Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"The quantum virus didn't successfully infiltrate?" Durandal questioned, still meeting with his old friend in their usual spot. But this time, there was no chessboard between them.

"According to Luchini, it was perfectly defended against."

"What did the Defense Council have to say?"

"From the looks of it, they're unaware that it was a quantum virus or that He Kui managed to fend it off," Creuset replied with an intrigued smile.

"Did it yield any useful information?" Durandal asked.

"Not yet. They haven't made any significant moves."

If this were indeed the same organization, they should have recognized the virus' signature from previous encounters, meaning they'd realize it was Creuset behind the attack. Yet, their reaction had been strangely indifferent. It was also possible the Defense Council knew about the quantum firewall but chose not to disclose it. However, that seemed unlikely, as it would require a level of secrecy beyond even his clearance.

"So, He Kui may indeed be hiding something."

"And what's your plan?"

"Luna has a close relationship with He Kui," Creuset said thoughtfully.

Beyond the three women who resided at his base, Luna was likely the next closest person to him. Creuset didn't elaborate further, his smile turning a shade colder as he picked up a nearly full vial from the table.

"What if he truly is a member of 'Palas'?"

"We'll need intel on Palas. But until nano-tech development reaches completion, he's too valuable to kill."

With that, Creuset exited the dimly lit room.

Meanwhile, on the asteroid base, He Kui finished demonstrating the installation method to Heinrich. The young genius proved himself, mastering the procedures and troubleshooting within half a day, though He Kui noticed a shift. The confidence that once bordered on arrogance had been replaced by a focus and respect for He Kui's expertise. He Kui noted that Heinrich, now seeing him up close, was likely reassessing his earlier attitude.

"Alright, that's enough for today. You can freely use the equipment here," He Kui said.

"As quickly as that?" Heinrich asked.

"Tomorrow, you'll be fully trained. After that, you can reach out remotely if you need help."

"Yes, sir." Heinrich suspected He Kui was working on a confidential project, so he didn't press further. After excusing himself, He Kui returned to the residential area.

Up to this point, he had successfully countered Creuset's moves. But he knew that he would still remain a target. According to Matthias, Creuset was likely preparing to head to the Moon. Should Creuset attempt to deploy the virus there, he might need to follow along for closer monitoring, though his quantum firewall couldn't be exposed openly.

With these preparations in mind, He Kui relaxed a bit. Although repelling the quantum virus had been easy, the aftermath and the tactical shifts it triggered posed the real challenge.

After a much-needed rest, He Kui logged back into the South American command. The humidity was as oppressive as ever, though he observed it only through his sensors.

He opened the hatch to find Elina waiting outside, accompanied by the stoic Hercules.

"A! Finally! You were gone forever!" Elina teased, climbing into the cockpit and sitting on his lap.

"Sorry, I was refining some system adjustments. Why didn't you just contact me?"

"I didn't want to disturb you."

He Kui chuckled, ruffling her brown hair, admiring the way her hair caught the light, even though he couldn't truly feel its texture.

"Are we moving out?"

"Yes, we leave in an hour."

"Understood." With that, He Kui was ready to depart. South America was vast, and though they were swift in their movements, caution was necessary—especially with the threat of an enemy mobile suit similar to Blitz.

"Elina, are you just going to sit here all day?" He Kui chuckled, patting her gently on her lower back. Realizing the implication, Elina's cheeks flushed, as did He Kui's, realizing his actions had become more relaxed after sharing many such moments recently.

"All right, time to go," he said, smiling.

"Okay," Elina murmured, quickly glancing at Hercules, who had been watching quietly. "Hercules! You saw nothing!"

"Understood," he responded calmly, bringing an end to her embarrassment.

After exiting the mobile suit, He Kui turned to the two. "So, how did your practice go?"

"It went well. Your squad got tossed around a few times by Hercules, though."

"I didn't injure them," Hercules noted solemnly.

"Noted," He Kui replied, noticing the stoic man's respectful demeanor.

The three headed to Edward's command tent.

"Edward, are we moving out?"

"Yes, we've been here long enough. Sorry for troubling you to come all this way."

"No trouble. Elina is clearly happy as well." Edward glanced over, his gaze warm as it settled on her.

"Yes!" Elina's eyes lit up.

"What's going on?" He Kui asked, feeling slightly out of the loop.

"Elina has family in Manaus City," Edward explained.

Their next destination, Manaus City, was a significant industrial city surrounded by the Amazon rainforest. Located on the banks of the Amazon River, it played a crucial role in the region's electronics and defense production lines.

"Is that area under our control?"

"Yes, our forces have already established defensive positions around the city, with three flanks bordered by the Amazon Forest. Most civilians there support us," Edward confirmed.

"What about the Amazon River?" He Kui asked. The river cut through the heart of the city, providing a potential entry point for the Atlantic Federation, especially if they tried a sneak attack using Forbidden-class mobile suits.

"A's insight is keen, as always," Edward remarked with a wry smile, nodding at White Whale. "We're heading there primarily to secure our hold against a potential Federation strike. We need to be ready for battle."

"Understood." Elina's expression mirr

ored their seriousness. The path ahead, for both He Kui and his comrades, was filled with challenges.