A Rider Kick in Marvel Rewrite Vol 2 Ch 86

Ace and Asahi stood before the Central Tower of I-Island, the skyscraper gleaming under the night sky. Ace, usually clad in casual wear or Rider armor, looked oddly elegant in a tailored black suit. The jacket emphasized his lean build, while the crisp white shirt and muted silver tie added a touch of sophistication. He had even tamed his unruly black hair, slicking it back to reveal his sharp features.

Asahi, on the other hand, embraced the formal attire with unrestrained enthusiasm. His suit was a vibrant navy blue that popped, complemented by a patterned tie featuring tiny All Might figures. Asahi's natural exuberance shone through, and his smile could light up a room.

They walked towards the entrance, the fountain glistening under their feet. They boarded an elevator, which ascended rapidly. The doors opened, revealing a scene that caught them both by surprise: Class 1-A.

Uraraka wore a flowing, tea-length dress. Todoroki was a somber vision in a black and grey suit, while Yaoyorozu radiated elegance in a floor-length gown. Kirishima, surprisingly, looked dapper in a crimson suit. Even Bakugo was present, though his scowl seemed even more pronounced in formal wear.

"Ukiyo-san! Asahi-san! I am glad you could make it," Iida said, giving a firm chop. "We were invited to the party as well!"

Ace nodded in acknowledgement. "So it seems," he said.

Just then, Melissa arrived. Ace's breath hitched. She wore a flowing, knee-length blue dress, a delicate corsage cinching her waist. Her blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail, secured with a black bow tie ribbon. A splash of crimson appeared, a bright red ribbon holding back her bangs.

Her aqua eyes sparkled. "Ace! Asahi! You made it!" Melissa exclaimed, happiness radiating from her. She took in the group with Class 1-A. "Everyone looks so great!"

Ace nodded slowly, a rare display of awe washing over him. "Melissa, you... you look stunning."

A soft pink bloomed on her cheeks. "Thank you, Ace," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You look incredibly handsome yourself," she added, her gaze lingering on his features.

The moment hung in the air, sweet and unexpected, but Melissa shook her head gently, snapping them both back to reality. "But we should get going," she said, gesturing towards the grand ballroom. "The party is starting, and my dad would want us to get there early."

The group squeezed into another elevator, this one larger and more opulent than the first. The doors glided shut, and the car began its ascent, a smooth, silent ride.

The doors opened onto a scene of controlled bedlam. The ballroom shimmered with crystal chandeliers and hushed chatter. Pro Heroes mingled with suited sponsors, exchanging business cards and pleasantries. The air buzzed with ambition and opportunity.

"Wow," Uraraka breathed, her eyes wide. "This is... intense."

Iida straightened his tie, his usual confidence wavering slightly. "Indeed," he said. "It is imperative that we conduct ourselves with the utmost decorum."

Kirishima's grin was strained. "Man, I feel outta my element. This is way different than fighting villains."

Even Bakugo seemed subdued, his usual explosive energy muted by the formal atmosphere. He glowered at a group of sponsors. "Bunch of extras," he muttered.

Momo, however, surveyed the scene with a serene smile. "Do not be so tense, everyone," she said. "These events are simply opportunities to network and foster connections. It is a part of being a hero." She adjusted the sash on her gown, a picture of composed grace. "Now, come, let us not be intimidated by the atmosphere. Let us mingle and make a good impression."

Ace scanned the ballroom, a sharp contrast to the Helheim forest. His gaze locked onto a familiar figure across the room: All Might, the Symbol of Peace, engaged in an animated conversation with David Shield. Perfect, he thought. He would use his attendance as a shield to meet the scientist.

Suddenly, a voice boomed through the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, heroes and sponsors, welcome to the I-Island Expo Gala!" The host, a man with slicked-back hair and a dazzling smile, stood on a small stage. "We are honored to have you all with us tonight. And now, I would like to invite our esteemed guest, All Might, to say a few words and lead a toast."

All Might strode onto the stage, his presence immediately commanding attention. "Thank you all for coming tonight!" he said, his voice booming. "It is an honor to be here, among so many brilliant minds and aspiring heroes. Let us raise our glasses to innovation, to courage, and to a future where everyone can smile! To heroism!"

The crowd cheered, glasses clinking as the party officially began.

Class 1-A scattered. Uraraka and Kirishima, predictably, beelined for the buffet table, their eyes gleaming at the spread. Iida approached several Pro Heroes, engaging them in earnest conversations about hero ethics. Yaoyorozu, ever the social butterfly, mingled with various sponsors, exuding charm.

Ace, however, gravitated towards a quiet corner, accepting a glass of sparkling water from a passing server. He needed to focus. Asahi, on the other hand, immediately set off to find his own idols to talk to. Ace watched Asahi approach a couple of Pro Heroes.

A soft voice cut through Ace's thoughts. "Enjoying the party, Ace?"

He turned to see Melissa, her blue dress swirling gently around her as she walked. Ace's eyes couldn't help but trace her figure. He took a sip of sparkling water. "As much as I can," he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "This isn't really my scene, though."

Melissa's brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

Ace gestured around the room, a subtle sweep of his hand taking in the chandeliers, the well-dressed heroes, and the general air of forced gaiety. "All the flash, the fake smiles... it feels hollow. I prefer things a little more... real."

Melissa considered his words, her expression thoughtful. "I guess I can see that. It's not everyone's cup of tea," she admitted, "But it's important, too. This helps support the people making the world safer." She brightened, glancing over at her father. "Like my dad!"

Ace shrugged, glancing towards All Might. "I guess so."

Just then, Dr. Momochi stepped onto the stage. His every movement was calculated, every gesture deliberate. The hum of conversation died down, replaced by expectant silence. He stood at the center, a picture of calm authority.

"Esteemed guests," he began, his voice amplified by the sound system. "Tonight, we celebrate not just heroism, but the boundless potential of scientific advancement. I, along with my esteemed colleague David Shield and the brilliant minds at Irminsul, have been working on something extraordinary."

Momochi gestured, and the stage lights dimmed, focusing on a sleek device that rose from the floor. It was a headset, metallic grey with blue reservoirs, pulsing with a soft, inner light. The Quirk Amplification Device.

"Behold," Momochi said, his voice echoing with pride. "The Quirk Amplification Device! A marvel of engineering that can safely enhance a user's Quirk to unprecedented levels!"

A hush fell over the room. Momochi elaborated, explaining how the device worked, manipulating external energy to amplify the natural abilities of a Quirk user without the risks of physical compromise or mental degradation. It was a dream come true for many, the possibility of pushing past their limits safely.

Whispers broke out amongst the heroes and sponsors. All Might, his face unreadable, stood motionless.

"This device," Momochi continued, a strange glint in his eye, "has the potential to reshape our society. Imagine, heroes stronger than ever before! The possibilities are limitless!"

The possibilities were terrifying, too. A tool like that in the wrong hands...

"But," Momochi said, his tone shifting, becoming ominous. "The Quirk Amplification Device is not the only thing we have planned to show you all today."

As he spoke, the ballroom doors slammed shut with a resounding [CLANG]. Panic flickered through the crowd. Then, a viscous, shimmering tape, resembling Sero's quirk, shot from hidden nozzles in the ceiling and walls, encasing every Pro Hero present, binding them to their spots.

The cheers turned to gasps, then to screams. The Pro Heroes... all trapped, their powers rendered useless by the specialized adhesive.

"What is the meaning of this?!" All Might roared, straining against his restraints.

David Shield stared at Momochi with betrayal etched on his face. He shouted "Dr. Momochi, what is going on?!".

The Class 1-A students were aghast, looking around for answers. Bakugo was furious.

Before anyone could react, the ballroom doors burst open, and Kurokage Troopers flooded in, clad in black uniforms and helmets. They moved with military precision, surrounding the guests, their weapons trained on the trapped heroes and bewildered sponsors.

"Please," Momochi said smoothly, his voice now laced with steel. "Cooperate, and things will proceed smoothly. Resist, and matters can escalate beyond anyone's control."

David Shield, his face contorted in fury, yelled "Eisuke! What are you doing?!". Before he could move, two Kurokage Troopers grabbed his arms, hauling him off the stage.

Melissa, horror etched on her face, started forward, towards her father.

"Melissa, wait!" Ace said, his hand shooting out to grip her arm. "It's too dangerous."

Momochi surveyed the room, a predatory smile gracing his lips. He knew the questions swirling in the room: Why? How? His voice resonated through the ballroom, silencing the rising tide of fear. "I understand your confusion. You are wondering why I would betray the ideals of heroism, the pursuit of strength, all of which I said was needed for the world. But you are looking at it all wrong."

With a flourish, he gestured to the back of the stage. A section of the wall shimmered, then dissolved, revealing a towering glass panel. Within it, row upon row, were the unmistakable forms of Lockseeds, each one entirely blank, devoid of color or any identifying mark.

"We at Irminsul," Momochi announced, his voice dripping with self-satisfaction, "are not just capable of augmenting Quirks. We can also extract them. We can take what makes you special, what defines you, and reshape it as we see fit."

A crimson light washed over the room, a pulse of energy that seemed to seep into their very bones. A collective gasp arose as the assembled heroes and sponsors clutched their heads, their faces contorted in agony. The world seemed to blur.

Then, just as quickly, it was over. The red light faded, leaving behind a chilling silence. The pristine Lockseeds in the glass panel ignited with color, swirling with unique patterns of energy. What were once blank canvases now glowed, each now contained a stolen power.

A wave of panic surged through the room. Heroes felt... empty. That defining power, that core of their being, was gone. Despair settled in the air. Some fell to their knees, tears streaming down their faces.

This is bad, Ace thought, his jaw clenched. This was not just a threat; it was a declaration of war. Dai-Shocker was not here to play games.