"Director Freed, a pleasure to meet you."
"I am Minis, director of the Weapons Research Group. This is my deputy director, Valerio."
"Hello, Director Freed. You can call me VV."
Looking at the young man introducing himself, Fred's eyes narrowed slightly behind his mask.
VV—he knew him.
Wasn't he the Actaeon engineer who would develop the Astray Inverse Red Machine in the future?
Moreover, he utilized an AI named Eighty for combat.
A combat AI capable of operating completely without human intervention.
Although, from the perspective of W, AI combat could hardly be called war, from a practical standpoint, it was undoubtedly the direction of the future.
This was the conclusion Fred drew from his two lifetimes of experience.
Of course, he had also studied AI, though it didn't occupy a significant portion of his learning.
After all, AI development in this world was too slow, with not enough knowledge for him to absorb.
Moreover, MS and MA were the foundation, followed by AI research and integration.
Without combat weapons, having only an AI would be like inviting trouble.
However, if everything went smoothly here, MS research would follow closely, and AI research could indeed begin simultaneously.
Since Eighty evolved from Lowe's Little Eight, it would be more convenient for him to seek out Lowe first.
Lowe's personality was easy to understand, and Fred was confident he could persuade him.
His thoughts raced, but Fred's masked face remained composed.
What he was considering now were merely some plans for the future.
For now, he needed to focus on this experiment, taking it step by step.
With that thought, the corners of Fred's lips lifted slightly as he chuckled softly.
"It's an honor to meet all of you."
The VV before him seemed unconvinced by Fred, viewing him as a rival, but Fred didn't see VV as competition.
It was merely the arrogant VV's wishful thinking.
Why would he compete with him for no reason?
He would simply focus on his own research.
Seeing Fred's still gentle demeanor, which showed no special attention to his age and seemed indifferent, VV fell silent for a moment, his jealousy and anger burning fiercely within him.
The pleasantries didn't last long, as today, despite the rare gathering of research groups, the most important task was the experiment, not conversation.
Before anyone could chat further, Joule soon arrived.
With the arrival of Joule, the city representative's superior, the remaining discussions in the room quickly faded under his stern expression.
"I'm glad to see everyone here."
Jiuer offered only a brief greeting and, after receiving scattered responses from the group, got straight to the point.
"Director Freed, if there are no issues, we can begin."
As he spoke, Joule's authoritative gaze swept over everyone present, and most people averted their eyes.
A few department heads nodded in greeting towards her, and their gazes soon shifted to Fred in the center.
With the mask obscuring his face, she couldn't read Fred's emotions, but she guessed he was as calm as ever.
Even if he was nervous, he could skillfully conceal it.
"Yes."
Fred lowered his head in acknowledgment.
Under everyone's gaze, his tone remained the same as during the previous test.
Though not exactly relaxed, it exuded a sense of confidence.
Watching this scene, even Jiuer's hidden tension, concealed beneath her composure, unconsciously eased a little.
Behind Fred, his subordinates, after hearing his words, dispersed in unison, each taking their positions.
The following procedures had been rehearsed numerous times over this period, so they were naturally quite familiar with them.
If there was anything different, it was the number of people present and the atmosphere.
If they succeeded, they would be immortalized in history, earning the admiration and even worship of countless compatriots.
It could be said they would achieve fame and success.
"Focus on your tasks."
Sensing the tension among the few before him, Fred said softly.
His voice wasn't loud, but it was just clear enough to reach their ears.
It also cooled their heated and anxious minds as if doused with ice water.
"Yes!"
They responded in unison, exchanging a knowing glance.
It had to be said, Director Freed was impressive.
This was a matter of lifelong significance for them, yet only their superior could remain so composed.
With respect for their leader, they all made an effort to rein in any distracting thoughts.
Of course, they didn't know that for Fred, being recorded in history and achieving fame wasn't particularly enticing.
What good was a great reputation?
Amuro's father developed the Gundam, only to die in the first episode.
Such a reputation held no meaning beyond making oneself more conspicuous.
And deliberately seeking publicity wasn't exactly cool either.
What truly mattered was one's own abilities, whether in research or combat.
Otherwise, no matter how great the reputation, it would only be something for others to exploit.
Fred had already learned this lesson when he was hailed as a hero in Copernicus.
And if they succeeded here, he could leverage this achievement to smoothly transition into MS development.
After all, based on the current progress, the Nazca-class wouldn't be ready anytime soon.
Of course, if Patrick still didn't trust him even then, he would have no choice but to turn to Lacus.
The two sides had just established a deep cooperative relationship and built a foundation of mutual trust.
Moreover, based on Fred's knowledge of the plot, Siegel was definitely involved in the current MS development.
The paths available to him in PLANT were gradually widening, and he would grow increasingly powerful.
However, to become stronger more quickly, this achievement was necessary.
As he thought this, Fred's gaze grew even more profound.
His thin, sharp lips parted, and his deep, steady voice spread through the microphone.
"Final Link Verification initiated."
The young man's voice echoed through the internal channels of the testing ground, reverberating in everyone's ears amidst the silence.
Without further ado, Fred got straight to the point.
"Energy conduit from Main Reactor to Pulse Engine activated."
"Data relay to Bridge Command System, delay calibration initiated."
"All load switches for secondary energy branches of weapon arrays and defense systems are in position."
With each of Fred's commands, streams of green data continuously scrolled across the massive screen before everyone.
Finally, one after another, the words "Completed" appeared.