Chapter 250: Their Unspoken Understanding

As Luna wished, the two of them didn't return to the asteroid that night, instead staying at a high-end hotel in October City.

He Kui used his special credentials to check in, and while using them this way might seem improper, he was certain that the councilor wouldn't bother questioning why he was staying in a hotel in October City with a young woman. So, it was all fine.

The next morning, He Kui opened his eyes slowly, greeted by the filtered, soft sunlight streaming into the room.

[Lunamaria Hawke's Affection Level: 100]

[Experience Bonus: +5]

[Precision Shooting Range B-Class: (2222m/10000m)]

A range of two kilometers—a clear boost to his safety zone. Being able to hit targets precisely from that distance was an impressive upgrade.

Unfortunately, progress was still slow.

As he pondered, the red-haired girl in his arms began to stir. Her sleepy, dazed eyes met his, and her face quickly turned bright red.

"You're still shy? You've seen everything by now," He Kui teased.

"Of course I'm still shy!"

The girl buried herself under the blankets, her voice muffled with embarrassment.

"You'll be heading back to the academy, right?"

"Mm."

"Then it's time to get up."

"Alright…"

Though she answered, Luna stayed nestled against him, reluctant to leave the warmth.

But she couldn't stay—she had to return to the academy, and He Kui had his own duties to attend to.

Watching her get dressed comfortably in front of him, He Kui felt a bit mesmerized. She didn't seem too affected by their closeness, though he didn't mind; it only piqued his curiosity.

"I…accidentally, well, before…" Luna trailed off, noticing his gaze and quickly explaining.

"It's alright," He Kui replied with a smile.

"Okay."

Seeing his gentle smile, her heart softened even more.

After a rare moment of relaxation and gaining some new abilities, it was time for He Kui to focus back on his work.

Serpent's Tail.

As one of the top mercenary groups, their main strength lay in the abilities of Gai Murakumo, who was known as the strongest Coordinator in the mercenary world. Gai, who piloted the Blue Astray, often clashed with Lowe's Red Astray.

Although the "strongest Coordinator" title was debatable, Gai's skills as a combat Coordinator were certainly on par with elite Red Coats or even better.

With his support, He Kui felt more assured about the upcoming mission. However, he was uncertain if Gai could be trusted to keep things discreet. Though mercenaries usually didn't reveal their clients, He Kui wasn't technically the employer—Matthias was.

He planned to meet Gai under the guise of Aegis, which should work well enough. Besides, letting Matthias think he was affiliated with "Palas" might be another way to solve things.

After organizing his thoughts, He Kui used his radar system to connect with Serpent's Tail, who had just returned to space via the Hades Accelerator.

"Is this Serpent's Tail?" He Kui's voice was disguised and protected by a quantum firewall, keeping his identity secure.

"Yes," the man with dark sunglasses replied calmly on the screen.

Another mysterious client.

"For the operation in South Africa, I'll be sending someone to accompany you."

"Location?"

Gai Murakumo's lack of questions was exactly what He Kui hoped for.

"Coordinates on Earth: xxx.xxx.xxx."

"Understood."

Although he wanted to send the newly upgraded Aegis with them, it wasn't ready yet. He was still in the process of installing AI, field modulation, upgraded quantum communication radar, and various sensors on the new Aegis. The workload was massive, and the costs were steep, but once completed, Aegis's capabilities would significantly improve, especially with reduced delays on Earth.

But, for now, it was too soon.

Meanwhile, after ending the call with the mysterious contact, Gai Murakumo turned to the four members of his team with a frown.

"What do you all think?"

"Those coordinates are for an oceanic area off the coast of Orb, with no sign of human activity," said one of the team members, a sturdy man in an Earth Alliance uniform, showing them satellite images of the coordinates. Nothing but endless blue water.

"Then let's go."

"Back to Earth again?" the young girl Feng Hua pouted.

"We were headed to South America anyway."

"South America's president… he's held in high regard by the United South American Government. If he were assassinated, it would throw them into even more turmoil," remarked the older man with a sigh.

"Why didn't they just go to ZAFT? It'd be better for them to handle it than us, wouldn't it?"

"No idea. We just stick to our mission. Let's resupply and head out," Gai replied coolly, leaving the bridge.

Back in his quarters, He Kui had just returned when he was greeted by an unimpressed look from Su Lei.

"Finally back, I see."

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, don't play innocent."

Su Lei looked at him with mock irritation.

"I'll be in the radar room for the next two days," He Kui said, shifting the topic as he smiled at her and the playfully pouting Shi He.

"Again? I thought there wasn't anything urgent. Your nanobot research group hasn't even started yet," Su Lei said, frowning.

"I just have some ideas I'd like to test."

The moment he said it, Su Lei grabbed his hand.

"You don't have to be in the radar room for research."

"…"

Meeting Su Lei's concerned gaze, He Kui was briefly lost for words.

"If it's radar-related, you could ask me for help, and Shi He's pretty skilled too!" she said, embracing him.

"We're not trying to pry; we just want to help."

A hint of worry crept into Su Lei's voice.

"I understand, thank you," He Kui said, gently patting her shoulder.

"It's just not the right time yet."

Though he trusted both of them, sharing too much could risk exposure, putting them in danger. It was better for him to bear the brunt alone.

"Alright… but stress too much, and you'll lose your hair."

Su Lei released him reluctantly.

"Pretty sure I don't have the baldness gene."

He Kui chuckled, looking over at Shi He.

"Sorry for making you both worry."

"It's alright~" Shi He replied with a cute wink.

By now, she had guessed that He Kui was hiding something, but with their mutual understanding and trust, she nev

er pressed him for answers.

After all, their feelings for each other were genuine, as was their unspoken understanding.

And that was enough.