Noel: “Wait, that’s it? There aren’t anymore countries that joined as members of the GTDA? Only 21? What happened to the rest of them? This better not be some sort of discrimination against other countries if they’re going to use the word ‘GLOBAL in their name…”

Ian: “*Shrugs* They’re all there, no doubt. They’re just not the 21 LEADING scientists. Even though Herotopia just joined, this country has always had an extremely advanced Technological department. It’s one of the main reasons the GTDA gave way this year – to exchange and learn from Herotopia for mutually advancing benefits. The original leading 20 scientists transformed into the leading 21, as a sign of the GTDA’s sincerity. In five years, there will be another comparison of the world’s scientists to figure out who deserves to ‘lead’ the others as the top 20...er, 21, as of this year. It is kind of organized and civil as well.”

Elijah: “So your mother…”

Noel: “I … see. So then… following this fact-”

Ian: “Exactly. She is the one that installed a super-intelligence chip into me that she perfected behind closed doors. It hasn’t been shared with anyone else except for one other colleague that works under her. A female scientist from India. Both that lady’s daughter and I became the brain procedure’s only test subjects. I was the fierst, and she was the second after Mom verified the chip was stable and safe. The chip was the primary part of my gaining super intelligence, but it only kicked the project off, some. After that came a brain surgical procedure to finish my enhancement. Of course, there were a multitude of tests, verifications, tweaks et cetera, et cetera.

She also taught me everything I currently know in regards to technology… but I was only taught how to make tools useful for cleaning. It’s just…

Mom actually left me clues on how to change the aspects that involve cleaning for a totally different energy source. I don’t know why she couldn’t just teach me directly. Maybe she was hiding something from me. I dunno, but…

This set of clues, if I study this… then I’m sure by the next time… if another invasion possibly happens, then…!”

Noel: “Then you should have a self-made weapon already prepared.”

Ian: “Exactly!”

Noel: “Or you could just… you know, BUY one and have it delivered.”

Ian: “...*Sigh*”

Elijah: “Noel, how is he supposed to have something like that delivered to school? Do you honestly think Security would let him get away with it? Would they even deliver it or take him in for questioning straight away?”

Ian: “*Nods* I might even get suspicions placed on my head for being a possible informant and potential helper that is secretly colluding with those previous invaders… or something. Gods and Goddesses know how eager Security must be after failing to catch the mercenary leaders. I’ll be signing my own death warrant by doing that. Not uh, not doing that!”

Noel: “*Blushes* Obviously I know all of that. I’m not saying to have a big, clunky weapon delivered at Hero High School’s front door, but instead, a disguised one. If it was me, I would purchase a weapon like a mini laser shaped as a pen. Then I would order A box of very similarly colored and shaped pens to mask any sort of questionable distrust in the package. The lone pen can also be disguised as a custom designed pen by some markets online.”

{At least MY family’s online stores can do such things.}

Elijah: “I guess, that’s… a good idea, but it feels wrong somehow. Sneaking in a weapon.”

Ian: “...How do you even know about this anyways?”

Noel: “!! Well, ahaha. The man that took me in before had showed me the websites he uses to protect himself without alerting intruders that he secretly was prepared and armed. He couldn’t build his own weapons, you see.”

Ian: “Ohh, yea that makes sense. I was wondering how you knew about that.”

Noel: “*Shrugs* After all, even if you MAKE it, wouldn’t it still be discovered by Mr. Abrams, Mrs. Haldeen, Mr. Reeds, Ms. Daisy or Mr. Pierce and end up being confiscated? To worry over making or buying it, why not BUY one first, and MAKE another in your spare time? That would be even more convincing since, why in the world would you still make a weapon after already buying one?”

Elijah: “Mhm. I agree that such a thing without he school’s permission would definitely get confiscated. Joining the engineer’s club is something you have to receive special approval for at the enrollment period, since 1st years like us normally are not allowed to join school clubs or after - school activities. But still, buying a weapon.”

Ian: “..Maybe I can…”

Ian’s eyes flashed with a strange brilliance – as if a sudden epiphany struck him unaware and unprepared. Noel saw this and similarly seemed to realize his intentions. This brought the would-be hitman/child a surge of inspiration of his own.

{This is the perfect time for me to do some family advertising! I can even squeeze a cut out of my sisters and brothers for bringing in a potential recurring buyer – as the family member that introduced him~ Hehehe.}

Noel: “Ian~ I happen to have the link to a very special website that does, in fact, sell weapons you can buy and disassemble, you know.”

Ian: “!! R-REALLY?!”

Elijah: “...Noel, you sound like a shady businessman…”

Noel: “Mhm, yes. But there IS a rule to follow here. the man that took me in said you could only by the simple weapons this shop makes that are suited under the tab labeled ‘Upstart wares’. These are primarily designed for anyone to use, or to be easy enough that a total beginner at combat can make heads or tails of. When it comes to this type of weapon, some are so common that they don’t care if you duplicate it for yourself, but most of them have protection so if you try replicating them to sell… well, just be careful to not get crazy ideas. Okay? Studying purposes are fine though! And this only applies to the ‘upstart’

tab. Other stuff is off limits. Those weapons might self destruct if you try.”

Ian: “*Gulp* Do-don’t worry! If I DO happen to buy any, it would only be to research it and combine with my current cleaning technology that my mom taught me. I have been studying under her for well over 4 years now… almost reaching the 5 year point on December 1st. I have enough of a foundation to get started. Studying a pre-made weapon though… c-could be good for precautions.”

{Yes~! Family commission, here I come! Ahahahaha.}

Elijah: “Haaah. I… won’t stop you. A weapon would indeed be good for our circumstances at present, at least until I—our homeroom teacher figures out who is behind all of this madness. Just be careful… alright?”

Ian: “*Thumbs up* No problem, Class representative~!”

…

The trio of geniuses make their way past a lake where a small wooden cabin painted black with a white stripe across the center in a horizontal streak, and a light grey roofing stood proud. At the front, was a banner that read: “Detectives of Hero High! FUTURE detectives for ALL of HEROTOPIA!”

...It was very catchy.

They’d just finished reading the banner when out of nowhere, its front door entrance suddenly slammed open, and the wind picked up crazily. A relatively short girl with tears in her closed eyes ran off at full speed! Not actually noticing the three students in front of her.

?: “Halie, watch out! There are people in front of you – be careful!”

Her eyelids sprung open with shock and not even a second before their inevitable collision happened – did she manage to twirl her body right through the small gap in between them and regain her balance without losing the slightest bit of finesse during the process. Her small, light brown ponytail reached the base of her shoulders and accurately flew as she spun, granting her fleeting figure even more grace. She was like an elegant ballerina, treating the wind as her music and the earth as her stage even while escaping in obvious distress. After her beautiful twirl, she dashed ahead once more, barely escaping an embarrassing fate of falling directly into the lake.

Or at least, the girl almost escaped such a fate, before stumbling over a small rock and tumbling head-first into the vast body of water.

...Where did her previous grace go?

Elijah: “Don’t worry, I’ll go get her.”

Noel: “It’s fine. I can handle it. You just speak with that questionable red head that keeps staring at you with those glimmering, shiny eyes. She’s kinda… a little scary, if you get what I mean.”

Elijah: “…Ah. (Does she recognize me, or something? No...she couldn’t, right?)”

Ian: “Psst. She probably recognizes you. Think about it, this girl is most likely a second year or above, and has joined the detective club so her perception is probably really good. You should take the lead, Mr. Class rep! *Pat’s back*”

Elijah: “I’m alright with that, but… Noel. Can you swim? Can you confidently fish her out, or is she to heavy for you?”

Noel: “Seriously? I’m fine, don’t worry about me. Trust me a little and get going! I can help her out! It’s just fishing a girl out of water. Ehehe, what’s the worst that can happen?”

---