Chapter: 9

Here's the continuation of the scene, expanding on the interactions and building up to the bigger events to come.

As the group made their way deeper into the facility, Melissa took the lead, happily chatting with All Might as she guided him through the halls. Midoriya walked beside them, absorbing every detail of the advanced technology surrounding them with wide eyes.

Ben, on the other hand, stayed slightly behind, his hands in his pockets as he observed everything with calculated precision. Despite his relaxed posture, his eyes never stopped moving, scanning their surroundings as a habit ingrained from his training over the past week.

The lab was more lively than usual, filled with researchers preparing for the upcoming I-Expo. Holographic screens displayed schematics of new support items, robotic arms were assembling components, and various engineers bustled about, making last-minute adjustments to their projects.

Midoriya couldn't help but be in awe. "This place is incredible… It's like something out of a sci-fi movie!"

Melissa giggled. "Right? My dad and I have been working non-stop to make sure everything is ready for the expo. We've got cutting-edge support gear, new hero equipment, and even AI-assisted robotics being showcased this year!"

Midoriya's enthusiasm skyrocketed. "That's amazing! Oh! What kind of support items are being displayed?"

Melissa smiled. "Everything from strength-enhancing exosuits to high-speed mobility gear! My dad has been collaborating with some of the world's best engineers to push hero technology even further!"

Ben quietly listened as Melissa excitedly explained the advancements in hero support gear. She had a genuine passion for her work, and it was something he respected about her.

All Might chuckled at Midoriya's eager reaction. "Young Midoriya, you may be in for quite the treat! I-Expo is the greatest gathering of hero technology in the world. If you're lucky, you might even find something useful for yourself!"

Midoriya nodded eagerly, his mind already racing with possibilities.

As they turned a corner, they entered a large open area that looked like a hybrid between a testing ground and a showroom. Several researchers were running final diagnostics on various machines, while others were conducting field tests.

Ben casually glanced around, already familiar with most of the projects being displayed. After all, he had been helping Melissa fine-tune some of them over the past week.

One of the exhibits caught Midoriya's attention. A humanoid combat drone was being tested, dodging obstacles with impressive agility before locking onto targets with pinpoint accuracy.

"Whoa… is that an autonomous combat drone?" Midoriya asked, eyes sparkling.

Melissa nodded. "Yep! It's part of an AI-assisted defense system meant to support heroes during large-scale disasters! It's programmed to analyze threats in real-time and provide cover for civilians or assist heroes in combat!"

Midoriya's jaw nearly dropped. "That's incredible! The level of technology here is way beyond what we have in Japan!"

Melissa beamed at the praise. "Thanks! A lot of the technology here is designed to enhance heroes' capabilities, but we also focus on rescue and support operations. After all, being a hero isn't just about fighting villains it's about saving lives!"

Ben smirked slightly at that. "You sound just like a hero yourself, Melissa."

She blinked, then laughed. "Well, I do want to help people however I can. Even if I don't have a Quirk, I can still make a difference!"

Midoriya nodded vigorously. "That's amazing! You remind me a lot of someone I know back home!"

Ben caught the subtle shift in Midoriya's tone. It was admiration, but also something deeper something personal. He filed that information away for later.

As they continued walking, they finally arrived at the main research lab, where David Shield himself was waiting.

The moment he saw All Might, his face broke into a wide smile. "Toshinori! You made it!"

All Might laughed heartily. "Of course I did, my friend!" He stepped forward and shook David's hand firmly.

Melissa smiled. "Dad! Look who else is here!" She motioned to Midoriya, who suddenly felt very self-conscious under the gaze of one of the world's greatest scientists.

David's eyes landed on the green-haired boy, and his expression turned curious. "And who might you be?"

All Might placed a hand on Midoriya's shoulder. "This here is my student, young Midoriya!"

David's eyebrows raised. "Your student?"

Midoriya bowed slightly. "I-it's an honor to meet you, Dr. Shield!"

David chuckled. "Likewise. Any student of Toshinori must be quite promising!"

Melissa, however, tilted her head in confusion. "Wait… student?" She looked between Midoriya and All Might. "Since when do you take students, Uncle Might?"

All Might coughed awkwardly. "Ah, well… I've recently started teaching at UA!"

Melissa frowned slightly. "I thought you said you were never the teaching type?"

Midoriya stiffened. He knew the truth behind why All Might had taken him as a successor, but that wasn't something that could be revealed here.

Ben, ever the silent observer, caught the subtle tension in the air. Something wasn't adding up, and judging by the nervous look on Midoriya's face, he knew more than he was letting on.

Melissa, still confused but not wanting to push the issue, simply shrugged. "Well, I guess if you're Uncle Might student so he must trusts you, then you must be pretty talented, Midoriya!"

Midoriya laughed nervously. "T-thank you!"

David, sensing the shift in conversation, decided to change the topic. "Well! Since you're all here, why don't I show you some of the projects we've been working on?"

All Might grinned. "That sounds like a splendid idea!"

Melissa clapped her hands together. "Ooh! Yes! You have to see some of the stuff we've been working on!"

Midoriya's nervousness faded, replaced by pure excitement. "Yes, please!"

As David led the group toward the main research floor, Ben remained a few steps behind, his gaze flickering between All Might and Midoriya.

There was something there something important.

And Ben intended to figure out exactly what it was.

As they walked deeper into the lab, Ben couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just an ordinary visit. There was a reason All Might had brought Midoriya here, and it wasn't just for sightseeing.

Something was shifting whether it was fate, coincidence, or something else entirely, Ben didn't know.

But one thing was certain.

This was just the beginning.