"Your crystal nucleation process is just a theory; there's still a long way to go before it reaches the practical stage..."
"I know, but I'm sure it will be implemented faster than your delivery mechanism. And besides..."
"Nonsense! My delivery mechanism is already in the late testing phase and will soon be..."
"Yes, yes, it's been a week since you last said that..."
In the bustling corridor, a thin boy with short curly hair was engaged in a heated argument with a brown-haired girl.
As for the content of the argument, Leon didn't understand a word.
Judging by the reactions of those around them, their arguments seemed to be a daily occurrence here.
This didn't stop Leon from feeling a slight nostalgia and a faint smile playing on his lips when he saw these two familiar yet somewhat youthful faces.
Leo Fitz!
And... Jemma Simmons!
Sometimes, fate is truly wondrous.
Dropping by the Science and Technology Department was just a spur-of-the-moment idea for Leon.
But he hadn't expected to encounter S.H.I.E.L.D.'s strongest scientific duo—FitzSimmons—so quickly!
It seemed that at this time, the two, who were studying at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, had already become good friends.
Watching the two, who were even interesting when arguing, an idea suddenly popped into his head: why not go say hello?
Thinking it, he did it. Leon didn't overthink it, lightly adjusted his jacket, and walked towards them.
"Do you even understand physics? Haven't you heard of Archimedes' principle?"
"I just want you to pay more attention and not let these useless things take over our lab..."
Just as the two were at an impasse, an abrupt voice interjected: "Hey! Guys, are you alright?"
The outsider's interruption immediately brought Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons back from their academic discussion.
They both looked in unison at the person who had disturbed them: a man who clearly didn't belong to the Science and Technology Department.
Seeing their puzzled gazes, Leon immediately showed a friendly smile, "Hi! I'm Leon, Leon Coulson, from the Special Operations Department."
Although a bit bewildered, both of them greeted him politely:
"Hello, I'm Leo Fitz."
"Oh, hello, I'm Jemma Simmons. Can I help you?"
Compared to Fitz's shyness and introversion, Simmons was more outgoing. When they were together, Simmons clearly had the dominant speaking role.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I just saw you two arguing, and it looked like you were about to come to blows, so..." Leon explained his intention.
"Huh?"
Hearing Leon's words, the two exchanged glances, then both burst into laughter simultaneously.
This left Leon feeling completely confused.
"Hahahaha, we're really sorry, we're not laughing at you, we just think you're so funny!" Simmons said, covering her mouth and waving her hand in explanation.
"Huh? Funny?" Leon looked utterly bewildered.
"Yes, you might not know this, but we weren't arguing just now; that's just our normal state when discussing various research topics."
Even the somewhat dull Fitz, with a smile in his eyes, spread his hands in a helpless gesture, "Although it looks like we're arguing..."
"Everyone in the academy, both teachers and students, knows about our... um... rather unique way of communicating, so no one would think we were about to fight and come to stop us like you did..."
"That's why we were laughing."
The two, one after another,
quickly explained the situation.
"Oh, so that's how it is!"
Leon didn't feel embarrassed for misinterpreting the situation, he just shrugged and self-deprecatingly said, "It seems I still need to study more to keep up with your genius way of thinking."
Perhaps Leon's attempt to stop their argument earned him their goodwill, or perhaps his smile made them feel he was a very approachable person.
Fitz, who usually didn't like to joke in front of strangers, quickly chimed in, "Oh, perhaps you'll never catch up..."
"Hahahaha!"
This somewhat dry joke made Leon laugh from the bottom of his heart.
That's right, after a brief conversation, he was certain that the two people standing before him were S.H.I.E.L.D.'s smartest scientific duo!
Being able to interact deeply with these characters who had once only existed on screen was a completely different experience for Leon, an outsider.
This instantly lifted his mood.
"By the way, Leon, you just said you're from Special Operations, so are you already a field agent?"
"That's right."
"Then, do you have a mission today at the Science and Technology Department?" Simmons asked.
"Uh, to be honest with you, today is my second day with the agency."
"What?!"
"Really?!"
Clearly, Leon's words surprised both of them greatly.
"Yes, I came to the Triskelion headquarters today mainly to submit yesterday's mission report and to tour the headquarters to familiarize myself with the environment..."
"Yesterday's mission report?" Fitz keenly caught the keyword, then asked with curiosity, "So, on your first day, you participated in a field mission?!"
"Mhm." Leon mimicked Fitz's earlier gesture of spreading his hands, looking helpless, "No choice, I'm the lucky guy you're talking about."
Seeing Leon's smug expression, Fitz and Simmons couldn't help but laugh out loud again.
"Hahahahaha..."
Their laughter unconsciously brought them much closer.
Just then, Fitz slapped his head and suddenly suggested, "Oh, didn't you say this is your first time at the Triskelion? We don't have class later, so why don't we both be your guides and show you around the academy!"
"Oh! That's a great idea! I agree!"
Simmons, who was standing by, also echoed with a smile.
Facing their enthusiasm, Leon didn't stand on ceremony, "Then... I'll trouble you two!"
"Then, let's take you to see our lab first!"
After saying that, the scientific duo set off with brisk steps, taking Leon, their "guest," on a tour of the academy...
Many students were very surprised to see Fitz and Simmons, who were always inseparable, taking Leon, an outsider, around.
Even Agent Weaver, the academy director, seeing this fresh and rare sight, couldn't help but murmur:
"Who exactly is this young man