With one matter concluded, Fred's life briefly returned to calm.
However, this tranquility didn't last long. After just three days, Fred brought Athrun, Yzak, and the others to Port 2 of Junius 7.
Generally, this type of space colony had two ports extending from the central nexus through reinforced steel cables.
They were located on opposite sides of the colony's center.
Of course, this was just the general layout - each port had its own maintenance ports, hidden ports, merchant ship ports, and so on.
Fred had brought everyone to a maintenance port.
There weren't many people here - or rather, they were the only ones present.
As a space colony capable of automated maintenance, the technological level here far surpassed that of Copernicus from decades ago.
Naturally, it required very little manpower.
This also provided Fred and the others with a safe teaching space.
"For your first lesson, observe my movements first."
After speaking, Fred turned his gaze toward Yzak.
"Is that alright?"
"Of course!"
Yzak had already composed himself, his eyes bright and shining, appearing to have regained his fighting spirit.
"Good, let's begin then."
"Alright!"
Amid the voices of the children, Patrick quietly appeared at the central nexus.
He had just finished inspecting this hub that looked the same on the outside but was completely renewed internally, his eyes still carrying a sense of amazement.
Fred was truly remarkable - even for this first-time task, he handled it with such ease and familiarity.
"Councilor Zala..."
Yuri nearby looked somewhat nervous as he faced this man.
After all, the other wasn't his direct superior, and facing such an important figure made him feel considerable pressure.
However, the fact that the other had come personally showed how much he valued Fred.
Of course, it might also simply be a parent coming to observe the teaching quality.
As Yuri thought this, Patrick quickly pulled up the surveillance feed from the external port.
On the screen, Fred was performing maintenance at an extraordinary speed...
Beside him followed a work pod moving at a slightly slower pace.
Though slower, it was still considerably faster than most maintenance personnel.
At the very least, for a young child, this was quite impressive.
Given time, he would certainly become a powerful warrior.
Of course, Fred was even more extraordinary.
"Prepare the research center in May City and place Fred there."
Watching the young man on screen and considering his ability to modify power systems as shown in the records, Patrick had already made his decision.
The engine's role was immensely important - whether for battleships or MS engines, all the thrusters throughout were part of the power system.
And Fred's tactics against Andrew, his utilization of disposable power systems, were absolutely unique in the world.
Remembering the shock he felt when he first heard Andrew's report, Patrick narrowed his eyes and continued.
"Coordinate with Shiva and accelerate the research and development pace."
The threat of Blue Cosmos was gradually approaching - they had to secure their strength.
Simply using money and resources to seek survival will only lead to others draining those resources dry.
And Fred's abilities were absolutely what he, or rather they, wanted.
"Yes!"
Upon hearing this, Yuri responded loudly.
...
While Patrick and Yuri were speaking, the maintenance competition between the two outside quickly reached a conclusion.
The result was utterly unsurprising: Yzak's defeat.
"Why are you so fast at repairs too!"
Yzak looked frantic, but unlike after their first competition, he didn't seem resentful.
This was also the result of Fred's training during this period.
Facing Yzak's question, Fred felt quite gratified. After all, Yzak's temperament had become more stable now, representing a reward for his efforts during this time.
"Because I've done this before."
Fred laughed.
His voice carried confidence.
"Before..."
Hearing Fred's words, Yzak finally remembered that this teacher of his seemed to have no past to speak of and had never mentioned it.
"Teacher, where did you do this before...?"
Yzak asked quietly, curious.
The teacher didn't look that old, so how did he know so much?
Was he really some kind of freak?
"That's a secret."
Fred blinked and continued.
"Those who learn this secret will meet their death."
As he spoke, Fred's voice took on a somewhat sinister tone.
"..."
Confronted with Fred's words, Yzak was momentarily speechless.
Was it really that serious? Just asking about it would lead to death?
If this were the old Yzak, he would definitely have snorted disdainfully.
But facing this youth who surpassed him in every aspect, Yzak couldn't bring himself to say anything to refute.
Nicol, who had been listening nearby, now looked quite curious.
As for Athrun and Flay, who knew the truth, they covered their mouths, trying not to laugh.
Although the matter was truly serious, neither of them believed Fred would actually kill the boy before him.
Of course, despite this, the fewer people who knew Fred's identity, the better.
This was also for their protection.
Perhaps Fred had considered this point and suddenly became so stern because of it.
Thinking of this, the admiration in Athrun's eyes grew even stronger.
As for Flay, her thoughts quickly drifted back to controlling the Mobile Armor.
She needed to become stronger, at least strong enough not to hold her brother back!
...
And so, the recent series of Mobile Armor training and Hub upgrades came to a temporary conclusion here.
With this matter completed, rewards would naturally follow.
After another day of research, Fred was invited by Lenore to her home.
Lenore's home remained simple and unadorned. Though her work kept her extremely busy, the house was exceptionally clean while still showing traces of daily life.
"Aunt Lenore, does Uncle Patrick want to see me?"
Just as Patrick was about to come downstairs, he heard Fred's words.
His originally tense and serious face twitched almost imperceptibly.
Was the other party still not giving up on calling him "uncle"?
However, if Patrick had previously found this form of address too familiar, upon careful consideration now, he actually felt it wasn't so bad after all.
After all, Fred's current value had increased immeasurably compared to before.
"Cough, cough."
With these thoughts in mind, Patrick let out a light cough as he descended the stairs.
"Uncle Patrick, sorry to keep you waiting."
Hearing the footsteps, Fred showed no trace of embarrassment on his face as he turned and smiled.