Chapter 97: The Madman

Aprilius City, the capital.

That evening, led by Elsa, He Kui experienced the true splendor of a futuristic metropolis.

Though the layout was similar, the overall atmosphere was entirely different. The bustling shops, the constant flow of hovercars on elevated highways, all exuded vibrant energy and life.

The colorful neon lights and billboards competed for attention with their eye-catching displays.

Near the botanical district, various cultural activities, including art exhibitions and concerts, were in abundance.

Several areas within the botanical district were designated as park zones, lush with greenery and blooming flowers, their scents filling the air.

For ten thousand credits, you could even set up a tent and camp in the forest, experiencing a slice of untouched nature, akin to Earth's jungles.

Amidst all this prosperity, the most striking feature was the Highest Council Building, standing tall in the capital's core, symbolizing power and wisdom.

Its smooth metallic surface reflected soft lights, its towering height connecting to the space elevator, resembling a giant pillar or a colossal deity silently supporting the PLANT world.

"Tomorrow, Director He, your award ceremony will be held in front of the Highest Council Building. Unfortunately, it's cordoned off now; otherwise, we could take a look."

Elsa had put aside her earlier disappointment and resumed her professional demeanor.

"I understand. Let's head back."

The hotel was nothing special. As the stronghold of the Clyne faction, most people here advocated for peace. While they didn't resent He Kui, they weren't as enthusiastic as the Zala faction.

The next day arrived quickly. Having rehearsed all the steps in advance, He Kui donned his white attire and pinned the First-Class Future Medal to his chest before confidently heading to the award ceremony backstage.

Today wasn't just about him; it was a collective ceremony for heroes from past battles.

It was the second collective awarding since Creuset's ceremony, taking advantage of the temporary lull in the war.

Thus, the backstage was filled with individuals who had achieved significant military merits throughout ZAFT.

Most were imposing military personnel, with a few researchers sprinkled in.

He Kui was different; he had two accomplishments.

One was the tangible military achievement from the Gibraltar Base defense battle.

As the primary operator, He Kui also represented Shi He on stage.

The other was his contribution as the main researcher of the high-energy pulse cannon.

One achievement earned him the Star Shine Medal, and the other the Second-Class Future Medal.

From the temporary backstage, He Kui looked toward the plaza, where the towering building stood at one end. The marble floor reflected the bright sunlight from the sky.

In the center of the plaza, two flags fluttered on a tall flagpole.

One flag represented PLANT, and the other, ZAFT.

Both flags waved gracefully in the artificial breeze, as if saluting the brave individuals about to be honored.

On either side of the red carpet leading to the flags were ceremonial Ginns, standing in solemn rows.

Their silver bodies shone with a dignified glow, and the golden lines added an air of elegance and nobility.

Even the thrusters bore the ZAFT emblem.

Further behind the mobile suits were rows of seats, where spectators who had passed security checks were beginning to take their seats.

"All this pomp and circumstance. They might as well send me to the front lines to kill a couple more," a man beside He Kui said, as if killing people were as easy as killing chickens.

He Kui turned his head to see a dangerous-looking man with white hair.

Why dangerous? First, his expression was menacing, like a hungry lion. His fierce gaze was enough to send chills down anyone's spine.

More striking were the tattoos on his face—snake eyes vividly etched above his eyebrows—exuding a cold, ruthless, and cunning aura that intimidated all around him.

He Kui noticed that after the man approached, the surrounding soldiers and even Elsa, who had been standing beside him, retreated several meters, as if avoiding a plague.

"May I ask who you are?" He Kui calmly took a step back.

"Yzak Joule. Are you Director He, the developer of the high-energy pulse cannon?"

Yzak Joule smiled, but his smile was wicked.

"That's me."

"Thank you. I hope to use your high-energy pulse cannon soon."

"So I can kill more people."

"I heard you performed well at Gibraltar. Interested in a contest with your weapons?"

Yzak Joule spoke to himself, growing more excited as he spoke.

His fierce eyes seemed to pierce He Kui.

"No need."

"I want to continue contributing to PLANT and ZAFT."

He Kui smiled.

Hearing the weight of PLANT and ZAFT, Yzak Joule's fierce demeanor gradually subsided.

"I was just kidding, Director He, haha."

Yzak Joule seemed to return to normal, laughed twice, and then left He Kui's side.

He didn't want to offend the host now. Otherwise, he might meet his end before killing enough people.

"."

Watching the man's departing figure, He Kui sighed.

Where did this strange person come from?

He was entirely a dangerous individual. Who knew how many people he had killed to accumulate such malice and indifference?

And he wanted to challenge him.

"That guy is insane."

Elsa reappeared, patting her chest, still shaken by the encounter.

"Insane?"

"I'm not badmouthing him, but I heard he has PTSD, antisocial personality disorder, and schizophrenia, among other diagnoses."

"."

He Kui understood ZAFT's desperation for manpower, but letting such a person serve in the military instead of being confined to a mental institution seemed unwise.

"He's involved in solo or covert operations, so there's no threat."

Sensing He Kui's lingering doubts, Elsa, perhaps feeling guilty for retreating earlier, explained further.

"He seems to have taken an interest in you, Director He. You might want to steer clear. I heard—just rumors, mind you—that he's been known to sabotage comrades on the battlefield."

Elsa whispered to He Kui.

If true, this issue was likely suppressed by the Zala faction to protect an elite.

Such practices weren't his to judge; keeping a distance from Yzak Joule was prudent. It seemed that as he ventured beyond May City, he would face greater internal dangers along with external threats.

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