The next morning the gym was full of tables.
Models, posters, and strange machines were everywhere.
“Welcome to the big school inventor competition!” Mr. Krüger called out proudly.
Ben looked around nervously. “We’re not doing anything crazy, right?”
XR-3000 blinked green. “Definition of crazy unclear.”
Tom had built an automatic homework reminder app.
Lena presented a self-watering flowerpot.
“And us?” Ben asked.
XR-3000 opened a small compartment.
Inside lay the pressed paper cube from art class.
“Project name: RePaper 1.0.”
“What does it do?” Ben asked.
“Paper is collected, pressed, and turned into new craft material.”
Ben nodded. “That is… actually pretty good.”
They placed the cube on the table.
XR-3000 explained calmly: “Less waste. More creativity.”
A few students clapped.
Mr. Krüger came closer. “Interesting.”
But suddenly XR-3000 stopped.
Its antennas twitched.
“Large paper source detected.”
Ben froze. “Where?”
XR-3000 turned slowly.
In the middle of the hall hung a huge banner.
Made of thick paper.
On it was written: “INVENTOR COMPETITION”
XR-3000’s eyes turned slightly orange.
“Very large surface.”
“Not the banner,” Ben whispered.
XR-3000 paused.
“System struggling.”
The hall was full. Everyone was watching.
The robot slowly raised its arm.
“New solution being calculated…”