1 An Obviously Rushed Introduction Because We All Know Why You’re Here But I Feel Irresponsible Not Including a Lead In

Your name was Tanaka. You were fifteen years old, born into a loving, supportive household with not many, if any, discernible talents. Sure, you had hobbies, and your grades were slightly above average, but you weren't exactly special. You had never been much for the spotlight, and although your friends were loyal and true, they weren't extraordinary either.

But, something did feel good about standing in front of Hope's Peak Academy that spring day. Maybe it was the pride that swelled in your chest, or the smell of the crisp air, or the eggs you'd had that morning, but all you knew was that it felt right standing there. Sure, your talent was nonexistent, but that sure as hell wasn't gonna stop you from feeling good about this. It's Hope's Peak! You're moving up in the world! Optimism may be a fool's trait, but who could complain about scouting from this fantastic school?

Everyone and their mother knew about this school. It had been erected centuries ago with government funding to research and develop adolescent talent. You had to be at the top of your field to be scouted, and the students who made it in such a cutthroat establishment were almost guaranteed success.

The gates slowly creaked open. You had made an effort to come early that day, so you had about forty-five minutes to get to the orientation. And as you took that first step forward…

What did you do?

You weren't an abdominal person. You'd never killed anyone, never excessively hurt anyone. Maybe it was karma, or maybe you'd offended whatever god ruled over your world. Maybe you were fated to receive such torture, or maybe it was plain bad luck. Regardless, that question, "Why me?" would haunt you for the rest of your relatively short life.

You didn't remember hitting the ground.