Chapter 329: She Wouldn't Hit Me

As the Dagger unit activated, the ten nanobots reached critical areas inside the machine and began discharging electrical pulses.

"The power output of the unit's propulsion system is being disrupted!"

"The neural response system's reaction time has decreased by 6.52%!"

"The energy supply system's output has dropped by 4.9%!"

With Hoth's updates, the serious expressions on the faces of the staff gradually shifted to excitement.

"We did it!"

The lab erupted into applause as the staff celebrated their achievement. Hoth and the other technicians stood up and clapped, their faces glowing with joy.

He Kui, on the other hand, remained calm, simply nodding toward the others in acknowledgment.

The level of disruption was lower than anticipated. According to He Kui's calculations, while the interference would grow exponentially with additional nanobots, it would still take at least 100 units to completely disable a standard Dagger. For a warship, the estimate rose to 500–600 nanobots. 

Of course, full system paralysis wasn't always necessary. Disabling key components, such as the propulsion system, could achieve significant results with far fewer units. However, doing so required precise control and detailed knowledge of the target's internal structure—skills not all pilots possessed.

It was akin to a surgeon's precision: to incapacitate effectively, one needed a thorough understanding of anatomy—in this case, the anatomy of a machine.

As He Kui pondered these technicalities, his communicator began vibrating intensely.

Without a doubt, Joule was calling.

"Take care of the wrap-up, Hoth," He Kui instructed.

"Understood!" Hoth responded enthusiastically. His excitement mirrored that of the other staff members. If this new weapon could be deployed on the battlefield, it would provide PLANT with a significant advantage.

The lab personnel watched He Kui leave with admiration and gratitude in their eyes.

"Thank you, Director He!"

"I'm just doing my part for PLANT. No need for formalities," He Kui said, returning their salute before departing the testing facility.

The technicians watched him leave, their hearts brimming with respect.

---

Entering a smaller conference room adjacent to the lab, He Kui answered the call.

"Commissioner Joule?"

"He Kui, you've done well," Joule began, her tone conveying satisfaction.

"According to your estimates, how many nanobots would be required to neutralize a nuclear missile?"

"To completely disable a nuclear missile, at least 20 nanobots would need to work in tandem. However, disabling just the trigger mechanism would require only 10 units—but achieving that level of precision would be difficult for most operators."

He Kui elaborated further, reiterating his earlier thoughts.

"For optimal performance, the operator would need exceptional micro-control skills, a comprehensive understanding of enemy machinery, and advanced spatial awareness."

Joule couldn't help but smirk. It was clear that He Kui was indirectly describing himself.

Still, even if optimal results required a pilot of He Kui's caliber, deploying the nanobots in less precise scenarios could still be effective. The technology was promising.

"Understood. We'll begin by producing batches of 100 units for testing. Ten A-level personnel will be assigned to assist within the week."

"Got it."

"Complete your work within ten days. Additionally, the production line for Gundarium alloy on the moon is ready. We're also starting to integrate the light-shield system."

"Understood. I'd also like to involve my team in the moon's mineral development projects. On another note, I have a new design for a mobile suit frame I'd like to propose."

Joule raised an eyebrow at the mention of another mobile suit frame but nodded.

"Submit the design to Amafi for evaluation. As for your team's involvement in lunar mining, consider it approved."

Before He Kui could respond, Joule abruptly ended the call.

He Kui chuckled. Joule's exasperation was almost palpable—his relentless pace and output were clearly overwhelming his superiors.

---

Back on his asteroid base, He Kui welcomed a pair of guests at the port: Shi He's parents.

The couple, both strikingly attractive, greeted him warmly. Shi He's beauty was clearly inherited from them.

"Director He, you didn't have to personally greet us," Shi He's mother said, her tone gentle but slightly nervous.

"Please, just call me He Kui," he replied with a polite smile.

After exchanging pleasantries, He Kui managed to charm the couple with his impeccable manners and obvious affection for their daughter.

Returning to his quarters, He Kui found Su Lei waiting inside. Upon seeing him, she broke into a mischievous grin.

"Where's Shi He?"

"She's with her parents," He Kui replied knowingly.

"Is that so..." Su Lei's voice trailed off, playful and teasing.

In a single step, she closed the distance between them and threw herself into his arms.

"Then how about we spend some time together?" Su Lei's tone was suggestive, her actions bold.

A faint tension filled the room, the atmosphere charged with unspoken desire.

"If Shi He finds out, she'll beat you," He Kui joked, leaning close to her ear.

"She won't. She'd rather beat you!"

"She wouldn't dare."

Su Lei narrowed her eyes, the faintest hint of jealousy flashing across her face.

"Hmph, well

, I dare!"

With that, Su Lei leaned in, biting He Kui in a way that left him both amused and slightly stunned.