many are in the top 20, or top 10? Who's going to become a symbol of justice and peace, and who's going to spend the rest of their lives languishing in obscurity? If you aren't thinking about that sort of long-term strategy, you're going to end up being a 'best' dragged down by the 'just good enough's. And that'd just be a waste."
Vincent pulls his touchpad out of your hands.
"Now if you don't mind..."

As Kilenrock starts browsing through his device again, you feel a pair of rough hands descend on your back. You turn to see the toned girl who was working out a while back. Her skin shimmers with sweat.
"That was pretty legit. Both that trick you did with the ball, and what you said. I'm Joan, Joan Schwartz. If you want, you can hang out with me and these guys. We've got snacks."
She jerks a thumb towards the tanned guy and his circle.
The heteromorph group seems to really approve of what you said, too. Bristly Hair smiles and flashes you the horns. The gangly one with yellow eyes gives you a thumbs-up. Crystal Man nods once. Five-Eyes waves to you. "Hey, we might not have snacks, but I promise we're cool too!"
The guy who was drawing Joan seems to have joined them.

>Yeah, sure, Joan.
>Actually, I'd kind of like to hang with these guys, maybe later?
>I'm good. (Go back to sitting with one of the earlier groups)
>I'd like to sit on my own, actually.

>>2954800
>>Yeah, sure, Joan.
Let me just say by to these guys i just met, and I'll swing over

>>2954800
>Yeah, sure, Joan.

>>2954800
>Yeah, sure, Joan.

>>2954800
>Yeah, sure, Joan.

>>2954800
>Yeah, sure, Joan

>>2954808
>>2954817
>>2954818
>>2954861
>>2954881
"Yeah, sure." You turn back to Joanna. "I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

You settle down with the major cluster of students.
The sandy-blonde guy sticks his hand out. "Good on you, man! Never liked Wiretap anyways. Name's Apollo Jones, brother."
You reach for a shake, only to have him high-five your hand.
"Anyways, I figure you should get to know the rest of this little circle of compadres here. I see you've already met Joan. My real brother from another mother here-" he points to the black kid in jeans and flannel next to him "-is Duke Lambeaux."
"Obliged t' you fer standin' up to that rich asshole." His voice has a strong Creole twang to it.
"Keane here scored top in the entire sector on the written exam; got a perfect score!" The other guy, a short, scrawny fellow with smoked glasses, looks up.
"I barely passed practical, so I don't really have that much to talk about. Nice to meet you, David. Sorry about your headache."
"The ladies are Clarissa and Henrietta."
Clarissa is medium height, with a shapely figure and short blonde hair. She's wearing a hot pink halter top and a set of light green yoga pants. In contrast, Henrietta a bit taller than usual, with a tangle of black hair, generous hips, and a flat chest. She's wearing a dirty plaid shirt and worn jeans. Clarissa smiles at you through crimson lips; Henrietta gives you a steady look.
"It's so nice to meet you! You seem like a really sweet guy- standing up to that dickhead after playing along with that weird girl!"
"She doesn't seem weird to me. If you had a Quirk like that, you'd want to show it off." Henrietta's voice is low and husky, providing an odd contrast to the effervescent pep of Clarissa's squeaky soprano.

>So what were you guys talking about?
>I heard you talking about the exams earlier.
>Where are you all from?
>What are your Quirks?

>>2955076
>Where are you all from?

>>2955076
>I heard you talking about the exams earlier.
>Where are you all from?
>Now I know who edged me out on top score of written...

>>2955076
>Where are you all from?

>>2955076
>Where are you all from?

>>2955084
>>2955097
>>2955099
>>2955141
GOD, sorry that I was out with a friend for so long.

"Where are you guys from? I'm a Houston guy."

Apollo nods. "Out on the coast, yeah? I'm from San-An, myself. Family's originally from LA, though; we moved out here two years ago when the Skid Row SJZ got expanded onto our street."
Clarissa's eyebrows raise. "Really? You don't seem like-"
Apollo smiles at her. "My folks had lived there a long time, and they didn't want to give up their house just because an SJZ was close."
Duke smiles a bit. "New Naw'lins. Kin's antique divers. Pa was proud'a me gettin into the program; said it'd be safer than the family business."
Keane looks down at his feet. "Village, Oklahoma. I know it's a stupid name."
"Well, I'm from Santa Fe, which is pretty neat, because, you know, same state as Skyrock!"
"B&E, Texas. Family does cattle ranching. I helped."
Joan answers in between back stretches.
"And I'm... from... Tulsa! Farm girl!"

>(To Apollo) You used to live next to an SJZ?
>(To Duke) You're from the Floating City, huh. You ever meet Papa Doc or Xango?
>(To Keane) Village is an interesting name for a town.
>(To Clarissa) Seems a bit stupid to come all the way out here just to get on a bus and go back.
>(To Henrietta) What do you mean, "You helped?"
>(To Joan) Is that where you picked up working out so much?

>>2955660
>>(To Apollo) You used to live next to an SJZ?
>(To Clarissa) Seems a bit stupid to come all the way out here just to get on a bus and go back.
>(To Henrietta) What do you mean, "You helped?"
>(To Joan) Is that where you picked up working out so much?

>>2955660
>Show me your quirks, and i was promised snacks

>>2955660
>(To Keane) Could be worse. Could be Hell, Michigan.
Yes, this is an actual town that exists.

>>2955660
>(To Joan) Is that where you picked up working out so much?
Sucker for /fit/ girls.

>>2955704
Weren't there like 3 or 4 "Hell" just in the US?
I think it's more awkward when your town has the same name of a much larger one, like the dozen "Paris" scattered around in the States, makes you think of an inferiority complex.

>>2955660
>(to Apollo) You used to live next to a SJZ?
>(to Keane) Not very creative, but there's worse names. Like Hell, Michigan.
>(To Joan) Is that where you picked up working out so much?

>>2956610
There used to be a Hell, Californa. But that got demolished in favor of a new highway later on.
There is a Hell in the Cayman Islands.
And a Hell in Norway.

>>2955666
>>2955719
>>2956610
"Is that where you picked up working out so much?"
"I mean... I guess? The farm wasn't... a factory farm or anything... so there was a lot of work... that had to be done! But really... it's just good to stay in shape... especially if you want to be a hero!"
Joan flops down next to Clarissa (much to the latter's discomfort) and opens a water bottle.
"I mean, I like to stay in shape as much as any girl, but isn't doing that sort of thing... I dunno, kind of butch?"
Joan shrugs. "I mean, I guess, but I don't really care about that sort of thing, y'know? I'm just doing me."
Apollo nods. "Right on, right on."
The whole group falls silent for a bit, until you feel something poking you in the side. You turn to see Keane proffering a bag of beef jerky, a bottle of water, and a Tylenol.
"Here, for your headache."
"Thanks. You know, there's plenty of worse town names than Village. Like Hell, Climax, Stinking Springs, Boring..."
"I guess that's true, but... well, Village is really small- 384 people. It used to be bigger, but... a kid with a thermogeneration Quirk kind of... well, melted down six years ago. A lot of people's houses burned down, and more people just didn't feel safe after that and moved to places that don't have to place calls out for pros."
You shake your head. "That's just... so weird to think about."
You look back up at Apollo. "I mean, I guess you were at the other end of the spectrum, yeah?"
Apollo nods. "Yeah, figured you'd be interested."
"I mean, if you don't want to talk about it-"
"No, it's fine! It's just that, well, I get asked about it a lot.
Basically, it's like a normal rough neighborhood, for the most part. The isolation walls and security towers keep most of the recidivists inside. You just make sure you have a safe place to go to if the breach alarm starts going off and don't go out after dark. My family were never taken hostage or anything. Really, until the expansion plans were announced we'd almost forgotten it existed."

>You must have seen heroes all the time.
>Still, it must have been hard.
>So what made you decide to become a hero?
>How do you know about my headache, Keane?

>>2956638
>How do you know about my headache, Keane?

>>2956638
>>How do you know about my headache, Keane?

>>2956645
>>2956733
"How did you know about my headache? I didn't mention it."
Keane flinches slightly.
"Sorry! I just- it's all over your face."
Keane Carter. Quirk: "Monitor": He can pinpoint and gather basic information on people and objects within two miles, given a sufficient description of the target.
"I mean, it's not as impressive as some pros; I can't track multiple targets simultaneously like Ragdoll or broadcast information about them like Searchlight, but it can be useful."

>Sounds great for search and rescue
>So... how much information does it gather?
>Thanks, but... ask next time before you use your Quirk on me, okay?
>Pretty cool. Anyone else want to share?

>>2956754
>Sounds great for search and rescue
>So... how much information does it gather?

>>2956754
>So... how much information does it gather?
>Pretty cool. Anyone else want to share?

>>2956754
>Whoa... I think our quirks could make a great combo someday!

>>2956754
>Sounds great for search and rescue

>>2956754
>Sounds great for search and rescue
>So... how much information does it gather?
>Pretty cool. Anyone else want to share?
Also, not gonna lie. Our guy sounds a lot like Harbinger/Number Man from Worm

>>2956763
>>2956855
>>2956831
>>2956788
"That sounds like a great Quirk for search and rescue work. How much information does it gather?"
"I can sense... basic health, surface emotional states, and kind of pick up stuff about someone's Quirk. I mean, I could tell you had some kind of intelligence-boosting Quirk, but I couldn't tell you how it worked, how strong it was, or anything like that."
"You know, I think our Quirks could work well together, if we worked on it."
Keane's brow furrows. "I mean... I guess? But your Quirk seems like it means you don't need a team."
"So... anyone else want to share?"
Clarissa rolls her eyes. "Ugh, we just talked about this. Doesn't it seem weird to the rest of you how when it comes to heroes it's always 'their Quirk' this, 'my Quirk' that? I mean, we're more than just that, right?"
Duke laughs. "Well if you don' wanna talk, you don' gotta! As for me, Ball Boy; I turn to smoke."
Duke Lambeaux. Quirk: "Haze". His body can dissolve into a cloud of smoke and reform again!
"It's alright."

Apollo smiles. "It's in the name, baby. I can heat things up. My parents gave me the name when my Quirk manifested."
Apollo Jones. Quirk: "Sunburn". The skin on his palm can emit focused bursts of UV radiation; at full power, it causes severe sunburns, blistered skin, and the ignition of flammables even through most fabrics.
"It's also why I have this great tan; I don't sunburn normally."
"Mine's all right. It's just your basic strength and speed-enhancement Quirk."
Joan Schwartz. Quirk: "Super Power". It amplifies her physical strength and speed.
"It's why I work out all the time; got to keep my muscles in good shape!"
Henrietta just holds out a hand.
"Give me your stress ball."
You do. She looks at you, and her hand snakes back;
The ball is going to travel directly at your head at... likely 45-60 mph. It'll sting at this range, but unlikely to have any permanent damage. Odds of evasion if you start to move now; 90%.

>Dodge
>Don't dodge

>>2957081
>Dodge

>>2957081
I get the feeling that her quirk might have something to do with hitting someone regardless of what they are doing.

>Attempt to block the shot with your arms while dodging

>>2957081
Throw an object to intercept it

>>2957081
>Dodge

>>2957081
>Try to catch it in your teeth

>>2957081
>Dodge

>>2957081
Supporting this >>2957099

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>2957093
>>2957136
>>2957210
You weave your head to evade...

>>2957306
You see Henrietta's eyes widen a bit and the grip on the stress ball adjust slightly. She throws it- and it sails from the left side around to pass by your right ear before swirling by your left one to land back in her hand.
"You had me scared there for a second there, slick. Would have ended up clocking you in the back of your head."
Henrietta Bonney. Quirk: "Callshot". She can control the inertia and momentum of any object that her fingers have touched, making it travel along a path of her design instead of what physics would dictate! Once it leaves her hand, its flight path is locked.
"Before you ask; no, I can't do it to people. I've tried; my limit's about two pounds."

>It's a shame it doesn't work on firearms...
>"You tried"?
>You could have just explained it.

>>2957339
>You tried?
>Sounds like a story

>>2957339
>>"You tried"?
>Sounds like a story

>>2957339
>"You tried"?
Well, she counters us pretty firmly.

>>2957339
>It's a shame it doesn't work on firearms...
>"You tried"?

>Quirk: "Callshot". She can control the inertia and momentum of any object that her fingers have touched, making it travel along a path of her design instead of what physics would dictate! Once it leaves her hand, its flight path is locked.
Not exactly an auto aim during flight but it was sure damn close.

>>2957339
>It's a shame it doesn't work on firearms... Now that would be a sight to see straight out of the old action flicks
>"You tried"?
>Sounds like a story

>>2957345
>>2957346
>>2957352
>>2957354
>>2957361
"'You tried'? That sounds like it has a story behind it."
Henrietta sighs. "When I was a kid, Tommy Wilkenson wanted me to push him off the swing while he was going super high so that he could fly a bit. I almost had a brain aneurysm, he broke his nose, a bad time was had by all."
"Oh. That's-"
She holds up a hand. "Don't apologize, it was just stupid kid stuff, it happened years ago anyways."


Apollo coughs to break the silence. "Well... any of you guys big into post-rock? My cousin plays in this band-"
The conversation drifts into the kind of trivia people talk about when they don't want to say anything. The hours roll by, and before you know it the flat scrubland is replaced by stark hillsides and sandy plains.


As the sun starts to hang low, four ascending notes play over the bus's loudspeakers, and the logo on the screens around the bus crossfades to a formally-dressed man sitting behind a desk; his greying hair and piercing blue eyes give him an aura of authority and strength.
"Greetings, I'm Trent Frost; you may know me better as the Bulletproof Hero Adamant. From the former alumni of Skyrock Academy, the New Mexico Tourism Board, and the Department of Metahuman Crime, I would like to be the first to welcome you to Skyrock."
Henrietta jerks up a bit from a doze. "What is this?"
Keane shakes his head. "Didn't you read the brochure? It's part of orientation."
On-screen, Frost carries on. "The Skyrock Academy for Metahuman Achievement was founded in 2024 as part of the Department of Metahuman Crime's Citizen Achievement program alongside nine other schools meant to train the second generation of Professional Heroes, encourage individual talent, and insure that future generations of heroes would receive world-class training and conditioning in a safe, structured environment. Everything about the Academy, from its location deep in the beautiful Tularosa Basin to its nutritionist-designed cafeteria selection, is meant to encourage students to embody the spirit of justice, hard work, and fair play that all Pro Heroes should follow.
However, our program doesn't work if you-the student body-doesn't follow a few simple rules:
-Don't stray outside of the safe zones! Certain areas around the school are clearly marked as dangerous, whether due to wildlife, extremely unsafe terrain, or security measures. Unless instructed to by a teacher, DO NOT ENTER THESE AREAS.
-Keep it cool! Emotions can easily run high, but no matter what, unsupervised combat between students is COMPLETELY FORBIDDEN. Any violations will be punished by expulsion.
-You are free to use your Quirks on campus how you want, but be aware that the use of Quirks to inconvenience others is heavily frowned upon and will result in punishment.
-Hall curfew is 10 PM; room curfew is midnight.
Just remember to keep to these rules, and there's no heights which you can't ascend... at Skyrock."

>>2957606
Frost fades out as the screens transition into sweeping desert panoramas accompanied by flutes.

>Well, that was stupid
>Didn't know Adamant went to Skyrock
>Wonder what 'security measures' are in the danger zones.

>>2957608
>Didn't know Adamant went to Skyrock
>Wonder what 'security measures' are in the danger zones.

>>2957608
>Wonder what 'security measures' are in the danger zones.

>>2957608
>Didn't know Adamant went to Skyrock
>Wonder what 'security measures' are in the danger zones.

>>2957608
>Didn't know Adamant went to Skyrock

>>2957608
>Didn't know Adamant went to Skyrock
>Wonder what 'security measures' are in the danger zones.

File: WHSA_dunefield.jpg (141 KB, 960x480)

141 KB JPG

>>2957612
>>2957613
>>2957651
>>2957684
>>2957712
"Didn't know that Adamant went to Skyrock."
"Dude, I don't know who Adamant is."
Joan perks up. "Oh, he's Pine Bluff's local hero; his Quirk's a fairly typical hardening type, but he has a very high degree of control over it. He works independently, but the Border Patrol has tried to scout him a few times."
Henrietta smirks. "Looks like we've got a big-time cape-watcher over here."
"I mean, if you're going to be a pro, you should learn as much as you can."
"Even about a third-rate hero being scouted by a third-rate team?"
You switch topics in an attempt to defuse the bomb slowly being assembled in front of you. "So, what was that about 'security measures'?"
"Well, with crime being how it is, and this being a Hero training academy, I think it's probably, like, stuff to keep villains out?"
"Mines. It's gotta be mines."
You hear the brakes creak as the bus rolls to a stop. Outside, you can see pale white dunes stretching away in all directions, with lights from a lone hill twinkling in the middle distance. The driver- a balding, middle-aged fellow with a generous paunch- unhooks his mouthpiece.
"Alright, kids, this is your stop. Get out."

>Comply
>"This doesn't look like a stop."
>"What's going on?"

>>2957776
>"This doesn't look like a stop."

>>2957776
>"This doesn't look like a stop."
>"What's going on?"

>>2957776
>>"This doesn't look like a stop."

>>2957777
>>2957801
>>2957876
"This doesn't [i[look[/i] like our stop. Or any stop at all."
The driver sticks his finger in an ear.
"Well, I suppose you're half-right. That over there-" he jabs a fat thumb at the light-strewn hill in the middle distance- "is Skyrock Academy. It's about... eh, two miles away on foot?"
The setting sun sets the driver's face in chiaroscuro. "You're all pretty young and limber; I bet at least one group of yours can get there before last light. You'll want to get there, too; this desert gets real frosty after sundown."
Joan gets up, her eyes burning a hole through the driver's head.
"I don't like this."
The driver's face begins to sag. "Aw, kid, you're breakin' my heart here! This is a school tradition!"
The driver's face sags further, melting like a wax figurine and sloughing away like a snake's skin to reveal-
"Holy- you're Facade!"
The hard-eyed Japanese man takes a tiny bow, wiping a bit of waxy face that lingers on his chin.
"Indeed it is I, the Man of a Thousand Faces himself! ...Do any of you kids mind helping me with the fat suit?"
Outside the suit, Facade adjusts the collar of his dress shirt and smooths out some wrinkles in his shorts before continuing.
"This is a school tradition; just one that we don't talk about-and you shouldn't talk about it with people not going to school here either, okay? This is the White Sand Sunset Sprint! You'll divide yourselves into five teams of four; the first team to have all four members cross the finish line wins, and earns the right to eat at the Victor's Table for the next month, as well as the coveted White Moon lapel pin. LAST team will have remedial PE for the first month here or until the gym coach has determined you've made significant enough improvements. Any questions?"

>Why all the secrecy?
>We're allowed to use our Quirks, right?
>What's the point to this?
>(Stay quiet)

>>2957930
>We're allowed to use our Quirks, right?

>>2957930
>What's the point to this?

>>2957930
>"Alright, let's get this party started"

>>2957930
>What's the point to this?

>>2957930
>We're allowed to use our Quirks, right?

>>2957930
>We're allowed to use our Quirks, right?

>>2957933
>>2958167
>>2958347
"We are allowed to use our Quirks, right?"
Facade nods. "This is part of the school grounds; provided you don't deliberately try to injure your fellow students, you can do whatever you wish with your Quirk! Just get to the finish line in Ascension Square before the other teams!"
Keane raises his hand. "I don't see the point to this."
Facade opens his mouth to answer, but Vincent cuts him off. "Really? It's obvious. First, the practical exams only measure your physical fitness in a controlled, indoor environment; but a hero is going to have to pursue villains across urban and rural terrain alike; hence this fitness test. Second, the exams only measure individual potential, but the vast majority of heroes work in teams; which is why we're expected to divide into teams. Third, crime can strike at any time, so they spring this on us out of nowhere."
The Pro nods. "Very good, Vincent; practically out of the handbook. I would appreciate it if you left the answers to the teacher in the future, however. Alright, now... you have two minutes to decide teams... start!"

Your mind starts spinning, recalling everyone you've met on the bus today:

-Duke Lambeaux: Can turn into smoke, seems in decent shape.
-Sleeping Kid: Unknown.
-Apollo Jones: Can emit bursts of UV radiation from palms, decent fitness.
-Bone Guy: Some kind of heteromorph.
-Vincent Kilenrock: Can interface with technology with his mind; doesn't look super fit.
-Harry Barber: Can blind others through eye contact; doesn't look very fit.
-Five-Eyed Guy: some kind of heteromorph.
-Vampire-looking Guy: Some kind of heteromorph... it looks like the leathery "cape" you saw was actually wings folded around the front of his body.
-Keane Carter: Can locate and gather information about people and things. Barely passed his physical.
-Reggie Darger: Sweats a slick, flammable liquid. A bit chubby, not super fit.
-Hector Perón: gains super-strength when in pain. Pretty fit.
-Sketching Guy: Unknown.
-Crystal Guy: Some kind of heteromorph.
-Bristly Hair: Some kind of heteromorph.
-Rebecca Jackson: Unknown, doesn't seem very fit.
-Henrietta Bonney: Can throw objects at impossible trajectories, seems decently fit.
-Joan Schwartz: Super strong and fast, very fit.
-Clarissa: Unknown, seems somewhat fit.
-Joanna Smith: Can erase memories that feature her from people's minds, doesn't seem very fit.

>>2958405
>Pick a short-list of characters to approach.

>>2958406
Clarissa, Reggie and Apollo.

>>2958405
>Joan
>Duke
>Vampire guy
If vamp guy or joan can carry us we can play defense by throwing shit to trip people up, and duke can just ride along in smoke mode providing cover

>>2958418
Supporting. This looks like a great composition based off the info we know.

>>2958418
supporto

>>2958418
>>2958427
>>2958436
"Hey, Duke, Joan, I have an idea about how to win."
Duke nods. "I recken I'll play along. Sorry, Apollo, but I'm gonna hafta go wit' Ball Boy."
Apollo waves a hand vaguely. "Null sweat, man; it's just a race."
"I'll go with you, David; you seem cool enough."
You head over towards the heteromorphs.
"Hey, uh... you, tall guy-"
A spear of ivory suddenly thrusts itself across your path. The guy with bony claws has sprouted it from his index finger.
"Billy's spoken for."

>Hey, how about you let him decide that
>Okay (pick someone else)

>>2958497
>Hey, how about you let him decide that

God if they form a team would it be rude to call them the monster mash

>>2958497
>ignore claws
>"hey billy, if you wanna hear me out, great, and if not, no hard feelings either."
>see what happens

>>2958497
>Okay (pick someone else)
Hector, Reggie, and Henrietta seem like the next best choices, in that order. And if that fails, gambling on the sleeping kid would be fun.

>>2958523
>>2958497
Might be smart to pick up Henrietta. She is the most direct counter to our power in the class but she can also augment us nicely. Might be nice to get her on board so nobody can defend against us and so we get her relationship up early for the future.

>>2958497
>Okay (pick someone else)
Henrietta

>>2958568
>>2958523
>>2958538
"Okay, got it." 'Billy' gives you an apologetic smile full of canines. "Shorry, but theshe guysh and I already have a plan."

You turn back to your most recent group- and see that Henrietta's already up and with your other two picks.
"Okay, big shot, I don't want to miss whatever your plan is."
The final lineup of groups ends up being:

Group 1-Bone Guy, "Billy", Crystal Guy, Bristly Hair.
Group 2- Apollo, Clarissa, Keane, and Five-Eyed Guy... who seems to have the normal set of eyes now.
Group 3- Reggie, Hector, Rebecca, and... the kid who was taking a nap. Hector seems to be slipping rocks into his shoes.
Group 4- Vincent, the kid with the sketchpad (who is furiously drawing in it right this second), Harry, and Joanna.
Group 5- Your group.

Your groups file out of the bus and line up at the "starting line". You get into a huddle.
"Okay, David, what's the plan?"

>Come up with a plan.

>>2958583
Duke scout for us.
Joan back him up.
Henrietta let look for things to throw

>>2958583
>henrietta, let's load up on rocks. aim for the bottoms of people's feet, let's get them to go slowly
>duke, how does your smoke work?
>joan, do you think you can carry me and henrietta while also running? if we can get a good headstart, duke's smoke might do the rest

>>2958670
This

>>2958670
>>2958705
"Okay, Henrietta, we need to get as many rocks as possible. Aim for the sole and instep; try and make them go as slow as possible."
Henrietta nods and starts grabbing up some rocks from the side of the road.
"Duke... how does your Quirk work, exactly?"
"Well, I turn into smoke; 'bout the same mass as my body, so there's a lot. I can move about, an'... well, it's not really seeing, but it's like I feel air currents an' pressure an' vibrations, so I get a general idea of the world around me. I can go pretty fast if I got the wind headin' in the same direction, but if it's blowin' against me? Nothing doin'."
"Okay... Joan, do you think you could carry Henrietta and me while running?"
Joan thinks. "We wouldn't be going much faster than 18 miles per hour, and it depends on footing; I'm definitely strong enough to carry you, but there's balance to consider; you're both shaped very differently, and depending on how I carry you... things could get complicated."

>Fine, just carry Henrietta to start.
>Fine, just carry me to start.
>Don't worry about it; leave that to me.

>>2958769
>Don't worry about it; leave that to me.

>>2958769
>Don't worry about it; leave that to me.

>>2958991
>>2959320
"Don't worry about it; leave that to me."
"Got it! Now if you don't mind, I want to limber up."
While Joan stretches out her lower body, you take a look at the other teams. The group of heteromorphs- you unconsciously think of them as the "Monster Squad"- appear to have thought of the same thing you did; Billy's got his forearms hooked into the crystal's armpits and is stretching out his wings to their full length; by your estimate, they must be almost 18 feet from one end to the other. Apollo is busy stretching his back, while Keane is carefully looking at everyone else. Clarissa... is riding piggyback on Five-Eyes, who's taken his shirt off to reveal two extra pairs of arms. No... wait... a third pair just sprouted from his torso.
In the third group, you see Hector stomp his feet a couple times; you can visibly see his muscles ripple and twitch slightly. Rebecca's fidgeting with her blindfold; when she notices you looking at her, she turns to face you and slowly smiles.
Vincent's group still appears to be in some sort of huddle.

Facade comes up to the starting line.
"Okay, everyone, fall into position! Get ready to start!"
Joan kneels down and holds her palms out for the two of you to hang onto her shoulders. As you and Henrietta mount on, Henrietta passes you a handful of rocks.
"Anything you think we should watch out for over the rest?"

>The heteromorphs; I have no idea what they could be up to.
>Apollo's group: They could be a dark horse here.
>See the two Hispanic kids? The wiry one has a strength-enhancement Quirk; I think that group's going to be the one giving us a run for our money.
>That rich kid Vincent; I think he's got some kind of scheme cooking.

>>2959340
>not really, I honestly don't know anyone enough to prioritize but all are dangerous.

>>2959340
Supporting this >>2959392

>>2959392
Also this

>>2959392
>>2959415
>>2959438
"I don't know enough to answer that yet, but everyone's going to be gunning for first place."
Henrietta tosses a rock in one hand. "So... I'll just try to hit as many people as possible then."

Facade raises one hand.
"On your mark! Get set! GO!"
You see Vincent's group break from their huddle, and something gleaming in the middle starts revving...
.
.
.
And you're lying on your back in the sand. Spots are dancing in your vision, there's a ringing in your ears, and smoke is rolling everywhere. In front of you, Joan's standing up, hands over her eyes.
You hear Henrietta groaning next to you.
"What the hell just happened?"
A faint rushing sound fills your ears, and some of the smoke collapses into Duke.
"Why ain't y'all runnin'?"
You push yourself up and look around. Reggie and the sleepy kid are stumbling around a bit in front of you and to the left. Past them are Apollo's entire group, in a similar state. Beyond them, the bristly-haired guy's... crouched down. All of his hair is standing on end; his arms seem to have suddenly been coated with needles. Bone Finger shakes his head for a second, then starts running.
You can see SOMETHING throwing up a cloud of sand a few hundred feet ahead.
"I... Duke, do you remember what happened?"
"Well, when Facade said 'go' I turnt into smoke, like the plan, an' then I felt something roll off real fast and then a big shake, so I went back from smoke, an' there you three were."

>Try and figure out what just happened
>"Doesn't matter. Everyone, mount back up; Vincent's group stole the initiative on us.

>>2959683
>Try and figure out what just happened

>>2959683
so Joanna mind blanked us and harry blinded us

Vincent did this, likely the drawing kid has a drawing quirk.

What do you guys think of Galileo as David's hero name?

>>2959695
No time
>>2959683
>"Doesn't matter. Everyone, mount back up; Vincent's group stole the initiative on us."
>>2959949
What about Antikythera, the Number Hero(!)?

>>2959683
i suggest we ask cloud guy to hide us

>>2959695
>>2959703
You wrack your brains, trying to figure out what happened.
"Okay, so Facade just said GO, then... I saw something in the middle of Vincent's group... Joanna!"
Henrietta blinks. "Who?"
"One of Vincent's team, the girl in the eye-watering suit? Her Quirk lets her remove short-term memories. Whatever they just did, she must have removed our memory of it."
"Yeah, but... what did they do?"
"Given that my eyes hurt and my ears are ringing, I think they flash-banged us somehow; probably in combination with Joanna's Quirk, to disorient everyone else. You probably remember everything because her Quirk relies on people looking at her."
"An' cause I don't got eyes as smoke, it don't work. Makes sense."
"Anyways, we'd better get going; I'm pretty sure that cloud of dust is them. Joan, you alright?"
Joan kneels down. "I'll be fine; hop on!"
As you re-mount with Henrietta, you scan the horizon and spot Hector... bridal carrying Rebecca while sprinting.
Joan takes off through the desert, kicking up sand behind her.

You share a look with Henrietta. You're about 150 feet behind Hector; you calculate about a 70% chance of hitting the back of his foot at this range. If you hold off onto a salvo until you can close some distance, you calculate the odds rise to 85%. Either way, you're pretty sure that Hector won't just let you pelt him once he realizes you're targeting him.

On the other hand... Hector's at about a 60 degree angle from your path of travel. Closing distance will cost you about 8 seconds, by your estimate, that could be used trying to catch up to that dust cloud.

>Try and hit Hector now
>Tell Joan to close distance with Hector
>Tell Joan to focus on gaining on the dust cloud

>>2961097
>>Try and hit Hector now

>Tell Joan to focus on gaining on the dust cloud

>>2961097
This >>2961117

>>2961117
Seconding

>>2961117
>>2961134
>>2961135
You nudge Henrietta and the two of you wind up to throw...
Roll: 70 or under passes.

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>2961260

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>2961260

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2961260

>>2961263
>>2961275
Your shots connect with the back of Hector's heels and he topples forward over Rebecca. Sand explodes up all around him.
"Joan, can you go any faster!"
"I can try!"
You feel a sudden jerk beneath you, and the gap between Joan and the cloud starts to shrink heavily.
Now that you're closer, you can see the cloud is being made by... a pair of ATVs. It looks like Joanna's driving one of them, and Vincent's driving the other. Harry and the kid with the sketchbook are riding bitch on each.
"WHERE THE HELL DID THEY GET THOSE?" Joan yells over the snarl of the engines.
"NOT SURE!"
You do the math, and reach a conclusion pretty quickly; you aren't going to be able to break these ATVs with rocks. Well, not at this angle, and not in any practical time. As the ATVs start to attack a small dune, you see that Sketchbook's noticed you, and is... pulling out a magazine of some kind. You're torn between three thoughts:

>Tell Joan to play it safe; try to evade Vincent's assaults and overtake them on the hill. (75% odds with all known variables)
>Tell Joan to be aggressive: try to run down an ATV and break its wheels with kicks. (60% odds with all known variables)
>Tell Joan to do something crazy: throw you and Henrietta up the hill and use her full strength and speed to take down the ATVs (Odds: uncertain; too many unknown variables to calculate odds of success)

>>2961384
>>Tell Joan to do something crazy: throw you and Henrietta up the hill and use her full strength and speed to take down the ATVs (Odds: uncertain; too many unknown variables to calculate odds of success)

>>2961384
>make sure to knock any and all art out of sketchbook's hands.

>>2961422
While I like the daring of that plan, I don't like the odds of setting Joan up against Joanna (she'll forget what she's doing) and Harry (she'll get blinded) all alone. Better she have us there to back her up.

>>2961384
Tell Joan to play it safe; try to evade Vincent's assaults and overtake them on the hill. (75% odds with all known variables)

>>2961460
>>2961493
(Since these two are compatible)
"Keep pushing, Joan! Try to overtake them on the dune, they're going to lose traction!"
You look over to Henrietta and point at Sketchbook. The two of you throw at his hands...
Roll. 75 and under are a success; need two out of three rolls to be successful.

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>2963201
Oh pls, bby RNGesus

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>2963201
Check out this 100!

>>2963241
>>2963249
You can almost hear the satisfying slap sound as your stones bounce off Sketchbook's wrists, sending his magazine to go flying into the air behind him. Joan's legs pump like pistons as she powers up the hill, leaving the twin ATVs struggling to gain traction in the slippery sands.

As you reach the peak, you see the vampire-man Billy flying through the air just ahead of your group, about 60 feet up, with the crystal-skinned guy hanging from his arms. They seem to be traveling at a fair clip; probably at least in part because they don't have to worry about terrain.
Henrietta nudges you. "I think I can hit them, but I'm pretty sure that Shiny there doesn't take falls that well."

>Risk it (Uncertain results; too many unknowns)
>Joan, just try to step it up! (Uncertain results; too many unknowns)
>Joan, put us down and catch that crystal guy as he falls! (68% chance of success based on all known variables)

>>2963270
>Joan, put us down and catch that crystal guy as he falls! (68% chance of success based on all known variables)
Almost went for the first option, but I don't want a fellow student getting severely hurt on our account, and thus fostering resentment against us. Let's just hope Crystal doesn't do anything to Jo

>>2963270
>Joan, put us down and catch that crystal guy as he falls! (68% chance of success based on all known variables)

>>2963270
>>Joan, just try to step it up! (Uncertain results; too many unknowns)

>>2963283
>>2963338
"Joan, drop us and get ready to catch!"
"Wait-what?!"
"Just do it, okay?"
Joan slows to a speed safe enough for you to get off , then starts moving underneath Billy's silhouette. Henrietta and you start lining up your shots...

Roll, 68 and under are successes; one success makes Billy drop the guy, the second makes Joan catch him.

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>2963358

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2963358

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>2963358

>>2963361
>>2963384
You hurl a fastball throw at Billy's right hand; Henrietta's pebble curves around and smacks the tendons of Billy's left wrist. As the crystal guy starts to plummet towards the ground, Joan sprints with Olympic speed towards his falling shape and leaps upward, tackling the guy and rolling to absorb their impact. Henrietta and you run over to where they landed.
"-the hell was that, you absolute lunatics?! You could have KILLED me!"
"We couldn't. I would have caught you."
Up above, you see Billy circling back around.

>Joan, play keep-away for a bit, then catch up with us! (Uncertain results; too many unknowns)
>Sorry! Time to go! (Levels the playing field between your team and Billy's).

>>2963792
>>Sorry! Time to go! (Levels the playing field between your team and Billy's).

>>2963792
>Sorry! Time to go! (Levels the playing field between your team and Billy's).

>>2963792
>Sorry! Time to go! (Levels the playing field between your team and Billy's).

>>2963818
>>2963836
>>2963975
"Sorry! Joan, time to go!"
Joan sets the crystal guy down and starts walking and you and Henrietta leap up onto her back. As you start to build up speed, a roiling cloud of smoke slithers past you at speed. You can hear the rev of Vincent's ATVs behind you.
You've covered about a mile at this point; the inselberg that houses Skyrock is far closer now. With all your competitors behind you for the moment, you decide to take the time to consider the home stretch:
-At your current rate of speed, you know you can't outrace a pair of ATVs on the relatively flat surface of the basin; you estimate that they'll catch up with you at about 200 feet from the base of Skyrock.
-Skyrock is located on top of a large, flat-topped inselberg, about 80 feet above the surrounding area (although the school's property covers several dozen square miles in the White Sands basin). From this distance, you can see the suggestion of a classic spiral ascent road built into the stonework. That seems like the safest path of ascent... but not the shortest; that would be a direct assault up the vertical ascent. That would probably be exhausting for everyone involved save Duke, but if it works, it would give you a huge lead over every other team.

>Tell Joan to go full tilt and take the road.
>Tell Joan to conserve her energy and scale the inselberg
>Tell Joan to go full tilt and scale the inselberg
>Tell Joan to conserve her energy and take the road

>>2964074
Oh boy
>Tell Joan to conserve her energy and take the road

>>2964074
>>Tell Joan to conserve her energy and take the road

>>2964074
>>Tell Joan to go full tilt and take the road.
>Jam the ATv's wheels up with a rock