Either way, Anthony has a way with machines, devices, and contraptions. He's a naturally curious man, and enjoys researching his various ideas.
Anthony may be only a second year student, but he's proved more than once that he's often more intelligent, and more educated, than the fourth year engineers. Normally, he wouldn't believe in anything as far-fetched as a forcefield generator. Or a ray-gun. But, as they say, seeing is believing.