Aspirations

"How... how did you figure it out?" Stephan was taken aback.

"I noticed some workout equipment in your office. They weren't just collecting dust; they looked well-used. Plus, you have a healthy complexion and a strong voice. You're not exactly a couch potato," Jack explained with a smile. "And then there's the fact that you're drinking sugar free coke. I doubt if you have diabetes but if it's for maintenance, it makes sense."

Jack continued, grinning. "You probably don't frequent bars much."

"Well, I do tend to get tipsy quickly. Seems to be a physical issue," Stephan admitted with a nod.

"Then it's even more commendable if you abstain. Given your circumstances, it'd be easy to drown your sorrows in alcohol, but you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset..." Jack remarked. "I'd be surprised if you didn't have aspirations!"

"You're right," Stephan conceded, seeing no point in hiding it any longer. After all, there was no harm in admitting the truth, right?

"But you're still lacking an opportunity," Jack pointed out.

"Not just one, but many, with almost no chance of realizing them," Stephan sighed, shaking his head ruefully. "The first and most challenging hurdle is finding a compatible Jaeger pilot who can sync with me! And then..."

At this juncture, even in his slightly inebriated state, Stephan caught himself and halted.

"What's the matter?" Jack inquired.

"What I'm about to say is purely speculation, and it involves some sensitive information, so I'm treading carefully," Stephan cautioned, shaking his head.

"...Is it about the increasing frequency of monster appearances, the rapid deterioration of Jaegers in battle, and the inability of repair and manufacturing to keep up?" Jack leaned in, his voice hushed.

This was Jack's litmus test.

If Stephan could confirm this, Jack wouldn't hesitate to give this young man, whom he held in high regard, a chance to prove himself.

"How did you know?!" Stephan's eyes widened in astonishment as he looked at Jack.

"It's because I analyzed the situation based on various pieces of information that I decided to pursue a career as a Jaeger designer," Jack explained.

"...You truly are remarkable." Stephan swallowed, quietly giving Jack a thumbs-up. "Although I made some deductions of my own, I had internal information to back up my conclusions." Stephan revealed.

"Elaborate?" Jack's curiosity was piped.

"It's just as you said. In that case... Oh, I might have breached confidentiality again. But with your capabilities, you're likely to be one of us, and this information probably won't stay secret for long..."

Unconsciously, Stephan's perception of Jack had shifted. Initially, he hadn't been entirely convinced of Jack's potential, but now he was starting to believe that Jack could very well succeed.

Individuals who possess genuine confidence and capability stand apart from those who merely seek to impress. Jack's demeanor and knowledge had gradually convinced Stephan of this—Jack was on track for success!

"The intervals between monster appearances began to shorten. The first one popped up in San Francisco, then the second in Manila, six months later. In May, another showed up in Cabo San Lucas. Since then, it's been almost every three months," Stephan murmured, his voice lowered.

"From the first-level monster to the current second-level monster, there may be third-level and fourth-level monsters in the future... The combat effectiveness of the Jaeger needs to be improved, but the room for improvement is very limited. The monsters are appearing faster compared with the speed of repair and manufacturing..." Stephan trailed off, knowing Jack would understand.

At this point, there was no need for further explanation.

As the two conversed, a group dressed in monster costumes entered the barbecue restaurant, ordering barbecue and beer.

"If you ask me, what's so scary about that monster? Isn't it just a ball of moving bones and flesh? Ours is a Jaeger, made of iron, steel, and titanium alloy. If we can't beat this, that's simply a shame!" boasted one of them confidently.

"Hey, let's keep it low-key, alright? No need to attract attention!" cautioned another, mindful of their surroundings.

"Can't we just let him handle it solo?" joked yet another, eliciting laughter from the group.

The conversation continued amidst laughter and camaraderie, their bond evident in their banter.

....

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