Directed energy communication still has its challenges. Unlike ordinary disguises, unless he creates a robot, relying solely on two Haros would make long-distance mobility impossible.
Unless he builds a robot.
With current technology, it's possible to create humanoid robots capable of normal movement. However, due to AI limitations, their performance is poor, capable only of singular actions and lacking coordination. Moreover, their defense is weak, vulnerable to bullets.
Too fragile and not easy to hide, and most importantly, very expensive. Even the most basic models start at a million.
"Let's make two plans."
One with a robot and two Haros disguised as regular signal-receiving Haros and MS control Haros. This way, if the robot fails, there will be a backup.
If remote control succeeds, the robot would only need to receive signals and could serve as a shield if necessary.
Having decided on future directions, He Kui began preparations in earnest.
"Sulei, I've got something good to show you!"
A week later, He Kui appeared in Sulei's office once more.
Recently, he had been delivering gifts to Sulei at a high frequency, almost daily.
"Pervert!? What are you up to!?"
Hearing Sulei's outburst, He Kui subtly checked the tightly closed door and breathed a sigh of relief.
He didn't want to add "pervert" to his reputation after already being labeled a "housewife enthusiast."
"It's about the directed energy communication you researched. I've got some ideas."
He Kui said, scanning his wristband on Sulei's desk, transferring the data to her.
"Directed energy communication? When did you start working on this?"
There wasn't much data, and Sulei quickly reviewed it.
The completion rate wasn't high.
"I just thought of it recently while looking at lasers."
"Well, okay, but don't get your hopes up. Our team is still ahead in progress, Director He."
Sulei said proudly.
"No worries, I'll catch up soon."
A workload of ten thousand, probably done in a month.
That is quite fast.
"Hmph, always boasting."
Despite her words, recalling He Kui's past achievements,
Sulei did believe him somewhat.
"If you make any further progress, send it to me. I can help with testing."
"Alright."
With his purpose achieved, He Kui smiled contentedly.
"I'll be going then."
"In such a hurry?"
Sulei frowned, looking at the lunchbox and a Haro in front of her.
"The funds have arrived recently, and I've found a location. The company is about to start operations."
"Oh."
Sulei had heard about this from He Kui, so she didn't stop him.
"If you need anything, let me know. Lacus also said if your funding chain breaks, you can go to her."
"Okay."
"Hmph."
Perhaps feeling a bit jealous, Sulei huffed and shooed He Kui out.
As soon as he returned to his office, Hoss came to find him.
"Director He, we've secured a location for our facility. Take a look."
Seeing the nearly thirty thousand monthly rent, He Kui felt a twinge of pain despite having anticipated it.
Don't be fooled by the three million; that's pure debt. In reality, his assets were negative two-point-eight million.
"Director He, is our budget really just three million?"
Hoss couldn't help but ask as he signed the lease agreement.
"Yes."
"But we've already used half on the prototype, plus purchasing research equipment, and monthly expenses are around ten thousand..."
"Yes."
"If the prototype completely fails, won't our funding chain break?"
The remaining funds could replace a part or two, but not enough to start over from scratch. Failure would mean immediate closure upon launch.
"As long as it doesn't fail."
He Kui's confident words reassured Hoss.
Indeed, while He Kui's approach seemed counterintuitive, he had a peculiar intuition when it came to design.
"They don't have much faith, do they?"
Seeing Hoss's continued concern, He Kui smiled.
"Not really."
"Having doubts is normal."
"No matter what they think, we have to move fast. If they can't keep up, they should leave."
Building robots requires money, as does building Haros.
These aren't made from second-hand materials like before.
They're built with brand-new materials and the highest technology available, costing one to two million per robot.
Plus, about two hundred thousand per Haro.
Even if he diverts some of the three million for use, it must be replenished before the next repayment.
Two days later, on a day off.
In a disguised vehicle, the two Hawks were picked up and brought to the company's entrance in the industrial park.
"Director He, this company..."
In front of them was just a reception desk. To the right, not much else—only a dozen or so tables and chairs and some computers for a simple office area. Hawk asked, puzzled by the sparse setup.
"Because we're primarily focused on developing new hydraulic mineral purification, this is just our office area. The main testing facilities are underground."
"And it's conveniently located near the highway and central elevator."
In PLANT, with limited space per capita, leasing such a large underground area was only possible thanks to PLANT's 30% rent reduction for tech companies, allowing them to secure it for thirty thousand.
"Mr. Hawk, have you considered joining our research company?"
"Of course, I want to work with Director He, but I'm afraid I lack the capabilities of others."
Hawk and He Kui walked to the still-empty underground space, where Hawk smiled wryly.
"Mr. Hawk, you're too modest. I considered everything and believe you can be the head of our security consultancy department. The salary will be comparable to your previous one. As for the future, it will depend on the company's development."
The head of the security consultancy department sounds impressive, but with all the protective and monitoring equipment He Kui had set up, a team of two or three risk assessors and crisis managers sufficed for now.
As for future company expansion, that could be addressed later.
"This..."
Feeling like he was getting a great deal, Hawk was torn.
Following He Kui meant that if the company went under, finding another job wouldn't be easy.
Though he didn't want to think that way, he knew research failures were common.
"Mr. Hawk, opportunity always comes with risk."
He Kui said earnestly.
He was gambling too, but his odds were relatively good.
If he failed, he'd end up working for Lacus, or lose his dividends.
His life would have wasted years, possibly his life.
"Um... Director He, may I have a word with you?"
Luna, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.
"Alright, come with me."
Retracting his surprised gaze, He Kui led her to a small room underground.
"Miss Luna, what's on your mind?"
"I have a somewhat impolite question, may I ask?"
"Go ahead."
Reassured by He Kui's smile, Luna took a deep breath, her chest swelling, straining her military academy uniform, which made He Kui feel a sense of respect.
"Director He, what do you think the success rate of this project is?"
Even with the utmost respect for He Kui, respect couldn't be used as sustenance.
"Very high, and we have support from above, so no need to worry."
The support referred to Lacus; after all, Lacus wouldn't resort to layoffs.
"Alright, I understand."
Hearing there was backing from above, Luna relaxed.
But soon she felt embarrassed, as if she'd shown a lack of confidence in He Kui, and her face turned red.
"I'm terribly sorry!"
"It's a normal question."
"What about your sister?"
He Kui changed the topic.
"Her grades haven't been great lately, so she's been practicing more."
"Okay. By the way, how's the Haro I gave you? Any room for improvement?"
He Kui felt a bit regretful. He wasn't sure why the gift for Meyrin hadn't triggered any notifications, making it hard to test.
"Room for improvement..."
Hearing the esteemed Director He ask if her robot had room for improvement, Luna quickly waved her hands.
"None, not none, not any, um..."
The more she spoke, the more muddled she became, her eyes widening with a bright red flush rising from her neck to cover her face.
She was a sight to behold.
"I understand."
He Kui chuckled.
"Shall we head out then?"
"Okay."
Feeling embarrassed, Luna couldn't help but sneak a glance at He Kui, only to find him smiling gently at her.
His eyes held a warmth that made her quickly avert her gaze.
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