"Here, take this."
After only a few hours of rest, He Kui, having successfully gathered quite a few materials, added a few self-made microprocessors before handing the finished product to Sule.
[You gifted Sule a present, Information Engineering +40]
[Sule's Favorability: 97]
[Experience Bonus: 5]
[Information Engineering Level B: (3704/10000)]
[Shi He Hanifus's Favorability: 100]
[Experience Bonus: 5]
[Micro Component Processing Level B: (7231/10000)]
"So, you asked me for authorization to make Haros just to give them back to me?" Sule, satisfied as she enjoyed the spicy and sour fish dish, glanced at He Kui while poking at the Haro in front of her with her delicate finger.
"Isn't that just looking out for you?"
"Looking out, huh?"
"I noticed you had some small infrared sensors among the parts, so I included them. If someone approaches while you're out at night, it'll alert you," He Kui explained.
"Your skills have really improved."
Sule didn't typically go out at night, but hearing He Kui say that made her feel as if he genuinely cared for her, and a slight sweetness curved her lips.
"Of course."
"You could also try adding a hacking system and autopilot feature. That way, your Haro could surpass the original," she suggested.
"Still a long way to go."
Of course, if Sule accepted more of his gifts, this process could speed up. He Kui then asked, "By the way, what happened with the pilot the other day?"
"Motion sickness."
"Motion sickness!?"
"It's probably because they're not used to Earth's gravity. In space, there's no magnetic field pulling the unit down, so it's not surprising that they lost their spatial orientation for a moment. We're currently checking on the other pilots, and your case has actually provided us with a reference for land combat—'Radar Thrower.'"
If one didn't count the previous failed drop operation, He Kui's last battle could be seen as the first shot in ZAFT's offensive on Earth. Because of this, he had received the rather embarrassing title, which, while often used in jest, also granted him a certain level of recognition. He could accept that; having a reputation was a good thing, especially since it would help prevent the troubling rumors from spreading. After all, he had managed to escape back to base while piloting an unarmed Deen with an incapacitated pilot surrounded by four enemy fighters.
However, the exposure of his piloting skills was somewhat unfortunate; if he demonstrated even stronger skills and reached the level of a Red Robe, he might be forcibly drafted into combat.
A soldier who had combat capabilities comparable to elite Red Robes would be far more valuable than a supporting engineer. The fact that ZAFT had permitted Shi He to temporarily set aside her tests to participate in combat indicated that he needed to keep a low profile until he could take control of his own fate.
"What about the previous project plans?"
Ignoring Sule's teasing, He Kui continued.
"The Defense Committee is still in discussions. Currently, two proposals are viable, but opinions are divided. Your proposal represents our development team, while the other represents the aerodynamic group, which is also responsible for the overall development of the Deen. The head of their group is from the Sara faction, so they aren't going to easily relinquish the title of developing the airborne warning Deen."
As a researcher, He Kui understood the frustrations; power struggles in the design bureau were rampant, and even during a war, they were far from united.
"I see."
Shoving the dirty work onto them while they stayed back on PLANT waiting for their achievements, He Kui clenched his fist and then relaxed it.
"Once the situation stabilizes, we'll head back to PLANT. After all, the design bureau is our main job. Regardless of which proposal is adopted, this mission will conclude our current work. With the successful test, we'll be ready for countless practical assessments. Your bonus is guaranteed, and with your excellent performance on the Deen, while it may not earn you a medal, your bonus will definitely accumulate. Time off can also be arranged. With the current foundational radar data, we won't need to deeply participate in the development of ground and underwater combat-specific MS."
"Bonuses and time off?"
These were precisely what He Kui needed most. Hearing this, his earlier melancholy dissipated. With money and time, he would eventually create more things and acquire more resources.
"What's got you so happy?"
As she held the meal box He Kui gifted her, Shi He said softly.
"I can take a proper vacation when we return!"
"Really? That means more time to rest."
"No, since there's time, I should continue researching. There's still some theoretical knowledge I need your help with, Shi He."
He Kui had already filled his seven-day vacation with plans, ensuring every free moment would be utilized to push his micro-manipulation skill up to A-level.
"That's no trouble at all,"
Shi He looked down, avoiding He Kui's bright gaze.
"What about you, Shi He? When can you go back?"
"About the same time as you. I'll return once the defense work is stable here."
She had volunteered to come down, knowing that this was the first battle on Earth, and the more elites they had, the better. Now that the situation was stable, her role was less critical.
"By the way, is something bothering you, Shi He?"
Noticing that she hesitated after taking a bite of fish, He Kui gently asked. He had observed that Shi He seemed troubled today. To maintain their good rapport, he genuinely cared about her feelings.
"Sorry."
Recalling the sour and spicy taste in her mouth, Shi He felt a wave of bitterness wash over her.
"You know…"
In that instant, He Kui understood and chuckled wryly.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me…"
When they were together during those ordinary days, she never thought about this issue. However, hearing about He Kui's experiences and the amazed looks from others filled her with not pride but a deep-seated fear. What if He Kui left her life?
The more she suppressed her feelings, the stronger her unease grew. That unprecedented sensation had nowhere to go, spilling over with her tears, leaving trails like stars across her pale face, unable to be quelled.
"I've said it before; it's not all your fault. It's okay."
He Kui gently spoke, his hand caressing the flushed cheek of the girl, tenderly wiping away her tears.
Shi He trembled slightly; in that moment, the warmth and emotion exchanged between his palm and her cheek created a comforting atmosphere in the humid air. It felt as if time paused, leaving only the stirring of her heartstrings and budding feelings.
[Shi He Hanifus has developed a deep affection for you, Favorability: 110]
[Experience Bonus: 6]
Was it possible for favorability to exceed a hundred?
He Kui was slightly taken aback by this sudden change.
The deep affection was likely Shi He's own emotional shift toward him, but it seemed this kind of change required much more nurturing. That was normal, though; if they hadn't gone through these experiences, watching Shi He's tears fall like raindrops across his palm would have felt different. He sensed her genuine concern, filling his heart with warmth.
It seemed there were still many things He Kui had yet to fully understand about the system, but any positive change was, after all, a good thing.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LegendaryTL