Chapter 34: The Pilot Fainted

Due to the nature of the reconnaissance mission, once the Deen reached the appropriate altitude, it powered down significantly and entered alert mode.

In this mode, the Deen maintained its wings above while the cockpit was designed to rotate 90 degrees, allowing the crew to sit upright without feeling dizzy. However, the monitors now displayed the view beneath them—the vast, blue waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Since the Gulf of Carpentaria formed a U-shape, it was obvious that the Earth Alliance, lacking ground forces, would approach from the Coral Sea or the Arafura Sea. Regardless of their approach, they would always appear at the top of the U-shape. Thus, the three units were assigned to patrol the upper region continuously.

Their designated area was the central position; while the Arafura Sea was closer to the East Asian Republic, considering the lesser hostility from them, there was still a possibility of the Atlantic Federation launching an attack directly from the Coral Sea.

"Mr. He Kui, where do you think they will come from?" 

The lead pilot asked, staring at the monotonous sea.

"I'm not sure, but they'll come eventually. As soon as we receive any signals, we'll retreat; this unit doesn't have any weapons," He Kui replied.

"Wow, it's really vast out here."

The communications officer, a girl, couldn't help but express her awe.

From the aerial view, the seemingly endless ocean stretched out before them, far broader than the confined view of the colony satellites.

"Yeah."

Patrolling was a monotonous job, especially since the Deen could maintain low-power alert mode for about four hours. With everyone needing to keep their eyes on the screens and analyze data, no one could rest. Two hours passed in this manner.

"Calling Carpentaria Base, visual contact with four enemy units, position -9.853, 142.279, repeat."

At the sound of the communication, He Kui straightened up.

"Mission accomplished, returning to base."

"Test Unit Two has been spotted and is flying towards our position!" 

The communications officer exclaimed in panic. Since all three units were flying steadily, they were now in close proximity, and it was too late to change course—they were heading straight toward each other.

Could it be that the radar on Unit Two malfunctioned, causing it to be detected early?

Before He Kui could think further, the second unit suddenly began to plummet straight down.

"What are you doing?" 

He Kui's question went unanswered. The pilot seemed to have fainted. 

As the second unit rapidly grew larger on their screens, four enemy fighter jets followed closely behind, transforming from a small dot to a visible threat in less than a second.

The opponents were charging toward their target, and with no time to ponder why the pilot had fainted, He Kui took control of the unit, utilizing his higher permissions. The elite Green Robe's skills began to shine. He quickly released the rear skirt armor and radar from their locks, grabbing the radar to throw it at the incoming fighter jets to slow them down. Without hesitation, he shifted back to flight mode and began heading toward Carpentaria Base.

After a perilous escape, they finally neared the base. The Deen units quickly came to their aid; although they fired, they missed, the distraction successfully allowing He Kui to escape the pursuing jets.

"What's going on, He Kui?" 

As he exited the cockpit, Sule looked up, her face filled with concern.

"The pilot fainted."

He Kui wasn't sure whether he was unlucky or the pilot was, given that an Adjuster could faint. If it hadn't been for his familiarity with the system and his enhanced skills, he might not have made it back.

"Let's take a breather," Sule suggested.

"No time for that. Where's the data?" 

Sule paused in surprise at He Kui's urgency.

[Sule's Favorability: 95]

This even increased? Was being dedicated to work the most important thing?

Watching the medical personnel carry the fainted pilot away, He Kui suppressed his excitement and followed Sule back to the monitoring room within the shelter.

"The data has been largely compared. From the various metrics, your design and the settings of Test Unit Three are almost identical. However, Test Unit Two's detachable radar has numerous flaws. The concept was good, but it can't be realized at this time."

As Sule spoke, the screen displayed scrolling data.

Before He Kui could finish reading, a series of explosive roars shook the ground, causing nearby trees to visibly tremble.

"The Pacific Fleet is launching an attack, but we're safe here," Sule said, her eyes glued to the screen.

"Alright."

He could only hope that this dangerous endeavor would ensure his design was chosen; otherwise, it would all be for nothing.

"By the way, you actually threw the radar away."

"I had no choice," He Kui replied, awkwardly rubbing his nose.

"Don't worry; given the situation, I won't penalize you for that. I didn't expect your piloting skills to be so good; I see you're listed as a Green Robe."

Thanks to his high-level training in information engineering, He Kui's understanding of the system had grown deeper, and his operation was nearly on par with that of a Red Robe.

"Just lucky. If possible, please don't make me pilot again."

He Kui chuckled bitterly; he preferred to improve steadily rather than engage in combat.

"Once things stabilize here, we'll head back. Hopefully, I can enjoy a few more meals before we leave."

Ignoring the distant explosions, Sule licked her lips, her expression showing she was craving food.

"If we have the equipment here, I could cook."

"Really?" 

"Yeah, but..."

"But what?" 

Sule glared at He Kui. Even though the food here was fresh, she preferred spicy and sour flavors, so if He Kui could cook, it would be fantastic.

"I noticed that there seems to be a surplus of materials from the latest air drop."

"You want to take some? That's fine, but don't take too much."

"Don't worry; I just want to make some Haros."

The materials here were far better than the second-hand stuff from the junk dealers. A little reworking with machines would make them usable, and it would definitely help him gain experience points. He had been eyeing them for a long time while building the base.

This mission had only intensified his sense of urgency; perhaps he couldn't avoid being sent out again in the future, but at the very least, he wanted to improve his skills.

"Well, that's fine, but you really do seem to like Lux." 

"Not really~"

Hav

ing already sent the gifts, He Kui no longer denied it.

Being a fan might just help increase his favorability, after all.

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