Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
The warm sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting long shadows across the desks. The classroom at Aldera Junior High was filled with the usual chatter and rustling of papers, but Izuku's mind was elsewhere. Today was a significant day. It was his last day at Aldera.
For most students, the end of middle school marked the beginning of a new chapter, but for Izuku, it felt like the culmination of everything he had been working toward. While his classmates were excited about their futures and the prospect of gaining Quirks, Izuku was different. His journey wasn't about a Quirk, but something deeper, more powerful—something that his brother, Alex, had been teaching him for years.
Izuku glanced over at the desk in front of him, where a small, worn book sat. It was one of the first magic tomes Alex had given him, a guide to basic spellcraft, written in the ancient script that only Izuku could read. His training had come a long way since that day when Alex first introduced him to the world of magic. Izuku was now an apprentice sorcerer—a title that still felt strange but powerful. He had learned the basics of spellcraft, the art of manipulating the flow of magic, and even how to draw upon the natural world to enhance his power.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and the students began filing out of the classroom, eager to enjoy their last moments of middle school freedom. But Izuku lingered, staring at the book in front of him.
"Ready to go, Izuku?" a familiar voice asked.
Izuku turned to see Alex standing in the doorway, dressed in his usual attire—casual but somehow exuding an air of authority. Izuku knew that behind the cool exterior was the Sorcerer Supreme, the one who had trained him in ways no one else could.
"Yeah," Izuku said, slipping the book into his bag. "Let's go."
The walk home was quiet, with Alex leading the way. The weight of the moment hung between them, unspoken. Today wasn't just about graduation—it was about the next stage in Izuku's life, one that would take him beyond the walls of Aldera and into the world of heroes and magic.
When they reached home, Inko was already waiting for them, her warm smile greeting Izuku as he stepped through the door. She had always been there for him, supporting him through everything, but she had also grown more vigilant in helping Izuku prepare for the challenges ahead.
"How was school today?" Inko asked, pulling Izuku into a hug.
"It was... fine," Izuku replied, his voice soft. "Just kind of surreal, you know? It's my last day there."
Inko smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. "I know. It's a big step. But you're ready for it, Izuku. You've learned so much from Alex. You're already more capable than most heroes I know."
Izuku gave her a small smile, though the doubt in his heart remained. He didn't know if he was truly ready. But he had to try.
"Tonight, we'll work on the last bit of training before we go to UA," Alex said, breaking the silence. "This is an important day for you, Izuku. And it's the beginning of your new life. You're going to take what you've learned and use it to help others. That's the real test."
Izuku nodded, determination rising in his chest. He had been training for this moment his entire life. This wasn't just about being a hero in the traditional sense; it was about using his knowledge, his magic, and his heart to help those in need.
"I'm ready," Izuku said, though his voice was still tinged with uncertainty. "I've learned so much, but I feel like there's so much more I need to learn."
Alex placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm yet comforting. "Learning never stops, Izuku. But you've got the foundation. You've got the heart. That's what makes a true hero. And when you need guidance, I'll be there. You're never alone in this."
Later that evening, after dinner, Alex led Izuku into the small, hidden room in the back of the house. It had become their training space, the place where Izuku honed his skills in magic and combat.
"Tonight, we're going to focus on controlling your magic," Alex said, his voice calm but filled with purpose. "You've learned the basics, but now it's time to refine your control. Magic is about precision, not power. It's about understanding the flow of energy and guiding it with intention."
Izuku nodded, taking his usual position on the mat. Alex stood across from him, his posture relaxed but watchful.
"Close your eyes," Alex instructed. "Feel the energy around you. It's in the air, in the ground, in everything you touch. Focus on that energy, and let it flow through you."
Izuku did as he was told, breathing deeply as he tried to focus on the invisible currents of magic. At first, it felt overwhelming, like trying to catch a gust of wind with his bare hands. But over time, he began to feel the faintest tug of energy around him.
"Good," Alex said. "Now, extend your senses beyond yourself. Tap into the energy around you, not just the magical currents, but the emotions of the people nearby. The world is full of energy in all forms—magic, emotions, thoughts. You must learn to feel it all and control it."
Izuku concentrated harder, his mind reaching out to the world around him. He felt the pull of distant energy, the flicker of emotions from those in the city, the subtle vibrations of life. It was overwhelming at first, but he focused on it, letting the power flow through him.
"Good," Alex repeated. "Now, let's try a simple spell."
Izuku opened his eyes, and Alex handed him a small object—a simple stone. "Lift it."
Izuku extended his hand, focusing all his energy on the stone. Slowly, it began to rise, inch by inch, until it hovered just above his palm. The weight of the stone wasn't what surprised him—it was the ease with which he controlled it. It was as if the energy flowed from his body into the stone, guiding it with his will.
"Well done," Alex said, a proud smile on his face. "You've come a long way, Izuku."
Izuku exhaled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Alex. I couldn't have done it without you."
Alex smiled. "You did the work, Izuku. But remember—this is just the beginning. You've only scratched the surface of what you can do."
Izuku's heart swelled with determination. Today might have been the last day of Aldera, but it was also the first day of the rest of his journey. The journey to becoming a true hero.
After a long night of training, Izuku stood outside in the cool evening air, staring up at the stars. The distant hum of the city below was barely audible as he let the quiet moments of solitude wash over him. The weight of everything—graduation, training, the expectations—was starting to feel like a heavy cloak around his shoulders. He had learned so much, and yet he still felt like there was so much more to do. So much more to prove.
"You're still awake?" Alex's voice broke through the silence, smooth and calming. Izuku turned to see his older brother leaning against the doorframe, his silhouette bathed in the soft glow of the porch light.
"Yeah," Izuku replied, his voice quiet. "Just... thinking."
Alex walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder in a rare moment of tenderness. Despite his imposing presence as the Sorcerer Supreme, Alex was always there for Izuku, offering guidance and reassurance when needed.
"You're doing great, Izuku," Alex said, his voice firm with pride. "I've watched you grow, from that timid kid who could barely grasp the basics of magic, to this—an apprentice sorcerer. You've come so far."
Izuku looked down, a flush of warmth creeping up his neck. "I still don't feel like I'm there yet," he confessed. "There's so much more to learn. I feel like I'm not ready for what's coming."
Alex's grip tightened slightly, pulling Izuku's attention back to him. "No one ever feels ready, Izuku. But I'm proud of you. You've put in the work, you've learned the lessons, and you've built your foundation. Now, you must trust in yourself and the path you've chosen."
Izuku smiled, but the weight of his own self-doubt lingered in his chest. "I still don't understand something, Alex," he said hesitantly. "You've done so much, seen so much. How am I ever supposed to be as strong as you? How can I—"
Alex held up his hand, stopping him mid-sentence. "Don't measure yourself against me, Izuku," he said gently but firmly. "I've walked a different path. My journey is mine, and yours is yours. What I've accomplished isn't a standard for you to meet. I'm not a ceiling you have to break through; I'm a goal. You're not meant to follow my footsteps—you're meant to carve your own path, one that is uniquely yours."
Izuku stared at him, confused but intrigued. "But... what if I can never reach your level? What if I can't do what you've done?"
Alex smiled softly, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that only centuries of experience could bring. "Izuku, the world is still mine to protect, still mine to shape. But your time will come. You are more than capable of being a great hero in your own right. Your time to shine will be just as important, just as powerful. Don't compare your journey to mine. You have a different purpose."
Izuku's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions. For so long, he had looked up to Alex, wanting to be as strong, as capable, as wise. But now, hearing these words, he began to understand. Alex wasn't pushing him to surpass him or be like him. He was giving Izuku the freedom to be his own hero, in his own way, at his own pace.
"I see," Izuku murmured, his voice full of quiet determination. "I'll make my own path. I won't try to be like you... but I'll be the best hero I can be."
Alex gave him an approving nod, his gaze soft but proud. "That's all I ask, Izuku. Keep moving forward. Your potential is limitless, and you don't need to be like anyone else to be great. Just be yourself, and the world will see that."
Izuku's chest tightened with emotion. For the first time, the pressure that had been building up inside of him seemed to lessen, replaced with a quiet confidence. He was ready, not because he was trying to be someone else, but because he knew who he was. A sorcerer, a student, a hero in the making.
"You've got this, Izuku," Alex added, giving him a reassuring smile. "And no matter what happens, you know I'll always be here for you. You're not alone in this."
Izuku's voice wavered slightly, but his words were steady. "Thanks, Alex. I won't let you down. I promise."
With a final, approving smile, Alex placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you won't. Now, go get some rest. Tomorrow's a big day. We Start raining fully."
Izuku nodded, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. As he turned to head inside, he glanced back at Alex one last time. The older sorcerer stood there, watching him with the kind of pride that only a mentor could hold for a student who was ready to surpass him.
And for the first time, Izuku believed it. He was ready to take on the world, not as someone trying to match another's greatness, but as a hero in his own right.
With a final, deep breath, Izuku closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, the weight of the world no longer a burden, but a promise.