In the dim expanse of the universe, the testing preparations for Genesis were in full swing.
"Energy supply normal, cooling system normal, control system normal. Deactivate the Mirage Colloid System, activate PS Armor, and initiate the Neutron Jammer."
With He Kui's calm and methodical commands, the apocalyptic weapon gradually revealed its menacing form before everyone's eyes.
Of course, it was only He Kui who found it menacing. Others were likely filled with excitement, as if they were gazing upon a national treasure.
"All systems online, data normal."
"Minimum power test design, three... two... one... initiate."
As soon as He Kui's voice fell, he pressed the main button in front of him. Brilliant beams of light began to reflect and intertwine continuously from the primary mirror of the main body, with the power and energy steadily escalating in the process.
"Primary mirror functioning normally, energy output reduced by 75%."
"Target asteroid locked, precision calibration complete."
"Fire."
The laser within the main body's mirror, following He Kui's command, converged onto the disposable targeting lens. The laser, now amplified once more, grew increasingly ferocious.
The gamma-ray laser instantly reached the asteroid that had been specially transported to serve as a target. Even with its energy reduced by 75%, the laser effortlessly obliterated the asteroid, which was the size of over a dozen football fields, as if it were mere kindling.
The remaining energy surged unimpeded into the depths of the uninhabited cosmos.
"We did it! Director He, we did it!!!"
Several heads of subordinate design bureaus, including his old acquaintance Erin, were visibly excited.
After all, most of them had been working in this dark, isolated place for who knows how long. There were no residential areas here; they had been forced to live on a nearby asteroid for days on end.
And they couldn't contact the outside world. It was easy to imagine how stifling it had been.
He Kui himself was also somewhat exhilarated.
When he first arrived, he never imagined that one day he would be able to test-fire Genesis.
This was something he could boast about for the rest of his life.
"Thank you all for your hard work."
Patrick, the Speaker, along with several core members of the Zala Faction, approached.
The test-firing of Genesis was such a significant event that they had all arrived here earlier.
Though their faces didn't show as much joy, the relaxed expression on Patrick's brow indicated that he was quite satisfied.
"Councilor He, you've worked hard too."
"It's my duty."
He Kui smiled warmly and began discussing the next weapon targets and timing with Patrick.
"To avoid any complications, I will issue a curfew order to Earth's military. We will officially launch at 1000 hours tomorrow."
"How does that sound?"
Patrick asked He Kui.
"No problem, the sooner the better."
"Good!"
Hearing He Kui's approval, Patrick was quite pleased. After all, He Kui's competence was indeed reliable, and having his endorsement gave Patrick even more confidence.
"But are we certain about the defenses of Genesis A?"
That was the smaller version of Genesis, or rather, the prototype of Genesis.
It was originally a collaborative project between DSSD and PLANT.
The purpose was to provide energy for the solar sail, also known as the Radiant Propeller.
Funded and managed by PLANT.
"Reinforcements have already been sent there, so there's no problem."
"Those Naturals wouldn't think of it, and besides, our Genesis A has PS Armor and your Quantum Firewall."
Patrick shook his head disdainfully.
What He Kui was worried about was that they might directly hijack Genesis A and bombard the PLANT homeland.
That would be gamma rays. Although the light shield could block it for a while, the power consumption was a major issue.
This enhanced version of PS Armor was designed with the intention of blocking scattered gamma rays, and it could barely hold for a short period.
But it wouldn't last long. According to computer simulations, it could withstand for about three seconds.
The energy would not keep up with the consumption required to defend against gamma rays.
In short, it was quite troublesome.
"Alright."
After He Kui finished speaking with Patrick, Erin approached him.
"He Kui, it's all thanks to you this time!"
Erin said excitedly.
"I just joined temporarily."
He Kui shook his head and then continued.
"How is Mr. Kuradis doing lately?"
"Recently, he has been frequently moving around with the principal."
"Currently, eight district councilors in May City support you. Except for District 10 and District 2, which are still undecided, there's no major issue."
"By the next City Councilor transition, it's a done deal that you'll become the City Councilor."
At this point, He Kui's popularity had surpassed Amalfi by a significant margin.
Moreover, the rule was that once someone had served as City Councilor, they couldn't do it again.
So He Kui had no competitors in this regard.
Even though he was only seventeen or eighteen years old, he had proven his capabilities.
At the very least, his performance as a councilor had been impeccable.
Not to mention his research, even the crime rate in May City had dropped significantly under He Kui's high-tech initiatives.
The citizens were satisfied, and other councilors and district heads supported him.
As long as there were no surprises, it was only a matter of time before he became the May City Councilor and ascended to the Supreme Council.
And subtly, with Kuradis and Erin as his aides, he was gradually forming his own power in the political arena.
As for his political views, his specific policies were entirely neutral, aimed at distancing himself from this war.
Not invading others nor allowing others to invade, and then vigorously developing technology.
Their goal had always been the vast expanse of the stars.
How could they possibly improve Earth by associating with those vermin from the Atlantic Federation?
First, the transformation of Mars, and then the whales of Jupiter.
Their future held more possibilities beyond just war.
In the current climate, where people were tired of war and found the Clyne Faction's ideals too soft, his supporters had even expanded to several other cities.
"Then let's handle the matters here first."
He Kui smiled.
"Alright!"
Erin responded energetically.
She had never imagined that He Kui would become the council president, let alone that it would happen so quickly.
Thinking about her investment in He Kui's company, which had now multiplied several times over, Erin became even more excited.
Seeing Erin's reaction, He Kui was quite satisfied.
Ideals may betray in the end, but when ideals align and interests coincide, they form a strong bond.
Erin is currently his most loyal supporter within his camp, and with Kuradis and a few others, his foundation is gradually becoming more solid.
The next step is to get through this most difficult and tense hurdle.
"What will Creuset do, exactly?"
Gazing at the endless stars outside, He Kui's heart, which had just begun to relax, tensed up once again.
(End of Chapter)