"Not finding it difficult to control?"
Although Fred didn't appear to be struggling with the controls at all, Andrew couldn't help but ask, while Alec wore an equally astonished expression.
"Not at all."
Fred replied.
Perhaps because his combat training had been honing his reflexes, Fred genuinely felt no difficulty in controlling the powered armor.
Meanwhile, Aisha covered her mouth with a light chuckle from the other side.
"Mr. Andrew, you're underestimating your junior too much."
"Uh..."
Andrew's expression turned complicated upon hearing this, unsure how to respond.
If they knew this junior of his was actually a Natural, their jaws would probably drop in shock.
Compared to that, his and Alec's reactions could be considered quite composed.
Thinking this, the two exchanged a glance before their eyes tacitly returned to Fred behind the reinforced glass.
Who knew what other miracles this person might create? Better not miss anything.
Unaware of their thoughts, Fred had already begun controlling the mobile suit to practice Wing Chun.
But here, he encountered difficulties with the controls.
Although he could operate the powered armor relying on his reflexes, it was only basic control. When attempting complex movements, he still felt a sense of inadequacy.
[Powered Armor Control +0.03]
[Powered Armor Control (Beginner): 23.2/100]
"As expected."
After all, they were two different things.
This outcome was within Fred's expectations.
As for the existing proficiency, according to Fred's assumption, it was probably because his reflexes were sufficient enough to provide some foundation.
This wasn't hard to understand.
He was almost becoming a hexagon warrior now - surely he wouldn't have to start from scratch.
Just as Fred finished analyzing this internally and calmed down, another string of text appeared before his eyes.
[MS Control +0.01]
[MS Control (Beginner): 11.55/100]
Seeing this, a startled Fred quickly narrowed his eyes into slits while his mind rapidly processed the information.
These simultaneous skill increases didn't seem to be without reason.
Upon careful consideration, it actually made some sense.
If Kira's research team could use this machine as a testing platform for the Mobile Suit Operating System, then in some aspects the two should be interchangeable.
Although he hadn't compared the two operating systems, if their current operational logic was the same, it could indeed explain this phenomenon.
With this unexpected gain, he could use powered armor as a substitute for mobile suits.
Though it was only a secondary option.
Powered armor added 0.03 while MS only added 0.01 - that's three times slower progress.
Not very cost-effective.
However, if his combat abilities could breakthrough, it might positively impact his mobile suit control proficiency as well.
Thinking this, Fred struggled through two more sets of Wing Chun inside until he felt both headache and physical exhaustion before emerging from the port.
"Unexpected."
Andrew faced the young man with a complex expression.
He never imagined that this person could not only fight well, but actually operate powered armor too.
If Patrick and the others found out about what happened here, there would probably be quite a commotion.
Of course, with surveillance everywhere, it was only a matter of time before they found out.
"I didn't expect it either."
Fred echoed Andrew's sentiment with a sigh,
"But it's good that things went smoothly."
"Yes, it would be even better if I could come here regularly to practice."
Fred said frankly.
Faced with Fred's hint—or rather, blatant suggestion—Andrew chuckled.
"If you want to, I'll propose it to the higher-ups."
As the top brass placed increasing trust in Fred, it was clear that his influence was gradually growing.
Although that influence could be revoked with just a word from the two at the very top.
Still, there was no doubt that Fred was already among the highest echelons in PLANT.
Once Fred truly stepped into the public eye, with his courage and abilities, he might very well achieve extraordinary feats.
Of course, who he would achieve those feats for made a world of difference.
Hearing their conversation, Aisha looked at Fred in surprise.
This was a secret port—even the Council Nations had been unaware of its existence during construction.
It was one thing for Andrew to bring him here once or twice, but now they were going to give this young man permanent access?
Not to mention that Alec seemed to be his bodyguard.
It appeared the young man's background was anything but ordinary.
He was likely the child or relative of one of the city representatives.
As Aisha pondered this, Andrew turned his gaze to Alec, who was standing nearby.
"Fortunately, Alec can also serve as a dedicated instructor."
Fred's handling of the equipment hadn't been particularly smooth—after all, he was young, and if he got too eager, accidents could happen.
Like accidentally piloting the Powered Armor away or bumping into things.
Although Fred didn't seem the type to make such basic mistakes, having someone keep an eye on him wasn't a bad idea.
Of course, there was still a hint of caution behind it.
Even if it was minimal.
"Alright."
Fred agreed.
Alec nodded as well.
"It's my duty."
He had initially volunteered to be Fred's bodyguard out of respect for his character, but over time, he'd grown curious about how far Fred could go.
From the looks of it, Fred might reach heights he himself could never attain.
Meanwhile, Fred's eyes swept over Andrew and Aisha before he said teasingly,
"Then Alec and I won't disturb the two of you any longer."
He had originally planned to spar with Andrew again.
But Fred wasn't one to ruin others' moments—he could always practice with Alec instead.
"Of course."
Hearing this, Andrew showed no sign of embarrassment, nodding as if it were only natural.
In contrast, Aisha shyly averted her gaze from Fred.
"We're off, no need to see us out."
Amused, Fred shrugged and turned to leave with Alec.
In the secret port, only Andrew and Aisha remained.
"Your junior is quite interesting."
Aisha covered her mouth with a light laugh as she watched the young man depart.
"Yes."
Andrew sighed with a touch of emotion.
Not just interesting—it's practically reaching for the heavens.
Who knows what those people are thinking now.
Andrew's gaze swept over a surveillance camera in the corner of the ceiling before quickly withdrawing.
"Shall we go eat together?"
He didn't know what decisions those higher-ups would make, but he was perfectly clear about his own resolve.
"Okay~!"
Hearing this, Aisha responded with a shy smile and didn't refuse.