Not knowing who the opposing test pilot was, He Kui quickly entered the cockpit.
"Be careful," came Shi He's voice over the communication. Although the Unit 2 he designed was a two-seater, for fairness, the Defense Committee wouldn't allow two people to board simultaneously.
"I know."
He Kui didn't plan to use AI, as numerous data detectors were actively monitoring his unit's data.
However, not using AI didn't necessarily mean he had a lesser chance of winning.
"System check complete, ready to launch."
In the vast expanse of space, with colony satellites shaped like endless funnels behind him, small shuttles and large freighters occasionally traveled to and from the central ports of these colonies.
Due to the exercise, this small sector of space was temporarily sealed off, ensuring no interference or prying eyes.
"Are both parties ready?"
"Yes."
Both sides responded simultaneously.
"Then let the exercise begin."
"Gates Unit 2, launch."
With a hint of nervousness, He Kui's Gates shot out from the elastic launcher upon receiving the command.
Not far away was another Laurasia-class ship, but the opponent's mobile suit was nowhere to be seen.
He Kui knew they were already out, but due to the Mirage Colloid, they were entirely invisible to his sight.
However, the Mirage Colloid couldn't hide the propulsion system's exhaust.
Aware of this, He Kui activated the simple anti-Mirage Colloid cloaking system he and Sulei hastily developed over the past few days.
The principle wasn't complex; it enhanced light reactions to distinguish between natural starlight and the brightness caused by artificial propulsion.
Crude but effective.
Relying on Gates' computational power, comparable to a Gundam's, He Kui quickly locked onto a general location.
Without knowing the opponent MS's shape or model, He Kui raised Gates' left arm with the anti-air shotgun and fired.
The shotgun's special ammo could inflict area damage at close range.
Converted for the exercise, it covered a large area with color.
Of course, its power was significantly reduced at long range, but He Kui didn't bring this gun to damage the opponent's MS.
Soon, the shotgun's path encountered some resistance.
Without hesitation, He Kui fired the beam rifle in his other hand.
A hit notification sounded, but victory wasn't declared, indicating the opponent hadn't lost mobility.
The test pilot on the other side was on par with He Kui, but their MS performance wasn't as strong as Gates.
At best, it matched a standard GINN.
Naturally, otherwise, there wouldn't be today's battle.
Not stopping, He Kui engaged reverse thrust to retreat, while the opponent quickly closed in.
Though close combat risked his MS being compromised, Gates' superior thrusters allowed He Kui to swiftly widen the gap.
Back and forth, the opponent's MS advantages were completely neutralized.
The outcome was decided.
The mysterious new MS finally revealed its true form before He Kui.
With four eyes and three pairs of claws on its back, it looked like a machine from another world, unlike any MS style in this world.
Meanwhile, V.V., watching the battle unfold, wore a somber expression, his previously proud demeanor now overshadowed.
His highly anticipated MS, intended to prove himself, had been defeated by He Kui, a rising star.
It was hard for him to accept.
Determined, V.V.'s resolve only strengthened.
If not this time, then next time. The Eurasian Federation, having seen the Atlantic Federation's Gundams, was interested in developing their own MS.
With this foundation, they could soon develop more powerful machines.
Oblivious to V.V.'s frustrations, He Kui relaxed atop his MS.
Despite the battle ending quickly, it had drained him mentally.
Including the impromptu system modification.
Without his advanced information engineering skills and Sulei's help, it wouldn't have been possible in such a short time.
"Congratulations, Director He."
The opponent MS's pilot communicated via laser transmission.
"Your skills are impressive. If you were more familiar with your MS, I'd be in trouble."
"Thank you for the compliment. I'm Courtney Hieronymus, a future test pilot for the Integrated Design Bureau."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Hieronymus."
As their conversation ended, the neutron jammer deactivated, and Erin's voice came through the communication.
"Congratulations, Director He."
"With no danger."
"It looked like a sure win. Come back, those two girls are waiting for you."
Erin teased before ending the call.
Upon returning to May City, He Kui was greeted with cheers from the Helan Design Bureau.
After all, He Kui had secured this bid for them.
It was a tangible benefit, and a good impression wasn't unwarranted.
"Director He, I knew you'd win!"
"Director He, your piloting skills are remarkable, not unlike an elite."
With everyone in the design bureau singing his praises, He Kui maintained a modest smile.
"Congratulations."
Sulei, giving He Kui a sidelong glance, then stood on tiptoe to whisper in his ear.
"You're done with work, right? When are you coming over? We could do something else?"
Her gentle tone suggested something to He Kui.
"I bought new socks~ white ones~"
Alright, it was definitely a hint.
"Soon."
He Kui replied with a slightly raised corner of his mouth, maintaining a righteous demeanor.
"Hmph, but not too soon. I need to catch up on sleep; making that system was exhausting."
Without saying more, a relaxed Sulei yawned cutely and left.
Elsewhere, Erin found He Kui and brought him to a Helan Design Bureau meeting room, where only two people were seated.
Both were familiar faces to He Kui.
"Councilor Amalfi, Councilor Joule."
He Kui greeted his superiors.
"Director He, can your new MS detect the opponent's location?"
Amalfi, speaking like a kind elder, had a more solemn expression than before.
After the G Project's MS appeared, feeling threatened, this rare neutral party had aligned with the Zala faction.
This meant that when Zala rose to power, dictatorship might become a reality.
For now, it didn't affect He Kui much.
"With difficulty, only by observing slight distortions and light sources."
Prepared, He Kui scanned his wristband over the room's computer, displaying dozens of pages on the new radar.
"So, beyond location, you can't determine size or model?"
Joule pondered before asking.
"Correct."
"But it's enough. The Federation's Mirage Colloid still has energy issues, so they can't make long-lasting stealth MS. This detection system isn't too expensive and can be installed in our border radar systems, right?"
Amalfi was knowledgeable, so He Kui nodded in agreement.
"Your Gates will be developed as the new mass-production model, as proposed with Gates R, Gates Unit 1, and Gates Unit 2. We'll determine the specific delivery quantity later."
After Amalfi's explanation, Joule nodded in satisfaction.
Erin, overhearing, couldn't help but smile.
"Also, keep up with quantum communication and cutting-edge MS development."
"Understood."
Representing Helan Design Bureau, both agreed.
"That'll be all. We hope to hear more good news from you."
After these days, though still tired, the excitement of being home fueled a different energy.
"Can we rest tomorrow?"
Shi He whispered to He Kui, eager to resume what they'd postponed for so long.
"Yes, we can rest for now."
The Lightning Striker Pack was also underway.
In Gates' thruster-connected backpack, he'd hidden a little something.
Removing the thrusters would enable the Lightning Pack.
Though not as convenient as the Striker's pre-combat switch, it worked if he didn't change it.
"Then what are you thinking about?"
Shi He, dissatisfied, watched He Kui. Clearly, they could rest, they were close, she was dressed lightly, yet He Kui seemed distracted.
"Nothing."
"Yes, you are!"
Shi He grabbed He Kui's warm h
and, placing it on her chest, covered only by a thin black lace.
The slightly rough lace deformed under the heat, and the heartbeat in his palm grew more intense.
He Kui smiled and leaned in to capture Shi He's lips.
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