Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

[You gifted Sule a present, Information Engineering +30]

[Sule Favorability 93]

[Experience Bonus 5]

[Information Engineering B-level: (1308/10000)]

As He Kui discreetly closed the virtual panel in front of Sule, he let out a satisfied sigh.

His Information Engineering skill had finally leveled up. While the gap between B-level and A-level was significant, reaching both levels would allow him to take on more responsibilities, earn more money, and create more precise Haros and models. Whether gifting them or selling them, it would be quite profitable, especially since these items required no additional cost—just the ability to fully utilize the processors.

Although it felt like a lot of time had passed, it had only been about half a month.

However, during this time, PLANT had also been making significant moves, preparing for the World Tree offensive and defensive battle.

The World Tree was a space station located between the Earth and the Moon, positioned at the L1 Lagrange point. It served as a bridgehead for the Earth Alliance's operations towards the lunar base.

The purpose of this battle was to test the effectiveness of the neutron jammers and attempt to completely sever the Earth Alliance's dominance in space.

He Kui wasn't sure how the battle would unfold; after all, the story didn't include the World Tree space station, so he had little faith in this operation. However, the neutron jammer was likely going to be effective.

In a battlefield filled with neutron jammers, the side that possessed superior intelligence-gathering and processing capability would gain the upper hand, which was precisely the strength of Coordinators who based their identity on technology.

Unfortunately, it seemed the Atlantic Federation had also learned about the neutron jammers through some channels, and espionage activities targeting PLANT had increased, especially in He Kui's department. The development of high-precision radar was a crucial aspect of modern information warfare.

"What's wrong? You seem lost in thought."

After evaluating the model in front of her, Sule noticed He Kui's satisfied expression and felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Nothing."

He quickly wiped the smile off his face and returned to a neutral expression.

"Good. By the way, for the World Tree offensive battle, we need a batch of personnel to collect data on the reconnaissance GINNs from the rear."

Sule said as she placed the model aside and began scrolling through her screen.

"Uh? That doesn't sound like it's for me."

He was joking. After all, the outside was a battlefield. As he mentioned earlier, He Kui had no idea how things would turn out. If the entire force was wiped out, he could very well meet his end.

"Too late; I've already confirmed your name on the list."

The atmosphere in the office turned icy as no one spoke. He Kui stared blankly at Sule.

"It's just to collect data on the practical applications of the reconnaissance GINNs from the rear and to liaise with researchers on the neutron jammer. There's no danger involved."

Sule furrowed her brows, but then remembered what He Kui had said about his sister. She softened her tone to reassure him.

"Do I really have to go?"

"Your Information Engineering is rated B-level now, right? Plus, you're very familiar with the capabilities of the reconnaissance GINNs. Among all the assistants in the department, you're the most suitable one."

"What if they think I'm a spy?"

He wasn't a second-generation Coordinator born and raised in PLANT, so there was still some discrimination against him. Although he hadn't revealed his first-generation status to anyone, it was impossible to hide that from the PLANT government. Just like Naturals discriminated against Coordinators, Coordinators harbored little affection for Naturals. Especially after recent events, it had become common for people to blame first-generation Coordinators' parents.

"Are you one? A spy wouldn't be making money doing this sort of thing every day, and they have their ways of verifying your innocence. Since they've activated you, it means they trust you, at least for now."

With her chin resting in her hand, Sule poked at the model in front of her, resembling a little girl playing with a toy.

At that moment, He Kui recalled the colleague who had asked him if he was short on money, the one who had mentioned Kazama's model. That person had also gone missing recently.

If that individual wasn't a spy, could they have been used to test his loyalty?

"It seems like you've figured something out~"

Sule's lips curled into a slight smile.

"I haven't figured anything out."

He would never admit that. Who knew what else awaited him?

"In that regard, He Kui, you're quite smart."

"Thanks."

He Kui replied sullenly.

"Anyway, regardless of whether you figured it out or not, the list is confirmed. Get ready to go back."

Even with Sule's high favorability, she was still his superior. He was not a mesmerizing demon; if he resisted, his favorability would likely drop, and he would probably still have to go in the end. There was no choice; He Kui could only agree.

"Why is today's meal so lavish?"

As Shi He entered, her eyes widened at the array of colorful dishes. This was the most extravagant meal they'd had in a month.

"He Kui, I'm going to the World Tree as a data collector."

He Kui smiled brightly.

"That's still dangerous, but the rear should be okay. Just be careful."

Seeing the worry on Shi He's face, He Kui's smile remained unchanged, though he felt a pang of reluctance. Her reaction was understandable; on the battlefield, his ability to protect himself would be nearly zero.

"I understand."

"But I'm so proud of you, He Kui."

After absorbing the news, Shi He's pretty face finally began to regain some color, her worried gaze gradually transforming into admiration.

"To be able to step onto the battlefield as a researcher and help PLANT, to see your weapon save more lives, I envy you."

To her, it was indeed an honor to be a researcher going to the battlefield. Perhaps the swift resolution of his espionage suspicions was also due to Shi He's strong standing.

"So, He Kui, go with your head held high!"

Her expression grew more animated with excitement.

"…Thanks."

While He Kui didn't feel particularly passionate about PLANT, Shi He's enthusiastic words stirred his emotions a bit.

"Actually, I applied for this too before, but I didn't get accepted. Otherwise, we could have gone together this time."

Shi He said with regret.

"Is that so?"

Of course, it was impossible for her to have passed. The miniaturization of the beam weapon still only resulted in soft kills; they couldn't possibly send troops with a small beam gun that only incapacitated monitors.

"Yeah, so I can only wait for you to come back. You must come back safe."

Shi He stepped a little closer to He Kui, standing on her tiptoes as her lips brushed against his for a brief moment, as if the warmth on her lips was merely an illusion.

"And this is for you."

She blushed, holding out the necklace that had been hanging from her fair neck.

It was oval-shaped, with a deep blue body carved into a pure white swan.

"This is your talisman, right?"

"Yeah, just temporarily lending it to you~"

As Shi He raised her brown hair, she unfastened the necklace from the nape of her neck.

The necklace He Kui received still held the warmth of its previous owner, a gentle heat radiating into his palm.

"Thank you."

Though it felt a bit like a flag, He Kui accepted it nonetheless.