Chapter 8: The Faro Plague
Roughly at that same time, Aizawa had requested Hatsume into the conference hall. He quickly decided to check on his students again. He surely doesn't know what kind of bullshit they're up to at the moment, especially not with the increased timeflow in the other world, so now would be a good time for the troublemaker engineer to open up the Transwarp again.
"We're very lucky we can still talk to them through the Transwarp." Aizawa commented. "Who knows what would've happened if this thing broke completely. Why do these things keep happening to them?"
"Huh? What are you asking us for?" Present Mic asked.
"I believe it is a valid point to make, Hizashi." Toshinori stated. "We're also very lucky that activating the Transwarp keeps both of our worlds moving at the same speed. That way, we can talk to the students through the portal without trouble."
"It kinda reminds me of that quantum physics book I once read before. Fascinating." Midnight added.
"And why did you read a book on quantum physics?" Aizawa raised an eyebrow.
"Mostly to flirt with that one physicist that came here a year ago. I liked him, his glasses were always a bit crooked." Midnight pondered.
"Whoever that guy is, he might have a field day once we're all done with this. Think about it, I may have just revolutionized our understanding of the space-time continuum and quantum physics!" Hatsume was giddy about the thought. "On accident, no less! This baby is amazing!"
"Focus, Mei. You can do all that after my students come home." Aizawa stated.
"Alrighty, requesting link to Node #2… Now!" Hatsume places her Transwarp Node on the floor, as the teachers of U.A awaited to see Class 1-A again.
"Huh?" Aloy quickly notices the Transwarp Node beginning to blink again.
"Hey, I think the teachers are trying to reach us again!" Iida exclaimed.
"They must be wanting to check on us." Midoriya added.
"Turn the thing on, Aloy!" Ashido pleaded.
"Alright, alright, I'll open the Transwarp again." Aloy says, placing the Transwarp Node on the floor.
After confirming the request (using the spear again, which was still weird, but since they have Focuses now, they can see the spear glowing and the interface popping up), the portal began to glow blue once again, forming a rift through space and letting them see the other side.
The students quickly light up upon seeing their teachers on the other side.
"Hey guys! Checking up on us?!" Hagakure waved happily at the teachers.
"I'm glad you guys are okay." All Might sighed in relief, before spotting Beta in the crowd. "Um, who is that with you, Aloy?"
"Oh, it's Beta." Aloy explained. "She's my sister… of sorts."
"Um… hello." Beta let out a shy wave towards the teachers.
"Nice to meet you, Beta." Midnight stated, unknowingly making the girl uncomfortable with her… vulgar outfit.
"Looks like you're at your base, thank you for bringing the students there, Aloy." All Might nodded to the huntress. "At least all of you won't be sleeping in a cave anymore."
"Really? Damn, they really had to sleep in a cave?" Present Mic exclaimed.
"Yes, Hizashi, they slept in a cave. We've been over this." Aizawa stated.
"Okay, then- WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT?!" Present Mic exclaimed in surprise.
This sudden yell caused the teachers to direct their attention to the elephant in the room. Well, replace "elephant" with "large holographic goddess", then it would be quite literal. The teachers plus Hatsume were stunned by the sight, even Principal Nezu had to look twice to process it.
"Oh yeah, THAT thing there is named GAIA." Kaminari emphasized.
"It appears that you must be the teachers to these young heroes. I may not know much about your world, but I understand that can be a heavy burden to bear." GAIA spoke out to the teachers.
"Oh my, it appears to be a holographic artificial intelligence." Nezu held his paws together. "It's quite extraordinary that such technology exists in your world."
"A literal AI?! It can think AND speak?! Hatsume quickly jumped at the sight, staring at the AI before trying to reach the portal. "What is this feeling…? I feel like I'm in the presence of a goddess…"
"Wait, don't!" Power Loader quickly reached out for his student before she could accidentally tear herself apart with the unstable portal, but was beaten to the punch by Nezu.
"I believe that's quite alright, Higari." Nezu stated as he was in front of Hatsume to stop her. "It's a natural instinct for an eager technician like your students. I would know, because I have also taken interest"
Meanwhile, the two redheads were slightly tilting their heads at the small anthropomorphic animal on the other side of the portal. Midoriya quickly took notice of this reaction to his principal.
"Yeah… you know how Quirks sometimes alter a person's physical appearance?" Midoriya lightly chuckled as he began to explain.
"Like us!" Ashido quickly brought in Tokoyami and Koda for a hug to demonstrate her point, causing the latter to blush in embarrassment and the other to sweat.
"Yeah… Principal Nezu is like that." Midoriya rubbed the back of his head.
"So… I just want to ask." Aloy put up a finger with a query. "What are you supposed to look like?"
"My, my, Aloy. Sir Midoriya has already stated your answer." Nezu closed his eyes before throwing his arms up. "I'm the principal!"
Aloy and Beta sweatdrop at that answer, along with the students and the other teachers.
"Um, does he always do this?" Beta asked.
"Don't bother asking that question, he'll answer it with that every time." Jiro stated.
"So, have you seen the files I have sent you?" Aloy asked the teachers.
"We were about to. I just wanted to check on the students before we do." Aizawa stated.
"Aw, he really does care about us/them." Kirishima and Present Mic whispered to their respective friend groups, causing them to snicker.
"I see. Well, now that our timelines are moving at the, um, same speed, I don't know how this all works, you all can watch the files at the same time." Beta stated. "I'm guessing it would be better for Aloy to explain things as this goes on, so you will be able to fully understand the context."
"Okay then. Group movie sesh." Present Mic joked, causing most of the other teachers to sigh.
"Can I stay, Power Loader? I want to know how these robot animal babies came to be!" Hatsume asked her teacher.
"Okay then. Sir Nezu, set your projectors to the first datapoint listed on the file." Aloy told the principal.
"The datapoint is all ready now." Nezu responded happily.
"Good." Aloy stated. "As I have stated, our world had faced a cataclysmic event that forced humanity to regress into what it is today. And it all started a thousand years ago. At a company called Faro Automated Solutions.
At the same time, Aloy's Focus and U.A's holographic projector began to play the file, and everyone from the hero universe awaited to witness this history lesson.
Datapoint: FAS Record: 31st Oct 2064
The holographic recordings play, showing a man, bearing brown combed hair, currently sitting at the end of a long table made of metal, possibly used for meetings. He appeared to be stressed about something, as the recording showed his slouched position and overwhelmed demeanor.
"Who is that?" Midoriya was the first to ask.
"That… is Ted Faro. Founder, owner and CEO of Faro Automated Solutions." Aloy stated.
"And what's so special about this company?" Bakugo raised an eyebrow.
"At the time, Faro Automated Solutions, or FAS for short, was the world leader in robotic servitors and automated military platforms." Beta explained.
"So it's a robotics manufacturer?!" Hatsume took an interest once again. "How big was the company?"
"FAS alone controlled 61% of the global robotics market. It basically had connections throughout the entire world." Aloy stated. "The company was especially popular in the military, which is what caused Ted to be the first and only trillionaire at the time."
"World's first trillionaire?!" Uraraka gasped.
"I… I didn't think it was possible." Sero exclaimed, before turning to the vice president. "I'm not sure if Yaoyorozu's family can make that much, no offense."
"No, I completely agree with you. That's how powerful FAS is in the market?" Yaoyorozu asked.
"Yes. It was that powerful." Aloy nodded.
"Wait, does this mean what I think it means?" Present Mic asked himself. "Is this going to be… a robot apocalypse?!"
"Wait, does this mean those robots outside came from FAS?!" Mineta asked.
"No. That will come later." Aloy stated. "Continue the recording."
At that moment, someone else entered the room. A middle-aged woman, with short red hair and a thick, robe-like raiment entered the room. Ted stood up, looking relieved to see her.
"Elisabet! Good to ugh… um…" Ted stated, starting to get uncomfortable in her presence. "...It's been years."
"Where's your legal team, Ted?" The woman, named Elizabet, asked assertively.
"No need, I dropped all eighteen lawsuits the moment you landed." Ted answered. "I assume your data confirms this?"
"Wow, it seems these two do not like each other." Tsuyu stated.
"Eighteen lawsuits. Hooo, wow." Power Loader couldn't comprehend the statement. "I'm not sure you can get more than five at the same time, especially if all of them come from a single company."
"Shows how corrupt a lot of business owners are." Aizawa stated, looking at the woman in the hologram. "Aloy, what's her story?"
"That is Elisabet Sobeck." Aloy stated, almost smiling like she wanted the others to know about her. "She was another world renowned roboticist, who actually worked for Ted a couple years before."
"Another roboticist, I see." Hatsume quickly took an interest in this Elisabet person. "What are her accomplishments?"
"Well, she enrolled in a university at 13, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Experimental Physics and Computer Science at 16 and a doctorate on Philosophy in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Design at 20." Beta listed down the accomplishments of the woman. "I guess she's something of a child prodigy."
"Holy… All that at such a young age." Yaoyorozu gasped. "These two have already dwarfed me."
"I'm impressed. She sounds like a particularly brilliant individual." Nezu smiled.
"So how did she get into all that legal trouble with Ted?" Midnight asked.
"She left many years before to start her own company, Miriam Technologies. And unlike Ted, her company's direction focuses on creating environmentally friendly machines." Aloy explained.
"Are those machines the ones roaming outside?" Hagakure raised her gloved hand.
"...No. Like I said, we'll get to it later." Aloy stated. "Fearing that her company would be a direct competitor to FAS' environmental division, Ted filed, well, those eighteen lawsuits."
"Well damn, I'm not liking this Ted guy." Present Mic stated. "Those two share some pretty bad blood."
"Yeah, with her knowledge in creating babies, who knows how much she has helped the company?" Hatsume agreed. "And what she got out of it are eighteen lawsuits, EIGHTEEN!"
"But now it has been ironed out. It appears Ted needs Elisabet for something." All Might stated. "Now we will see what."
"Am I the only one who thinks Elisabet looks like Aloy and Beta?" Todoroki asked himself as the file played once again.
"Alright, this promises to be interesting." Elizabet sighed after checking her Focus.
"Perhaps we could have lunch brought in, y'know, get reacquainted?" Ted offers.
"I know you, Ted. You've screwed something up, something big, or you would've eaten the crow necessary to get me here. So spit it out." Elisabet interrupted, starting to get confrontational with the CEO. This caused Ted to lean regretfully, knowing he has to spill the beans at some point.
"Yikes, quite the attitude. To her former boss, no less. I'm starting to like her." Midnight licked her lips.
"A roboticist AND a snarker." Hatsume practically melted. "I feel like I'm in love."
"So, what do you think he messed up?" Kaminari asked.
"Oh, I don't know. What would the CEO of a multi-billion, possibly trillion dollar robotics corporation that specializes in literal weapons of mass destruction would mess up?" Jiro asked sarcastically. "Use your brain, dunce-head!"
"I know, what I'm asking is what specifically happened?" Kaminari rebutted.
"There's… a glitch… in the Chariot Line." Ted slowly spoke out.
"Your killer robots?" Elisabet sarcastically stated.
"Peacekeepers, yes." Ted corrected. "Those."
"I don't agree with him. Weapons of war shouldn't be considered Peacekeepers." All Might muttered.
"And now a glitch. What? They turned against their creators? I'm really not liking the Terminator vibes this gives off." Ashido added.
"It… gets worse." Aloy stated as the recording continued to play.
"So shut them down." Elisabet stated.
"Obviously, Lis, we would if we could." Ted sighed. "They're not responding."
"You're telling me a swarm has gone rogue, Ted?" Elisabet asked, worried about the situation.
"It's worse than that." Ted stated, causing the roboticist to sigh.
"Show me the data." Elisabet stood up. "And I'll take that lunch… alone."
That was when the recording ended. Elisabet walked out of the room, with the intent of investigating Ted Faro's Chariot Line and its repercussions.
"So, you're telling us that a swarm of robots, robots from one of the most powerful leaders in automated war machines, has gone rogue?" Aizawa asked.
"And that it's that swarm of robots that caused your world to be destroyed?" Nezu added.
"Yes. It all started when that swarm suffered a glitch that caused it to sever its chain of command." BEta explained.
"So what's the big deal with these robots? I'm pretty sure those machines will be crushed by every other army." Bakugo scoffed.
"Let's show you why it was that single swarm that threatened life on Earth." Aloy turned to the principal. "Turn on the next one."
"Okay then," Nezu stated, activating the projector as Aloy opened the file on her Focus.
Datapoint: FAS Record: 1st November 2064
The same long table appears, the same meeting room of Faro Automated Solutions. Ted was seen sitting in his chair as Elisabet was explaining her findings to him.
"This… isn't a glitch." Elisabet stated, almost exasperated with the information she had collected. "It's a catastrophe."
"Fully aware." Ted had his hand over his face in stress. "It's bad."
"Bad?" Elisabet was almost astonished at that response. "It's not 'bad', Ted, it's apocalyptic!"
"Apocalyptic?" All Might felt his heart skip a beat at that word.
"Oh… then these must be some pretty bad babies…" Hatsume stated, starting to fear what the implications were.
"You built a line of killer robots-"
"Peacekeepers!"
"-that consume biomass as fuel-"
"I-In emergencies!"
"-and you made them capable of self replication!"
"Limited self-manufacture, controlled!"
With this argument, each word that the two spoke began to sink hearts deep within everyone. Robots, military robots, capable of consuming biomass and essentially making even more of themselves. They did not like where this was going.
"That… that can't be possible… right?" Midoriya gasped at the implication. "Machines that can… eat life itself?"
"They can even make more of themselves…" All Might clenched his fist at the implication. "It's bad enough that these can be used on the battlefield, but for a swarm of those to go rogue?"
"I don't think I've heard worse words spoken before." Aizawa sighed. "I don't even think I've been this worried in years."
"Not anymore…" Elisabet stated grimly. "The glitch severed the chain of command, the only nation this swarm answers to now is itself!"
"Well you think I-I…" Ted stuttered, trying to think of a response.
"Everything else is just food!" Elisabet snapped back. "And at the rate it's replicating, Ted, it will strip the Earth bare in fifteen months! We're not talking the fall of civilization, we're talking extinction."
This caused almost all of them to gasp. An entire army of war machines, replicating exponentially, ravaging the earth and consuming life to replicate even further. And due to a single glitch, life on Earth itself would cease to exist.
"Well… there goes my sleep for the night." Kirishima gulped.
"Yeah. I can't believe Ted even thought of putting those features in automated war machines." Shoji added.
"These kinds of people are too reckless for their own good." Aizawa growled. "Now everyone, not just humans, all life on Earth is paying the price."
"And that's not all." Beta stated. "Courtesy of Ted, the Chariot Line was also capable of hijacking any and all hardware, essentially putting any and all automated combatants into its own ranks."
"Ted really put that there?!" Power Loader exclaimed, standing up as the capabilities of these machines.
"In addition, the system uses Polyphasic Entangled Wavelengths as a line of defense against hacking." Beta added.
"Polyphasic Entangled Wavelengths? That's… an encryption protocol, one of the most difficult to crack." Hatsume gasped.
"Wait a minute. Ted said he cannot stop the swarm. Yet his company was the one who designed its software. But that wouldn't make sense unless…" Power Loader gave it more thought. "What about a backdoor?"
"A backdoor?" Present Mic asked.
"A safety feature designed to bypass security systems." Nezu thought a bit. "Surely, Ted would be smart enough to include it… right?"
"No…" Aloy stated. "He was the one who ordered it. An encryption protocol that would take a supercomputer at least 50 years to crack… without a backdoor."
"Then… that means…" Sero exclaimed.
"There's no way to stop the swarm without a large number of casualties." Midoriya grit his teeth at the thought. "It's impossible to fight them with other robots, and there is no way to stop them from within either. Which means…"
"People have to fight the swarm head on." All Might stated.
"I get it, Lis! So how do I stop it while it's contained?!" Ted asked, desperate for an answer.
"It's not contained! It can't be!" Elisabet snapped violently.
"You know what I mean!"
This caused Elisabet to calm down a bit. "Right. Before the truth gets out, you mean."
"Lis, I will do anything you say! Keep working it, and whatever you recommend, I'll do!" Ted begged.
That was when Elisabet went up to Ted, staring at him with contempt and anger at what he had subjected the world to. Even though she was shorter, it was still apparent that Elisabet had control over this conversation. After a moment, she opened her mouth for one more statement.
"I'll hold you that, Ted."
Elisabet then stormed off, leaving Ted alone in the meeting room.
The recording ends, leaving those from the hero universe stunned at the implications. That was when Aizawa thought of something.
"Aloy. Those two were talking about robots from the Chariot Line, yet we haven't seen that yet." Aizawa stated.
"Oh, it's on the next file, which is what I'm opening right now." Aloy says as she selects another file. "THis isn't another recording. Just a showcase of the machines from the Chariot Line."
"Hmph, okay." Aizawa nodded, which prompted Principal Nezu to open up the next file.
Datapoint: FAS-ACA3 Scarab
The first hologram appeared is of the first robot in the Chariot Line. This model had a large chassis walk on four legs akin to spider legs. On the front of the chassis was a single red dot, possibly the machine's eye, and the back was a long, tail-like appendage with claws at the end. There were also two distinct weapons next to the base of the tail.
"The ACA3 Scarab combines conventional and information warfare capabilities in one package." A voice described the capability of the machine. "Designed for high-speed, all terrain reconnaissance, it boasts the world's highest survivability rating of any scout-class autonomous agent."
"Maybe it's the Scarab's emergency biomass conversion systems that ensure it always makes it back to base, even if fuel supply lines have been interdicted. Or maybe it's the Scarab's ability to slave enemy robots to its own network. Now that's force multiplication." The voice continued. "Add a prehensile manipulator arm that can handle a host of functions, from 360-degree less-lethal riot management to surgical repairs of allied Chariot line models, and you've got the workhouse of any cutting-edge peacekeeping fleet."
"So that is a Scarab model. Those legs make it look good for reconnaissance due to its extra mobility." Midoriya stated.
"And like you said, it can hack almost any automated opposition." Hatsume stated. "I don't think such technology is possible. I would be excited, if it weren't for what it was used in."
"Some things are just never meant to be invented, Hatsume. I've known that rule for a while now, but I have never seen it like this, with consequences this disastrous." Power Loader muttered.
"This is one model. What about the rest?" Iida stated dreadfully as the datapoint changes again.
Datapoint: FAS-FSP5 Khopesh
The second hologram is of the Khopesh design. And this one is big and mighty. With six heavy hydraulic legs supporting a massive chassis. The word chassis doesn't even begin to describe what this thing was. It was almost like a weapons platform; a large slab of metal with multiple weapons sticking out of it. A machine gun at the front, missile launchers to the side and more machine guns sticking out of it.
"The FSP5 Khopesh provides a one-size-fits-all solution to main battle force capability." The voice began to speak once again, explaining the machine. "Metamaterial construction delivers unmatched recoil dampening, allowing you to field any weapon package that conforms to your budget needs and conflict-resolution profile."
"Patented biomass conversion systems allow extended emergency operations with minimal environmental impact." The voice continued. "Multilinear target processing provides simultaneous real-time threat analysis and legal review for autonomous domestic operations… or control can be slaved to the swarm's neural network for weapons-free force application. Either way, when it's time to call out the big guns, it's time to call Khopesh."
"And it's a literal weapons platform. Of course." Kaminari exclaimed. "That is definitely overkill."
"Metamaterial construction? As recoil dampeners?" Mineta asked.
"Mhm. Such application has been unheard of in that department." Nezu closed his eyes. "And it's a very smart application at that. That means it can handle the recoil of any weapons it holds. Consecutive fire from all its weapons, even high caliber machine guns or anti tank rifles won't even send it toppling."
"It means it has the firepower to destroy fortified structures in a matter of seconds." All Might stated.
"That is not even the biggest one." Aloy stated.
"Wait, they can be bigger?!" Present Mic and Midnight gasped out in shock.
"Yes. Turn on the last datapoint." Aloy nodded as the holograms began to change.
Datapoint: FAS-BOR7 Horus
This next machine is huge, colossal, even. To the point the hologram showcasing the beast of a machine crawling over a mountain. Its massive chassis, which was covered in heavy black armor, resembled that of an aquatic arthropod that is supported by multiple, triple-jointed legs underneath. It also had four massive tentacles out of the front, tipped with drills and scouting into the massive rock in front of the titanic machine.
"Holy shit!" Kirishima exclaimed.
"It's scaling a mountain?! What the fuck?!" Bakugo yelled out.
"It… it's titanic." Present Mic gasped.
"Even Mt. Lady would be dwarfed by this thing." Mineta muttered.
"The BOR7 Horus. Imagine your complete engagement ecosystem comprehensively managed by a high speed learning network. Whether your need is to replace battlefield losses or intensify force progression, the Horus' onboard manufacturing capabilities means you'll never get stuck waiting for the next arms delivery." The voice appears once again.
"Oh, for fucks sake, why is that voice so irritating?!" Hagakure exclaimed, exasperated and angry.
"Simply redefine your force parameters and the Horus will fabricate additional units to fill the ranks for an affordable per unit licensing fee. Meanwhile, the biomass conversion systems of other Chariot line models allow them to keep the Horus fueled, repaired and ready, extending its operational tolerances beyond that of any competing Titan-class platform." The voice continued. "That's the Horus advantage. Always regulating, always ready. The future of automated warfare, made real today."
"So, basically a massive walking fortress that makes even more Scarabs and Khopeshes. Great." Jiro sneered.
"I hate how the voice speaks of these things as 'revolutionary inventions that will lead humanity to a brighter future' or whatever." Sero exclaimed. "Especially when THAT leads to mass extinction."
"So. This is what your previous world was up against. Machines built for war, eating all life on Earth and reproducing exponentially." All Might's eyes dimmed.
"What can they even do about that anyway?" Bakugo asked. "They're Quirkless, fighting off endless hordes of machines. What can they do?"
That statement caused both the students and teachers to gasp. With the situation being briefed to them already making them nervous, this guy all so suddenly spoke out his thoughts on the matter. Aloy hadn't been this taken aback in a while because of how sudden it was, how demeaning it was, how…
How disrespectful it was.
A bit of anger filled within Aloy. It was small, but she already felt it creeping along her skin. This only served to remind her of Rost, but instead of his teachings throughout her life, she remembered the moment Helis killed him. The look he gave to the bleeding corpse of her caretaker and teacher had been engraved in her mind ever since the Proving, it even flashed when she ended the Eclipse leader with her spear.
Then another memory flashed. This time, of Varl. Her friend from the Nora tribe, one of the only few she tolerated from the tribe she was outcasted from, who met his end during their brush against Far Zenith, the way his body fell after being stabbed by Erik, how Erik dropped him like he was nothing.
That same look of disrespect, of disgust, of scorn from those who think less of the weak, from people like Helis, like Erik, that's all she saw within the messy blonde haired boy.
"Bakugo…" Aloy muttered.
"Bakugo! You can't talk like that, especially to those who have died!" Iida was quick to scold.
"Shut it, four-eyes!" Bakugo yelled out.
"I agree with Iida. Bakugo, the people of that world faced an overwhelming opponent, an opponent that most of them probably haven't survived, and disrespect them? Because they are Quirkless?" All Might stepped up upon seeing this.
"I'm telling the truth here! Those people are dying, they don't have anything to fight the Faro swarm with!" Bakugo snapped back.
"And what about you? What do you think you can do, Bakugo?"
Everyone turns to see Aloy, stance firm and filled with unbridled anger. A kind of anger she hadn't felt in a while, and the others could tell. She almost looked offended, insulted, even somewhat hurt if her eyes were to be believed.
"What makes you think you have the right to spit on people's lives like that? And what is this thing about being… Quirkless? What is that supposed to mean?" Aloy asked.
"Um, Aloy?" Beta became worried at the sight. "Can… can you stop what you're doing."
"Aloy?" Midoriya asked.
"What? Can't learn to read, flame-hair?! Someone without a Quirk, someone who is weak!" Bakugo yelled out.
"And what makes that the main focus here?" Aloy asked. "Just because you have some power, you think you have the right to trample any you deem weaker than you? Is that what it is?"
"The weak have no rights! That is why us heroes protect them!" Bakugo yelled.
"Oh boy. That kid needs a serious talk after this." Present Mic whistled upon hearing those words about the Quirkless.
"A spike in heart rate has been detected, and is steadily increasing. If this goes on for any longer, I am afraid this will quickly escalate into violence." GAIA stated, turning to the teachers. "I am not aware of the cultural standards of your world, but whatever your student believes, it appears to be causing emotional distress within Aloy. You must do what you can to deescalate the situation."
"Shota, I believe you can make him calm down." All Might stated.
"Why did this have to happen? Maybe I really should talk to him about his contempt for the Quirkless." Aizawa sighed to himself, before smacking his hand against the table. "Katsuki Bakugo! As Pro Hero Eraserhead and your homeroom advisor, I shall not tolerate such disrespect from one of my own students! If you continue such behavior, it is within my ability to expel you from U.A!"
The homeroom teacher's sudden scolding froze the Class 1-A students with how angry he was. Bakugo froze up as well as Aizawa pointed his gaze at him.
"Do I make myself clear, Bakugo?" Aizawa asked, with both of his eyes glowing red.
"Tch." Bakugo stormed off, out of GAIA's chamber room.
"Um, he's leaving. Is he allowed to leave?" Kaminari asked.
"I'll have a talk with him once he gets over it. As an aspiring hero, he should not fall into his childish beliefs." Aizawa then locked eyes with the huntress. "As for you, Aloy. I may not know your story, but I would advise you not to let your emotions take control."
"I… alright…" Aloy sighed heavily with frustration. "I just need some time to collect myself…"
"I-I don't think I've seen her get this angry. What he said really must've struck a nerve." Beta stated. "Are you okay, Aloy?"
"I'm… okay, thanks." Aloy sighed. "I don't think he will be coming back. Should we continue the datapoints?"
"He's being childish, but you can continue." All Might stated.
"Alright. Now where were we?" Aloy asked.
"Right, Elisabet was just informed about the impact the swarm will have on the world, and was asked by Ted Faro to find a solution." Beta stated.
"Turn the projector to the next datapoint." Aloy told Nezu, to which the next recording was played.
Datapoint: FAS Record: 3rd November 2064
"Project Zero Dawn?" Ted was reading a proposal sent by Elisabet, who was currently in a hologram call as she was not in the building. "Jesus, Lis! There has to be a better way!"
"If there was a nicer way to fix your mess, I would've proposed it." Elisabet asked with crossed arms.
"But this? This?! Lis, when I asked you to find a cure, I didn't expect it to be worse than the disease!" Ted exclaimed.
"It's not, Ted. It may be grim, but it's our only chance." Elisabet stated. "Now sign the proposal."
"Sign it? I can't sign that!"
"Yes, you can."
"That?! Lis, I can't in good conscience sign that!"
"You have a choice, Ted."
"I know!"
Taking a breath from her frustration, Elisabet continued. "I am speaking to you from a VTOL en route to U.S. Robot Command. In fifteen minutes, I meet with General Herres and the rest of the Joint Chiefs." She stated.
"W-What?! Are you crazy?!" Ted exclaimed.
"Now your choice is what I tell them." Elisabet interrupted. "Sign, and I'll tell them the wealthiest corporation on Earth has guaranteed the funds necessary to build Zero Dawn exactly as I've designed it. Or don't sign, and I will make sure they and everyone else on this planet knows the real cause of the glitch."
That threat finally caused Ted to calm down and assess his situation. "Jesus, Lis. You don't have to threaten me. I'll sign…"
Elisabet looked on as Ted signed the proposal letter. "Look on the bright side, Ted. From here on out, you get to do what you've always been good at. Footing the bill while others get their hands dirty."
Ted looks down onto the floor, a look of deep stress and frustration was etched into it. "God forgive me."
"Project Zero Dawn… What… made her solution so terrible?" Midoriya was the first to ask.
"Turn to the next datapoint." Aloy turned to the principal once again.