NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Chapter 8: You Really Like Miss Lacus, Don't You?
"Lacus, there's a peculiar message attached to one of the gifts."
In the luxurious mansion located in the PLANT area, a staff member spoke respectfully to the girl in front of him.
"What message?"
The girl, with her soft and smooth pink hair, looked ethereal, resembling an untouchable fairy.
"From June City Seven, it mentions nuclear weapons."
The staff continued.
"Nuclear weapons..."
The girl's brow furrowed slightly.
"Can we trace the source?"
"I'm sorry; it was too chaotic at the time."
"It's alright. What about the creator?"
"Yes, the creator has been temporarily identified as an ordinary first-generation Coordinator. It seems they are not directly involved."
"I understand. Thank you for your report."
"No, Miss Lacus, it's my duty!"
The staff member blushed at her kind words and hurriedly disconnected the communication.
After hanging up, Lacus's smile gradually faded, replaced by a serious expression.
There were spies deliberately threatening them, or perhaps someone was trying to warn them.
June City Seven was one of the trial agricultural satellites, but it wasn't the only one. Why was the source of information pinpointed there?
Could it be that besides the Alliance, there was a third party involved—Orb, perhaps? Or maybe one of the other two Earth Alliance nations?
Regardless, she needed to inform her father about this.
Meanwhile, as Valentine's Day approached, He Kui was increasingly anxious, to the point where he could hardly eat or sleep.
Even his usual speed in making Haros had slowed down.
Although life had improved slightly, the uncertainty of war loomed over him. If a conflict broke out, they would be compelled to act.
"He Kui, is something bothering you?"
Shi He asked softly, noticing He Kui's distracted demeanor during lunch.
"No, I was just wondering, are your parents working in February City?"
"Yes."
Shi He explained that both her parents were first-generation Coordinators and worked as molecular biology researchers in February City, earning a good income.
"What about your parents?"
"They recently took a break in October City."
Previously, they had lived on Julius 6, but as Valentine's Day approached, He Kui had sent them some money, suggesting they wait until the situation in June City settled down before returning.
"We should all meet up someday."
Shi He said, her cheeks slightly pink.
"Sure."
However, with the recent turmoil, inter-city transportation had become somewhat difficult, so that was on hold.
"Shi He, are you afraid of war?"
"I wouldn't say I'm afraid. If it's unavoidable, at least we need to protect PLANT and... the important people."
Shi He thought for a moment before speaking seriously.
"Yeah, I feel the same."
He Kui wanted to protect those important to him. Although his abilities were improving, he still felt like his skills in piloting mobile suits were only at the Green level. His micro-manufacturing skills were related to crafting Haros, which had little to do with piloting. His skills would at least allow him to operate a suit more stably.
If possible, he wanted to continue surviving, at least until he had enough strength to protect himself when necessary.
With those thoughts in mind, He Kui glanced at the panel in front of him.
[Micro Component Processing B-level: (1023/10000)]
He had quietly advanced to B-level. If he went for a rating now, he could receive a 5,000 credit bonus, which would allow him to buy more materials after cutting back on his meals. However, recently the prices of parts had surged. With strict customs checks, the price of second-hand Haro materials had risen to seventy credits, while second-hand bomb-proof shield materials were going for one hundred twenty. He would need to sell his Haros for at least four hundred credits. Compared to the previous world, these high-tech materials were still considered cheap.
The next day, armed with a freshly crafted Haro and a costly cucumber salad in a sealed container, He Kui arrived at the research department before work.
"He Kui, you're here!"
Thanks to He Kui's talent, many people greeted him with smiles, appearing quite friendly.
"Good morning, everyone."
He politely returned their greetings as he made his way to Sule's office.
"You're here already? What's that smell?"
As He Kui entered the room, Sule immediately noticed the tangy aroma of the salad.
"Cucumber salad~"
He Kui opened the container, and the rich scent filled the room.
[You gifted Sule a present, Information Engineering +1]
[Sule Favorability 75]
[Experience Bonus 3]
[Information Engineering D-level: (428/500)]
He Kui felt a rush of satisfaction upon seeing Sule's delighted expression, knowing he had chosen the right gift.
But did sending a dish really earn so many points?
While the increase in ability points wasn't significant, He Kui was still very pleased with the effect.
"Um, since you're here, let me see the Haro."
Sule seemed to recover from her initial surprise and, realizing her earlier behavior, blushed slightly as she set the salad aside and adopted a serious demeanor.
"Sure."
Without further ado, He Kui handed the Haro over.
[You gifted Sule a present, Information Engineering +10]
[Sule Favorability 80]
[Experience Bonus 4]
[Information Engineering D-level: (468/500)]
It looked like if he gifted her another one, he would reach C-level. He was quite satisfied with this pace. As for the additional increase in favorability, He Kui speculated it was due to his recent promotion to B-level.
"You really have reached B-level."
Sule examined the Haro with growing astonishment. He Kui's performance was unlike that of a typical Coordinator. For those with talent, reaching B-level or even A-level could happen quickly with minimal effort, like her. However, He Kui was improving at a rate far beyond normal yet still slower than most Coordinators.
"You can go for your rating now, and I'll help you apply to join my department. That's fine, right?"
"No, there's just one request I have."
He Kui had already discussed his plans with Shi He ahead of time. He knew it would take a long time for his micro-manufacturing skills to reach A-level. In the meantime, it would be best to upgrade his Information Engineering skills to match. This way, he wouldn't be limited to making just Haros; he could develop even more advanced items.
"What is it? If it's within my authority, I can agree."
Glancing at the container of cucumber salad, Sule's demeanor softened.
"I'd like the basic design blueprints for radar."
"For the GINN? That's classified information; you understand, right?"
"I only need the civilian-grade designs."
"You want to create something yourself?"
Sule raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"Yes, to integrate into the Haros."
"You really like Miss Lacus, don't you? That's alright; just make sure to show me what you create."
"...Okay."
Though He Kui didn't understand why making a Haro was tied to his admiration for Lacus, he didn't dwell on such trivial matters.