Chapter: 11

After their café gathering, Melissa led Midoriya to an advanced training facility within the lab. A reinforced testing arena stood at the center, surrounded by monitoring equipment and screens displaying power levels and stress data.

She handed Midoriya a sleek red gauntlet. "This is my Power Amplification Gauntlet. It's designed to absorb and redistribute kinetic energy, allowing a hero to use their full strength without damaging their body."

Midoriya held the gauntlet carefully. "This… this could help so many people who struggle with controlling their power!"

Melissa nodded proudly. "Go ahead and try it out!"

Midoriya stepped onto the testing platform, clenching his fist. He focused, channeling One For All into his arm. A green aura flickered around him as he prepared to throw a punch at the reinforced target.

"Detroit Smash!"

The impact was explosive, but instead of straining his muscles, the gauntlet absorbed the force and redirected it into a powerful shockwave that shattered the target cleanly.

Midoriya stared in awe. "It… worked! I don't feel any pain!"

Melissa grinned. "It's designed to handle high-impact force. Of course, it has its limits, but it should help with training and controlled combat!"

Midoriya turned to her, eyes filled with gratitude. "Melissa… this is amazing! Thank you so much!"

She smiled. "I'm just happy to help!"

After Midoriya left, Ben finally turned to Melissa. "Come with me. I have something to show you."

Melissa followed Ben to a restricted lab deeper within the facility. The room was dimly lit, with only the glow of holographic screens illuminating the space.

At the center of the room stood a sleek humanoid figure a robotic entity with an advanced, reinforced frame.

Melissa's eyes widened. "Ben… what is this?"

Before Ben could answer, the machine's optics flickered to life, and it straightened its posture.

"Designation: E3N. But you can call me Ethan," the robot said smoothly. "I'd shake your hand, but I might crush it. My bad."

Melissa blinked. "It… talks?"

Ben smirked. "Not just talks. Thinks, adapts, and cracks jokes whether I want it to or not."

Ethan put a hand on his chest. "I am deeply hurt by that statement."

Ben rolled his eyes. "Ethan is an autonomous AI combat unit designed to protect and assist. Specifically, he's programmed to prioritize your safety."

Melissa glanced between them. "This is incredible. You built this?"

"With some borrowed resources, yeah."

Ethan crossed his arms. "And no 'introduction'? The disrespect."

Melissa giggled. "Oh I'm melissa shield, Ethan. It's nice to meet you."

Ethan nodded. "Likewise. I look forward to protecting you from both dangers and terrible life decisions."

Ben sighed. "And this is why I didn't give him an off-switch."

Melissa laughed. "I love it! This is amazing, Ben."

Ethan straightened. "Now, shall we test the weapon printer? I'd love to show off my sharp shooting skills."

Ben smirked. "Let's fire it up."

Melissa watched with excitement as Ethan activated the printer and printing out a gun, feeling that whatever came next, she wouldn't face it alone.