Chương 65: 65: The Zone
Aiden stepped out of the car as Kaela parked it neatly in the driveway. The villa, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, stood as a testament to both luxury and comfort. Seraphine had already bounded out, her energetic demeanour unyielding despite the long day, while Celeste gave a languid stretch before heading inside.
Aiden, meanwhile, was greeted by a familiar figure waiting at the door: Mr Uraraka, a middle-aged man with a kind face and the unmistakable work-worn hands of a contractor.
"Ah, Mr Fritz!" Mr Uraraka said, giving a warm smile and a slight bow. "Good to see you again. I've been waiting to update you on the project."
Aiden's face lit up with curiosity. "You mean it's done? Already?"
"Yes, sir. Just finished the final checks today. I thought you might want to see it for yourself."
Eager to see the fruits of his grand idea, Aiden gestured for Mr Uraraka to lead the way. They walked around the side of the villa to a discrete entrance that led underground.
The door opened to a pristine, high-tech elevator, the soft hum of its mechanisms giving a hint of what lay beneath.
As the elevator descended, Mr Uraraka spoke proudly. "It wasn't easy, but I think you'll be impressed. The space is expansive and versatile, just like you requested. And the materials you ordered from the Yaoyorozu family arrived earlier today—carefully stored and accounted for."
The doors slid open with a soft chime, and Aiden stepped out into what could only be described as a blank canvas of limitless potential. The massive room stretched on, its ceiling high enough to accommodate any machinery or grand contraption Aiden could imagine.
The walls were reinforced, gleaming faintly with a polished finish that hinted at durability. There were conduits for power and ports for any tech he might need.
Shelves lined one corner, already stocked with advanced tools and components delivered with Yaoyorozu's materials, while crates filled with rare metals and resources sat neatly in another. Aiden's gaze swept over the area, taking in every inch.
"This… this is perfect," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "More than perfect. You and your team outdid yourselves."
Mr Uraraka grinned. "It's always a pleasure to work with someone who has a vision. I can't wait to see what you'll turn this into."
After the tour, they returned upstairs to the villa's sitting room. Aiden handed Mr Uraraka an envelope, a cheque nestled inside.
"A little extra, as a bonus for your hard work," Aiden said with a wink.
The older man hesitated before accepting, his gratitude clear. "You're too generous, Mr Fritz. Thank you."
"And please, no need to be so formal. Just Aiden is fine," Aiden said with a warm chuckle.
Mr Uraraka nodded, then paused. "Before I leave, I wanted to mention something. My daughter, Ochako—she talks about UA all the time. She's been so inspired, especially with friends like you. It means a lot to me, seeing her grow."
Aiden's expression softened. "Ochako's an incredible person—hard-working, talented, and full of heart. You should be proud. She's going to go far."
The contractor beamed with pride. "Thank you, Aiden. That means more than you know."
As Mr Uraraka left, Aiden lingered at the door, gazing thoughtfully at the darkening sky.
...
Later that evening, as the villa settled into its usual comfortable stillness, Aiden gathered everyone for what he called a "family meeting." The usual suspects were present: Celeste, lounging casually on one of the sofas with a book; Kaela, humming softly and energetically pacing; Seraphine, who had a notebook open in her lap, ready to take notes for anything important; Elara, who was sipping on a warm cup of tea; and Nimbus, who was already perched in his favourite spot, looking curiously at the group as they assembled.
Aiden stood in the middle of the living room, a grin plastered across his face. "Alright, team, gather round. I have some great news," he said with excitement.
The others turned their attention toward him, all curious.
Kaela jumped up from her seat, practically bouncing on her toes. "Ooh, I love good news! What's up, Aiden?"
Aiden waved a hand with flair. "The project I've been working on—my underground lab—is finally complete! Mr Uraraka just finished everything today, and I'm ready to show you all the space."
Seraphine raised an eyebrow but smiled softly, her arms crossed. "So, you're finally going to take us to your secret lair, huh?"
"Exactly!" Aiden said, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "But first, let me tell you what I've been thinking."
With that, he led everyone through the villa, down the hall, and toward the discreet door that led to the Zone (The only uncringy, non emo/otaku/edgelord name I could think of). The room was enormous, and though it was currently empty and bare, Aiden could already see the vast potential it held.
Inside the Zone, Aiden immediately got to work. He gestured toward the space with dramatic flair. "So, this is the place. Now, here's the fun part: We're going to redesign it into something spectacular. I'm talking about personal spaces for all of us, and an epic workshop for myself, of course. But first, I want your input."
Celeste raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Personal spaces for all of us? You mean, we're each getting a place of our own down here?"
Aiden grinned. "You bet. This space is big enough for all of us to have our own little corners to do our thing. But I need everyone's opinion on layout, purpose, and what we'll need to make it work. I want us to get it right from the start."
Kaela leaned forward, clearly excited. "Ooooh, I want a hammock corner. Somewhere cozy with a little open space to dance around, you know? And maybe a spot for Nimbus to run wild!"
Elara sipped her tea thoughtfully before adding, "I'll need a space to practice my techniques, something quiet and serene. I might put in some plants, make it feel more like home."
Seraphine's eyes flicked to Aiden's, her tone more measured than the others. "A practical area for training would be ideal for me. I could use a space where I can practice combat techniques, and some room for strategic layouts wouldn't hurt either."
Nimbus chittered and scurried down Aiden's arm, hopping onto his shoulder with a squeak of approval. His tiny paws scratched Aiden's ear playfully, causing Aiden to chuckle.
"And Nimbus, of course, needs an area to run and explore. Maybe a small jungle gym or something? You know he's a bit of a troublemaker when he's not kept entertained."
Aiden nodded, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I'm liking these ideas. Alright, I'm thinking that in the far corner, we can make Nimbus his own little playpen—a multi-level maze or climbing area. We'll use some soft materials so he can't hurt himself, and there'll be enough space for him to get his energy out."
He turned to the others. "Celeste, for you, I'm thinking an area with soft seating, a lot of natural light, maybe even some plants, so you can relax or read while staying close to the action. For Kaela, we can make an open space with plenty of room to move around and dance. You'll get your hammock, too."
Seraphine spoke up again, her serious tone cutting through the room. "I'll need a more utilitarian space, something that allows me to run drills and work on combat. I'm fine with practicality over comfort."
Aiden nodded. "Got it. So, Seraphine's area will have plenty of space for physical training. Maybe some moving targets or a few obstacle courses. Elara, we'll keep your area more peaceful and calming, with some space for quiet reflection and focus."
Turning toward the middle of the room, Aiden clapped his hands together. "Now, for my space… I'm thinking of something bigger and more technical, with lots of workbenches, plenty of storage for materials, and a full command centre for when I need to do some more complex projects. I'll need lots of tools and machines."
With the plan in mind, Aiden snapped his fingers. "Alright, I'm going to get started now. I'm going to use my quirk to make this happen. Watch this."
Aiden focused, his blue and gold eyes glowing faintly. He raised a hand, and the entire room seemed to shift and contort around him.
As he manipulated reality, walls formed where there had been none, sections of the room began to divide and rearrange, and beams of light carved through the air, reshaping the space with ease.
For the next hour, Aiden worked with impressive speed and precision. He used his quirk to bend reality, molding the Zone to his specifications, while also incorporating the suggestions his family had made. Rooms began to take shape, each one tailored to its intended user.
The space for Nimbus was filled with towering structures, ropes, and platforms where he could climb and explore. A quiet area with mats and a small indoor garden began to grow for Elara.
For Kaela, the area was filled with open space and soft, movable furniture, while Seraphine's section took on a more Spartan feel, with multiple training stations and practice areas.
Aiden's own section, of course, was grand. His personal workshop took up the largest portion of the Zone, filled with machines, tools, and holographic screens. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with materials and components from Yaoyorozu's delivery.
The entire process, though seemingly effortless to Aiden, was an absolute marvel of creativity, skill, and raw power.
His quirk allowed him to make new structures from nothing, and every time he made a shift or alteration, the room transformed just a little more into the world he envisioned.
After a few more minutes, Aiden finished his work. The room stood complete, the various spaces now beautifully distinct yet connected in a way that made the entire underground complex feel like a home. Aiden turned to the others, his chest puffed out with pride.
"Well, how's that?" he asked, his voice filled with satisfaction.
Kaela jumped up, clapping her hands. "It's perfect! This place is amazing!"
Celeste let out a low whistle. "I'm not sure if it's the space or the fact that you used your quirk like that, but this is incredible."
Seraphine gave Aiden a rare smile. "I'll be able to work here without worrying about space. This is exactly what I needed."
Elara nodded approvingly. "It's peaceful, but functional. I love it."
Nimbus gave a delighted chitter from his new climbing structure, clearly pleased with the setup.
Aiden smiled at them all, pleased with how everything turned out. "Well, this is just the beginning. The Zone is ours now. Let's make it something even greater."
-
-
As Aiden stood proudly, surveying the newly transformed Zone, a sudden wave of exhaustion hit him like a ton of bricks. His vision blurred, and his legs gave way beneath him, causing him to crumple to the floor in a heap.
"Ah… maybe I pushed myself a bit too far," he muttered weakly, his energy completely drained. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath. The others rushed over, concerned, with Celeste being the first to kneel beside him.
"Aiden!" she exclaimed, gently placing a hand on his forehead. "You okay?"
Kaela, who had been too caught up in the excitement of the moment, blinked in shock at Aiden's sudden collapse. "Whoa! Aiden what the hell? You were totally fine a second ago!"
Aiden smiled up at her, though it was clearly strained. "I'm fine, just… pushing the limits of my quirk a bit too much today," he said, still catching his breath.
[A/N Read the note at the end before throwing stones at me)
As Celeste helped him sit up, she looked at him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "You've done this before, right? Using your quirk so much..."
Aiden nodded slowly. "Yeah, I can do a lot with my quirk. Anything, really. I can manipulate reality in ways that would make the universe bend to my will. But… it takes a lot out of me, especially when I'm making permanent alterations. My quirk works like a tool, but when I try to reshape the environment permanently, it uses more energy than I can handle in one go." He let out a deep sigh, the reality of his quirk's limitations sinking in.
"You've seen me use it in battle, right?" he continued, voice growing fainter. "When I'm fighting, I don't change things permanently. I manipulate the flow of events, twist probabilities, or alter moments, but it's temporary, just enough to turn the tide. It's more like… well, temporary cartoon logic. I can make a giant hammer appear, or change the course of something for a few seconds. The results are instantaneous, but they're short-lived."
Celeste frowned as she processed his words. "So when you use your quirk on something like the Zone, you're changing it for good… that's why it drained you so much."
"Exactly," Aiden said with a slight nod, still recovering. "When I shape reality around me on a permanent level, it's a lot more taxing than if I'm just using it for a few seconds here and there. I'm still improving though, learning how to manage it better."
The others helped Aiden back to his feet, and as he steadied himself, a brief memory surfaced in his mind, one of a time when he trained with Stars and Stripes back at home.
-
[Flashbacku no Justu](A/N: Sigh I miss the old days when books where cultured)
Aiden stood in an open field behind the villa, the cool air blowing against his face as Stars and Stripes, his mentor, observed him carefully. She was a no-nonsense pro who had always pushed him to his limits, teaching him how to harness his overwhelming power.
"Alright, Aiden, again," Stars and Stripes commanded. "You know the drill. No shortcuts, just raw focus. I want to see you push yourself without pushing your limits too far. The goal here is not to burn yourself out every time."
Aiden nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. He had been working with her for months now, training on how to use his quirk more efficiently. "Got it. I'm ready," he said, eyes narrowing in focus.
He stretched his hands out, concentrating hard on his quirk. Reality bent around his outstretched palms, the world around him flickering as he sought to create a temporary structure—an obstacle for him to dodge.
Stars and Stripes stood to the side, her sharp eyes following his every movement. "You're rushing it," she said, her voice sharp but patient. "You're trying to make something happen too quickly. You need to breathe, to slow down. When you use your quirk like that, you're using energy you can't get back. If you don't control it, you're going to burn yourself out."
Aiden frowned, dropping his hands and catching his breath. "But I've done it before… When I'm in battle, I don't have time to think. I just do what I have to do."
Stars and Stripes crossed her arms, her expression a mix of amusement and concern. "Battle's different, Aiden. It's all about the moment, right? But when you're trying to make permanent changes, you're asking your quirk to work overtime. It'll take its toll on you. Learn to ration it out, to stretch your power. Don't just throw it out recklessly."
She approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Think of it like fuel. You can't burn the entire tank in one go. When you need that extra burst, then go for it. But day-to-day? Use small adjustments. Temporary alterations. You need to learn how to stretch your quirk's power without causing a burnout."
Aiden stood still, taking in her words. "So, I need to focus on the brief alterations, the quick shifts, rather than trying to change everything all at once, right?"
Stars and Stripes smiled, nodding. "Exactly. And remember, the more you practice, the less it'll drain you. You've got an incredible gift, but you've got to learn its limits. It's like anything else—it gets easier with time."
[End of Flashback]
-
Aiden snapped back to the present, feeling his energy return slowly. He had been so focused on trying to improve his quirk that sometimes he forgot the valuable lessons he had learned during those training sessions with Stars and Stripes.
He now understood that, just as she had taught him, it wasn't just about how much he could do—it was about doing it strategically and efficiently.
Kaela, who had been watching the whole time with concern, raised an eyebrow. "So… you really can do anything with your quirk? That sounds like a cheat code for life."
Aiden smiled faintly, still regaining his composure. "It's not quite that simple, but… yeah. In time, I'll be able to do even more. For now, I've got to remember to pace myself. Not every change needs to be permanent."
Celeste gently ruffled his hair, her smile warm. "We've got your back, Aiden. But don't go collapsing again, alright?"
Aiden chuckled softly, feeling the strength returning to his limbs. "I promise, no more collapsing… for now."
The group gathered around him, offering their support, but Aiden knew this moment was a reminder: even though he had godlike potential with his quirk, he still had to grow, to master the control that came with it.
The true test wouldn't be in how much he could change the world, but how well he could control the changes he made.
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[A/N: Before you start complaining read this--->
While Aiden's quirk allows him to manipulate reality at will, the limitation of physical and mental exhaustion when making permanent alterations introduces a level of vulnerability that humanises him.
Without this weakness, Aiden would essentially be invincible, which could lead to a less engaging and more predictable story. His quirk, though immensely powerful, cannot be used indiscriminately without consequences, forcing him to learn control, patience, and strategy.
This adds layers to his character, showing that even those with god-like potential must face the limitations of their power, forcing them to grow, adapt, and learn from their mistakes.
This weakness also creates room for other characters to shine and develop. They're not just passive bystanders in a world where one character can bend reality—they play active roles in supporting and challenging Aiden, showing that power is not always the ultimate solution. (Not really)
In essence, the drawback keeps Aiden grounded, ensures that his journey is one of continual growth, and maintains a balance of tension and stakes in the story, making his eventual triumphs all the more rewarding.
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