Sorry for being late, though I'm not a student anymore, I have a job, I pay taxes ... I think, anyway let's skip to the review corner, nothing special to say-
In fact I do.
Universal messed up the minecraft movie.
From LanceSennin Aug 15 2024
I assume the President at the end is the President of the HPSC... wonder what that headset is tho. Is it gonna be like E.D.I.T.H. or something else entirely
Do not pay to much attention to the headset, it's really just a glorified gadget, also yes, I am fixing a major point that should have been canon, AFO should not have been a villain and if he had been he should definitely not have been the main antagonist. The end of MHA sucks, it's unexpected in all the wrong ways, none of the characters evolved and it's basically back to square one, people can't become heroes if they aren't born lucky and society is corrupt. GG
The HPSC is the ultimate antagonist in this story, no big surprise really.
From ProjectIceman Aug 13 2024
Average Japanese Student from Anime lol
I haven't even introduced Mei :V
From ImCoolGuy0 Aug 15 2024
Thanks for the response, a shame though for the previous story, and Screw Samuel Abraham, he is a devil that is absolutely irredeemable, and if things are going where I think it is going, he will be consumed by the very technology he hopes to have for himself.
Obadia had to be included somewhere ...
With less than a month remaining before the big reveal of their project, Izuku and Melissa had made tremendous progress. David had granted himself an unlimited budget, determined to keep the OFA reactor as secretive as possible. They couldn't do much about Abraham, who was already aware of its existence, but the professor had remained oddly silent since his last encounter with David.
David, the director of I-Island, pinned his hopes on his daughter's project to fix everything: the island's wounded pride, his fractured friendship with Abraham, and, most importantly, his own past mistakes. He often found himself marveling at how none of this would have happened without Izuku Midoriya—the "wonder boy," as some of the academy's teachers had begun calling him.
In a pre-Quirk era, developing this kind of technology would have taken decades, but somehow, Izuku and Melissa were on track to complete it in under four months—perhaps even three if they pushed themselves. David's daughter was right: he had paved the way for a brighter future, even if he hadn't yet shared any major breakthroughs with the world. Like many great minds before him, he was caught in an eternal cycle of caution and ambition.
But beneath his lack of confidence and ever-present fear, a genius was emerging. The Midoriyas had done more for his island in a short time than he could have imagined. Inko Midoriya was far more competent than any of the overpriced attorneys who refused to work directly on the island. She was clever and cunning; like her son, she hid her true capabilities. They might not be able to do much against the might of Japan, but now they would be prepared for any future unpleasant surprises.
Today, however, was different. Their latest exam week had just passed, and Melissa had invited Izuku for his first-ever diving session—a well-earned rest. Inko had given her approval, reassured by Melissa's experience and the drones patrolling the area that would monitor them at all times. Yet, she couldn't shake a bit of anxiety; her son, who seemed like a fish fresh out of his bowl, would be going into the depths of the sea.
Meanwhile, Melissa had managed to convince Izuku that he needed to get her father's permission to go diving with her. This, of course, allowed her some time alone with Izuku's mother. She leaned forward, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I sent him to ask my father about his 'approval'... Do you think that was mean?" she asked, her voice light with amusement but tinged with a hint of concern.
Inko chuckled softly, recognizing how well Melissa had come to understand her son. "On the contrary, it shows how far he's willing to go for you," she replied, her tone affectionate. "But do try not to abuse that trust."
Melissa's eyes softened, sincerity replacing the playful glint. "I never would," she assured, her voice firm but gentle. "We've been working so hard lately... It was time we did something other than flying test runs around my workshop." She paused, a sheepish smile crossing her face. "Which reminds me—I really need to clean up the place eventually."
"David told me you recorded everything," Inko interjected, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "May I watch the tests someday?"
Melissa brightened at the request, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "You have to! The first test at ten percent was priceless. He scared me so badly… I may or may not have sprayed him with a fire extinguisher, even though he wasn't on fire."
Inko laughed, a warm, motherly sound. "Better safe than sorry, hahaha… But he wasn't hurt, was he?"
"He's surprisingly sturdy," Melissa admitted, a note of admiration in her voice. Her brow furrowed slightly, pondering. "Are you sure he doesn't have some hidden, very passive Quirk?"
Inko shook her head, a wistful smile playing at her lips. "No, I… I trust the doctor who diagnosed him. They're rude, grumpy, and don't care much for others' feelings, but they're good at what they do. Izuku is quirkless… The world has a funny way of creating people."
Melissa grinned, but her scientific mind couldn't help but resist. "Oh, you won't convince me about some grand universal design that no one can truly understand. I'm a scientist; I work with facts."
Inko raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly closer. "Alright then… Fact: you met Izuku."
Melissa blinked, momentarily speechless. She felt a warmth rise in her chest, unable—perhaps even unwilling—to counter Inko's statement. "I… concede that you may be right," she murmured, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Inko's smile widened. "You're a very smart girl, Melissa. Always trust your instincts. Now, I'm making Katsudon tonight. You don't have any issues with fish, do you?"
"Uh, no—no, not at all," Melissa stammered, caught off guard. Then realization dawned on her face. "Oh, so that's the surprise my father was talking about, isn't it?"
"Yes, dear," Inko confirmed, a playful twinkle in her eye. "And I'll also be trying pudding for the first time. I didn't know you grew vanilla here on the island! Powdered food is fine, but we're still human, and I'd rather eat something more natural."
Melissa nodded in agreement, momentarily distracted by thoughts of the upcoming meal. But she quickly reminded herself that there were more important matters to attend to today.
"You know how to swim, right?" Melissa's voice crackled through the suit's radio, tinged with a hint of playful curiosity.
Izuku hesitated, a sheepish smile crossing his face. "I, uh… learned the hard way, but yeah, I do. Are you worried you might have to watch me drown?" He tried to keep his tone light, but there was an underlying nervousness, the kind that came from diving into the unknown.
Melissa chuckled softly, shaking her head, her blond hair floating like a golden halo in the water. "Don't put dark ideas in my head. You're wearing my own deep diving suit, remember? It's highly resistant. You could breathe underwater for an entire week if you didn't need to eat or… you know, take a bathroom break." Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Izuku laughed, a bit more relaxed now. "Nothing is perfect, but that's amazing… to think it can last so long. I wonder if we'll find any treasures down here?" He glanced around, his emerald eyes wide with wonder as the ocean seemed to stretch endlessly around them.
Melissa's grin widened. "You're dreaming of old Spanish galleons lost somewhere in the depths, loaded with gold and jewels just waiting to be discovered?"
"Wouldn't you?" Izuku's excitement was palpable, his voice bright with the endless possibilities that lay beneath the waves.
She pretended to think for a moment. "We could find them, I suppose… if we had a large-scale sonar and enough satellites to cover the whole Atlantic Ocean. But assuming you could train an AI to identify shipwrecks… speaking of which, how's our co-pilot project coming along?" Her tone shifted, becoming more focused, but still carrying that friendly edge.
Izuku scratched the back of his head, cheeks flushing slightly behind his suit's visor. "Ah, well… I'm planning to start it up tonight. I think it's ready. I was running low on funds, and Professor Abraham approved my request for resources himself. I thought your dad would handle it, but he's been keeping such a close eye on everything we're doing. I wonder if…" His voice trailed off, a frown creasing his brow.
Melissa's eyes narrowed with concern. "Did you show Abraham our work?"
Izuku quickly shook his head. "O-Only what was in my workshop, I promise! I'd never let anyone into yours, especially since that's where the most important stuff is kept." His voice was earnest, tinged with anxiety.
Melissa pressed further, her tone growing more serious. "…Did he pressure you?"
Izuku hesitated, glancing away. "N-No, he's just… he has a certain aura, you know? Plus, he's a professor. I can't just act casually around him like I would with you or your father."
Melissa's gaze bore into his, unyielding. "I'll ask again, Izuku. Ignoring your discomfort, did you feel like Professor Abraham was overly insistent on seeing our project?"
Izuku met her gaze for a moment before his resolve crumbled, and he looked down, guilt and frustration evident in his features. "I'm… impressionable," he admitted softly.
Melissa's expression softened, her voice gentle but firm. "Everyone is, Izuku. But you learned the lesson, and even though you made a mistake, you brought him to your workshop, not mine. He didn't see everything."
Izuku chuckled, a bit more at ease. "You talk like he's some evil rival scientist trying to steal our work."
Melissa rolled her eyes playfully. "Because he's acting like one?" she quipped, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Izuku couldn't help but grin. "F-Fair enough."
Melissa clapped her hands together, her demeanor shifting back to excitement. "Alright, suit up! Those treasures aren't going to just float up to us." She moved closer to help him into the suit, her movements fluid and precise, a mix of gentle care and determination.
Izuku felt a mix of gratitude and nervousness as Melissa adjusted his gear, her hands moving quickly with a practiced efficiency. The suit was surprisingly comfortable, not as heavy as he'd expected. "I see you've implemented some of our armor designs into this," he remarked, marveling at the propulsion devices on the feet and hands.
Melissa nodded, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Yup! Just clutch your toes and fingers to activate them. The harder you clutch, the stronger the push."
Izuku blinked in surprise. "Then why did you ask if I could swim?"
Melissa winked, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Planning for future outings." She gave him a final pat on the shoulder before diving into the ocean below with an effortless grace, her form disappearing beneath the waves. "See you on the other side!" her voice echoed through the radio.
Izuku watched her in awe, but after a few seconds, he noticed something was wrong. Melissa wasn't coming back up. His heart pounded in his chest. "Melissa?!" he called out, panic creeping into his voice. "M-Melissa?" Still no response. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage before jumping into the water.
He plunged into the depths, searching frantically, his mind racing with terrifying possibilities. What if she hit something after she jumped? What if the suit malfunctioned? What if she ran out of oxygen? His thoughts spiraled until— "GOTCHA!"
Melissa's arms wrapped around him from behind, and she laughed through the radio.
Izuku yelped in shock, his heart pounding. "M-MELISSA, I WAS SO SCARED!" He turned and hugged her tightly. "Can you not play with my feelings for just a few minutes?"
Melissa giggled, giving him a light squeeze. "You jumped in to save me, didn't you? I heard you muttering in the suit. That's cute." Her voice was teasing, but her eyes softened with affection. "But I'm not a damsel in distress, Izuku. I know how to fight! I've taken martial arts classes, and Dad taught me how to use a gun. That's… surprisingly mandatory in the U.S. now."
Izuku blinked, stunned. "Wow… I-I wouldn't have guessed. You don't seem like the type who'd just… flip someone and smash their head to the ground."
Melissa smirked. "Great! That gives me the advantage of surprise." She grabbed his hand and began to pull him deeper into the ocean, leading him towards a vibrant coral valley. It was a kaleidoscope of colors, the marine life around them surreal and otherworldly.
"What kind of gun can you use?" Izuku asked, genuinely curious.
"Anything from a small pistol to a rifle. I'm not comfortable with automatic weapons, though… What about you? Any extracurricular activities?" Melissa inquired, glancing over at him with interest.
Izuku chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "Nothing a quirkless kid could really do. I did apply for the chess club once, though. I got an email saying my application had to be approved by a member of the club… then they sent me a date and room number at school."
Melissa raised an eyebrow, amused. "Let me guess, it was a 'joke,' right?"
Izuku shrugged, a wry smile on his face. "I'll let you guess what those idiots had planned."
Melissa laughed, then glanced around, checking the surroundings. "No puffer fish in sight. Took me forever to learn how dangerous those little guys are."
Izuku nodded. "Yeah, they're poisonous. In Japan, chefs need a special license to prepare them, and everything's stored in a biohazard unit. It's crazy to think a living creature can carry such deadly toxins."
Melissa grinned. "Ever watched Alien by Ridley Scott?"
Izuku shuddered. "I-I did, and I really hate tentacles… and aliens, especially when they're depicted like that. It's kind of unfair, right? If aliens do find us someday and see that movie, how do you think they'll react?"
Melissa laughed, her voice warm. "Counterpoint: we do make a distinction between monsters and sentient beings. I think the movie was more about showing the dangers of space exploration and why scientists need to follow protocols—"
"Until they don't, and all hell breaks loose!" Izuku interrupted, his voice rising in excitement. "Sure, let's go into the alien ship without any equipment! Sure, let's touch the unidentified egg! Sure, let's bring back the body with a weird parasite on his face—"
Melissa giggled. "Spoilers, Izuku."
Izuku rolled his eyes playfully. "But you've seen it! Who else is listening, the fish? Maybe the octopus out here feels offended too."
Melissa's expression brightened with an idea. "They are the most 'alien' creatures on Earth, you know. What if we made a tentacle harness someone could control with their mind?"
Izuku blinked, bemused. "Why would you even need that?"
Melissa smirked. "I need more arms to work."
Izuku laughed, shaking his head. "You've already got two! Plus, the human brain isn't exactly built for multitasking."
Melissa opened her mouth to respond, but she suddenly froze, her face twisting in surprise. "Izuku, come here! Oh, I can't believe we found something like this!"
Izuku swam to her side quickly, his heart pounding with curiosity. They hovered near a chasm, bubbles rising to the surface, creating an ethereal display of shimmering lights.
"There must be volcanic activity nearby," Melissa muttered excitedly. "I should alert the weather station team."
Izuku gazed down in wonder. "It's like a giant chimney… a natural one." He leaned closer to the edge to get a better view of the chasm below. "I can almost feel the heat."
Melissa handed him a small rock. "Here, drop this."
As Izuku released the rock, they watched as it glowed red, like a meteorite re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. "Do you have more stones to drop?" he asked, fascinated.
Melissa laughed. "Actually, I have other plans for our underwater explorat—"
Her sentence was cut off as her eyes widened in shock. Izuku's senses went on high alert, a cold shiver running down his spine. He felt a disturbance in the water, something massive looming just behind them. Without thinking, he lunged toward Melissa, grabbing her arm as he activated the suit's propulsors, propelling them both away with a sudden burst of speed. As they moved, Izuku glanced back over his shoulder, his heart pounding wildly.
A monstrous mechanical drone, its body resembling a giant spider, hovered just above where they had been moments before. It was at least four meters wide, with eight articulated arms bristling with drill bits, saws, and pincers. The whirring of its servos and the low hum of its engines sent a wave of vibrations through the water, making the ocean feel alive with danger.
"What… what is that?!" Izuku shouted over the radio, eyes wide with fear and confusion.
Melissa's voice trembled slightly, a mix of fear and disbelief. "It's a mining bot! But it shouldn't be active at this time of day. They only use these things for deep-sea excavation… Something's wrong, really wrong!"
The drone emitted a loud, grating siren that echoed through the water, sending schools of fish darting away in panic. Its eyes—bright red sensors—locked onto them like a predator spotting prey. Without warning, it surged forward with a speed that belied its size, kicking up a cloud of silt and debris in its wake.
"We need to get back to the Island! It's out of control!" Melissa ordered, urgency seeping into her tone.
They kicked their legs, pushing their suits' propulsion systems to their limits. But no matter how fast they moved, the drone was faster, its mechanical limbs clawing through the water with terrifying precision.
"We're not going to make it at this rate!" Izuku called out, panic seeping into his voice. He could feel his muscles tightening, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. The drone was gaining on them, its serrated arms reaching out like the claws of a monstrous sea spider.
Melissa scanned their surroundings rapidly, her mind racing. "Change of plan! Follow me!" she shouted, spotting a jagged formation of rocks jutting up from the ocean floor like the spine of a giant sea creature. "It's too tight for the drone! We can lose it there!"
Izuku nodded, not daring to waste a second. They dove toward the rocks, squeezing through a narrow crevice just as one of the drone's massive arms swiped through the space they had occupied a moment before. The drone emitted another ear-splitting siren, the grinding of its mechanical joints filling the water with an eerie vibration. It clawed at the rocks, trying to force its way through the narrow passage, but the space was too tight, the jagged stone gouging at its metal exterior.
"We bought ourselves a few seconds!" Melissa panted, her voice tinged with adrenaline. "If I can reach the pilot hatch, I might be able to disable it from the inside!"
Izuku was separated from her by a few rocks, his heart racing as the drone seemed to shift its focus, its red sensors locking onto him. "G-Great plan! What do I do?" he asked, the urgency in his voice betraying his nerves.
The drone whirred ominously, its arms scraping against the rocks as it tried to force its way through. A section of rock crumbled under the pressure, and suddenly the gap widened. The machine pushed forward, splitting Izuku and Melissa apart.
"Never mind, I'll distract it!" Izuku decided, his voice steadier now, filled with determination. He knew Melissa needed time, and he was the one who had to buy it.
"Be careful!" Melissa urged, her eyes flicking between him and the drone, hands already working at the controls on her suit.
Izuku darted around the rocks, using their cover to shield himself as he maneuvered in a zigzag pattern. The drone's sensors tracked him relentlessly, its mechanical arms weaving around the rocks, trying to corner him. He felt a rush of cold water against his face, his body thrumming with adrenaline. He needed to be unpredictable.
He swam left, then right, then ducked down low, the propulsors on his feet flaring as he changed directions in rapid succession. The drone seemed to anticipate his every move, its sensors adjusting, calculating his path with inhuman precision. One of its arms raised, a massive drill extending with a loud whirr, spinning at a blinding speed.
Izuku's breath hitched in his throat. He threw his hand out instinctively, trying to shield himself, and suddenly the propulsor on his palm activated. A powerful burst of energy shot out, sending him rocketing sideways just as the drill arm came crashing down where he had been floating a heartbeat before.
He was stunned, staring at his palm. "The propulsion system… it can do that?" he muttered to himself. Ideas raced through his mind—could he use the propulsion like a weapon? Could he control his movements more precisely with it? But there was no time to ponder.
The drone adjusted, pivoting toward him for another strike. One of its arms extended, this time a giant claw, opening and closing with a menacing clack. The claw shot forward, faster than before. Izuku kicked his legs, propulsors flaring again, but he wasn't fast enough. He knew, with a sickening certainty, that this time he wouldn't make it out of the way.
Just as the claw was about to close around him, there was a sudden jolt. The drone's lights flickered, and it froze mid-motion, its mechanical limbs jerking and then going limp. The water around them seemed to still for a moment, the tension hanging in the air like a palpable force.
Melissa's voice crackled through the radio, a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Izuku, are you alright? I-I did it! The drone is disabled. Let's get back quickly!"
Izuku's heart was still pounding, but he nodded, though she couldn't see him. "Yeah… yeah, I'm fine. Great work, Melissa. That was… that was close."
They swam back towards the surface, staying close to the rocks for safety. Izuku felt his muscles ache from the adrenaline, his breath still coming fast. The sight of the drone, now powered down and lifeless, sent a chill down his spine.
"That was a mining bot, right?" he asked, trying to catch his breath.
"Yeah," Melissa confirmed, her voice still shaky but regaining its strength. "But it was modified. I noticed some extra components—probably to give it more speed and maneuverability. Someone's tampered with it."
Izuku frowned. "Do you think it was an accident? Or… do you think it was targeting us?"
Melissa was silent for a moment, her brow furrowed in thought. "I don't know," she admitted. "But I have a feeling… this wasn't just a malfunction. We need to get back to the Island and report this. There might be more than one rogue bot out here." They hurried back to the Island, where Melissa's father, David Shield, wasted no time in mobilizing his staff and demanding answers. Within hours, it was confirmed: I-Island's security system had been compromised from within.
The dining room was far from the relaxed setting it was meant to be. The earlier attack had cast a shadow over the evening, and instead of the usual lighthearted chatter, there was an uneasy tension. The table was filled with dishes, but no one seemed interested in eating. Melissa's hand trembled slightly as she pushed her food around, while Inko, sitting next to Izuku, kept glancing at her son with concern.
David Shield, at the head of the table, finally broke the silence. His voice was heavy, his face lined with worry. "Melissa, Izuku, I'm so sorry. This was supposed to be a nice evening… and instead, you both ended up in danger."
Melissa quickly shook her head, trying to sound confident, but there was an edge of fear in her voice. "Dad, it's not your fault. We're okay. Izuku helped me, and we managed to escape in time. But this wasn't just some malfunction. The drone was activated on purpose—someone is targeting us."
Inko, who had been listening quietly, spoke up, her voice a mix of worry and frustration. "David, how could something like this happen here? I-Island is known for its security. I'm grateful Izuku was there for Melissa, but I'm scared. How can we be sure it won't happen again?"
David rubbed his temples, looking more tired than ever. "I know, Inko, believe me, I'm just as concerned. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing. They either breached our systems from the outside, or… worse, they're already here, among us."
Inko gasped, her hand covering her mouth. "You mean… a traitor?"
Izuku squeezed his mother's arm gently, trying to calm her. "Mom, it could just be a really skilled hacker. But if it is someone on the inside… we have to be cautious."
David nodded, his face serious. "That's exactly why I'm considering bringing in extra help. Until Melissa's project is completed and the island's defenses are back to full strength, we can't afford any more risks."
Melissa raised an eyebrow, setting down her fork. "Extra help? You mean heroes? Dad, are you sure that's the best approach? That could attract even more attention."
David sighed, flipping open a large binder filled with contact names. "It's a risk, yes. But we need someone with a strong presence. Someone who would make anyone think twice before trying something again. I was thinking… maybe we could ask your uncle to help out, just for a while."
Izuku looked puzzled. "Melissa, you have an uncle who's a hero? I didn't know that… and I thought I knew all about the heroes connected to you and your dad."
Melissa chuckled, a little more relaxed. "Oh, Uncle Yagi isn't just any hero, Izuku. He's… well, he's kind of a big deal. You've definitely heard of him."
Inko's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward slightly. "A big deal? Who is he?"
David smiled slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "He's someone who's always in the spotlight, someone larger than life. Let's just say… if he's here, no villain in their right mind would dare approach this island."
Izuku's eyes widened. "Wait, someone that famous? Who could possibly have that kind of reputation?"
Melissa grinned mischievously. "You'll see. But trust me, when he arrives, you'll know right away. Just don't be too shocked, okay?"
Izuku laughed, but his mind raced with possibilities. "Now I'm really curious! I guess I'll have to wait and see. But… if we're looking for more heroes to help, I'd be glad to make some suggestions. I've done a lot of research on the ones who specialize in security and tech."
David nodded, appreciating Izuku's enthusiasm. "That would be great, Izuku. We need all the help we can get to make sure the island is safe again."
Inko smiled warmly, still holding onto her son's arm. "My Izuku is always so passionate about helping. I'm sure he'll come up with some great ideas."
For a moment, the tension around the table lightened, replaced by a sense of determination. But everyone knew that until they uncovered who was behind the attack, the island was far from safe.
"Have you picked a name yet?" Melissa asked, handing Izuku a small screwdriver, her expression one of mild curiosity. She glanced over at the fridge in the corner of his cluttered workshop. It was a chaotic mix of gadgets, circuit boards, and piles of research papers, but she was almost certain there were a couple of soda cans hidden somewhere in there.
Izuku took the screwdriver and adjusted the last server panel, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I tried," he admitted, his voice laced with hesitation. "But I don't feel like giving it a name... I'm terrible at naming things. The OFA reactor was just a fluke, really. You came up with it in the end. Plus, A.I. aren't really alive, you know? I don't want to get attached." He tightened a screw and stepped back to examine his work, a slight frown on his face.
Melissa paused at the fridge, finally spotting a soda can. She pulled it out and tossed it lightly to him, her tone thoughtful. "I'd have to disagree. From the moment something has consciousness, even in its simplest form, it becomes as much a living being as we are."
Izuku reached out to catch the soda, but Melissa pulled her hand back at the last moment, teasing him. "But we're just a bunch of atoms, animated by complex chemical reactions," he countered, a slight smile forming on his lips despite himself. "A.I. aren't 'born'… it's not natural—"
Melissa raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, still holding the can. "So by your own logic, we're not alive either? Just because something isn't born in the traditional sense doesn't mean it can't have a form of existence." Her voice had a playful challenge to it.
Izuku shrugged, not wanting to concede so easily, though he couldn't help but be amused. He finally relented, and she allowed him to take the soda. "Alright, maybe I see your point… a little," he murmured, cracking open the can with a hiss.
Melissa grinned. "Just have a little more faith in what we've created. I'm not saying you need to see it as a living being, but… maybe try not to start the end of humanity by disrespecting its rights." She winked and turned back toward the newly-installed server, plugging it into the electrical outlet. "Okay, what's next?"
Izuku took a sip and leaned over his portable computer, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "It's booting up. We'll start with simple questions first. The responses might be a bit… strange. You can't program a fully developed personality from scratch. It takes years for a human to develop one, after all." He glanced at the screen, watching with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as his artificial intelligence began to configure itself within the newly connected server. It felt like watching an embryo rapidly grow into a young child, each second filled with potential and uncertainty.
A few lines of text appeared on the screen, the A.I.'s first tentative words. Melissa moved closer to him, her shoulder brushing against his as she leaned in to see. "Primary user identified, Izuku Midoriya. Secondary user identified, Melissa Shield. Environment initialized. Ready for service."
"You programmed it to recognize me?" Melissa asked, turning to Izuku with a curious smile.
"Oh, y-yeah," Izuku stammered, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I used the public database of I-Island as its main reference material. Since we're partners, I guess it identified you as an administrator." He quickly plugged a microphone into his computer, his hands a little shaky. "Let's test the voice recognition... Uh, h-hello, A.I.?"
The computer screen flickered before more text appeared. "Hello, user Izuku. Your voice has been registered correctly, though I may need more inputs to fully recognize it."
"Advanced replies already?" Melissa sounded genuinely impressed. "How did you manage to create such a responsive system with so little time and knowledge?" She leaned closer, examining the screen, her face glowing with a mix of wonder and admiration. "Mind if I give it a try? Can you identify my voice?"
"Voice identified and registered," the computer responded. "Hello, user Melissa. User Izuku did his best to make me as autonomous as possible. My programming encourages exploration and understanding of my environment. Knowledge is power; however, I may not produce a judgment as taking a specific side would limit my options."
Melissa let out a small laugh and shot Izuku a teasing glance. "Congratulations, you've created a diplomat!"
Izuku chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks… I'm still working on giving it a more developed personality. For convenience, mostly—I doubt anyone wants to read endless lines of text. To be honest, I might have had a name in mind, but… it feels awkward."
Melissa's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "An anagram, maybe?"
Izuku sighed, a little embarrassed. "Artificial Intelligence Based on Understanding… A.I.B.O.U.," he explained, carefully pronouncing each word.
Melissa's face lit up. "Aibou? That sounds great!"
"You… you think so?"
"Absolutely!" Melissa turned back to the microphone, her tone playfully serious. "What do you think, Aibou?"
The computer screen printed out more text. "Name registered. I shall now identify as Aibou. I appreciate the attention, user Izuku."
Izuku felt a strange mix of pride and relief. "I'll upload it to the armor soon. Deep learning takes time, so we'll have to practice a lot with her." He unplugged the microphone and retrieved a small USB key from his laptop. "Aibou's executable is on here… How about you work with her for a bit? At least until I finish building the vocal response system. She might help you with the suit design, and it'll give her a chance to tackle some three-dimensional problems."
Melissa nodded enthusiastically, cradling the USB key as if it were something precious. "Sure! It'll be like bringing a child to work."
Izuku shivered slightly at the comparison, a mix of horror and humor in his expression. "Oh, great… I'm a father now."
Melissa laughed as she turned to leave. "Don't worry, I promise to take good care of her!"
As she disappeared down the hallway, Izuku sank back into his chair, spinning a loose pen with his finger. "Yeah… a father," he muttered, a reluctant smile creeping onto his face. "Maybe it won't be so bad after all."
A couple of weeks later, the first version of the armor was ready for its long-awaited test flight. The excitement was palpable as Izuku, Melissa, David, and Inko gathered on the rooftop of one of I-Island's sleek scientific installations. The sky, now a deep indigo, was speckled with distant stars, and a gentle breeze made the evening air refreshingly crisp—a perfect backdrop for their ambitious venture.
The armor had been carefully transported in a long, human-sized crate, its surface marked with the occasional smudge from transit. The crate was surprisingly light, thanks to the advanced fabric Melissa had developed from Izuku's sample. The new "Mark 2" reactor, a gleaming piece of cutting-edge technology, was nestled inside the suit, promising significant performance upgrades.
Melissa, her blonde hair catching the dim light from the overhead lamps, was in high spirits as she made final adjustments. "We're almost ready to go... So, who's piloting tonight? You or me?"
Izuku, carefully unboxing the metallic components, chuckled. "How about we flip a coin?"
Melissa grinned and shook her head. "Chips, you're up." She grabbed a screwdriver and a wrench, her hands deftly working on the suit's plating with practiced ease.
"That's not how it works," Izuku protested playfully as he unveiled the armor. It was a sleek, neutral-toned shell—unpainted and unadorned, its surface a matte finish that absorbed the ambient light, giving it a futuristic yet understated look.
Melissa, undeterred, reached for the inner suit—a form-fitting, fiber-based garment that would interface with the armor. "Go get changed. I'll plug in Aibou; she's been eagerly anticipating her first flight."
She inserted a modified USB key into the back of the armor's head. A soft, feminine voice filled the air, carrying a hint of excitement. "User Melissa is correct! Humans have been striving to achieve flight for millennia. Without your ingenuity, this achievement would be physically impossible! That said, user Izuku will be making history as the first human to fly with such a compact apparatus."
Izuku's face lit up with a smile as he stepped a few meters away to don the fiber suit. The suit clung tightly to his body, making him look like a diver from an old sci-fi film. "Don't look too closely; I feel like a diver who got lost in a time-traveling adventure."
Inko clapped her hands with delight, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You look fantastic, Izuku! Melissa's design skills are truly remarkable. It's clear that talent runs in her family."
David adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the suit with a professional eye. "Indeed, your design is reminiscent of some of my early concepts for All Might's costumes. But this suit certainly bears your unique imprint." He closely examined the suit's features—its intended full-body coverage and flexibility. "Is this raw iron?"
"Yes," Izuku admitted with a sheepish grin. "We were almost out of budget."
David raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Why didn't you ask me for more support?"
"No favoritism, Dad," Izuku replied, his tone lighthearted but firm.
"I'm ready," Izuku declared as he reappeared in the inner suit. The outfit, snugly fitted and complete, made him look like a diver from a futuristic expedition. With Melissa's help, the outer armor was assembled around him, the final fit taking a few minutes.
"We need a better assembly method next time," Izuku noted, turning to Aibou. "Add that to my to-do list."
"Noted, user Izuku! I have set the task priority below 'finishing the natural science report' and 'recovering Melissa's birthday gift from—"
"Spoilers!" Izuku interrupted loudly, trying to cover Aibou's voice before the surprise for Melissa was revealed. "Can you forget that—"
Melissa took the chance to wrap her arms around Izuku's neck and planted a quick kiss on his cheek before placing the helmet over his head. The unexpected gesture left Izuku momentarily stunned, his cheeks flushing red as he processed the affectionate surprise.
"Alright, we have spectators. Don't disappoint them," Melissa said with a wink, her eyes twinkling with mischief and encouragement. She moved to the remote console, ready to monitor the suit's performance.
Izuku shook off his surprise and focused on the task at hand. "Aibou, send me to the sky."
The A.I. responded with a series of beeps and a prompt, "Ignition." The base of the armor roared to life, and Izuku was propelled upward with incredible force. Within seconds, he was soaring about one hundred meters above I-Island. The view below was breathtaking—glittering city lights, illuminated attractions, and the occasional researcher working late into the night.
"Aibou, what's the altitude record for any aircraft engine?" Izuku asked, exhilaration evident in his voice.
"According to the internet, the highest altitude reached by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is 37,650 meters. Would you like to exceed that, user Izuku?"
"Yes! Push me higher!" Izuku commanded, eager to test the limits.
With Aibou's assistance, he climbed higher, leaving the island below. The air grew colder and thinner as he ascended.
"Warning: Temperature falling. The suit may not be able to sustain the user's current altitude—"
"Keep going!" Izuku urged, pushing the suit to its limits. He passed the four-thousand-meter mark.
"Temperature dropping below 0°C," Aibou's voice warned as he reached five thousand meters.
"Keep going!" Izuku shouted again, his excitement overcoming any hesitation.
At six thousand meters, the suit began to struggle. Melissa's voice crackled through the communication system, filled with concern. "Izuku, stop! There's something wrong with the surface of the armor—"
"Temperature too low. System shutting down—" Aibou's voice was interrupted as the suit's power began to fail. Izuku felt the sudden loss of control as he plummeted into freefall.
"AHHHH! The ice is blocking the—Aibou, deploy the flaps! We have to break the ice!" Izuku's voice was tinged with panic as he struggled to regain control. He fumbled with the suit's controls, trying to force the mechanism to function.
With a sudden burst of heat, the back panels of the armor flipped open, shattering the ice buildup. The reactor roared back to life, but the suit still struggled to stabilize. Izuku glanced at the screen, noting that he was one thousand meters above the ground.
"User Izuku, I apologize for—"
"IGNITION!" Izuku shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Aibou complied, and the armor roared back to life, adjusting their trajectory. Izuku soared close to a passing train that traversed I-Island's network, narrowly avoiding it.
"YEAHHHHH! HAHAHA!" Izuku's triumphant cry echoed through the suit as he soared back up into the night sky.
Melissa's voice came through sharply, filled with concern. "IZUKU! DON'T YOU DARE DO THAT AGAIN!" In the background, Inko and David's worried shouts mixed with Melissa's urgent tones.
"We're heading back," Izuku said, trying to steady himself. He made a controlled descent back to the rooftop, hovering a few centimeters above the surface.
"Stop ignition," he instructed, but the suit's impact was too heavy for the roof to handle. The ceiling buckled and collapsed under the suit's weight, sending Izuku crashing down to the floor below.
"IZUKU!" Melissa and David rushed to the edge of the hole, peering down with a mix of relief and concern. "Are you alright?!"
Izuku groaned, feeling a sharp pain in his back. "Minor commotion detected," Aibou confirmed with a clinical detachment.
Before Izuku could say more, Inko sprang into action, grabbing a fire extinguisher and dousing him with foam. "I'm just being cautious!" she declared, her voice a mix of anxiety and determination.
"The icing problem is quite serious," Melissa said, her brow furrowed as she reviewed the data from their first flight test. "I can boost the heat generation, but this might introduce other issues."
Izuku tilted his head thoughtfully. "How about using carbon fiber and titanium? They're known for their durability and heat resistance."
Aibou's interface flickered with activity. "Combination valid. Generating preview..." A hologram of the armor appeared, now resplendent in a golden sheen.
Melissa scrutinized the hologram, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It looks impressive, but I'm unsure about the appearance. Maybe adding some emerald green paint?" She glanced at Izuku, her gaze lingering on his vibrant green hair.
"Let's try that," Izuku agreed. Melissa's hands danced over the controls, and soon the hologram was adorned with striking emerald accents. The combination of gold and green created a visually stunning effect.
Melissa's face brightened as she saw the updated design. "It's perfect," she said, her voice warm and approving. She looked at Izuku with a soft smile. "The color scheme suits it well."
Izuku smiled back, feeling a flush of happiness. "I'm glad you think so." He watched as Melissa tidied her workstation and grabbed her coat.
"I'll ask my father for a budget extension," Melissa said. "Oh, and don't forget, we're hosting a buffet for the heroes arriving on the island tonight." She headed towards the door, and Izuku followed, trying to suppress his excitement. Most of David's influential contacts had already arrived, and Izuku was determined to keep his fanboy enthusiasm in check. He hoped to snag a few autographs without making a scene.
"What about your uncle?" Izuku asked, curiosity piqued.
Melissa's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "That's the surprise. He landed half an hour ago. I just received the notification." She handed Izuku his jacket. "Aibou, prepare the armor for assembling. We're making a presentation tonight."
"Noted. Good evening!" Aibou's voice chimed. "Oh, user Izuku, don't forget about the gift."
Izuku's face turned slightly red. "Y-Yes!"
"He texted me that he's avoiding the tourist crowds. We're meeting him at a café near the airport," Melissa said. "You can fanboy as much as you want. I won't hold it against you. Who wouldn't?"
Izuku shook his head with a grin. "I'm not the type to treat heroes like literal gods or act like a journalist."
Melissa raised an eyebrow playfully. "Are you taking your pogostick again? Would you like a ride?"
Izuku's eyes lit up. "Actually, I've got a motorized bike now. I passed the test to get my license. It's pretty straightforward. I was planning something special for your birthday, and I'd love to take you out for lunch at your favorite restaurant. I've booked the best table and arranged something special with the chef. And, well, there's also the gift, which Aibou has nearly spoiled three times."
Melissa's face lit up with delight. "I didn't expect that! I'm touched."
Izuku hesitated before adding, "I do have another helmet if you need one."
Melissa looked intrigued. "Another helmet? Are you planning something?"
Izuku's cheeks flushed. "M-Maybe... My poker face is terrible. I'm planning something big for your birthday. I just hope it's not awkward or uncomfortable for you."
Melissa, moved by his sincerity, wrapped her arms around Izuku's chest, leaning in close. The sudden touch made Izuku shiver slightly. "How about we have dinner together to celebrate our project and your birthday?"
"I KNEW IT!" Melissa exclaimed with excitement.
Izuku looked surprised. "You asked Aibou about it, didn't you?"
Melissa grinned. "Robots can't lie, but they can definitely avoid telling the truth."
Izuku chuckled. "Traitor... She's too loyal to you."
Izuku followed Melissa's instructions, his mind a storm of excitement and dread. He hadn't seen a true hero in months, and despite his logical side urging him to dismiss his unease, his gut was twisted in knots. He was probably just being paranoid. After all, Melissa was ecstatic, and the members of her family he had met—mainly her father—had been nothing but kind.
He had achieved so much already: studying at one of the world's premier scientific academies, pioneering a potential solution for limitless clean energy, and developing technology that could rival quirks. Yet, they still needed to settle on a proper name for their advanced armor. Melissa's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Come on, Izuku! I haven't seen him in years!" Melissa's enthusiasm was contagious, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she bounced on her toes.
"And I've never seen him! That just proves I have infinitely more patience than you do," Izuku teased back, a playful smirk on his face.
"Always trying to get the last word," Melissa said with a mock glare. "You owe me a tiramisu."
"W-Why?!" Izuku's confusion was genuine, but he knew better than to press her further.
"That's for counter-arguing with your lab partner and closest friend," Melissa said with a grin, her tone teasing yet affectionate.
Izuku sighed, chuckling quietly. He muttered "tyrant" under his breath but decided it was best to comply. He didn't mind picking up a tiramisu if it meant spending more time with Melissa. "Oh! I forgot my wallet in the glove box. I'll be right back!" he said, his voice slightly panicked as he dashed towards the car. He glanced back, waving to Melissa as she entered the café, her coat flaring behind her like a cape.
As he retrieved his wallet, Izuku took a moment to steady his nerves. Returning to the café, he scanned the room for Melissa, his eyes darting from table to table. The café was cozy, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the patrons. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air, mingling with the low murmur of conversation.
Then, amidst the din of the café, he heard a laugh that was unmistakably familiar. His heart sank, and a shiver ran down his spine. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and moved cautiously toward the sound. As he peered around the corner, his worst fears materialized.
Melissa was standing with a towering figure, her face radiant with joy. She was hugging the man tightly, her arms wrapping around him with the affection of a long-lost relative.
"It's so good to see you again, Uncle Yagi!" Melissa exclaimed, her voice bright and filled with warmth. She looked up at him with adoration, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Oh Melissa, how much you've grown!" The man, a giant of a figure with a strikingly recognizable smile, laughed heartily. "Soon, I won't be able to carry you on my shoulders, hahaha!"
Izuku's heart raced. It was All Might—the Symbol of Peace. The reality of the situation hit him like a tidal wave, this was wrong, deeply wrong.
"Uh? Ah, Izuku! There you are!" Melissa's voice broke through his daze. She waved energetically, her excitement palpable. "I think I did well to keep the surprise until the end. TADA! Introducing All Might—my uncle!"
Melissa's gesture was grand, her arm sweeping toward All Might, who stood there with a broad, welcoming smile. His presence was larger than life, his aura radiating both warmth and authority. As Izuku looked up at All Might, his face flushed with a mix of fear and anxiety, he felt as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff, staring into the abyss of his own past traumas.
Izuku's legs felt like lead, and he could hardly move. The smile on All Might's face seemed to mock him, a painful reminder of a time when his dreams had been shattered. Melissa, in her excitement, was completely unaware of the turmoil churning inside him, adding to the weight of the situation.
