MHA: Animari

As instructed, everyone made their way to their designated areas for the exams.

Malik stands near the massive gates leading to the city replica, smirking as he stretches his arms and rolls his neck.

Around him, the other applicants are whispering nervously or staring ahead, their focus razor-sharp. Malik, however, radiates calm confidence, as if he's about to take a stroll in the park.

Standing at the front of the group, he stretches lazily, lifting his arms high over his head and letting out a relaxed sigh.

His golden eyes, with their red slit-like pupils, gleam faintly in the sun.

He shifts his weight to one foot. A smirk dances on his lips.

"Alright, listen up, examinees!" Present Mic's booking voice cuts through the area, instantly silencing the murmurs. His enthusiasm is almost terrible, like he's more excited about this test than anyone else.

Malik tilts his head slightly, just enough to make it look like he's paying attention, but his eyes are half-lidded as if he's already heard all of this before.

"You've got one mission--take down robot villains in the mock city. So go for broke and show us what you've got!" Present Mic explains, his hands slicing the air for emphasis. "But remember-- heroes aren't just about smashing things! Keep your eyes open for people who might need saving!"

Malik's smirk widens slightly, but he says nothing. He crouches down, planting his hands on his knees, and shifts his weight back and forth like a runner warming up.

The other students exchange glances, their nerves visibly rising.

"Any questions?" Present Mic asks, pausing dramatically.

Nobody speaks. Malik's smirk turns into a grin.

"Good! Then let's-"

The heavy steel doors in front of them groan as they begin to slide open, revealing a sprawling cityscape bathed in sunlight. Skyscrapers loom over wide streets, their windows reflecting the light like mirrors. 

The faint sound of grinding metal echoes in the distance, accompanied by the low hum of the robots lurking within.

Malik takes one last stretch, his muscles tensing as he leans forward.

Before Present Mic finishes his speech.

The sound of his sneakers hitting the pavement is sharp and rhythmic as he sprints through the opening doors and into the city.

His golden hair catches the sunlight as he moves, and his laughter--low and amused--floats back toward the stunned crowd.

"I'll be going up ahead," he mutters to himself, his tone casual, like he's commenting on the weather.

"Wait, what?!" someone exclaims from the group behind him.

"Did he just--?!"

"What's the matter?! There's no such thing as a countdown in a real battle! Run! Ruuunnn! Consider the baton tossed!" Present Mic yells, throwing his arms up dramatically.

The students snap out of their daze, scrambling forward in a chaotic rush. But it's too late/ Malik is already weaving through the empty streets, his movements fluid and effortless.

Rounding the first corner, Malik spots a cluster of smaller robots. Three droids, their sleek metal frames glinting in the light march forward on spindly legs.

Their glowing blue eyes lock onto him, and they emit a series of sharp, mechanical beeps.

Malik doesn't slow down. Instead, his grin sharpens, and a flicker of red aura glows faintly around his hands.

"Here we go," he murmurs, mid-run.

The first robot lunges, its mechanical arms swinging down toward him. 

Malik sidesteps easily, his movements smooth and deliberate, like he's dancing. He ducks under the robot's arm and pivots, driving a glowing fist straight into its chest. The impact sends a loud 

CRUNCH

Echoing through the streets as the robot cumples sparks flying from its shattered torso.

Malik spins on his heel just as the second robot charges.

This one comes in faster, its legs moving in a blur. Malik leaps backward, narrowly avoiding its attack. He plants his feet and lunges forward, grabbing the robot's arm mid-swing.

With a grunt. He yanks the arm clean off, tossing it aside before slamming his fist into the robot's head.

The final droid hesitates for a moment as if recalculating its odds. Malik chuckles.

"Don't tell me you're scared," He says.

"Do robots even have emotions...?" He asks seriously pondering on his question.

The robot charges interrupting his thought, but Malik meets it halfway, his body glowing faintly as he channels his life force. One punch to the chest is all it takes to send the droid sprawling, its legs twitching uselessly.

Just as Malik finishes, the other students arrive, their faces a mixture of awe and confusion.

"Did he already--?" one boy starts.

"All three?" another girl whispers.

Malik doesn't even glance back at them. Instead, he tilts his head toward the sound of grinding gears to his right. He smirks, his eyes narrowing slightly, before taking off.

The students barely have time to process what just happened before he disappears into an alleyway.