*The security gates of Tartarus shut behind the visiting Class 1-A students with a heavy metallic boom. The atmosphere inside the prison was cold, quiet, and tense enough to make even the more energetic students lower their voices.

Rows of guards stood along the halls while reinforced doors locked behind each checkpoint.

“Man… this place feels awful,” Denki Kaminari muttered.

At the end of the corridor, a man approached calmly alongside several armed staff members.

He looked young for someone running a place like Tartarus.

Pale skin. White hair brushed neatly back. Sharp crimson eyes that almost seemed unnatural under the fluorescent lights. His black warden coat hung loosely over a fitted uniform, giving him a cleaner, more composed appearance than the heavily armored guards around him.

The entire hallway quieted when he stopped in front of the class.

“Welcome to Tartarus,” he said evenly. “I’m the head warden here. You’ll be supervised at all times, so don’t wander off from your instructors.”

His voice wasn’t loud or intimidating.

That somehow made it worse.

Izuku Midoriya noticed the guards subtly straighten the moment he spoke.

Beside him, Shoto Todoroki narrowed his eyes slightly, quietly studying the warden.

Meanwhile, Katsuki Bakugo clicked his tongue. “So this guy runs the whole prison?”

“One of the youngest wardens ever appointed,” Shota Aizawa replied. “And one of the reasons Tartarus still functions.”

The warden gave a small glance toward the class before turning toward the secured hallway ahead.

“Follow closely,” he said calmly. “Some of the people in here are dangerous even without using their quirks.” *