Melissa and Arata walked side by side along the quiet pathway leading away from the beach, the distant sound of waves slowly fading behind them.
The cool night breeze brushed gently against them as the lights of I-Island illuminated the road ahead.
Melissa had already dismantled her sniper rifle, carefully placing each component back into her bag with practiced precision.
The earlier excitement still lingered faintly in her expression, though now it was mixed with curiosity as she occasionally glanced at the boy walking beside her.
Arata, on the other hand, walked with his usual calm demeanor, his hands resting casually in his hoodie pockets as if nothing particularly significant had just happened.
After a brief silence, he spoke.
"You can improve the functionality by creating graded ammo types," he said, his tone thoughtful yet casual, as if the idea had just come to him naturally.
"For example, one magazine could have a higher silica concentration to make the substance more viscous and sticky, while another could contain more alcohol to make it harden faster upon impact."
Melissa's eyes lit up instantly.
"That's… actually a really good idea," she said, nodding as she mentally processed the concept. "I didn't think of separating the solution like that."
She looked at him more closely now, a hint of admiration forming in her gaze.
"I've never met anyone my age who has such keen eyesight and quick thinking when it comes to inventions," she admitted honestly. Then, tilting her head slightly, she asked, "Are you a new student at the I-Island school?"
Arata shook his head lightly.
"No," he replied. "I'm just a middle school student from Japan. I got lucky and won a ticket to the I-Island Expo through a draw."
Melissa nodded in understanding, though her interest in him didn't fade.
"Well… have you ever thought about joining I-Island University?" she asked. "You seem smart enough to get in."
Arata's steps slowed just a fraction, his gaze lowering slightly.
"I do want to become an inventor," he said, his voice softer now. "But I'm not sure they'd accept me."
Melissa raised an eyebrow, clearly confused.
"Why wouldn't they?"
There was a brief pause before Arata answered.
"I'm quirkless," he said quietly.
The words hung in the air.
Melissa's eyes widened for a moment, surprise flashing across her face. But it didn't last long. Instead, her expression shifted—softening, becoming something more understanding.
"I… understand how you feel," she said gently.
Arata looked at her, one eyebrow lifting slightly.
"You do?"
Melissa nodded.
"I'm quirkless too," she said.
Arata's eyes widened in what appeared to be genuine surprise.
"Really?"
But behind that expression—'The bait has been taken.'
Melissa gave a small, reassuring smile.
"I-Island isn't like other places," she continued. "They don't discriminate against quirkless people here. If you really want to become an inventor, you can definitely try applying."
Arata nodded slowly.
"I'll think about it," he said.
The conversation shifted naturally after that, turning lighter as the two continued walking together.
Small topics, casual exchanges, simple laughter—it felt almost normal.
Eventually, they reached the main building of the island.
Melissa turned toward him with a warm smile.
"It was really nice meeting a fellow quirkless inventor," she said.
Then, tilting her head slightly, she added, "What are your plans for tomorrow?"
Arata shrugged lightly.
"I'll probably just roam around and check out the expo."
Melissa's eyes brightened.
"Actually…" she said, pulling out a small piece of paper. She quickly wrote something on it before handing it to him.
"There's a party tomorrow. You should come with me. Just make sure you wear something nice."
Arata took the paper, glancing at the number written on it.
A faint hint of shyness appeared on his face as he looked back at her.
"I'd like that," he said.
Melissa smiled, satisfied.
"Great! I'll see you tomorrow then."
She gave him a small wave before turning and walking toward the entrance of the main building, eventually disappearing inside.
Arata stood there for a moment, watching her go.
Then he turned.
His expression shifted.
The softness vanished.
Replaced by something sharper.
He began walking back toward his inn, his steps calm and steady.
'The fish has been hooked.'
His eyes narrowed slightly behind his glasses.
'Tomorrow… infiltration will be effortless.'