The day after the Sports Festival passed in a blur of much-needed rest and quiet contemplation for Aiden. He spent it delving deeper into the Book of Thoth, the ancient symbols slowly yielding more of their secrets to his relentless study, aided by the Great Sage's skill. He also dedicated time to meditating within the House of Truth, subtly expanding its ethereal dimensions and familiarising himself with the potent artefacts stored within.
While he was still disappointed with the festival's outcome, he recognised that it was his own fault, tempted by the allure of showing off. The best thing he could do now was continue his magical studies and, perhaps, gather information about some beautiful criminals. After all, nobody would care if they went missing... and they might just make interesting additions to his future "Shadow Garden" of powerful female villains or maybe heroes.
The following morning, the atmosphere in Class 1-A was a mix of buzzing anticipation and nervous energy. Aizawa, looking even more dishevelled than usual, stood at the front of the classroom. A heavy silence hung in the air.
"Alright, settle down," he droned, his gaze sweeping over the class. "Today marks two significant steps in your professional hero careers. First, we'll be discussing the internship offers you received based on your Sports Festival performance."
A collective gasp rippled through the room. This was the first time first-year students were allowed internships.
Aiden remained outwardly calm, though Great Sage silently scanned and created a file for him to pick from the substantial number of offers he had garnered.
"As you can see, we have prepared the best for you," Aizawa said as he arrived at Aiden's desk and handed him a tablet displaying his unprecedented number of offers. He then turned to the rest of the class.
"You'll have until the end of the day to review these offers and decide which agency you wish to intern with. Remember, choose an agency that aligns with your desired hero path—somewhere you feel you can truly learn and grow."
As the class ended, Aizawa quickly left, as if he had somewhere far more important to be.
Moments later, the door opened again. Midnight, striking as ever in her hero costume, sauntered in, her presence instantly lightening the tense air.
"And that brings us to the second, equally important task of the day, darlings!" she purred, taking centre stage.
"Your Hero Names!"
The room erupted in excited chatter. For once, the students were more interested in the lesson than in Midnight's revealing costume.
"Your Hero Name is more than just a catchy title or a cool moniker," she explained, her tone softening. "It's your identity—your brand. It represents who you are, what you stand for, and how you want the world to see you. It's the promise you make to the people you protect. So... choose wisely."
She then instructed them to come to the front one by one and write their chosen name on a whiteboard for approval.
One by one, the students presented their names.
Bakugo's initial choice, "Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight," was predictably shot down by Midnight, much to his furious protest.
Uraraka charmingly presented "Uravity," which Midnight approved with a pleased nod.
Todoroki, ever stoic, simply chose "Shoto," a name that resonated deeply with his personal journey.
Then came Aiden's turn.
A familiar stirring welled up inside him. The name felt comfortable. Powerful. Unmistakably him—especially when the helmet was on.
He walked confidently to the whiteboard, picked up the marker, and, with a deliberate flourish, wrote:
DOCTOR FATE
He turned to face the class and the two pro heroes, a confident nod on his lips.
"My hero name," he announced, his voice carrying a mystical weight that echoed the ancient power he now channelled, "will be Doctor Fate."
Midnight beamed. "Ooh, I like it! But you haven't got any doctor's degree, darling. Calling yourself 'Doctor' is a bit much—but as a hero name?" She winked. "Approved! Just try to keep the doom-and-gloom prophecies to a minimum, darling."
Aiden chuckled lightly. "No promises."
He returned to his seat. It wasn't a name he had personally invented, but it was undeniably tied to his identity and the mantle he now wielded. A powerful name. One far better than anything else he could have imagined.
He glanced at the internship offers still displayed on the projector. He'd have to choose carefully... preferably somewhere with a "good-looking female Hero," a humorous thought playing in contrast with the weight of his newly declared identity.
The school day ended, and Aiden was making his way out, the tablet tucked securely in his bag. Just before he reached the main gate, Shoto Todoroki appeared in front of him, his usual calm demeanour tinged with curiosity.
"Blaze," Todoroki began, his mismatched eyes focused on him. "Why weren't you in the Sports Festival? You could have easily won."
Aiden smirked, shrugging slightly. "Let's just say I got tempted with a butter deal, Todoroki."
With that cryptic reply, he continued walking, leaving Todoroki to silently ponder his words.
Meanwhile, in Principal Nezu's office, the mood was considerably more serious.
Nezu sat behind his desk, sipping tea, while All Might stood across from him, his expression grim.
"Are you absolutely certain, All Might," Nezu began, his sharp gaze fixed on the retired Symbol of Peace, "that you don't wish to seek healing from Blaze? His abilities—particularly with that 'Ankh of Life'—are extraordinary. Eraser Head was significantly restored and it have been proven there is no side effect."
All Might sighed, running a hand through his unruly hair. "It's pointless, Principal. Even if his healing magic is truly as potent as it appears, my power isn't merely a wound to be healed. It's gone. I've already passed the torch to Young Midoriya. There's nothing for him to restore."
Nezu hummed thoughtfully, the gears clearly turning in his brilliant mind.
"A pity. If we had found him earlier, then you wouldn't have to do that " His voice trailed off, eyes narrowing with intrigue. "Now we can only hope you are replacement is good enough while making sure Mr Blaze won't end up becoming a villain"
Both of them turned to the large monitor on Nezu's desk, which displayed a live feed of the school gate.
Aiden Blaze, now Doctor Fate, was stepping out, walking with the casual, quiet confidence of a student. And yet, both men knew the truth—he was anything but ordinary.
Beneath that composed exterior dwelt cosmic power.
And the world would learn soon enough.