With He Kui's command, the doors of the test field quickly closed.
"The ZAKU power system is operational, the shield system's power supply is stable, and the shield generator is functioning normally."
As He Kui spoke, the ZAKU's mono-eye lit up, its thrusters glowing faintly as it lifted into the air, and a Light Shield, several times smaller than Boaz's, slowly unfolded.
Since the ZAKU was connected to the entire design bureau's power supply, there was no concern about the shield's energy depletion.
"Sensor and shield control testing commencing."
With that, training rounds installed within were fired at the ZAKU.
Without exception, all were blocked by the shield surrounding the ZAKU.
The initial tests proceeded smoothly, and the subsequent simulated attacks, performance tests, and compatibility tests also passed without incident.
"Congratulations, Director He."
"Now the live combat tests will need your attention, and collaboration with the warship design and development team will be necessary for implementing the shield on warships."
Seeing everything proceed smoothly, Joule stepped forward, her cold demeanor softening. Although she still didn't smile, she was noticeably more amiable than before.
The Light Shield had immense potential. While theoretically, extremely powerful attacks could break through, and the smaller shields offered slightly less protection, a warship-mounted shield could last thirty minutes on ship power alone.
Thirty minutes was enough time to decisively engage the enemy.
This potential was part of why she approved He Kui's temporary residence in the director's area despite still being a department head.
"Understood."
"The house is ready, and you can move in soon. Just let us know when you're ready for the live combat tests."
With that, Joule and her Defense Committee staff left the site.
Watching them leave, Erin approached with a smile.
"Congratulations, Director He, a promotion to director is just around the corner."
"It's just temporary housing."
Even if he wanted to, He Kui dared not agree. If he did, it would be blatantly obvious he aimed to take her position.
Hearing He Kui's response, Erin laughed warmly.
"We'll notify you once the room is set up. The place is three stories, and you can move in with your little girlfriend next door."
".Thank you."
Hearing Erin's teasing with a hint of flirtation, He Kui took a step back, regaining a serious demeanor.
"Just joking, Deputy Director."
"Haha."
Erin giggled, turning to leave without further comment.
As Joule mentioned, the next day, He Kui received an email notification.
It generally stated that everything was ready. Moving was straightforward, just a matter of packing and using the movers' robots to help.
After half a day of work, the move was complete.
The security was much tighter, and the area was larger than the A-Level district.
The A-Level district already featured a small private courtyard, only five or six square meters, just enough for hanging clothes.
Here, the residential area's courtyard expanded to about thirty square meters, suitable for walking a dog.
The courtyard was lush and green, with two orange trees, reminiscent of Earth.
The building was three stories, each with three rooms, a private bath, and a laundry room.
Each floor was larger than the previous B-Level district rooms, usable as a standalone floor.
"Tomorrow, I'll move my parents' things here. The neighbors are busy, but tonight~"
He Kui said, pulling various seafood items from a bag.
Although he hadn't been out lately, he could ask others to shop for him. No worries about getting groceries.
A seafood feast, including crab and lobster, was quickly prepared by the two.
The next day, with some free time, He Kui finally left the Hailan Design Bureau.
Now designated as a high-priority ZAFT protection figure, he qualified to request a dedicated vehicle.
Though not the escape pod-style vehicle he imagined.
At least it was bulletproof and explosion-proof, indistinguishable from a standard maglev car.
Without specific intel, no one could pinpoint his location.
"Director He, I've been waiting for you."
In a private room of an upscale restaurant near the plant district, Captain Hawk warmly stood as He Kui entered.
"This is my daughter, Lunamaria Hawk."
"Director He, hello!"
The young girl stood, her clear, amethyst-like eyes filled with admiration and respect for the youth only two years her senior.
She quickly bowed to He Kui.
"Thank you so much for before!"
"No problem."
Luna, if he remembered correctly, was indeed a pilot in the main series.
Those three shots were etched in He Kui's memory.
Thinking this, He Kui magically produced two A-Level Haros from behind.
"These are meeting gifts for Ms. Luna and Ms. Meyrin. Please accept them."
Though he heard the other Hawk wasn't present, it didn't stop He Kui from giving gifts.
"How can we accept? We should be thanking you."
Before Luna's surprise could fully register, Captain Hawk politely declined.
"It's nothing. You both came all the way from August City, which is already very sincere. I should express my gratitude."
Facing He Kui's insistence, Captain Hawk had no choice but to let his delighted daughter accept the Haros.
[You have gifted Lunamaria Hawk, Precision Shooting Range +2m]
[Lunamaria Hawk Favorability 60]
[Experience Bonus 3]
[Precision Shooting Range B-Level: (1057m/10000m)]
Seeing the virtual display, He Kui's eyes widened slightly.
Although it only increased by 6, and was limited by the mobile suit's capabilities, the range could extend indefinitely with continued enhancement.
Sniping enemies from a safe distance without taking personal risks was a crucial survival tactic. Sometimes a meter difference was the line between life and death.
If Lacus boosted his overall pilot skills, such as evasion, basic combat, and shooting, then Luna's boost was specialized in long-range, possibly including solo combat capabilities, enhancing aiming skills.
And if main storyline characters all had this effect...
Then he could narrow his search range next, or even proactively seek them out.
With this in mind, He Kui suppressed his excitement and smiled at Luna.
"Thank you!"
Facing He Kui's warm gaze, Luna blushed deeply, lowering her head.
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