"Breaking news: The 'Cyclops' at the United-controlled lunar Endymion mining base has self-destructed!"
As He Kui read the news on his phone from a scrap merchant's website, he instantly stood up in shock.
While he was still processing this information, an internal notification simultaneously arrived on his wristband.
[The Endymion base on the Moon has been deliberately detonated by the Joint Forces' 'Cyclops' system. Detailed casualty reports are still being verified. Please ensure your subordinates' conduct is restrained and guard against unnecessary rumors circulating.]
The Cyclops... exploded? No wonder He Kui was so stunned. Aside from the initial nuclear bomb's shock, he had only vague memories of the main storyline that had unfolded over the past twenty years, with little knowledge of the plot leading up to the protagonist's rise.
Currently, the evaluation for the beam weapon experimental Zaku was still pending, and as the deputy director, He Kui occupied the main seat in the office without having his own private space.
Shi He, sitting in the first chair beside him, was the first to notice something was off.
"He Kui, what's wrong?"
Without speaking, He Kui exchanged a knowing glance with Shi He, and they quietly made their way to the director's office nearby.
"The 'Cyclops' on the Moon has exploded."
"Exploded? What about Director Su?"
"I don't know. I'll step out for a moment; you handle things here."
"Where to?"
To find Lacus, but he stopped short as someone knocked on the office door.
"Director He, are you there?"
"I'm here."
He Kui collected himself and opened the door to find a nondescript engineer waiting outside.
"Who are you?"
"I'm here to inform you that Director Su is safe."
The engineer wore an expression that suggested he understood the situation.
"I see. Please thank that person for me."
"Will do."
"Who was it?"
As He Kui watched the engineer leave, his shoulders relaxed, and Shi He asked.
"The Klein faction."
"Are you planning to join them?"
"No, I probably won't."
"Actually—"
"Not because of you."
"Alright."
Shi He had her words cut off and decided to put the topic aside for now.
Back at his desk, He Kui quickly used his access privileges to view footage from one of the Rolasia-class ships that transmitted images during the Cyclops explosion.
A blinding light suddenly pierced the eternal darkness of space, accompanied by terrifying electromagnetic waves that spread outward. Everything in the base—devices and personnel—began to explode.
The energy surged like a violent tsunami, penetrating all obstacles.
In an instant, the destructive light engulfed the entire lunar crater, indifferent to all living beings.
Everything unfolded so quickly and cruelly.
In the end, even the onboard camera that was pulling away from the scene exploded, plunging into darkness.
It felt as if that was the last sight he would ever behold.
Snapping back from that apocalyptic image, He Kui saw the estimated casualty figures. The losses were devastating. It seemed they would need to recruit from the military academy now, meaning the plot might soon unfold.
However, the most dire issue remained: the lunar military's numbers had significantly decreased, and with the critical mining station destroyed by the Joint Forces themselves, maintaining the Lorenz Base would be challenging.
This meant massive waste of materials and significant losses of Kin and Zaku units, along with various weaponry. The industrial pressure on PLANT was about to worsen, and He Kui mentally sounded another alarm.
As his status and power increased, He Kui felt his vigilance slipping; he was no longer the cool-headed individual he once was. This complacency could lead to disaster. If he had still been on the Moon with Shi He, he might have been caught in the chaos.
He Kui resolved to regain his caution, critically reassessing his recent actions.
Since learning of his promotion to director was all but certain, and influenced by the hero complex that arose from repeatedly rescuing Su Lei, he had failed to adopt more life-preserving measures or pursue further advancement, instead choosing to be content with the status quo.
In hindsight, he realized he hadn't truly escaped danger; his situation might be even more precarious than before. The Cyclops, nuclear bombs, and those world-ending weapons all hung over him like swords, and if the miniaturized beam weapons succeeded in testing, he would undoubtedly earn the title of "Father of Beam Weapons." It wouldn't be long before the world was aware of his identity.
He had not only neglected to find ways to cope but had also stopped considering defensive strategies and future safety, his vigilance had sunk to a pitiful level.
If only he could recall those moments, if only he could have called Su Lei to leave with him.
Life has no ifs.
There was only one life to live; he needed to gather more materials and move to the A-Class residential area as soon as possible.
He had to work hard to recall the plot and continue enhancing his survival strategies to prevent possible assassination attempts.
With two cold hands pressed against his hot, restless face, He Kui pulled himself together.
First, he would finish the cooling system tonight. Now was the time for the National Defense Committee and ZAFT to stabilize morale, and it was the perfect opportunity—he could not let things continue like this.
Having made up his mind, He Kui reviewed the financial reports on his computer, ensuring everything was in order before standing up.
"Shi He, let's go check on the beam experimental Zaku. I have some ideas for improving the cooling components."
"Okay!"
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