The Evaluation Begins

He still didn't know much about Bella's situation.

Was it simply youthful infatuation? Or did she just want to have fun?

He didn't know. After this, they probably wouldn't have a chance to see each other for a while. He'd see how Bella felt when they met again.

He also needed to understand the relationships within her family. Otherwise, if they got too close and ended up disliking each other, it would only cause trouble.

In this regard, Xu De had been influenced by the other half of the original owner and was quite mature.

If she just wanted to have fun, they could be drinking buddies, relaxing together when they had time and exchanging information.

If she wanted a relationship, things would get complicated.

He could be moved, too, but at least for now, he wasn't quite there yet.

He'd see.

Having made up his mind, Xu De enjoyed a pleasant meal with Bella. Even when he saw the reluctance in her eyes, he didn't return to the barracks. Instead, he headed for the training area.

The simulator would be ready soon.

Until the footage of those people training arrived, he could stick to his usual routine.

Even if he might have to fight someone named Hal later, learning to pilot a Mobile Suit was the most important thing for now.

Otherwise, what would be the point of fighting if he couldn't even walk? They'd just be rolling around on the ground like babies throwing a tantrum.

He'd need to learn how to pilot one before he could compete.

In the end, he still needed more practice. He didn't expect to become a skilled pilot right away, but at the very least, he needed to understand the Ginn's preset maneuvers.

With his current abilities—two people's worth—he could definitely get there if he put in the effort.

And what if he was cut?

Like he'd said before, he could take another path: stay with the Eighth Fleet and gain experience. He'd still meet the protagonist group a year later.

He could change the Eighth Fleet's fate, then climb the ranks through Halberton.

That would just leave him more passive.

And he wouldn't get a Gundam.

This was a rare opportunity. He'd give it his all!

After piloting the Mistral for a few more rounds, Xu De soon returned to the camp.

Since the Moon didn't have a set local time, the time here was naturally based on Washington, the Atlantic's capital.

By the time Xu De returned to camp, it was almost curfew.

The earlier commotion had died down, but the stench still lingered.

It was a world of difference from the cafeteria. No wonder Bella had been so disgusted.

The main issue was that the limited water supply wasn't being prioritized for them.

Too many people had come to the temporary Moon Base. After all, their previous base had been at the World Tree.

With basic resources already in short supply, it was only natural they had to be rationed from the top down.

According to the announcement, the barracks for ordinary soldiers were currently allotted bathwater once every three days.

For a low-ranking soldier under the Atlantic, that was actually pretty good.

His main goal right now was to become a Mobile Suit reserve pilot. He could leave luxuries like bathing for later.

When Xu De entered the barracks again, the others no longer looked at him with envy and jealousy. Most of them were now gazing at him eagerly.

In the short time he'd been away, news of Xu De's achievements had spread through a few people from the same fleet.

A few still resented him because of his skin color, but when they thought of the boy's incredible record, none dared pick a fight with him.

He'd survived eleven minutes in Survival Mode, destroyed one Ginn, and captured another.

They'd think twice before trying to steal his girlfriend.

Besides, once the higher-ups finished their meeting and arranged the next steps, Xu De would surely be promoted for his accomplishments.

He was certain to become a junior officer.

In other words, he was practically a match for that beautiful junior officer.

If a corporal like them got involved, they'd surely end up in a bad way.

As the others looked at him with a mixture of fear and admiration, wanting to approach him and strike up a conversation, Xu De remained unmoved. He had no intention of getting closer to them. He simply went back to his bunk and started reading the instructions for the programs in the manual.

He did have a small group, but he didn't just recruit anyone. A large group without quality was no use.

Otherwise, he might get sold out without even realizing it.

As Xu De focused on his studies, time slipped by.

During that time, he found an opportunity to have a meal with Hans and the others, then immersed himself in training again.

Meanwhile, the information Bella had found arrived.

He studied a few of his competitors while piloting the Mistral, training his reflexes and calculation skills.

Two days later, Xu De was exercising in the training area when a familiar lieutenant colonel arrived.

"Xu De."

Cook looked at the young man before him, his gaze thoughtful.

"Sir, long time no see!"

Xu De stood up and saluted.

"Come with me. The Mobile Suit simulators are ready."

After giving Xu De a look, the officer merely nodded. Without asking whether Xu De had any questions, he turned and walked away.

Xu De was already used to this.

That was just how Cook was. He probably had a bit of a problem with Xu De because of Bella.

But he wasn't an enemy at heart.

After all, he'd given Xu De the information on those people.

But Cook hadn't said so outright, and Xu De naturally wouldn't bring it up either.

Besides, Cook had every right to be proud.

Even if Xu De became a Mobile Suit reserve pilot, he would still have to follow Cook's orders.

As for Revil, he was only being friendlier because he wanted to build a good relationship. The Third Fleet was gone, too, and he'd lost much of his confidence.

Neither of them spoke along the way. Before long, they'd floated down the long corridor to the end.

The room was around a hundred square meters, with five simulators arranged inside.

Even from the outside, the simulators looked far more complex than the Moebius.

Their design matched the Ginn cockpit Xu De had seen in the manual exactly.

Nine people were already waiting outside the five cockpits. Without exception, they wore second lieutenant uniforms, except for one man, who was a first lieutenant.

When they looked at Xu De, especially at his shoulder insignia, some seemed puzzled, while others seemed to understand. Xu De couldn't tell which was which, but he was also watching the people in front of him.

"We're starting soon. Line up."

After Cook spoke, he made no move to introduce anyone. He simply headed for a separate room jutting out above them.

It was probably an observation room or something similar.

"Understood."

Xu De answered, then went to the end of the line and greeted them first.

"Corporal Xu De reporting. Good day, officers."

At that, a few of them—those who were too proud to ask around or had no source of information—were left stunned.

This guy wasn't here to run errands. He really was here for the evaluation? Was that even normal?