"Uncle Yuri, how about we all have dinner together tonight? My treat."
Although Fred didn't understand the complex meaning behind the other's gaze, he had his own thoughts about this.
This time, he had already demonstrated his value.
If Yuri agreed, it would indirectly acknowledge his status as a junior, increasing the likelihood of him joining Mobile Suit Research.
Thinking this, Fred felt somewhat happier inside, though he maintained an appropriate smile on his face.
On Yuri's end, hearing the form of address, he opened his mouth to say something but was stopped when Nicol grabbed his hand.
The young boy's clear eyes revealed pure sincerity - clearly wanting him to agree, yet hesitant to trouble him.
Yuri sighed inwardly. Actually, even without Nicol's signal, he would have agreed anyway.
Since both senior figures above trusted this person, and he had already clarified their intentions, there was no reason for him to hesitate.
If anything really went wrong, he could always pass the blame.
"Alright, but no need for you to treat. Come to my place."
Having made up his mind, Yuri raised his arm and declared.
"Any alcohol?"
Andrew quickly chimed in from the side.
"No, bring your own."
Yuri shot him an annoyed glance before turning to leave.
"Hey, don't walk so fast!"
Seeing this, Andrew quickly followed.
Watching the lively scene ahead, Fred smiled.
Without realizing it, he had made several friends here.
And it seemed the chance to join Mobile Suit Research was quite high.
Everything was moving in a positive direction.
As they talked, the group arrived at the Hub's elevator, where researchers who had participated in the modification had gathered.
"Mr. Freed!"
Meeting Fred's gaze, Uncle Celui - who had initially seemed somewhat hostile toward him - now stood ramrod straight.
Like a model soldier greeting his commanding officer.
His face was full of excitement.
As for the other researchers behind him, their excitement was no less evident.
They had originally thought Fred was quite capable as a researcher.
But after witnessing Fred's performance in the capital, they realized they hadn't truly understood their superior.
Impressed by their superior's capabilities, they all wanted to approach him, say a few words, and leave a good impression.
"Well, Uncle Celui, I'll be counting on you from now on."
Fred smiled under everyone's gaze.
"What?"
Hearing Fred's words suddenly, Celui widened his eyes.
"Since you've already completed the modification and installation procedure yourselves, naturally you can handle the subsequent modifications as well."
This was something Fred had previously discussed with Yuri.
He didn't want to travel too far from Junius Seven.
And this modification plan would likely cover several important space colonies, such as Sector One of April City and the research institute base in May City.
The process would be too busy, requiring constant travel. While it could improve Mobile Armor control, it would also slow his other progress.
He had already fully mastered the knowledge points for this modification. Continuing further wouldn't add much more knowledge.
As for controlling the Mobile Armor, he could accomplish that here as well.
Simply put, Fred just wanted to stay indoors and keep to himself.
On the other side, Celui, who had just processed the information, now had his eyes shining brightly.
"Fr...Mr. Freed, Representative Amalfi, is this really true?!"
The middle-aged man looked extremely excited.
"Yes, make sure to seize this opportunity properly."
Yuri added.
The fact that Celui had reached his current position naturally demonstrated his capabilities.
However, how he would coordinate the work and make his subordinates listen to him would be another test entirely.
This had nothing to do with Fred.
As for Celui, after receiving the affirmative response, his posture straightened noticeably.
The middle-aged man cleared his throat lightly before speaking seriously.
"I will definitely live up to the trust you and Mr. Freed have placed in me!"
This statement clearly contained some self-aggrandizement.
But Yuri had a stable personality, and being in a good mood, he didn't bother to refute it.
As for Fred, this obviously wasn't his concern anyway.
He never had any intention of building his own faction or anything similar.
This middle-aged man was just a bit worldly, but he wasn't the type to harm others, so Fred didn't have any particular thoughts about him.
At this moment, Fred simply gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
While they were talking, everyone boarded the elevator heading to the colony, leaving only the numerous researchers behind.
"Just what background does that Freed have?"
Watching the departing elevator, several researchers commented.
"He doesn't look very old."
Although masked, it appeared he was still growing.
This was quite extraordinary - not even fully developed yet, but both his research capabilities and combat skills already surpassed theirs.
They had never heard of such a person before.
"Regardless, this young man will definitely be able to lead us Coordinators to rise up."
Celui's somewhat excited words made the researchers' mouths twitch slightly.
It was hard to believe this was the same person who had looked so unconvinced earlier.
But what Celui said wasn't actually wrong.
Setting aside the benefits of knowing such a talented youth, Fred's very existence represented hope for their Coordinators.
Meanwhile, Fred, now in the elevator, remained unaware that he had become the savior for both sides.
He simply lowered his head and took out his tablet.
"What are you looking at?"
Andrew, having finished pestering Yuri, turned to ask Fred.
Perhaps because he was several years younger, this Andrew was far more... lively than Fred remembered.
Thinking this, Fred raised his head.
"Agricultural research data. Recent experiments seem to have hit a bottleneck."
Fred explained simply.
"Bottleneck?"
Fred's words immediately caught everyone's attention.
"But it's not a major problem."
Fred shrugged.
The only reason he was looking at this was because he wanted to become stronger as quickly as possible.
However, his words and actions carried different meanings in others' eyes.
To Yuri and the others, Fred was dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the Coordinators' cause.
After all, in PLANT, many Coordinators Fred's age weren't nearly this diligent.
It would be false to say they weren't moved.
Thinking this, Yuri sighed and patted Fred's shoulder.
"Take care of yourself."
"Okay?"
Though unsure of the specific circumstances behind the other's concern, Fred maintained his humble smile.
"You're really something."
Andrew also sighed nearby. While he felt reassured about the other person, more confusion surfaced in his heart.
What was he striving for?
He truly couldn't understand.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "TLGod" on Patreon!"
Thanks!