"It should be ready in about three months. Start by building the prototype of the Propulsion Unit."
"Sync the process to my computer."
"Yes!"
On the other end of the screen, the young man bowed respectfully upon hearing Fred's words before ending the communication channel.
"Barry, is that person really reliable? He can produce a prototype of the High Mobility Type so quickly...?"
After Fred ended the call, in a hidden factory within an asteroid belt, a young man in a white lab coat asked the middle-aged man with a kind and honest face standing before him, his expression filled with concern.
That middle-aged man was the researcher who had just communicated with Fred.
"It's not a complete Prototype Unit, just the back-mounted Propulsion Unit," the middle-aged man shook his head.
"But he seems far too young."
Although they didn't know Fred's identity, judging from the corners of his mouth visible beneath the mask, he couldn't be described as old.
"You don't know?" the middle-aged man looked up in surprise and continued, "He's one of the main developers of the GINN."
"What?!" The young man's face showed astonishment.
"But, PLANT..." The young man started but then paused.
The middle-aged man picked up the conversation, "They haven't explicitly stated it."
"But why?" The young man's question carried multiple meanings.
Why would such a person come here?
Why had he already developed the GINN at such a young age?
Why would PLANT conceal this?
"Hmm... why indeed," the middle-aged man mused. "That's not something we can know. All we can do is follow orders. The path of the Clyne Faction will surely lead us Coordinators to prosperity and strength!"
As he spoke, a gleam shone in his eyes, appearing incredibly resolute.
The young man nodded in agreement.
If what the middle-aged man said was true, then with his abilities, he was indeed qualified to lead them.
It was just that their young leader seemed rather aloof, as if his connection with them was purely professional.
Of course, if the middle-aged man's words were accurate, then he was likely a reclusive genius, which was different from an ordinary cold leader.
It was already remarkable that he didn't let his talent make him arrogant.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the recent events hadn't left much of an impression on Fred. He simply lowered his gaze and continued focusing on the plans before him.
The year 68 had just begun. Although Mendel had been temporarily saved, there was still the matter in South America to resolve.
Not to mention that after 69, the conflicts would only intensify.
Judging from the current situation between the two sides, there was simply no way he could prevent it.
Fortunately, things hadn't deviated too far from the original plot so far.
At least, that was the case for the major events that would shape the world's landscape.
Moreover, Creuset, the final boss, was already dead. Durandal couldn't stir up much trouble for now, and Rey wasn't causing him any headaches either.
The first step was to initiate the plan in South America, and Copernicus needed arrangements too.
In South America, a cargo ship would be attacked due to a trade agreement.
He couldn't stop them all, but he could use their own force against them.
Fred's fingers slid across the screen, and the design diagram of the High Mobility GINN in front of him switched to a dense array of data.
There was information on South America, potential trade routes between the two sides, as well as the domestic situations of the Atlantic Federation and South America, among other things.
He estimated he had less than half a year left, and he needed to refine these plans as quickly as possible.
After another year, his various abilities would grow even stronger, giving him a greater chance of success.
As long as he continued to lay low, sooner or later, he would tear this place apart!
"Brother, time to cook!"
Athrun's voice came through the Terminal, causing Fred to pause. Come to think of it, today was the day for their gathering.
This so-called gathering was also Lacus's idea.
She said it was to strengthen their bonds.
Fred enjoyed lively gatherings too, so he didn't mind.
"Coming."
After saying this, Fred walked out.
The living room was bustling with activity at the moment. When the three of them saw Fred come out, they all raised their hands in a synchronized greeting.
After spending these years together, their relationship was no longer just that of teacher and students.
At least outside of class, they felt more like ordinary friends.
As for Lacus, it was even more so. When she saw Fred come out, she merely gave him a glance before turning back to continue chatting with Flay.
"I'll help too."
The first to stand up upon seeing Fred was Nicol, his smile as angelic as ever.
Too many people in the kitchen would only lead to chaos. According to their unspoken agreement, today it was Nicol's turn to help.
"Alright, thanks."
Fred responded with a gentle smile.
Come to think of it, thanks to them, his cooking skills had been steadily improving. Today, he felt he was on the verge of a breakthrough.
But Fred didn't dwell on it too much. After all, what kind of skill could unlocking cooking possibly bring?
In any case, it wouldn't hurt to have it, and he wouldn't be disappointed if it turned out useless.
At the very least, making progress and unlocking skills was a good thing.
With a hint of curiosity in his heart and steps slightly quicker than usual, Fred soon arrived in the kitchen and began his familiar tasks.
"Brother Freed is really amazing. He can do everything."
As always, watching Fred's knife skills, Nicol couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"It's nothing special."
"How is this nothing special?"
Nicol widened his eyes.
With knife skills like these, if used for cutting people...
He'd probably be stronger than all of them.
After all, what they learned was martial arts, not this kind of knife work.
In his eyes, Fred was practically a god—capable of everything and excelling at it all.
Of course, if he knew Fred was a Natural, he would likely be even more astonished.
"Is that so?"
Fred chuckled in response to Nicol's adoring gaze.
This little angel really did remind him a bit of Kira.
He hoped that after changing the outcome this time, the two of them could sit down and chat as friends in the future.
This wasn't some sudden bout of melancholy. After all, Nicol was his student, and if he, as a teacher, stood by and did nothing, he feared he wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
Lost in thought, Fred couldn't help but pat Nicol on the head.
"Brother, you didn't wash your hands..."
Nicol looked at the cleaver in the other's hand and dared not resist, only meekly enduring the damp palm on his head, dryly saying,
"Haha, sorry, sorry."
"But Nicol has really grown a lot."
"Well, we all have been growing."
Nicol gave a youthful laugh.
"That's true."
As they chatted, Fred withdrew his hand from the other's head and quickened his movements.
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