Not Your Average Nerd

"I don't understand the details. However, the news that reached me stated that Stella Polaris clashed with a new type of Mega Armor which was thought to belong to ELC."

The world's order experienced changes after the Space Era began. United Earth (UE) was founded for the equitable prosperity of the Earth.

Earth Liberator Communion (ELC) is a militant group at odds with United Earth. For the last 15 years, they have been fighting against UE. 

The reason the ELC carried out a rebellion was because according to them, the UE made policies that only benefited certain parties.

They accused the UE of monopolizing the economic system, the development of military technology in this case Mega Armor, and the use of nuclear power. Also, limiting the distribution of Rochellium but spoiling it for some countries.

As Ms. Benedict relayed the information to him, Aubrey fell silent for a moment then asked, "Is there anything specific that you heard other than that the Mega Armor is a new type?"

"There isn't any. It's possible that the UEF is keeping it a secret. "We'll just have to wait for further information," Ms. Benedict answered.

"Okay. And Ms. Benedict. Since this project must run quickly and well, perhaps your company needs to provide more incentives... I mean... for field workers. Because they are different from us..."

"Sure, of course. I've prepared it. Not just for field workers. You will get it too."

"If that's the case, thank God."

"One more thing, Aubrey. You can still work as usual... work from home or anywhere, is not a problem. But maybe I will contact you often and there will be overtime once or twice."

"No problem Ms. Benedict. Besides, the current situation on US-2 will encourage me to come to The Chamber every day."

"Thank you, Smart Boy. Does that mean you're going to The Chamber tomorrow morning?"

Ms. Benedict sounded like she was joking. Aubrey smiled and then answered, "Yes. After taking Marie-Ellen to campus, I went straight there. I will arrive at The Chamber at 8.30."

"Good. See you tomorrow, Little Brother."

Aubrey's conversation with Ms. Benedict ends. Today's incident in space had spread. The news states that ELC is suspected of doing a prohibited Mega Armor transaction at Cloudbase US-2.

Aubrey took a breath as he looked up at the beautiful sunset sky. Far away in the sky, he saw a celestial object that had a glowing tail, leaving a trail of sparks like fireworks.

"Is that a meteor?"

A 180-centimeter-tall woman talked to Aubrey as she stepped onto the balcony.

"It looks like that… maybe it's a meteor," Aubrey answered.

Actually, Aubrey knew it wasn't a meteor at all. Rather, it is the impact of light left by the combustion of Rochellium which is called 'Rochellium light powder'. Beautiful like a firefly.

The passing 'celestial body' must be the new type of Mega Armor Ms. Benedict mentioned before. But it is illegal. Because it uses Rochellium as its main energy source. Whoever the pilot was, he was the one making a scene 'up there'.

"Shooting stars in my favorite evening sky's color. A sign that we're soul mates, right?"

The words he heard made Aubrey, who had a cold expression, smile slightly, then answered. "Even without a sign from the meteor, from the moment we met, I already knew that we were soul mates."

The woman who came to Aubrey hugged him from behind, then laid her head on the back of the man who was 10 centimeters taller than her.

"Studying while working turns out to be tiring..." said the woman, spoiled.

"You are already in your final semester, Marie-Ellen. Concentrate on completing your studies first. Work can still wait."

"Yeah..." answered Marie-Ellen briefly in a soft, weak voice. "I want to take a shower, let's take a shower, Aubrey. Your body already smells like spices!"

Marie-Ellen moved away from her lover. Aubrey turned around. He looked at the sky where the 'shooting star' that had just passed was visible. That thing is no longer there.

"The existence of that Mega Armor will make me work harder starting tomorrow. But that's okay. It means: more money flowing into my accounts. So, I can marry Marrie-Ellen faster."

That's what Aubrey said in his heart. He smiled faintly, then stepped after Marie-Ellen who called him.

"Aubrey..., come here quick!"

***

New Haven Space Era University is the most famous and prestigious college in the city of New Haven.

Its graduates dominate the economic and political world of the Space Era. Some of them have also successfully set up their own businesses on Cloudbase.

People say: study at New Haven Space Era University if you want to be a boss.

"So, you think you deserve to be side by side with Marie-Ellen, don't you, nerd?"

"It seems like you are now arrogant because you can walk with a woman who looks like a supermodel..."

'Oh, these losers'

That was the sentence that popped up in Aubrey's mind. He had just accompanied Marie-Ellen, who was studying Creative Business to her class.

When he returned to the parking lot, there were already 5 young men who were New Haven Space Era University students blocking him from getting into his car.

They are known as campus delinquents who think they are handsome and have lots of money but in fact, always become losers when it comes to romantic life.

Now, the five young men confronted Aubrey only because they felt that the man standing in front of them was arrogant because he had become the boyfriend of one of the female idols on their campus.

"Devon, move aside. I have more important things to do than deal with you guys," Aubrey said as he adjusted his glasses.

"Just because you're dating Marie-Ellen, so you also now consider yourself to be… what, some sort of high-ranking member of United Earth or colony, Aubrey?"

What Devon said to Aubrey made his friends laugh. Aubrey, who was expressionless, stared unmoved at those campus thugs.

Marie-Ellen is the daughter of Jean-Claude Arnault who for the last few years has been at the top of the list of the richest people in the world.

His business includes importing and exporting luxury goods. Including, one of the world-class entrepreneurs who has a license to become a Rochellium distributor.

Meanwhile, Aubrey is just someone who has just started his digital marketing business and also has a job that can be said to be quite respectable.

"You never finish your lectures, never been in class... just hanging around here, while I'm an expert staff member at Benedict Engineering. Even without bringing up Marie-Ellen's father, I am an important person, Devon," said Aubrey calmly.

Suddenly, the young men in front of Aubrey were annoyed because of Aubrey's sarcastic words.

"Shut your mouth, you arrogant geek!"

One of Devon's gang members attacks Aubrey. He threw a punch at his opponent.

BATS!

TAP!

THUD!

"Aargh…!"

Everything happened quickly. Aubrey blocked the fist that came at him. Then he slammed the enemy onto the campus parking lot.

"Come on, don't act like I don't know who you guys are," Aubrey said while his eyes swept at the young men standing in front of him. "You guys are just a bunch of funny clowns who want to scare people you think are weaker than you."

"You bastard!"

POW!

Another of Devon's friends stepped forward to land a blow on Aubrey, but instead, Aubrey landed a fist on the enemy's face first.

Furthermore, two people wanted to gang up on Aubrey at once. But they all end up the same as their friends. They fell on the university's parking lot because Aubrey beat them up.

Making sure that all his opponents were unable to stand at least for now, Aubrey looked at the one person remaining.

"Devon, do you want to try it on me too?"

While speaking, Aubrey stepped closer to Devon who was moving backwards. Then, Devon reached into the pocket of his jacket and took out a folding knife.

SNIKT!

"Don't you dare come near me!" threatened Devon.

"How can I not approach you, idiot? You're getting in my way," Aubrey said casually, while adjusting the glasses he was wearing.

Aubrey is right. Devon and his friends intercepted him right near Aubrey's car. Too stupid to realize it, Devon instead intended to attack Aubrey.

"Damn you!"

SHING!

TAP!

Instantly, Devon froze. He tried to attack Aubrey, but Aubrey deftly parried his attack and suddenly, Devon's knife was in his opponent's hand.

"If the campus finds out that you are carrying a sharp weapon, let alone attacking someone using it... Bro, you can leave this college without a diploma."

After he said his words, Aubrey refolded Devon's knife and threw it far away until like it was gone. He said again.

"Move, Devon. I have to go to work, and you are standing in front of my car!"

Gulping, Devon made way for Aubrey who stepped towards his classic Mustang. Aubrey chattered again.

"I know you are jealous of me being in a relationship with Marie-Ellen. But if you act like a country bumpkin, never mind Marie-Ellen. Even a bitch will be sick of you too, Devon!"