"Planning to break the contract?"
"You..."
Jehart had intended to take the opportunity of going to the bathroom to search for the Asuno Family and look for the hiding place of the Gundam, but as soon as he stepped out of the room, he was blocked by Yang Hui.
"This isn't very good, is it? A man should keep his promises," Yang Hui said.
"Tch, I don't know what your purpose is, but if you want to catch me, go ahead! I am VE... mmm~"
"Stop boasting, kid." Yang Hui quickly covered Jehart's mouth before he could reveal his identity, leaning in close with a cold tone, "Whether it's the Federation or VEGAN, if you can't even be a decent person, don't talk about lofty ideals."
"Ugh..."
"I'll make it clear: the Gundam is in the stable, but so what? Can you take it away?"
"Umm..."
"After the MS competition in Tordia is over, we will leave. But you either keep your promise and enjoy a year of campus life, or you can just get lost. Don't think that I can't deal with you just because I'm not in Tordia."
With that, Yang Hui released his hand from covering Jehart's mouth, and just then, Asemu pushed the door open, looking at Yang Hui and Jehart with a puzzled expression.
"Jehart, weren't you going to the bathroom? What happened between you and Uncle Yang Hui?"
"I..."
"Hehe, this kid is something else." Yang Hui immediately put on a smile, trapping Jehart in his arm and teasing him, "I invited him to come to Yang Corporation for further studies after graduation, but he actually refused without hesitation, saying he would definitely create an MS even better than my works."
"Really? Jehart? That's a rare opportunity!"
"How infuriating! Why does Jehart get a personal invitation from Major Yang Hui! I'm so envious!"
"Damn it, the popular kid! It's just that he's a bit better looking than me, a bit taller, studies a bit better, and has better MS skills..."
"Uh... hmph! I want to improve through my own efforts; I don't want any handouts," Jehart immediately replied.
Jehart's spy skills were decent; at least he was good at improvisation. He performed well on the surface, but inside, he was in turmoil.
This was the second time Yang Hui had actively helped him conceal his identity. What was the reason behind it? What kind of conspiracy was at play? These questions lingered in Jehart's mind.
"Damn it! You should be punished by heaven!"
"I'm so envious!"
"Everyone, I think we've discussed enough; let's take a short break." Yurin, Emily, and Unoa came upstairs with drinks and snacks, and the intense discussion shifted to a more relaxed atmosphere.
The comfortable ease was something Jehart found hard to feel, but with Yurin and Emily's gentleness, he experienced a warmth he had never felt before, making his emotions even more complicated.
Finally, gritting his teeth, he asked Yang Hui a question: "Mr. Yang Hui, I'm curious about something. With your outstanding research talent, why did you choose to join the war?"
"Mm?"
Hearing this question, everyone was momentarily stunned. The two bystanders were also curious about it. Emily, Asemu, and Unoa exchanged smiles, while Yurin looked at Yang Hui with a knowing smile; they already knew Yang Hui's answer.
"Of course, it's to protect the ones I love," Yang Hui said with a grin, clearly his words had some effect on Jehart.
"Protect the ones you love?" This answer left Jehart confused.
"That's right. Protecting the ones you love. Isn't there a war going on? Rather than hiding in a safe place praying that war won't come to you, it's better to take control of your own power and be able to grasp your fate at critical moments."
"Is... is that so? But fighting... is it really the right thing to do?" Jehart pressed on.
"Of course it's not right."
"Mm?"
"Fighting, no matter how noble the reason, is never right, but it's not wrong either."
"What do you mean?" The boys and girls were puzzled. Isn't fighting to protect the ones you love a commendable idea? Why say it's not right?
"Because the essence of fighting is killing, and that's a bloody fact that no amount of grandiose rhetoric can cover up." Yang Hui paused, glanced at the several youths, and continued, "There is never right or wrong in war, only positions. Both sides have their own righteousness, and when those righteous positions clash, war naturally occurs."
"Why can't we just sit down and talk it out?" Unoa asked. "If we could talk it out, wouldn't we be able to understand each other?"
Everyone looked at Yang Hui, hoping for an answer, including Yurin, who was also a soldier, Emily, who had been a soldier, and even Jehart, who looked at him with eager eyes.
He didn't even realize how much the days spent in school had changed him, making him subconsciously reluctant to disrupt this peace. He also harbored a desire for the people of VEGAN to have such a peaceful and happy life, to end the war with the Federation, and to coexist peacefully with Earthlings.
"It's difficult. At least until the war has a certain outcome, both sides cannot reach a reconciliation," Yang Hui said.
"Why is it like this..." Asemu and Unoa said in disappointment, and Jehart also lowered his head, hiding his disappointment from view.
"The adult world is quite complicated, but..."
"But what?" Unoa asked anxiously.
"But I believe that one day, there will be mutual understanding," Yang Hui said with a slight smile, patting Unoa's head.
As the break time ended, the group discussed for a while longer before heading home. Jehart cast a subtle glance at Yang Hui, leaving with even more thoughts.
"It seems your words had quite an impact on that kid," Yurin said softly to Yang Hui, watching Jehart leave.
"He's young; he still has the chance to choose his own path. Moreover..." Yang Hui smiled and continued, "He's not alone."
...
A few days later, the MS competition in Tordia officially began. With Yang Hui's covert assistance, Asemu and the others successfully secured a second consecutive victory, and Jehart kept his promise to Yang Hui, refraining from any further espionage activities.
It was time for Yang Hui and the others to leave.
"Uncle, Aunt, you must come back quickly next time," Unoa pleaded.
"Well... that depends on whether your dad gives us a break; he's our boss," Yang Hui said, pretending to be troubled as he patted Unoa's head.
"Eh? Is that so? Then I'll find a way to threaten Dad to give you more time off!"
"Hahaha..." Everyone laughed happily, knowing that Unoa was joking; she was a sensible child.
"Uncle Yang Hui, Aunt Yurin, Uncle Graham."
"What is it, Asemu?"
"I've decided. After graduation, I want to join the military too. I want to become an outstanding soldier like you!" Asemu said firmly.
Upon hearing this, the smile on Yang Hui's face vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
"Have you made up your mind?"
"Mm."
"This means killing countless enemies."
"I know that fighting will definitely lead to death, but... just like you said, people can understand each other. Before both sides understand each other, I must protect the ones I love, and I also want to find a way for both sides to understand each other. For that goal, I must become a soldier!"
Looking into Asemu's eyes, Yang Hui could feel that he was not joking but had a firm resolve, and he smiled.
"Alright, I'll help you get in touch with the Slyzrez Military Academy. That's the Federation's most elite institution. I look forward to the day we fight side by side," Yang Hui said, patting Asemu's shoulder.
"Yes!"
"Then let's set off."
After saying goodbye to Emily, Asemu, Unoa, and Vargas, Yang Hui and the others boarded the "Bai Ze" and set off for their mission destination. Before boarding, they noticed a figure hiding in a corner, watching them depart.
"Things are getting more interesting," Yang Hui murmured.
...
"Mutual understanding... is it really possible? The Eden described by Lord Ezelkanta..."
Jehart was the one hiding in the shadows, watching Yang Hui and the others leave. This week of campus life, combined with frequent contact with Yang Hui, made him feel as if his world had opened up. He was no longer lost in the fantasy world described by Ezelkanta.
Personal experience told him that Ezelkanta's grand vision was both right and wrong. As for which parts were right and which were wrong, he still didn't know, but he would no longer blindly idolize Ezelkanta's vision. Instead, he decided to determine through his own eyes what path he should take, what the true direction of VEGAN's progress should be.
"Lord Jehart, the Celestial Being forces have left. Should we continue with the mission to seize the Gundam?" Daz Roden inquired.
"No, remain on standby. There is less than a year left until the deadline for the transaction. We will act then."
"But..."
"Do you think that just because they have left, no one is watching us?" Jehart interrupted, knowing what Daz Roden wanted to say.
"But without the Celestial Being forces to restrain us, the ordinary Federal Army can't do anything to us."
"Underrating the enemy is the first step to self-destruction. I've already reported this to Lord Ezelkanta, and he agreed with my suggestion."
"Yes..."
Although Daz Roden still didn't understand why Jehart was wary of Yang Hui, who had already left, since he said Ezelkanta had agreed, he wouldn't press further. His duty was merely to assist Jehart; the final decision still lay with Jehart.
"I will cherish this opportunity, Mr. Yang Hui, and... we will meet again on the battlefield." After taking one last look at the departing "Bai Ze," Jehart turned and left, filled with thoughts and expectations.
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