[Powered Armor Control +0.09]
[Powered Armor Control (Beginner): 23.29/100]
[MS Control +0.03]
[MS Control (Beginner): 11.58/100]
Looking at the numbers before him, Fred felt his dizziness ease a little.
As long as it was effective, that was good.
Two or three days, three hours—that was probably his limit.
Having tested his limits this time, it would be easier to plan his future training schedule.
Moreover, Powered Armor control wasn't entirely useless.
Future wars would be dominated by MS, but Powered Armor couldn't be completely replaced. It remained an option for personal defense or infiltration missions into enemy strongholds.
"Let's go change clothes first."
Alec interrupted Fred's thoughts, speaking softly.
The loyal bodyguard floated out from behind Aisha and half-supported Fred's body.
As an Ace, he understood Fred's current condition.
If it weren't for the Pilot Suit and his mask having built-in sweat absorption functions, Fred would likely have been drenched in sweat by now.
But if not handled properly, he could still fall ill or develop a fever later.
After all, his ability to pilot this Powered Armor was still somewhat forced.
Training like this took a heavy toll on the body.
Even with Fred's excellent physical fitness, he couldn't endure such strain for long.
"Alright."
Hearing Fred agree, Aisha looked at him with even more amazement in her eyes.
After all, Fred still seemed to have some energy left.
That was quite remarkable.
"Just who is Freed…?"
But since Andrew hadn't said anything, it was likely classified information, and she shouldn't pry.
Besides, at the very least, this young man wasn't an enemy but a friend.
With that in mind, Aisha set aside her curiosity about these secrets and continued with a caring tone.
"You're doing great. I'd say you'll be ready for space soon."
"Really?"
Hearing this, Fred felt a bit happier, and the corners of his usually calm lips lifted slightly.
"Thank you, Miss Aisha."
Aisha was the Powered Armor administrator at Junius Seven. Although he had permission to train here, having Aisha's guidance and convenience was undoubtedly better.
After all, Fred was an absolute beginner when it came to piloting Powered Armor.
"By the way, I have another favor to ask."
"Miss Aisha, do you have the design blueprints for the Powered Armor here?"
Suppressing the feeling of being in a weakened state, Fred decided to strike while the iron was hot.
He had only read the manuals before and had seen the most basic design blueprints. The Powered Armor here were mostly light armor adapted for Peacekeeping Operations, with some Heavy Armor for suppression purposes—all Specialized Models.
Given that MS were derived from Powered Armor, he might be able to deduce MS design principles from these Powered Armor blueprints.
"Yes, I do~"
Aisha looked at the weakened but eager-to-learn young man and nodded.
Since she had already helped this far, and Fred was both talented and Andrew's junior, it was only natural for her to take care of him.
The design blueprints weren't top-secret anyway.
No one had said it wasn't allowed.
"But you can only watch here."
"Thank you, Miss Aisha."
"Oh, don't be so formal—just call me big sister~"
Aisha said affectionately.
She really did act like an older sister, even reaching out to pat Fred's head.
Of course, saying "head" is a bit generous—she just rubbed her hand over Fred's metal helmet.
The sound of fingers sliding against metal was slick, making Alec, who was still supporting Fred, chuckle involuntarily.
Usually, it was only Fred who patted others' heads. Now, suddenly being patted by this big sister—and on a smooth, bare metal surface at that—felt quite strange no matter how you looked at it.
"Uh... well... thanks."
Fred shot a helpless glare at Alec, who was snickering beside him, then nodded to Aisha before the two of them left the area.
...
Freshly showered and tidied up, Fred, who hadn't rested for long, was already seated in the Special vehicle heading back to the city.
In front of him, a tablet was filled to the brim with data and documents.
Though physically weak, his mind was still sharp.
The data was extensive, compiled from reports submitted by Heinline, detailing recent research progress and issues.
As an Ace, Heinline organized the information neatly, making it easy for Fred to understand.
"Brother Fred, long time no see~"
Outside the compartment, a familiar, youthful voice broke the silence.
"Lacus."
Fred responded, then pressed a button on the console with a slightly trembling hand, opening the compartment door.
"Uncle Alec recognizes me this time~"
Lacus walked over with nimble steps, smiling as she glanced at Alec, who was stiff-faced in the corner.
Alec, looking ashamed, lowered his head and was about to apologize again.
"Don't tease him."
Fred instinctively said.
Of course, it was just a reflexive remark from his role as an older brother.
"Hehe~"
Hearing Fred's words, Lacus didn't get upset. She just giggled cutely and moved to Fred's side.
She also noticed the documents in Fred's hands.
"Brother Fred is really diligent."
Even after achieving basic success, he didn't waste a moment on the road, using the time to read and review data.
Not to mention he had just trained intensely for three hours.
All of this was captured by the surveillance.
Otherwise, why would Uncle Patrick and the others think so highly of him?
Potential was important, of course, but character was an even more crucial factor.
Throughout history, how many geniuses had met untimely ends?
Fred, however, was not only hardworking and cautious but also exceptionally talented.
Though Lacus felt she was still young, she couldn't help but think Fred would become a significant figure in the future.
"Just passing the time."
Fred replied modestly as usual, though a rare sense of nervousness stirred within him.
"What brings you here this time, Lacus?"
"The person hasn't been found yet, but it shouldn't be long now."
As if reading his mind, Lacus first answered Fred's most pressing question before continuing.
"But I have another piece of news."
"Hmm?"
As Fred expressed his curiosity, Lacus quickly relayed the news about Fran Harvey's visit.
"I see."
After hearing the whole story, Fred fell into thoughtful silence.
Seeing this, Lacus asked, "Brother Fred, do you know Mr. Harvey?"
"Not well."
Fred shook his head.
This event had not occurred in the original plot.
At least, not in his memory. Could it have been prevented? Or had it changed because of his presence?
Fred had no way of knowing, but this matter was not something he could get involved in anyway.