Gundam: From Piece to Player

Lightning bolts began to appear inside the transparent glass sphere, striking the light particles—the transparent sphere—that Ms. Du had imagined one after another. Then the "lightning" became more frequent.

However, Ms. Du's expression remained unchanged. The transparent sphere she imagined, and the luminous particles within it, although swaying slightly, remained stable.

“Teacher Ailin, it will hurt a bit when this hits you. It feels like you’re being burned by a high voltage. During this process, you can’t let the light particles stick to the transparent sphere. You have to hold this state for at least 10 minutes. If you pass this first test, we need qualified candidates who can maintain the clarity of the visual image under the pain of neural feedback disturbance.”

I finally understand why Evelyn looked so malicious when she told me that.

The low level of security isn't really the problem; the real problem is whether anyone can actually pass this terrifying initial test. Who can withstand being exposed to high-voltage electricity?

Chapter 364 The Price Paid for Trust

"So, if you want to back out now, you can still be selected through the terminal selection process."

Ms. Du smiled, just as she had always done.

This made Erin wonder if it actually didn't hurt that much.

No, I'll try.

In order to obtain more intelligence and successfully complete the mission, Erin went all out, taking off his mask and coat.

Ms. Du also helped him reset it.

Erin took a deep breath and, after understanding how to operate it, placed his hand on it.

Imagine a sphere with a diameter, and inside the sphere is a particle of light, which also has a diameter.

Inside the glass chamber, a sphere slightly larger than the one Ms. Du had created was formed. About two minutes later, some kind of spontaneous lightning began to form inside the glass chamber. The first few lightning bolts were probably lucky and missed, but the next few struck hard.

The excruciating pain—despite not being injured, he finally understood what the burning sensation of being electrocuted felt like.

As he tried to concentrate his strength to endure the pain, the sphere began to blur, and the light particles collided with the transparent sphere.

Failed.

"Ms. Du, may I try again?"

Du pulled up a chair and sat down, glancing at his watch: "You have two hours to try it out. Take your time to figure out the tricks. This first test isn't as difficult as you might think. Here's a hint—focus your attention on maintaining the sphere and the light particles. As for getting a high-voltage shock, don't be afraid of the pain; it'll be fine."

"Will these skills really be needed to operate a mobile suit in the future?"

Despite being severely shocked by the electric shock, Erin didn't forget to gather intelligence.

Even if they failed the assessment, they planned to gather as much information as possible, as this was the duty of an intelligence officer.

"I'll tell you after you pass this test."

Compared to Avery, this person's mouth is practically zipped shut.

I am an insulator, I am an insulator.

After mentally preparing himself several times, Erin placed his hands on the control panel again.

After the sphere was completed, according to Ms. Du, Ai Lin focused all his energy on the sphere this time.

As for high-voltage electricity, let it flow; you can't just electrocute yourself, can you?

Erin came up with a solution.

Despite the 30cm vertical jolt caused by the lightning strike, the atom managed to bounce back against the wall of the ball thanks to his focused attention.

Erin realized that he didn't have to keep pressing the atom—constantly controlling the atom was like holding an object up with his hand, which was very mentally taxing. He could apply opposing forces back and forth, thus saving his concentration.

And you can also prepare yourself mentally during the lulls in the lightning.

On the second attempt, he managed to control the sphere, withstand the lightning strike, and survive for five minutes.

"Ms. Du, do you think I've passed this test?"

"You used a trick, but the method was good, which proves your adaptability is good... You've passed. We'll notify you about the second interview later. You'll be going to a special location for the second interview. Here are the preparation materials for the second interview. Keep this box of medicine. Here's the key to this lab. You can come to this room to practice from time to time."

Ms. Du took out a picture book with dozens of pages from her handbag and handed it to Ai Lin.

Erin flipped through it and broke out in a cold sweat.

It contains complex geometric cubes that need to be materialized—their purpose is unknown.

Has the selection criteria for the next generation of MS pilots in the Space Alliance reached this point?

---

The other party did not refuse his request to visit.

"I remember you. You specifically asked me about this a week ago?"

Sitting opposite the legend before him, Begenzong appeared quite humble.

"Yes, I came to your class on my very first day here. The prospects for the development of antimatter engines that you described are very promising."

"You're wrong. The discovery of the superhydrogen 4 was made before the development of the Mi Furnace and before humans began living in space. However, the productivity of that era was insufficient to support the scientists' imaginations, and there was no hibernation technology at the time to allow them to see their achievements realized."

"But things always have to be done by someone—without you, even 100 years from now, the MS used by humans and the power source for warships will still be controlled nuclear fusion. You have integrated industrial resources and provided capital accumulation for the leapfrog development of technology. You are undoubtedly a great industrialist."

Legends don't rush things, career

Begenzon glanced at the model on the table that bore some resemblance to the artificial celestial body photographed by the Junyo.

"Actually, I'm not here today just to say hello. I've brought something that might interest you... I used to work as an engineer at the Federation's Naval Strategic Research and Development Institute for a period of time. They've developed an engine technology that can reach 70% of the speed of light, and I believe you might be interested in it."

Hearing about the legend of engine technology... his eyes sharpened, making this non-new human feel the pressure.

Sure enough, the intelligence department had specifically studied this man's portrait before he arrived.

When he is calm, he is practically flawless, but he becomes irrational when faced with something he really wants.

This technology was actually first developed by Bucher Dynamics, but part of it was stolen by spies sent by the Naval Strategic Research Institute.

A decoy was necessary, even if it meant going against the grain—but he believed it was all worth it to obtain intelligence on the antimatter engine. Minister Harman had discussed it with him in secret before he came, and it was part of the plan.

"Minovsky propulsion system?"

"That's right. I have the complete development blueprint for the Minovsky propulsion system, and I've also been involved in related projects."

"Something this important, you probably want more than just Creation Coins, right? What do you want?" Legend asked.

"I would like to join your antimatter research team and witness the true power of antimatter."

Legend looked him over and said, "It's rare to find someone with such a scientific spirit. Theoretical and experimental research is much more tedious than applied development."

"I'm not afraid."

"There's no reason not to accept the advanced technology you're offering. Why don't you join my research team and give it a try?"

It's really that simple?

"But before that, don't you think we should pay some 'franchise fee' first?"

"Haha, you're so funny." Begenzon took a USB drive out of his pocket with both hands. "Look at this."

Legend didn't stand on ceremony; he took it, unplugged the laptop's network cable, and then plugged it into the port—clearly to prevent the USB drive from containing a virus.

Legend browsed for a while, then frowned slightly.

"If there's anything you don't understand, I can explain it to you."

"Don't rush," Legend said. "Once I fully understand the principle behind this, I'll ask you for the subsequent blueprints."

"About the team?"

“I agreed, but antimatter research is classified, and access to the research site is limited to specific times each week, with security personnel accompanying you throughout.”

Seeing the fleeting wary look in Legend's eyes, Bei Genzong gradually made up his mind.

Chapter 365 Espionage and Crime

After obtaining the blueprints for the Minovsky propulsion system, Kalmar contacted Oliver, a long-time partner at Deep Space Industries, and asked him to organize engineers to verify the authenticity of the blueprints.

"It's genuine."

The technician's answer surprised Kalmar.

"This answers a question that has been troubling us for a long time."

"Where did you get these drawings? They're not entirely complete."

But that's inexplicable.

In order to join the Space Alliance's antimatter research team, this spy was actually willing to give up the technology of the Minovsky propulsion system?

A spy from an opposing force, in order to gain your trust, willingly hands over one of their most valuable core secrets to you.

It's somewhat incomprehensible.

The feedback from Xiao Du indicated that the behavior of the guy on the other side seemed much more predictable.

Karma also put aside her previous disdain and decided to take things a little more seriously.

He wants Minovsky's propulsion technology, regardless of whether it's a sugar-coated bullet or not; he'll take the sugar coating first. As for matters related to antimatter, he'll strengthen security again; he doesn't believe that petty spies can turn the world upside down.

--

Residence in a skilled immigrant community.

"You actually managed to join that legendary team?"

"Yes, the potential I've shown seems to have pleased the legend."

Erin was flipping through the extremely complicated study guide when he heard Begenzon's words. He happened to turn to the part about constructing the Möbius strip, and his feelings were somewhat complicated.

The other party just opened their mouth and I was electrocuted half to death, and then I had to go through strange trials.

Is this the difference between geniuses and ordinary people?

“I also passed the trial, and there’s a high chance I’ll be summoned to that circle for a second test.” Erin thought for a moment, then took out a jar. “When we go in to investigate, they’ll probably confiscate our communication devices. You can keep this. If you happen to be able to receive my passive brainwaves, we might have a chance to work together.”

"what is this?"

"This is the Switsum Factor drug. After taking it, it can trigger the new human's abilities for one hour, at which point we can communicate."

“Okay.” Begenzong hesitated for a moment, looking at the medicine, but still put it in his pocket. “Just in case, I suggest you contact Captain Lina first.”

Minister Harman's aunt, Colonel Lina, is the captain of the USS Junyo and is here to provide peripheral military support to the intelligence department.

"...But didn't the minister say?"