28 Chapter 28

My second-day modeling for Kawaguchi goes pretty smoothly. She finalizes a design, I provide any feedback I might think of, she prints it, I try it on, and if there aren't any more critique we move on to the next design.

"So, if I wanted to learn more about support Item design what kind of resources should I look for"

"Depends on what kind of effect you're going for. Generally speaking mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering are needed for most projects. You might also need chemistry or biology for more specific items. It really depends on what you're trying to build."

"Wait, but UA starts students on a specific support item development path at 15. What do they expect incoming students to know because I don't think physics is really covered in the standard curriculum and I know engineering isn't."

"As a UA graduate, they expect incoming student have attempted their own projects. They don't have to be good. The assessment is kind of like an art portfolio. Change your mind already? Going after a career in support. Did you realize how cool I am then decide to follow my footsteps."

"I'm planning on applying for the hero course actually. I'm just planning to supplement my natural abilities a lot of small situational gadgets."

"Didn't you say you're quirkless? Not saying you can't do it, but would they even allow you to apply?"

"My registration went through just fine. Plus I figure most quirks don't actually provide a significant advantage to more traditional skills and abilities."

"Most people would say the exact opposite. Care to explain?"

"Ok, so as I see it in regards to being a hero there are 4 tiers of quirks the lowest tier are quirks that actively hinder the user. Like a quirk that gives super strength, but is too much for the user's body, so it breaks bones"

"Alright I'll agree having no quirk is better for being a hero that having a quirk that cripples you every time you use it"

"Next are quirks that provide little to no benefit. Like minor physical or mental boosts. Or maybe having a mutant quirk that grants you extra limbs. Quirks at this level are situational or can be surpassed by good training. The third tier quirks are typical hero quirks like making explosions or having an extra resistant body. These quirks are strong and give a definitive boost in effectiveness. However, they still have limitations or drawbacks. Like not being able to create flames when cold or wet. Or only being able to activate a quirk on touch contact. Either way quirks at tier 2 or 3 need training. Training to effectively use and improve their quirk. This is an opportunity cost while they're training they're quirks they're not training with support items, or getting in better physical shape, or learning new martial arts. While good heroes won't depend on their quirks they'll always be better with them then without them, because that's what they've spent the most time training."

"Ok, I see where you're coming from. You think that you as someone naturally physically fit can replace quirk ability with skills and support Items, but what about the final tier?"

"The 4 tier are quirks that are in a league of their own, All Might level quirks. Quirks so strong only other people with similarly strong quirks can contend with them."

"You think All Might is that much stronger than other heroes?"

"I've seen All Might punch so hard he changed the weather. If he was a villain what hero could stop him. Definitely not Endeavour. What would stop All Might from just running full speed and taking Endeavour down before he could even react? Or from him to just punching and destroying city blocks? The only other hero in Japan who I think may be Tier 4 is Best Jeanist or maybe some hero with a mind control quirk."

"Well that's a scary thought and you still want to be a hero?"

"The danger won't go away just because I'm not a Hero I'll just be more ignorant of it."

"You've got a real way with words did you know that. Just everything you say is just so depressing and negative. Altruism is an Illusion and believing we're ever safe is ignorant."

"Hey, I didn't say Altruism didn't exist, just that me helping you with your work wasn't. Me stopping that mugger was much closer to altruism. I had no real way of knowing if I would be rewarded, and I had the potential to start a fight with a dangerous criminal."

"Thanks again by the way. That was pretty heroic. Ahhh haa!"

"What?"

"I rewarded you with breakfast, but that's kind of a weak reward for someone acting so selflessly. I figured out what I want to do for a proper reward, when you get into UA I'll design your hero costume. You saved me hours work and my chance at a promotion it only fair I give something back if equal value."

"Wow really that would be great"

"Yea after you get in I'll work with you to design it so start thinking of ideas."

By the end of the day we had finished proofing the rest of her designs and we were ready for the reveal tomorrow.