Others were nervous, but for Fred, it was even more so.
The smooth establishment of this research also laid the foundation for future Mobile Suit Research.
He understood the significance of Mobile Suits better than anyone else, and naturally, he was even more tense.
Just like now, as he looked at the robot before him—resembling a GINN but appearing far more rudimentary—he took a deep breath.
The scent of steel and lubricating oil flooded his senses, sharpening the young man's mind.
An eighteen-meter Mobile Suit, though slightly shorter than the GINN, looked imposing even in its crude form when viewed from below.
The prototype, codenamed YMF-01A, was the very foundation of everything to come.
In the future, this crude machine would evolve into the GINN, and eventually, even transform into the Glory Defender and the Freedom Gundam.
And today, he was about to take his own step forward.
Mastering the foundation of this world's most advanced technology.
Though it was only the foundation, he had sacrificed too much along the way.
Now, with the moment at hand, it was only natural to feel even more tense.
So much so that his usually calm expression was on the verge of breaking, threatening to reveal the turmoil within.
"Brother Fred, how are the preparations going?"
Just as Fred's emotions were surging, Lacus's voice interrupted him.
Following behind Lacus was Flay.
"Flay, Lacus."
Seeing the two, a smile appeared on Fred's face.
Meanwhile, in the inner office at the other end of the May City experimental base, Shiva handed over the technical documents to Patrick, who had also come in person, wearing an expression that hinted at unspoken words.
"Fred can pilot it, and he's also familiar with the cockpit."
Patrick guessed the other's thoughts at a glance.
"Hmm... but he's still a Natural."
Shiva's hidden prejudice lingered beneath his voice.
"We'll also arrange for a Coordinator test pilot to make later adjustments to the unit."
Patrick said.
"It's not just because of his request, but because this data is beneficial to our research."
Even if it weren't beneficial, he would have agreed to Fred's small request.
But for now, it was better not to say anything to Shiva.
This man was excellent in every way, but he carried a natural wariness toward Naturals.
This was understandable, and Patrick could empathize.
But Fred was different.
"I understand..."
In the end, Shiva said nothing more.
Amidst everyone's varied thoughts, the experiment soon entered the formal preparation stage.
As one of the main responsible persons, Fred did not appear in the control room as usual. Instead, clad in a pilot suit, he floated into the testing area where the Mobile Suit was stationed.
Everyone watched the young man before them, holding their breath in unison.
Fred—their director—was now personally piloting the test unit.
For most people, it was a shocking sight.
This was especially true for some researchers who had previously witnessed Fred's development of the Laurasia-class.
In their minds, Fred was already an invincible presence.
Not only could he conduct research, but he could even personally serve as a test pilot.
The same was true for Thomas, who had been the lead developer of the Laurasia's power reactor.
At this moment, Thomas watched as Fred, accompanied by a tow rope, directly entered the cockpit, his heart filled with excitement.
Although a year had passed, Fred's performance from not long ago still seemed vivid before his eyes.
Freed's abilities were truly astonishing.
Even delightful.
"I believe Mr. Freed is the very model of a Coordinator," Thomas remarked with emotion, his gaze shifting to Jiuer beside him.
With the project changed, this was no longer Jiuer's domain.
Now, Jiuer had also become a spectator, intently watching the screen like everyone else.
"Representative Jiuer, don't you agree?"
"Uh... yes..."
If Jiuer weren't certain that Thomas was unaware of Fred's true identity, she would have thought he was mocking her.
After all, pointing at a Natural and calling them the model of a Coordinator—she had done something similar before.
But back then, she had said it deliberately, knowing full well. Now, Thomas genuinely believed Fred was the epitome of a Coordinator.
Though inwardly grumbling, Jiuer could understand Thomas's feelings.
After all, while their side produced many geniuses, there were few as versatile as Fred.
Thinking this, Jiuer's gaze toward the screen grew even more complex, and she soon shifted her attention to Patrick on the high platform.
Her position was too far to clearly see the expression on his face.
But those sharp eyes remained as they always were.
Perhaps Patrick had changed a great deal as well.
And perhaps the origin of it all was Fred, the protagonist.
Today, he might once again become the protagonist.
While Jiuer was lost in thought, Flay and Lacus were not directly present in the testing area.
After all, they were only family members and had to keep their distance to avoid gossip.
So they weren't in the main room but in a small room not far away.
In the quiet, dimly lit room, the screen in front of the two girls emitted a soft glow, faintly illuminating the small space.
The gentle light fell on their tense, delicate faces.
"Why does my brother have to pilot it himself?"
Flay watched the young man on the screen, nervously gripping Lacus's wrist.
"Hmm..."
Lacus pondered for a moment, her pink lips, seemingly glossed, pursed slightly. After a brief pause, she slowly replied.
"Perhaps it's because he wants to become stronger."
Fred's research abilities were already formidable, but in turbulent times, such skills were merely a basic means of survival.
It was like having a talent that might spare your life.
But it still couldn't free you from being controlled by others.
And Fred clearly wanted the ability to protect himself and his family.
That was why he was pushing himself so hard.
This wasn't something Lacus discerned through her special abilities, but rather came to understand through their year of interaction and gradually deepening mutual understanding.
As she thought this, Lacus's gaze toward Flay held a touch more envy.
If her own pursuit of peace stemmed from responsibility, then Fred's starting point was his family.
Moreover, Flay and his family were indeed well protected.
While the outside world was gradually descending into chaos, their lives remained stable and peaceful.
He bore all the responsibility upon his own shoulders.