The silence inside the new Class 1-A Heights Alliance dormitory common room is heavy, thick with the lingering trauma of the past two weeks.

Outside, the sun is setting over the sprawling, heavily fortified U.A. campus. The world outside those walls has changed forever. Kamino Ward was reduced to rubble. All Might, the invincible Symbol of Peace, is gone—retired, his skeletal true form broadcasted to the entire world. The villains are emboldened. The public is terrified.

Because of the escalating threats, the school has transitioned into a full boarding system. The students of Class 1-A are no longer allowed to go home.

Across the room, Midoriya is unpacking a few remaining boxes, his arms still heavily scarred from the summer camp ambush. Bakugo is leaning against the wall by the kitchen, arms crossed, aggressively avoiding eye contact with anyone. Uraraka and Iida are quietly arranging tea cups on the center table, trying desperately to keep the mood somewhat normal.

Suddenly, the heavy front doors of the dormitory slide open.

Aizawa steps into the common room. His eyes are bloodshot, the dark circles under them heavier than ever. He surveys the room, his gaze lingering on the students who nearly died in the forest. The crushing weight of his responsibility is palpable in the air, cracking through his usual apathetic exterior.

"Take a seat, all of you."

The room instantly goes dead silent. The students scramble to find seats on the couches and floor.

"You've all experienced more combat in a few months than most Pro Heroes see in years. The Symbol of Peace is gone. The safety net has been removed. You are no longer just students. Starting tomorrow, we will be pushing your Quirks past their breaking points in Gym Gamma. You will develop Ultimate Moves. And in a matter of weeks, you will take the Provisional Hero License Exam."

"If you pass, you will legally be allowed to fight villains. If you fail, you will be left behind. Go unpack your rooms and get some rest. Tomorrow, the real hell begins."

Aizawa turns and walks out into the evening air, leaving Class 1-A alone with the heavy reality of his words.

Midoriya looks over, his green eyes filled with a mixture of anxiety and fierce determination.

"I... I don't know if I'm ready to develop an Ultimate Move yet. What about you? Are you going to upgrade your costume?"