Reputation was important, but he didn't want to be a name carved on a marble tablet. What he wanted was a happy ending—a long and peaceful life with his family.
A great reputation could instead become a burden. Becoming a hero or something of the sort would make it impossible to escape when the time came.
Living in the shadows was the safest option.
His actions weren't for the Coordinators, nor were they for the Naturals. They were solely for his family.
To achieve that, he needed to grow stronger—strong enough to shake the world.
Strong enough to eliminate all unstable factors, and then retire safely.
As Fred was thinking this, Joule on the stage had already finished his closing remarks.
"For PLANT, for the tomorrow that belongs to all of us."
"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. May the stars bear witness to our path."
As Joule's words concluded, waves of applause erupted within the sealed control room.
...
"Congratulations."
Amid the other researchers wrapping up their work, Thomas wore a complex expression. On one hand, he was pleased with the smooth progress of the research and delighted that PLANT had such a genius emerging out of nowhere.
On the other hand, he was troubled that this research wasn't his own. His importance might diminish in the future.
But regardless, PLANT now truly had a new future ahead.
And this was only the first Ignition Experiment.
There were many more experiments to follow.
Many more problems to solve.
With Fred as a guiding light on his side, he was confident they could catch up quickly.
It remained uncertain which side would officially complete the Engine research first.
It just seemed that this director wasn't very old either.
"Thank you."
Upon hearing this, Fred responded with a friendly smile.
"Mm, but..."
Before Thomas could finish his sentence, Joule approached from nearby and interrupted their conversation.
"Director Freed, come here for a moment."
"Yes."
...
Fred was summoned by Joule alone.
As for the members under Fred's supervision, after receiving Joule's promises of bonuses and vacation time, they were busy wrapping up the post-experiment work. Their faces were all equally excited.
After all, they had served PLANT and received money and vacation time—for them, these were the best rewards.
"What kind of reward do you think Director Freed will get?"
At that moment, Martha, while disconnecting the power supply, spoke with admiration.
"Talking about money is vulgar."
"We're doing this for PLANT's future!"
On the other side, Franji, who had just finished migrating the data, looked even more fervent.
"Tch, you were practically jumping for joy when you heard about the money and bonuses earlier."
Martha shot him a disdainful glance.
"I was just showing respect for the director!"
"Hypocrite."
"You..."
"Alright, focus on your work."
Seeing that the two seemed about to start arguing, Albert Heinlein, who was still reviewing the post-experiment procedures in the memorandum, interrupted them with a tone of annoyance.
"The upcoming research is the real key. Even though you have leave, don't get too relaxed."
"Report back on time."
"Yes!"
At his words, everyone's eyes gleamed, reflecting the silver light of the equipment around them with unusual brightness.
As for Heinlein, he stared at the memorandum, his thoughts drifting inexplicably.
Just now, if he hadn't misjudged, Fred had deliberately given all the speaking opportunities to Joule.
It was clearly a great chance to boost his own reputation.
After all, it wasn't just them present—there were many other researchers who had come to assist.
Someone who worked so low-key on research, indifferent to their own fame, might truly be the kind of talent dedicated to contributing to PLANT.
Shiva had tasked him with monitoring Fred, but the more he observed, the more Heinlein admired him.
He, too, would strive to follow in Director Freed's footsteps.
Meanwhile, unaware that his low-key demeanor had been taken as a life lesson by someone else, Fred followed Joule deeper into the secret base.
This place was an office, with furnishings that were quite ordinary.
But its location was anything but ordinary—likely the very core of Jachin Due.
Considering it as a future strategic fortress, this would be the command room.
With that in mind, Fred silently memorized the path they had taken.
Even if he might not return here for any purpose in the future, it was always good to remember.
It might come in handy.
It also helped keep his mind active.
Just as Fred was mentally mapping the area in his mind, Joule broke the silence on the other side.
"You did well this time."
"I'm glad I didn't disappoint."
"Hmm..."
Joule responded, thinking about how Fred had earlier given up the chance to speak, allowing her to take the spotlight.
She didn't particularly care about the attention, but she had indeed been concerned about Fred's rising reputation.
Yet Fred's actions made her feel as though she had been judging a noble heart with petty suspicions.
This young man had almost perfectly completed every task they assigned him.
After finishing, he showed no desire to seek the limelight, instead letting all the glory fall to her.
By all appearances, he was just a research genius, with no ulterior motives.
Joule's thoughts drifted back to Patrick's words.
They had intentionally left many openings during this period, including allowing him to use the Special Train and visit places like the port.
If Fred had truly intended to pass on their intelligence, he would have had countless opportunities after they handed him the Laurasia-class design plans.
After all, in this era still dominated by battleships and cannons, Fred likely wouldn't have realized their intent to develop MS.
He would have only assumed this was PLANT's main research direction, which would have been enough to fulfill any external obligations.
Yet he still took no action.
With this in mind, Joule broke the silence in the office and continued.
"Why do you want to pilot Powered Armor?"
"Because it feels like the direction of the future?"
"And under the umbrella of collective force, Powered Armor is a more suitable option for me."
"Besides, Powered Armor is fun."
Fred succinctly laid out the reasons he had long prepared in his mind.
As for why he actually operated the Powered Armor,
there was also the intention to make others associate him with MS.
However, on this point, Fred believed he had acted without leaving a trace, as this information had long been hidden in his mind.
No matter how they investigated, he would remain clean.
And his reasons were entirely justified.
"Hmm..."
Upon hearing this, Joule fell into thought once more,
though this time, there was a hint of astonishment in his mind.
Fred could already foresee the role of MS in future warfare so quickly.
If that was the case, perhaps recruiting him was indeed the most correct decision.
"How much longer until the Engine's prototype is officially completed?"
Joule asked.
"At least three months."
Fred's eyes gleamed brightly.
All he needed to do was complete the prototype. If that was all, it truly wouldn't take too long.
And that was already enough. Once the prototype was ready, Albert Heinlein, as the assistant, could sufficiently lead the subsequent research, and Fred would have acquired most of the key knowledge.
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