Chapter 176: New Technology from the Alliance

"This is for you."

"Th-this..."

Meiling hesitated, while Luna nudged her sister's sleeve.

"Thank you, Director He."

"Just call me He Kui."

As He Kui handed them a Haro, a notification appeared on his virtual interface.

[Gifted Meiling Hawke a present: Electronic Warfare +60]

[Su Lei Affection Level: 60]

[EXP Boost: 3]

[Electronic Warfare Level B: (4023/10000)]

Electronic warfare—related yet distinct from information engineering. While information engineering focused on system architecture, electronic warfare targeted virus combat.

With a pleasant smile, He Kui asked, "What brings you here?"

"Well, since you were coming, my sister thought she'd accompany you," Meiling said softly.

"Come on, you wanted to see him in person, didn't you?" Luna teased.

Watching the sisters bicker, seemingly forgetting his presence, He Kui smiled wryly.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Meiling apologized, lowering her head in embarrassment.

"No need. Don't you have a piloting class tomorrow?"

"Yes..."

Mention of piloting class made Meiling's expression quickly turn downcast.

"I hear you're struggling in that class, Meiling?"

Meiling's cheeks flushed at He Kui's comment, and she shot her sister a reproachful glance.

"Piloting isn't everything. I'm sure you have your own strengths, right?" He Kui reassured her.

"My own strengths..."

As the car sped toward the central elevator, Meiling remained deep in thought, while Luna whispered words of encouragement. He Kui felt like an outsider, but he didn't mind. He smiled at the two.

"Thank you for accompanying me. I'll have someone drive you back to the academy—get a good night's rest."

"Alright!"

The sisters, snapped from their thoughts by his words, responded somewhat sheepishly.

The next day, He Kui went to Elin's office.

"Thanks to you, I made the right investment."

"Something happen?"

"I almost used that five million to invest in a restaurant, but it went out of business yesterday."

"...Is that so?"

Did Elin have some sort of curse? He Kui hoped his own venture would be safe. Still, he kept a neutral expression.

"We're just mutually benefiting from this, Elin."

"I like that term—mutual benefit."

Inviting He Kui to sit on the sofa, Elin continued, "The GAT-XR production line is stabilizing. Once we hit a 15% deployment rate, the major offensive may kick off."

"15%? So that's about two months, right?"

At the current production rate, He Kui quickly calculated the timeline.

"Right. Conveniently, next month is the Speaker election, and with no surprises, Councilor Zala will be elected," Elin noted.

"Perfect timing to launch the operation," He Kui agreed.

Elin nodded. "But we also have Chairman Malchio advocating for peace negotiations."

"Right... No telling if the war will intensify or stall."

Elin sighed, visibly conflicted. More conflict meant more profit but also heightened danger.

Looking at He Kui, she smiled. "I heard from the former director that the Defense Council wants to push forward the consolidation of the five design bureaus."

"Again?"

He Kui felt a surge of frustration—he'd just gotten comfortable in his position.

"This time, it's good news. Word is that we'll lead the new design bureau," Elin said, clearly excited.

"And what about our roles?"

"They won't change, but we'll need more accomplishments to secure everything. You get it, right? We can't afford any mistakes with the upcoming projects."

If the five bureaus merged, and they remained director and deputy director, it would signify they'd reached the pinnacle of design within PLANT.

"We're this close, and you're still young. You could climb even higher."

If He Kui played his cards right, he might follow in the footsteps of previous directors and advance into PLANT's political sphere.

"I understand."

As he left Elin's office, He Kui shared her excitement. This consolidation offered a clear path to the upper echelons of PLANT, and he was in a prime position for it.

Checking his virtual interface, he saw progress across his projects, including the multi-lock system for the Freedom Gundam and the adjustable wing technology in the aerodynamics division.

First, though, he needed to visit Boaz.

The next day, He Kui and Su Lei, accompanied by the Iron Wall squad and test pilot Courtney Hieronymus, arrived at Boaz in a standard Nazca-class vessel.

The familiar face of the base's chief officer was there to greet them, though he looked noticeably worn out.

"Director He, good to see you again."

"Chief, what's going on?"

With a weary sigh, the chief replied, "Lately, the Lunar forces from the Alliance have been harassing us non-stop. They even brought shielded warships."

Though they had their own light shields, the Alliance's persistent late-night raids had clearly taken a toll on the chief.

"How frequent are these attacks?"

"Every day. Some small Drake-class vessels are equipped with beam cannons and even full cloaking. If not for your detection system, Director He, our shields might have been breached."

From the chief's account, the situation at Boaz was more perilous than expected.

"They haven't deployed any Mobile Suits, right?"

"Not yet, but their Mobile Armors have been equipped with higher-powered beam cannons. They're significantly more threatening now."

"In any case, we'll ensure your safety, Director He. Rest assured," the chief assured.

"Thank you."

After confirming arrangements with the chief, He Kui and Su Lei made their way to their quarters. As usual, Su Lei ended up joining him in his room.

"This test might be dangerous," Su Lei noted with a frown, settling onto the bed.

"Yeah, the Alliance has brought out quite a few new weapons," He Kui replied, half-expecting an enemy Mobile Suit to appear any minute.

"Let's get the equipment ready. Once the battery is reinforced, it should be able to sustain three minutes of activity. As long as Hieronymus is prepared, we can proceed with the field test."

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"Got it."

They didn't have time for much else. After stowing their belongings, they headed straight to the hangar to prepare for the tests.