The durability limit is similar to how the structural strength of anything decreases with prolonged use.
However, this process generally takes a very long time, so he didn't need to worry about it.
This way, he had gained an understanding of how to use his Golden Finger.
It served as a good reference for repairs, and in life-or-death combat, it provided greater confidence.
"Flay, you're falling behind. The wiring connections at point A have errors at junctions 423 and 512."
"I'll pay more attention next time."
"Yes!"
Flay responded, feeling somewhat ashamed.
But that feeling of shame quickly faded.
Her brother had said that one shouldn't constantly compare themselves to others.
There would always be someone more skilled.
Such comparisons were meaningless.
Instead of draining energy through self-doubt, it was better to focus on effort.
With this thought, Flay's expression grew more determined, noticeably different from her initial delicate demeanor.
Meanwhile, after receiving Flay's response, Fred turned his attention to the others.
Their repair work had no major issues—it was just a matter of speed and technique.
Seeing this, Fred didn't hold back and began teaching them carefully.
Two classes passed quickly, and Fred led everyone back to the maintenance dock.
"Brother Fred, aren't you leaving?"
Athrun asked the boy who was still staring at his Work Pod.
"You go ahead. I'm going to do some more repairs on this Work Pod."
Seeing Fred's serious expression, the group exchanged glances.
Fred knew how to repair Work Pods, but lately, after every maintenance session, he would go to service his Mobile Suit, working harder than the professional maintenance team.
His attitude was almost excessively meticulous.
Of course, considering it was Fred, it wasn't surprising.
Sometimes even Athrun couldn't figure out whether Fred was strong because of his diligence or his talent.
Or perhaps both.
"Then I'll stay too."
Yzak volunteered, raising his hand.
"Finish reviewing the basics first. I'll take you through the maintenance when the time comes."
Fred shrugged.
Yzak was doing alright now, but his old habit of impatience remained.
He probably needed more experience to mature.
But for now, there was no need to worry about that.
"Alright."
Hearing this, the others agreed one after another and left with expectant expressions.
After bidding farewell to Fred and getting on the elevator, Nicol was the first to break the silence with curiosity.
"Speaking of which, I wonder how Freed's agricultural research is going lately. It seems like he rarely goes to work?"
Their brother had indeed been staying home a lot recently, but no one knew what he was up to.
"Hmph, rather than agriculture, I think the teacher should focus more on combat."
Yzk snorted arrogantly.
What good was agriculture when it would ultimately be suppressed by Blue Cosmos?
Only strength, only becoming powerful, could prevent oneself from being bullied and protect those they cared about from harm.
Hearing this, Flay immediately shot Yzak a displeased glare.
"My brother isn't a battle maniac like you who only thinks about fighting."
"I..."
Yzak wanted to retort but couldn't find the right words for a moment.
He never liked arguing with girls to begin with, especially when it was Fred's sister.
Facing Flay left him feeling particularly helpless, with nothing but frustration in his heart.
Watching this scene, Athrun and Nicol exchanged glances and simultaneously covered their mouths to suppress their laughter.
Meanwhile, Fred was maintaining his Work Pod while his thoughts gradually drifted away.
The time for him to officially take over the research was getting closer.
As this was his first time being a director, he needed thorough planning to cover all aspects.
Beyond his basic duties of communication and coordination as director, he also needed to handle unexpected issues, make technical decisions, and manage research progress.
It wasn't just about burying himself in research alone.
Of course, he had his advantages too - he possessed foreknowledge of the plot.
With so many blueprints available, he could directly focus on building the Power Reactor and Engine based on the Laurasia's structure. Just get it done.
While others were navigating mazes, he was taking the straight path.
His advantage was quite significant.
"Finally, I need to assign responsibilities according to each person's role and refine the research directions."
Fred murmured to himself while repairing the relatively simple circuits at hand.
Soon, after completing the maintenance, Fred looked at the Mobile Suit that had returned to 90 durability and took a deep breath.
Not out of pride, but simply because it was hot.
Even with air conditioning, the intense physical activity while wearing a helmet was unbearable.
So how did those masked seniors endure it?
Setting aside someone like Creuset who only wore a mask, there were plenty who wore full helmets too.
Were there some other high-tech features involved?
Wouldn't it be suicidal if sweat dripped from your forehead into your eyes during combat?
Indeed... it would be better to add some sweat-absorbing functionality.
While Fred was idly pondering this, the phone - or rather communication terminal - in his pocket vibrated.
"Mr. Fred, are you available?"
The message came from an unknown number.
But the name used wasn't Freed, but Fred.
"And you are...?"
Seeing this, Fred narrowed his eyes slightly, his guard rising.
"Lacus."
"?"
The vigilance that had just surfaced in Fred's heart was replaced by confusion at this unexpected name.
What did she mean by "Lacus"?
His first reaction upon seeing this reply was to think "I'm Qin Shi Huang" (implying skepticism).
But soon, this potential imposter's follow-up message dispelled Fred's doubts.
"We met on the train before~"
With things put this way, it was unlikely to be fake.
After all, that encounter couldn't have been known by anyone else.
Plus, Lacus wasn't famous yet, so it was improbable that someone would impersonate a girl not even nine years old.
"What does Miss Lacus need from me?"
Fred asked curiously, staring at the phone messages against the backdrop of the starry sky outside his window, the atmosphere utterly tranquil.
"I wanted to congratulate Mr. Fred on joining the research team~"
"Could we meet? There are some things I'd like to discuss with Mr. Fred, and I've prepared a promotion gift for you
too~"
Fred wasn't sure why Lacus wanted to meet with him.
However, if I could successfully connect with Lacus, it would indeed be a good choice.
After all, regardless of Lacus's intentions, meeting her once couldn't hurt.
There's nothing to lose either way.