Soon after discussing the backpack matter with Luo, He Kui turned his attention to the underground base before him.
"My materials have arrived, and this is my basic design for the underground base."
He Kui placed the design plans in front of Luo.
"Are we mainly strengthening solid defensive structures? Is there no issue with the system's security?" Luo asked.
"No problem, I can handle the system's security on my own."
"However, I will need your help with the defense reinforcement work."
Luo's Red Astray was custom-built for this purpose.
Its body was smaller than the typical Dagger series mechs, allowing it to easily enter and exit the base for maintenance.
With Luo around, the progress of the base would speed up significantly.
"That's fine."
Not worried about He Kui defaulting on his promise, Luo simply agreed and went off to work on the trees.
"Aegis, what are you looking at?"
Noticing He Kui's dazed gaze as he watched Luo's retreating figure, Ailina quickly asked.
"Ailina, I don't like men."
He Kui replied helplessly, seeing Ailina's suspicious look as if guarding against a thief.
"I just think it's great to be able to do what you love."
Luo was truly a pure-hearted protagonist, filled with enthusiasm for machinery.
If all went well, a beautiful ending awaited him on the road ahead.
Although He Kui had no idea what that ending would be.
"Does Aegis not like his current job?"
"Well, it's okay. I prefer not working."
"Me too!"
Seeing Ailina's innocent expression as if they were truly fated, He Kui couldn't help but chuckle.
Of course, who wouldn't feel that way? He wasn't the protagonist.
If he were dressed like someone from the Klein family, he would probably just lie back and watch the show.
Why bother trying? The protagonist would handle everything.
The changes he made were merely for self-preservation.
"By the way, I've tidied up my room~"
Although Ailina didn't say it outright, the invitation in her tone was quite clear.
"Ailina, do you like girls?"
"I don't."
Upon hearing He Kui's question, Ailina shook her head.
"I like Aegis."
Ailina's gaze was very firm.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, so Aegis! Can I kiss you?"
"Not right now."
He Kui smiled wryly; Aegis was just a robot.
He couldn't achieve 100% realism, and there was no need for it in the mouth either.
So although he had a mouth, the internal structure was quite rigid.
It couldn't be seen by anyone.
Moreover, he felt it was strange to have a robot kiss Ailina.
"If, if South America can stabilize, will you come with me to space?"
For the first time, He Kui, upon hearing the girl's childish words, took the initiative to hug her. Although there was no sensation, his tone remained gentle.
".Okay!"
"Don't you want to ask where we're going?"
"Because it's Aegis, there's no need to ask~!"
"Thank you."
He gently patted the girl's head, and a small part of He Kui's attention returned to Orb.
At that moment, the streets of Orb were filled with pedestrians wearing worried expressions due to the previous news.
Most of the natural citizens in Orb were already indifferent to Coordinators.
Now, with this incident, the conflict between natural citizens and Coordinators was quietly escalating.
There was still a long way to go for coexistence.
He didn't know how things were going on Lacus's side.
However, as a technical advisor, he might still receive some useful information regarding combat.
But for matters of internal politics, which he didn't need to guide, no one would ask him.
Everyone had their own duties, which was quite normal.
As a researcher, He Kui wouldn't have anyone rushing to inform him about Orb's national conditions.
Unless he sought to understand it himself.
He Kui wandered aimlessly along the streets of Orb Town, and after learning about the recent turbulent public sentiment, he connected to the little bird beside Flay.
At that moment, Flay was taking a bath, the mist swirling around her body, unable to conceal her smooth, fair skin.
Her red hair flowed down her back, looking very soft.
"."
The little bird was set to follow automatically, so it wouldn't stop just because Flay was bathing.
After admiring the beautiful scene for a while, Flay was urged by a sudden ringing phone to grab a towel.
"Hello, Dad?"
Flay hurried out of the bathroom, already wrapped in a towel.
"Flay, are you still at school?"
Her father's voice revealed obvious anxiety.
Hearing this, He Kui raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
Flay felt a bit panicked upon hearing her father's tone.
"You're not running around, are you?"
"No."
"That's good. I've arranged a flight for you in a week; come back."
He Kui rubbed his temples, feeling a headache. He hadn't expected the Atlantic Federation to be so anxious, not even willing to wait a month.
A flight in a week meant her father certainly wouldn't let her return before an attack occurred, considering the preparation time for the Atlantic Federation.
This meant the attack could happen in two weeks.
But is that really the case? How could the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs know the timing of the Atlantic Federation's attack?
Although the Deputy Minister was indeed a high-ranking official, he was a civilian.
What did military actions have to do with him?
It couldn't be because he had a daughter there, so they humanely informed him in advance, right?
Would the Atlantic Federation do something so anthropomorphic? And wouldn't George's actions be like alerting the enemy?
He Kui had doubts about this.
"Dad? Is something happening?"
While He Kui was pondering, Flay asked on the other end.
She wasn't foolish, especially after her experience with the Archangel.
If her father spoke like this, something significant must be happening.
"Is the Federation going to attack Orb?"
".Just listen to me."
Flay's father said earnestly.
"Okay."
Not knowing what she was thinking, Flay ultimately agreed.
Watching the gloomy Flay, He Kui had other speculations about the timing of their attack.
If this news was a feint, then the Atlantic Federation might have launched an attack earlier, that is, within a week?
Thinking this, He Kui exited the little bird's control, piloted Aegis back to the GAT-X cockpit, and left the radar room.
Carrying the small mechanical flower pot he had just made, He Kui arrived outside his office.
He was greeted by the sight of Meiling, who was interacting with the Haro he had sent her, seemingly unaware of his presence.
"Slacking off during work hours will get you penalized."
Startled by He Kui's voice, Meiling jumped, and the Haro was thrown up by the girl, landing heavily on the ground.
"If it breaks, Meiling will have to compensate."
This Haro had no anti-fall measures, but a fall like that wouldn't cause any damage.
However, He Kui's words were a bit exaggerated.