The fleet on the screen was the same as last time: two Nelson-class and four Drake-class ships. However, the Moebius units that were previously destroyed had been replenished.
"It seems we'll soon have our first real battle," the chief of staff said, rising from his seat and giving He Kui a firm pat on the shoulder. "Congratulations will be in order soon, Director He!"
His tone was warmer, treating He Kui more like a favored junior, which by age, he indeed was.
"Thank you," He Kui replied humbly.
"Haha, good."
Seeing He Kui remaining composed, the chief of staff's affection grew, and he headed eagerly to the command room.
Meanwhile, the Earth Alliance's Atlantic Federation forces were shocked by the sight resembling the Eurasian Federation's Artemis Umbrella. Seeing no enemy aircraft, they began to approach boldly.
They believed an activated Artemis Umbrella couldn't attack.
Shi He, watching the screen, tightly gripped He Kui's hand, her nervousness evident. Even though the test was successful, if it failed in battle, He Kui would be held responsible.
He Kui also felt nervous, gripping Shi He's hand in return. He trusted his instincts, but the weight of potential failure was heavy.
"Don't worry."
With the big shots gone, He Kui tried to distract himself by whispering in Shi He's ear.
"Stop it!"
Shi He playfully pushed him away.
Their colleagues were bemused, watching the pair flirt amid the enemy fleet. They now understood Hoss's complaints about the couple from their last gathering.
As He Kui was pushed away, the Nelson-class fired its main cannon.
The light shield absorbed and dispersed the beam's energy without damage.
In retaliation, several large beam cannons on Boaz targeted the unsuspecting Nelson-class, firing massive beams that pierced its streamlined hull.
The other ships, startled by the sudden turn of events, began retreating in panic.
However, warships lacked agility, and during their retreat, three Drake-class ships were struck by consecutive beam cannon shots from Boaz.
There were no survivors, each ship exploding like celebratory fireworks for Boaz's successful light shield system.
"We did it!"
Shi He, thrilled by the fortress's victory without losing a single soldier, hugged He Kui's arm, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek.
"Shi He, we can finally talk tonight."
He Kui grinned.
Discussing whether he was capable or not. With Crueser gone and work finished, they weren't afraid of being overheard during their activities.
"Yes~"
He Kui's experiment was undoubtedly a major success, quickly reported back to PLANT.
"He really did it."
Lacus watched the recording, feeling mixed emotions.
Higher war costs might make the Earth Alliance reconsider, potentially aiding her father's peace negotiations.
Yet, with more powerful weapons and this footage, ZAFT's morale would soar. If peace talks failed, full-scale war might break out, possibly more intense than before.
"Lacus, how's He Kui doing?"
"I sent you the video. I heard he even rescued someone this time, surprisingly."
She was genuinely surprised. The usually self-preserving He Kui risked himself to save others.
Even a small act, but with Blue Cosmos watching him closely,
He Kui's cautious nature would suspect a trap.
"Okay."
Though Su Lei spoke calmly, Lacus sensed her worry.
"Better get him to the secret factory soon."
Finding him a safe haven was crucial. Talent should be hidden and used wisely.
Seeing He Kui's willingness to save lives suggested he might care for world peace.
"I understand."
Su Lei agreed and ended the call.
Meanwhile, in Boaz's room, He Kui and Shi He were engaged in intimate, passionate conversation.
"So, am I capable?"
He Kui whispered in Shi He's ear.
"Not quite yet~"
Shi He playfully winked, silencing him with a soft kiss.
A prolonged battle began.
The next morning, though Boaz had no sunlight, He Kui awoke at 7 AM, following ZAFT's standard time.
His gaze fell on the virtual display.
**[Shi He Hanifs Favorability: 149]**
**[Experience Bonus: 7]**
**[Micro Component Processing A-Level: (55638/100000)]**
**[Academic: Monophasic Light Wave Shielding System (25367/30000)]**
It felt like 149 had been stuck for a while, perhaps jammed at a whole number.
He wondered how to break through.
Troubled, He Kui played with Shi He's soft hair.
"What are you doing?"
Shi He, annoyed, swatted his hand away, her voice tinged with morning grumpiness.
"You looked so peaceful, I wanted to wake you."
He didn't want to be the only one troubled.
Shi He flipped over, straddling He Kui.
"So, what do you want now?"
Her voice was sweet but teasingly devilish.
"Ahem, let's talk about serious matters."
He Kui replied awkwardly.
Despite his skills, he couldn't compete with a genuine red coat in certain areas.
"Serious matters?"
"The deputy director position."
With his reputation rising, He Kui was closer to becoming a deputy director.
However, there were limited positions: one deputy director, one director per design bureau. Unless something happened to them, positions rarely changed.
V.V defected because the chances of becoming a deputy director seemed bleak, prompting a career change.
Shi He reached A-level and was progressing, but both felt stuck.
"No rush, you've risen fast enough."
Shi He laughed, still on top of him.
In less than a year, he'd gone from a regular worker to the Beam Group director.
Some A-levels started as directors, like Athrun would, but He Kui's rise was rare, even among Coordinators known for talent. He earned his promotions through achievements.
"Still not enough..."
He Kui sighed internally.
Yes, he was a director, ZAFT hero, with various protective gadgets.
But he still felt insecure, lacking a true sense of safety.
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