Seeing He Kui's reaction, Zala nodded in satisfaction.
"And now, there's one more thing, regarding Councilor Amalfi."
"Let him tell you himself."
As Zala finished speaking, the door to the room conveniently opened.
Amalfi entered, looking quite disheveled, with a series of bandages wrapped around his hand and hanging from his neck.
"Councilor Amalfi? They attacked your residence?"
He Kui stepped aside to let the injured Amalfi through.
"No, I just had to go to the Design Bureau, and I thought that if things went badly, I could at least take them down with me. I didn't expect you to be much more capable than I am."
Amalfi chuckled.
"I just did what I was supposed to do."
He Kui's answer remained the same.
"We all have our duties, but what you did has gone beyond that."
"There's nothing a researcher should do that involves piloting an MS to protect the PLANT."
"You flatter me."
He Kui lowered his gaze.
Looking at the humble young man before him, Amalfi was momentarily taken aback. He closed his eyes, as if he could still recall that Gundam, which appeared angelic against the backdrop of the galaxy.
That scene was not just in his memory; it had likely been etched into the minds of everyone in that region.
In the pitch-black universe, that gentle light, shrouded in mist, with its subtle attack methods, truly resembled a deity descending from the heavens.
"I wonder why Councilor Amalfi is looking for me?"
Noticing Amalfi's silence, He Kui prompted him.
"Well, do you have any thoughts about becoming a City Councilor?"
"?"
Upon hearing Amalfi's question, He Kui was taken aback. After all, while he had considered this idea, given the previous circumstances, he thought there was no opportunity.
"You should know that in our city, with about twelve Colony Satellites, there are five councilors, right?"
Amalfi asked.
"I know that. One is elected from the five to serve as the City Councilor."
He Kui had seen quite a few councilors, whether at previous banquets or during his first visit to DSSD, where there were also councilors present.
However, since he had been directly responsible to a few City Councilors later on, he hadn't interacted much with the councilors.
"Councilor Goodwin Cisse unfortunately lost his life in the previous battle."
"Actually, that councilor was with me."
As Amalfi spoke, a heavy expression filled his face. Those were his colleagues, the elite of PLANT's research and politics. Losing a councilor was undoubtedly a significant loss for PLANT.
"I want you to take his place, and Amalfi will train you as his successor."
Zala continued Amalfi's thought.
To become a City Councilor, one needs not only achievements and popularity but also political acumen.
He Kui lacked nothing in the first two aspects; he only needed the last one.
"But..."
Hearing Zala's words, He Kui felt a stir in his heart but did not immediately agree. Instead, he looked at Zala.
"Chairman Zala, I do not intend to become a member of the Zala faction."
"I'm not asking you to become a member of the Zala faction."
Patrick Zala did not get angry at He Kui's words; instead, he appreciated him even more.
"The continuation of the Coordinator is more important than our factional disputes."
"Moreover, the Zala faction is becoming increasingly difficult to control, with too many overly radical soldiers within."
"Although their intentions are good, it's not the right time yet."
Zala sighed, lowering his gaze. The Coordinator could not thrive while being detached from Earth; this was a lesson his wife had taught him using plants as a metaphor.
Yet, he still could not agree with Clyne's weak rhetoric.
Even if they were to reconnect with Earth, it should be on their terms.
Otherwise, Blue Cosmos would continue to emerge, repeatedly disrupting peace.
"Do you want me to play the role of a cog in the machine?"
"Exactly."
He Kui's quick understanding surprised Zala, and he felt even more satisfied.
"I don't want the person who will take on the heavy responsibilities in the future to be too weak, but I also don't want him to be constrained by the Zala faction and the Clyne faction."
"Ultimately, I don't believe that my path and Clyne's are the right ones."
"In that case, we need to introduce new forces."
Listening to Patrick Zala so candidly admit that his path might not be correct, He Kui felt a bit dazed.
The Zala before him was not the madman he had imagined, but a man of iron will and wisdom.
Or perhaps, the current Patrick was the true version of himself?
"Chairman Zala, are you not afraid that my stance is selfish?"
"While you may think you just did what you were supposed to do, you indeed protected them."
He did not see He Kui's words as mere humility; indeed, He Kui might have just done what he believed was beneficial for himself.
But beyond that, based on the reports from the two he sent, He Kui would risk his life to stand up for them, which was enough to prove he was a person of deep feelings.
Even if, hypothetically, He Kui might not find the right path in the future, at least his cautious attitude would not lead to the downfall of PLANT.
"But this attack was also due to my oversight."
"It was our oversight; we never expected they could transport so many things without a mass driver."
Zala shook his head.
"And you protected them; most people won't blame you."
"Of course, to become a councilor, you still need to go through a temporary public vote and a vote from the highest council, but with your current prestige, it shouldn't be a problem."
Although some councilors in the Zala faction were radical, as long as He Kui secured a majority vote, the Clyne faction would likely not obstruct him. Coupled with some members from the Zala faction, it would be enough to elevate He Kui as a neutral faction member.
"I understand. Thank you, Councilor Zala."
Upon hearing this, He Kui did not continue to refuse.
Becoming a councilor would allow him to hold significant power.
He could better protect himself and them.
Since he was already targeted by a faction and Blue Cosmos, there was no point in hiding any longer.
"Then, there's this."
After He Kui agreed, Zala sent some documents to his wristband.
".Genesis?"
"Exactly. It uses the Mirage Colloid System and PS Armor's Gamma Ray Emitter. It will be completed in two months, but we can't wait that long."
"We need your abilities, but don't tell anyone else."
Regardless, since He Kui was already involved, he decided to take a gamble.
A chance to end the war early.
With nuclear bombs already in play, they could not afford to wait any longer.
"Alright."
With S-class abilities, experience with Mirage particles and PS Armor, and even data on Serena's light propulsion system, He Kui could indeed acce
lerate the development of Genesis.
"Then Amalfi, you talk to him about the councilor matters and some precautions. You can leave now."
Upon hearing He Kui's response, Patrick's cold lips finally curled into a rare smile.