Chapter 7: The Haro Army

He Kui had been troubled for several days about how to properly give something to Sule. From his observations, he had noticed that she didn't seem to have any particular preferences. He couldn't just go on gifting her Haros every day.

Four days later.

"Impressive! You're close to B-level now," Sule said, nodding at the Haro He Kui had made.

While there were quite a few B-level engineers, only a handful were assigned to each research department. Having an extra pair of hands would be beneficial, and given He Kui's current progress, it seemed his potential had not yet peaked.

"He Kui, how about becoming my assistant?" Sule proposed.

"But I haven't been rated yet."

"That's not urgent. Take your time to think it over. Let me know your decision in a week."

As she spoke, Sule's cute little nose twitched involuntarily.

"What's that smell on you?"

"The smell?"

He Kui sniffed at himself and realized it was the synthetic meat hot pot he had for lunch. 

Synthetic meat wasn't particularly tasty, but many people enjoyed adding spicy broth to enhance the flavor.

At that moment, He Kui noticed Sule's small throat movement.

Could it be that she found it appetizing? Surely not; she was an A-level engineer and could afford better food, right? 

Before He Kui could probe further, Sule signaled for him to leave her office.

The assistant position was something he desired, but he had originally planned to join Shi He's beam weapon miniaturization department. Now, Sule's words made him hesitate. Perhaps he could bring some homemade snacks for Sule next time? Shaking off the thought, He Kui quickly exited the office. For now, he needed to focus on reaching B-level.

"You hear the news?"

As soon as He Kui entered the Waste Merchants' Guild, a burly man approached him with a grim expression.

"What news?"

"The Earth Alliance's Alaska Declaration."

"Heard about it. They pushed the blame for the Lunar Conference onto the Coordinators, declaring it a declaration of war against all Naturals. Just a bunch of nonsense."

"The impact on trade is growing too. The prices of parts are likely to become extremely unstable, and we might have to leave PLANT soon. The recent purge of spies has intensified, and the High Council is considering a bill to prohibit Naturals from entering. It's likely they won't be allowed in anymore."

"Even the Waste Merchants' Guild?"

"Yes, in the future, only a small group of us will hold special visas to enter. Transactions will have to occur at the ports connecting to the colonies. Of course, we can still ship supplies into the colonies, but customs may seize anything deemed dangerous."

This was a serious matter, directly impacting the vitality of the Waste Merchants' Guild. After all, the Coordinators were the primary buyers of materials, and with their strong practical skills, they could handle repairs themselves. This new development would raise transportation costs and increase the risk of having their supplies confiscated by customs.

"I see."

He Kui weighed his options in his mind. If he continued selling Haros, he'd have to consider the increased shipping costs from the ports.

"Let's put aside the stressful news for now. May I ask, Mr. He, are you the only one making these Haros?"

The burly man, being a local waste merchant, recognized what He Kui was selling, but they didn't mind since their business was small.

"Yes."

"You work a job and yet your speed is increasing. You must be close to B-level."

"Yes, that's right."

"Interested in joining our Waste Merchants' Guild?"

"What?"

He Kui was taken aback by the man's invitation.

"Though we sound like we just recycle junk in space, the job has its financial prospects. I know it sounds wrong, but if war breaks out, the importance of waste merchants and mercenaries will grow. We have more freedom compared to design bureaus, and you can get materials at better prices. It's just cleaning up after the battlefield."

Their guild had some Coordinators, but not many, especially not a talented one like He Kui.

"Sorry, but I prefer staying with the Helan Design Bureau for now."

He had no intention of leaving. The outside world was dangerous; cleaning up battlefields could lead to encounters with space pirates. Resource satellites weren't always safe, and he had heard stories about the Atlantic Federation's unscrupulous military. Ordinary waste merchants couldn't fight back. If he got killed outside, who would know? It was safer to remain within PLANT. As a member of the Helan Design Bureau, He Kui believed he could eventually rise to a high position, perhaps even stand alongside the elite.

"That's fine. If you reach B-level, you can enjoy our 15% discount. Just contact us through the official account to fill out the required information. We'll also announce any new updates there, and our mail-order service will be launching soon."

"I understand. Thank you."

"Wishing you a pleasant day!"

After exchanging pleasantries with the smiling man, He Kui left the Waste Merchants' Guild. He noticed fewer people were around in recent days.

As he thought about the upcoming Valentine's Day, he sighed.

While walking, he noticed that the once-quiet street was becoming increasingly crowded.

"Excuse me, is there an event happening up ahead?"

He Kui curiously asked a passerby.

"You don't know? Today is the day of Miss Lacus's roadshow in May City!!!"

"..."

The fan's exaggerated and passionate tone stunned He Kui.

"Haro!"

In the midst of his surprise, a Haro suddenly jumped from the fan's hands and landed on He Kui's head.

"My Haro seems to like you!"

The fan exclaimed in surprise.

"Uh, yes."

How could it not like him? He had made it! Looking at the throngs of excited fans surrounding them, many holding gifts and Haros, an idea struck He Kui.

He still had one Haro on hand. If he wrote a message about Valentine's Day on it, even if there were cameras around, they wouldn't be able to pinpoint him. Even if they deduced who made the Haro, he had made so many that this ordinary model wouldn't raise any suspicions. Plus, he could test whether it would increase his favorability.

Without hesitation, He Kui quickly transmitted a message to the Haro and joined the flow of people heading toward the gift registration area. Amidst the commotion, he discreetly let the inconspicuous Haro jump into the pile of gifts meant for Lacus. All he had to do was wait for it to activate, and it would automatically relay the pre-recorded message.

However, delivering the gift wouldn't be that simple; each gift had to undergo thorough checks to ensure it posed no danger before reaching Lacus. Whether his Haro's message would make it to her desk was still uncertain.

Having done what he needed to do without leaving traces, He Kui sighed in relief and headed home.