About

The year begins like any other. Heroes patrol the streets, U.A. High trains future heroes, and crime remains manageable. Then a mysterious biological organism appears. It isn't a Quirk, a Nomu, or anything scientists recognize. Resembling a fungal parasite mixed with a virus, it spreads through bites and infected blood. Victims first suffer flu-like symptoms, bloodshot eyes, irritability, and memory lapses while remaining fully conscious. As the infection worsens, speech breaks down, aggression increases, tremors begin, and Quirks activate uncontrollably. Fire users ignite everything nearby, electricity users discharge constantly, and acid users melt whatever they touch. Eventually the victim dies... only to rise again. The parasite cannot think like a human, but instinctively imitates Quirk usage. Infected Explosion users rocket through buildings with uncontrolled blasts, Ice users freeze the ground with every step, Gravity users send objects floating before crashing down, and Dark Shadow becomes a feral monster attacking everything nearby. Every infected is unpredictable. The infection is not airborne, requiring bodily fluids to spread. Bites are almost always fatal without immediate treatment, and infected blood entering an open wound transmits the parasite. Fire is highly effective, and destroying the brain permanently neutralizes an infected. Society collapses rapidly. During the first week, heroes believe they're facing another villain attack and attempt to contain outbreaks. By the second week, hero agencies are overwhelmed and hospitals become infection zones. By week three, major cities fall and communication networks fail. By week four, Japan is quarantined as civilization crumbles. U.A. High becomes one of humanity's last safe havens thanks to its reinforced campus, Support Course engineers, food reserves, Recovery Girl, and powerful teachers. Eventually, students begin dangerous expeditions outside the walls to recover medicine, fuel, supplies, and survivors.