"Finally done with the last test," He Kui sighed with relief, looking at the latest cockpit-equipped MS inside.
Recently, he had been balancing the research on the light shield and making Haros, visiting the site daily.
Every time he went out, he was in plain clothes with various Haros. Nothing happened each time, but He Kui never let his guard down.
The opposition could fail numerous times, but he only had one life. If he died, there was no coming back—no coins to insert for a revival, and as for another reincarnation? He had no desire to test that theory, as it might just lead to another demise.
Finally, after about a month, he completed the work on the small MS in the lab.
"Congratulations."
Suli, beside him, didn't appear overly excited, merely jotting something down on her tablet.
"Now comes the practical test."
"Mm."
Suli's calm words dampened He Kui's initial excitement.
"Shall I contact Miss Lacus then?"
"Alright."
He Kui nodded, not refusing.
The next day, using his saved-up vacation days, He Kui appeared outside the port of November City.
November City specialized in multi-purpose practical engineering and served as one of the centers for asteroid mining. Several asteroids were queued up, awaiting extraction.
"The mining laser is ready too."
Lacus curiously eyed the small machine, only about two people tall, with a circular gun almost as large as the machine itself mounted on its back.
"Yes."
The mining laser was one of the technologies derived from beam research. It housed its own power source and allowed control over the beam's size, functioning as both a beam and a cutting knife.
Of course, it couldn't fire projectiles; it was essentially a beam with adjustable power.
"I've secured an asteroid, so we can start anytime."
Shafer Dali from the asteroid mining group appeared. Given their research needs, they were based in November City long-term.
"Thanks."
"Looking forward to your performance, Director He."
"I'm just here to mine."
He Kui chuckled and climbed onto the small machine, opening the transparent canopy.
The Ginn-colored machine had a red eye on the chest armor in front of the cockpit.
When powered on, it lit up, resembling a vibrant ruby.
As the developer, He Kui quickly moved around the zero-gravity mining area, taking a few agile leaps.
He occasionally activated the small thrusters on his back for high jumps, displaying impressive agility.
This wasn't He Kui showing off; he was demonstrating the machine's capabilities to Lacus.
"How long are you going to hop around? That's enough."
Suli's voice came through the internal microphone, exasperated by He Kui's antics inside.
This scene brought a slight smile to Lacus' lips.
"You two seem to be getting along better."
"Mm."
"Suli, you're not giving up on our goal, right?"
Though Lacus smiled, her words carried a hint of inquiry.
"I'm not! But He Kui isn't our enemy."
"I know, so why not bring him in?"
"He doesn't seem interested."
Lately, He Kui seemed busier than usual, likely not just focusing on the light shield and small MS.
However, Suli didn't know how to articulate it, believing it wouldn't threaten the Clyne faction.
"You know, Blue Cosmos still has their sights on him."
Lacus' eyes narrowed as she watched He Kui successfully cut into the asteroid.
"Mm."
"Although it's safe for now, they'll come back eventually."
"He's made plenty of things."
"Yes, we all know he's working on a light shield," Lacus murmured.
"Mm."
"So, do you think he can succeed this time?"
"I don't know."
"Our technicians say it's unlikely. He Kui is still young, and even if he understands the theory behind the umbrella, it's probably beyond him."
"But!"
Hearing the skepticism, Suli couldn't help but raise her voice.
"So Suli believes in him~?"
This time, Suli merely lowered her head without answering.
"Let's not dwell on that. The place we talked about before will be completed in a few months. It'll be very safe for He Kui, and they need someone to oversee things there."
Lacus' words were tinged with temptation.
Lure him in first and sort out the rest later.
She wasn't lying; that place was extremely secure. The Clyne faction had poured their heart and soul into that secret facility.
If it wasn't safe there, nowhere was.
"Are you going to tell He Kui about it?"
Suli looked conflicted. After all, it was a secret even within the Clyne faction, known only to a select few.
"Well, we'll continue observing~ Besides, there's still you, Suli~"
Playfully, Lacus took Suli's hand, her coquettish demeanor ignoring any gender boundaries and softening hearts.
If it was for He Kui's safety, Suli would likely help invite him.
"I'll try."
As Lacus had anticipated, Suli couldn't help but agree.
"Thank you~"
He Kui had disembarked and was returning with Shafer Dali. Lacus greeted them with her usual serene smile.
"Congratulations, Director He. Was the test successful?"
"Indeed, it was a great success."
Shafer Dali wasn't overly excited, but his face held a warm smile as he continued with the data recorded on his tablet.
"The power is 30% higher than typical power suits. Though the price is 40% higher, once production lines are established, costs should decrease."
"From my experience, I believe many companies will be interested, even the Scrap Merchants Guild."
Why wouldn't they use something so efficient? While He Kui's machine was more expensive than power suits, it was cheaper than MS.
"What about the system? It won't infringe on the Ginn system patent, will it?"
"No, 85% of the base code is different."
He Kui replied immediately.
"Didn't expect Director He to have such expertise in information engineering too."
After confirming with Suli, Lacus smiled warmly.
"Once everything is confirmed and production begins, we'll pay the agreed profits. The next meeting will be for the final trial production."
"No problem. Suli and I will head out now."
He Kui cheerfully addressed Lacus.
With the production line not yet established, there was no profit yet. Making money from the small MS would take time.
However, He Kui's goal was the loan. As long as the small MS showed potential, it was enough.
Watching the beaming He Kui, Lacus quietly labeled him as money-hungry in her mind.
"Alright, Director He, take care."
As He Kui walked away, Lacus still couldn't quite figure him out.
He didn't seem like a womanizer, but his gaze sometimes seemed odd.
It wasn't lust or affection, more like need?
Was it because of her money?
But even with the completion of the current agreement, he seemed unchanged.
Could he really develop that light shield system?
If he could, perhaps she would need to personally negotiate with He Kui.
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