The warm morning sun shone over the city, streaming through the waiting room windows of the hospital. Luth sat on a small bench, his feet dangling above the floor, too short to reach it. Beside him, Ayaka flipped through a health magazine, while Kaito sat with his arms crossed, waiting for their turn to be called.
Across the room, a green-haired boy fidgeted anxiously, swinging his legs impatiently. His large eyes kept darting toward his parents as if making sure they were still there. When his gaze met Luth's, he beamed brightly.
The boy stood up and walked over. "Hi!" he greeted cheerfully. "My name is Midoriya Izuku!"
Luth stared at him for a moment before giving a small nod. "Luth."
Izuku's face lit up even more. "Are you here for a Quirk test too?"
Luth looked at him briefly before nodding again.
"Wow! Me too!" Izuku looked thrilled. "I hope I get a really cool Quirk! If possible, something strong like All Might!"
That name caught Luth's attention. He turned slightly, now more interested.
"You like All Might?" he asked.
Izuku immediately nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! He's the number one hero! He always smiles and saves people without fear! I want to be a hero like him one day!"
Luth observed the fiery determination in the boy's face. In his previous life, he had rarely seen someone with such pure ambition. Most people fought for power, wealth, or influence. But Izuku? He just wanted to be a hero.
Before Luth could respond, Izuku pointed outside. "There's a small park out there! Wanna play?"
Luth glanced at Ayaka and Kaito. Ayaka chuckled and nodded. "Go ahead, but don't wander too far."
Izuku cheered before grabbing Luth's hand and leading him outside.
The hospital park was simple, with swings, a slide, and a few wooden benches under the shade of tall trees. Several other kids were playing, but Izuku didn't seem to care. He headed straight for the swings and sat down.
Luth followed, taking the swing beside him.
"If you could choose, what kind of Quirk would you want?" Izuku asked, gently swaying back and forth.
Luth thought for a moment. Honestly, he had no idea. In his previous life, he fought without supernatural powers, relying only on skill and experience. But in this world, power was everything.
"I don't know yet," he finally answered.
Izuku looked surprised. "Really? I've been thinking about this forever! I want a Quirk that makes me strong, like All Might! I want to save people and become the best hero!"
Luth watched him. "What will you do if you don't have a Quirk?"
Izuku froze for a moment before laughing awkwardly. "I… I don't know. But I still want to be a hero, no matter what!"
That answer made Luth frown slightly. This world wasn't kind to those without power. Izuku would be Quirkless… It would be difficult, but I know he'll find a way.
"I'm sure you can do it," Luth finally said.
Izuku's eyes sparkled. "Thanks, Luth!"
They continued talking about All Might, about how strong he was and how he always smiled in the face of danger. To Izuku, All Might was everything—a symbol he wanted to reach. To Luth, this conversation was simply the beginning of his understanding of this world.
As the sun climbed higher, a voice called out from inside the hospital.
"Midoriya Izuku, Luth! Please proceed to the examination room!"
Izuku jumped off the swing excitedly. "Come on, Luth!"
Luth stood up and followed behind him, his mind filled with one simple question.
Would he become a hero?
Or would he end up Quirkless like Deku?
***
Damn, this isn't how I imagined it. What kind of coincidence is this? Why did I suddenly meet the protagonist here? Is this that infamous curse—the curse of a reader who gets transported into the novel they've read?
I already know what's going to happen. That fate can never be changed. In the end, Deku will remain Quirkless until the very end of the anime (probably, based on predictions).
What worries me the most is the butterfly effect I might have caused just by interacting with him. I never wanted to meet him or talk to the main character. But he was the one who started it first, wasn't he?
There's a chance he might never meet All Might in the future. And if that happens… would I become All Might's successor instead? No, forget it. I don't want to be just another ordinary person. I want to be a hero. But not the main character.
Ah, whatever. I'll just let it all play out.
***
They stepped into the examination room with steady strides. The walls were pristine white, with holographic screens displaying various medical data. A bespectacled doctor in a neatly pressed lab coat greeted them with a professional smile.
"Welcome, Midoriya Izuku and Luth," he said while glancing at the list in his hand. "Today, we'll be testing your Quirks. Please take a seat in the scanning chairs."
Izuku eagerly stepped forward first, while Luth sat calmly in the chair beside him. As the scanning machine activated, the wall screens began displaying data about their bodies. The next moment, something unexpected happened.
[System Initialization…]
[Detecting presence of a new user…]
[Syncing with the world…]
Luth flinched. A transparent screen with white text appeared before him, floating like a hologram only he could see. He held back his surprise, staying silent while observing the words unfolding.
[Welcome, Luth.]
[You have gained access to the Dimensional System.]
[The Boundaries of Existence have been loosened upon the Host.]
[The Authority of the Spirit World gazes upon you.]
[His Eminence has blessed you.]
[Adjusting world parameters…]
[Assigning Quirk: PORTAL]
Luth stared at the screen, unshaken. So, this system really existed? Was this part of his transmigration into this world?
Meanwhile, the doctor examined the data on his monitor. "Midoriya Izuku… hmm, it seems there are no indications of a Quirk in your body."
The room fell into a brief silence. Izuku stiffened, his eyes widening in disbelief. "N-no way…"
The doctor sighed before continuing in a gentler tone. "Based on the scan results, there is no additional structure in your pinky toe, which typically indicates a Quirk. This means you are most likely Quirkless."
Izuku lowered his head, his hands clenching into fists. "But… I want to be a hero…" His voice trembled.
Luth observed him. He knew how harsh this world was for those without power. But before he could say anything, the doctor continued.
"And as for Luth… it seems you do have a Quirk."
Izuku immediately lifted his head, looking at his new friend with hope in his eyes.
The doctor read through the displayed data. "Quirk name: Portal. This ability allows you to open dimensional rifts connecting two points in space. However, its full potential is yet to be determined. We'll need to conduct further tests."
Luth remained silent, but within his mind, the system revealed more information.
[Quirk: Portal]
[Level: 1]
[Ability: Opens a portal with a maximum range of 5 meters. Energy consumption increases based on size and duration.]
[Initial Mission: Use the Quirk 10 times to unlock additional features.]
Luth realized that this system functioned like a status panel in a game. There were levels, missions, and most likely, a mechanism for enhancing abilities.
"Izuku, Luth, let's proceed to the testing room," the doctor said, trying to lift Izuku's spirits.
They were led to a spacious chamber with a metallic floor and various testing equipment. "Luth, try activating your Quirk."
Luth raised his hand, trying to sense something different within him. He focused on a point ahead, imagining how the portal would manifest.
[Activating Portal…]
A swirling black rift opened in the air, forming a small circular gateway. On the other side, he could see the room's wall, like a transparent hole in reality.
Izuku watched in awe. "That's amazing, Luth!"
The doctor also seemed intrigued. "Try throwing something through it."
Luth picked up a small ball from a nearby table and tossed it into the portal. Instantly, it emerged from the other side without resistance.
[First usage successful. 9/10 uses remaining to unlock additional features.]
Luth noted how the system provided clear instructions.
The doctor jotted down notes on his tablet. "This is an incredibly useful Quirk. With training, you could extend its range and find various applications for it."
Though still visibly upset, Izuku remained supportive. "You can definitely become a hero with that power, Luth!"
Luth didn't respond, but in his mind, he wondered—how should he use this power in a world full of heroes and villains?
As they prepared to leave the room, a new system notification appeared.
[System has synchronized with the user.]
[Challenge Mode will soon be available.]
Luth narrowed his eyes. Challenge Mode? What else was about to unfold?
Back in the waiting area, Izuku still looked downcast. Sensing his sorrow, Luth decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Hey, Izuku. You like All Might, right?"
Izuku's eyes lit up slightly. "Of course! He's the number one hero! No one can surpass him when it comes to saving people!"
Luth nodded, pausing before speaking again. "In your opinion, what makes All Might so great?"
Izuku smiled faintly. "His strength is incredible, but what truly makes him a hero is his smile. No matter how dangerous the situation, he always smiles. That gives people hope."
Luth observed Izuku's expression gradually brighten. He smirked slightly.
"So, even if you don't have a Quirk… you can still be someone who gives others hope, right?"
Izuku remained silent for a moment before chuckling softly. "Haha, maybe you're right. I just have to keep trying, huh?"
Luth extended his hand. "In that case, let's be friends from now on."
Izuku looked at his hand before breaking into a wide grin and shaking it. "Yeah!"
At that moment, the system displayed a new notification.
[Side Mission Completed: Befriend a Key Character.]
[Reward: +10% Quirk Energy Efficiency.]
Luth held back a chuckle. Just befriending Deku was enough to earn rewards? This world was truly fascinating.
However, he knew… this was merely the beginning of his long journey in the world of heroes.
Damn, you're getting me excited, Deku.