The park around the Central Tower was a vibrant splash of green against the steel and glass that dominated I-Island. Fountains danced in the sunlight, their sprays creating miniature rainbows. As Ace waited near the largest fountain, he scanned the area, his senses on high alert for any sign of Dai-Shocker's presence.
"Ace!"
He turned to see Melissa practically skipping toward him, her blonde hair bouncing with every step. Her face was alight with genuine excitement, and a smile that could melt glaciers stretched from ear to ear.
"Melissa," Ace said, his own smile widening as she approached.
"I can't believe you're really here!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a quick, friendly hug. "What are you doing on I-Island?"
Ace took a step back, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, it's kind of a funny story. I got lucky and won a free trip. A lottery, if you can believe it." He was never any good at making things up. It seemed that Urataros's charming personality was not something he could copy.
"No way! Seriously?" Melissa giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's amazing! I never win anything. What are the odds?"
"Yeah, tell me about it," Ace said, relieved that she seemed to buy his flimsy explanation. "Anyway, I figured since I was here, I had to look you up."
Melissa's smile brightened even further. "I'm so glad you did! So, what do you want to see? I can give you the grand tour. I-Island's got something for everyone."
Ace tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hmm, a personal tour guide, huh? I couldn't ask for anything better." He paused, then added, "Lead the way, Melissa. I'm all yours for the day!"
And lead she did, launching into a whirlwind exploration of the island. "I-Island's all about pushing the boundaries of science, especially when it comes to supporting heroes," she bubbled, gesturing to a sleek, automated vehicle gliding past. "That's one of our latest support cars. It can adapt to any terrain and even provide real-time analysis of Quirk usage during emergencies."
Ace listened intently, his gaze alternating between Melissa and the cutting-edge technology around them. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and he found himself genuinely captivated by her explanations of the island's marvels. They strolled through gleaming labs where scientists tinkered with holographic displays and robotic arms, and passed by training facilities where young aspiring support engineers tested their inventions.
"We're always working on something new," Melissa continued, her eyes sparkling. "Right now, there's a lot of buzz around energy amplification—ways to boost a hero's power output without putting them at risk."
Ace chuckled, enjoying the experience. "Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you."
"Oh, it's challenging, but so rewarding," she replied. "Knowing that something I design could help save lives… it's the best feeling in the world."
As they rounded a corner, Ace's eyes narrowed. A group of figures, dressed in pristine white lab coats, hurried along a corridor. They looked awfully similar to the scientists he had seen back at the Dai-Shocker base.
He casually turned to Melissa, feigning ignorance. "Hey, who are those guys? They look pretty important."
Melissa glanced over, then smiled. "Oh, that's the Irminsul Group. They're a research division focused on advanced Quirk analysis and manipulation. They're trying to develop a system that can predict how Quirks will evolve over time."
Quirk manipulation, Ace thought, That sounds suspicious.
Irminsul, eh? Don't like the sound of that, Momotaros grumbled.
Definitely fishy, Urataros agreed. Let's keep an eye on them, Ace.
Something is wrong, Kintaros stated.
I do not like these people, Ryutaros said.
"Really?" Ace asked, his tone light. "Predicting Quirk evolution? Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie." But inside, his mind was racing. He had a feeling that Dai-Shocker's tentacles had already sunk deep into I-Island.
Melissa bobbed her head, her blonde ponytail swishing from side to side. "Yeah, I heard they had some breakthrough recently, too, but honestly? Everything about them is super mysterious. Even my dad doesn't know a whole lot about their research, and he knows everyone here!"
That's because they're keeping secrets, Melissa, Ace thought.
"Anyway," Melissa continued, clapping her hands together as if dismissing the Irminsul Group from existence. "Enough about them! I want to show you something really cool!"
Before Ace could even register what was happening, Melissa grabbed his arm, her grip surprisingly strong, and began dragging him down the corridor. "Come on, come on! You've got to see this!"
"Whoa, hold on a sec!" Ace chuckled, struggling to keep up with her energetic pace. "What's got you so excited?"
"You'll see!" she chirped, practically bouncing with anticipation.
As they weaved through the maze of hallways, Ace couldn't help but notice the curious glances they received from other scientists and engineers. Melissa, however, seemed oblivious, her focus entirely on getting him to her lab.
Finally, they arrived at a door with a small, personalized nameplate that read "Melissa Shield - Support Item Development." With a flourish, she swiped her ID card, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.
"Ta-da!" Melissa exclaimed, gesturing dramatically to the interior. "Welcome to my humble abode of innovation!"
Ace stepped inside, his eyes widening as he took in the scene. The lab was a chaotic symphony of technology and ingenuity. Wires snaked across workbenches littered with tools, circuit boards, and half-finished gadgets. Holographic schematics floated in the air, displaying complex diagrams of mechanical devices. The air hummed with the quiet whir of computers and the faint scent of ozone.
"So, what is it that you wanted to show me?" Ace asked, his curiosity piqued by her earlier excitement. He took a step further into her domain.
Melissa clasped her hands behind her back, rocking back and forth on her heels as if trying to contain her boundless energy. Her eyes shone with anticipation. "Okay, prepare to be amazed! Or maybe just mildly impressed. It's still a work in progress, but…"
With a dramatic flourish, she gestured towards a corner of the lab. There, standing proudly beneath a spotlight, was a simple, yet elegant exosuit. It wasn't flashy or intimidating, but it was clear that a lot of care had gone into its creation. The frame was a sleek silver, with carefully placed joints and what looked like power conduits running along its limbs.
"Behold!" Melissa exclaimed, her voice filled with pride. "My very own… exosuit!"
Ace's eyebrows rose slightly. It was a far cry from the kind of advanced technology he was used to seeing, but there was something undeniably charming about its simplicity.
Melissa, noticing his expression, rushed to explain. "Okay, okay, it's not much yet," she said, fidgeting with her fingers. "But ever since our conversation, about building my own gear, you know? I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I started researching and tinkering, and… well, this is what I came up with."
She stepped closer to the exosuit, her hand hovering over its metallic surface. "It's designed to amplify my strength, just a little bit. Nothing crazy, but enough to give me a boost when I need it."
Melissa beamed and went on. "I've also been studying Quirks, trying to figure out how they work on a fundamental level. My goal is to replicate some of those abilities using science and technology, create support items that can mimic Quirk-like powers." She paused. "It's not much, but it's a start. I'm hoping to find ways to become a hero, my own way." She blushed and looked up. "You know, what you said, about having a strong heart, and anyone can do it? Kamen Rider really inspired me."
Ace's expression softened. He flinched, just a tiny bit, and felt a slight twinge of embarrassment. He hadn't expected his casual encouragement to have such a profound impact on her.
Melissa continued, oblivious to his inner turmoil. "I've been following Kamen Rider's fights. Trying to study his armor from those shaky videos online, you know? I think it's a support item, of course. It's just so sophisticated and advanced, I can't even begin to understand how it works. Some of the feats of strength are bordering on supernatural." She giggled. "I hope I can make a suit like that someday."
Ace's eyes widened almost imperceptibly. He felt a surge of warmth. "If it's you, Melissa, I know you can someday," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Her eyes widened, and a brilliant smile bloomed across her face. "Really? You think so?"
Ace nodded firmly. "I know so. You have the brains, the passion, and the drive to do anything you set your mind to. Trust me."
Melissa giggled, her cheeks flushed with a healthy glow. "Wow, Ace, you always know exactly what to say. Thank you! That means so much to me." Her smile faltered for a moment. "But still, what Kamen Rider is doing is illegal. I hope he doesn't get caught."
Ace felt his heart warm. "Me too."
She is quite something, Ace. said Momotaros.
I agree.
"Well, I better get going," Ace announced, glancing at his watch. "My free trip is expiring, and I have a flight to catch. It's my last day, unfortunately."
Melissa's face fell slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. "Oh, already? That's a bummer. I was hoping we could hang out a little longer." She dug around in her lab coat. "Wait!" Melissa pulled out two glossy cards. "I almost forgot! The I-Expo is coming up in a few weeks. It's a huge science expo. They gave us tickets, and I want you to have these, Ace. Please come, and bring a friend!"
Ace took the tickets, a thoughtful expression on his face. "The I-Expo, huh? Thanks, Melissa." This could be useful. He mentally reviewed his limited options. He couldn't rely on Helheim Forest to infiltrate the Irminsul group. A legitimate entrance would be less suspicious.
"I'd love to see what you're working on then," Ace continued, flashing a grateful smile.
Melissa bounced on her heels. "It's a date!"
A bittersweetness settled over their goodbyes. With a final hug and a promise to keep in touch, Ace left the lab, the I-Expo tickets safely tucked away. He wandered the halls, the scientist's coat feeling oddly liberating now. Before leaving I-Island, though, Ace decided to leave a small present for the Irminsul Group.
Alright Taros, let's have a bit of fun before I go, Ace thought, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
He headed in the direction of the Irminsul Group's lab, intending to cause a distraction that would hopefully disrupt their operations. After all, a little chaos never hurt anyone, especially when it came to disrupting Dai-Shocker's plans.
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz