"He Kui~ I've submitted the research report on the anti-beam shield to the forum."
As soon as He Kui returned to his office, Shihe walked in.
"Great. What's the stance of the Defense Council regarding the funding?"
Submitting the theory is fine, but transitioning to practical application and achieving results requires real-world testing, just like the previous beam weapon development process.
"Not as enthusiastic as before. We might only get less than a hundred million."
Shihe's expression turned grim.
"A hundred million..."
A hundred million sounds like a lot, but currently, the cost to improve the anti-beam shield is forty million per unit, meaning they could only make two with the funding.
No wonder Shihe looked so concerned.
Typically, weapon development involves trial and error. No one can guarantee their weapon will succeed on the first try and be ready for combat.
This is why weapon development costs are so high—constant trial and error, where even minor parameter errors can require a complete redesign.
Fortunately, with the system, his theory should be correct, making the prototypes sufficient.
Perhaps he could even keep the shield for himself?
Equipping the beam experimental ZGMF-1017 GINN with it would be better than getting nothing at all.
It felt like the ZGMF-1017 GINN was becoming a dedicated machine for him and Shihe.
Though the ZGMF-1017 GINN was state-of-the-art, such an advantage wouldn't last long.
If he couldn't make a Gundam, he needed to find a way to acquire one from the Defense Council or justify the development of a main technology to request a test machine.
"Why so little?"
He Kui asked, matching Shihe's expression.
"It's because the battle in Nova is ongoing! The Earth Alliance may not have small beam weapons, but the beam cannons they mount are a significant threat to us."
"The Defense Council's development team clearly doesn't prioritize our soldiers' lives!"
Shihe complained.
"Then we can't let them underestimate us."
Successfully developing the anti-beam shield could also count as an achievement for their group.
"What about the composite gun plan?"
"Still in simulation and testing, but progressing well. It should be feasible. Oh, I have to go back and oversee things. I'll be home late tonight."
Talking about her plan, Shihe forgot her earlier displeasure.
"Alright, I'll cook and wait for you."
Seeing her smile, He Kui chuckled, watching her leave before turning his attention back to his computer.
He had climbed higher, but his position was still precarious.
His achievements hadn't secured him much protection. To guard his freedom as a director against looming threats, he needed more long-term planning.
Just then, an internal email appeared on his computer.
"December City Military Academy, visit and study, tomorrow."
- [As a senior from December City Military Academy and a leader in beam weapon miniaturization, we hope Director He can represent the Hailan Design Bureau and enlighten the students.]
Reading the message and seeing the Hailan Design Bureau director's seal, He Kui had no room to refuse.
Another email followed, detailing the funding allocation for their anti-beam shield research, matching what Shihe had mentioned.
That evening, after dinner, He Kui eagerly presented the two owls he'd made over the past couple of days to Shihe.
- [You gifted Shihe Hanefis, Micro Component Processing Experience +60]
- [Shihe Hanefis Favorability: 138]
- [Experience Bonus: 6]
- [Micro Component Processing A Level: (30178/100000)]
- [Academic: Anti-Beam Coating Shield II (10035/10000) Completed.]
The academic entry, which should have quietly disappeared upon completion, suddenly changed.
- [Academic: Monophasic Lightwave Shielding System (0/30000)]
Monophasic Lightwave Shielding manipulates wave parameters, such as amplitude, frequency, and direction, to influence and interfere with wave propagation.
In theory, it could defend against all external attacks.
This was based on his understanding of PLANT's engineering fundamentals regarding monophasic lightwave shielding. However, the system progress was still at 0.
No rush—don't get too excited. First, research the data.
Despite his thoughts, He Kui couldn't contain his excitement.
"What's up?"
Not hearing He Kui speak, Shihe blinked in sync with the owls, her gaze curious and somewhat adorably dazed.
"The final pieces of the anti-beam shield are in place. Tomorrow, we can formally begin trial production."
He Kui smiled.
"The factory will be in your capable hands. I'll send you the final compression forging theory, and I'll find you as soon as I'm done babysitting."
"What do you mean babysitting? They're our juniors, some even our age or older."
Shihe corrected.
Due to the influence of Julius, some had enlisted voluntarily, resulting in a range of ages.
"True, but precisely because of that, we can't lose to them!"
"Indeed."
No one wanted to be that outdated wave overtaken by newcomers. Perhaps this would invigorate academic culture within the five major design bureaus.
The next day arrived quickly, and early in the morning, He Kui, dressed in a rare fitted white suit, stood with several staff members outside the Hailan Design Bureau's entrance.
It wasn't long before, precisely at 0900, a maglev bus slowly stopped by the roadside.
Among the crowd, a few individuals stood out, catching He Kui's attention.
Although he anticipated seeing key characters from the original storyline, standing before these young elites felt surreal, like being in the world of Gundam Seed.
Meanwhile, the youths, without making much noise, lined up neatly under the instructor's orders and saluted He Kui.
"Director He, hello!"
Their voices were unified, youthful energy seeming to burst through the colony's low sky.
"Hello, welcome to the Hailan Design Bureau. Let's begin the tour without delay."
He Kui said cheerfully, leading the way inside.
"This Director He is quite straightforward."
Expecting a long speech, Nicol chuckled as he followed behind He Kui, speaking to Athrun.
The group was arranged by rank, so they stood together.
"Mm."
Athrun, unaware that He Kui was his biggest copycat, curiously glanced around the Hailan Design Bureau's buildings.
"But I heard Director He likes married women."
Dearka whispered mischievously.
His eyes darted to He Kui ahead, worried about being overheard.
".That can't be true. He seems quite proper."
"What, I heard he even..."
"Hehe,
we're here."
He Kui pointed to the massive factory behind them.
His smile was friendly.
Dearka, right? Forget about getting a new machine in the future.
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