Chapter 62: Deviated Trajectory

A few days later, the Human Reform League, UINON, and AEU officially announced a large-scale joint military exercise, shocking the world.

The general public only saw the surface; the three nations, which usually had conflicts, finally set aside their prejudices and shook hands, leading to a sense of relief that war would not break out.

However, those with a bit of insight could see the deeper implications, especially after all three parties organized Gundam capture operations, all of which ended in failure.

"Ribbons, it's finally starting, the first step towards world transformation," Alejandro Corner said as he looked down at the bustling city through the floor-to-ceiling window, the television broadcasting the press conference for the joint military exercise.

"Yes, Lord Alejandro," Ribbons replied, still feigning a respectful demeanor.

"I just wonder how the Celestial Being forces will respond."

"Lord Alejandro, do you need me to go down and make arrangements?"

"Why would I? I'm merely an observer, hiding in the background to monitor whether they have the capability to execute the plan, doing nothing for now."

"For now? There shouldn't be any problems, especially with Myer around."

"Myer, huh…"

The two spoke of the same person, but with different feelings.

Ribbons was filled with anticipation, hoping Yang Hui could demonstrate more and stronger abilities. He had secretly received information from his intelligence system that this military exercise was unprecedented in scale, with over 1,000 MS participating, and countless artillery and missile units. The three major powers were nearly exhausting their resources.

Ribbons considered himself the savior, the ruler of humanity, but even he found it hard to imagine how one person could change the entire battlefield.

He wanted to see more; only then could it prove that his choice was correct, that Yang Hui was qualified to be one of them.

On the surface, Alejandro Corner appeared calm, still believing that Yang Hui could control the situation, but inside he was furious with Aeolia Schenberg and Yang Hui.

Why did such a prodigy have to appear? Was the Corner family's plan, hidden for over two hundred years, going to be ruined by one person? He was also calculating how to eliminate Yang Hui in advance; otherwise, it would be nearly impossible for the Corner family to usurp the Celestial Being plan.

Moreover, his position was quite high, second only to the initiator, Aeolia Schenberg, with the authority to mobilize all resources of the Celestial Being organization.

His identity was well-known, the "Young Tiger" of the Human Reform League, the most talented MS designer in a century.

But knowing his identity was one thing; being able to utilize it was another. Didn't his brother Sergei just conduct an internal investigation and then leave it at that?

"Ribbons, how is the investigation into the new MS of the Human Reform League and UNION going?"

"It's all clear now. The Human Reform League's new MS, officially named Into the Array and Beiwei, were documents left by Myer at the Academy of Sciences before he joined Celestial Being. UNION's new MS, the Flagbearer and its simplified mass-production version, the Flag Snatcher, were also left as a graduation gift for Professor Eifman before joining Celestial Being," Ribbons reported.

"Truly meticulous…"

If these had been given after joining Celestial Being, then they could have impeached him from within for aiding the enemy, or even accused him of being a spy or betraying the Celestial Being organization.

But now… there was no way.

Even if he could glean some clues from the appearances of Into the Array, Beiwei, and the Flagbearer, it was impossible to use that as an excuse to accuse Yang Hui of betraying the Celestial Being organization.

"Ribbons, inform Ragnar to be ready at any time; our plan may need to be advanced."

"Yes, Lord Alejandro."

...

At the Federal University bar, the place was cleared out once again. Sergei, Graham, Billy Katagiri, and Kati had all received orders from their superiors and could not leave the base, so only Yang Hui and Wang Liu Mei were waiting for someone.

"Are they going to stand us up? They're already an hour late," Yang Hui complained as he checked the time.

"According to intelligence, she was coming from the Neon District, and her flight was delayed due to weather. Considering the time, she should be arriving soon," Wang Liu Mei replied with a light smile.

"Alright then."

Just as Yang Hui sighed, the bar door swung open, and Kinue Crossroad hurriedly ran in. Seeing the empty bar, with only the bartender and the two of them as customers, she quickly guessed that they were the ones who had contacted her a few days ago.

"Hello, I'm Kinue Crossroad, a reporter from JNN. Here's my work ID to prove my identity. I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting."

Kinue Crossroad was somewhat surprised; her flight had been delayed by an hour, and she thought she would have made the trip for nothing, but to her surprise, they were still waiting for her.

Moreover, they were providing her with internal confidential information from Celestial Being, making her feel as if she had found a kindred spirit and held the key to the door of truth.

"Hello, Miss Kinue Crossroad."

"You must be Myer, right? Can you really provide internal information about the Celestial Being organization?" As soon as the question left her lips, Kinue Crossroad regretted it. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend; you know how hard it is to obtain information about Celestial Being."

"It's fine, but Miss Kinue Crossroad, before I tell you, I want to remind you that what I will provide will be the most core secrets of Celestial Being. If you choose to back off now, we can part ways peacefully. However, if you continue to investigate… you might be in danger. So, do you still want to know?" Myer asked.

Kinue Crossroad sensed something was off. Just as she sat down, she stood up and slowly moved toward the bar door. But just as she was backing away, she bumped into someone. Turning around, she saw the bartender, who had just been wiping glasses at the bar, now standing behind her, his gaze fixed on her, the pressure almost making her unsteady.

"Please sit down," Hong Long urged Kinue Crossroad to take a seat.

"Gulp…" Kinue Crossroad swallowed hard, glancing at the door behind Hong Long, then at the chair, and finally at Myer and Wang Liu Mei, who were watching her with a half-smile, waiting for her choice. In the end, Kinue Crossroad chose to sit down.

"Who exactly are you?" Kinue Crossroad asked nervously, suspecting that they were from Celestial Being and might even be there to eliminate her.

"No need to be so nervous, Miss Kinue Crossroad. Before I answer your question, let me give you two options: First, the information you've gathered so far is inconsequential. If you promise to stop investigating Celestial Being, we can part ways peacefully. Of course, someone will continue to monitor you, and if you break your promise… you know the consequences."

Kinue Crossroad certainly knew what the consequences were. It was her first time encountering such a situation, and she felt scared. She instinctively wanted to agree, but then she thought of her father, who had died seeking the truth, and hesitated.

"What's the second option?" Kinue Crossroad asked.

"The second option… I will tell you everything you want to know, but I'm afraid you'll have to resign from JNN."

Kinue Crossroad understood; they were wielding a sword in one hand and offering a deal in the other. On one hand, they warned her not to continue her investigation; on the other, they were trying to recruit her to work for them.

"What should I do? How should I choose?" Kinue Crossroad's mind began to battle fiercely. She didn't know who they really were; what if they weren't from Celestial Being? What if they were from some evil organization? But the truth she had been pursuing was right in front of her, and she was reluctant to give it up.

Yang Hui and Wang Liu Mei did not rush her; it was a difficult decision, and Kinue's ability was worth their wait.

After a long while, Kinue Crossroad finally made her decision: "I choose the second option."

(End of Chapter)