Chapter 07: Zap!
**Chapter 07: Zap!
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With Midnight's announcement marking the start of the first game, the students surged forward, initially walking, then jogging, and finally breaking into full sprints toward the gateway. The importance of securing a place at the front was apparent, but the sheer number of students—over a hundred—created a bottleneck of chaos at the entrance.
Class 1-A, along with other students, found themselves caught in the crush, jostling and shoving as they fought to make their way through the packed corridor. The dense crowd made it nearly impossible for those further back to reach the race track, while those at the front slipped ahead, thrilled to have taken the lead and entered the sandy course.
Amidst the sea of bodies, Fulan's calm voice cut through the clamor. "So, this can already be considered one of the obstacles. The race has already begun. Those who can fly, or are lucky enough to be at the front, have an advantage. For the rest of us, it looks like we'll be delayed. What a cunning start."
His observation wasn't lost on the other students either. Many had already realized the hidden challenge within the initial scramble. This wasn't just a race—it was a battle for position right from the outset.
In the middle of this struggle, Todoroki moved his right foot slightly, the cold intensity in his gaze evident. Without warning, he muttered, "Since the race has already started, then excuse me..."
**Freeze!**
In an instant, Todoroki unleashed a torrent of ice, the freezing air billowing from the gate and spreading across the corridor floor. A blue-white haze filled the space as ice crawled up the legs of dozens of students, trapping them in place. The air was bitterly cold, and the sudden spread of ice stopped many in their tracks.
Todoroki darted forward, easily slipping past the frozen students and making his way onto the track, believing himself far ahead of the others. Yet the students of Class 1-A had anticipated his move. Most of them were prepared and used their Quirks to avoid being ensnared by the ice. Even students from other classes, despite the surprise, began freeing themselves, but a significant number were left stuck in place.
"Damn! I can't move my legs!"
"This is unfair!"
"Am I going to lose before the race even starts?!"
Fulan heard the cries of frustration all around him. He, too, had been caught by the ice, his feet immobilized. Yet, unlike the others, he remained composed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he examined the ice around his legs.
"This is impressive," he murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "So, this is what it means to be a student at UA. Such power... I've never seen anything like it at my old academy. It makes me want to compete even more."
**Zap!**
Purple sparks of electricity danced across Fulan's body, the faint hum of energy vibrating in the air. His purple hair shifted slightly, as if touched by an invisible breeze. With a fluid motion, he crouched down and placed his hand on the frozen ground.
**[Electro Wave!]**
**Zap! Crash!**
A surge of purple electricity pulsed through the ice, shattering it in an instant. The ground cracked as the ice splintered and melted, freeing not only Fulan but the students around him.
"Huh? What just happened?"
"The ice—it's broken! Some of it's melting!"
"Was it the electricity? That's amazing!"
"I can finally move again!"
Grateful murmurs rose as the students, now free, began to sprint toward the sandy track, Fulan among them. His actions had liberated those trapped by Todoroki's ice, and though they didn't have time to express their thanks, their renewed hope was evident.
As Fulan broke free and started running, the commentator Yamada's excited voice echoed across the arena.
"What's this?! A large group of students entering the race track all at once?! How did they all escape the ice so quickly?!"
Several students ahead turned to glance back, curious about the sudden influx of runners. But Todoroki, who was already far ahead, didn't bother to look. His focus was fixed on the massive obstacle looming before him—a towering robot, easily the size of a three-story building, its mechanical limbs poised to strike.
Unfazed, Todoroki raised his hand toward the giant machine. "Is it just a coincidence? Or did some fool melt my ice?" he muttered to himself.
**Freeze!**
Ice surged forward, coating the ground and spreading rapidly until it engulfed the massive robot. In mere seconds, the towering machine was encased in a thick layer of ice, transformed into a colossal statue. The icy vapor swirled around Todoroki's face, the right side of which was now dusted with a thin layer of frost. He sighed, cold white air escaping his lips as his hair swayed gently in the chill.
Behind him, the other students were left staring in awe. Kirishima, who was closest to the frozen robot, couldn't help but exclaim, "With one attack? You've gotta be kidding me."
Beside him, Tetsutetsu from Class 1-B was equally shocked. "Wait... isn't that robot kind of... falling over?"
At that very moment, Todoroki's calm voice floated back to them as he passed between the giant robot's legs. "Since I froze it while it was moving, it's going to fall immediately."
As if on cue, the massive robot began to collapse, its frozen joints unable to support its weight. Todoroki had already moved ahead, leaving Kirishima and Tetsutetsu scrambling to avoid being crushed by the falling titan.
Farther back, Fulan finally caught sight of the enormous robots lining the track. His eyes widened as he surveyed the scene. "Aren't those robots a little... exaggerated in size?" he muttered, but there was a hint of excitement in his voice.
The race had only just begun, and already the obstacles were proving to be more than just physical. It was a test of strategy, quick thinking, and pure willpower. As Fulan pushed forward, the determination to catch up with the others surged through him. The competition was fierce, but for Fulan and the students of UA, this was just the beginning of what would be an unforgettable challenge.
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