The scene shifted to Fred inside the cabin, who was completely focused with bright eyes fixed intently on the task before him.
[MA Control +0.02]
[MA Control (Beginner) 67.07/100]
The text flashed before his eyes, but Fred only glanced at it briefly before returning his attention to his work.
His MA progress hadn't improved for quite some time, and this was a rare opportunity he couldn't afford to waste. He needed to make the most of it.
Moreover, if successful, he might be able to expand his business scope.
He aimed to secure the external maintenance contract for this space colony as well.
That would provide a stable channel for continuous improvement.
As for why he hadn't mentioned it earlier - mainly because he was new and didn't want to appear too ambitious. Additionally, his agricultural research hadn't been completed at that time, so there was no appropriate moment to bring it up.
But now everything was different.
Agriculture was no longer as urgent, and he happened to have this opportunity to lead the modification project himself.
Demonstrating his capabilities and becoming a maintenance technician should be effortless.
After all, piloting an MA for combat was currently impossible, and he didn't want to be that radical anyway. Maintenance was the logical choice.
Meanwhile, the others had naturally noticed Fred's progress.
Their attention on Fred primarily stemmed from wanting to verify whether their young superior genuinely possessed real skills.
Or if he had simply risen through connections.
What they saw astonished them.
Fred's working speed at the distance was alarmingly fast.
In just that short period, he had already completed one-tenth of his work.
This was more than twice their speed. While part of it could be attributed to Fred having no communication barriers, the main reason was his incredibly fast hand speed.
His hand speed rivaled that of their aces.
"Damn... that's insane..."
Uncle Celui in the observation room, who had originally intended to compete in speed, punched the table before him.
Fred was working alone, yet his pace matched that of three workers plus one coordinator combined.
Compared to Fred, these construction workers seemed like complete novices.
But it didn't make sense.
Where did such a young man acquire all this working experience?
Recalling his earlier mockery of Fred taking charge personally, Celui now felt his face burning with embarrassment.
He couldn't help but feel somewhat impressed by Fred.
In this place, to some extent, strength commanded respect - or rather, genes determined status.
The capability Fred had demonstrated fully displayed the superiority of his genes, naturally earning their greater admiration.
Inspired by such leadership, everyone's work efficiency noticeably improved.
Unaware that his actions had inadvertently won over these older subordinates, Fred didn't delay much longer before completing the day's work.
His Golden Finger bonuses had also nearly reached their limit for the day.
"Mr. Amalfi, what do you think of today's work?"
"If there are no issues, we can continue with this process going forward."
Fred compiled the day's progress into a report and submitted it to Yuri.
"Hmm... excellent.Looking at the report showing 15% excess completion of the assigned tasks, Yuri was inwardly astonished.
This isn't just Fred's achievement alone, but the combined efforts of everyone else.
Perhaps due to Fred's influence, work efficiency had greatly increased.
If they continued at this pace, they might complete the project ten to fifteen days ahead of schedule.
"No problems..."
Yuri replied.
Fred, what kind of all-around talent is he?
Agricultural research was one thing, but as a Natural, how could he handle this kind of work so quickly?
Recalling the astonishment and admiration of the researchers earlier, Yuri sighed inwardly.
If those people found out Fred was actually a Natural, they'd probably have their confidence shattered.
While Yuri was silently complaining, Fred across from him continued speaking.
"By the way, Mr. Amalfi, if it's convenient, I'd like to join the daily external maintenance work of the space colony."
"Hmm? Why?"
Hearing this, Yuri snapped back to attention and asked the masked young man before him.
"Because my hands are itching to pilot an MA."
Fred couldn't really explain why, only giving this straightforward answer.
"..."
Yuri was momentarily speechless at this response. However, Fred was after all a person of significant value.
It wouldn't be good to refuse him directly.
Though he didn't understand the reason, having him help with maintenance could save them some manpower.
Moreover, with Alec following Fred around, there was no need to worry about accidents, nor about Fred causing any trouble himself.
If Fred tried anything unusual, Alec would definitely report it.
"I can help you inquire about it."
After thinking for a while, Yuri said.
This wasn't something he could decide on his own.
"After all, our area is under the surveillance of the Atlantic Council Nation. Even within our zone, the outside isn't completely safe."
"I understand. Thank you for your trouble."
Fred just smiled at this response.
He hadn't expected Yuri to agree immediately anyway.
But it was just a moderate request. Given the current situation where agricultural work wasn't too busy, it was likely to be approved.
As for safety concerns, the Council Nations wouldn't take direct action at present. What could possibly go wrong just walking around the outer walls?
.....
That evening, upon returning home, Yuri didn't hesitate to contact Siegel, who was far away in December City, quickly recounting everything that had happened earlier.
"Fred's abilities are already that impressive?"
After listening to the report, Siegel felt mixed emotions, both relieved that his friend had managed to bring Fred over.
Otherwise, if Fred had remained in Copernicus and eventually joined Blue Cosmos, he would probably be losing sleep over it.
Though given Fred's personality, he probably wouldn't join anyway.
"Yes, the modification progress is going very smoothly. The security forces outside haven't detected any unusual movements from the Atlantic Federation either. They probably don't care about our activities."
"Don't speak too confidently."
Siegel shook his head.
"We can't let our guard down."
"Understood."
"Oh, there's one more thing..."
Yuri quickly repeated Fred's earlier proposal.
After listening, Siegel was also rendered speechless, repeating the words.
"He said he wants to maintain the space colony because he wants to pilot an MA?"
"Yes, that's what he said."
Yuri also nodded with a hint of helplessness.
"I can't really ask too much about it, and generally speaking, his proposal doesn't pose much of a threat to us."
"Hmm..."
Watching Yuri Amalfi who seemed to be subtly speaking up for the other party, Siegel narrowed his eyes into thin slits.
He was clearly contemplating some scheme.