The SiderTech private airfield was in full swing in the early hours of that morning.
White lights reflected off the clean asphalt of the runway as teams rushed back and forth, pushing carts, crates, and floating platforms toward a compact cargo plane that was clearly too advanced to be ordinary.
The model was known as the ST-Atlas V-04 "Skyhaul," a mid-sized technological cargo carrier.
It resembled a military aircraft, only sleeker: four vectoring turbines, two on each side, and a vertical lift system built into the fuselage, allowing for takeoff and landing almost like a VTOL jet. Its dark exterior featured smooth lines, subtle blue lights, and the SiderTech logo etched on the sides.
Inside the plane's open hangar, gigantic crates were being secured in place.
Armored modules: rectangular, dark metal boxes with serial numbers, digital seals, and warnings in red like DO NOT OPEN and PROTOTYPE.
Everything was held down by magnetic rails and hydraulic straps, without a single window.
"Come on, come on, come on!" shouted Happy, one of the crew in charge of check-in, walking around with a digital clipboard in hand. "Departure is in eight minutes, move those asses!"
He glanced at the list quickly.
"Support equipment… check. KM-17 Tactical Combat Armor… check. New Plasma Shield prototype… check."
Happy swiped his finger across the screen once more… and stopped.
He squinted.
Tactical-Strategic Operational Multiphase Modular Support Belt for Containment, Storage, Distribution, and Dynamic Reconfiguration of High-Tech Utility Devices – Model Omega-Plus Ultra MK-XIV…
He made a face.
"I'm not reading that crap even if you paid me."
He lifted his head and shouted:
"Hey! Bring over that belt that blew up John!"
"Hey!" complained a man further back, carrying a crate with one arm while the other was in a cast. "No need to bring that up!"
"Sorry, John," replied Happy, without much remorse. "But it works better as a reference."
"Yeah, yeah…" grumbled John. "If this job didn't pay so well…"
Inside the plane, two technicians were adjusting the final modules.
"Dude…" commented one of them, patting one of the armored crates. "These babies are gonna put on a hell of a show at I-Island. Can you imagine the scientists' faces when they see this stuff? They'll go nuts, tearing their hair out just seeing how advanced these little guys are."
The other crossed his arms.
"I don't know… after that incident with Captain Celebrity, I'm still a bit tense about robots."
"Relax," the first one replied, smiling. "Think about the future. Imagine those killer robots getting their butts handed to them by this stuff. Wouldn't that be something to see?"
The colleague thought for a second… and nodded.
"…okay, I admit that would be pretty cool to see. A real Battle of Pure Steel."
"Hey! Stop standing around with your asses idle." Happy's voice cut their chat short. "Is everything secured in there, or do you want this stuff flying out into the stratosphere?"
"All good!" they replied almost in unison.
"Great. Then let's get out of here."
In the cockpit, the two pilots were adjusting the holographic controls.
"Vertical lift systems?"
"Online."
"Vectoring turbines?"
"Stable."
"Cargo bay?"
"Sealed and locked."
One of them pressed the communicator.
"Control, this is Skyhaul. Requesting green light for takeoff to I-Island."
There was a brief silence.
"Green light granted, Skyhaul. Have a good flight."
The turbines began to spin, emitting a deep, controlled hum. The plane rose slowly from the ground, hovering for a few seconds before tilting its fuselage and accelerating down the runway.
The ST-Atlas V-04 Skyhaul lifted off smoothly, climbing into the sky towards I-Island.
Carrying with it cutting-edge technology… and problems they didn't even know were yet to come.
----------------------------------------
The Heights Alliance was quiet that afternoon.
Too quiet.
The only sound that broke the still air of the apartment came from the kitchen: the low sizzle of hot oil in the pan.
Ryo stood before the stove, an egg suspended between his fingers, just above the hot metal. He didn't move. His gaze was empty, lost somewhere that wasn't there.
Black, abstract figures seemed to form around him.
Shapeless shadows.
Dark hands emerged from all sides, gripping his arms, his back, his chest, as if trying to pull him back.
"What did you get so strong for…?"
"It was useless…"
"You couldn't do anything…"
"Sakamoto is dead…"
The hands tightened their grip.
"It's your fault."
"It was you…"
"And it will be again…"
"Your friends will be next…"
Ryo's jaw clenched.
"Shut up…"
The shadows pressed in closer.
"That promise you made—"
Crack.
Ryo broke the egg.
The shell split open, and its contents fell straight into the pan, spreading out with a louder sizzle. The sound was enough to cut through the moment.
"I'm hungry," he said, firmly. "So shut up."
The voices ceased.
The black figures dissolved like smoke in the wind, disappearing one by one until nothing remained but the ordinary, silent kitchen.
Ryo took a deep breath and went back to what he was doing.
He started scrambling the eggs, adding already-cooked rice to the pan. A simple tamago don, nothing elaborate. White rice, slightly creamy eggs, a bit of soy sauce and green onion. Basic food. Comforting.
As he cooked, he spoke without turning around:
"…why are you here, Anan?"
There was a small jolt behind him.
"H-hey— wait," she replied, surprised. "How did you know I was here?"
"Instinct," said Ryo, without looking. "I've known for about five minutes."
Anan blinked.
"That's… kind of scary."
She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.
"Well, about your question… I came for a visit. I wanted it to be a surprise, but…" she sighed "…clearly I failed."
Ryo turned off the stove and moved the pan aside.
"It's still weird for you to just show up like this," he said. "The semester ended yesterday, so there's no activity at school today, plus you're always busy with the agency. To make time for this, it must be something really important."
He finally turned around.
Anan was dressed casually, no uniform, and seemed slightly awkward, with the expression of someone who's been caught red-handed. She scratched her cheek, avoiding his gaze.
"Yeah… you got me. Nezu kinda sent me here to give you an important message."
She took a step forward, grabbing a bowl.
"But before that…
Anan started helping set up the lunch, serving the rice, arranging the eggs carefully.
"First, I'm gonna help you with this."
Ryo watched for a few seconds, in silence.
"…thank you," he said finally.
Anan smiled softly.
"Go on, have a seat," Anan said, pointing to the table.
Ryo obeyed without complaint. He sat down as she finished serving lunch, carefully placing the bowl in front of him. Once everything was ready, Anan sat across the table, resting her forearms on the surface.
"So... Do you want to hear the principal's message first… or would you rather eat first?"
Ryo looked at the food, then at her.
"Doesn't matter. Before or after doesn't change anything. It can be now."
"Alright."
Anan took a small metallic disc, about the size of a large coin, from her pocket and placed it right in the center of the table. She touched its surface with her finger.
The device emitted a soft beep, and then a holographic projection formed above it.
Nezu's image appeared with a small hop. The principal adjusted his tie within the hologram itself and flashed an animated smile.
"Hello, Ryo!" said the recording, in its usual cheerful tone. "I hope you are well… or at least recovering from the recent incident."
Ryo remained silent, just watching.
"I'll be brief," Nezu continued. "I know you probably don't need, nor want to hear long motivational speeches right now. Still, I'd just like to say this: you have dealt with more than any student your age should have to deal with… and you're still standing. That says a lot already."
The image made a small gesture with its paw.
"You don't need to force yourself to be okay all the time. Sometimes, just keeping on walking is enough."
Ryo lowered his gaze slightly.
Anan watched in silence, not interfering.
"Now," Nezu proceeded, his tone shifting a bit, "moving on to the main subject… do you remember the Sports Festival?"
Ryo blinked, confused.
"…Yes?"
"And do you remember the prize you received for placing first?"
Ryo furrowed his brow.
"Prize…?"
He paused for a second.
"To be honest… not really."
Anan glanced at him, surprised.
"Ryo… you didn't even ask about it?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
"No. I didn't even think about it."
"Ah, of course," said Nezu, with a smile. "Knowing you, I suspected that might be the case."
Ryo raised his head, slightly offended.
"Hey—"
"Your prize," the recording continued, ignoring any reaction, "is a one-day trip to I-Island, specifically for the opening event known as the I-Expo."
"I-Island…?" Ryo repeated, confused. "I-Expo…? What's that?"
"Excellent question," replied the hologram, once again.
Ryo's eyes widened slightly.
He turned to Anan.
"Is this really a recording?"
"…It is," she answered, equally surprised. "Maybe he already expected you to say that?"
Nezu explained I-Island to Ryo.
A mobile artificial island, created through investments from various companies linked to the hero industry, conceived as a true technological paradise. A place dedicated almost entirely to Quirk research and support item development.
Thousands of scientists lived there with their families, spread across the island's cities, studying everything from the origin of Quirks to new ways of assisting them with advanced technology.
It was a living hub of innovation, where heroes and science walked hand in hand.
"The I-Expo, on the other hand," continued Nezu, "is an event that encompasses the entire island. During its opening, the technological advancements developed there and by partner companies worldwide are displayed to the public. Professional heroes from various countries are officially invited by the sponsors… and, as a bonus, the public use of Quirks is permitted on the island."
Ryo's eyes widened slightly upon hearing that.
But the spark of surprise soon faded. His gaze fell to the table.
"Sounds… cool," he said, without much conviction. "But I don't know if I want to go. Actually… I don't even know why you're telling me this."
Nezu's hologram maintained a calm smile.
"I imagine you're wondering why I'm telling you about this," he said. "The reason is simple: David Shield, the founder, main financier, and administrator of I-Island, wants to meet you."
Ryo immediately looked up.
"He assisted me in the analysis of your Quirk," Nezu explained. "Many of the training and containment methods you use today came from exchanges of information between us. During this time, David has shown great interest in you."
Ryo furrowed his brow, skeptical.
"Don't worry," added Nezu. "He's just curious… and genuinely interested in helping you. His goal is to analyze your Quirk with the state-of-the-art technology resources available on the island. Perhaps discover new ways for you to control your Quirk… and, who knows, allow you to become even stronger."
The word "stronger" echoed in Ryo's mind.
For a moment, his interest was piqued… but was soon stifled.
Strength, at that moment, felt hollow. He had been strong, yet he couldn't protect what was important.
The idea of becoming even more powerful only reminded him of the destruction he could cause, more than it did about actually doing good with it.
"The decision is entirely yours," concluded Nezu. "David made it clear he'll understand if you choose not to go. Still, I recommend you think about it calmly. It could be an opportunity to… get some fresh air. Step away from your usual environment. Sometimes, a change of scenery helps more than we imagine."
The hologram smiled one last time.
"That's all for now. I'll be awaiting your decision."
The image dissolved and the device turned off with a soft click.
Silence filled the kitchen.
Ryo remained still for a few seconds, staring at the table, until he heard Anan's voice.
"So… what do you think?" she asked, tilting her head slightly with a restrained smile.
Ryo thought for a few more moments. Then he let out a sigh.
"I think I'll go," he said finally. "I don't really have much else to do anyway."
Anan clapped her hands together, excited.
"Great! You won't regret it."
"I hope not…"
"It'll be fun!" continued Anan. "There are new support devices, prototypes, technologies that haven't even hit the market yet—"
"Are you going too?" Ryo interrupted, raising an eyebrow.
Anan blinked, surprised, before smiling.
"Yes, I am. I'm one of the invited heroines," she replied. "We can keep each other company."
"I see…"
The idea of the trip started to feel less heavy. Maybe even… bearable.
"Maybe it won't be so bad after all…"
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Anan, breaking the moment. "Do you have any clothes for the event?"
"…Huh?"
Silence settled between the two.
Anan averted her gaze, a little awkwardly.
"Looks like… you're going to have to buy one."
----------------------------------------
The lab was bathed in white light and translucent panels. Mechanical arms moved, sensors blinked in steady patterns, and the low hum of calibrating systems filled the air. At the center of it all, David Shield was adjusting the final parameters of a cylindrical capsule made of light and dark alloys, covered in layers of insulation and security seals.
He checked the data projected on the hologram beside him, rotating a few values with his fingers and adjusting the power of the anti-radiation containment fields. Everything had to be perfect. There was no margin for error when dealing with that type of Quirk.
A satisfied smile appeared on his face.
He still found it curious that Ryo Tanaka had accepted the invitation. After what had happened two days prior, David hadn't expected a positive response. Nezu had mentioned the incident, and David had imagined the boy would refuse without a second thought.
Still… it seemed Nezu had found the right words to say.
Or perhaps Ryo was just looking for something.
David finished the check, powering down some systems and mentally noting a few minor adjustments he'd make later. He rested his chin on his hand, thoughtful.
"I'll have to be careful with the boy…" he murmured to himself. "No stepping on sensitive ground when talking to him."
The boy didn't need empty speeches or kind words. The memories of the incident were still too fresh for him. David thought about maybe asking Melissa to walk with him, show him the main areas, the open labs, the livelier part of I-Island.
Maybe that would lift his spirits a little.
Normally, David wouldn't do all this for a single student, even one with a rare Quirk. But with Ryo, it was different.
Because he owed the boy a great deal.
The day he received the news that All Might had lost an arm still made his chest tighten. Panic had seized him in that moment. David remembered dropping everything and calling his friend immediately, the voice on the other end of the line calming him, saying he was alive, that he was not in danger.
It was in that conversation that All Might spoke about Ryo.
About how the boy faced the danger head-on. About how, even injured, he didn't back down. About how he saved not only All Might but also his classmates when it wasn't his obligation to do so.
All Might spoke with admiration. And hearing that made David feel he owed something to that boy he had never met.
The least he could do… was help him too.
The sound of the retractable door sliding open interrupted his thoughts.
"Dad?"
David turned just in time to see Melissa Shield entering the lab, walking toward him with hurried steps.
"Samuel is looking for you," she said. "He wants to discuss some important matters about SiderTech."
David's eyes widened.
"R-Really?!" He brought his hand to his forehead. "I completely forgot about that…"
"Again." Melissa remarked, crossing her arms with a half-smile. "You're always getting lost in your research."
David laughed, sheepishly.
"My fault. Thanks for letting me know."
As they spoke, Melissa's gaze wandered around the lab, taking in the equipment, the capsule, the data-filled panels.
"I've never seen this setup before," she commented. "Is it new?"
"Yes, it is," replied David. "It hasn't been officially presented yet. I'm going to have a very important guest here."
Melissa turned to him, curious.
"Important how?"
David hesitated for a second, then gave a sideways smile.
"Let's just say his Quirk is… special."
"Special enough to need anti-radiation equipment?" she asked, her eyes gleaming.
"Exactly that."
Melissa's interest practically exploded.
"So, can I watch the analysis?" she asked quickly. "I promise I'll just observe. That's it!"
David scratched the back of his head, thoughtful.
"I… will think about it."
"Really?!" Melissa perked up immediately. "As if Mira Caldwell being part of the I-Expo wasn't enough, now maybe I get to see the analysis of a super rare Quirk up close!"
She seemed too excited to contain her smile.
David simply watched her for a moment, thinking that perhaps… this visit could be good not just for him, but for his daughter as well.
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Stone Goals:
̶5̶0̶0̶ ̶P̶S̶ – Complete
̶1̶5̶0̶0̶ ̶P̶S̶ – Complete
3000 PS – Not Complete