"Mmm..."
Patrick acknowledged Fred's address with a nasal response.
At least he'd heard that Fred still addressed Siegel as Councilor.
People often find satisfaction through comparison.
It might seem somewhat petty, yet it's universally true.
Even Patrick wasn't immune to this tendency.
Seeing the two getting along well, Lenore's lips curved into a gentle smile.
"You two chat, I'll go prepare dinner."
"And Fred, you should stay for dinner today. I'll let Heather know."
Lenore said affectionately.
"Alright~"
Fred smoothly agreed.
Watching this, Patrick felt somewhat speechless. It seemed their two families were growing increasingly close - excluding him, making him feel like he was being pushed out of his own family.
As they spoke, the two soon arrived at Zala's study.
The study was an ordinary one, filled with books that clearly had electronic versions but were kept as decorations.
The brown wooden bookshelves looked obviously expensive.
"Let's keep this brief."
Patrick said, activating the screen before them.
Immediately, various documents appeared on display.
However, these weren't MS data as Fred had expected, but rather sketches of various battleships.
From cosmic dynamics to thruster architecture, power reactor structures, and energy solutions.
They appeared to consist of numerous drafts, far from reaching mass production capability.
"Can you understand this?"
Without giving Fred much time, Patrick asked.
"...Yes."
"These are documents for a new type of battleship."
Fred said slowly. Though not about MS, one of the sketches he'd just seen appeared to be a Laurasia-class design.
With the Nazca-class not yet developed, Fred already had an idea of what the other party wanted him to research.
It seemed to be research for a new generation, or rather, the first generation of battleships.
He wasn't too disappointed that it wasn't about MS.
The knowledge from current battleship research wasn't useless to him either.
Just from the documents he'd seen, the knowledge gained through cross-referencing had already allowed his structural engineering to achieve a breakthrough.
Moreover, now that he was part of the project, it wouldn't be difficult to ask for some MS data after completing this research or when other opportunities arose.
While thinking, Fred answered Patrick's questions while occasionally glancing at the text lines, his improved values, and unlocked abilities.
His knowledge had just received a boost through lateral thinking, which should be sufficient for an upgrade.
[Structural Engineering +0.06]
[Structural Engineering (Beginner) 100/100]
[Structural Engineering - Proficient↑]
[Reward: Structural Durability Analysis]
"What?"
Fred was somewhat bewildered seeing this skill.
His mind quickly worked through it - if he wasn't mistaken, this skill was similar to the agricultural one, allowing him to see the durability of various structures?
Though it didn't provide as much detailed data as the agricultural skill, overall, durability's function was equally important.
It was essentially the health bar for mobile suits.
One must understand that real battlefield combat differs from games - there are no health bars.
While this might seem like a minor difference, the difficulty increases dramatically.
Whether in mindset or tactics, being able to see health bars gave him a tremendous advantage.
Thinking this, Fred held his breath and focused his gaze on the professional desktop computer before him.
[AT364 Desktop Computer Durability 93/100]
Just as expected...
Realizing his skill might work on any structure, Fred's lips curved upward slightly.
This meant the skill would be effective whether in mobile armor combat, MS combat, or even battleship or fortress warfare.
Though it might not seem particularly remarkable, for someone whose combat style inherently leaned toward gathering various types of information and exploiting every possible advantage to defeat opponents, this was an excellent ability.
The existence of durability values would undoubtedly make his calculations faster and his results more reliable.
"Fred, would you be willing to join our project?"
Patrick looked at Fred, whose expression remained unreadable and gave no hint of his thoughts.
His own expression was serious.
To restore balance to the world.
"May I ask what my responsibilities would be?"
Fred snapped back to attention and asked cautiously. Since he wouldn't be handling MS units, what part of the battleship would he be responsible for? Most likely the engine.
Of course, it was better to ask directly—being presumptuous at such times wasn't wise.
"Research on the main thruster for the new battleship."
Patrick nodded with satisfaction at Fred's cautious approach.
"We're very impressed with your previous engine modifications for transport ships and the capabilities you demonstrated with temporary modifications to work pods."
"We hope you can fully utilize your expertise."
"Understood."
A Laurasia-class was still a Laurasia-class.
After all, even the Meteor used battleship engines.
He would eventually get to participate in MS research.
For now, since Patrick didn't mention it, it wasn't appropriate to ask.
He would just have to be patient.
First, he would thoroughly master the Laurasia-class engine and acquire that knowledge.
With that thought, the lingering regret in Fred's heart faded away.
His skill was already unlocked, but he could still grow stronger.
"Mhm."
"I'll send you the specific research materials later, including the research direction and current progress."
"Alright."
Hearing Fred's agreement, Patrick nodded with satisfaction.
Though he was somewhat surprised that the usually reserved Fred seemed unable to contain his excitement.
But it wasn't a major issue.
In fact, quite the opposite.
Fred's apparent inability to suppress his excitement put Patrick somewhat at ease.
If he could remain completely calm in this situation, that would actually be concerning.
Moreover, it precisely demonstrated Fred's genuine investment in their cause.
"However, I have one small request.Fred had already regained control over his momentarily out-of-control emotions.
He spoke calmly.
"What request?"
At this, Patrick's eyes lifted slightly, his sharp eyebrows rising with an imposing aura.
"I want to lead one of the research teams, and I want to work remotely—from Julius."
Fred's response gave Patrick pause.
He could understand the latter part about not wanting to leave.
After all, Fred was clearly very attached to his family.
But the first condition from the young man gave him some pause.
Power? That's not entirely out of the question, as long as it remains under my control.
Besides, if Fred wants authority, it's only because I grant it to him.
I can take it back at any time.
There's no major issue here.
However, when it comes to a research team, both the number of people and their arrangements pose problems.
But judging by his confident demeanor, perhaps having him compete with the main research group could unlock even greater potential.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "TLGod" on Patreon!"
Thanks!