Chapter 3

Wizard and Minotauros Fight

Kamen Rider Wizard tightened his grip on the WizarSwordGun as the Minotauros Phantom let out a deafening roar. The massive creature brandished its signature weapon, the Bull Ax, and charged towards the Kamen Rider.

Wizard braced himself, his enhanced senses allowing him to anticipate the Phantom's movements. As the Minotauros swung its massive ax, Wizard deftly shifted the WizarSwordGun into Gun Mode, firing a rapid barrage of silver bullets. The projectiles struck the Phantom's thick hide, causing it to stagger momentarily.

Seizing the opportunity, Wizard switched the WizarSwordGun back to Sword Mode and lunged forward, slashing at the Phantom's exposed flank. The blade glowed with an intense, fiery aura, the heat searing the Minotauros' flesh.

Minotauros charged at Wizard like a rampaging bull, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Wizard braced himself, planting his feet firmly as the Phantom barreled towards him. At the last moment, he thrust the glowing blade of the WizarSwordGun forward, stopping the Minotauros' charge in its tracks.

With a burst of agility, Wizard leaped over the stunned Phantom, somersaulting gracefully through the air. As he sailed overhead, he slashed down with his sword, scoring a deep gash across Minotauros' back. The Phantom roared in pain, whirling around to face its nimble opponent.

Wizard landed lightly, already shifting the WizarSwordGun back into Gun Mode. He fired a rapid barrage of silver bullets, each one infused with magical energy. The projectiles peppered the Minotauros, staggering it further and preventing it from mounting another charge.

Minotauros let out a furious roar, slamming the ground with his massive fists. Suddenly, the very earth began to shift and tremble, as towering walls of stone and earth erupted all around Wizard, enclosing him in a labyrinthine prison.

"Damn you! Let's see how you handle this!" the Minotauros Phantom bellowed, its voice rumbling like thunder.

Wizard gripped the WizarSwordGun tightly, his gaze sweeping across the ever-changing maze that now surrounded him. "Well, that is new," he muttered, his mind racing to devise a strategy.

Minotauros' Quirk, Labyrinth, allows him to manipulate and transform the surrounding environment into a complex, maze-like structure. By exerting his will, Minotauros can rapidly alter the terrain, creating towering walls, shifting passages, and disorienting obstacles that confuse and trap his opponents. The Labyrinth Quirk functions as both an offensive and defensive tool, separating and isolating foes while making it difficult for them to navigate the ever-changing maze.

Wizard braced himself as the Minotauros Phantom's Labyrinth surrounded him. Gripping his WizarSwordGun tightly, he knew he needed to adapt to this new environment.

"Let's switch things up a bit," Wizard declared, raising his hand. He slipped on the Land Ring and scanned it over the Wizardriver.

[Land, Please!]

[Dododo, Dododo, Don, Dododon]

Wizard's appearance shifted as the Land Ring activated, transforming his armor into a sturdy, yellow-hued form. Thick, blocky panels covered his chest and limbs, enhancing his physical strength and durability. The visor on his helmet gleamed with a topaz-like sheen, reflecting the earth-based powers he now wielded.

(image)

Minotauros made the walls close in on Wizard, trapping him within the ever-shifting labyrinth. "Die, Wizard!" the Phantom roared, its voice echoing through the maze.

Wizard remained calm, assessing his options. He quickly scanned the Drill Ring over his Wizardriver.

[Drill, Please!]

A drill made of pure magical energy circled around Wizard's right leg, the spinning tip gleaming with power. Without hesitation, Wizard kicked forward, the drill-like construct slamming into the nearest wall.

The drill bit into the stone, effortlessly piercing through the solid barrier. Wizard pushed forward, the magical drill carving a path through the labyrinth's defenses. Wall after wall crumbled under the onslaught, the Kamen Rider steadily advancing through the maze.

Minotauros watched in disbelief as Wizard drilled his way towards the Phantom's position. The Phantom's massive form filled the narrow passageway, blocking Wizard's path. With a mighty swing of its Bull Ax, Minotauros attempted to cleave the Kamen Rider in two.

But Wizard was ready. As the ax descended, he leaned back, the blade missing him by mere inches. In one fluid motion, he thrust his leg forward, the magical drill slamming into the Minotauros Phantom's chest.

The drill bit deep, eliciting a roar of pain from the Phantom. Wizard pushed harder, the spinning construct tunneling through Minotauros' thick hide. The Phantom staggered back, its grip on the ax weakening as it struggled against the relentless assault.

With a powerful kick, Wizard sent the drill hurtling straight into the Minotauros Phantom's chest. The Phantom let out a guttural scream as the drill pierced its body, the magical energy tearing through its flesh.

Minotauros staggered, feeling weak as the magical drill burrowed deep into its chest. The Phantom's eyes burned with rage as it grasped the spinning construct, struggling to pull it free.

"Why? I have gained power, but...Why can I not still defeat you!" Minotauros bellowed, its voice trembling with frustration.

Wizard stood his ground, his posture calm and resolute. With a flick of his wrist, he slipped on the Water Ring and scanned it over the Wizardriver.

[Water, Please!]

[Suī, Suī, Suī, Suī!]

Wizard's armor shifted, the yellow and black panels morphing into a sleek, blue-hued form. Intricate water ripple patterns now adorned his chest and limbs, and the visor on his helmet shimmered with a sapphire glow.

(image)

"It is because I have gotten stronger," Wizard declared, his voice level but firm. "And I can't afford to lose."

Minotauros roared in frustration as its massive fist came crashing down towards Wizard. But just before the blow could land, Wizard quickly scanned the Liquid Ring over his Wizardriver.

[Liquid, Please!]

In an instant, Wizard's solid form transformed into a flowing, liquid-like state. Minotauros' fist passed harmlessly through Wizard's body, the Kamen Rider's limbs parting and reforming around the Phantom's attack.

Wizard's liquid body undulated and shifted, evading the Minotauros Phantom's strikes with ease. Minotauros bellowed in confusion, unable to land a solid hit on the elusive Kamen Rider.

Wizard's liquid body flowed and shifted, evading the Minotauros Phantom's frenzied attacks. The Kamen Rider maneuvered behind the towering beast, his fluid form coiling around Minotauros' massive frame.

With a sudden burst of movement, Wizard solidified his body, gripping the Phantom tightly. In one swift motion, he executed a powerful suplex, slamming Minotauros' head into the cracked concrete floor.

The impact was tremendous, the floor buckling and splitting under the immense force. Minotauros' horns, once curled menacingly, shattered upon hitting the ground, fragments scattering across the battlefield.

The Phantom let out a bellowing roar of pain, its bestial features contorted in agony.

Wizard backed away, his liquid body solidifying into his familiar Flame Style armor. The ruby-red panels and fiery accents shimmered with magical energy, signaling his readiness to deliver the finishing blow.

"The finale!" Wizard declared, his voice carrying a sense of finality.

The Wizardriver's hand-shaped buckle began to rotate.

[Lupachi Magic Touch Go!, Lupachi Magic Touch Go!] it announced, the rhythmic chant echoing through the crumbling warehouse.

Wizard equipped the Kick Strike Ring on his right hand. He scanned the ring over the Wizardriver, and the device responded with a resounding

[Very Nice, Kick Strike, The Best!]

A magic circle appears below Wizard. The glowing array of symbols and runes manifests at his feet, crackling with arcane energy. Wizard wastes no time, breaking into a sprint towards the downed Minotauros Phantom.

Wizard's movements flow with a dancer's grace as he leaps into the air, twisting his body into a graceful flip. Flames lick at his outstretched leg, coalescing into a swirling vortex of fire. Magical circles flare to life, orbiting his limb and amplifying the searing power.

With his leg enshrouded in this blazing maelstrom, Wizard completes his backflip, hurtling towards the Minotauros Phantom. The Phantom, battered and disoriented, barely has time to register the incoming attack before Wizard's fiery kick connects with its chest.

Wizard lands gracefully, his armored feet touching down with practiced ease as the fiery Kick Strike finishes off the Minotauros Phantom.

The towering Phantom lets out a final, agonizing scream as Wizard's attack connects, its monstrous form consumed by a powerful explosion. Flames erupt, engulfing the Phantom in a blaze of destructive energy. Debris and rubble are scattered in the shockwave, the warehouse shuddering under the force of the impact.

Minotauros' anguished cries are quickly silenced as the Phantom's body disintegrates, reduced to nothing more than a flickering, ethereal wisp that dissipates into the air.

Wizard turns his attention to Izuku, concerned for the young man's wellbeing. He can see the cracks of doubt and fear forming around Izuku's body, a telltale sign of the despair that the Minotauros Phantom had sought to instill.

"Izuku, you okay?" Wizard asks, his voice carrying a gentle, reassuring tone.

Izuku lifts his gaze, his eyes reflecting a faint glimmer of hope. "That was amazing…Yuto-san. You managed to...defeat him," he says, his words punctuated by a faint smile.

Wizard nods, sensing the turmoil within Izuku's heart. "Don't worry, Izuku. You're going to be okay," he assures, his armored hand reaching out to rest on the young man's shoulder.

Izuku sees the cracks forming. "Am I going to die…"

Wizard holds Izuku's hand, the metal of his glove cool against Izuku's skin. "No, you are not going to die, Izuku. I will never let that happen before my eyes!" he says, his voice firm and resolute.

Izuku looks up at the armored hero, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. "The woman...is she okay?" he asks, his voice tinged with concern.

"Yes, she is only sleeping," Wizard reassures him.

Izuku lets out a shaky breath, relieved to hear the woman is unharmed. He turns his gaze to the spot where the Minotauros Phantom had stood moments ago, now reduced to nothing but wisps of fading energy.

"I couldn't do anything to stop it," Izuku murmurs, his shoulders slumping. "I'm just...Quirkless."

Wizard tightens his grip on Izuku's hand, drawing the young man's attention back to him. "Izuku, your lack of a Quirk does not define you," he says, his tone gentle yet unwavering. "What matters is the strength of your heart and your determination to help others."

Wizard gripped Izuku's hand firmly. "You did not lose hope until the very end. Now, I am asking you once again to have hope. Fight your despair."

Izuku's eyes widened, the weight of Yuto's words resonating within him. "Yuto-san..."

"Did I not tell you? I will be your last hope, so..." Yuto leaned in, his tone unwavering. "Don't give up, Izuku!"

Izuku closes his eyes, and his life begins flashing before his eyes in a dizzying montage of memories. The cracks in his resolve grew larger with each recollection.

He saw his mother embracing him, tears streaming down her face as she apologized. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry Izuku."

The images shifted to scenes of Bakugo and the other children bullying him relentlessly. "You will never be a hero, Deku!" they jeered, their taunts echoing in his mind.

Izuku then relived the countless times he had watched All Might, the Symbol of Peace, in awe. "I am here!" the hero proclaimed, filling Izuku with a sense of hope that now felt so distant.

And then, the memory that shattered him – All Might's words, crushing his dreams. "I cannot simply say, 'You can be a hero even without a power.'"

With each recollection, the cracks in Izuku's resolve spread, threatening to consume him. The despair he had fought so hard to push back began to overwhelm him, leaving him feeling small and powerless.

Izuku's eyes widened as the memory of his conversation with Yuto at the Donut Shop Hungry came flooding back. Yuto's unwavering belief in him, his words of encouragement, had been the lifeline Izuku had been searching for.

"Even if you don't have a Quirk. I believe a hero is someone who does not lose hope, even in the face of despair," Yuto had said, his gaze steady and sincere.

In that moment, Izuku had felt a glimmer of hope ignite within him, a feeling he had long since buried under the weight of his Quirklessness and the dismissal of his dreams.

Now, as Yuto stood before him, his armored form radiating power and determination, those words echoed in Izuku's mind, cutting through the cracks of doubt that threatened to consume him.

"Don't give up, Izuku!" Yuto's voice rang out, firm and resolute.

The cracks around Izuku start receding, and his view becomes brighter. Izuku's body begins to glow, and all of the cracks on his body disappear.

Izuku opens his eyes, and Yuto is relieved. "You did it, Izuku."

///

The woman's eyes flutter open, and she finds herself lying on a park bench. She sits up with a start, her heart racing as she takes in her surroundings.

"It...it was all just a dream?" she whispers, her brow furrowed in confusion. Glancing around, she sees no sign of the towering minotaur or the armored hero who had saved her.

Shaking her head, she stands and smooths out her clothes. With a deep breath, she turns and begins to make her way out of the park, her steps quickening as she tries to put the bizarre incident behind her. Whatever had happened, she was just grateful to be alive and unharmed.

Yuto and Izuku watch the woman walk away from the park bench.

"Is it okay to just leave her like that?" asked Izuku, his brow creased with concern.

"The less concerned she is, the better," replied Yuto, his tone calm and measured. He knows that the less this woman remembers about the encounter with the Phantom, the safer she'll be. Izuku nods reluctantly, trusting his Yuto's judgment, even if it doesn't sit quite right with him.

Izuku lets out a relieved sigh, grateful that Yuto was there to protect him from the Phantom's attack.

"Thank you, Yuto-san," he says, his voice tinged with gratitude.

"I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up."

Yuto places a reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder, his red eyes conveying a rare softness.

"I'm just glad you're safe," he replies, his calm demeanor belying the intensity of the battle they had just endured. As Izuku nods in acknowledgment, Yuto knows that their work is far from over, but in this moment, he's relieved to have prevented another tragedy.

Izuku's brow furrowed as he turned to Yuto. "That monster - what was it?"

"That was a Phantom," Yuto replied, his tone grave. "They are creatures born from human despair, driven to create more of their kind."

Izuku's eyes widened. "Phantom? I've never heard of such things."

Yuto explained, "Humans with high levels of magic are known as Gates. If a Gate is consumed by despair, the Phantom within them is unleashed, destroying the human host. That Phantom you encountered was likely drawn to you because you are a Gate."

Izuku's eyes widened in alarm. "So, I'm a target for those creatures?" His voice trembled slightly, the weight of this revelation settling upon him.

Yuto nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, they won't target you anymore. You are no longer a gate." Izuku relaxed, relieved to hear he would no longer be in danger.

Izuku's eyes widened in wonder as Yuto's revelation sank in. "Magic? Magic exists?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief and excitement.

Yuto nodded, his expression calm and composed. "Yes, magic exists. It's a power that has been forgotten by most, but it is very real."

Izuku leaned forward, his curiosity palpable. "Then, do you use magic, Yuto-san? Can anyone learn to use it?" The prospect of a world where magic was possible filled him with a sense of awe and possibility.

Yuto's lips curled into a faint smile. "I can use magic, but not just anyone can learn to wield it."

Izuku's shoulders slumped slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing his features. "Oh, I see." He had hoped that maybe, just maybe, he could learn to use magic, even without a Quirk.

Izuku asks how Yuto could use magic. "How can you use magic in the first place, Yuto-san?"

Yuto's expression remains calm as he explains, "It is because I'm keeping a Phantom in my body."

Izuku's eyes widen in alarm. "Eh?! Is it fine?! Won't it crawl out of your body or something?!"

Yuto says it is fine. "The Phantom within me is under my control. So you don't have to worry." His calm, assured tone puts Izuku slightly at ease.

Izuku's brow furrowed as he considered Yuto's revelation. "So if you're using magic, then all those amazing feats I saw you do - the transformation, the fighting, the rescuing - that was all because of your magic, not a Quirk?"

Yuto nodded, his expression serene. "That's correct. I do not possess a Quirk actually. My abilities come from magic."

Izuku's eyes widened in disbelief as Yuto's revelation sank in. He, too, was Quirkless - just like Izuku. The realization hit him hard, as he had assumed Yuto's incredible powers must have stemmed from some extraordinary Quirk.

"But how..." Izuku trailed off, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation. "If you don't have a Quirk, how are you able to do all those things? To transform and fight like that?"

Yuto's expression remained calm and collected as he met Izuku's gaze. "As I said, my abilities come from magic, not a Quirk."

Izuku was still shocked to know Yuto was Quirkless.

Izuku said, "That's nice. I'm sure you can do everything with magic. I'm sure you never feel any despair, Yuto-san."

Yuto became serious for a moment. He remembered the day he became a mage. It was a bittersweet memory.

"That's not quite right, Izuku," Yuto said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Izuku looked at him, puzzled. "Eh?"

"I don't give in to despair because of my magic. It's because I didn't give in to despair that I obtained magic. Just like you." Yuto's gaze held a weight that belied his youthful appearance.

Izuku was confused. Yuto explained, "Izuku, do you know why not everyone can use magic?"

"Why?" Izuku asked.

Yuto's expression remained calm, but his words carried a hint of gravity. "It is because a Phantom is needed to use magic."

"Huh?" Izuku responded, his brow furrowed in bewilderment.

Yuto's words hung in the air, a revelation that left Izuku's mind reeling. "A Phantom is needed to use magic?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief.

The young man nodded solemnly. "Yes. When a Gate succumbs to overwhelming despair, their inner Phantom manifests and takes their form. This allows the Phantom to disguise itself as a human."

Izuku's eyes widened as the implications sank in. "Then, if a Gate doesn't give in to despair..." His voice trailed off, a glimmer of hope flickering in his chest.

Yuto's gaze met Izuku's, a faint smile playing on his lips. "In rare cases, the Gate does not give in to despair, but still holds onto hope. When that happens, a miracle can occur."

Izuku's heart started to race, the possibilities unfolding before him. "A miracle?" he breathed, hanging on Yuto's every word.

"The power of hope can allow a Gate to suppress their Phantom," Yuto explained, his voice calm and measured. "And in doing so, they gain the ability to use magic."

The words hit Izuku like a bolt of lightning, igniting a spark of hope within him.

Yuto's calm, measured words hung in the air, their implication slowly sinking into Izuku's mind.

"I'm sure you have already noticed, Izuku. Even when you were in despair, you still held on to hope and suppressed your Phantom. This unlocked your magic."

Izuku's body began to shake with excitement, and his heart raced. The revelation that he, a Quirkless boy, had the potential to wield magic was almost too much to comprehend. His eyes widened, and he leaned forward, hanging on Yuto's every word.

Yuto's gaze remained steady as he met Izuku's. "Izuku, do you want to be a mage?"

The question hung in the air, a weighted proposition that carried the weight of Izuku's lifelong dream. For so long, he had believed that becoming a hero was an impossibility without a Quirk. But now, with Yuto's revelation, a glimmer of hope flickered to life within him.

Izuku's eyes widened, a mixture of disbelief and hope swirling within them. "I… could I really become a mage?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

Yuto nodded, a gentle smile gracing his features. "As a mage, you can fulfill your dream. You can be a hero, Izuku."

The words struck Izuku like a bolt of lightning, unlocking a torrent of emotions he had long suppressed. His eyes brimmed with tears, and before he could stop them, they began to flow freely down his cheeks.

Slumping to the ground, Izuku wept openly, his shoulders shaking with the weight of his newfound hope. All the years of being told he couldn't, the constant belittling and dismissal of his dreams, came crashing down around him, only to be replaced by the possibility of a future he had once thought impossible.

Yuto knelt beside Izuku, his movements gentle and comforting. Reaching out, he placed a hand on the young man's shoulder, offering a silent reassurance. "It's alright, Izuku," he murmured, his voice soothing. "Let it all out."

Izuku looked up, his eyes shining with tears, but a glimmer of joy had replaced the despair that had once resided there. "I can really do it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yuto nodded, his expression unwavering. "Yes, Izuku. I believe you can become a hero."

Yuto's expression turned grave as he regarded Izuku. "I also need to warn you, Izuku. If you become a mage, you will also be fighting Phantoms."

Izuku's eyes shone with determination. "I'll still do it! If Phantoms attack people, I want to save them!" he exclaimed, his voice resolute. The prospect of facing such dangerous creatures did not deter him; instead, it fueled his desire to protect others.

Yuto nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Then I will train you, Izuku. Together, we will fight the Phantoms and restore hope to those who have lost it."

Yuto says to Izuku, "I guess I'm your teacher now."

"Yes! Please guide me, Sensei!" Izuku bows to Yuto. The earnestness in his voice and the reverence in his gesture make it clear that he is eager to learn, his dreams finally within reach.

Yuto's expression softens slightly as he looks down at the young man before him. "Very well. We have much work to do, but I believe you have the potential to become a great mage." He extends a hand to Izuku, silently offering his guidance and support.

Izuku and Yuto arrive at Izuku's apartment.

Izuku opens the door, stepping inside with Yuto close behind. "Mom! I'm home!" he calls out.

Inko emerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "Welcome back, Izuku. Oh, you brought home a friend." She looks to Yuto with a warm, inquisitive smile.

Izuku turns to Yuto, gesturing to his mother. "Mom, this is Yuto Souma. Yuto, this is my mom, Inko Midoriya."

Yuto steps forward, offering Inko a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Midoriya. Thank you for having me."

Inko's eyes widen slightly at Yuto's formal greeting, but her smile only grows. "Oh, the pleasure is all mine. Please, come in, make yourself at home." She ushers them further into the cozy apartment.

Inko's eyes crinkle with warmth as she looks between the two young men. "It's so nice to see Izuku bringing a friend home. Please, you must stay for dinner." She gestures towards the kitchen. "I've made plenty, and I'd love the company."

Yuto raises a hand, a polite smile on his face. "I appreciate the kind offer, Mrs. Midoriya, but I wouldn't want to impose—"

"Nonsense!" Inko interrupts, waving a dismissive hand. "It's been so long since Izuku's had a friend over. I insist." Her tone leaves no room for argument, the maternal warmth radiating from her.

Glancing at Izuku, Yuto sees the hopeful gleam in his eyes. With a small nod, he turns back to Inko. "Then I'd be honored to join you for dinner, Mrs. Midoriya. Thank you."

Inko beams, clapping her hands together. "Wonderful! Come, come, make yourselves comfortable. Dinner will be ready shortly." She ushers them towards the modest dining area, her steps lighter than before.

Yuto, Izuku, and Inko gather around the small dining table, the aroma of Inko's home-cooked meal filling the air. Inko places the last dish on the table, beaming with pride.

"I do hope you both enjoy it," she says, taking her seat across from the two young men.

Yuto takes a bite, his eyes widening with delight. "This is absolutely delicious, Mrs. Midoriya," he says, looking up at her. "The flavors are so well-balanced and comforting. You're a wonderful cook."

Inko's cheeks flush with pleasure at the compliment. "Why, thank you, Yuto. I'm so glad you're enjoying it." She turns to Izuku, who is eagerly digging in. "And you, Izuku? How is it?"

Izuku looks up, mouth full, and nods enthusiastically. "It's amazing, Mom. The best," he says, swallowing quickly.

Inko chuckles, her gaze softening as she watches her son. "I'm happy to hear that." She turns back to Yuto. "So, Yuto, tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do?"

Yuto sets down his utensils, wiping his mouth delicately with a napkin. "Well, Mrs. Midoriya, I run an antique shop called Antique Shop Omokagedo. It's a quaint little place, but I take great pride in the rare and fascinating items we have in stock."

"An antique shop, you say?" Inko mused, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "That sounds absolutely delightful. I do love browsing through unique and treasured items."

Yuto nodded, a warm smile on his face. "It's a real passion of mine, collecting and preserving these artifacts. There's just something special about the stories they hold, don't you think?"

Izuku listened intently, his eyes bright with fascination. "What kind of antiques do you have at your shop, Yuto?" he asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Yuto chuckled. "Oh, all sorts of things - vintage furniture, rare books, mysterious trinkets. It's quite the eclectic collection." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Perhaps I could give you a private tour sometime, Izuku. I think you'd find it quite interesting."

Inko watched the exchange with a warm smile, her heart swelling with joy at seeing her son engage so enthusiastically with his new friend. The dinner conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared stories.

As the meal drew to a close, Inko began to clear the table. Yuto quickly stood up, offering to help her with the dishes.

"Oh, Yuto, you're a guest! Please, let me handle this," Inko insisted, but Yuto waved her off with a gentle smile.

"I insist, Mrs. Midoriya. It's the least I can do to thank you for this wonderful meal." Yuto gathered the plates and followed Inko into the kitchen, leaving Izuku to marvel at his mother's new friend.

Yuto helps Inko finish washing the dishes, their conversation filled with warmth and laughter. Once the task is complete, they move to the living room, settling into the comfortable chairs. Inko looks at Yuto with a kind smile, eager to learn more about her son's new friend.

Inko's brow furrows slightly in confusion. "So how did you two meet, if you don't mind me asking?"

Yuto offers a warm smile. "Ah, well, we only just met today, Mrs. Midoriya. I was out and about in the city when I happened to run into Izuku." He glances at Izuku, his expression one of newfound camaraderie. "It's been a pleasure getting to know him so far."

Inko's features relax, a grateful smile spreading across her face. "I'm so glad to hear that. Izuku hasn't had many friends over the years, so it makes me happy to see him connecting with someone new." She reaches out and gives Yuto's hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for taking the time to get to know my son."

Yuto nods, his own expression softening. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Midoriya."

Yuto takes a deep breath, his expression growing more serious. "Mrs. Midoriya, there's something important I'd like to discuss with you, if you have a moment."

Inko's brow furrows with concern, but she nods, gesturing for him to continue.

"You see, I've come to learn that your son, Izuku, possesses a remarkable gift – the ability to use magic." Yuto pauses, gauging Inko's reaction.

Inko's eyes widen, her mouth opening in surprise. "Magic? But that's... that's impossible. Quirks are the only known superhuman abilities in this world."

Yuto raises a hand, a reassuring smile on his face. "I understand your skepticism, Mrs. Midoriya, but I can assure you that magic is very much real. In fact, I myself am a mage."

Inko was skeptical. The notion of magic, beyond the Quirks that had become commonplace, was simply unfathomable to her. She eyed Yuto warily, her brow furrowed in a mix of confusion and disbelief.

To make Inko believe, Yuto equips the Garuda Ring on his right hand and scans it. [Garuda, Please!]

Inko's eyes widen as a small plastic model appears, beginning to transform into a mechanical bird that is similar to a Garuda. The intricate construct unfolds, its metallic wings spreading, and Yuto inserts the Garuda Ring into the Plamonster's chest.

Inko was surprised, her hands clasping over her mouth as she watches the Garuda Plamonster come to life. "This... this is real?" she whispers, her gaze darting between the magical creature and Yuto.

Yuto nods, a gentle smile on his face. "Yes, Mrs. Midoriya. I am a mage, and I've come to help your son, Izuku, unlock his own magical potential."

Garuda flies around the living room, its mechanical wings flapping gracefully. Inko watches the Plamonster with wide, captivated eyes, her initial skepticism fading as she witnesses the undeniable display of magic before her.

Izuku's gaze follows the Garuda, his expression one of pure wonder and excitement. He turns to his mother, hope shining in his eyes. "Mom, can I... Can I be Yuto's student?" he asks, his voice trembling with anticipation.

Inko's eyes shift from the Garuda to her son, and she sees the determination radiating from him. It's a look she hasn't seen in years, not since the day he learned he was Quirkless. In that moment, Inko realizes that this opportunity could reignite the spark of hope within Izuku, the one she had feared was extinguished.

With a gentle smile, Inko reaches out and takes Izuku's hand. "Yes, Izuku. If this is what you truly want, then I will support you." She turns to Yuto, her expression serious but tinged with gratitude. "Please, Yuto, take care of my son. Help him realize his dream of becoming a hero."

Yuto nods solemnly, his gaze filled with understanding. "I promise, Mrs. Midoriya, that I will do everything in my power to guide Izuku on this path. He has a remarkable gift, and I believe he has the potential to become a great mage and hero."

Izuku's eyes widen, and a broad smile spreads across his face. "Thank you, Mom! Thank you, Yuto!" He pulls his mother into a tight hug, and Inko returns the embrace, her heart swelling with pride and hope for her son's future.

As they part, Inko looks at Yuto with a grateful expression. "Please, Yuto, take care of him. I know this path won't be easy, but I trust you to be there for him, no matter what."

Yuto nods solemnly, his eyes reflecting the weight of the responsibility Inko has entrusted him with. "I will, Mrs. Midoriya. I give you my word."

Yuto noticed it was already late, so it was about time he should leave. He turns to Izuku, a warm smile on his face.

"I'm afraid I must be going now, but I'll be sure to message you tomorrow about where we can meet after school."

Yuto reaches into his pocket and retrieves a simple ring, slipping it onto his finger.

[Teleport, Please!]

He intones, and a magical portal opens before him. Yuto offers a polite bow to Inko.

"Thank you again for your hospitality, Mrs. Midoriya. I look forward to seeing you both again soon."

With a final wave, Yuto disappeared from the apartment in a flash of light. Izuku and Inko are left staring at the spot where he once stood, both filled with a newfound sense of hope for the future.

***

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