Chapitre 212: Chapter 212: A Conversation with Durandal
The following day, with all his miniature robots in tow, He Kui discreetly masked his identity and headed to District 3 in February City, a sector dedicated to genetic engineering. Meeting up with Rika at the port, they took a private vehicle through the somewhat disorganized cityscape until they reached a research facility near the botanical district.
"It's surprisingly similar to a design bureau here," He Kui murmured as he opened the car door for Rika.
"I'm wearing glasses, not blind," Rika teased, noticing He Kui's courteous gesture. "Since when did you get so good at charming ladies?"
"It's just something one should do," He Kui replied with a slight smirk, accustomed to extending such courtesies.
"Well, then you owe me a meal after this," Rika continued, half-joking. Though she didn't entirely understand why He Kui needed her presence, she was more than willing to help. After all, He Kui's growing influence made it worthwhile.
"Consider it done. Let's go," He Kui said, closing the car door. They continued through the facility's security checkpoints without issue and finally reached Durandal's office.
As a genius in genetics, Durandal's influence here rivaled He Kui's in engineering, forming a solid foundation for his future rise to leadership within PLANT. Every representative, after all, had to stand as the city's top researcher.
Entering through the heavy double doors, He Kui saw Durandal sitting behind a grand wooden desk.
"Director He, a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard much about your accomplishments," Durandal greeted him with refined courtesy as he stood up, exuding a calm warmth. It would have been easy to mistake him as entirely benevolent if He Kui hadn't known about the Destiny Plan. To top it off, Durandal's voice—eerily reminiscent of Char's—instinctively put He Kui on high alert.
"A pleasure, Mr. Durandal," He Kui said, stepping forward to shake his hand with a firm but brief grip.
Turning to Rika, Durandal continued, "Miss Rika, if you don't mind, we'll conduct a thorough examination in our lab."
"No problem," Rika agreed, casting a quick look at He Kui before leaving.
"With her check-up underway, shall we chat?" Durandal gestured towards a sofa and coffee table where a chessboard was set.
"Sure, but I'll admit I'm not much of a chess player," He Kui replied, despite knowing the game well. Chess could reveal more than expected about one's strategy, and with Durandal's calculated nature, it was best to avoid any added risk.
"No matter," Durandal said, raising an eyebrow slightly with a smile. He poured two cups of coffee and offered one to He Kui. "It's all I have—hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," He Kui replied, accepting the cup.
"Now, let's get down to business, shall we?" Durandal's demeanor shifted as he probed gently, gauging He Kui's responses.
From casual compliments to suggestions for extended conversation, each of Durandal's words carried an undertone of testing He Kui's intentions. But despite Durandal's subtle probes, he learned only that He Kui was cautious and that he indeed wanted a conversation, though his exact motives remained obscure. Durandal glanced down at the three Haros positioned around He Kui, recognizing them as defensive robots He Kui had personally designed. Even with Durandal's experience, he sensed that harming He Kui wouldn't be easy.
"As for Rika's condition," He Kui began, "I may have recently found a way to effectively treat her."
"Oh?" Durandal's interest piqued as he leaned forward, curiosity tempered by skepticism. As far as he knew, robotics and nanotechnology were He Kui's specialties, and his skills in genetic engineering were limited.
He Kui handed Durandal a tablet with detailed schematics, and even Durandal's composed expression wavered slightly as he reviewed the contents.
A mixture of awe and anxiety surged within him as he scrolled through the intricate designs. These cell-level nano-medical robots, if fully realized, could grant humans unprecedented freedom from disease. Moreover, if this technology were further developed, it could enable continuous cellular repair and maintenance, slowing or even halting the aging process altogether. In other words, this technology hinted at something that had captivated humanity's ambition for millennia—immortality.
Durandal's fingers trembled slightly as he gripped the tablet, poring over each detail with mounting intensity.
"These nanobots," Durandal spoke, carefully containing his excitement, "you designed them, Director He?"
"Yes," He Kui replied with confidence. "Though crafting these precision robots requires more than ordinary machinery or manpower, even in a zero-gravity environment."
"But you're capable?" Durandal inquired, impressed but guarded.
"Absolutely." He Kui's confidence showed as he explained his mastery of S-rank level engineering, which allowed him to create nano-level robotics. The more proficient he became, the finer the scale he could work with.
Taking a moment, Durandal pressed on, "Director He, this development is still theoretical, correct? Why not release it publicly?"
"It's too sensitive and remains conceptual," He Kui explained. "The feasibility still requires expert input." By presenting the idea to Durandal directly, He Kui ensured that his discovery reached someone capable of understanding its potential—and someone unlikely to let it gather dust.
Durandal's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the calculated nature of He Kui's approach. "So, your idea was inspired by Rika's condition?"
"Precisely."
Whether or not Durandal believed him, he gave a faint nod before rising. "In that case, Director He, do you find my input valuable enough to join this research?"
He Kui, sensing Durandal's vested interest, smiled and agreed, "Your expertise in genetics would indeed be an asset."
"Thank you," Durandal said, genuine intrigue flashing in his gaze. He understood that a breakthrough like this could alter humanity's trajectory.
Afterward, with Rika's checkup complete and a review of her test results, Durandal personally saw them off. Once they left, he watched from his office window, reflecting.
Who was He Kui, truly? His skills exceeded what one might expect from a mere Coordinator, yet he didn't seem like an artificial Coordinator either. Was his appearance here merely fortuitous?
With a glance at He Kui's coffee cup on his desk, Durandal mused. Although his DNA sample was small, it would be enough for a basic analysis.
No matter what, He Kui could ignite changes across this world—whether for good or ill remained to be seen. But for now, Durandal had a singular hope: that this technology could save his dearest friend.
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone