Chapter 248: Chapter 248: Designing a Mecha for Her Again
In terms of spiritual power, Zoe Pierce could use them as a benchmark, but when it came to Mechas, she was still an amateur. She could pilot a Mecha, but fighting against other Alphas in one was likely out of the question for now.
Zoe Pierce mostly just wanted to find something to keep herself busy. It was part of her personality—she constantly felt a sense of urgency.
Now that she had time at school, she wanted to make the most of it.
"I’ll go ask Director Quinn." Aaron Xavier took the initiative, picking up his Intelligent Brain to send a message.
They were only staying at the school for safety, not because they were imprisoned. Besides, it was perfectly natural for students to attend class.
Over in the dean’s office, Jasper Quinn had just finished dealing with a round of inquiries from his superiors. When he saw Aaron Xavier’s message, he couldn’t help but laugh.
His reply consisted of a single word.
[Approved]
Soon after, Ryan Jacobs came over directly from the academic building. He didn’t even need to think about it; even though Aaron Xavier was the one who’d asked, he had most likely brought it up just for fun.
However, Zoe Pierce’s situation was a genuine issue.
Attending classes with the Alphas was possible, but it would require special approval.
It would just make her stand out more, unless private lessons were arranged for their small group.
"Private lessons for standard theory classes, too?" Aaron Xavier asked, his curiosity piqued by Ryan Jacobs’ words. "Does that mean Zoe won’t be attending classes next semester either?"
Ryan Jacobs seemed exasperated by his question. "The higher-ups still haven’t decided how to handle Zoe Pierce’s case. For all we know, you all might have to enlist early."
"But for now, it doesn’t look like there will be any issues. Director Quinn also wanted me to tell you not to worry."
It had been confirmed that Zoe Pierce’s transformation wasn’t the result of some experiment, and she was, after all, the leading figure of the new generation of Omegas.
Considering she brought honor and no other baggage, making a move against her would be an irrational choice.
Therefore, it was actually more likely they would be allowed to skip their final semester, join the military, and begin their field experience.
Although few cadets joined the military this way, it wasn’t unprecedented.
In terms of skill, the group was more than qualified.
In fact, they were far more outstanding than the average squad of new recruits.
Besides, the Alphas in their group had been on the military’s radar long before the friendly tournament—even before the joint exams.
It was just that the emergence of Zoe Pierce, a dazzling dark horse, had focused even more eyes on them.
Aaron Xavier looked toward Zoe Pierce, as if asking for her opinion.
If Zoe Pierce hadn’t recovered her memories, Aaron Xavier would have raised a fuss one way or another. After all, Zoe had never experienced a normal university life.
But she had her old memories now, so Aaron Xavier felt the choice was hers.
Zoe Pierce had her own thoughts on the matter. Meeting Aaron Xavier’s gaze, she then turned to Ryan Jacobs. "In that case, let’s just attend the theory classes for a while."
It suddenly dawned on Chase Shaw that Zoe Pierce’s Mecha had been destroyed.
Not only hers, but his and Nathan Lockwood’s Mechas had sustained damage as well.
She would need a new one.
After Ryan Jacobs confirmed their decision and left, Chase Shaw spoke to Nathan Lockwood. "You two will be okay watching over Zoe for a while, right?"
Nathan Lockwood looked at him, and Chase didn’t beat around the bush. "Zoe’s Mecha is destroyed. I’m going to get her a new one."
He and Nathan Lockwood both had backup Mechas, so it wasn’t a major issue for them.
Zoe Pierce’s backup was still the one from Siren Star, which was no longer suitable for her.
Her main Mecha would have to undergo standard repairs, so he needed to get her a backup in the meantime.
Chase Shaw didn’t trust anyone else to handle something this important.
They mostly trusted what Director Quinn had said.
Once the official stance on a matter like this was decided, it was unlikely to change.
Chase Shaw didn’t plan on leaving right away. He would wait a few more days until everything was confirmed before he left.
"Don’t worry," Nathan Lockwood said. "We won’t leave her side."
Even though he knew the danger wasn’t likely to come so soon, Nathan Lockwood would still stay with Zoe Pierce at all times.
Chase Shaw walked right up to Zoe Pierce, pulled a pen and paper from his Space Button, and twirled the pen. His gaze softened. "What kind do you want this time?"
The last one he’d given her was a design he liked; this time, he could make one that she liked.
Zoe Pierce thought for a moment. "The last one was already great. How about a black one this time?"
Her limited imagination and simple tastes meant she couldn’t handle bizarrely shaped Mechas or a kaleidoscope of colors.
Classic and simple was best.
"Alright." Chase Shaw began to sketch a draft on the paper.
It was the first time Zoe Pierce had ever seen Chase Shaw draw. With just a few strokes, he outlined the rough shape of a Mecha.
The pen looked almost delicate in Chase Shaw’s large hand.
Gradually, the rough sketch started to take on more detail.
Chase Shaw’s pen paused. He glanced up at Zoe Pierce, who was watching him sketch for her with rapt attention.
"Don’t look at me like that," he said, his voice a low, smoky drawl.
Zoe Pierce asked, "Oh. Is there some taboo against it?"
She started to pull back, but her eyes remained glued to the drawing.
"It makes me want to kiss you," he said.
’This man.’
Zoe Pierce’s face flushed red, and even her ears began to burn.
Hearing this, Aaron Xavier snorted. "See? I told you. Chase can’t behave."
’Nathan is sitting right there, and he still has the nerve to flirt like that.’
The blush on Zoe Pierce’s face deepened. She bit her lip and said, "I won’t look anymore."
Chase Shaw shot a glance at Aaron Xavier, then pulled a stack of paper from his Space Button and placed it in front of Zoe Pierce. "These are from last time. I’m not teasing you."
The stack of paper was at least a few dozen pages thick. The first page showed the prototype of a Mecha, just like the one Chase Shaw was drawing now.
In the end, Zoe Pierce couldn’t resist the temptation. She took the papers and sat down on the sofa.
The white paper was smooth to the touch, and the marks left by the black charcoal pencil were crisp and clear.
She sat down next to Nathan Lockwood, and Aaron Xavier wasted no time in plopping down beside her. "Let me see."
The pages also contained various measurements and his personal notes.
The first few pages showed the Mecha’s exterior, while the dozens that followed were detailed internal designs. Some pages listed model numbers and rough frameworks, while others were covered in revisions, detailed down to the layout of the control interface.
This level of detail was even more stunning than seeing the finished Mecha itself.
Zoe couldn’t bring herself to imagine what Chase must have been feeling when he designed all this, back when she hadn’t even accepted him.
Now, she only had to look up to see his tall figure, the tip of his pen flying across the page. Even after what he’d just said, her pulling away hadn’t seemed to displease him.
The way Zoe Pierce gazed at Chase Shaw’s back was enough to draw the attention of both Aaron Xavier and Nathan Lockwood.
For a moment, a rare pang of jealousy stirred within both of them.
At least at this moment, even though Zoe was sitting right here, her mind was definitely on Chase.
’So cunning,’ Aaron thought.
He had never seen Zoe look at him with such an expression before.
’It seems she likes Chase a little more now, doesn’t she?’
