Ground Test Beta, 3rd POV

The students of Class 1-A gathered outside in the massive training field, anticipating another standard exercise. Some were excited, others were anxious, but all were ready to put their Quirks to the test. As they waited for Aizawa to explain the details, they couldn't help but notice a new structure that had been set up, a towering, multi-leveled facility filled with sleek, unfamiliar tech.

Aizawa stood in front of the class, his usual nonchalant expression in place, but there was an edge to his eyes, like he was scared of what is about to happen.

"Alright class, today's exercise is going to be different from what you're used to," Aizawa said,"instead of relying on your Quirks to get through a typical hero scenario, you'll be dealing with something new."

The students exchanged curious glances, they were hoping to show off their abilities. The most annoyed, cause it's a default setting, Bakugo didn't like the sound of not using his quirk to show his superiority. Midoriya was a little upset cause he was hoping to get better with OFA, cause he still breaks his bones.

"What will we be doing sir," Yaoyoruzu asked

"Also why is there a huge tower, this wasn't here during the Entrance Exam," Uaraka asked

"It's call it the Adaptability Challenge," Aizawa said, then he gestured toward the high-tech building,"and this structure behind me, has been modified with advanced technology designed by your fellow student, Aiden Wolfe."

The students' heads turned toward Aiden, who was standing near the back of the group, arms crossed, his expression as indifferent as ever. He barely acknowledged their attention, as if the whole thing was just another routine task to him. He wore a simple black jacket, baggy grey jeans and tan military boots, his Copperhead strapped to his back and a single sling backpack

"The goal is simple: navigate through the building and neutralize the threats inside," Aizawa continued,"but here's the catch, your Quirks will be either dampened or outright disabled by the tech installed in the facility. You'll need to rely on your adaptability, strategy, and wits to complete the exercise. In other words, don't expect to blast your way through this one."

A collective murmur of surprise spread through the group. Most of them had never trained without their Quirks, and the idea of going into a scenario where they couldn't rely on their powers immediately set everyone on edge. Many saw this as unfair, cause how do they expect it o get through without their Quirks? Also why, Heros are suppose to use their Quirks to help

"But that's not fair," Kaminari blurted out,"how are we supposed to fight if we can't use our Quirks?"

Aiden, who had been quiet up to this point, sighed and then spoke, his voice carrying a hint of sarcasm.

"It's called thinking genius," he said ,"try it sometime."

The class looked at him, some with annoyance(Bakugo), others with curiosity. Aizawa gave a small nod toward Aiden, as if signaling him to elaborate. He sighed and stepped forward with the ease of someone who knew he was in control.

"Look the world isn't always going to accommodate your Quirks," Aiden said,"Villains, environments, even tech like mine, there will be situations where your powers are useless. So, this exercise isn't about how flashy your Quirk is; it's about how you adapt when it's gone. How you think, how you act without that crutch."

"Like we're supposed to listen to you Quirkless," Bakugo scoffed, as Aiden just shrugged.

"You can listen or not. But when you're stuck in there with no way to blow something up, don't come crying to me like a bitch baby."

Aizawa cut in before things escalated, mainly cause Bakugo looked ready to kill someone.

"The exercise will be timed, there are various obstacles, traps, and simulated villains inside" Aizawa said,"the faster you complete the course, the better your score. Work together or solo, that's up to you. But remember: your Quirks won't save you this time."

The class was split into smaller groups, each tasked with navigating different sections of the facility. Aiden, of course, chose to work alone, uninterested in partnering with anyone who would just slow him down. His mind was already running through the layout of the building, the traps he'd designed, and how he could manipulate the situation to his advantage.

'Lets do this shit,' he thought

The moment Aiden entered the towering structure, the door hissed shut behind him, and a low hum signaled the activation of the Quirk-dampening field. Unlike the others, he didn't even blink at the change. He had no Quirk to begin with, so nothing about the environment affected him. He moved with precision, navigating the dark corridors of the facility with ease.

Every door he approached required hacking, every trap needed disarming, but these were all systems he had a hand in building, so none of it slowed him down.His Copperhead rifle, slung across his back, remained unused as he carefully disassembled a tripwire bomb designed to simulate an explosive trap. The others would likely waste time trying to figure it out, or set it off by accident.

Aiden, on the other hand, methodically dismantled it with a few quick adjustments to the wires. He was halfway through the facility when he heard the first signs of panic over the comms. The Quirk users, no doubt, and someone, probably Kaminari, had triggered an electrical trap and was trying to recover. Aiden smirked to himself as he bypassed another series of laser grids, his pace never faltering.

On another floor, Todoroki, Kirishima, and Uraraka found themselves in a tight hallway, cut off by mechanical drones that fired stun rounds at them. Without his ice or fire, Todoroki was forced to use cover and tactics instead of brute force, something he wasn't as familiar with. Kirishima's natural toughness wasn't enough either, and without Uraraka's gravity manipulation, they were stuck in a prolonged firefight, their frustration growing as the minutes ticked by.

Bakugo was faring no better, which Aiden made sure to record every single minute of it. His temper flared as his explosions sputtered uselessly against the dampening field, and he resorted to raw physical strength, smashing through obstacles with sheer force but making far less progress than he would have with his full power.

Midoriya, always the strategist, tried his best to guide his group, himself, Iida, and Tsuyu, through a maze of automated turrets. But without One For All's enhanced speed and strength, even he found himself second-guessing their every move. Iida managed to run and avoid bullets, same with Tsu as she used her frog like abilities to hop around

And Sero...let's say he had enough experience with Aidens technology and his bat shit insane personality. He managed to sneak most of the defending bots and turrets, plus with some knowledge that Aiden shared with him. Sero had managed to hack into some of the doors and even the terminals that controlled the defenses, he was thankfully he had a good friend

Back with Aiden, he had finally reached the final checkpoint without a hitch, the last challenge was an automated combat drone, programmed to simulate a high-level villain. While the others would struggle to fight it hand-to-hand, Aiden calmly unslung his rifle, took aim, and fired a single precise shot at its power core.

The drone sparked and shut down, collapsing to the floor. He reached the exit just as the facility timer displayed the final countdown. He had completed the course faster than anyone else, his time reflecting his ability to adapt, think, and operate without needing a Quirk.

Aiden stood at the exit, leaning casually against the doorframe as the others stumbled out, battered and exhausted from their trials. Bakugo, covered in soot and fuming, shot Aiden a glare with firey rage. And all he got was a stone cold and indifferent look, but a small smile creeped an inch on his face

"Still think I need a Quirk Bakahoe," Aiden asked with a salty tone

No one had an answer, but the truth was clear: in a world where everyone relied on their Quirks, Aiden had just proven that technology and intellect could be just as, if not more, powerful then their quirks. Aiden yawned as he walked off, waving at Aizawa, who didn't even bother stopping him

"Laters Naptime," he said,"the Rat King needs me for something, don't bother me."

"Aren't you gonna stop him," Hagakure asked

"Unfortunately no, as he just stated Nezu needs to see him," Aizawa said,"plus unlike the rest of you here, Aiden has no drive or ambition to be a Hero, he is being forced to attend to be monitored and supervised by the HSPC."

"Why, his a Quirkless asshole," Bakugo asked,"that jackass isn't worth the trouble."

"Dude did you not just get see what he made back there," Sero asked, he was the only one not bruised like the others

"Yeah that crap seriously hurt," Kirishima said as he rubbed his arms

"It's stupid tech," Bakugo yelled,"worthless, like that fucking Quirkless bastard who thinks he top shit!"

"Someone needs a reality check," Jiro said as she popped her neck,"though I have to admit, dudes good, might ask him if he takes commissions."

Timeskip

Aiden sat across from Principal Nezu in the plush yet unassuming office of UA's most intelligent and, in Aiden's honest opinion, most calculating figure. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his expression a mask of practiced disinterest. He had no love for these meetings or the bureaucracy that came with them, but there was an opportunity here that even Aiden couldn't ignore.

Nezu, sitting behind his desk, observed Aiden with his signature calm smile, his small paws resting atop a neat stack of papers. Behind that smile, Aiden knew there was a mind that never stopped working, constantly analyzing, calculating angles. This wasn't going to be a straightforward conversation, and he kinda liked them...helps him fuck with people

"Aiden Wolfe," Nezu began, his tone polite but knowing,"you've certainly made an impression during your time here. It's not often we have a student who actively avoids the Hero Course while being surrounded by such talented peers. But I suspect you're not here simply because you were forced to be."

Aiden didn't respond immediately, his gaze flickering briefly to the window before landing back on Nezu.

"Let's skip the pleasantries Rat," Aiden said,"you didn't call me here just to lecture me about my lack of 'hero enthusiasm.' You want something, or you wouldn't have bothered me with a bullshit reason."

Nezu's smile widened slightly, impressed by Aiden's directness.

"You're correct, I don't believe in forcing people into molds they don't fit," Nezu said,"your situation is...unique. The Hero Public Safety Commission clearly has their own plans for you, but I've come to realize that you operate on a different wavelength entirely."

"Oh really you finally noticed," Aiden asked, his voice dripping with mocking sarcasm,"so, what's this really about ya Rat King? You didn't pull me into your office just to tell me I'm 'built different.'"

Nezu's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he leaned forward slightly, folding his paws on the desk. Nezu may be the principal of UA, but the way the HPSC was forcing him to keep a child to attend a school against his will. He valued free will and independent thinking, but he was pushed into a corner, if he didn't comply with the HPSC they would destroy not only his reputation

But the lives of all of his students, alumni and current ones, and he wasn't gonna let that happen.

"You've been working on some very... advanced projects," Nezu said,"cyberware and other...aspects, things that could have a profound impact on the way society functions. While you may not care for heroes or their ideals, I believe you do care about progress. Am I correct?"

"Progress, yeah I care about that," he said with a small with a smile,"what I don't care about is jumping through hoops for people who think Quirks are the only way forward."

"I'm fully aware Mr. Wolfe. Which is why I called you here. I propose a deal, one that benefits both you and UA. You want to test your creations, your cyberware, and other technology, as I want to test UA, plus the Hero Course, to see how well our students can adapt to modern challenges. Quirks alone, after all, aren't always enough."

Aiden's eyes narrowed slightly, studying Nezu's face for any sign of manipulation. The idea intrigued him, but he knew better than to take anything at face value. While it did intrigue him, he had to make sure they weren't gonna use his tech for anything else. He may like guns but he was competent enough to know others use them for other reasons, and some weren't for noble reasons

"You're suggesting I use the Hero Course as test subjects for my gear," he asked, as Nezu's smile never faltered.

"In a manner of speaking, yes. You've already shown your capability with the Adaptability Challenge. Why not expand that? You could create and implement your designs under controlled conditions, and the students will gain invaluable experience facing technological challenges rather than relying solely on their Quirks. It would be an interesting test for both parties."

."And what's in it for you, Principal Nezu? Because I know you're not just doing this out of the kindness of your heart."

"My my you're perceptive Aiden, more then I anticipated. Yes, I do stand to gain from this as well, UA prides itself on producing heroes who can face any challenge, be it from Quirks, villains, or technology. By allowing you to test your creations, we give our students a broader education. And in return, you get the chance to refine your work in a practical environment."

Aiden was silent for a moment, considering the offer. On the surface, it seemed beneficial to him, an opportunity to push his inventions to the limit while simultaneously proving a point. He could mess with the Hero Course students, make them confront their overreliance on Quirks, and at the same time, gather valuable data on how people reacted to his tech.

But he knew Nezu well enough to know there had to be a deeper layer to this. Thanks to his dad, he knew how big corporations like Arasaka, Militech and others operate to get what they want, and even the bloody ways.

"What's the catch," Aiden asked, cutting through the silence.

"There's no catch in the traditional sense," Nezu said, his gaze sharpened slightly, his smile never wavering,"you'll have freedom to create and implement as you see fit, but there will be oversight. Your technology, while advanced, could be dangerous in the wrong hands. I will ensure that it's used within safe, controlled parameters."

"I say thats fair, don't want someone to get hurt or seriously injured," Aiden said as he nodded his head,"plus the HPSC won't let you let me run wild with my toys they can't have or control."

"It's a matter of responsibility as the Principal of a school," Nezu replied calmly,"but I believe you'll find the freedom you're offered here quite generous compared to the alternatives."

Aiden considered this for a moment longer, the pros and cons of it. He hated the idea of being watched, but he also saw the opportunity in it. It wasn't just about testing his gear, it was about proving that Quirks weren't the only path forward. He could challenge the status quo, shake up the hero system from the inside, and maybe even have some fun doing it.

"Fine," Aiden finally said, leaning back in his chair,"I'll play along, but don't think for a second that I'm doing this for you, or for the hero system."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Nezu said with a twinkle in his eye,"welcome aboard, Aiden. I look forward to seeing what you come up with."

As Aiden left Nezu's office, he couldn't help but smirk to himself. He didn't like being pushed into a corner, but this deal gave him an opening, a chance to show these hero wannabes just how much their Quirks meant when they faced real challenges. And who knew? Maybe, just maybe, he'd find a way to turn all of this to his advantage.

The day had come and gone for Aiden, going through the classes with ease, acing the quizzes and putting assholes in their place. Aiden strolled through the quiet streets, hands in his pockets, his mind already racing through ideas for his next project. The Adaptability Challenge had gone better than expected, but he wasn't satisfied.

There was always more to improve, more to build, the possibilities churned through his thoughts like gears in a machine. As he walked, his focus was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from behind. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The rhythm was familiar, and there was only one person at UA who moved with that kind of frantic energy.

"Aiden! Hey wait up," Midoriya yelled, nervously catching up

Aiden stopped but didn't turn immediately, letting out a quiet sigh. Of course it's him, the giant Quirk nerd and the naive brat who believes Heros were the only solution to everything...it was annoying. He turned his head slightly, waiting for the inevitable slew of questions.

"What's up Midoriya," Aiden asked casually,"didn't know you were the 'run-after-people-on-the-street' type, people might think your a mugger or stole something."

Midoriya came to a stop, slightly out of breath, but there was determination in his eyes. Aiden raised an eyebrow, sensing this wasn't just a casual conversation. So this might be entertaining then he thought it was gonna be

"I-I was wondering...about your tech, the cyberware you use...," Midoriya asked shyly, but curious

"You mean the stuff I've been testing on all of you," Aiden asked, crossing his arms,"thought heroes weren't into using tech unless it's built into your costumes."

"I know, but...I've seen how effective it is! The way you move, your reflexes, the strength you get from it. And with how heroes are evolving, I thought...maybe I could try using something like that? Something to make me better."

Aiden studied him for a moment, his analytical mind quickly sizing up the situation. He had no idea Midoriya was carrying the weight of One for All, but he could tell the kid wasn't just asking out of curiosity. There was a deeper drive there, something pushing him to go beyond what was normal, and Aiden could respect that.

"Okay I'll bite broccoli head," Aiden said,"you're serious about this?"

"Yes! I want to improve however I can," Midoriya said, nodding enthusiastically

"Alright. Well, if you're really looking to push yourself without relying too much on your Quirk, I've got a few ideas. First off, you'll want something that enhances your reflexes."

He tapped his temple, referring to the Sandevistan.

"There's a neural implant I use called the Sandevistan," he explained,"it boosts your reaction time, lets you move faster than anyone else can process. It's great for close combat or getting out of tight spots before anyone even knows you're gone."

Midoriya's eyes lit up as he imagined how something like that could help him in battle. His mind raced through scenarios where his speed could be even greater, allowing him to outmaneuver opponents effortlessly. He wrote down everything in his notebook, if he was gonna get these new upgrades, he needed to know everything

"Then there's something for raw strength, Gorilla Arms. Cybernetic arms that give you enhanced physical power. Not flashy, but if you need brute force, it's a game changer."

"That...that sounds amazing," Midoriya said in awe,"what else?"

"You'll want to stay on your feet and keep from getting crushed in a fight, so I'd suggest a Reinforced Skeleton. It strengthens your bones, makes you tougher to break. You can take more hits and keep going without worrying about things snapping when you go all out."

Midoriya's excitement grew as he thought about the reinforcement helping him endure more physical punishment, something he always struggled with in intense fights. And to Aiden, he was actually enjoying explaining the technology and aspects of Cyberware, and telling it to someone like Midoriya made it sweet

"And since you like to analyze everything, Optical Enhancements would be useful," Aiden said,"augmented eyes, kind of like a built-in tactical visor. You'd get better vision in low light, enhanced targeting, even some infrared options for when you need to see through smoke or walls."

Midoriya's mind was already buzzing with possibilities. The idea of being able to react faster, hit harder, endure more, and analyze situations more quickly was thrilling. But before he got too carried away, Aiden cut in with a reminder, a serious notion Midoriya needed to know before continuing with this choice of getting Cyberware

"But here's the thing, Midoriya, this isn't a quick fix" Aiden said,"Cyberware comes with its own risks. You're messing with your body, your mind. If you're not careful, you can overclock yourself. Push too hard, and it'll break you before it helps you."

Midoriya nodded, taking the warning seriously. He didn't want to take any shortcuts, but the idea of augmenting his natural abilities was too intriguing to ignore.

"Thank you Aiden, Ireally appreciate the advice" Midoriya said gratefully,"I'll think about it carefully."

Aiden shrugged, already turning back toward the direction of his own path.

"Meet me at my apartment this weekend and we'll work on it," Aiden said,"and if you die, remember it was your decision to do this."

"...You're joking...right," Midoriya asked

"NOPE."

With that, he resumed his walk, his thoughts already shifting back to his own projects. Midoriya stood there for a moment, watching him go, feeling a strange mix of dread, sweat piling on his head as he was reconsidering this. Cyberware could be the key to unlocking new possibilities, but it would take careful consideration. Aiden didn't look back, but a small smirk crossed his face.

'Let's see how far the kid takes this,' he thought,'and hopefully not die...but his corpse would help with some research."