I'm not a hero, but I didn't say I couldn't beat you.

"Welcome to my private island. Nice to meet you, Mr. Hartz. And this...is Mr. Furr, right?"

After getting off the plane, what I saw face to face was the owner of this island, Barry Owens, who seemed to have been waiting here for a long time.

Different from the photos in the file, he was now wearing casual clothes. Although he still wore glasses, he basically looked like an ordinary person.

It is not obvious that this person is actually a doctor who has made significant publications in multiple subjects.

"Good evening, Dr. Owens..."

Hartz glanced at Fu'er first, and Fu'er shook his head.

The detection device provided by Cleers did not sound an alarm and everything was normal.

"Sorry for the sudden interruption."

"No matter what, as a member of the Federation, it's natural to work together, isn't it?"

Owens shook his head and smiled.

"Although this island is in a tropical area, the sea breeze at night is still a bit cold. Why don't you come to my exclusive villa and let's chat while we walk?"

"Well, then it's up to the doctor's arrangement."

Hartz did not hesitate and agreed.

After all, before everything was confirmed, they were only here to investigate in the name of security investigation.

Following Owens along the forest path, the group arrived at his villa.

The villa covers a large area, but the overall style is not luxurious. Rather than being an exclusive villa, it is more like a mountain villa with a bit of a research institute style.

After giving the servants instructions for making tea, everyone sat down at the square table in the study.

"Since you are here for the mission, I won't talk nonsense. Although I don't know why I am on the list that requires security clearance, please feel free to investigate any place on this island without asking for my consent. , it doesn’t matter if it is violently demolished, please feel free to investigate.”

Owens took a sip of tea and said with a smile.

"Thank you for your cooperation. The security investigation will take about three days. The investigators will investigate carefully here. Of course, we will try not to disturb your work, Doctor."

"It doesn't matter, I basically don't have much work here. You must know my situation. I'm ashamed to say that in recent years, my research has hit a bottleneck and I feel irritable, so I simply reorganized this exclusive island. Come here to relax.”

"So, the doctor only came here in recent years?"

"Well, yes, this place was originally a gift from a cooperating group, but I was obsessed with academics at the time, and I didn't take care of it after I accepted it. I only thought of coming here after I was distracted for the past two years and wanted to find a place to relax. . But this island is indeed a good place. It is located in a tropical area, but rarely encounters typhoons. It can be said to be an excellent place for vacation."

Owens shook his head and said with a wry smile.

"It's a pity that I didn't discover it earlier. I spent several years of maintenance fees in vain but never enjoyed it. You see, I don't really want to go back now."

"It's human nature to want to relax. Next time I take a long break, I hope to find a holiday island."

"You can contact me then. It's pretty good here."

"Let's talk about it later. After all, I don't know when my long rest will be."

Hartz smiled and pushed the topic away.

"That's true. Although I'm in the Federation and don't have much dealings with the Administration, I still have some idea of ​​how busy an S-class hero's work is."

Owens said, nodding.

"Having said that, everyone is here for more than just a security investigation. I don't believe that a mission that allows an S-class hero and a C-class hero to go out together is that simple."

"Uh... Okay, then let's not talk secretly. You know about the No. 15 matter related to the [Artificial Miracle Project]."

"Well, I know. After all, I was also in the council where the discussion was held. I remember that I was opposed to NO. 15 returning to the intrinsic world for research and investigation, and I voted against it. What? More than a month has passed, and this matter Was there any accident?"

Owens frowned and asked.

"There is indeed an accident. The leader of the research on No. 15, Stanley Boltus, was recently involved in an incident that threatened world security. After we interrogated him, what he said Your name is on the list of suspicious persons."

"Stanley...then I can understand."

Owens nodded and sighed helplessly.

"It seems that even if I no longer continue to publish results in academia, those losers who have been in tit-for-tat with me are already jealous..."

"Oh, it seems you know exactly why you are on the list the other party mentioned?"

"Well, because that guy Stanley has had multiple academic studies that I rejected and competed with, and he failed to beat me every time, so it's normal for him to have a grudge against me. This time, I'm afraid it's also because I was talking about NO. He rejected his proposal at the 15th solution meeting, so he deliberately poured dirty water on me."

Owens shook his head and said.

"Obviously I am just stating my ideas. I can only say that researchers like him who only care about fame, fortune and value are not on the same path as me after all."

"Drip-drip-"

"Indeed, I also investigated your past, Doctor, before coming here. As a researcher, your resume is really exciting. It can even be said that you have dedicated your short 50 years to exploring academic ideals. "

"So, I'm also very strange..."

Hartz looked at the other party in confusion and asked.

"Doctor, why didn't you pass the review of the Atlas Institute? In my opinion, isn't there a need for pure researchers like you?"

"…………"

Owens was silent for a moment, then gently closed his eyes.

"To be honest, I don't know why. Maybe Atlas Academy has its own considerations. Sorry, I don't really want to talk about this topic."

"Is that so..."

"Drip-drip-"

"Then...Dr. Owens, what do you think of the so-called "truth"?"

Fu Er, who was sitting aside and had not spoken for a long time, suddenly asked.

"The truth... this is an interesting question. Although I failed to join the Atlas Academy as I wished, I still agree with the philosophy of the Atlas Academy."

Owens said, shaking the tea in the cup with a teaspoon.

"No one can stop anyone who is seeking the truth."

"That is to say, do you think you are that kind of pure researcher? Or do you think you are a pure explorer on the path of seeking the truth?"

"Drip-drip-"

"Of course, I'm proud of it."

Ovis smiled, looked at the silent Ful, and said.

"Mr. Fuer, does he have any questions?"

"Well, no, thank you for your answer, Dr. Owens. So—"

Fu'er stood up and gently pressed the instrument in the bag.

"drop--"

The alarm has been sounding for a long time.

"Do it! Harts!"

"Thief Sun! Take my axe!"