Fights between criminals in Villain Maker City were not merely common occurrences—they were daily rituals. Personal vendettas, hatred, or simple bloodlust were sufficient reasons to start bloody battles. This city, nicknamed as the gathering place for the most ruthless antagonists, held the record for the highest number of conflicts worldwide.
Every morning, residents woke up to the sight of corpses littering the streets. Without binding laws, Villain Maker City became the perfect stage for criminals to unleash their violent fantasies without limits.
This lawless situation gave birth to greater ambitions—the desire to dominate the entire city. The cycle of bloodshed continued day after day, leaving countless corpses piling up in every corner of the city as if they were permanent ornaments.
However, becoming a ruler in Villain Maker City was a nearly impossible dream. Behind the madness of this city resided titans who maintained the balance of power—former Rank A Hunters, Rank S Hunters, and the most feared of all... former Rank SS Hunters.
The presence of these legendary Hunters made anyone think twice about claiming the throne of power. With abilities far surpassing ordinary criminals, they became impenetrable barriers for anyone who dreamed of controlling the city.
For this reason, Villain Maker City was divided into four main territories, each under the control of a former Rank SS Hunter. However, due to the vastness of the city, there remained unclaimed areas that became contested by ambitious power-hungry individuals.
These empty territories had now become battlefields...
***
"W-what the..."
Several Rank B Hunters stood frozen, their faces pale as they witnessed the horrifying scene before them. As border guards of Villain Maker City, criminal corpses in the streets were an everyday sight for them.
But what stretched before their eyes now exceeded all horrors they had ever witnessed.
A few minutes earlier, the observation post had received reports of a mass battle between criminals. Concerned about an exodus of criminals from the city, a group of Rank B Hunters was sent to contain the situation.
But what made them tremble wasn't the fight—it was the sea of corpses burning with blue flames. Charred bodies lay everywhere, still blazing with blue fire that danced like devil tongues. Not just corpses, the entire area seemed to have been bathed in mystical blue flames that burned without end.
"Ah... You've finally arrived..."
A calm voice was heard, as if welcoming their arrival. Amidst the pile of burning corpses sat a young man with black hair and tattered coat. His body was covered in blood, his lips cracked from thirst, and his breath heavy—clearly showing that he had just exerted all his strength in a battle against hundreds of criminals.
There was no doubt in the Hunters' minds that this young man was the mastermind behind this terrible chaos.
"I-identify yourself!" one of the Rank B Hunters said with a trembling voice.
Their fear was justified. This seemingly weak young man was a monster disguised as a human who had slaughtered two hundred criminals single-handedly. More frightening still, his expression remained calm, as if the massacre he had just committed was merely routine.
In the hierarchy of power, only Hunter Rank A+ or higher could perform such a massacre—or worst case scenario... a former Rank S Hunter.
The thought of facing a Rank S Hunter made their bodies tremble violently. But at the same time, confusion clouded their minds. As observers, they certainly knew complete data about dangerous criminals in Villain Maker City.
Strangely, there were no records of criminals with blue fire abilities in their database.
"You know..." The young man said softly, "Right now I'm very tired. So, I'll let you leave with your lives intact."
"D-don't joke around! State your name, damn it!"
"How annoying." The young man sighed irritably. "Fine, if that's what you want..." He directed his palm toward the Hunters.
A terrifying grin formed on his face. "See you in hell."
BOOMMM...!!
A tornado of blue fire shot forward with astonishing speed, instantly incinerating everything in its path into charcoal, leaving traces of blue fire still blazing...
But as if there was an invisible shield, a sturdy wall of earth suddenly appeared, holding back the fire attack just in time.
BANG!
"Huh?" The young man raised his eyebrows, surprised.
A burly old man with a pair of earth gauntlets on both hands stood protecting the frightened Hunters.
"Y-you... Former Rank S Hunter... Earth King..."
"Heh, don't call me by that title anymore. Right now I'm just an ordinary criminal." Earth King snorted. "Get out of here. This place is too dangerous for your level."
"U-understood!" The Rank B Hunters quickly fled the dangerous area.
Earth King no longer paid attention to their departure. His eyes were fixed on the mysterious young man before him, sensing an undefinable danger from his presence.
"A new face. You're not a native criminal of Villain Maker City." Earth King stared sharply. "Who are you really?"
"Before asking, wouldn't it be better to introduce yourself first?" the young man replied calmly.
"..." Earth King blinked, then chuckled. "Sorry, it's been a long time since someone last asked for my name. I've even forgotten my real name. You can call me Earth King—a former Rank S Hunter who now lives as a criminal."
"Just like in your case, I've also discarded my real name. Dabi. That's my name now."
"I see. Then, what's your purpose in causing chaos in this unnamed area of Villain Maker City?"
"The same as those small-time criminals." Dabi nodded toward the scattered corpses. "I want to become the ruler of this territory."
"Hahaha! Interesting!" Earth King laughed loudly. "But do you know? Besides me, there are three other former Rank S Hunters. Are you sure you can kill them all?"
"You misunderstand." Dabi shook his head slowly. "I have no intention of killing anyone. Instead, I will subjugate all Rank S Hunters in this area." He pointed to Earth King. "And my first target is... you."
"..." Earth King was silent for a moment, then involuntarily burst into laughter. "HAHAHA! You truly entertain me! Alright..."
In an instant, a suffocating energy pressure hit the surrounding area. Earth King's expression, which had been like that of a friendly old grandfather, transformed into the face of a bloodthirsty demon.
"THEN TRY TO SUBJUGATE ME!"
Earth King took a stance, cracking the ground beneath him, then lunged with incredible speed!
WOSH!!
Dabi's eyes widened in surprise. As quick as lightning, blue flames erupted from both his feet. Using the kinetic energy of his fire as a propellant, he jumped high to avoid the attack.
But a pair of giant hands suddenly grabbed his right leg, swinging him like a rag doll, then slamming him to the ground with terrifying force!
BANGGG!!!
A massive crack in the shape of a spider web formed on the ground's surface. Briefly, sparks of blue fire were visible, but Earth King, who had already jumped high, immediately launched his deadly punch from the air!
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"WHAT'S WRONG?! DIDN'T YOU WANT TO SUBJUGATE ME?! WITH SUCH WEAK POWER, YOU'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO!"
Punch after punch hit Dabi's body buried in the earth crater. This was Earth King's dangerous side—a kind-hearted man who turned into a bloodthirsty monster when fighting.
His split personality had caused him to kill many people when he lost control. That was why he was declared a criminal and banished to Villain Maker City.
Earth particles moved as if alive, merging with Earth King's gauntlets, forming giant destroyer gloves. Without hesitation, he channeled [mana] into his fist and launched a devastating punch!
BOOOMM..!!
The powerful blow produced a thick cloud of dust that blinded vision.
For a moment, the atmosphere became quiet. Seeing no resistance, Earth King sighed in disappointment. He rose from his position while his earth gauntlets slowly eroded.
It seemed... the criminal he faced wasn't as strong as he thought...
But just then...
"Heh... Hahaha... HAHAHA!!"
Maniacal laughter suddenly echoed, startling Earth King. His surprised expression quickly changed back to madness. His hands prepared to deliver the final blow!
"Feel—"
Earth King's words were cut off when a pair of hands shrouded in blue fire suddenly gripped his face.
Dabi's battered and blood-soaked face now displayed a psychopathic expression. With a crazy tone, he shouted loudly:
"<
Blue fire with terrifying intensity erupted instantly, enveloping the entire target in burning blue flames!
BLAAARRR...!!!
***
'Ah, damn. This body is really messed up.'
Feeling his entire body experiencing broken bones and several destroyed internal organs, Lux (in Dabi's form) moved his hand with difficulty.
It might sound strange, but Dabi's body and nervous system had already suffered severe damage from the beginning. Because of this condition, Lux almost felt no pain at all—a hidden blessing behind a curse.
If not for this nerve damage, Lux might have passed out when hit by Earth King's first attack.
Despite having the formidable Blueflame, Dabi's body was extremely fragile—so weak that it could collapse at any time. And the Blueflame ability itself had a fatal weakness: continuous use would burn the user's own body.
'Such an annoying Quirk.'
"Huhu... Amazing. Even with a physical body that could be destroyed at any moment and life hanging by a thread, you're still able to stand?" Earth King looked in awe. "I can't imagine what kind of life you've lived."
"..."
Lux remained silent. He wasn't the real Dabi and had no memories of his life, so he knew nothing about this character's past.
But he didn't try to correct Earth King's misunderstanding. Lux himself could already imagine the dark life that the real Dabi—or Todoroki Touya—had led.
"By the way, your attack just now was indeed terrifying, but to subjugate me... that's still far from enough."
Earth King's voice changed, becoming heavier and vibrating. The breeze slowly cleared away the dust cloud that obstructed vision.
That's when Earth King's figure became visible again—but no longer in his human form. Now he had transformed into a giant golem with magnificent armor made of the hardest earth.
Both hands were like a combination of gauntlets and shields, making him the strongest defensive fortress that ever existed.
This reality was a devastating blow to Lux. Super defense was the natural enemy of Blueflame, which relied on rapid burning.
"I wonder... Are you really a Rank S Hunter? Not S+?"
"Oh, you noticed? Yes, indeed..." Earth King's figure suddenly disappeared.
A heavy whisper was heard right in Lux's right ear. "...I am a candidate for Rank S+."
BAMM!
"Pff-!"
Lux's body was struck right in the right part of his abdomen. Like being hit by a monster truck at full speed, his body was thrown and dragged by the fierce wind current!
Fresh blood flowed continuously from his mouth. Lux tried to activate Blueflame, but just then, Earth King appeared as fast as lightning behind him!
Earth King joined both hands, then smashed them into Lux's body with crushing power!
'Damn—'
BAM!!
"...?!!"
Lux's body was too damaged to even scream.
But amidst the attacks, there were a few seconds of delay before Earth King could move at high speed again—an opportunity Lux didn't waste!
BLAAARR...!!
A wave of blazing blue fire roared, burning everything it touched. But for Earth King with his super defense...
The fire couldn't even leave a scratch!
Earth King raised his fist again, but suddenly he realized that Lux's finger movements were very unusual.
"<
An immediate death threat enveloped Earth King!
He jumped back as fast as possible, but too late—one of his arms exploded and evaporated when the threads of blue fire cut through it like a cutting laser!
Not only was Earth King's arm destroyed, but all objects around Lux immediately vanished, cut and burned by thousands of blue fire threads that spread in a spider web pattern!
Looking at Lux who was still standing despite his body being nearly completely destroyed, Earth King swallowed hard.
"...Are you sure you're human?"
"..."
Lux did not answer. Not because he didn't want to, but because he couldn't as his vocal cords had been destroyed.
Earth King realized this. He stopped the bleeding in his right hand by pressing the remaining flesh, then sighed heavily.
"You are indeed strong. For that, I will unleash all my power to finish you."
The aura on Earth King's body increased many times over. Golden light—a manifestation of his Talent and [mana]—enveloped his entire body. Fragments and pillars of stone began to emerge from the ground, moving around him like living creatures.
Facing the tremendous pressure from a candidate for Rank S+, even the real Dabi would surely die.
'This will be a very difficult battle.'
Dabi's power was indeed extraordinary, but had too many weaknesses. However, Lux had no intention of giving up.
For the Achievement Points he was aiming for, such a sacrifice meant nothing.
Lux's body began to be enveloped in blue fire that blazed more fiercely than before. The scars on his body glowed along with it, while the temperature around him rose dramatically. The heat was so extreme that the air became distorted and everything around him melted instantly.
The ground beneath his feet blackened and produced a pungent smell as if burning.
Witnessing this phenomenon, even Earth King had to admit—Lux might be the bravest human he had ever met.
To face him, he would give everything!
His golem body, already large, grew even more until it reached a height of 10 meters. Earth fragments formed deadly spiked armor, creating an impenetrable living fortress.
The energy pressure radiating from him could make a Rank C Hunter instantly faint!
But facing this deadly pressure, Lux remained undaunted. He instead maximized all the fire potential in his body to the ultimate limit.
Earth King took a stance, determined to end this battle, and—
WOSHHH...!!!
With speed exceeding sound, he charged across the distance in a fraction of a second!
At that exact moment, Lux's gaze transformed into that of a predator!
With an ear-piercing roar, he released all concentrated blue fire from his body!
"<
BLAAAAAAARRR...!!
The collision of golden aura and blue fire created a massive explosion that swept in all directions!
Surrounding buildings instantly vaporized in waves of extreme heat. The scattered corpses burned to ash in an instant, leaving nothing behind.
Blue fire and golden aura danced like a symphony of destruction, creating a terrifying yet mesmerizing sight. A giant crater formed on the devastated ground!
The smoke billows and shock waves from the explosion were visible even from tens of kilometers away!
Even the three Rank S Hunters who were secretly watching from a distance gasped witnessing this extraordinary power...
***
"Hah... Hah... Hah... Amazing... You win this battle... Dabi."
Lying on the scorched ground, Earth King gazed at the sky with an awestruck look. His condition was critical—several parts of his body were burned, and his right leg had completely evaporated. Blood flowed endlessly from his gaping wounds.
From any perspective, he appeared to be dying with severely damaged body. However, for Earth King who could control earth, losing some body parts wasn't a serious problem.
Feeling his surroundings destroyed, consumed by blue fire, Earth King took a long breath before looking at the figure before him.
What he saw was... the figure who defeated him now no longer able to move. Lux had completely lost consciousness.
His condition was far more miserable. The use of the Blueflame Quirk beyond its limits had burned most of his own body.
If Earth King hadn't heard the weak breath from the young man, he might have thought Lux was already dead.
Lux's condition was indeed barely different from death. One more attack from Earth King, and his life would surely be lost.
But Earth King had no intention of doing so. He had lost in battle, and as a man of principle, he would keep his promise to submit to the winner...
Earth King drank a healing potion and rose with his burly body. He walked toward Lux until suddenly—
"Stop moving."
"?!!"
Earth King's eyes widened in surprise. A pair of swords with blue light blades were pointed at his neck. The man raised both hands, a sign of surrender.
"I don't intend to do anything to him, Miss. I just want to help him."
Earth King had actually been aware of the mysterious observer's presence since the beginning of the battle. Whether enemy or ally of Lux, he wasn't sure.
But from her worried tone, Earth King suspected this woman was Lux's ally.
'Truly remarkable... having a Rank S Hunter as a comrade...'
"I will handle this. Leave."
"I understand, Miss." Earth King sighed and began to back away. That's when he finally saw the woman's figure clearly.
Despite appearing like a professional secretary with blonde hair tied in a ponytail, the high-tech swords in her hands indicated that she was no ordinary person.
There were many questions in his mind, but Earth King decided not to interfere and slowly left the scene.
Artemisia, the mysterious woman, approached Lux who was slowly returning to his true form.
The figure of a young man with a youthful body, snow-white shimmering hair, and heterochromatic eyes. Although his appearance changed, the severe injuries he had received remained.
However, the Divine Ice Emperor's adaptation in his body began to react, accelerating healing and making Lux accustomed to his severe injuries.
Without waiting for orders, Artemisia carefully supported the young man's body.
Lux's right eye opened briefly, looking at Artemisia for a moment, before closing again in peace...